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The trilogue negotiations, moderated by the European Commission, have been running since the beginning of this year. There have already been a large number of technical meetings at working level. The Belgian EU Council Presidency has worked until recently to find a compromise that is acceptable to all. To achieve this, Belgium has made further changes and clarifications to the text of the political agreement reached on March 4th. These are aimed in particular at reaching a compromise on the regulations regarding the recyclates that count towards the minimum recycled material usage quotas . Recyclates from other EU countries may now also be used if they meet the European quality and sustainability requirements for recycled materials. The Commission proposal provides for the mandatory use of recycled materials (Article 7 on the use of recycled plastics) from consumer waste in every plastic packaging unit from 2030. Here is the table with the preliminary agreement on the minimum recycled material usage levels:

Recyclable packaging (Article 6)

From January 1, 2030, all packaging should be designed to be recyclable, and from 2035, it should also be collected, sorted and recycled using established procedures to a specified minimum extent. In addition, the packaging is divided into 3 recycling classes AC , with A representing a recyclability of more than 95% and class C representing a recyclability of less than or equal to 70%. If packaging falls below this value of 70% from 2030, it may no longer be placed on the European market. (However, there will be transition periods and exceptions)
In addition to this classification , the license fee to be paid (EPR fee) will be dependent on the recyclability of the packaging placed on the market. This is also known as eco-modulation.

Compostable packaging (Article 8)

According to the Commission’s proposal, fruit and vegetable labels and coffee and tea filters and pads must be industrially compostable within two years of coming into force because it is difficult to separate the packaging from the actual organic waste and there is therefore a not insignificant risk that the packaging will also be disposed of in the organic waste. The Council and Parliament agree with this. The European Parliament also wants to introduce the possibility of home composting of this packaging. The Commission and Parliament also envisage the industrial compostability of very light plastic carrier bags after two or three years, although the Council wants to leave this decision to the Member States. The decision as to whether or not compostable packaging should be subject to separate collection as organic waste is to be made by the Member States themselves in accordance with Article 22(1) of the Waste Framework Directive. There is also already agreement that all packaging other than those mentioned (including biodegradable or compostable packaging) must be recycling-ready three years after the Packaging Ordinance comes into force, without affecting the recyclability of other waste streams.

labelling of packaging (Article 11)

The agreement stipulates that three years after the entry into force of the regulation, packaging placed on the market must be provided with a label containing information on the material composition . This will make it easier for consumers to collect separately. The label must be based on pictograms and be easy to understand. Transport packaging is exempt, except for electronic packaging . In addition to the label, a QR code or other digital data carrier can be attached to the packaging. One and a half years after the PPWR comes into force, the Commission will adopt implementing acts laying down a harmonised label and specifications for the labelling requirements and formats.
The trilogue negotiations between the EU Council, the EU Parliament and the EU Commission have been concluded . The next steps are the vote in the plenary session of the Parliament. This will then be decided in the Environment Council before it is published in the EU Official Journal. This is to be applied after a 10-month implementation period . Do you have any questions about the new PPWR Regulation or do you need support with implementation? Our sustainability experts are happy to help you. Contact us now for detailed advice!

Waste disposal presents many industrial companies with complex challenges. According to a recent study, 80% of the companies surveyed want efficient solutions, and 66% want to outsource the necessary work processes entirely. The environmental service provider Interzero offers innovative disposal concepts and high-tech solutions that not only enable the complete recycling of all types of recyclable materials, but also save costs.

Vienna, April 15, 2024 – Around 70 million tons of waste are generated in Austria every year – 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. Current laws such as the new Austrian Packaging Ordinance, which has been in force since January 1, 2023, and the planned EU Packaging Ordinance 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 used to produce valuable materials for recycling. Companies are therefore legally obliged to dispose of it properly. In practice, this means that waste materials must be sorted and compacted at the same place where they are generated in order to be able to be recycled. However, this presents numerous challenges for many industrial companies: 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, Interzero, as an innovation driver for the circular economy, develops tailor-made complete solutions – from recycling concepts to handling disposal and profitable waste recycling. As a recent study ¹ shows, the demand for such solutions is high: around 80% of the managers surveyed in Europe would like to focus on more efficient processes, measures to reduce waste and circular solutions. Around 40% would like to use external consulting services to develop such solutions. Two thirds (66%) would also like to be able to outsource work processes entirely.

“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 be-all and end-all. As a full-service provider, we support you in all process steps and thus enable efficient and profitable waste management “, explains Martin Ulke, Managing Director of Interzero Circular Solutions Europe.

