Thanks to the ÖAKR system 1,600 tonnes of CO2 and 70,000 gigajoules of primary energy have been saved.

This impressive result, which is equivalent to eliminating the CO2 from 7.4 million kilometres of car travel and the energy required to produce hot water for 27,000 people (roughly a city the size of Bregenz), was achieved with the current 2009 collection quantity of 1,338 tonnes.

The important contributions to sustainability, which are made by the ÖAKR system, are described by a new study produced by the consulting firm denkstatt GmbH: „Plastic Pipes Recycling: Contributions of ÖAKR to Sustainability“ (May 2010). Author of the study: Mag. DI Harald Pilz.

Ecologically, economically and socially sustainable

The use of recycled materials in new products reduces the need to produce primary materials. The resulting resource conservation, reductions in energy use and CO2 footprint, longer service lives and the development of „anthropogenic stores“ (long-lasting products in use) as raw material source, represent the important contributions made by ÖAKR with regard to the ecological factor of sustainability. The inexpensive provision of valuable secondary raw materials and fuels makes it economical, the creation of jobs makes it socially responsible.

Significance of ÖAKR activities for climate protection:

In 2009, a CO2-saving of 1,600 tonnes was achieved. This corresponds to 7.4 million kilometres of car travel or 220,000 operating hours of 1,000 energy-saving bulbs (11 watt). To date, the ÖAKR has managed to reduce the CO2 emissions of all plastic pipe waste by 40 %. The current EU target for the reduction of greenhouse emissions is set at minus 20 % by 2020.

Relevance of the energy carrier saved:

ÖAKR saved 70,000 gigajoules of primary energy in 2009. This corresponds to the annual energy required to produce hot water for about 27,000 people or a city the size of Bregenz, the capital of Vorarlberg. Or the energy content of roughly 30 tank trucks filled with heating oil.

www.oeakr.at