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When different players along the food value chain come together, real movement is created. This is exactly what has been achieved with the new Alliance against Food Waste and Poverty: Around 40 organizations from business, agriculture, trade, logistics and the social sector are joining forces to reduce food waste and at the same time combat food poverty in a targeted manner.

Initiated by Die Tafel Austria and presented at the Press Club Concordiathe alliance stands for a new, joint approach. Developing solutions together rather than side by side – practical, effective and thought through along the entire value chain.

For us, participation is a clear commitment. The circular economy means taking a holistic view of resources and assuming responsibility where it arises. The alliance creates the right platform for this.

(Cover picture: Alina Zechmeister, Interzero, at the Alliance’s kick-off press conference together with Alexandra Gruber, Managing Director of Die Tafel Österreich)

The new EU packaging regulation (PPWR) is often associated primarily with the target year 2030. associated with this. However, the first requirements will actually come into effect much earlier: a declaration of conformity will be mandatory from 12.8.2026. This confirms that packaging complies with the currently valid directives. Without a declaration of conformity, companies risk having items withdrawn from the market and incurring high penalties. At the same time, many companies are confronted with legal gray areas.

Terms “manufacturer”, “producer” and “distributor” lead to legal gray areas in PPWR

“Above all, there is a lack of a clear definition of terms: Who is a manufacturer, who is a producer, who is a retailer? Each of these terms is associated with certain obligations under the PPWR. Due to the lack of clarity, many questions cannot be answered one hundred percent, especially in complex supply chains “, explains Thomas Glatz, Managing Director Interzero Austria.

In addition, it has not yet been fully clarified what will count as packaging in the future and what will not.
“For example, it is currently still unclear how coffee capsules will be classified and discharged. This makes planning difficult and may delay the necessary changes for companies, but also for providers of collection and recycling systems. Rapid clarification of these points would be helpful for the entire economy “, Glatz continues.

Act early: Stay PPWR compliant in 3 steps

Even if not all legal issues have been fully clarified yet, it is crucial for affected companies to act now in order to be prepared for the redesign of processes, the conversion of systems or the development of compliant Packaging.

Interzero recommends proceeding in three steps:

1. Create transparency and establish a clear database on the Packaging used.
2. Analyze the packaging portfolio for recyclability and identify problematic material combinations.
3. Test new packaging solutions at an early stage in order to combine innovation with brand strategy and cost optimization.

Strategic PPWR consulting for your company by Interzero

As Europe’s leading provider of circular economy solutions, we support companies with a wide range of services to meet the requirements of the PPWR.

These include strategic PPWR consulting as well as specific, customized solutions. “Check for Recycling” is a digital tool that can be used to check the recyclability of existing packaging and create automated declarations of conformity.

With “Made4Circle” we accompany companies through the entire process: from the recyclability of the packaging analyzed in the laboratory to direct recommendations for action regarding design and material selection to the use of the recyclate developed in our in-house competence center for recycled plastics.

Whether in cities, municipalities or commercial areas: Today, waste infrastructure has to do more than just be functional. Durable, low-maintenance solutions that can be flexibly adapted to different requirements are in demand.

As a sales partner, we offer integrated collection systems for indoor and outdoor use – from individual recycling stations to sophisticated overall solutions. We combine design, functionality and cost-effectiveness with the aim of making waste processes more efficient and sustainable for our customers.

Designing waste processes efficiently: With recycling stations for indoor and outdoor

One concrete example of this is the “Edinburgh Click & Build” recycling station from our partner Cervic. The special feature: The system is delivered disassembled and only assembled on site. This significantly reduces the transport volume – a clear advantage for logistics, storage and cost structure.

This difference is particularly noticeable in projects with several units: less space required for transportation, lower emissions and more efficient handling overall.

In use, the station impresses with its robust construction made of powder-coated steel, flexible configuration options for different waste fractions and well thought-out details for daily use. At the same time, the system remains adaptable – for example, thanks to easily replaceable labels if requirements change.