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

In order to recycle waste as a valuable material, it must first be sorted and shredded. Interzero has been using the high-performance high-tech machines from the two world-leading suppliers ORWAK and Avermann for many years and is one of the few official trading partners to sell them in Austria. With these waste compaction and baling systems, large quantities of packaging and waste materials – such as cardboard, film, PET bottles, cans or even residual waste – can be sorted directly at the source at the push of a button and pressed into bales with little noise. This means that waste quantities can be reduced to up to 10% of their original volume, saving transport and disposal costs and minimizing environmental impact. After pressing, the material can be picked up directly by Interzero, which buys this material, recycles it and makes it available to industry for reuse.

“The use of waste compaction systems not only saves a lot of space, but also a lot of time. Waste compaction is now carried out without any manual effort and with a significantly reduced risk of injury. Interzero’s waste compaction solutions therefore make a decisive contribution to greater efficiency and effectiveness. They enable sustainable management, improve occupational safety and help comply with environmental guidelines. This reduces disposal costs and improves the ecological footprint. “, says Martin Ulke.

Successful implementation in industry: SWARCO and Sto as model companies

Many industrial companies are faced with the challenge of having to dispose of large quantities of waste efficiently and in a space-saving manner. Due to the high volume of waste, skips quickly become overfilled – frequent collection trips and high disposal costs are the result. This is why many leading industrial companies have been relying on efficient waste compaction solutions from Interzero for years. For example, SWARCO Road Marking Systems – a division of the Austrian traffic technology group SWARCO – and the company STO at the Villach site. Large quantities of plastic packaging such as transport bags (big bags) and films – some of which were previously pressed by employees with the help of a forklift – can now be easily collected and compacted in the shortest possible time using waste presses. This saves costs, time and CO2 emissions. “What used to be a strenuous task for our employees can now be handled efficiently with a container press. This enables us to reduce our waste volumes, which means fewer collection transports and therefore fewer CO2 emissions and disposal costs. Interzero also supports us in meeting all legal obligations regarding waste disposal “, explains Daniel Rumbold, Head of Logistics at Sto Austria. SWARCO Road Marking Systems is already demonstrating at several locations in Austria how waste compaction can not only save costs and CO2, but also generate revenue. By using several baling presses, cardboard, foil and big bags are pressed into bales of different types at the push of a button. The bales are then picked up by a recycling company, which processes the pressed materials and remunerates them accordingly as recyclable materials. “

The collaboration with Interzero has changed the awareness of our employees – many have now realized that with the help of modern solutions, waste can be converted into valuable materials. Through efficient waste compaction, we can not only save costs and CO2, but also generate income from our waste streams. Given the many advantages, we would like to expand the use of the presses to other locations “, explains Martina Dobner, CSR Specialist at SWARCO Road Marking Systems. ¹ The study was conducted in July 2023 on behalf of Interzero by Target Research in Austria, Italy, Slovenia, Croatia, Serbia and Poland. 235 C-level executives in medium and large companies from industry, trade and the food and beverage industry were surveyed. You can find more information about our machines on our website: Machine Trading Platform – Interzero Austria Product Platform

We are pleased to invite you on an inspiring trip into the world of the circular economy. From May 13 to 17, 2024, Interzero will be exhibiting at IFAT 2024 in Munich – the world trade fair for water, sewage, waste and raw materials management. We look forward to presenting our innovative circular solutions and the latest developments in the field of efficient plastic recycling to you in Hall A6 at Stand 450. Discover the circular economy of tomorrow with us
We at Interzero stand for a future-oriented circular economy. As winners of the German Sustainability Award 2024, we will show you how your company can benefit from circular solutions both ecologically and economically. Find out on our event page which specific solutions you can get to know at our stand at IFAT. Get your free GoGreen day ticket now
Register with the keyword IFAT at marketing@interzero.at and receive a voucher code for a free day ticket, which automatically makes a climate protection contribution to offset the travel emissions.

Are you interested in a personal conversation? We are happy to help you!
>> Reply now and secure your appointment!

A turning point in textile recycling is imminent: in 2026, extended producer responsibility will become a reality, a regulation that has already been successfully implemented in other sectors such as packaging, electrical appliances and batteries. This significant change will require producers and retailers in the textile sector to pay a license fee for placing their goods on the market. Interzero is shaping the future of the textile circular economy and is preparing innovative Circular Textile solutions with a view to future regulations. As a proven license partner in various material flows, Interzero recognizes the importance of this development and is actively preparing to take a leading position in the textile circular economy. Although the legal basis is still unclear, we remain proactive: We initiate innovation and establish strategic partnerships with sorting plants and textile recyclers and offer individual take-back systems for companies.

