2011 der gruene punkt unternehmen verantwortung web eng

7/30/2019 2011 Der Gruene Punkt Unternehmen Verantwortung Web Eng

1/20

FOCUS ON MORE SUSTAINABILITY 2010 / 2011

Der Grne Punkt.

Corporate Mission: Responsibility.


3/20

3EDITORIAL

Dear Reader,

A shortage of resources, climate change and environmental pollution are having an ever greater

influence on the markets: only a business model which treats resources in an economical and

intelligent manner has a long-term future. This applies especially for countries li ke Germany

which have scarce raw materials and which is increasingly dependent on a reliable supply of raw

materials.

An outstanding example of this development is packaging waste management with the Green

Dot which has been operating for more than 20 years: high qual ity recycling preserves climate

and environment and ensures business of an innovative sector which is world leader with its

collection systems, sorting processes and recycling processes. As the pioneer of the dual system

we have worked hard and have achieved a great deal . In 2009 the secondary raw material sector

in Germany delivered around 13 per cent of raw materials for industry. Recycling of 78 mill ion

tons of lightweight packaging by Der Grne Punkt Duales System Deutschland GmbH (DSD)

has prevented around 24 million tons of greenhouse gases since its foundation about 20 years

ago, and has saved far more than 1.1 billion mega-joules of primary energy.

We take on responsibility. Not only because we are market leader among dual systems. We are

continuously working on the improvement of our services and processes. Our vision: we want to

retain even more recyclables in our closed loop systems no raw material must be wasted, the

climate and environment should be subjected to as little pollution as possible. To ensure our

vision does not remain utopian, this year we established the staff unit Sustainability reporting

directly to me as CEO. This focus documents our responsibility and is the key to our sustainedsuccess for our environment and for our customers. At our subsidiary, Systec Plastics GmbH in

Hrstel, founded in 2010, we can test innovative processes, make plastic recycling even more

efficient and increase eco-efficiency.

And of course we also think outside the box and are committed to social projects aimed at more

sustainabil ity. The topic of marine littering is a burning issue for our company and we are cur-

rently participating intensively in two projects to find solutions.

In this brochure we would like to inform you about our work focus, current projects and our

environmental performance 2010/2011. And we wil l not be resting on our laurels, but will work

hard every day to improve all aspects of our business, and will continue to inform you of our

progress in future.

We hope you enjoy reading the brochure.

Yours

Stefan SchreiterChief Executive Officer

STEFAN SCHREITER


4/20

4 COMPANY

Ecology: Since our foundation we have recycled more than 80 million tons

of used sales packaging in Germany and therefore prevented the equiva-

lent of more than 24 million tons of CO2.

Economy: The German economy saves 225 million Euro each year by

recycling packaging.

460 billion packagings bear the Green Dot each year one of the most

used trademarks in the world.

Sustainability on the dot

Since 1990 Der Grne Punkt Duales System Deutschland GmbH (DSD) has set up

and organized the first dual system in the world for consumer-friendly, high-quality

recycling of sales packaging. Thanks to the pioneering work of the Green Dot, waste

sorting is a normal part of everyday li fe for Germans and is their personal contribu-

tion to environmental protection. We make sure that this commitment generates

increasing effect . We gain secondary raw materials f rom used packaging which are in

demand on the market. This saves resources and is less harmful to the climate and

environment than the production of new goods.

Together with our par tners we have developed efficient recycling technology. Thanks

to the research and development of DSD, plastics recycling in particular is a prime

example of the recycling sector. Within just a few years we have built up efficient

recycling processes recycling technology Made in Germany is today a worldwide

best seller. And we are proud of this achievement. We rely on innovative processes

and marketable products to continue decreasing costs for plastics recycling in future

and to improve eco-efficiency. This is not a question of margins or volumes. It is aquestion of quality. The same quality requirements are demanded of secondary raw

materials today as for new goods. There is no market any more for downcycling.

That is why we have been operating our own plant in Hrstel since autumn 2010

together with our subsidiary, Systec Plastics GmbH. We can now further optimize

innovative processes, test new technology and achieve ideal material y ield for our

customers and for the environment. Because: the more recyclables used in closed

loop systems, the better it is for the environment.

Not only the German Federal Environment Office, but also leading business insti-

tutes confirm that the waste management sector has recorded an excellent CO2

balance. Our annual environmental performance also reveals high eco-efficiency of

packaging recycling. You can read more on this on the following pages.

