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Vienna. 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 .

Sustainable handling of goods and packaging required

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 reuse and recycling. ” Under the motto ‘Move the Date’, we have succeeded in delaying Earth Overshoot Day by 7:12 minutes through consistent action together with our customers, which motivates us to continue to keep recyclable materials of all kinds in the cycle 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,” Glatz continues.

Best practice examples from the business world show effective solutions

Interzero works together with its customers to protect natural resources. The outdoor brand VAUDE has developed the first bike bag made entirely from recycled plastic packaging waste. The recycled plastic used comes from Interzero. Interzero’s packaging experts are working with ALDI on the continuous optimization of its own-brand packaging, and the energy supplier EnBW relies on the circular economy service provider’s expertise when it comes to IT refurbishment. For calculation:

For the calculations, the Global Footprint Network uses a resource accounting system: the “ecological footprint”. Using this indicator, the non-profit organization compares the current needs of the world population (or countries) with the earth’s ability to renew the natural resources it uses. Valid basic data for Interzero’s contribution to the relief effort is provided, among other things, by the study “resources SAVED by Recycling” by the Fraunhofer Institute for Environmental, Safety and Energy Technology UMSICHT. On behalf of Interzero, the scientists determine annually how many greenhouse gases and resources are saved by recycling recyclable materials.

Thomas Glatz is expanding the management team of the recycling service provider Interzero. The sales expert with many years of experience in various trading companies has been managing Interzero’s business in Austria since March as Managing Director in close coordination with CEO Martin Ulke.

Vienna, July 2, 2024 – Sales expert Thomas Glatz (44) has been expanding the management team of the recycling service provider Interzero as Managing Director since March. With his many years of experience in numerous management positions, Thomas Glatz brings extensive expertise in sales, marketing and strategic corporate management. In addition, his work in various trading companies has given him a deep understanding of the requirements of the market. Most recently, Glatz was Head of Brand/Private Label Sales at the beverage manufacturer and bottler Starzinger since 2020, where he was responsible for the successful implementation of new sales structures and channels as well as product management and innovation. Before that, he held senior sales positions at Alufix, Testrut, Erba and Lidl .

Development of market-oriented solutions for requirements by PPWR and CSRD
Thomas Glatz has already successfully completed the first 100 days in his new position. With his expertise, he is helping to further develop Interzero’s Integrated Environmental Solutions (IES). These are tailor-made environmental solutions to prepare companies for the challenges, especially in the area of upcoming EU regulations and a practical circular economy.

“PPWR and CSRD mean companies are facing stricter regulations that require new approaches in the areas of packaging optimization and ESG reporting. With Made4Circle and our Environmental Sustainability Dashboard (ESD), we offer innovative solutions that meet the individual requirements of our customers.” , says Thomas Glatz. “With Thomas Glatz, we have gained a proven expert who, thanks to his insights into the industry – including potential Interzero customers – will further strengthen our position as an innovation driver for the circular economy,” says Martin Ulke, Managing Director of Interzero Circular Solutions Europe .

Photo copyright: Richard Tanzer

The final EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), to be adopted in 2024 and to enter into force in 2025, aims to minimise the environmental impact of packaging . It will focus on promoting recyclability and sustainability and introducing Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR). This could result in significant changes to the requirements for producers across the European market .

New obligations for manufacturers

(Expected obligations according to the current version of the Directive)

Extended producer responsibility can oblige manufacturers and distributors of packaging to bear the costs for the entire life cycle of their packaging. They are therefore also responsible for taking back and recycling. This includes:

• design and production of recyclable packaging
• collection and transport to recycling and disposal facilities
• sorting and (re)use
• Disposal of non-recyclable packaging

In addition, companies must register with the relevant national authorities and report the quantities of packaging placed on the market.

Directive possible from 2025, obligation starts 18 months

The PPWR is due to come into force in 2025 and may lead to the mandatory appointment of an authorised representative in each EU member state. Every company that exports to different EU countries and does not have its own headquarters in the respective country would then have to appoint a local authorised representative . This representative would assume the company’s obligations, including registration and reporting obligations to the national authorities. This regulation is currently still being discussed.

National Authorized Representatives throughout the EU

While the authorised representative model is already known in Austria and Spain, this obligation is expected to apply in all EU countries once the PPWR comes into force. Any company that sells goods to certain EU countries and is not based in the respective country needs a local authorised representative.

