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The standardization of lightweight packaging collection has ensured a steady increase in the amount of lightweight and metal packaging collected in Austria since its introduction. After a nationwide collection increase of 6% in the previous year, the circular economy service provider Interzero recorded an increase of around 4% in the first half of 2024. The largest increase was in Vienna with 10%, followed by Carinthia with 8%.

Vienna, October 28, 2024. Since the beginning of 2023, in addition to plastic bottles and beverage cartons, cups, bowls, foils and other plastic packaging as well as metal packaging have been collected in the yellow bag or yellow bin throughout Austria. Current figures from the circular economy service provider Interzero show an Austria-wide increase of 4% for the first half of 2024 compared to the first half of 2023. The largest increase in Vienna with 10%, followed by Carinthia with 8%.
The largest increase in collections was achieved in Vienna with an increase of 10%. Behind this is Carinthia with an increase of 8%, and the largest increase there was recorded in Klagenfurt with also 10%. ”

In cities in particular, the amount of lightweight and metal packaging collected is slightly below the national average, even if they have been catching up since the standardization of collection. But that explains why Vienna and Klagenfurt are at the forefront of the current growth rates.” , says Thomas Glatz, Managing Director at Interzero Austria. Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) as the next milestone
In the future, the recycling of packaging will also be driven forward by the European Union’s new Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR). This aims to improve the sustainability of packaging, reduce packaging waste and harmonize regulations in the member states. “The PPWR is an important milestone in significantly reducing the proportion of packaging that is thermally recycled. For companies, it means that by 2030 all packaging must be either reusable or recyclable. With our ‘Made4Circle’ service, we support companies in the development of recyclable packaging and cover the entire process – from analysis to implementation,” explains Thomas Glatz.

At our international management meeting, which took place this year in picturesque Bled, Slovenia, we had every reason to celebrate: The Interzero Leadership Award 2024 was presented and six of our Austrian colleagues received nominations for their outstanding work. The award was given in three categories:

• Getting the right things done
• Leadership
• Values first

Our nominees are among the quiet heroes of everyday life who lead with passion and commitment and make a significant contribution to Interzero’s success. We are proud that the following colleagues from Austria have been nominated for their extraordinary achievements:

• Vivienne Kovacs (Country Digital Manager) and Alberto Aglietti (Business Controller) in the “Getting the right things done” category
• Julian Hafner (Head of Recycling WEEE & BAT) in the category “Leadership”
• Anna Stifter (Finance Director), Nathalie Kirchner (Strategy & Organization) and Thomas Glatz (Managing Director) in the category “Values first”

These nominations are an expression of appreciation for the tireless commitment and excellent work of our team. Their achievements go far beyond the everyday and are an important sign of the trust that our customers can place in us. In addition to our nominees, we would also like to congratulate the international winners who won the Interzero Leadership Award 2024 in their categories:

• Piotr Kiryluk (Finance Director Interzero Poland) in the category “Getting the right things done”
• Agata Ryś (Board Member Interzero Poland) in the category “Leadership”
• Sergio Patacchini (Senior Sales Manager Interzero Italy) in the category “Values first”

Their success shows that top performance and dedication pay off. Together, we come one step closer to our goal of a world without waste every day.

Congratulations to all nominees and winners! Your work is not only proof of your exceptional skills, but also a motivation for the entire team. We are proud to have you in our company and thank you for your daily commitment.

On October 10, 2024, the Austrian Packaging Day took place at FH Campus Wien, focusing on the future of the packaging industry under the motto “Sustainable, Circular and Safe Packaging: Global Trends and Local Implementation” . The event brought together representatives from all areas of the industry – from manufacturing companies, from the packaging development sector, to suppliers and research institutions. Interzero was represented with a groundbreaking contribution that underlined our role as an innovation leader in the field of plastics recycling. A highlight was the lecture by Dr.

