Fraunhofer UMSICHT annually examines for Interzero what effects its closed-loop solutions have on environment and society. As an expert for life cycle assessments and critical reviews, the research institute provides strategic decision-making bases for sustainable action. The focus is on the chemical, plastics and circular economy sectors. "The long-standing cooperation between Fraunhofer UMSICHT and Interzero leads to a gain in knowledge on both sides. Our work impressively demonstrates and quantifies the benefits of the circular economy. The circular economy is a key on the way to climate neutrality and the reduction of environmental pollution in primary raw material extraction," says Dr. Markus Hiebel, Head of Department Sustainability and Participation at Fraunhofer UMSICHT.

The latest results of the "resources SAVED by recycling" study once again demonstrate the clearly positive impact of closed-loop solutions. Interzero significantly reduced the burden on the environment in 2021. By recycling a total of 1.8 million tons of recyclable materials, Interzero and its customers saved around 12.5 million tons of primary resources in 2021. In addition, the emissions of around one million tons of greenhouse gases was avoided. Without Interzero’s commitment, this would be a cost of climate-related environmental damage of 199 million euros (according to the Federal Environment Agency's environmental cost calculation). The current savings in primary resources are equivalent to the weight of 5,227 fully grown redwood trees.

Advantages of recycling over primary production

Interzero will present the detailed results of the current study for the first time at “K 2022” from October 19 to 26 in Düsseldorf. At the world's largest plastics trade fair, the experts from Interzero Plastics Recycling will present innovative technologies and services for plastics recycling and explain the environmental advantages of recycling compared to primary production. Researchers at Fraunhofer UMSICHT, for example, have calculated: The use of the recycled plastic Procyclen produced by Interzero, for example, saves 56 percent of climate-damaging emissions compared to primary plastics made from crude oil.

"With the study, we take stock of our own actions every year - together with our customers and partners. With its publication, however, we also want to make it clear that the recycling of raw materials is an effective factor in counteracting the devastating impact on nature and climate change both ecologically and economically. The circular economy offers huge opportunities," says Dr. Axel Schweitzer, Chairman and Shareholder of Interzero.