International challenges and support from Interzero

Internationally operating companies face major organizational and financial challenges, as there are obligations and requirements in every country that must be fulfilled. This is where Interzero comes in:

By redistributing responsibilities, companies should be more conscious of their packaging design. The aim is to extend the shelf life of packaging . Many companies cannot allocate the resources internally to improve sustainable packaging design or seek support from external expertise. With the modular “Made4Circle” solution, Interzero offers companies of all sizes support in the development of sustainable and recyclable packaging.

Our digital portals and solutions make it easier to comply with EPR obligations and reduce administrative burden.

Act now

With the right preparation and support from experienced partners such as Interzero, a Europe-wide environmental service provider, all of these challenges can be mastered. Companies should therefore address the issue in a timely manner, as the implementation is extensive.

Contact us: For compliance with Austrian laws, trust Interzero Austria.

The summer months offer an excellent opportunity to reclaim valuable space in offices and archives. Together with our long-standing partner in document destruction, we can now also offer you efficient and secure archiving of files and documents .

Why professional document archiving?

File archiving is a sensitive topic that requires many regulations and security measures . It is essential that sensitive data does not fall into the wrong hands. With our support, you can ensure that all requirements are met and data is disposed of in accordance with the law . Especially in times when data protection is becoming increasingly important, it is advisable to rely on the expertise of professionals . We offer you a comprehensive service package at moderate prices that also guarantees the highest security standards .

Your advantages:

• Reclaim valuable space : Many offices use valuable space for storing files and documents. By outsourcing these tasks, companies can reclaim valuable office space and use it more wisely.
• Concentrate on your core business : Outsourcing file archiving relieves your employees so that they can concentrate fully on the core tasks of your company. With our comprehensive service, you benefit from the latest technology and the highest quality in file archiving.
• Take advantage of cost benefits : Our services not only offer the highest safety standards, but also attractive cost benefits. In addition to the standard services, you can save even more with current promotions, such as the volume discount for four containers or more per collection.
• Comprehensive overview : Thanks to a digital table of contents and modern archiving systems, you always have an overview of the quantity, deadlines and status of your documents. You can access this information at any time, which ensures efficient management and quick availability.
• Professional support : We support the outsourcing process of your documents and are available as professional partners at every point in the process chain. Our many years of experience with companies of different sizes and industries guarantee that we know and meet all the requirements for a professional and efficient document archiving system.
• State-of-the-art technology and maximum security : As specialists in document archiving and destruction, we are committed to meeting the highest standards of data security. By using state-of-the-art technology and a dense logistics network, rapid availability and access to your documents is always guaranteed.

In a world that is increasingly characterized by sustainability and resource efficiency, the topic of recyclable material trading occupies a central place. But what exactly is behind the term recyclable material trading?

Trading in recyclable materials means trading in recyclable materials such as paper, plastics, metals and glass. These materials are partly recovered from waste, processed and returned to the cycle. By trading in these recyclable materials, companies can not only reduce their costs, but also actively contribute to environmental protection.

Interzero has made it its mission to make the recycling cycle as efficient and sustainable as possible. Through trading in recyclable materials, Interzero makes a significant contribution to reducing greenhouse gas emissions . Every kilogram of recycled material does not have to be obtained from primary raw materials (e.g. crude oil), which reduces resource consumption and emissions and thus contributes directly to climate protection.

By recycling and trading in recyclable materials, companies can not only actively contribute to climate protection, but also reduce their disposal costs and at the same time generate income through the sale of separately collected recyclable materials . Interzero supports the creation of a waste and logistics concept and offers fair prices for the trading of recyclable materials.

But the purchase of recyclable materials from companies is not the only key factor for Interzero. Supplying customers with secondary raw materials, such as plastic regranulate made from PE or PP, which is processed in our own plant, is also an important area of activity for Interzero. With its many years of experience and broad network, Interzero’s recyclable materials trading stands for rapid processing and reliability. This is particularly important for our industrial customers, who depend on a reliable supply of secondary raw materials.

In 2023, Interzero traded and recycled around 24,000 tons of recyclable materials – more than three times the weight of the Eiffel Tower’s steel structure.

Would you also like to benefit from recyclable material trading?

Get in touch directly with our trading experts and let us work together to make the future more sustainable – for a world without waste.
Contact us now!

The sustainability agenda is playing an increasingly important role in today’s business world, especially in Austria, where companies are increasingly implementing sustainable practices. Non-financial reporting, through the EU-mandated Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), is a key tool for companies to transparently present their environmental and social responsibilities. This affects areas such as environmental impact, social sustainability and corporate governance. ESG reporting brings challenges. Our upcoming webinar “How the Environmental Sustainability Dashboard supports your sustainability goals and CSRD requirements” will focus on the practical implementation and its comprehensive impact on the European business environment. It will also introduce the Environmental Sustainability Dashboard developed by Interzero, an innovative solution for optimizing environmental KPIs. The dashboard enables companies to efficiently monitor and manage their environmental impact. It offers user-friendly analysis tools that provide real-time data on water and energy consumption, waste management and many other environmental aspects. Through this data, companies can not only ensure their compliance with the CSRD, but also make strategic decisions that advance their sustainability goals.