4


5/20

Founded 1990

Management Stefan Schreiter (CEO); Michael Wiener

Staff 250

Locations Kln, Augsburg, Berlin, Norderstedt

Business fields Household near collection and

recycling of sales packaging

Recycling of transport packaging

Recycling of waste electrical and electronic equipment

Facility waste disposal service

Deposit scheme

Subsidiaries Deutsche Gesellschaft fr Kreislaufwirtschaft

und Rohstoffe mbH (DKR) Systec Plastics GmbH

HPI Resource GmbH


6/20

6 ENVIRONMENTAL PERFORMANCE

How exactly does the recycling of plastics, meta ls, glass and paper help the environ-

ment? We were the first dual system to voluntarily publish an environmental perfor-

mance around ten years ago. Each year we compile a mass flow verification report

detail ing the sales packaging from the yellow bag and the yellow bin, from glass con-

tainers and waste paper collections. And we report on their recycling.

This year, for the first time, we have drawn up a large eco-balance

which not only

records sales packaging from the dual system of DSD, but also al l freely traded

volumes of the Deutsche Gesellschaft fr Kreislaufwirtschaft und Rohstoffe mbH

(DKR).

We not only document the path of packaging from the collection bin through to

the recycling product. We also provide information on the ecological consequences.

We calculate how much energy and resources are consumed during the individual

processes of recycling and how much emission is generated. To do this, we apply

scientifical ly proven and standardized methods and tools such as are described, forexample, in DIN-EN-ISO norms 14040 and 14044. Our environmental performance

is drawn up in accordance with these norms.

The Institute for Energy and Environmental Research (IFEU), Heidelberg, provides

an expert opinion on the overall environmental performance. This ensures we record

reliable and exact data concerning energy and resource consumption and savings by

recycling.

We compare these values with the amounts of energy, resources and emission saved

by using secondary raw materials. We then compare the results to respective data

from primary production. It is these figures which actually verify the real contribu-

tion we make to the protection of environment and resources and provide ideas for

furt her improvements.

On the following pages you wi ll find our current key figures for the year 2010. They

clearly show how important recycling is for the protection of the climate and of

resources.

Sustainable Plus via

Performance and Innovation


7/20

Lightweight packaging

1,263,083 t

Glass

1,070,548 t

Collected and recycled

total volumes 2010: 2,945,655 t

thereof plastics

626,998 tIt corresponds to

the basic weight of 7,301 wide-bodied aircraft.

And it is the same weight as 214,110

full-grown African elephants.

This weight

is equivalent to that of 51,002 trucks

(12 ton trucks).

Paper

612,024 t


8/20

Savings impact of specific effect categories

Primary energy:2010 59 billion mega-joules of primary energy have been saved

via recycling with the Green Dot. This would be enough to provide power for

468,250 households for one year, the equivalent of the towns of Bochum and

Dortmund together.

Greenhouse effect: The emission of around the equivalent of 1.4 million tons

of CO2 was avoided in 2010 this is the amount of CO2 generated when 348,259

passengers fly from Frankfurt/Main to New York and back.

Fossil Resources: In 2010 recycling saved the equivalent of 496,000 tons of crude

oil. This corresponds to 303 million liters of fuel. This is enough to fuel 3,100 compact

cars for one year with an average consumption of 6.4 liters per 100 kilometers.

Eutrophication: In 2010 DSD recycling contributed in reducing pollution of waters

from phosphoric acid (PO4) by 778,000 kilograms. This decreases overfertilization

and improves oxygen content in waters.

Acidification: Thanks to DSD recycling, in 2010 around 4,909,000 kilograms less

sulfur dioxide (SO2) was emitted into the air. This contributed to reducing the

acidification of the atmosphere, water and soil.

Saved emissions of greenhouse gas (in kg of CO2 equivalents)

3362005

2006

2007

2008

2009 2010

444

451

532

558 555


9/20

9INTERVIEW WITH STEFAN SCHREITER 9

Since its foundation in 1990, DSD stands for closed loop economy. The annual envi-

ronmental performance clearly verifies the high eco-efficiency of packaging recy-

cling. DSD is now presenting this environmental performance report and established

the staff unit of Sustainability. We spoke to DSDs CEO Stefan Schreiter, about new

targets and potential.

Mr Schreiter, DSD GmbH set up waste sorting in Germany via its Green Dot.

Up to now more than 24 million tons of greenhouse gases have been avoided

as a result of collection, sorting and recycling with the Green Dot. The Green

Dot is a success model in 26 countries. Isnt that enough sustainability for you?

Definitely not. We are not the sort of company to rest on its laurels. Stagnation is

death not only for business in a very competit ive market, but also for the environ-

ment. We have to achieve more and bundle our actions even better.

