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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:

From packaging to electrical appliances and batteries: companies are facing increasingly complex requirements due to national and EU-wide regulations. Our Interzero Circular Consulting packages are the perfect solution to master these challenges safely and efficiently. We show how consulting for EPR compliance works. Our packages at a glance:

• Smart Package : For small business owners who want to keep themselves informed. You will receive all the important information to manage your obligations independently – including access to the customer portal and reminders of important deadlines.
• Advanced Package : For companies that want support with product group assignment, recyclability and waste management. This not only saves you time, but also costs.
• Expert Package : Our all-round, worry-free package for companies with complex requirements. It offers you personal support on all compliance issues as well as discounts on other Interzero services.
• Start-up package: For start-ups that want to better understand the legal requirements of packaging and waste management issues and want to do everything right from the start. The first year is free.

Why Interzero? With over 30 years of experience in the field of licensing and compliance, we are your reliable partner not only to meet legal requirements, but also to make processes sustainable and efficient. Convince yourself of the expertise of the European market leader for EPR compliance.

How to get your right consulting package

Find the right package for your needs now and start 2025 worry-free!

Saving resources instead of burning them – that is the potential of chemical recycling . For mixed plastic waste that cannot be mechanically recycled, it offers a solution to keep raw materials in the cycle and conserve primary resources and is much more than a supplement. Dr. Richard von Goetze , a doctor of chemistry and Head of Strategy at Interzero, is an expert in this field. In an exclusive interview with Business Circle ( read here) , he talks about the importance of chemical recycling, regulatory challenges and the vision of a world without waste. ” Chemical recycling is an ideal complement to the mechanical process and saves raw materials from being burned ,” says von Goetze.

Invitation to the Circular Economy Exchange 3.0 on December 3rd

Experience Dr. von Goetze live at the Circular Economy Exchange 3.0 in Vienna at “The Social Hub” and register. Together with experts from the industry, he will share insights into innovative solutions and show how the circular economy combines climate protection and economic potential.

Extended producer responsibility (EPR) is increasingly being used in Europe as a tool to promote sustainability and reduce waste. Slovenia has also implemented clear rules that require manufacturers and distributors of products to pay for the take-back and disposal of their products. Foreign companies not based in Slovenia in particular must ensure that they comply with these requirements in order to avoid severe penalties. Find the important information about EPR obligations in Slovenia:

General information about the EPR

EPR obligations in Slovenia include, among others, registration in a national system , reporting on quantities placed on the market and paying fees to finance the take-back systems. This applies to packaging, electronic devices and batteries. Foreign companies that sell products in Slovenia to end consumers via mail order also bear full responsibility and must appoint a local authorised representative to comply with their obligations. Violation of these regulations can have significant financial and legal consequences.

Penalties for non-compliance with EPR obligations

Companies that fail to comply with their EPR obligations in Slovenia face severe penalties. In addition to fines of up to €4,000, authorities can also impose sales bans , which have a serious impact on business activities. In addition, reputational damage can occur, which has a negative impact on market position.

How to ensure EPR compliance

In order to meet the EPR requirements in Slovenia, we ensure that everything is handled correctly with our team of experts at our branch in Slovenia. What you as a company need to take into account depends on whether you are based in Slovenia.

Your company has a branch in Slovenia?

• Registration with an authorized system: Companies can register directly with Interzero Slovenia, one of the state-recognized take-back systems, in order to fulfill their reporting and payment obligations.

Your company has NO branch in Slovenia?

• Appointment of an authorized representative: Foreign mail order companies without a branch in Slovenia and shipping focus B2C must appoint an authorized representative who will take over their duties on site and ensure that they comply with all legal requirements. We not only ensure the reporting of quantities, but also direct communication with national authorities in the local language.

Ensure correct compliance with your EPR obligations in Slovenia – we can help!

Don’t miss any deadlines and ensure your legal compliance. Visit our local webshop 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.

Extended producer responsibility (EPR) is also gaining importance in Croatia. Croatian legislation obliges manufacturers and distributors of products to ensure that their goods are taken back and disposed of in an environmentally friendly manner. Foreign companies without a registered office in Croatia in particular must be aware of their obligations and implement them in order to avoid legal and financial consequences.

General information about the EPR

In Croatia, the EPR rules apply to packaging, electronic equipment and batteries . Companies are obliged to register with one of the recognised take-back systems, submit regular reports on quantities placed on the market and pay recycling fees. These obligations also apply to companies without a local establishment that supply goods to private end-users in Croatia directly or via online sales channels. In addition, these companies must appoint a local authorised representative.

Penalties for non-compliance with EPR obligations

Failure to comply with EPR regulations can be expensive for companies in Croatia. Fines are a common sanction and can run into the thousands of euros. In addition, other measures such as sales bans or criminal consequences can be taken. This not only represents a financial risk, but can also permanently damage a company’s reputation.

