ANNUAL PERFORMANCE REVIEW | 2020
CONTENTS International approach 4 6 8
Expansion of EPR Focus on finance Global customer reach
Global products and services 12 20 24 28 32
Producer responsibility organisations Digital services Chemical consulting Environmental consulting Global takeback
Foundations and innovation 38 40 42 44
Global supply chain Software solutions Policy and advocacy Green Alley Award
2020
Corporate statement
As a leading global supplier of environmental and chemical compliance solutions, we help our clients to unlock the value of the circular economy and are their best partner on the journey to a more sustainable future.
www.landbell-group.com
3
EXPANSION OF EPR
Jan Patrick Schulz CEO of Landbell Group
Welcome to Landbell Group’s annual performance report for 2020.
Companies placing small amounts of products and packaging onto the market are coming under increasing pressure to comply with EPR laws – and we want to make it easy for them to do so.
Despite the unprecedented difficulties, the world in which our customers operate did not stand still last year. More governments implemented extended producer responsibility (EPR) to tackle their waste and resource problems. Consequently, more companies had to stay on the right side of the laws that they introduced.
for That is why we revamped our online EASy-Shop packaging compliance, and introduced cGlobal flat: convenient, fixed price compliance programmes for batteries, packaging and WEEE.
In 2020, we deployed our expertise to support governments implementing EPR in Algeria, Egypt, China and Southeast Asia. EPR is now a worldwide concern for producers: we make it our mission to guide them through the web of legislation.
EPR in Europe Most of our customers need to comply with the chemical and environmental legislation that has been in Europe for over 25 years. This is when Landbell Group’s companies first began operating. Last year, our producer responsibility organisations made sure that over 32,000 customers complied with the legislation in 15 countries. In the process, they also treated over 760,000 tonnes of valuable resources: batteries, electronics, and packaging. Likewise, our chemical consulting team supported companies with obligations ranging from REACH to Poison Centre Notifications. To limit the disruption caused by Brexit, they also focused on UK REACH . 4
LANDBELL GROUP
A global approach to EPR and takeback To support companies internationally, our consulting teams were on hand with unique programmes for managing chemical and environmental compliance. We also expanded our regulatory tracking service, which now monitors the applicable laws and regulations in 133 countries and regions. Furthermore, to support customers with their products’ end-of-life obligations, our global takeback team added more countries to its network. They also introduced One2One , a convenient service that helps online retailers meet their takeback obligations for WEEE.
2021 and beyond Landbell Group’s annual performance report for 2021 will show that more countries have implemented EPR: interesting projects are already underway in North America and Brazil. We will keep our focus on supporting customers and updating our services to stay up to speed with the change. For now, I invite you to read about our activities in 2020 – and to please get in touch to discuss any of the topics raised.
2020
Expansion of EPR
23
Customers
offices in 18 locations
350+
employees worldwide from 39 nationalities
Employees Locations
32,000+ customers in 55 countries
www.landbell-group.com
5
FOCUS ON FINANCE 2020 was a very successful year, one that demonstrated the overall strengths of Landbell Group in all our operational segments, markets and customer base. Tim Scholz CFO of Landbell Group
Strengths and investment We increased our revenue to more than €260m. Looking ahead, we expect to increase our revenue further to exceed €300m in 2021. This success is the result of our focus on being a reliable partner for our customers and on developing our services to meet the challenges that they face. To do this, we continued our investments in the organization and product development – and in digitalization to cope with the changed business environment caused by the pandemic. We also hired more than 50 new team members, primarily in the areas where we are growing fast: consulting, product development and in our operational functions.
A strong platform for growth Landbell Group is internally financed, has a solid equity and a long-term, sustainable business model. We have a stable management and ownership structure. We are an independent, privately-owned company, which has been in the hands of the same families for over 20 years. Our principal shareholder has been with the company since it was founded. Our CEO has led the company since July 2007 and our senior management team has also been in place since the key EPR legislation was introduced. This foundation provides the platform for us to be a solid, reliable yet dynamic partner for our customers. The significant investment in our capabilities in 2020 put us in an excellent position to deliver more comprehensive and improved services for our customers - all over the world. Drawing on over 25 years of experience also gives us the knowhow to respond to key challenges, such as increasing targets for all waste streams and the expanding scope of environmental and chemical regulations. This is why we believe that we have a strong platform for future growth.
6
LANDBELL GROUP
300m
2020
Focus on finance
70
customers in Fortune 500
Euro forecast revenue in 2021
2019
2020
181 million revenue
260 million revenue
19
customers in Eurostoxx 50
2021
20+
years family-owned
www.landbell-group.com
7
GLOBAL CUSTOMER REACH
Wojciech Swietochowski Head of Global Sales
In 2020, Landbell Group helped customers in 55 countries to fulfil their extended producer responsibility (EPR) obligations and achieve their sustainability goals in a steadily growing number of countries.
