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Global deforestation is one of the greatest threats to our climate, biodiversity, and the livelihoods of millions of people. To address this challenge, the European Union adopted the new EU Regulation to curb trade in products linked to deforestation and forest degradation in May 2023. This regulation, also known as the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) , requires companies to demonstrate deforestation-free supply chains starting December 30, 2025.

What is the EUDR Regulation?

The aim of the EUDR is to prevent the import of products that contribute to global deforestation into the EU market. In particular, the regulation affects raw materials such as palm oil, soy, coffee, cocoa, beef (meat), rubber, and wood , as well as processed products containing these raw materials, such as chocolate, paper, or furniture. The EUDR requires companies to provide evidence that all affected products have not caused deforestation and comply with the legal requirements of the country of origin.

Why was the EUDR created?

The EU contributes significantly to global deforestation, as many agricultural products in the Union are sourced from deforested land. Forests are not only an important carbon sink and habitat for numerous animal species, but they also provide the livelihoods of many indigenous peoples. The EUDR aims to help stop the conversion of forests into agricultural land and reduce pressure on natural resources. Another important aspect is protecting biodiversity and preventing illegal evictions of communities and indigenous peoples.

Which products are affected in the EUDR?

The EUDR applies to various commodities and their derivatives, including:

• Palm oil
• soy
• Coffee
• cocoa
• Beef (but not milk)
• rubber
• Wood products (including paper, furniture, charcoal)

These products must either be deforestation-free or provide a detailed due diligence statement proving that no deforestation was involved in the production of the product. It doesn’t matter whether the products were manufactured in the EU or elsewhere—the EUDR applies worldwide.

The requirements for companies

Companies must demonstrate that their products meet the following conditions:

1. Deforestation-free : Raw materials must not come from areas where deforestation occurred after December 31, 2020. Furthermore, harvesting must have been carried out in a manner that does not harm the forest ecosystem.
2. Compliance with the laws of the producing country : In addition to EU requirements, producers must comply with the national environmental protection laws, labor rights and human rights regulations of the producing country.
3. Due Diligence Declaration : A key obligation for companies is the preparation and submission of a due diligence declaration. In this declaration, companies must demonstrate that they have collected all relevant information regarding the origin and production methods of their products and that the risks related to deforestation and forest degradation have been assessed.

How does due diligence work?

Companies that place raw materials or products on the EU market must ensure that their products are deforestation-free through a three-step due diligence process:

1. Information collection : Companies must collect information about their products, such as origin, quantity, and production methods. This includes using geolocation data to trace the origin of raw materials.
2. Risk assessment : Based on the collected data, companies must conduct a risk assessment. This assessment considers whether the product originates from a country with a high risk of deforestation. Products from high-risk countries are subject to stricter requirements, requiring more detailed analysis and additional risk mitigation measures.
3. Risk mitigation : If a company identifies a risk of deforestation, it must take measures to mitigate that risk. This can be done by switching to more sustainable raw material sources or by implementing additional controls on suppliers.

When does the EUDR Regulation come into force?

The EUDR will enter into force in stages :

• From 30 December 2025 : The regulation applies to large and medium-sized enterprises.
• From 30 June 2026 : Small and micro-enterprises will then also have to meet the requirements of the EUDR.

This phased approach is intended to ensure that companies have sufficient time to prepare for the new regulations. Companies must submit their due diligence declarations and all relevant documentation via the EU digital information system TRACES .

Challenges and criticism

Although the EUDR is a significant step toward protecting global forests, it also presents challenges and challenges. Some companies fear that the additional documentation requirements and the associated bureaucracy will represent a significant burden. Small businesses, in particular, face the challenge of implementing the extensive requirements without the necessary infrastructure.

There are also uncertainties about how exactly the various requirements will be implemented and how the regulation will affect companies’ procurement costs. It remains to be seen how the regulation will affect international trade, especially if companies in less regulated countries could rely on less stringent regulations.

What does this mean for companies?

Companies must prepare for the new regulations by making their supply chains transparent and ensuring that all relevant data on the origin and production of their products is available. To meet the requirements, companies should take early steps to audit their suppliers and document their due diligence obligations.