What do you mean exactly?

The Green Dot is indeed a success story and our contribution to securing the envi-

ronment and raw materials is undisputed. Over the past 20 years we have developed

unique know-how in recycling issues. And it is only with this experience that packa-

ging recycling functions today in interplay with the free market. We have asserted

our position as innovating pioneers again and again just take the example of pla-

stics recycling. First we set up the recycling paths and optimized collection and sor-

ting processes to ensure that re-granulate is now a raw material very much in

demand. It is not a coincidence that we are st ill market leader in the core business. By

means of optimized processes and measures we have been able to significantly

improve our contribution to the climate and the environment. But I am still convin-

ced: more is possible.

Mr Schreiter, is that why you have created the new sector, Sustainability?

Thats right. Our services and work practically all contribute to the account of

sustainability. Recycling with the Green Dot is sustainability par excellence.

However, I am a realist: the current financial crisis has significantly increasedsensitivity for energy and raw materia l efficiency. As a company, I believe we have

to take on real responsibility. We must press forward and improve our eco-eff i-

ciency even more. This means we have to analyse our processes and have to

Sustainability pays off

The Green Dot is lived environment protection. Be-cause sustained recycling makes an essential contri-

bution to the protection of the environment, the climate

and resources.


10/20

optimize our services and work and coordinate them better. We have to do

more research and test new processes e.g. in plastics recycling with our new

plant in Hrstel. In short: we must succeed in integrating even more recyclable

material into closed material loops. Sustainability pays off. Recycling of materi-

als makes an important contribution to the raw material supply for the indus-

try. It is an importa nt innovation driver. And it saves the national economy bil-

lions each year.

Mr Schreiter, that sounds like a strong commitment.

Yes. I see it as an obligation. And thats not only because I am CEO and co-owner of

the company. Theres a reason why the business sector of Sustainability is direct ly

linked to general management. Sustainabilit y is corporate strategy! And thats

exactly how our financial investors see it as well. Only a sustainable company is well

equipped to handle future chal lenges. And to maintain its position in competition.

And to promote further innovations with convinced partners. Such innovations may

not pay off from scratch, but they do pay off mid-term. This results in a win-winsituation for the environment and the economy.

What benefits do I have as a DSD customer?

We are not only an innovative and reliable partner. Those cooperating with us con-

tribute their share in reducing the emission of greenhouse gases. We have been issu-

ing a climate certificate to these customers for many years pro rata to our environ-

mental performance. But of course you can a lso benefit from our know-how. For

example, we help our customers to do even more for the environment in their direct

core business.

Mr Schreiter, could you specify an example?

With pleasure. Consider the issues concerning sustainable packaging. Everyone

talks about it but most people dont really know what it means. We have been

handling packaging waste in extensively closed looped systems for more than 20

years. We have become quasi exper ts in the field of packaging. Our recommendation:

when developing packaging, its end must be given more consideration the so-

called Design for Recycling. Packaging design has an influence on how manyresources and how much energy is consumed in its production, but also how well the

packaging can be recycled and re-utilized after use.

Recycling materials provides ecological and economic benefits: each

recycled kilogram of plastic saves the equivalent of 1.3 kilogram CO2.

The German national economy saves 225 million Euro each year by way

of packaging recycling.

An ideal packaging design helps close the material closed-loop system.This reduces costs and increases the contribution to protection of the climate

and resources.


11/20

ABOUT STEFAN SCHREITER

Stefan Schreiter, 46, has been CEO of Der Grne Punkt Duales System Deutschland GmbH

since January 2006.

* You can find more about Fishing for Litter and the film project Plastic Oceans on pages 16 to 19.

A well-coordinated packaging design helps to close material loop systems: this

ensures that waste volumes are reduced and less resources are consumed for new pro-

ducts by using high quality secondary raw materials. And this of course increases the

contribution to the protection of the climate and of resources. We can provide our

customers with profound support in this field. A real added value.

In addition to ecological and environmental factors, sustainability also has a

social, societal dimension.

Absolutely. We have been actively involved for many years in promoting environmental

protection in society, in addition to our actua l core business. This ranges from support

for the German Sustainability Award through to numerous projects with Nature Protec-

tion associations. We are currently providing strong support for actions which increase

public awareness for the topic of Marine Littering. Countless mill ions of tons of waste

end up in our seas which destroy marine ecology and which end up in the food chain via

marine fauna. Thats why we provide national support for the project Fishing for Litter

and international support for Plastic Oceans. * We are convinced that this i ssue affects

all of us. And our motto again is: Dont talk so much about it do something.

