The circular economy makes a measurable contribution to climate and resource protection. For many years, Interzero has been working with Fraunhofer UMSICHT to determine the actual extent of this contribution as part of the “resources SAVED by recycling” study.
The scientific life cycle assessment compares recycling processes with manufacturing from primary raw materials and highlights the savings in resources and emissions achieved by recycling materials.
The latest results for 2025 show that by recycling approximately two million metric tons of recyclable materials, Interzero has saved more than 7.2 million metric tons of primary resources in Germany, Austria, Poland, Italy, and Slovenia. At the same time, these recycling activities prevented the emission of more than 900,000 metric tons of greenhouse gases.
The impact is particularly evident in plastics recycling: In 2025, Interzero kept approximately one million metric tons of plastics in the cycle. According to the study, the resulting savings in resources are equivalent to about three million barrels of crude oil, or roughly 9.5 million 50-liter fill-ups for passenger cars.
The results clearly show that recycling not only keeps recyclable materials in the cycle but also reduces the demand for primary raw materials and the associated environmental impacts. Especially in light of scarce raw materials and uncertain supply chains, a well-functioning circular economy is thus becoming increasingly important for companies as well.
Would you like to learn more about the results and impact of “resources SAVED by recycling 2025”?
Implementing PPWR Holistically:
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About Interzero:
Interzero is one of the leading service providers in the field of closing product, material, and logistics loops, as well as an innovation leader in plastics recycling with the largest sorting capacity in Europe. Guided by the principle of “zero waste solutions,” the company supports over 50,000 customers across Europe in the responsible management of recyclable materials, thereby helping them improve their own sustainability performance and conserve primary resources. With approximately 2,000 employees, the company generates revenue of over one billion euros (2021). According to Fraunhofer UMSICHT, Interzero’s recycling activities saved 1.2 million metric tons of greenhouse gases and 11.1 million metric tons of primary raw materials in 2023 alone, compared to primary production. As a pioneer in the circular economy, Interzero is the recipient of the 2024 German Sustainability Award as well as the associated special award in the “Resources” transformation category. For more information, visit www.interzero.at.
Find out more in our current brochure on ” resources SAVED by recycling “
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