Our main customer benefits are:
We serve our clients both locally and globally with customized compliance solutions and our extensive knowledge of international EPR obligations.
Since 2019, we have gained more customers and we are very grateful to them for this high level of trust.
We grow profit through people, equipped with the tools and processes to tackle any business challenge. Our dedicated key account managers and international consultants support our customers wherever they need us around the globe. They present customers with a clear path, offering international quotations and agreements for multiple countries and services, and digital resources for compliance, takeback and data management.
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LANDBELL GROUP
• Removing market entry barriers • Taking complexity and costs out of compliance • Increasing transparency to support decision making • Reducing risk • Engineering circular economy
We make sure that we never rest on our laurels: to be aligned even more closely with our customers’ expectations, we launched our first Landbell Group customer survey in 2020. Our customers rated Landbell Group as knowledgeable and responsive and ranked our services as reliable and high quality. Our customers are at the heart of everything we do and significant developments are in the pipeline to improve our compliance services and to simplify the compliance process – all over the world.
2020
Customers in
28,200
32,200
2019
2020
55
Global customer reach
countries
32,000+
Total number of customers 2020
23,000+ Total number of online customers
Main customers Distributors
International companies
Online retailers
SMEs
2020
760,000+ tonnes of batteries, packaging and WEEE treated in 2020
10
LANDBELL GROUP
Global customer reach
CUSTOMER BENEFITS Quick, easy and convenient compliance We consistently reduce the complexity of compliance services We save time for our customers to concentrate on their core business
ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFITS CO2 savings Increased recycling of valuable resources More opportunities for producers to meet their environmental obligations More primary raw materials saved
Customers rate us as reliable and our products as high quality
www.landbell-group.com
11
RODUCER RESPONSIBILITY P ORGANISATIONS Landbell Group’s producer responsibility organisations (PROs) carry out the legal obligations of producers for the management of waste batteries, electronics and packaging. Umberto Raiteri President and CEO European Recycling Platform
Uwe Echteler Managing Director Landbell Germany
Created by producers for producers, these PROs provide customers with high-quality compliance at the best possible price and simplify the complexities of compliance and reporting. Landbell Group is the first and only multinational company to operate PROs in 15 countries in Europe and the Middle East.
A year defined, but not diminished, by Covid-19 The Covid-19 pandemic spread with alarming speed in 2020, infecting millions and bringing economic activity to a near standstill. As an essential activity, however, we kept our resource management business going throughout the year. For more information
www.erp-recycling.org
www.landbell.de
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LANDBELL GROUP
Despite the difficulties, Landbell Group’s PROs exceeded expectations, managing the collection and treatment of over 760,000 tonnes of waste batteries, electronics and packaging in 15 countries.
We met the collection targets in all the countries where we operate, repaying the high level of loyalty shown to us by our 32,000+ customers. One of the reasons why we always meet the targets and collect such large quantities of waste is our global supply chain. On page 36, we describe the activities of this professional and dedicated team in more detail.
Simplifying compliance for customers Extended producer responsibility is constantly changing, and we kept our customers informed and guided through a series of webinars organised by our compliance experts throughout the year. Fee modulation, the plastics tax and other pioneering legislation to curb single-use plastics were just some of the topics that we covered. We remain committed to innovation and to simplifying the administrative burden for our customers. In addition to peace of mind, we offer them time- and resource-saving services, including international quotations for multi-country registrations, integrated membership agreements and online multi-country reporting. Please read on for more information about how our colleagues across Europe managed and overcame the challenges of 2020.
2020
Producer responsibility organisations
PROs operated in countries
15
32,000+ customers in 2020
Main customers Producers
Distributors
Retailers
Importers
2020
219,119 tonnes treated in 2020
14
LANDBELL GROUP
3,643,017 tonnes treated since 2004
538,750 tonnes treated in 2020
11,411 tonnes treated in 2020
Producer responsibility organisations
CUSTOMER BENEFITS We take on all compliance obligations and strip away complexity to increase efficiency for companies Access to a unique, online data submission system Updates on regulatory changes and consultations
ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFITS Experienced collection and treatment services Protection of valuable resources Reduced waste to landfill and incineration
5,534,598 tonnes treated since 2004
83,417
tonnes treated since 2010
www.landbell-group.com
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2020
PRODUCER RESPONSIBILITY ORGANISATIONS Key highlights of 2020 from our country general managers
Sabine Balaz
Torben Frahm
Olli Alanen
ERP Austria
ERP Denmark and Sweden
ERP Finland
Andreas Bohnhoff, Jürgen Fuchs, Uwe Echteler ERP Germany and Landbell Germany
In 2020, we managed increasing put on market and collection volumes. We also implemented new waste management services for our customers and introduced PACK2RECYCLE, consulting and certification for environmental packaging design.