. Manica Ulcnik-Krump, Geschäftsführerin von Interzero Plastics Innovations, in which it presented “New developments in HDPE recycling” . HDPE stands for high-density polyethylene , a plastic that is often used in products such as plastic bottles. With the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) adopted in November 2023, companies now face the challenge of incorporating a certain percentage of recycled plastic, so-called post-consumer recyclate (PCR) , into their packaging. However, the use of PCR materials is proving challenging as their complex properties often obscure performance compared to virgin materials. Interzero has responded to these challenges by developing a patented mechanical recycling process that incorporates chemical modifications to improve material properties and ensure higher quality. The process, which specifically focuses on blow molded products made from 100% recycled material from lightweight packaging (LVP) , sets a new standard. Until now, HDPE recycling was only suitable for simple applications such as extrusion. Now, however, thanks to a chemically controlled rheology modification, the material can be modified to have the same flow properties as new plastic. This opens up new possibilities for applications such as blow molding, which is crucial in the production of plastic bottles. A major advantage of this process is that it no longer requires the addition of new plastic, so-called primary plastic. This not only saves resources such as petroleum , but also significantly reduces _CO2 emissions _. In addition, avoiding energy-intensive sorting processes ensures additional CO2 savings. The process is continuously developed and perfected at the Interzero Competence Center for Plastics Recycling in Maribor. In addition to reducing _CO2 emissions, this innovative recycling process offers the packaging industry an economically viable way to source high-quality raw materials from recycled plastic without compromising on material quality. These sustainable solutions help meet the European Union’s ambitious climate targets and the PPWR requirements.

More on the topic of HDPE for bottle production and innovative developments?

Read more about this topic in our article: HDPE for bottle production made from 100% LVP for the first time – Interzero receives patent for more sustainable process for plastic recycling – Interzero – Your strong environmental service provider

Our brochure gives you a comprehensive insight into the research and services of Interzero’s own competence center.

+++ Study by Fraunhofer UMSICHT proves positive environmental effects of recycling
+++ Interzero will save around 1.2 million tonnes of greenhouse gases and 11.1 million tonnes of primary resources in 2023
+++ Europe’s leading circular economy service provider is driving textile recycling forward: Enormous potential for climate and resource protection

Vienna, October 8, 2024. More recycling, less wasted resources: The recycling of raw materials is an effective lever to counteract the exploitation of our planet and prevent a further escalation of the climate crisis. The study “resources SAVED by recycling” published today proves this with clear facts: In 2023, Europe’s leading circular economy service provider Interzero avoided a total of 1.2 million tons of greenhouse gas emissions by recycling around 2.5 million tons of recyclable materials. This corresponds to the annual _CO2 emissions caused by 4.5 million EU citizens through their textile consumption alone. At the same time, Interzero and its customers were able to save over 11.1 million tons of primary resources . This amount is comparable to the raw material consumption caused by around 28.6 million people in the EU in one year through their textile consumption.* “ Looking at textiles as a recyclable material, it becomes clear what enormous ecological potential there is in recycling – and why it is urgently necessary to drive forward the circular transformation of the economy at all levels ,” says Dr. Axel Schweitzer, Chairman and shareholder of Interzero. “ This is particularly true for recyclable materials that are not yet consistently recycled today .” Unlike packaging recycling, for example, textile recycling is still in its infancy: around 92 million tonnes of textiles are thrown away every year worldwide. So far, however, only one percent of the huge material flow goes into fibre-to-fibre recycling and thus back into the production cycle. “ Together with the industry, we want to close the textile cycle and use our experience as an established system service provider to develop a holistic concept for take-back, sorting and recycling,” says Dr. Axel Schweitzer . “ In this way, we are easing the burden on the environment and supporting companies in becoming circular, i.e. future-proof and competitive .” Time is of the essence, as new EU regulations such as the separate collection requirement from 2025 or the planned producer responsibility for textiles (EPR), as well as the Austrian federal government’s circular economy strategy , are increasing the pressure to act .