The EUDR ensures that companies operate more sustainably in the long term and assume responsibility for their supply chains. Those who adapt in a timely manner can not only ensure compliance with the new requirements but also make an active contribution to environmental protection.

Conclusion

The EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) is a crucial step in combating global deforestation and presents companies with new challenges. Starting in 2025, companies will not only be required to bring deforestation-free products to the EU market, but will also be required to provide comprehensive evidence of the origin and sustainability of their products. This regulation will help protect forests and their biodiversity worldwide and combat global climate change.

Companies that prepare early for the requirements of the EUDR have a clear competitive advantage when it comes to implementing sustainable supply chains.

If you have general questions about the EUDR Regulation or would like to know what it means specifically for your company, please feel free to contact our experts! We are here for you!

Every year the Global Footprint Network calculateswhen a country’s natural resources will be exhausted for the current year. In Austria, this date will already be reached on March 29, 2025 – much too earlyFrom this point until the end of the year, we will consume more than our ecosystem can regenerate. This is unsustainable.

Why is Country Overshoot Day a problem?

• Overuse of resources : We consume almost twice as many resources as our ecosystem can provide.
• Climate change & biodiversity loss : Increasing resource consumption leads to more greenhouse gas emissions and destroys natural habitats.
• Future of next generations : Every earlier Overshoot Day means fewer resources for future generations.

But the good news is: We have the power to postpone this day !

Interzero: Let’s postpone the date!

As a leading company in the circular economy, we are committed to a world without waste Recycling and reusing materials protects the planet, reduces greenhouse gas emissions and helps to delay Overshoot Day .

How can we make a difference together?

• Make products recyclable
• Use recycled materials
• Optimize processes resource-efficiently
• Establish sustainable supply chains

The circular economy is the key – for greater sustainability, resource security and cost efficiency.

Everyone can make a contribution – but business and politics are needed!

Achieving sustainable change requires more than individual actions. Companies and policymakers must act together to strengthen the circular economy and create incentives for sustainable business.

Separate packaging collection continues to gain momentum in Austria. Around 230,000 tons of plastic and metal packaging were collected via the yellow bag and yellow bin in 2024 —a 4% increase in packaging collection compared to the previous year.

Across Austria, Vienna (from a low starting level) achieved the largest increases with a collection increase of 8%, as did Lower Austria and Carinthia (7% each).

These increases show once again how important the standardization of the collection, which was implemented throughout Austria from 1 January 2025, is., for the recycling targets. Since then, Shower gel bottles, yogurt cups, chip bags, aluminum trays, and cans are collected together in the yellow bin or yellow bag. Deposit-backed disposable beverage bottles and cans are excluded , as they belong to the deposit system.

“Since January 1, 2025, there has been a uniform system for the collection of lightweight and metal packaging in Austria. From now on, empty packaging must be placed in the yellow bag or yellow bin. The aim of this standardization is to promote the circular economy and achieve EU recycling quotas ,” says our Managing Director Thomas Glatz.

Why is proper packaging collection important?

Despite the introduction of the deposit system , around 80% still end up of lightweight and metal packaging in the yellow bag or yellow bin. Correct separation remains crucial, to conserve valuable resources, reduce environmental pollution and ensure a functioning circular economy .

The new deposit system as a reminder for companies and consumers

Since the beginning of 2025, a deposit system for beverage bottles and cans has been in force in AustriaDeposit packaging is marked and belongs in the Return systemHowever, it is essential that all other lightweight and metal packaging continues to be collected separately. Only through consistent Proper separation can effectively increase the recycling rate – a basic prerequisite for achieving the EU circular economy targets.

Interzero’s contribution and vision for the future

As a leading environmental service provider, Interzero is continuously working to close material cycles and improve packaging recycling rates. The standardization of packaging collection contributes to meeting the required EU recycling quota for plastic packaging, which is an important milestone for climate and environmental protection.

