Leading Greece’s Packaging Recycling efforts through innovation, sustainability and long-term investment
The Hellenic Recovery Recycling Corporation (HERRCO) participated in the 11th Delphi Economic Forum for the sixth consecutive year, reaffirming its leading role in the management of packaging waste in Greece. As the country's primary packaging recycling organization, HERRCO continues to drive the transition towards a circular economy by promoting sustainable waste management practices and strengthening Packaging Recycling nationwide.
As part of the Forum, HERRCO' s Chairman Mr. Michael E. Economakis took part in the panel discussion "Recharting Greece's Waste & Circular Map", where he highlighted Packaging Recycling as one of the most effective and immediate pathways to a circular production model.
Over the past 25 years, HERRCO has played a pivotal role in developing Greece's national recycling infrastructure through its Blue Bin and Blue Bell recycling system. Today, the network serves more than 10.4 million citizens and covers almost the entire country. Backed by investments exceeding €426 million, the company has built a robust and efficient recycling system that delivers measurable environmental and social benefits.
During the past year, HERRCO significantly surpassed its legal recycling obligation, achieving 152% of its target by recycling 505,000 tonnes of packaging waste, compared to the required 330,000 tonnes. This achievement reflects the strength of a broad partnership network that includes more than 4,000 contracted companies, the Central Union of Municipalities of Greece (KEDE), 94% of the country's Municipalities, and, most importantly, the active participation of millions of citizens.
At the same time, the recycling sector is rapidly evolving through technological innovation. Artificial intelligence, automated sorting technologies and advanced material recovery systems are transforming recycling processes by enabling the accurate separation of increasingly complex materials. HERRCO continues to invest in these developments, enhancing both the operational efficiency and digital transformation of its recycling system.
Despite this progress, important challenges remain. One of the most pressing issues is the large number of companies that fail to participate in any approved recycling scheme. According to official figures from the Hellenic Recycling Agency (EOAN), contribution evasion reaches 44%, resulting in an estimated annual loss of more than €27 million in resources that could otherwise support recycling infrastructure and environmental initiatives.
Commenting on the importance of continued collaboration, HERRCO' s Chairman Mr. Michael E. Economakis stated: "The transition to a circular economy is essential for the sustainable management of natural resources and for reducing our environmental footprint. It lays the foundation for a more responsible and resilient development model. At HERRCO, we remain committed not only to improving recycling performance, but also to raising public awareness and promoting environmental education, helping recycling become part of everyday behaviour rather than simply a legal obligation. Building a sustainable future requires the active cooperation of government, businesses and citizens alike. The environment cannot wait, and responsibility belongs to all of us."