Mr Schreiter, thank you very much!


12/20

Young, innovative and growth-

oriented: the market for re-granulatefrom used plastics.


13/20

13SYSTEC PLASTICS GMBH

Systec Plastics GmbH processes 18,000 tons of poly-

propylene each year.

23 staff are employed at the Hrstel location, working

in three shifts.

Automotive parts, logistics systems and much more is

produced from the re-granulate gained.

Plastics recycling has developed rapidly thanks to the development work of DSD

GmbH and its partners in the high-tech industry. DSD now operates its own plant in

the Westphalian town of Hrstel Systec Plastics GmbH, a 100 per cent subsidiary of

the Green Dot. Since 2010 high quality re-granulate has been produced here from used

plastics packaging, and marketed to the plastics industry. This means that the Green

Dot is now active in a market with enormous growth potential and which plays an

important role in raw material supply to the economy.

Systec is currently focusing its activities on polypropylene (PP). 18,000 tons are pro-

cessed each year of this material but this is just the start. Because the market and

local opportunit ies provide sufficient potential for expansion. In addition, Systec

also operates as a technical competence center within the Green Dot corporate

family. One main issue in the field of research and development is the recycling of

high quality mixed plastics. Systec also analyses waste fished out of the North Sea

and the Baltic Sea within the scope of the Fishing for Litter common project with

the Naturschutzbund Deutschland e.V. (NABU: The German Society for NatureConservation).

Lets return to polypropylene: the packaging material is delivered to Hrstel as

mono-material in bales. The valuable plastic is first crushed into rough cuttings

in the plant. A magnet and then a f loat-sink separation system remove metals and

other impurities. The PP cuttings float in the water on the surface, everythi ng else

sinks. Af ter the PP parts have been furt her reduced in size, the separating process

is repeated.

Plastics Recycling

A Plus for the Environment


14/20

Friction scrubbers remove all adhesive impurities with the a id of water and fric-

tion. Then we have the first product, grinding stock. This is then melted and

homogenized in a specia l machine called an extruder. Finally, a micro-filter

removes the last impurities.

The extruder presses the melt through a perforated strainer and cuts the resultant

lines into small plastic nuggets, the re-granulate. This forms the basic material for

the injection molding production, i.e. for the manufacture of automotive parts,

logistics systems, boxes, bins, pipes or plant trays and pots.

Systec markets the majority of its products within a radius of just a few hundredkilometers in Germany and neighboring countries, such as the Netherlands. The

young market for re-granulate provides enormous development potential. Crude oil

is becoming ever scarcer, and the plastics made from this are becoming ever more

expensive. High qual ity re-granulate therefore provides a favorably priced alternative

in comparable quality.

The valuable raw materia ls are reta ined for the closed-loop economy. However,

recycling plast ics does not only contribute to economical production, but above

all to climate protection: each kilogram of plastic the consumer passes on for

recycling via the yellow bag, instead of throwing it into the residual waste bin,

saves almost 1.3 kilogram of CO2, which is harmful to the environment.

Crude oil is becoming scarce high quality re-granulate is therefore

becoming more important.

Plastics recycling contributes to a reliable raw material supply of the

economy.

This young, innovative market will continue to develop in the coming years

and in parallel the contribution to environmental protection will grow.


15/20

ANDITI QUAE VELITIO EOSSERIA 15

Systec-Regranulate is top quality and

provides a favorably priced alternativeto new goods.


16/20

16

Plastic bags, yoghurt cups, PET bottles often ground into tiny pieces by the

current and the waves. A plastic soup is afloat on our oceans which has now

reached unimaginable proportions. Experts estimate that approx. 80 per cent

of marine waste originates from terrestrial sources. Giant floating waste dumps

are endangering the ecology of the oceans. Pollution can develop into a serious

threat for marine flora and fauna and via the food chain also for humans.

The appallingly high l itter pollution of the oceans is symbolic of the throw-away

mentality of the 21st century. Our business is a closed-loop economy and we

think and act in line w ith closed loops. And that is why we cannot idly observe

how the achievements of the 20th century which include plastic packaging

become an ecological threat, instead of being usefu lly collected and recycled or

treated for re-utilization.

Plastic packaging has become an integral part of todays consumer society and

fulf ils a number of useful purposes: it not only ensures the hygienic protection

required, enables transportation, also across long distances, ex tends the shelf life

of products and much more. But plastic packaging has absolutely no place in theocean. That is why we wish to a rouse sustained public awareness and to show pos-

sible solutions. And t hat is why the Green Dot has been supporting two i mportant

projects since 2011, which both counteract the problem of Marine Littering.

