Shaping the future together
Zero waste, 100 percent reusable material
All PreZero employees have committed themselves to the same idea: reducing the consumption of natural resources, reducing waste and shaping the future with sustainable and efficient solutions.
Every new concept eases the burden on the environment, every decision can help preserve natural resources. Assuming responsibility for the environment and for the people go hand in hand. For this reason, we are streamlining processes in order to use resources profitably and optimize structures sustainably. Every unnecessary step is one step too many.
Every additional gram of CO2 produced is one gram too much. And any waste that is not recycled is a wasted piece of raw material. With this in mind, we continue to improve our processes – from logistics to the handling of waste. We connect economy with ecology.
Our Vision
New thinking for a cleaner tomorrow.
Unique opportunities for new recycling loops
As part of the Schwarz Group, we have unique opportunities to develop new recycling loops, thereby reducing the consumption of natural resources.
Since we are backed by one of the largest retailers in the world, we can take the entire value chain into consideration – from production to retail, collection, sorting and recycling to reuse – and develop unprecedented solutions.
Our Values
Our goal: Zero waste of resources along the entire value chain
For our team, this means nothing is impossible. And to make the impossible possible, we need lateral thinkers and pragmatists who are willing to take on joint responsibility.
Respectful.
Pragmatic.
Structured.
Self-determined.
Connected.
Our History
In 2009, our company was founded under the name GreenCycle, originating from a department in waste disposal logistics of the retail company Lidl. As PreZero, we have grown to become the environmental division of the Schwarz Group with:
485
locations
30.000
employees
11
countries
12.200
vehicles
Then and now – the waste disposal company for a cleaner tomorrow.
Acquisition of Cespa
PreZero completes acquisition of Cespa, a waste management company operating in Spain and Portugal, taking over approximately 16,000 employees at about 140 sites.
Paper from OutNature in stores
Silphie paper can be found in packaging in Lidl & Kaufland stores for the first time. A cooperation with Procter & Gamble is launched, resulting in further sustainable packaging solutions.
PreZero participates in Expo 2020
PreZero presents its solutions for the circular economy as a sponsoring partner of the Baden-Württemberg House in Dubai.
Aerosol can with recycled content
Lidl sells for the first time a deodorant can made of 25 % aluminum recycled by PreZero Pyral. The deodorant can is the winner of the 2021 German Packaging Award.
Modern sorting plants
New sorting plants for lightweight packaging opened in Evergem, Belgium, and in Bremen (together with Nehlsen). Setback in Zwolle: The LVP sorting plant is largely destroyed in a fire.
Integration of SUEZ
With the acquisition of SUEZ sites in Germany, Poland, the Netherlands and Luxembourg, PreZero gains 7,200 new employees and 140 sites.
Recycled plastic products
Within the Schwarz Group, recyclates from PreZero are used for the first time to produce household products that are sold at Lidl and Kaufland.
Expansion in the USA
PreZero US opens new plastics recycling plant in Westminister, South Carolina. Roplast, a film manufacturer, was acquired.
PreZero Dual active throughout Germany
Since January 2021, PreZero Dual has been available to companies throughout Germany as a partner for the licensing of sales packaging.
Acquisition of Suez Sweden
Successful acquisition of Suez Sweden with 1,100 employees and 50 locations.
PreZero Foundation
The GreenCycle Foundation is renamed the PreZero Foundation for a consistent brand identity.
WWF partnership
The partnership with WWF is extended on an international level and extended for another five years until 2025.
Allianz Arena partnership
PreZero is the official waste management and recycling partner of the Munich Arena.
Plastics Recycling Grünstadt
PreZero participates in the recycling plant in Grünstadt.
Brand world
In addition to PreZero, we establish new brands: PreTurn and OutNature.
Recycled plastics from California
PreZero US opens first LDPE recycling plant.
Further acquisitions
PreZero continues to grow with Komart in Poland and Aussieker & Stahlhut and Herbert Schulz container service in Germany.
Modern sorting facilities
While our state-of-the-art LVP sorting plant opens in the Netherlands, investments are made in further new facilities in Bremen and Evergem, Belgium.
Own Dual System
PreZero Dual is launched in seven German states for the time being.
Exclusive partner of the Climate Arena
PreZero supports the unique experience center for climate change in Sinsheim as a sponsor and consultant for sustainability issues.
Recycling business for the first time
With Sky Plastic Group, PreZero takes over the leading company in the recycling of post-consumer plastics in Europe.
Consumer education campaign
Together with the geTon initiative, PreZero tours Germany and provides information on waste separation at Kaufland and Lidl stores.
Further acquisitions
PreZero deepens its value chain with HILLENERGY, Noll Biogas and Noll Entsorgung, and Lewedag.
PreZero Arena
We become sustainability partner of the TSG Hoffenheim stadium.
Foundation stone for operational waste management business in Europe
Acquisition of Tönsmeier, Germany's fifth-largest waste management service provider.
Start of expansion
The first acquisition is made with the purchase of the American environmental services provider RMG Recycling.
The PreZero brand is created
A digital waste disposal platform goes online under the name PreZero.
Expansion of the consulting business
GreenCycle begins to offer its expertise in waste disposal and recycling to external customers outside the Schwarz Group.
Expansion in the Schwarz Group
GreenCycle expands its scope of activities to include the Kaufland retail chain and the Schwarz Group production plants.
New business fields
Strategies for waste avoidance and recycling are in demand, and other recyclable materials such as PET bottles or films are being added.
Foundation
With GreenCycle, the Schwarz Group bundles waste disposal expertise in a subsidiary to manage Lidl's recyclables and transfer them into cycles.