With this new offering, the Würzburg-based institute is establishing fixed and regular jour fixe appointments during which SKZ experts will classify current developments, highlight specific implications for companies, and address individual questions.

The focus is on sustainability reporting in accordance with CSRD/ESRS, with SKZ supporting companies in interpreting the requirements, deriving relevant KPIs, and setting up suitable reporting structures. The EU taxonomy is also part of the consulting service, particularly with regard to the evaluation and classification of economic activities.

In addition, the service includes classifications of new EU regulations and directives in the context of plastics and the environment—such as the EU Packaging Regulation (PPWR), the End-of-Life Vehicles Regulation, microplastics regulations, REACH requirements, and other circular economy requirements. This is supplemented by support with life cycle assessments (LCA), the calculation of carbon footprints, and the preparation of environmental product declarations (EPDs).

Other focal points include climate risk management, the legally compliant formulation of green environmental statements, the implementation of supply chain compliance requirements such as the Supply Chain Act or the Deforestation Regulation, and the requirements of the Ecodesign Regulation and the Digital Product Passport.

With the consulting contract, SKZ has created a format that goes beyond traditional training courses or individual projects. Companies benefit from ongoing technical support, early assessments of regulatory developments, and practical, directly implementable recommendations. Furthermore, participants gain access to a broad network of experts from research, testing, and industry. Another advantage is the transparency and planning security in a rapidly changing legal and market environment.

In addition to direct consulting services, contractors benefit from discounts on other SKZ sustainability services. “With our new consulting model, we support companies in making informed sustainable decisions and reliably meeting regulatory requirements,” explains Dr. Hermann Achenbach, Business Unit Manager Sustainability and Circular Economy at SKZ. “The plastics industry is facing profound changes – and we offer the guidance and expertise that is needed now.”

Interested parties are asked to contact Dr. Hermann Achenbach directly by email.

Further information on the research area of circular economy

The SKZ is climate protection company and a member of the Zuse Association. This is an association of independent, industry-related research institutions that pursue the goal of improving the performance and competitiveness of industry, especially SMEs, through innovation and networking.