“With our comprehensive services, we already enable companies to keep a wide variety of recyclable materials in the cycle and thus meet the requirements of regulations – such as the PPWR. In the future, we will also make this possible for textiles “, says Thomas Glatz , Managing Director at Interzero in Austria . Inform, educate and provide solid arguments for the circular transformation of the economy : With this goal in mind, Interzero has been having the environmental impacts of recycling independently scientifically reviewed for over 15 years. The annual life cycle assessment by the Institute for Environmental, Safety and Energy Technology Fraunhofer UMSICHT demonstrates the sustainable impact of Interzero’s work – and supports the circular economy service provider’s customers in transparent sustainability communication. For its holistic commitment, Interzero was awarded the German Sustainability Award 2024 in the “Waste Disposal and Recycling Industry” category and also the special prize in the resources transformation field.

*The conversion examples are based on figures from the European Parliament.

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Thanks and Outlook

Special thanks go to our entire team and all the dedicated volunteers who are helping out everywhere. Even small steps take us further, and we remain motivated to take responsibility – for nature and future generations. Quote from Mag. Thomas Glatz , Managing Director of Interzero Austria: “World Cleanup Day is an important part of our mission to continuously postpone Earth Overshoot Day. Especially after the severe storms of the last few days, our commitment to a clean environment is more important than ever. Together we can achieve a lot – every small contribution counts.”

Read more at: Interzero Plastics Innovations celebrates move into new laboratory and office space

Did you know that we make rubber boots from production waste from car windows?

Interzero’s “Glass Loop Project” shows how circular economy works in practice. Instead of simply disposing of the leftovers from the production of car windows, we recover PVB film residues and recycle them into granulate . This granulate then serves as the starting material for the production of rubber boots – a perfect example of how we convert waste into valuable resources and thus close the loop. This project is part of our comprehensive Integrated Environmental Solutions (IES) approach. With IES, Interzero offers companies tailor-made solutions to minimize their waste streams, use resources more efficiently and at the same time achieve economic benefits. Through the innovative use of recycling technologies, we support companies not only in reducing waste but also in tapping into new value creation potential .

More than just waste management

Interzero’s IES goes far beyond traditional approaches to waste management. It is a holistic concept that helps companies achieve their sustainability goals while increasing operational efficiency. The transformation of production waste into recyclable materials – as in the “Glass Loop Project” – illustrates how waste can not only be avoided, but can also be turned into an economic advantage .

Future-oriented solutions for sustainable success

Consumer preferences are changing and sustainability is increasingly becoming a key factor in purchasing decisions. Companies that focus on circular economy and sustainable business models not only secure environmental benefits but also a clear competitive advantage .

Sustainability with measurable added value

Interzero’s approach to the circular economy shows that environmental protection and economic success can go hand in hand. With projects like the Glass Loop, we create innovative solutions that not only protect the environment but also bring economic benefits – be it by reducing costs or opening up new sources of income through the recycling of waste. Watch our video to learn how the “Glass Loop Project” works and how IES can help your company turn waste into valuable resources. Shape a sustainable future with us!

The challenge of waste management is clear: waste and recyclables not only take up valuable space, but also cause high transport and disposal costs. However, the solution is obvious – with Interzero’s modern machines and presses, you can turn these burdens into advantages. Our balers and compactors are specially designed to reduce the volume of cardboard, plastic and mixed waste by up to 80% . This not only means less space consumption , but also more efficient storage and handling . Whether for large retail chains, industrial companies or small businesses – our machines offer a flexible solution for optimizing waste processes. The advantages are obvious: compacting waste not only drastically reduces transport costs , but also improves your environmental footprint . Fewer trips mean fewer emissions, and at the same time, logistical effort is reduced. In addition, you regain valuable storage space that can be used for other purposes. But Interzero goes one step further: our machines are easy to use and require minimal maintenance. This not only saves time, but also reduces operating costs. Thanks to their durability and efficiency , as well as comprehensive service from a single source, they ensure that your business runs smoothly. A particular advantage of our solutions is the ability to view waste as a valuable resource . In many cases, recyclable materials such as cardboard or plastics can not only be stored more efficiently, but can even be sold profitably. This transforms waste from a cost factor into an additional source of income .

Take the next step towards more sustainable and efficient waste management – contact us today!

