The Plastics Center SKZ is expanding its service portfolio with a new, comprehensive consulting model for companies in the plastics industry. Companies can now conclude consulting agreements with SKZ to stay up to date on all relevant sustainability issues and to understand and implement regulatory changes at an early stage. The new format goes beyond classic training courses and individual projects, providing continuous technical support, early assessment of regulatory trends and practical recommendations that can be implemented directly.
As part of the consulting agreement, the Würzburg-based institute introduces fixed, regular jour fixe meetings at which SKZ experts discuss current developments in the regulatory environment, indicate specific consequences for companies and respond to individual questions. The format is intended to provide enterprises with greater transparency and planning security in rapidly changing legal and market conditions.
Support in CSRD/ESRS reporting and EU taxonomy
A key focus of the new service is sustainability reporting in line with the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) and the European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS). SKZ supports companies in interpreting the requirements, deriving relevant key performance indicators (KPIs) and building appropriate reporting structures. The EU taxonomy is also an important component, in particular with regard to the assessment and classification of economic activities against sustainability criteria.
The scope of the consulting includes, among other aspects, analysis of which areas of a company's activities are subject to reporting obligations, how to organise internal data flows and how to prepare for possible assurance of reports. SKZ also helps to understand the links between non-financial reporting and the business and investment strategy of companies in the plastics sector.
EU regulations on plastics and the environment
The new consulting model provides systematic classification of new European Union regulations and directives relating to plastics and environmental protection. This includes, among others, the proposed Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), regulation on end-of-life vehicles, rules on microplastics, requirements under the REACH regulation and other legislation linked to the circular economy.
As part of the consultations, SKZ experts explain the implications of new regulations for plastics producers, converters and manufacturers of end products, and help identify the necessary changes in product design, material selection and supply chain management. The objective is to enable companies to prepare for upcoming legal requirements as early as possible, including potential substance restrictions, requirements for recycled content or information obligations.
Life cycle assessments, carbon footprint and EPDs
An integral part of the new SKZ offer is support in life cycle assessments (LCA), calculation of carbon footprints and preparation of environmental product declarations (EPDs). These services are intended to enable plastics industry companies to quantify the environmental impact of their products and processes and to prepare for growing expectations from customers and regulators regarding transparency of environmental data.
Within the framework of the consulting agreements, it is possible, among other activities, to discuss LCA methodologies, identify key sources of greenhouse gas emissions in the value chain and link the results of assessments to reduction measures and the company's climate targets. SKZ also supports companies in selecting an approach to environmental declarations so that they are consistent with market requirements and regulations.
Climate risk management and supply chain requirements
Another important area of the new service is climate risk management and implementation of compliance requirements in the supply chain. SKZ offers support in identifying climate-related risks, assessing them and integrating them into corporate management systems. This includes both physical and regulatory risks resulting from tightening climate policies.
The service also covers support in implementing requirements such as the Supply Chain Act and the Deforestation Regulation. SKZ helps plastics industry companies translate these requirements into specific procedures and cooperation criteria for suppliers, including data collection and verification as well as communication of requirements to business partners.
Ecodesign, green claims and the digital product passport
The new consulting model also takes into account the requirements of the future Ecodesign Regulation and the development of the digital product passport concept. SKZ supports companies in interpreting the requirements for designing products with resource efficiency, recyclability and reduction of environmental impact throughout the life cycle in mind.
An important element is also the correct, legally compliant formulation of so-called green environmental claims. SKZ helps companies avoid the risk of greenwashing by aligning marketing communications with the available environmental data and assessments and with current and upcoming regulations on environmental claims.
Ongoing support, expert network and benefits for participants
Through the consulting agreement, SKZ is creating a format designed to provide plastics industry companies with continuity of support and the ability to respond quickly to changes in the regulatory environment. Companies gain access to a broad network of experts from research, certification and industry, as well as to assessments and interpretations of regulations prepared at an early stage of their implementation.
In addition to direct consulting services, participants in the programme benefit from discounts on other SKZ services related to sustainability. As emphasised by Dr Hermann Achenbach, Business Unit Manager Sustainability and Circular Economy at SKZ, the aim of the new model is to support companies in making decisions based on robust data and in ensuring compliance with increasing regulatory requirements.
"With our new consulting model, we support companies in making informed sustainable decisions and reliably meeting regulatory requirements" says Dr Hermann Achenbach. "The plastics industry is facing profound changes and we offer the guidance and expertise that is needed now."
Dr Hermann Achenbach, Head of Sustainability and Circular Economy at SKZ, together with a team of experts is offering a new consulting service for the plastics industry. (Photo: Luca Hoffmannbeck, SKZ)
