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.