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LANDBELL GROUP
In Denmark and Sweden, 2020 was a year of growth with contracts signed with new customers. In Denmark, our mandatory battery campaign, using social media and YouTubers, proved a great success and gave us a new way to reach out to the young generation. In Sweden, with the other compliance schemes, we released three films with important public information about WEEE and batteries.
2020 was a strong year for WEEE collections, especially for home appliances. People spending more time at home resulted in more home improvements, which increased collection quantities, specifically for Cold and Large Domestic Appliances.
In Germany, the ERP and Landbell teams worked closely together to ensure packaging, WEEE and battery compliance for our customers. In 2020, we managed to grow significantly and now have more than 20,000 customers. This makes us even more committed to strengthening our one-stop shop solution for the three streams, pushing forward with digitalization, and further increasing the already large number of online retail customers that we serve.
Producer responsibility organisations
W W
B
W
B
P
B
W W
B
W
B
P
P
W
B
B
P W
W
W
B
W
W
B
B
P
W
B
P
B
P W
B
W
B
WEEE
W
Batteries
B
Packaging
P
2020
Key highlights of 2020 from our country general managers
Martin Tobin
Alberto Canni Ferrari
Sonja Rytter
Mikołaj Józefowicz
ERP Ireland
ERP Italy
ERP Norway
ERP Poland
2020 was a very different year for all of us. Despite that, we grew our takeback scheme for WEEE and increased the amount of e-waste that we collected.
A common problem last year, especially for children from poorer families, was the lack of access to computers when schools were closed. With one of our recycling partners, we selected used computers, reconditioned them, and donated them to families in need. This activity proved very popular and was widely supported by celebrities and campaigners. This social activity also gave us the opportunity to significantly promote reuse.
During 2020, we collected an average of 11.71 kg of electronic waste per person in Ireland, an increase of 9% over 2019. ERP collected 70.3% of the average of EEE placed on the market over the three proceeding years. For portable batteries, we collected 62.07% of the average of what was placed on the market from 2018 to 2020, that’s the equivalent of over 21 million AA batteries.
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LANDBELL GROUP
In 2020, 900 EEE and battery producers placed their trust in Consorzio ERP Italia to manage their EPR obligations. We collected and treated over 20,000 tonnes of WEEE, approximately 3,550 tonnes of waste portable batteries and continued our strong commitment to promote recycling through schools awareness programs, household collection projects, and participation at sports events.
Producer responsibility organisations
Ricardo Neto
Rosa Monforte
Laura Alonso
John Redmayne
Novo Verde
ERP Portugal
ERP Spain
ERP UK
2020 was our most challenging year yet. But, despite the difficulties, we were still able to close the year with positive environmental and financial results.
In 2020, we exceeded our best expectations in terms of growth. This gave us the opportunity to invest in technology and online communications, as well as in awareness campaigns via our social media channels. We created a new campaign to increase battery collections (‘traga pilhas’) and a website specifically for waste pickup ). requests (eureciclo.pt
In 2020, ERP Spain increased the amount of WEEE that we collected and treated by almost 18% compared to the previous year. The ‘digital gap’ also became painfully obvious – making studies hard for children and keeping families apart – so we took part in an ongoing national initiative to find and donate IT equipment for those who need it most.
In 2020, we increased our battery collection network to 20,000 battery collection boxes. This network covers locations including schools, shops and offices across the whole UK. The boxes are provided free of charge and help us to meet the collection targets of our customers.
www.landbell-group.com
19
DIGITAL SERVICES In 2020, we kept our focus on simplifying the compliance process – and making it more accessible online – for as many companies as possible, all over the world. Markus Pache Head of Sales Germany
Dr Thomas Fischer Head of Market Intelligence and Governmental Affairs
Landbell EASy-Shop Our online web-shop, Landbell EASy-Shop , offers distributors and online retailers, a simple solution for fulfilling their obligations under the German and Austrian packaging laws – it is fast, straightforward and affordable. Landbell EASy-Shop provides three clear benefits for smaller or online companies: easy registration, easy payment and easy reporting. Launched in 2008, Landbell EASy-Shop was the first online web-shop for packaging compliance and, in 2020, it was completely revised and updated. Now, the new EASy-Shop 2.0 impresses with its fresh design, optimized processes and additional features: it is still the easiest and most convenient solution for fulfilling packaging obligations.