Everything you need to know about the CSRD guidelines and sustainable reporting!

Who should attend? People who need information on the following topics:

• general information about the CSRD guidelines
• effective fulfillment of CSRD requirements
• Differences between CSRD and ESRS
• optimization of environmental strategies
• suitable solutions for your company

Then our webinar is just right for you! Participation is free. Secure your place today to learn from our experts how you can optimize your environmental strategies!

agenda

10:00 am Welcome and introduction, Sabine Kitz-Augenhammer

10:05 a.m. Sustainability in companies: The role of the CSRD and the ESRS for sustainable business, Mariella Julia Franz 10:50 a.m. The ESD solution: Insights into our consulting services, Bennet Sumerauer approx. 11:05 a.m. Interactive question and answer session

The new EU Ecodesign Regulation will bring about significant changes in product design. The aim is to make sustainable products the norm, which reduces the burden on the environment and benefits consumers. In 2022, the European Commission presented a proposal for a new Ecodesign Regulation that goes beyond the previous Ecodesign Directive. While the latter focused primarily on the energy efficiency of electrical appliances, the new regulation aims to make almost all products recyclable and reduce environmental and climate impacts. On December 5, 2023, the European Parliament and the Council reached an agreement. The new Ecodesign Regulation replaces that of 2005 and also takes into account criteria such as durability, reuse, repairability, recyclability and energy and resource efficiency. The only exceptions are food and feed, medical devices, plant and animal products, vehicles and national security products. The regulations for the product groups are gradually being established by delegated acts. The work program for these acts will be published in the first nine months after the regulation comes into force and updated regularly. Prioritized product groups include iron & steel, aluminum (clothing & shoes), furniture (including mattresses), tires, detergents, lubricants, chemicals, data processing products and electronics . According to the current text, the first delegated acts may not be adopted until twelve months after the regulation comes into force. A ban on the destruction of unsold clothing and shoes will take effect two years after it comes into force. SMEs will be given longer transition periods, micro-entrepreneurs are exempt. The Commission can extend the ban to other product groups. The Ecodesign Regulation also intervenes in public procurement in order to lead to green procurement through implementing acts on technical specifications, award criteria, conditions for contract execution or targets. However, this must not result in disproportionate costs. A digital product passport will become mandatory. In addition to general product information, it will also contain disposal instructions to ensure that all actors along the value chain have relevant information on ecological sustainability.

The benefits of the new EU Ecodesign Regulation for manufacturers, consumers and the environment summarized

Sustainability and environmental friendliness:

• Reduction of environmental impact: Less resource consumption and better recyclability reduce environmental impact and the carbon footprint.
• Circular economy: Products are designed to be recycled and reused, reducing waste and conserving resources.

Cost savings:

• Longer durability and repairability : Consumers save money in the long term through longer-lasting and repairable products.
• Energy and resource efficiency : More efficient products reduce operating costs, especially in terms of energy consumption and maintenance.

Product quality and reliability:

• Higher quality standards : Stricter quality and durability requirements increase reliability and customer satisfaction.

Transparency and consumer information:

• Digital Product Passport : Contains important information about products such as environmental sustainability, disposal instructions and repair options, making it easier to make informed purchasing decisions.
• Sustainability information : Easily accessible information on environmental sustainability strengthens trust in brands and products.

Regulatory compliance and future security:

• Regulatory Compliance : Compliance with the latest requirements minimizes legal risks and improves brand image.
• Ban on the destruction of goods : The ban on the destruction of unsold clothing and shoes promotes more responsible and sustainable product use.

Public procurement:

• Green procurement requirements : Integrating sustainability criteria into public procurement increases the demand for environmentally sustainable products and creates business opportunities for environmentally friendly companies.

We support you

We at Interzero are your competent contact for sustainability . Our vision: a future without waste. To achieve this, we offer resource-saving solutions and close cycles – from analyzing your packaging with ” Made for Recycling ” to optimization with ” Made4Circle “. Use our know-how to implement the Ecodesign Regulation and benefit in your line of business.

Contact us to make a positive contribution to the environment together. Contact us now!

