Hellenic Recovery Recycling Corporation (HERRCO) at the 89th Thessaloniki International Fair

For the fifth consecutive year, the Hellenic Recovery Recycling Corporation (HERRCO) successfully participated in the 89th Thessaloniki International Fair (TIF), held from September 6 to 14, 2025, showcasing its positive impact on Packaging Recycling in Greece.

More than 15,000 visitors visited HERRCO’s booth, including representatives from public and private sector entities, institutional stakeholders, businesses, and members of the public. There, they had the opportunity to be informed by the company's executives about the significant results of the Blue Bin and Blue Bell projects, the basic principles of sorting and recovering packaging waste, as well as HERRCO’s investments in new technologies aimed at improving the efficiency of the System.

HERRCO makes strategic use of modern technologies as tools for public awareness and education, helping to strengthen environmental consciousness. Two interactive digital challenges-games were featured at its booth:

• The first, a VR-based experience, simulated a virtual recycling unit in need of rescue, familiarizing users with all stages of the packaging recycling process.
• The second, using Kinect technology, allowed players—using a Blue Bin avatar—to collect recyclable materials, earn points, and compete for leaderboard positions, while also learning about what materials are accepted in the Blue Bins.

As in previous years, a prize draw was also held, offering 10 gift vouchers from a major electronics and appliance retailer.

During the booth’s opening event, Mr. Michael E. Economakis, Chairman of HERRCO, spoke about the multiple benefits of the Circular Economy and Packaging Recycling for the environment, society, and the economy. The event was also attended by the Deputy Mayor of Thessaloniki, the President of the Central Macedonia Development Agency representing the Region, the Secretary General for Waste Management Coordination of the Ministry of Environment and Energy, and the CEO of the Hellenic Recycling Agency (HRA). The event was coordinated by Mr. Ioannis Razis, General Manager of HERRCO.

As part of HERRCO’s broader presence at the 89th TIF, Mr. Michael E. Economakis also participated in a conference organized by the Ministry of Environment and Energy, specifically in a panel titled:
“Reforms and challenges in waste management in Greece”, where he addressed current developments in packaging recycling, presented HERRCO’s initiatives, and exchanged views with government officials and other institutional representatives.

During the opening ceremony of HERRCO’s booth, Mr. Economakis stated: “In an environment filled with significant challenges for sustainable development and the circular economy, we remain firmly committed to enhancing Greece’s packaging recycling performance. A clear testament to this is the fact that, over the past year, we exceeded our recycling target by 152%, serving 99% of the country’s population. We continue to move forward steadily with our projects and investments, in cooperation with municipalities, affiliated companies, and with the support of the public, aiming for a sustainable future for the next generations.”