20
LANDBELL GROUP
Regulatory tracking service In 2020, Landbell Group continued to invest in its regulatory tracking service for WEEE, batteries and packaging. Regulatory tracking allows us to be a strong partner for manufacturers and distributors as we help them to manage the growing complexity of EPR obligations globally. Last year, we expanded our scope to cover 133 countries and regions in Europe, Asia-Pacific, Middle East and Africa, as well as South and Central America. We monitor the applicable laws and regulations, providing summaries that address producers’ core questions in a harmonized and user-friendly way. We also offer different reports, with different levels of detail, according to our customers’ needs. Moreover, the service can cover more than mandatory requirements, capturing proposed (if publicly available) or published policies. Significant developments are in the pipeline for 2021. We want to provide truly global coverage and make our summaries and legal registers available to manufacturers and distributors via a dedicated online database. Watch this space!
2020
Digital services
130+
countries and areas covered by regulatory tracking service
EASy-Shop Germany and Austria
Main customers Distributors
International companies
Online retailers
SMEs
15,000+
2020
tonnes managed by EASy-Shop in 2020
22
LANDBELL GROUP
Digital services
CUSTOMER BENEFITS Quick, easy and convenient online compliance Support for monitoring EPR globally
ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFITS Increased recycling of materials More opportunity for producers to meet their environmental obligations More primary raw materials saved
+ 23,000 online customers
www.landbell-group.com
23
CHEMICAL CONSULTING
Kevin Hoban Head of Chemical Compliance Solutions
Beth Bidstrup Head of Chemical Stewardship
At Landbell Group, we offer full-service chemical consulting. We ensure compliance and market access for our clients, applying our breadth of knowledge to the business complexities of topics such as REACH, Safety Data Sheets and Labelling, Poison Centre Notifications, Biocides, Toxicology and Industrial Hygiene Services. Global regulatory services In 2020, we further strengthened our global regulatory services, supporting our clients wherever chemical control legislation places obligations on their supply chain – to ensure global market access. We now have a North America operation to assist companies with product introduction, and an established UK legal entity, providing our clients with an entry point into the UK chemicals market.
For more information www.h2compliance.com/ chemical-compliance
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LANDBELL GROUP
Located in Finland, Ireland, Poland, the UK and USA, our chemical team has an international footprint. We also work closely with all of our colleagues at Landbell Group to leverage our knowhow, enhance our network coverage, and provide centralised support for our customers.
Digital developments We continued to develop our element1™ software platform in 2020 to support clients with Poison Centre Notifications, Chemical Management, Substances of Concern tracking, Cosmetics, Toxicology and international preparedness. These developments have improved our services to customers and ensure we are best placed to meet their needs going forwards.
2020
Chemical consulting
Operating globally in countries
45
200+ customers in 2020
Main customers Pharmaceutical and medical devices
Petroleum-based products
Consumer products
Mining and minerals
IT industry
Fragrances
2020
Main services REACH registrations
Material stewardship
UK REACH support Poison Centre Notifications
GHS expertise Global chemical notifications
Toxicology and Industrial Hygiene Global regulatory tracking Chemical management software
1,500+ Number of EU customers relying on Landbell Group for compliance
26
LANDBELL GROUP
1,000+
Chemical consulting
CUSTOMER BENEFITS Assuring market access Demonstrating customer compliance One team delivering truly international service
notifications for
ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFITS
Classification and labelling
Poison Centre Notifications
Safety data sheets
Encouraging substitution of hazardous chemicals Identifying substances of very high concern for potential restriction or prohibition Building safer manufacturing processes, chemicals, and greener technologies
80+ Number of Only Representative clients
www.landbell-group.com
27
ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTING The Environmental Compliance and Consulting Programme continued to expand during 2020. This programme offers specialised regulatory compliance support. John Hayes Head of Environmental Product Stewardship
For more information www.h2compliance.com/ environmental-compliance
28
LANDBELL GROUP
More services The scope of the programme has developed to include two new flat rate programmes, which focus on set price offers for packaging compliance and any combination of WEEE, battery and packaging compliance for small distance sellers.
As a team comprised of 15 technical experts, located in Germany, Ireland, Poland, Portugal and the UK, we provide worldwide support for extended producer responsibility for over 250 companies.
Another service developed in partnership with the Chemical Compliance Team provides support for Substances of Concern in Products (SCIP). This is the EU requirement to report these substances to a specific database.
In 2020, we further expanded our worldwide services and recorded a 20% increase in our client numbers. Key to our operations is the strong focus on our clients and a commitment to exceeding their expectations.
