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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 “

Interzero Webinars in January: EPR Compliance in Focus on January 21, 2025

The beginning of the year is the perfect time to prepare for upcoming challenges and focus on important topics. In the area of extended producer responsibility (EPR) in Europe, there will also be many innovations and requirements in 2025 that affect companies. In this article, we present two particularly exciting webinars. Find out more about the content below and how you can specifically expand your knowledge in the area of EPR in order to successfully meet the challenges and turn them into opportunities.

Der Kreislaufwirtschaftsdienstleister Interzero stellt sein Führungsteam auf Holding-Ebene neu auf und wird seit Januar europaweit von einem Führungstrio aus CEO, CFO und CIO geleitet. Jan Kroker ist neuer CEO, Yi Guo tritt als CFO an, Claudia Wegener übernimmt Posten als CIO. Beiratsmitglied Peter Vogel bekleidet bis zum Eintritt von Yi Guo CFO-Posten interimistisch.

Berlin/Köln. Interzero steht für internationale „zero waste solutions“ – für eine Welt ohne Abfall. Im internationalen Kontext wird es für Unternehmen immer relevanter, grenzüberschreitend Synergien zu nutzen und Geschäftsaktivitäten zu verzahnen. Vor diesem Hintergrund hat Interzero eine einheitliche, gruppenweite Unternehmensführung aus CEO, CFO und CIO für ganz Europa etabliert. Jan Kroker, Yi Guo und Claudia Wegener haben es sich zur Aufgabe gemacht, die Position des Kreislaufwirtschaftsdienstleisters in einem wettbewerbsorientierten europäischen Umfeld weiter zu stärken.

„Kreislaufwirtschaft darf kein nationales Thema sein. Um die Internationalisierung unseres Unternehmens und die Zusammenarbeit entlang der Wertschöpfungskette über Ländergrenzen und Unternehmensbereiche hinweg zu intensivieren, stellen wir Interzero international konsequent einheitlich auf. Die neue Führung der gesamten Unternehmensgruppe wird sich darauf fokussieren, Interzeros Vision einer Welt ohne Abfall strategisch und operativ weiter voranzutreiben, sodass wir die Kreislaufwirtschaft gemeinsam mit unseren Kunden und Partnern international weiterhin entscheidend mitgestalten“, so Dr. Axel Schweitzer, Chairman und Gesellschafter von Interzero.

Der Fokus des Unternehmens liegt auch zukünftig darauf, nachhaltige Kreislauflösungen umzusetzen und als Experte für innovatives Kunststoffrecycling dafür Sorge zu tragen, immer mehr Wertstoffe vor der Verbrennung zu retten und Ressourcen zu schonen. Digitale Lösungen sind dabei immer häufiger ein Schlüssel zum Erfolg, Kreislauflösungen effizient zu organisieren. Aus diesem Grund wurde das Thema Digitalisierung fest in der Unternehmensführung verankert und wird zukünftig von Claudia Wegener in ihrer Rolle als CIO verantwortet.

Das Führungsteam im Überblick

Jan Kroker, seit Januar CEO von Interzero, hat zuvor den Kunststoffrecyclingbereich des Kreislaufwirtschaftsdienstleisters verantwortet. Jan Kroker kommt aus der Chemiebranche und hatte vor seiner Zeit bei Interzero Führungspositionen bei KCA Deutag und BASF inne.

Yi Guo wechselt als CFO von der ALBA Group Asia zu Interzero. Nach Stationen bei der DZ Bank und der HSH Nordbank (heute Hamburg Commercial Bank AG) wechselte er Anfang 2016 zur ALBA Group. Zuletzt verantwortete er als Finanzchef der ALBA Group Asia die Bereiche Strategie, Finanzen und Recht und gehörte seit 2023 zum Management der Interzero Holding.

Bis zum Eintritt von Yi Guo übernimmt Peter Vogel als CFO interimsweise die Verantwortung für den Finanzbereich. Er war über zehn Jahre für verschiedene Wirtschaftsprüfungsgesellschaften tätig, bis er 2010 für die ALBA Group in die Recyclingwirtschaft wechselte und von 2017 bis 2022 dort CFO war. Seit Februar 2023 ist Peter Vogel Mitglied des Beirats von Interzero.

Claudia Wegener bringt über zehn Jahre Expertise in der IT und Digitalisierungsprozessen mit. Ihre Erfahrungen sammelte sie unter anderen bei der Deutschen Telekom, bevor sie seit 2019 den erfolgreichen Onlineshop für Verpackungslizenzierung, Lizenzero, aufgebaut und geführt hat. Seit Januar 2025 ist sie als CIO für die IT-Infrastruktur sowie alle digitalen Prozesse der Interzero-Gruppe verantwortlich.

Press release as PDF

In our free webinar “Annual Outlook for 2025: EPR Trends and Developments” we focus on the key trends and developments that await us in 2025 in the area of extended producer responsibility (EPR). We will examine the most important legislative changes and their impact on companies and industries. We will also take a look back at the most important EPR events and developments of 2024.

Webinar Highlights:

• EPR law changes: New rules and their significance for companies.
• Outlook for 2025: Key trends and expected developments.
• Annual Review: EPR Trends and Developments 2024

Join us on December 19, 2024 at 10 a.m. and start the year 2025 well informed!