The positive developments in 2024 give us confidence that we will achieve these targets. As one of the collection and recycling systems (SVS) active in Austria, Interzero ensures the collection, sorting, and recycling of packaging.

• We support the circular economy with innovative solutions.
• We are continuously working to improve collection and recycling rates.
• Our goal: A world without waste!

On 28 and 29 January the IMH Smart Packaging Conference at the Schani Hotel Vienna – a top-class industry event with experts from science, business and industry. Interzero was represented with a Presentation by our colleague Dr. Manica Ulcnik-Krump, Managing Director of Interzero Plastics Innovations , who spoke about the expectations, challenges and opportunities of sustainable post-consumer HDPE & PP recycling . With this important contribution, she showed what the future prospects for sustainable recycling could look like.

A central theme of the conference was the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), which sets new standards for recycling and the circular economy. The demands on companies are increasing – sustainable packaging solutions are becoming mandatory. The conference offered valuable insights into the experiences of leading market participants, research institutions and academic experts.

Ultimately, the PPWR signals a clear shift from business as usual to a more sustainable future. Packaging design must adapt to the realities of recycling. The focus on infrastructure, harmonised systems and practical recyclability creates a much-needed framework to tackle packaging waste head-on.

Recycling as a resource instead of waste

“The PPWR signals a clear change – packaging can no longer be viewed as waste, but must be actively integrated into the circular economy. This requires new thinking in design, material choice and recyclability “, emphasized Dr. Manica Ulcnik-Krump in her lecture.

The importance of sustainable plastic packaging

Dr. Manica Ulcnik-Krump further explained: “The PPWR is probably the most important regulation of the last decades for packaging, plastics and recycling. It provides the framework for how sustainable packaging solutions must be designed in order to conserve resources in the long term and close cycles.”

Participation in the IMH conference was an excellent opportunity for us to present new solutions for sustainable plastic packaging Our goal is to support companies on their way to 100% recyclable packaging and to support them in adapting to the new legal framework.

Unternehmen, die verpackte Produkte, Elektro- und Elektronikgeräte (WEEE) sowie Batterien auf den spanischen Markt bringen, müssen eine Reihe von Verpflichtungen erfüllen, die sich aus der erweiterten Herstellerverantwortung (EPR) ergeben. Dies gilt auch für ausländische Unternehmen, die zusätzlich gesetzlich verpflichtet sind, einen Bevollmächtigten in Spanien zu benennen. Wie können Sie die neuen EPR-Vorschriften in Spanien einhalten?

EPR-Verpflichtungen in Spanien für alle ausländischen Unternehmen

Die Vorschriften zur erweiterten Herstellerverantwortung (EPR) wurden in Spanien durch mehrere Rechtsakte eingeführt: Gesetz 7/2022 vom 8. April 2022 und die königlichen Dekrete 106/2008, 110/2015 und 1055/2022. Nach diesen Vorschriften müssen alle Unternehmen, die verpackte Produkte, elektrische und elektronische Geräte und Batterien nach Spanien verkaufen, eine Reihe von gesetzlichen Verpflichtungen erfüllen.

Zu den wichtigsten Verpflichtungen der EPR in Spanien gehören:

• Erhalt einer Steueridentifikationsnummer NIF (es. Número de Identificación Fiscal oder NIF),
• Eintragung in das Herstellerregister– Registro de Productores de Producto und Erhalt einer individuellen EPR-Nummer,
• Sicherstellung der Entsorgung von Verpackungsabfällen, WEEE-Geräten und Batterien, die auf dem spanischen Markt in Verkehr gebracht werden,
• Abgabe von Jahresmeldungen über die Arten und Mengen der unter die EPR-Verordnung fallenden Produkte, die der Hersteller auf dem spanischen Markt in Verkehr gebracht hat,
• Lizenzierung von in Verkehr gesetzten Verpackungen und WEEE-Geräten und Batterien

Ausländische Unternehmen können diese Aufgaben nicht selbst wahrnehmen – die EPR-Verordnungen verpflichten sie, einen Bevollmächtigten in Spanien zu benennen, der alle Verpflichtungen der erweiterten Herstellerverantwortung übernimmt.