The SCIP service is a great example of how Landbell Group combines its environmental and chemical compliance expertise to provide holistic, comprehensive consulting for customers.
2020
Environmental consulting
Operating globally in countries
75
Acting as single point of contact for
250+ customers
250+ Total number of customers
www.landbell-group.com
29
2020
Single Payment Service: more than 450 external scheme invoices checked and paid on behalf of customers In 2020
Authorised representative service for 117 customers Manage copyright levy obligations in countries
31
Acting as an intermediary with
+ 50 regulatory authorities
30
LANDBELL GROUP
Environmental consulting
260+
CUSTOMER BENEFITS
registrations managed with schemes and authorities for batteries, packaging and WEEE
Single point of contact to simplify administrative burdens Flexibility to meet customer needs and market entry priorities Unrivalled regulatory expertise and knowledge of local obligations
2,700+
customer data reports submitted to schemes/ authorities
ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFITS Helping companies comply with environmental obligations Advising customers on takeback requirements – and implementing solutions
80+ partnerships with compliance schemes
www.landbell-group.com
31
GLOBAL TAKEBACK
Dora Caria
In 2020, our global takeback programmes continued to grow. We now provide more pick-ups and collect more end-of life (EoL) products, accessories and packaging from more countries in the world. We also support more industries.
Head of Circular Economy Engineering
Ellen Hitschler Managing Director DS Entsorgung
For more information www.h2compliance.com/ global-takeback-solutions
www.landbell.com/dsentsorgung
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LANDBELL GROUP
One2One WEEE takeback In November 2020, we launched a new solution called One2One : this service provides online retailers with a single point of contact for managing the takeback of WEEE in 20 European countries, along with a user-friendly web portal in 14 languages. We will grow One2One further in 2021.
Local and global expertise Our operations are built on an active recycling network of 350+ partners and over 15 years managing international takeback activities for customers. Our global takeback team comprises multi-lingual experts in operations, supply chain, customer support, audits, environmental compliance, and reporting. We can provide control tower supervision of all global programmes, whilst our local operations provide a strong presence on the ground. The second part of this chapter focuses on the very specific services we offer in Austria, Germany and Switzerland.
Voluntary and mandatory takeback programmes We can help customers all over the world to implement takeback programmes, whether they need to do this to comply with local legislation or choose to do this voluntarily. We provide a wide range of return solutions and can help our customers to go even further: building smart sustainable supply chains or achieving closed loop recovery for their products.
2020
Global takeback
Operating globally within
47 countries
Key industries:
Streams managed:
Air Conditioning
Automotive
Entertainment/ Toys/Sports
ICT
e-Commerce
e-Mobility
e-Scooters
Hazardous packaging
Medical Devices
Packaging
Other electronic equipment
Non–hazardous packaging
ICT equipment
Printing supplies
Lithium-ion batteries
Durable goods
2020
3,200
Li-ion battery units collected
3,300+ tonnes collected
4,000+ pick-ups made
34
LANDBELL GROUP
Global takeback
ICT
MAIN SERVICES
3,100+
1,250
Pick-up request management Reverse logistics for end-of-Life (EoL) products, accessories and packaging Treatment of EoL products, accessories and packaging at qualified recyclers Traceability, reporting and monitoring
Tonnes
Pick-ups
Li-ion
Other 3,200
Units
850+
250+
1,200+
Tonnes
Pick-ups
Pick-ups
www.landbell-group.com
35
2020
Focus on Austria, Germany and Switzerland Landbell Group specialises in site and local branch disposal, as well as the takeback of commercial packaging in Austria, Germany and Switzerland.
Germany Austria Switzerland
9,500+
tonnes of material handled in 2020 36
LANDBELL GROUP
Key industries Chemicals
Computer/screen/ printer producers
Food and non-food chains (clothing, food stores) in pedestrian zones
Importers
2020
Global takeback
CUSTOMER BENEFITS Single contact for one or more countries Monthly detailed invoicing, including all services, waste types handled, per location/site Most advantageous/local waste operators deployed
ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFITS
Over
54,000
barrels and intermediate bulk containers collected and returned to customers in 2020
Key services Collection of transport and commercial packaging, as well as bulky waste
Specialised industrial takeback solutions for chemical cleaning and disinfection liquids – with reconditioning of containers where possible
Introduction of software tool to facilitate operative and administrative waste processes
Waste operators chosen close to customer site: no unnecessary distance to recycling or incineration plants Customers are trained to separate different types of commercial waste material for pick-up to prevent unnecessary costs of incineration and prepare for reuse and recycling Best practices in types of collection, reuse and recycling are transferred to other countries where international customers are active
www.landbell-group.com
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GLOBAL SUPPLY CHAIN Landbell Group has a network of recycling companies and logistics providers, which consists of over 800 partners across all five continents. We also manage over 350 qualified waste recycling facilities. Andreas Bohnhoff Head of Global Supply Chain
Dora Caria Head of Circular Economy Engineering
Flexibility, control and best-in-class recycling This professional and dedicated supply chain is one of the reasons why our producer responsibility organisations (PROs) met their targets in 2020 and treated over 760,000 tonnes of waste (see page 12). This network also underpins our global takeback activities. Working jointly with municipalities, transport carriers and treatment centres, we carefully managed the entire recycling process, collecting valuable resources – and keeping all stakeholders healthy and safe.