From May 13th to 17th, Interzero took part in IFAT in Munich, the leading global trade fair for the water, sewage, waste and raw materials industry. This event marked a significant milestone for our company – it was the first major joint appearance of our various business areas under the unified banner of Interzero. During these five days, our trade fair visitors had the opportunity to get to know the broad international offering as well as the thematic highlights and innovations of Interzero. WIN-WIN: Our main theme at IFAT
Our trade fair motto “WIN-WIN” could not have been more apt. The recycling of raw materials not only makes a decisive contribution to conserving resources, but also opens up new, sustainable paths economically and socially. Thematic highlights included the material account, textile recycling, packaging licensing and chemical recycling. Our contribution in the area of plastic recycling, intelligent recording systems and high-tech sorting systems was particularly impressive. With more than 800,000 tons of sorted lightweight packaging (LVP) and recyclable material mixtures per year, we have the largest sorting capacities in Europe! Comment from Thomas Glatz, Managing Director: ”

It was a great pleasure for us in the Austrian team to be part of the fantastic Interzero stand at the IFAT in Munich and to demonstrate the internationality of our company together with our colleagues from Germany, Italy, Croatia and others. WIN-WIN was our main theme and we put this clearly in the spotlight with our innovative services and offers relating to the circular economy and sustainability , thereby underlining our innovative strength! In the spirit of a world without waste. “

Always up to date: #WIN-WIN – our sustainability magazine, brand new from IFAT
With our magazine, sustainability is finally getting the stage it deserves. We see the future in it – we shape the future with it. It makes the world a little better every day. In #WIN-WIN we provide deep insights into the latest developments and success stories in the industry. The magazine contains exciting joint projects with our partners and reference customers and paints a comprehensive picture of progress in the field of sustainability. We report on possibilities for transformation through smart solutions and recycling/re-use as elementary components of a contemporary corporate identity. A special highlight is the interview with Britta von Selchow, our expert for economic and scalable cycles, and Sabine Braun from Accenture, one of the most experienced sustainability consultants in Germany. This conversation is more than an interview – it is a conversation about the future. Her conclusion: ”

Relieve the burden on the planet? It is best achieved together. Openness and the ability to collaborate are important core competencies of our future .” You can read the entire conversation and all the exciting topics from Interzero in our sustainability magazine #WIN-WIN. It is available exclusively for download here so that you too are up to date. Enjoy reading!

Waste disposal presents many industrial companies with complex challenges. Every year, around 70 million tons of waste are generated in Austria – a large part of which is packaging for industry. But this is not just waste, but valuable raw materials that can – and even must – be recycled.

Waste must be disposed of properly so that valuable materials can be created for recycling

Current laws such as the new Austrian Packaging Ordinance, which has been in force since January 1, 2023, and the planned European Packaging Ordinance PPWR (Packaging, Packaging Waste Regulation) set the pace here: In order to increase recycling rates in Austria and achieve a climate-neutral circular economy by 2050, waste must be recycled for as long as possible. But only if waste is disposed of correctly can it be turned into valuable materials for recycling . In practice, this means that waste materials must be sorted and compacted at the same place where they are generated. Packaging is usually still shredded by hand, collection points are overflowing, and frequent collection transports cause high CO2 emissions and disposal costs.

Profitable waste recycling: 80% of managers want more efficient processes

In order to make waste management efficient, we at Interzero develop tailor-made complete solutions – from the recycling concept to the handling of disposal and profitable waste recycling . “

Through innovative disposal solutions, companies can convert waste into valuable materials and at the same time save costs, time and CO2 emissions. They can also generate additional income from their waste streams. Proper disposal is the key to this. “, explains Martin Ulke, Managing Director of Interzero Circular Solutions Europe .

Up to 90% less volume: High-tech solutions save transport and disposal costs

Here we rely on the powerful high-tech machines from ORWAK and Avermann and distribute them as an official trading partner in Austria. With these waste compaction and baling systems, large quantities of packaging and waste materials can be sorted and pressed into bales at the push of a button. This means that the amount of waste can be reduced to up to 10% of its original volume. After pressing, the material can be picked up directly by Interzero, recycled and made available to industry for reuse.

The main advantages for you:

1. More profit : Fewer pickups and transports save costs. Higher recycling revenues can be achieved with industrial bales.
2. Increased productivity : Efficient recycling increases operational efficiency.
3. More order & safety : Reduces health and safety risks.
4. More space : Compact bales require less storage space.
5. More recycling : Highly compressed waste is given priority for recycling.
6. More environmental and climate protection : Longer collection intervals ensure lower CO2 emissions.

More information

Discover profitable recycling with our high-tech solutions. Our new Selection Guide offers the best overview of our wide range of machines. Available exclusively for download here. Our specialists will also be happy to advise you personally.