How to ensure EPR compliance

For companies that want to comply with their EPR obligations in Croatia, we at Interzero offer the necessary local expertise. What you as a company need to consider depends on whether you are based in Croatia.

Your company has a branch in Croatia?

• Direct registration: Registration with a government-approved take-back system is the first step to meeting legal requirements.

Your company has NO branch in Croatia?

• Appointment of an authorized representative: Foreign companies not based in Croatia that sell to end consumers must appoint an authorized local representative who will assume their legal obligations. We not only take care of reporting your quantities, but also direct communication with national authorities in the local language.

Act now!

Visit our webshop for further details or secure yourself directly by ordering a contract. Do you have any further questions? Contact us and let our experts advise you. Legal compliance in Croatia is essential to secure your business and enable sustainable growth.

At Interzero, we are constantly working to make our services even better for you and we are constantly developing our customer portal . Our goal is to offer our customers a central platform for everything related to EPR . A central portal that makes their processes related to license management, such as quantity reports, document management and ordering packaging, waste electrical equipment and battery license contracts, as simple as possible. With a view to the coming 2025 financial year, you can make your licensing process simpler, faster and more transparent . From mid-December 2024, you can submit your annual financial statement report for 2024 and we will ensure that you continue to meet all legal requirements. Our portal helps you keep track of everything and make the process stress-free, including meeting your reporting deadlines.

Your advantages with our EPR portal for central license management at a glance:

• Simplicity: Save your product groups as favorites and save valuable time on future notifications.
• Flexibility: Report your packaging quantities in tons or kilograms and download reports directly as PDF or Excel.
• Efficiency: Copy previous messages with just one click and reduce manual effort.

With this solution, we are specifically targeting Austrian companies that want to license their packaging, waste electrical equipment and batteries in a legally correct manner. Our portal offers you not only efficiency, but also transparency by allowing you to view your data at any time and in one place. In this way, we are laying the foundation for a legally compliant and sustainable EPR solution in Austria.

Your opinion counts!

We would like to continue to optimize our portal and look forward to your feedback. Your experiences will help us to tailor the platform even better to your needs. Please let us know your suggestions for improvement. Click here to tell us your opinion!

EPR expertise: Are you already legally compliant?

Use our new online portal and simplify your licensing in Austria. Get started now and start 2025 with legal certainty.

Since the standardization of the collection of lightweight and metal packaging, the amount collected in Austria has been increasing continuously. In the first half of 2024, Interzero recorded a nationwide increase of 4% compared to the previous year , with the strongest increases in Vienna and Carinthia. At the beginning of 2023, the collection of lightweight packaging was standardized in Austria: Now, in addition to plastic bottles, cups, bowls and other plastic and metal packaging are collected in the yellow bag or yellow bin. The current figures from Interzero show an increase of 4% for the first half of 2024 compared to 2023. Vienna recorded the largest increase with 10% , followed by Carinthia with 8% .

“Urban areas are usually below the national average when it comes to collection. Thanks to standardization, cities are now catching up significantly ,” explains Thomas Glatz , Managing Director of Interzero Austria.

New EU directives as the next step

In the future, the collection and recycling of packaging will also be promoted by the new EU directive Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) . The regulation aims to make packaging more sustainable and recyclable by 2030. With the Made4Circle service, Interzero supports companies in the implementation of recyclable packaging.

Read more about the collection increase in Austria here: Carinthians collected more in the yellow bag – kaernten.ORF.at

You can find more detailed information in our press release: Yellow bag: 4% collection increase

Recycling plays a central role in conserving resources and protecting the climate. Every year, Interzero conducts a comprehensive life cycle assessment together with the Fraunhofer Institute for Environmental, Safety and Energy Technology UMSICHT . This clearly shows how recycling reduces the consumption of raw materials and greenhouse gas emissions. In this way, we are making an important contribution to promoting the circular economy and achieving global climate goals . “resources SAVED by recycling” serves as the key to resource and climate protection. In 2023, Interzero saved more than 11.1 million tons of primary raw materials by recycling around 2.5 million tons of recyclable materials in Germany, Austria, Poland, Italy and Slovenia . This amount corresponds to the raw materials that around 28.6 million EU citizens consume in one year through their textile consumption. In addition, these measures avoided around 1.2 million tons of greenhouse gas emissions . This corresponds to the annual CO2 emissions that 4.5 million EU citizens would cause through textile consumption. Our partnership with the renowned Fraunhofer UMSICHT makes it possible to underpin the ecological benefits of recycling with valid data. These figures prove that recycling not only conserves resources, but also represents significant added value for climate protection . The results of the study help to further advance the transformation to a circular economy and support companies in achieving their sustainability goals.

Would you like to know more about the results of the “resources SAVED by recycling” study?

Similar article on this topic: Interzero publishes study resources SAVED by recycling 2023