For more information www.h2compliance.com/ circular-economy-solutions
38
LANDBELL GROUP
Our procurement teams kept up their benchmarking and supplier tendering, which gave us the flexibility that we needed to adapt, as well as the assurance that all waste was being handled efficiently and to the highest environmental standards.
Own and independent audits Landbell Group provides the highest possible quality and audit standards for our customers. Since 2005, we have carried out more than 2,000 of our own audits, and we have raised and followed up more than 6,600 corrective actions. In 2020, we performed audits for our producer responsibility organisations and customers and the activities of our producer responsibility organisations were independently audited. For over 15 years, Landbell Group has developed and maintained its own e-waste and waste batteries treatment standards. Our S3 audit program and standard are recognized by the Global Electronic Council as EoL processing standards, and this standard is used to demonstrate compliance with EPEAT EoL management. In 2020, we expanded our EPEAT services from six to 13 countries.
Extensive network of more than recycling companies
800
and logistics providers
Global supply chain
In 2020, delivered EPEAT services in countries
13
1,600+ Tonnes managed for EPEAT collections
Extensive network of more than qualified waste
350
recycling facilities
2,000+
6,600+
Total number of own audits since 2005
Corrective actions raised and followed up since 2005 www.landbell-group.com
39
SOFTWARE SOLUTIONS
Ulf Hallmann CIO of Landbell Group
The circular economy requires a holistic approach, which integrates many stakeholders in resources or materials management, whose cooperation capacities heavily depend on information and data exchange.
Circul8 includes globally operational solutions for:
Our software systems aim to facilitate more efficient and coordinated operations by systematically gathering, processing and leveraging data. That is why we are currently combining the Landbell Group suite of software systems into one common basis that includes legal, transactional and operational data and allows for better interaction and information exchange, not only within Landbell Group, but also within the larger circular economy networks that we and our clients are part of.
element1™
Circul8, the Home of Circular Economy Efficiency Circul8 is our platform for managing environmental compliance quickly, safely, efficiently and transparently. In 2020, Circul8 supported the activities of Landbell Group’s customers, PROs and takeback partners.
40
LANDBELL GROUP
• Running PROs • Controlling and reporting environmental compliance data • Managing international takeback logistics • Supporting knowledge management and consulting • Providing one-stop online compliance shopping
element1™ is our web-based software application which enables enterprises, Only Representatives and consultancy firms to take control of their chemical regulatory affairs. It is provided as Software as a Service (SaaS) which ensures easy access and a secure collaborative workspace in which substances and projects can be managed, while ensuring full cost tracking and document archiving. Our software platforms support our online compliance, extended producer responsibility and chemical consulting services.
2020
Software solutions
Focus on Circul8 Circul8 EPR This automates extended producer responsibility reporting for all material streams and actively drives environmental compliance activities, providing full transparency of all the relevant parameters.
Circul8 Producer Management This helps producer responsibility organizations to efficiently manage and balance producer obligations, and to report obligated volumes to authorities.
Circul8 Transaction Management This facilitates efficient takeback logistics, integrating each process step from pick-up order via fulfilment and supplier management to recycling. This is the basis on which resources can be fed back into manufacturing processes to achieve truly circular flows.
100,000
In 2020, Circul8 managed logistics and transactions for more than 100K participants.
30,000
Circul8 managed environmental compliance reporting for more than 8,000 companies, including approximately 30,000 declarations in 2020.
POLICY AND ADVOCACY The role of Landbell Group’s Market Intelligence & Governmental Affairs team is to contribute our unique pan-European and operational experience to the political discussion and to secure the most positive outcomes and opportunities for the environment and the economy.
Dr Thomas Fischer Head of Market Intelligence and Governmental Affairs
We gather feedback from our customers, stay aligned with related European industry associations, and keep up to date with legal changes and other stakeholder positions. Also, in 2020, we actively engaged on key European Union policy developments and supported our colleagues in 14 European countries with local policy changes.