Wer ist verpflichtet, einen Bevollmächtigten in Spanien zu benennen?

Die Verpflichtung, einen Bevollmächtigten für die EPR zu benennen, obliegt Unternehmen, die nicht in Spanien ansässig sind und folgende Produkte auf den spanischen Markt bringen:

• elektrische und elektronische Geräte (z. B. Haushaltsgeräte, Audio- und Videogeräte, Unterhaltungselektronik, elektronisches Spielzeug),
• Batterien und Akkumulatoren (sowie Geräte, die Batterien oder Akkumulatoren enthalten),
• Produkte in Verpackungen:
  • Inland (Packungen, in denen das Produkt an den Verbraucher geliefert wird),
  • gewerblich (für die Lagerung und Verpackung in Einzelhandels- und Dienstleistungsgeschäften),
  • Industrie (Sammelverpackungen für die Industrie).

Die EPR-Pflichten gelten auch für Unternehmen, die ihre Produkte über eigene Online-Shops oder Verkaufsplattformen anbieten, z. B. Amazon, Zalando oder eBay.
Nur Unternehmen, die die oben genannten Produkte über traditionelle Vertriebskanäle (stationäre Geschäfte, Großhändler) verkaufen, sind davon ausgenommen.

Keine Ausnahme für kleine Mengen: Wichtig ist, dass die spanischen EPR-Vorschriften keine quantitativen Ausnahmen vorsehen, was bedeutet, dass selbst Unternehmen, die nur wenige solcher Verpackungen oder Produkte nach Spanien verkaufen, einen Bevollmächtigten benennen müssen. Die Unterzeichnung eines Vertrags mit einer Einrichtung, die die EPR-Verpflichtungen in Spanien übernimmt, ist daher eine notwendige Bedingung, die von allen Unternehmen erfüllt werden muss, die verpackte Produkte, Batterien und Akkumulatoren sowie WEEE-Geräte auf den spanischen Markt bringen.

Haben Sie bereits einen bevollmächtigten Vertreter in Spanien? Entdecken Sie, was Interzero zu bieten hat!

Wir von Interzero unterstützen Unternehmen umfassend bei der Erfüllung ihrer Verpflichtungen, die sich aus der erweiterten Herstellerverantwortung (EPR) ergeben. Wir bieten allen Unternehmen, die verpackte Produkte, elektrische und elektronische Geräte sowie Batterien auf dem spanischen Markt in Verkehr bringen, den Service eines Bevollmächtigten in Spanien an.

Als Ihr Bevollmächtigter in Spanien kümmern wir uns um:

• Eintragung Ihres Unternehmens in das spanische Herstellregister,
• Beitritt zum System für erweiterte Herstellerverantwortung (EPRS, SCRAP),
• Meldung über die in jedem Kalenderjahr eingeführten Verpackungen, Geräte und Batterien,
• Lizenzierung von Verpackungen und Geräten und die Vereinfachung der Zahlung von Lizenzgebühren
• Vertretung Ihres Unternehmens in Bezug auf die EPR-Verpflichtungen mit den spanischen Umweltbehörden
• Organisation des Recyclings und der Entsorgung von Verpackungen, WEEE-Geräten und Batterien, die Sie auf dem spanischen Markt in Verkehr bringen, mit unseren Dienstleistern

Informieren Sie sich über unsere Dienstleistungen und wählen Sie Interzero als Ihren autorisierten Vertreter in Spanien!

Wie mache ich Interzero zum bevollmächtigten Vertreter meines Unternehmens in Spanien?

Wenn Sie sich für Interzero entscheiden, können Sie alle Formalitäten schnell, bequem und zu 100 % online erledigen.

1. Erstellen Sie ein kostenloses Konto für Ihr Unternehmen (es dauert nur 1 Minute!).
2. Geben Sie die Anzahl und die Art der Verpackungen ein, die Sie versenden möchten, und berechnen Sie die Kosten für den Service.
3. Bestätigen Sie Ihre Angaben und schließen Sie die Bestellung ab.
4. Folgen Sie den weiteren Anweisungen, die wir Ihnen per E-Mail zusenden werden.

