“One World. Zero Waste. Let’s #MoveTheDate.” Under this motto, Interzero is spotlighting the conservation of natural resources by working together with its customers in a broad-based campaign. In cooperation with the Global Footprint Network, the service provider for recycling solutions was able to show the extent to which recycling initiated by it relieves the burden on the earth – and delays the so-called Earth Overshoot Day a little.

In purely mathematical terms, humanity has already used up all the natural resources that our planet can provide within a year by July 28. “We do not want to resign ourselves to the progressive exploitation of resources,” says Sebastiaan Krol, CEO of Interzero Circular Solutions. “On the contrary, we are working for a world without waste, in which we use what is available to us sustainably and responsibly. With our ‘zero waste solutions’ for our customers, we actively contribute to climate and resource protection every day and secure the supply of raw materials for present and future generations.”

Based on Interzero’s data, researchers from the Global Footprint Network have confirmed that for every euro of value the company generates with solutions in partnership with its customers, the global overshoot shrinks by more than 28 global square meters. In contrast, for every euro of output added to the global economy, the global overshoot increases by an average of 2.6 global square meters.

This means that Interzero gives back 10 times more to our planet per euro of economic output than the global economy, overusing it on average. Without Interzero, Earth Crossing Day would occur 4 minutes and 20 seconds earlier worldwide – so Interzero’s collaboration with its clients has an impact on a global scale that is quite measurable.

“We as the Interzero team are proud that through our ‘zero waste solutions’ with our customers and partners, we are proportionally giving back significantly more in resources than are used up. The 4 minutes 20 seconds overshoot saving is a starting point and incentive for us to further expand our activities,” Sebastiaan Krol underlines.

For the calculations, the Global Footprint Network uses resource accounting: the “ecological footprint.” Using this indicator, the non-profit organization compares the

current needs of the world’s population (or of countries) with the earth’s capacity to renew the natural resources it consumes. Valid basic data for the relief contribution of Interzero is provided 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.

“Globally, people currently consume as many resources as if we lived on 1.75 Earths,” said Dr. Mathis Wackernagel, president of the Global Footprint Network. “We are therefore very pleased to cooperate with Interzero. Companies that pursue a ‘One Planet’ strategy and implement it in their day-to-day business improve the future prospects for everyone – and especially their own competitiveness.”

When it comes to preserving our natural livelihoods, every contribution counts. Interzero also wants to communicate this to its employees, customers and business partners as part of the new campaign – and thus set a sustainable movement in motion.

Motivation is also provided by the company’s own
campaign video
in which Interzero calls for a more conscious use of natural resources. “Let’s #MoveTheDate!”