From Waste to Resource – Circular Economy as a Driver of Climate Protection
When waste producers return empty packaging and used agricultural plastics for collection, sorting and recycling through RIGK, valuable primary raw materials are saved and CO₂ emissions are avoided – emissions that would otherwise result from the production of new materials.
Together with the Fraunhofer Institute UMSICHT, RIGK developed a robust CO₂ accounting method based on ISO 14040/14044. Using this model, emissions from collection, transport and recycling are compared with the associated savings – resulting in a clear, transparent and verifiable climate balance.
This makes it possible to see how take-back and recycling systems have been contributing concretely to climate protection for decades.
From Practice to Visualisation – The RIGK Climate Protection Certificates
Since 2012, RIGK has issued annual Climate Protection Certificates to companies participating in its take-back systems. These certificates document the precise amount of CO₂ saved through recovery and recycling.
Since 2015, this figure has also been translated into “tree equivalents” – a visual representation of scientific data in a symbol everyone understands: the tree, as a sign of life, growth and nature.
The certificates therefore create not only transparency but also motivation: companies and their employees can clearly see their measurable contribution to climate protection.
Circular Economy – A Lever for Europe’s Climate Goals
A study by the Federal Association of the German Waste, Water and Raw Materials Management Industry (BDE), together with Prognos and CE Delft, highlights the potential:
By 2035, consistent strengthening of the circular economy across the EU could save 150 million tonnes of CO₂ equivalents every year.
Closed material cycles are therefore far more than a technical process – they are a key driver of environmental protection in Europe.
Ten Years of Climate Protection Certificates – and Over 30 Years of Experience
The impact of RIGK’s systems in 2024 at a glance:
50,998 tonnes of CO₂ saved through all take-back and recycling systems – equivalent to the annual CO₂ absorption of more than 3.67 million trees.
Equal to 443,847,449 car kilometres, corresponding to the annual mileage of around 35,380 cars.
The same amount of CO₂ as that bound by 4,811 hectares of forest – about 48 million square metres of woodland.
Equivalent to the annual CO₂ consumption of 4,857 average individuals.
These figures show how the combination of decades of experience and clear visual communication makes the success of circular economy and recycling both measurable and relatable.
Outlook – Responsibility that Grows, and a Heartfelt Thank You
The tenth anniversary of the Climate Protection Certificates with tree equivalents underlines one thing: the circular economy works – measurably, transparently and inspiringly.
Our heartfelt thanks go to all customers, partners and participants who have made this success possible. Only together can we put climate protection into practice.
RIGK will continue to strengthen this impact in the future – through transparent reporting, innovative systems and a shared conviction:
Every tonne counts. Every tree does too.
Further information:
Mirco Gattinger
Marketing and Social Media Manager, RIGK GmbH
+49 611 308600-39
gattinger(at)rigk.de