Sobald die Formalitäten erledigt sind, kümmern wir uns um die Eintragung Ihres Unternehmens und die Erfüllung der anderen Verpflichtungen, die sich aus der EPR in Spanien ergeben.

Hier geht es direkt zur Registrierung!

FAQ

Hier finden Sie Antworten auf die am häufigsten gestellten Fragen zur Bevollmächtigung und EPR-Pflichten in Spanien. >> FAQ<<

Interzero bietet den Service des Bevollmächtigten auch in anderen Ländern an!

Wir bieten den Service des Bevollmächtigten Vertreters in allen 27 EU-Mitgliedstaaten sowie im Vereinigten Königreich, Norwegen und der Schweiz an. So können Unternehmen, die in mehreren Ländern EPR-pflichtige Verpackungen und Produkte in Verkehr bringen, schnell, bequem und umfassend einen Bevollmächtigten in den verschiedenen europäischen Märkten einrichten.

Entdecken Sie unsere EPR-Services für kleine und große Unternehmen 

The extended producer responsibility (EPR) and the new EU Packaging Regulation (PPWR) bring profound changes for companies that place packaging on the market. After the PPWR comes into force at the beginning of 2025, companies will have to deal with stricter packaging requirements Those who do not deal with the new regulations in a timely manner risk not only higher license fees, but also additional bureaucratic hurdles and possible sanctions.

Packaging, Packaging Waste Ordinance – from the Directive to the EU Packaging Ordinance

The Packaging and Packaging Waste Ordinance (PPWR) will be valid throughout the EU from 2025. PPWR and EPR together are transforming the packaging industry.

Your goal is:

• reduce resource consumption and packaging waste,
• to promote the circular economy and
• to reduce the negative environmental impacts of packaging.

In order to implement these objectives in a measurable manner, the PPWR introduces specific measures:

• Minimum requirements for the recyclability of packaging
• labeling requirements for packaging materials
• Use of authorized representatives for companies not based in the respective EU country
• declarations of conformity to demonstrate recyclability

The new requirements mean for packaging, among other things:

• Recyclability is mandatory
• A minimum proportion of post-consumer recyclate (PCR) must be included
• Certain weight limits must be observed
• Labelling requirements for materials will apply across the EU in the future
• Reusability is promoted

Extended producer responsibility – briefly explained

Companies that place products on the market in the EU are responsible for their entire life cycle : This applies not only to the products themselves, but also to packaging and other components that are disposed of by end consumers. Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) requires companies to ensure take-back and recycling solutions.

In Austria, this currently affects three mandatory areas: packaging, waste electrical and electronic equipment and batteriesHowever, with a view to future development, the Textile recycling is becoming increasingly relevant.

Not only packaging is affected – EPR for textiles

Extended producer responsibility is increasingly affecting textiles. Countries such as France, the Netherlands and Sweden have already introduced EPR obligations. Austria is also preparing for new regulations.

The challenges of textile recycling lie in the diversity of materials – but innovative approaches show what a circular solution can look like.

Eco-modulation: Financial benefits for sustainable packaging

With the PPWR, the principle of eco-modulation gains in importance. Recyclable packaging is rewarded with lower licensing fees, while non-recyclable packaging incurs higher costs.

What does this mean for your company?

The sooner you optimize your packaging, the more you will benefit from lower licensing fees. The transition to sustainable packaging can take months – Therefore, start early with an analysis and optimization!

Find out more about how Interzero can support you in implementing the PPWR!

Since January 1, 2025, there has been a uniform system for the collection of lightweight and metal packaging throughout Austria. From now on, empty packaging must be placed in the yellow bag or yellow bin throughout Austria. The aim of this standardization is to promote the circular economy and achieve the EU recycling quotas.

Why is uniform collection in the yellow bag important?

Despite the introduction of the deposit system, around 80% of lightweight and metal packaging still ends up in the yellow bag or yellow bin. Correct separation is crucial to conserve valuable resources, reduce environmental impact and ensure a functioning circular economy.