EU policies We contributed to the following major discussions that took place last year: • Europe’s Green Deal and the related New Circular Economy Action Plan • The revision of the European Batteries Directive • Proposals for the revision of the packaging essential requirements (as mandated by the 2018 Circular Economy Package) • The Member States ’plastic fee’ for non-recycled plastic packaging waste (which will contribute to the EU budget) 42
LANDBELL GROUP
• The pending European Commission guidance documents on EPR schemes
We attended stakeholder workshops to discuss the proposed new policy framework on batteries (April) and packaging (May) and contributed to the related stakeholder consultations in June and December. In November, we provided input to a study on small WEEE run by the consultancy Ramboll on behalf of the European Commission. Moreover, we monitored the implementing measures on the Single-Use Plastics Directive, such as the related and pending guidelines, as well as the implementing regulation on harmonized marking. We were also invited by the European Commission to share our EPR experience in an EU workshop on fishing gear, an industry that is required to implement EPR soon.
National policies Throughout 2020, across Europe, Landbell Group engaged in discussions on national policy initiatives or the implementation of EU law: for example, the EU directives on packaging, single-use plastics and WEEE. We have the unique ability to speak as one group, sharing our experience from different markets, but also considering local specifics.
Position papers Last year, we published several papers addressing EU policy developments, including our comments on the Eunomia Draft Report on the EPR Guidance (January); papers on the EU Waste Shipment Regulation (April); the Modernisation of the EU’s Batteries Legislation (June); and the Review of Concentration Limits for the EU’s Persistent Organic Pollutants Regulation (July). You can explore all our European position papers here.
2020
Policy and advocacy
Engaging in discussions on national EU policy initiatives
www.landbell-group.com
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GREEN ALLEY AWARD A year of firsts Founding a startup is all about firsts. Writing a business plan for the first time, pitching in front of investors for the first time and, of course, the most important first: Coming up with an idea that no one else has thought about before.
Dr Raffaela David Head of Marketing and PR
Founded in 2014, with six successful finals already under its belt, the Green Alley Award is, strictly speaking, no startup anymore. But this was a year of firsts for us, too. For the first time, unfortunately, we had to postpone the 2020 award because of the pandemic. That is why this was also the year of the first digital Green Alley Award. On 22nd April 2021, 160 people from all over Europe watched when our six finalists presented their ideas for a more sustainable tomorrow and traceless materials became the seventh Green Alley Award winner. Earlier this year, we also introduced a Public Vote for the very first time. More than 3,000 people voted for their favourite startup and the winner took their place in the final.
For more information www.green-alley-award.com
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LANDBELL GROUP
Doing something for the first time is not only exciting; it also opens the path to development and change. If we want to live in a world where resources are regarded as precious goods, and recycling is a must instead of a maybe, we must support those people who are courageous enough to rethink traditional structures and do something new for the first time. The many firsts that we have experienced have renewed our appetite for change. This, in turn, has strengthened our conviction that, even in times of upheaval and uncertainty, we must stay committed to supporting circular economy startups.
2020
Green Alley Award
1million+
42
investments made since 2014
successful finalists
7 years of extensive experience
1
st
European startup prize for the Circular Economy
Applications from more than countries
1,200+
50
applications for the Green Alley Award
www.landbell-group.com
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2020
THIS YEAR’S FINALISTS Carbonauten
Dimpora
Kleiderly
ReSync
traceless materials
TrusTrace
Germany
Switzerland
Germany
Germany
Germany
Sweden
Reducing CO2 in our atmosphere is an important result of Carbonauten’s innovative biomaterial made of wooden residues. Instead of emitting greenhouse gases while rotting, the wood is turned into carbon and combined with different binders. The resulting materials can replace conventional plastics and building materials for various industries. In this way, one tonne of Carbonauten’s biomaterial can store an equivalent of more than 3 tonnes of CO2.
Outdoor wear should be breathable and protect you from wind and water. But these features usually involve chemical processes and come with high costs for human health and the environment. Dimpora, a Swiss startup, has now developed a high-performing alternative to conventional membranes that does not use any toxic chemicals at all in the production process. The membrane can also be made biodegradable and be added to any kind of garment, making outdoor activities completely natural again.
Berlin-based startup, Kleiderly, is solving two environmental problems at once: the growing number of garments wasted each year, as well as the rising demand for oil-based thermoplastics. The startup recycles old clothing and textile waste and turns it into a sustainable plastic alternative that can be used to produce any kind of plastic goods, including eyewear, clothes hangers or even furniture.