With a special start-up package, Interzero supports young companies in their brand entry in Austria. In cooperation with the FMCG accelerator Clever Clover, headed by Heinrich Prokop, the circular economy provider offers tailor-made services – from consulting to packaging development to waste management. For start-ups, the consulting is free of charge in the first year.

Vienna, 2. Dezember 2024 – Start-ups that want to bring their products to market in Austria are faced with a complex network of guidelines and legal regulations. EU-wide requirements such as the PPWR (Packaging & Packaging Waste Regulation) and local regulations not only define what the packaging for each product must be like, but also require correct licensing before it can be put into circulation.

Tailor-made sustainability services enable smooth market entry

In cooperation with the FMCG accelerator Clever Clover, led by investor and start-up expert Heinrich Prokop, the circular economy service provider Interzero now offers tailor-made services to support young companies in entering the market. These range from consulting services with regard to the design and recyclability of sustainable product packaging to the development and use of recycled formulations to correct discharge of obligations and finally tailor-made waste management solutions for waste generated . “In Austria, a large number of start-ups with really ambitious founders are entering the market – from within Austria as well as from abroad. However, regulatory hurdles that are only encountered in the course of the process often cause delays. Our partner Interzero uses its many years of experience to advise start-ups right from the start and thus ensures that market entry runs smoothly,” says Heinrich Prokop, Founder & Managing Director at Clever Clover.

Free advice on regulatory requirements

In order to provide young companies with the best possible support with their often tight budgets, Interzero has put together a special start-up package. This is free of charge in the first year of cooperation and helps to understand and meet the requirements of packaging and waste management law in order to do everything right from the start. “The regulations surrounding the Packaging Ordinance and the Waste Management Act are very complex and raise many questions. With our advice and support, start-ups can concentrate fully on their business idea and its development, while we take care of sustainability aspects and regulatory challenges,” says Thomas Glatz, Managing Director at Interzero Austria.

Poland has implemented strict extended producer responsibility (EPR) regulations to ensure that manufacturers and distributors are responsible for the entire life cycle of their products. Foreign companies not based in Poland in particular must meet these requirements to avoid legal consequences. We inform you about the EPR obligations in Poland.

General information about the EPR

Companies that place products such as packaging, electronic devices or batteries on the Polish market are obliged to register with the national environmental protection agency, submit regular reports and pay fees for collection and recycling. Foreign companies without a branch in Poland also bear full responsibility. In particular, companies that sell their waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) directly to Polish customers via distance selling methods such as online shops or sales platforms are obliged to appoint an Authorized Representative in Poland who will assume their legal obligations.

Penalties for non-compliance with EPR obligations

Failure to comply with EPR regulations in Poland can result in significant penalties. Fines can range from PLN 15,000 to PLN 500,000, which is a range of EUR 3,500 to EUR 115,000 . Additionally, sales bans and other legal measures can be taken that can significantly affect business activities.

How to ensure EPR compliance

Companies have various options to meet their EPR obligations in Poland. Interzero has offices in many European countries, including Poland, which allows us to offer expert knowledge in the respective markets.

Your company has a branch in Poland?

• Direct registration: Registration with the Polish take-back systems to fulfil all reporting and payment obligations.

Your company has NO branch in Poland?

• Appointment of an Authorized Representative: Foreign companies that distribute their waste electrical and electronic equipment to end users must appoint an authorized representative in Poland who will assume their legal obligations. Interzero offers this service and ensures that all requirements are met.

Act now! We support you in complying with your EPR obligations in Poland

Don’t miss any deadlines and ensure your legal compliance. Visit our local website for more details or to place a contract order directly. If you have any questions, we are happy to help – contact us and get individual advice! With timely preparation and the right support, you can avoid unnecessary risks and concentrate on your core business.

Companies that sell packaging, electrical equipment and batteries in countries where they do not have their own headquarters face numerous challenges due to the requirements of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) in Europe . In Austria and many EU countries, it is legally required to appoint an authorised representative who will assume your legal obligations.

Why appoint a representative?

If your company is not established in the respective country, the local authorized representative ensures that:

• You fully comply with all national requirements of the Packaging Ordinance = legal certainty
• Licensing and quantity reporting are handled correctly and direct communication with the authorities takes place = time saving
• You are informed about changes in a timely manner and always keep an overview of your legal obligations = transparency

Interzero as Authorized Representative in Austria

In Austria, we offer our customers a portal for their entire EPR compliance. For packaging, waste electrical equipment and batteries – in one central location. You can rely on our expertise as an authorized representative and as an established collection and recycling system.

Your advantages with Interzero:

Interzero not only offers you authorization in Austria, but also solutions for other EU countries such as Germany, Poland, Slovenia and Croatia . Our cross-border services include:

• Licensing your packaging, waste electrical and electronic equipment and batteries in multiple countries.
• Uniform processes that ensure clarity and efficiency.
• Personal advice and tailor-made solutions for your international requirements.

With more than 30 years of experience and leading expertise in EPR compliance, you can rely on us to meet your international compliance requirements.

Simplify your compliance processes in Austria and Europe.

Do you have any questions about authorization in Austria? Read more about it here or contact us directly! Do you want to know what special features there are to be considered in the respective EU countries and how you can best master the challenges? In our blog posts you will find all the information you need to know. Read here: