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Everyone is talking about the circular economy. But how efficient is the concept when it comes to saving resources? According to a study by the Fraunhofer Umsicht institute, very efficient.
Every year, the recycling service provider Interzero the question: „Which Avoid environmental damage solutions for our customers and what kind of Savings potential does this mean for society?“
The study now published by Fraunhofer prudence „resources SAVED by recycling“ proves the positive effect once again. By recycling a total of 1.8 million tonnes of recyclable materials, Interzero and its customers were able to save around 12.5 million tonnes of primary resources in 2021. In addition, the emission of around one million tonnes of greenhouse gases was avoided. Without the use of Interzero, the costs for climate-related environmental damage would have totalled 199 million euros (according to the Federal Environment Agency's calculation of environmental costs). The current saving in primary resources is equivalent to the weight of 5,227 mature sequoia trees.
Presentation of the results at the K 2022
„Heat, drought, floods, epidemics and hunger - the effects of overexploitation of nature and climate change are being felt more and more clearly around the world,“ says Dr Axel Schweitzer, Chairman and shareholder of Interzero. „With this 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. We must not forget this, especially in view of the tense situation in Europe and the associated rise in energy prices.“
The exact results of the current study will be presented for the first time at K 2022 from 19 to 26 October in Düsseldorf. At the world's largest plastics trade fair, the experts from Interzero Plastics Recycling will not only be presenting technologies and services for plastics recycling. They also explain the environmental benefits of recycling compared to primary production. The scientists at the Fraunhofer Institute have calculated this: The use of the recycled plastic Procyclen produced by Interzero saves 56 per cent of climate-damaging emissions compared to primary plastics made from crude oil.
Source: Interzero
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