The solution also meets key requirements of the modern circular economy in terms of sustainability: durable materials, high recyclability and a reduced carbon footprint along the entire value chain.

Since the introduction of the one-way deposit system, beverage packaging in Austria is increasingly being returned to the cycle. Current evaluations show that the majority of containers are already being returned (source: Recycling Deposit Austria, 2026).

Aluminum in particular is proving to be a key material: it is technically recyclable without any loss of quality and is available in high purity thanks to separate collection in the deposit system. This lays the foundations for a functioning material cycle.

Collection becomes circulation: Aluminum as a key material

Functioning material flows are needed to turn collection into circulation. This is exactly where we come in.

Together with partners from the beverage industry and retail – including Stiegl, Ottakringer, Egger Getränke, Starzinger as well as REWE, BILLA, Penny and HOFER – we organize the recycling of the collected aluminium cans. We bundle the materials, market them specifically to recycling partners and return them to production as high-quality secondary raw materials.

On the basis of available recycling certificates from our recycling partners, the aluminum collected from the deposit system is fully recycled and can be used again for the production of packaging. In this way, the material remains in the cycle and the use of primary raw materials can be significantly reduced.

This example shows that the circular economy is not created through collection alone, but through the interaction of all those involved.

Interzero as an interface between trade, industry and recycling

We see ourselves as an interface between trade, industry and recycling. Through the targeted management and marketing of material flows, we help to ensure that recyclable materials remain available in high quality – and actually flow back into new products.

For companies, this means predictable material flows, reliable recycling quality and an active contribution to achieving regulatory and ESG targets.

The circular economy is gaining in importance: regulatory requirements vs. practice

The Austrian Sustainability Summit 2026 was fully booked and once again demonstrated the growing importance of the circular economy and resource issues. As part of the summit, the Circular Economy Stream as an independent conference format provides space for in-depth discussions and concrete solutions along the entire value chain.

We were there with the panel “With barrier papers to PPWR conformity and low EPR fees” and deliberately opted for a practice-oriented approach.

The focus was on the question of how companies can translate increasing regulatory requirements – particularly as a result of the PPWR – into concrete solutions at an early stage. This is because it has become clear with the entry into force of the first regulations, for example on “Substances in Packaging” (e.g. PFAS in accordance with Article 5): The debate about recyclability and material selection cannot be delayed.

Thomas Glatz, Managing Director Interzero Austria, comments:

The Circular Economy Stream has clearly shown how strong the need is for concrete, practicable solutions. Especially when it comes to topics such as PPWR and recyclability, it is no longer about theory, but about how companies can implement these requirements in practice in an economically viable way.”

The intensive exchange in the panel and the numerous discussions at our Meeting Point confirmed this: Companies are looking for concrete guidance to not only fulfill regulatory requirements, but to actively use them for their own transformation.

You can find more impressions and insights from the Austrian Sustainability Summit HERE

In Austria, waste prevention measures are promoted via approved collection and recycling systems. Packaging is handled by the Packaging Coordination Office (VKS) and waste electrical and electronic equipment by the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Coordination Office (EAK). The aim is to reduce the quality and quantity of waste and to reduce environmental pollution.

Funding is provided for, among other things:

• Reduction of production and packaging waste

• Introduction of reusable or reuse systems

• Optimization of logistics processes to avoid waste

• Extension of product service life, for example through repairability

• Training and awareness-raising measures
• Repair projects and initiatives for the reuse of old electrical appliances

Pure basic research or measures without a clear focus on waste prevention are not eligible for funding. The submitted project must fulfill at least one defined focus.

Costs and project types for EAK and VKS:

The amount of funding depends on the type of project and organization. Small and large projects as well as material cost projects are possible; Depending on the category, subsidies of up to 360.000 euros per year.