MARINE LITTERING

Green Dot combats Waste

in the Oceans

Waste in the ocean is not only a danger for fishing; it is disastrous for the

marine eco-system.

National:The Green Dot supports the Fishing for Litter project of NABU.

We research the composition of waste from the North Sea and the Baltic

Sea and the possibilities of recycling.

Sustainable packaging recycling protects the oceans: each packaging

recycled cannot enter the water.

International: To increase public awareness, the Green Dot strongly sup-

ports the global film project, Plastic Oceans, which is also to be used

worldwide in school education.


17/20

20,000 tons of waste land in theNorth Sea each year and for the

Baltic Sea there isnt as yet any

data available.


18/20

The Green Dot supports the global film project Plastic Oceans

Litter pollution in the oceans(Marine Littering) appears to be progressing incessantly.

Between California and Hawaii alone there is a waste carpet which has now reached the

dimension of central Europe. The aim of the film project Plastic Oceans is to make the

public aware of this dramatic development and its serious consequences.

Within the scope of its anti-littering commitment, the Green Dot is a main sponsor in

this ambitious project and presents the German system for collecting and recycling

packaging waste as a best-practice solution for the reduction of waste depositing in the

oceans. Our participation in the Fishing for Litter project in the North Sea and Baltic

Sea is also dealt with as well as issues concerning the recycling of plastic waste.

The film which is in English will probably be released in 2012 in various formats ranging

from a 30 minute film for schools to a 90 minute movie. Plastic Oceans is supported by a

foundation of the same name. Partners include i.a. WWF Netherlands, British

Plastics&Rubber and Naturschutzbund Deutschland e. V. (NABU). More about Plastic

Oceans is available at www.plasticoceans.net


19/20

On a national level we are involved in the project Fishing for Litter. This is a

unique pilot project in Germany which has been initiated by the German Societ y

for Nature Conservation (NABU) together with regional partners and Der Grne

Punkt Duales System Deutschland GmbH (DSD). The aim of the project is to set

up regional structures for effective waste disposal at selected ports on the Baltic

Sea coast and to f ind out more about the composition and origin of the waste. The

initiators rely on the commitment of the fishermen from the Fishing Associations

of Fehmarn and Heiligenhafen. These associat ions receive free collection bags from

NABU in which waste found in their nets can be collected and transported.

Up to now only the ecological consequences of the waste depot in the sea for the

North Sea have been documented in Germany. Here alone, more than 20,000

tons of waste end up in the sea each year; large parts of the Baltic Sea are also

contaminated. According to NABU the main causes are tourism, shipping andfishing. A large section of t he waste is also fed i nto the ocean via rivers. Such

waste mainly comprises plastic which sometimes needs several hundred years

before it completely decomposes. Tiny plastic particles are also eaten by fish and

then end up in the food chain for humans. Seals a nd other marine creatures can

also become victims of waste.

In addition to the collection bags, the project Fishing for Litter also provides

fishermen with the opportunity of d isposing the waste they have caught free of

charge on land. Closed containers are available at the ports participating in the

project, to which only the fishermen have a key. The fished waste is transported

by DSD to the recycling plant of Systec Plastics GmbH in Hrstel. The waste is

sorted and analysed here. Within the scope of the project, findings are systema-

tically documented for the first time. The analyses focus on the question of com-

position of the respective waste caught and t he quality of the material. Can it be

re-utilized or recycled? In the case of waste which cannot be recycled, the Green

Dot and Systec ensure harmless and appropriate disposal.

With its commitment against Marine Littering the Green Dot wants to bring

about a change of heart in society. We can only achieve much if we pull together.

And just how much ca n be achieved has been proven by the Green Dot over the

last 20 years.

We wil l continue to take on responsibility wit hin society in future. You can t akeus at our word. You will find more interesting information on the Green Dot and

our current projects at our website: www.gruener-punkt .de

Around 20,000 tons of waste land in the North Seaalone each year.

More than one million seabirds and marine mammals

die as a result of waste each year worldwide.


20/20

Published byDer Grne Punkt Duales System Deutschland GmbH,Frankfurter Strae 720726, 51145 Kln-Porz-Eil, Phone: +49 02203 937-0,

Fax: +49 02203 937-190 Layout rheinfaktor Agentur fr Kommunikation,

Kln, www.rheinfaktor.de Printed on IGEPA Circle Silk, 100% recycled paper

S N b 2011

2011 der gruene punkt unternehmen verantwortung web eng

Documents