The deposit system in Austria – What does it mean for companies and consumers?

There has been a deposit system for beverage bottles and cans in Austria since 2025. Deposit packaging is labeled and belongs in the return system, while non-deposit lightweight and metal packaging must continue to be correctly separated. This is the only way to effectively increase the recycling rate. Our contribution to Interzero: As one of the collection and recycling systems (SVS) active in Austria, Interzero ensures the collection, sorting and recycling of packaging. With innovative solutions, we are making our contribution to a world without waste. You can find more information here:

• Interzero – Everything about the yellow bag and our collection solutions
• Austria collects – The service platform for avoiding, separating and recycling

Together we create a sustainable future!

In Austria, waste prevention measures are actively promoted by Interzero, one of the approved collection and recycling systems (SVS) for packaging, waste electrical equipment and batteries. The financial resources are allocated via the Packaging Coordination Office (VKS) or the Waste Electrical Equipment Coordination Office (EAK). With the ongoing calls for tenders to promote waste prevention or reuse, suitable projects can still be submitted via the VKS until April 14, 2025 or via the EAK until March 31, 2025. The aim is to develop sustainable measures for qualitative and quantitative waste prevention and to reduce environmental pollution.

What is being funded – which waste prevention projects?

The funding includes a variety of measures, including:

• Measures to avoid input materials and operating resources that affect the waste quality of the product or any by-products
• Measures that lead to a reduction in production waste
• Measures that contribute to waste prevention by optimizing logistics
• Measures that lead to waste prevention through awareness-raising, training measures or the establishment of suitable networks
• Measures within the framework of the waste prevention program pursuant to Section 9a of the Waste Management Act (AWG) 2002

Repair projects and initiatives for the reuse of old electrical equipment are also eligible for funding. Basic research or pure waste separation initiatives, for example, are not eligible for funding.

Which costs and types of projects are supported in the waste prevention projects?

Funding is available to large organizations, SMEs and NGOs and can amount to up to €120,000 per year , depending on the type of project. You can find a detailed list here:

Who can submit?

The target groups are eco-social companies as well as SMEs and large companies. Depending on the type of project, the funding rate is between 30% and 100%.

How does the submission work?

Applications can be submitted to the EAK by March 31 and to the VKS by April 14, 2025. An expert jury will evaluate the projects based on criteria such as waste prevention potential, environmental impacts and economic viability. Interim reports ensure transparency during implementation.

More information and submission documents can be found here:

• EAK – Waste Prevention Promotion

• VKS – tender documents

• VKS – Information Sheet Waste Prevention

Our service for you : Interzero supports you as a sparring partner in the concept development and submission of your ideas. Our Customer Excellence Team is available to help you design your projects together and implement them successfully. Feel free to write to us! Use the remaining time until the submission deadline and start planning today ! Contact us to turn your idea into a strong concept.

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On December 19, 2024, we examined key topics and trends in extended producer responsibility (EPR) as part of our webinar ” Annual Outlook 2025: EPR Trends and Developments “. This not only covered new EU-wide regulations such as the PPWR (Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation), but also adjustments to existing regulations such as the Battery Regulation. Participants received a comprehensive insight into the most important legislative changes and their impact on companies and industries. We also looked back at the EPR developments of 2024 and provided a well-founded outlook for 2025. Webinar highlights:

• EPR law changes : new rules and their significance for companies.
• Outlook to 2025 : Key trends and expected developments.
• Annual review : EPR trends and developments 2024.

EPR annual outlook: For you to read & our event tips

If you were unable to attend on December 19, 2024, you do not have to miss out on the content: The documents and presentation of the webinar are available for you to download. Please fill out the form below and the documents will be sent to you directly.

Service for you : Read our monthly event news and don’t miss any important webinars. Check out our event calendar to find the next dates to expand your knowledge of EPR compliance. We look forward to welcoming you to future events and supporting you with our expertise. If you have any questions, our team of experts is ready to help you personally. Contact us today!

Find out more in our current brochure on ” resources SAVED by recycling “