The textile industry is facing major challenges in terms of recycling innovation. Here are some key aspects: Challenges in the recycling process : Fiber-to-fiber recycling requires highly pure materials and specific pre-sorting. Such a sorting infrastructure that can accurately identify materials does not yet exist on an industrial scale. Current state of the industry : Although recycling technologies are being developed and some brands are already pursuing circular approaches, broad industrial application is still lacking. However, European regulations such as the separate collection requirement from 2025 will bring about a decisive change and have a lasting impact on the industry. Our role and vision : Interzero has set itself the ambitious goal of enabling fiber-to-fiber recycling and scaling it across the industry. We not only provide the necessary collection and sorting infrastructure, but also advise brands and producers on their path to extended producer responsibility. Our belief? Through collaboration and innovation, we can establish an effective circular system for textiles that works across industries.

Do you have any questions for us? Actively shape the future of the textile circular economy with Interzero.
>> Contact us now!

On February 18, 2024, an era of new obligations began: The EU Battery Regulation comes into force to comprehensively regulate the requirements of batteries across their entire life cycle – from resource procurement and production to disposal. Efforts are already underway in Austria to implement this regulation, which requires coordination across various ministries. The innovations in the EU Battery Regulation 2024 will set a new standard. In addition to ensuring the efficient functioning of the internal market, the aim of the new EU regulation is to prevent negative environmental impacts of batteries and to protect human health and the environment. All types of batteries are affected by the new regulations.

What is changing?

The regulation brings with it many new requirements , such as carbon footprint and labelling requirements, and sets ambitious targets for collection and recycling. The collection rate for waste portable batteries is to be increased to 63% by 2027 and to 73% by 2030. In addition, the introduction of recycled content for certain types of batteries will influence production and disposal processes.

Why is this important?

• Environmental protection : The regulation aims to reduce the harmful environmental impact of batteries and improve their recyclability.
• Sustainability : Given the growing role of batteries, efficient and sustainable use is crucial for the future.
• Innovation : Promoting progress and competitiveness in battery technology is a core objective of the Regulation.
• Recycling : Improved recycling rates contribute to resource efficiency and promote the circular economy.

Stay informed and always prepared for the new battery regulations.
>> Contact us for more information and support.

We are pleased to announce the expansion of our management team: Mag. Thomas Glatz , renowned expert in the sales sector, is now strengthening our management team. With his impressive career and expertise in sales, marketing and strategic corporate management , Thomas will now head Interzero in Austria in close cooperation with CEO Martin Ulke. Martin Ulke about Thomas Glatz: “With Thomas at our side, we are not only strengthening our sales, but also consolidating our position as a pioneer in the circular economy. His in-depth industry knowledge and understanding of the needs of our potential customers are invaluable to us.” Thomas Glatz shares his motivation: “I am excited to be part of the dynamic team at Interzero Austria. With my experience in production and trade, I would like to help tailor our innovative solutions even more precisely to the requirements of our customers in order to strengthen sales and our sustainability goals.” Together we look forward to a successful future and warmly welcome Thomas Glatz to our team.

Further information can be found in our press release .

Photo copyright: Richard Tanzer

Interzero offers you advanced machines and balers that optimize your recycling processes . Our technologies, such as the powerful Orwak Power 3420, are designed to improve your operations, reduce costs and minimize space requirements. By compacting your waste, you not only reduce the frequency of collection, but also make a significant contribution to protecting the environment. Fewer transports mean fewer CO2 emissions and higher quality recyclable materials supports recycling . Our solutions are characterized by safety and user-friendliness, reduce the risk of accidents and guarantee trouble-free operation thanks to our extensive service network. The auto-start function, self-opening sliding doors and our low-profile design ensure convenience and easy integration into your processes. With Interzero as your partner, you benefit from tailor-made solutions that not only increase your recycling efficiency, but also improve your sustainability performance. Our vision of a world without waste comes closer with every step towards optimized recycling. Discover how Interzero can revolutionize your recycling.

Contact us directly via the contact form!

Would you like to find out more about our balers and machines? On our technical product portal you can find out about our extensive range and receive detailed information about the individual presses. Would you like to speak directly to one of our sales experts? Then arrange a 20-minute Teams call and get an idea of our extensive options and leasing possibilities.