Everyday, businesses produce various kinds of waste that they must dispose of in compliance with legal obligations. An easy way to find the right recycler for their needs is an online B2B recycling platform developed by ReSync. The platform matches companies with recycling contractors that are conveniently located and offer value for money. The positive side-effects are improved waste separation and increased collection rates. ReSync entered the Green Alley Award finals as the winner of the first public vote.
The invention of traceless materials claims to be one step ahead of other bioplastics on the market today. Thanks to the special technology developed by the German startup, agricultural industry residues are transformed into a sustainable alternative to film, hard plastic packaging or plastic coating. The result is an all-natural material that is not only completely bio-based, but can also be composted in your organic waste bin within two to nine weeks.
From fibre to garment, fashion brands must deal with complex production processes and numerous suppliers. Therefore, a digital platform developed by Swedish startup TrusTrace promises to shed more light on the materials in fashion products and how they are manufactured. This helps fashion companies to ensure that supply chains align with their sustainability goals and even enables product verification for circular business models.
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LANDBELL GROUP
Green Alley Award
AND THIS YEAR’S WINNER IS… More than 160 circular economy enthusiasts waited excitedly in front of their screens for the announcement of this year’s award winner… … and the seventh Green Alley Award went to the femalefounded startup, traceless materials. The company convinced the jury with its biobased homecompostable alternative to single-use plastic and prevailed against the five other finalists at the virtual pitch event on 22nd April 2021. Jan Patrick Schulz, CEO of Landbell Group, explained what swayed the jury in traceless materials’ favour: “What convinced us about traceless materials’ business idea was their holistic bio-circular approach to producing an environmentally friendly alternative to conventional plastic. Traceless materials claims to need no harmful additives and could save up to 87% of carbon emissions, while being competitive in material properties and price. The solution also supports the European Union’s ban on certain single-use plastics that will go into effect in July this year.”
Anne Lamp, CEO and founder of traceless materials, expressed her joy at winning the award and described how the startup will use the prize money of 25,000 euros: “Our goal is to establish traceless as an ingredient brand, creating awareness and demand for our uniquely sustainable material solution among end consumers. One step on the way to gaining their trust and achieving recognition for traceless materials is through certificates and education. And this is what we want to use the prize money for.” “We are very pleased that we are once again able to present a strong winner with traceless materials this year,” Jan Patrick Schulz concluded. “With its convincing business model for an all-natural alternative to conventional plastics, as well as bioplastics, traceless materials can really make a difference for the circular economy.”
www.landbell-group.com
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2020
HALL OF FAME – PREVIOUS WINNERS 2019 – Gelatex Technologies
2018 – Aeropowder
2017 – Sulapac
Gelatex Technologies from Estonia offers an eco-friendly alternative to leather. The material is made using surplus gelatine from the meat and leather industries – without the use of toxins.
The UK startup Aeropowder uses feather waste from the poultry industry to produce sustainable thermal packaging. After cleaning and treatment, the feathers are covered in a certified, compostable, food grade liner.
The Finnish startup Sulapac invented 100% biodegradable premium packaging made from FSC-certified wood and natural adhesives. It is the perfect alternative to conventional plastic boxes for luxury goods like cosmetics or food.
Aeropowder has just closed their crowd funding campaign, raising over half a million euros and are supported by the EU Horizon2020 research and innovation programme.
Sulapac has since secured investment funds from Chanel and, alongside its packaging line for cosmetics and jewelry, has launched a fully biodegradable drinking straw.
2016 – Green City Solutions
2015 – Adaptavate
2014 – RePack
Green City Solutions invented CityTree, a solar powered installation consisting of moss cultures that filters the air in cities. It works based on the Internet of Things and measures the plants’ requirements in real time.
Adaptavate from the UK developed a product called Breathaboard, an eco-friendly alternative to plasterboard. The Breathaboard paneling is made of 75 percent agricultural waste and regulates moisture in buildings.
RePack from Helsinki, Finland reduces packaging waste in e-commerce by creating a multipath system for reusable packaging with reusable and recyclable envelopes.
Adapting their production facilities to make face masks at the beginning of the pandemic, Gelatex Technologies have now changed their focus to developing nanofibrous materials for innovative applications in medicine, food, textile, filtration, and the energy industries.
Green City Solutions have now realized more than 60 projects in Europe and are supported by the EU Horizon2020 funding project.
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LANDBELL GROUP
Adaptavate has since launched in new countries and, most recently, secured a £500,000 development project from Innovate UK, the UK’s innovation agency.
RePack have now teamed up with some of Germany’s biggest e-commerce players, Otto, Tchibo and the Avocadostore, and have started pilot projects to enter the North American market, too.
Annual Performance Review
Landbell Group Rheinstraße 4L D-55116 Mainz Germany www.landbell-group.com