Find out more about Interzero’s innovative machines and how they can revolutionize your waste management. Watch our explainer video for a deeper insight and learn how you can save storage space, time and costs. Find out more about our machines in our Selection Guide:

Innovation needs space – not just freedom of thought to be able to think of new things and ask the right questions, but also in practice. With the new laboratory and office space in Lenart, Slovenia, the Interzero Plastics Innovations competence center is creating optimal conditions to further expand its leading role in the field of circular economy. This step is a significant milestone on the way to realizing the vision of a world without waste. High-ranking guests from politics, business and the press attended the ceremonial opening of the new location. Among them were the Chairman and shareholder of Interzero, Dr. Axel Schweitzer , the President of the Republic of Slovenia, Dr. Nataša Pirc Musar , and the German Ambassador Sylvia Groneick , both of whom emphasized the importance of Interzero’s innovation work for a sustainable future. “We must really internalize the sustainable use of goods and packaging, in other words, move from a linear to a circular economy,” said Dr. Axel Schweitzer in his opening speech. “In order to be able to keep more materials in circulation, the recyclability of packaging must be considered from the outset. We need innovative solutions for the materials and products that are not yet circular today.” Dr. Nataša Pirc Musar, President of the Republic of Slovenia and keynote speaker at the event, also emphasized in her speech the inevitability of the switch to circular and sustainable use of plastics as well as efficient reuse and recycling. “In order to achieve truly significant results, the problem must be addressed holistically across the entire life cycle of plastic products and materials and across national borders.” To this end, she will continue to count on the knowledge and innovative solutions of the competence center, the President continued. The services of the internationally accredited laboratory are specifically geared to the needs of the economy. In addition to research and development, the focus of the laboratory is on developing solutions that help companies manufacture new products from high-quality recyclates . The competence center’s activities also include advice on cost and energy optimization in production and on processing plastics from various raw material sources . “Through evaluation and analysis, we supply our customers with high-quality recycled plastics tailored to their needs that have comparable or even better technical properties than primary raw materials and thus represent a sustainable alternative,” says Dr. Manica Ulčnik-Krump, head of the facility. The possible applications for these materials are extremely diverse – from household, sports and leisure products to packaging and designer furniture. With the opening of the new premises, Interzero is once again underlining its claim to drive the transition to a circular economy through pioneering technologies and sustainable solutions .

On August 1, all of the earth’s natural resources available to humans for the year 2024 will be used up – according to calculations by the Global Footprint Network (GFN). Without Interzero’s recycling activities and innovative circular solutions, this critical point would have been exceeded even earlier: GFN’s survey shows that Interzero, together with its approximately 50,000 customers , has managed to postpone the Earth Overshoot by 7:12 minutes . The circular economy service provider is thus once again demonstrating the positive influence of its service portfolio.

“Together with our customers, we want to generate real impact. With the vision of a world without waste , in which the available resources are used sustainably and responsibly, firmly in sight, we are always looking for new ways to push back Earth Overshoot Day. With measurable success “, says Dr. Axel Schweitzer, Chairman and shareholder of Interzero . In order to postpone Earth Overshoot Day further, it is necessary for both companies and consumers to take responsibility for the sustainable handling of goods and packaging along the entire value chain. Starting with product design – in terms of durability, repairability and recyclability – through to reuse and recycling.

“Under the motto “Move the Date”, we have succeeded in delaying Earth Overshoot Day 2024 by 7:12 minutes through consistent action together with our customers. This motivates us to continue to keep recyclable materials of all kinds in circulation through innovative environmental solutions.” , says Thomas Glatz, Managing Director at Interzero Austria . ” Thanks to the latest sorting technologies, we are able to achieve even higher recycling rates in order to further conserve the already limited primary resources .” Interzero works together with its customers to conserve natural resources. For example, the outdoor brand VAUDÉ was able to use Interzero’s expertise to develop the first bicycle bag made entirely from recycled plastic packaging waste. Interzero’s packaging experts are working with ALDI on the continuous optimization of its own-brand packaging , and the energy supplier EnBW is also relying on the know-how of our colleagues in Germany when it comes to IT refurbishment. Read more at: Earth Overshoot Day delayed by 7 minutes: Interzero’s circular solutions are having an impact