Target groups:

The funding rate varies – depending on the applicant and system – between between 30 % and 100 %

Submission deadlines 2026:

• EAK (waste electrical and electronic equipment): until March 31, 2026
• VKS (Packaging): until April 13, 2026

The evaluation is based on clearly defined criteria such as waste prevention potential, environmental effects and economic viability.

More information on funding criteria, priorities 2026 and submission documents can be found here:

• PromotionInformation from the VKS in the field of Packaging 2026: https://www.abfallvermeidungs-foerderung.at/ausschreibungen/
• Funding information dof the EAK in the field of waste electrical and electronic equipment 2026 : https://www.eak-austria.at/foerderungen-zur-abfallvermeidung-und-reuse/

Our service for you: Interzero supports you in the structured conception and submission of your projects: From the definition of objectives to the derivation of measurable key figures and coordination with the relevant authorities. By embedding them in existing waste and recycling processes, projects are created that are not only eligible for funding, but also reduce costs and increase resource efficiency in the long term.

For companies, this means financial support while at the same time strategically developing their own waste and recycling management.

Are you planning a waste prevention project or would you like to check eligibility for funding? Arrange a personal consultation with our team. We will assist you with the design, submission and implementation.

On the occasion of Battery Day on February 18, the Waste Electrical Equipment Coordination Center, the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, Climate and Environmental Protection, Regions and Water Management, the Austrian Federal Fire Brigade Association and other industry representatives provided information about the risks of incorrectly disposed lithium batteries at a media event in Vienna. Incorrectly disposed batteries and rechargeable batteries are increasingly leading to fires in disposal and recycling companies in Austria.

A live experiment illustrated the potential hazards and the possible consequences for infrastructure, the environment and safety. If lithium batteries end up in residual waste, they are subjected to mechanical stress in waste collection vehicles or during sorting. Even minor damage can lead to short circuits and subsequently to fires.

The Association of Austrian Waste Management Companies recorded a total of 36 major fire incidents at disposal and recycling facilities in 2025. In several cases, incorrectly disposed lithium batteries and rechargeable batteries were suspected as a possible cause of fire. The damage not only affects plant operators, but also endangers employees and causes high property damage.

Interzero was represented at the event by Managing Director Thomas Glatz and supports companies in the legally compliant licensing and take-back of portable and industrial batteries as part of extended producer responsibility. As an approved collection and recycling system, Interzero organizes the proper collection, treatment and recycling of used batteries and ensures that legal requirements are complied with and volume flows are documented in a traceable manner. Separate collection is a central component of the Austrian system. Only if batteries are collected correctly can fire risks be reduced and valuable energy saved. resources recover.

For manufacturing companies, importers and retailers, this means clear licensing obligations, structured take-back systems and documented system participation. At the same time, internal collection and safety processes are becoming increasingly important in order to minimize risks in their own operations. With the gradual implementation of the EU Battery Ordinance, transparency, documentation and sustainability requirements are also increasing. This makes structured system participation even more relevant.

You can find further information here:

• in the press release of the BMLUK: https://www.bmluk.gv.at/service/presse.html

• in the Leadersnet report: https://www.leadersnet.at/news/97388,lithium-akkus-im-muell-verursachen-millionenschaeden.html

Would you like to review your collection and safety processes for used batteries? Talk to our team: zerowaste@interzero.at

The project combines design, recycling technology and material expertise. Plastic from Interzero’s recycling process was used in the manufacture of the jewelry and further developed in a targeted manner. Processing and quality testing took place at the Interzero competence center in Maribor, which specializes in innovative plastics processing and material development.

The nomination for the Plastics Recycling Award Europe 2026 underlines the potential of high-quality recycled plastics – even beyond traditional packaging applications. At the same time, the project shows how the circular economy can be made visible and tangible.

Read more about the project and the nomination in the full blog post: https://www.interzero.de/blog/detail/die-kunst-des-recycelns-korallenschmuck-aus-interzero-material-fuer-plastics-recycling-award-europe-2026-nominiert/

Companies with more than 100 employees are obliged under § 11 AWG 2002 to appoint a professionally qualified person as waste manager. However, many companies lack the training, time or personnel capacity to cover this role internally on a permanent basis. Audits by the authorities, new locations or uncertainties regarding documentation obligations are frequent triggers for external assignment.