>> machine product portal

>> More information about the Orwak Power 3420

• missionPET and Interzero: A success story for sustainability and innovation
• Discover our new highlight: The Cushion Pack packaging cushioning machine

With the Environmental Sustainability Dashboard (ESD), Interzero offers a new consulting focus. Our team, led by Mariella Julia Franz, a renowned GRI-certified consultant , offers in-depth insights and tailored support in the core areas of sustainability reporting, materiality analysis and strategic development. This specialized expertise is key to meeting CSRD requirements and fine-tuning your environmental performance indicators, giving you a significant competitive advantage. Our team of consultants is complemented by Bennet Sumerauer , whose in-depth experience in packaging technology brings specific insights to the area of ESD. Our experts ensure that your reporting not only complies with the latest standards, but also includes targeted measures that directly increase your business performance. Our mission is to tailor your ESG strategy precisely to your needs and provide you with comprehensive support to not only achieve but exceed your sustainability goals. With Interzero at your side, implementing ESD turns into a clear path to improving your sustainability performance. Discover how our expert advice can transform your sustainability management . Contact us now!

• Environmental Sustainability Dashboard (ESD): The new solution for CSRD-compliant collection of environmental indicators

The year 2023 represents a significant step forward in Austria’s recycling sector . By expanding collection – including plastic bottles and composite beverage cartons, as well as cups, bowls, foils and other plastic and metal packaging in the yellow bag and yellow bin – Austria is seeing a remarkable increase in the amount of lightweight and metal packaging collected. In total, more than 220,000 tons of these materials were collected nationwide, an increase of over 6% compared to the previous year . The increases were particularly impressive in the federal states of Vienna and Lower Austria . Here the amount collected increased by over 20%. These increases illustrate the successful implementation of the standardized collection in Lower Austria at the beginning of 2023, which enabled a collection increase of around 23%. St. Pölten city stands out with an increase of 59% , while Horn recorded an increase of 21% . Carinthia is also showing its strong side with a nationwide increase of around 15%. Klagenfurt city exceeds the general rate of increase with an increase of 20%. There were also slight increases in regions that already had comprehensive collection, such as Spittal an der Drau. Martin Ulke from Interzero emphasizes that increasing the amount collected is an important step, but alone is not enough to achieve the EU recycling quotas. The importance of the recyclability of packaging and the development of innovative methods such as chemical recycling are central to future success. Interzero, as a leading service provider in the circular economy, is committed to making the collection of packaging as easy as possible for citizens. These efforts are making a significant contribution to achieving the EU recycling quota for plastics and are making a significant contribution to climate and environmental protection. Read more about our progress in recycling and how you can contribute!

• Yellow bag and yellow bin can now do more: New recycling collection system brings a regional collection increase of over 20%

The Environmental Sustainability Dashboard not only enables companies to clearly record and present relevant environmental indicators, but also to produce CSRD-compliant sustainability reporting. The environmental service provider Interzero provides support from the analysis of relevant parameters to the implementation of targeted measures to make companies more sustainable.

Vienna, February 12, 2024 – With the new Environmental Sustainability Dashboard (ESD), the environmental service provider Interzero offers companies a modern solution for recording and optimizing relevant environmental indicators. The ESD not only makes the constantly growing flood of data manageable, but also enables companies to manage their sustainability measures in a data-based and accurate manner. Simple solution for CSRD-compliant sustainability reporting
The requirements for companies in sustainability reporting are also increasing with the tightened requirements of the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) – depending on the size of the company, as early as 2024. Based on the international standards GRI, GHG and CED, the ESD is an easy-to-use solution for determining the sustainability indicators required for reporting in accordance with the CSRD.

“Our dashboard makes sustainability in companies measurable by recording all relevant key figures and presenting them clearly. This not only enables CSRD-compliant sustainability reporting, but also creates a sound basis for improving the environmental performance of companies. This also ensures their long-term competitiveness on the market.” , explains Martin Ulke, Managing Director of Interzero Circular Solutions Europe.

Support from the analysis of relevant parameters to the implementation of targeted measures
Starting with the identification and analysis of relevant data – for example in connection with energy consumption, resource consumption, waste generation and emissions – Interzero accompanies and advises companies on their way to improving their environmental performance. In order to derive meaningful activities from the recorded parameters, an interpretation of the reported data is first necessary. Based on this, measures can then be developed that specifically improve selected key figures and thus align the company sustainably.

“The ESD serves as a basis for all companies that want to report their environmental impact in accordance with all legal requirements and subsequently minimize it. Depending on requirements, we are available to provide advice and offer a wide range of services and products that enable concrete progress to be made,” says Ulke. More information on Interzero’s new Environmental Sustainability Dashboard: https://interzero.at/esd