The requirements are clearly defined: timely EDM reports, complete records on the type, quantity, origin and whereabouts of waste, compliance with official notices and ongoing monitoring of waste legislation requirements. Late reports or incorrect declarations can result in administrative penalties and liability risks. At the same time, inefficient disposal structures often lead to unnecessarily high costs.

Interzero provides external waste management officers throughout Austria and assumes the legally defined information, consulting and monitoring duties. These include appointments and reporting to authorities via the EDM portal, regular inspections, support in updating the waste management concept, employee training and communication with authorities and waste disposal companies. This is supplemented by structured site analyses and concepts for more efficient collection and disposal.

Interzero brings over 30 years of experience in the Austrian waste and recycling management market to the table. The integration into the corporate structure enables the rapid implementation of identified optimization potential, from the optimization of disposal logistics to the structured reduction of ongoing disposal costs.

For companies, this means: legal certainty, relief for management and an economically optimized waste organization.

Would you like to clarify whether there is an obligation for your company or whether the function should be outsourced? Arrange a personal meeting with our team: rsi.austria@interzero.at

Die EU Verpackungs- und Verpackungsabfallverordnungg PPWR in der Industriestrategie

Mit der EU Verpackungs- und Verpackungsabfallverordnung PPWR, veröffentlicht im Jänner 2025, gilt erstmals ein europaweit einheitlicher Rechtsrahmen für Verpackungen. Die Verordnung ist unmittelbar in allen EU Mitgliedstaaten anzuwenden und definiert verbindliche Ziele zur Reduktion von Verpackungsabfällen. Vorgesehen sind mindestens 5 Prozent bis 2030, 10 Prozent bis 2035 und 15 Prozent bis 2040. Damit betrifft die PPWR die gesamte Verpackungswertschöpfungskette.

Vor diesem Hintergrund gewinnt Kreislaufwirtschaft auch strategisch an Bedeutung. Die aktuelle Industriestrategie unterstreicht, dass Ressourcensicherheit, Wettbewerbsfähigkeit und langfristige Planungssicherheit für Unternehmen zunehmend zusammen gedacht werden müssen. Regulatorische Anforderungen werden damit zu einem integralen Bestandteil unternehmerischer Entscheidungen.

Interzero Whitepaper “Verpackung und Nachhaltigkeit”

Das Whitepaper Verpackung und Nachhaltigkeit ordnet diese neuen Anforderungen strukturiert ein. Es zeigt, welche Unternehmen in welcher Rolle betroffen sind und welche Maßnahmen in den kommenden Jahren relevant werden. Ergänzt wird dies durch Praxisdaten und Einblicke, wie Unternehmen bereits heute reagieren, etwa durch den Einsatz von Recyclingmaterialien, die Reduktion nicht nachhaltiger Komponenten oder ein recyclinggerechtes Verpackungsdesign.

Ein zentrales Fazit: Nachhaltige Verpackungen sind nicht mehr nur eine regulatorische Pflicht, sondern ein strategisches Handlungsfeld. Viele Unternehmen setzen bereits mehrere Maßnahmen parallel um. Gleichzeitig besteht weiterhin Bedarf an Orientierung, um Anforderungen sinnvoll zu priorisieren und in eine klare Strategie zu überführen.

Das Whitepaper richtet sich an Unternehmen, die ihre Rolle im Kontext der PPWR besser verstehen und fundierte Entscheidungen für die kommenden Jahre treffen möchten. Interzero Austria unterstützt Unternehmen dabei mit einem strukturierten Ansatz, regulatorische Anforderungen einzuordnen und frühzeitig Handlungsfelder sichtbar zu machen als Grundlage für langfristig wettbewerbsfähige und regelkonforme Verpackungslösungen.