13 YEARS WITH HERRCO Packaging A project Recycling for all of us

1 A PROJECT FOR ALL OF US 13 YEARS WITH HERRCO

Packaging Recycling

A project for all of us

2 3 A PROJECT FOR ALL OF US 13 YEARS WITH HERRCO

Table of Contents

OPENING NOTE...... 5 HELLENIC RECOVERY RECYCLING CORPORATION (HERRCO)...... 6 OPERATING PRINCIPLES...... 8 SHAREHOLDERS...... 8 EUROPEAN PARTNERSHIPS...... 9 NATIONAL TARGETS...... 9 LOCAL AUTHORITIES...... 10 AFFILIATED MEMBER-COMPANIES...... 12 PACKAGING MATERIAL QUANTITIES IN THE LOCAL MARKET...... 13 Dear friends, THE SYSTEM...... 14 THE BLUE BIN...... 16 The Hellenic Recovery Recycling Corporation completes glass packaging, the plan is to enhance and expand the this year 13 years of packaging recycling work. With its Blue Bell network in order to serve even more municipalities. THE BLUE BIN IN 2015...... 18 focus once again on the fulfillment of the national targets, At the same time, the communication activities for citizens THE BLUE BIN PER REGION...... 20 HERRCO continued unabated in its endeavors towards are expected to continue dynamically. As always, the THE BLUE BELL...... 24 the further development and evolution of the packaging contribution of the local authorities, affiliated companies COMPLEMENTARY RECYCLING PROJECTS...... 26 recycling System – that of the Blue Bin – which effectively and citizens is indispensable in order to promote packaging PILOT PROJECTS...... 27 meets our country’s needs. recycling in our country and achieve even greater figures THE 13-YEAR COURSE OF HERRCO IN FIGURES...... 28 in the future. PROJECT RESULTS ...... 29 2015 was an important year for HERRCO as packaging recycling, through the Blue Bin and Blue Bell projects, In the following pages, we have depicted, through FULFILLMENT OF NATIONAL TARGETS...... 30 increased significantly for the first time since 2009. quantitative and qualitative data, the activities of the SYSTEM CONTROL & MONITORING...... 31 System of HERRCO by presenting its development and COMMUNICATION & EDUCATION...... 32 This positive outcome can be grasped in its real dimensions evolution over the past year. This information demonstrates ABBREVIATIONS – ACRONYMS ...... 36 only if we view it within the general economic context of our commitment towards packaging recycling with an . The impact of the recession was obvious in 2015 as undiminished pace also for the future. well, negatively affecting the purchasing power of citizens and, thus, consumption and packaging waste generation. Therefore in such a year like this, the positive results of Hope you enjoy the read. packaging recycling constitute not solely a capstone of our endeavors, but also a powerful message proving the On behalf of the Board of Directors of HERRCO, continuous support of packaging recycling by citizens. Loukas Komis

The positive messages deriving from the operations of the President past year inspire optimism for the years to follow, while encouraging our efforts for 2016. Once again, we are committed to actively contribute to the accomplishment of the national targets by maintaining the upward trend of packaging recycling via the Blue Bin project. Particularly for

4 5 A PROJECT FOR ALL OF US 13 YEARS WITH HERRCO

The Hellenic Recovery Recycling Corporation

Scope

As specified by its corporate statute and the terms of operation of Identity CAMS – RECYCLING, the public scope of HERRCO involves: ν the fulfillment of the legal obligation of its affiliated companies in relation to the disposal The foundation of the Hellenic Recovery Recycling Corporation HERRCO constitutes an exceptionally successful example (HERRCO) in December of 2001 was the result of an of collaboration among the local packaging producers of their economic funds necessary for the initiative taken among Greek companies active in packaging placing their products in the Greek market, the packaging recycling of their packaging waste production and the trading of packaged goods, aiming to importers and the Local Authorities of the country, who are meet more effectively their legal obligation for the recycling legally bound for the collection of municipal waste. By the ν the optimal utilization of the funds available of packaging waste deriving from their products through the end of 2015, the companies affiliated with HERRCO were for the benefit of recycling 1,847, while the collaborating Local Authorities reached 296 self-administration of their funds, within the framework of the accomplishment of recycling of the the National and European legislation. throughout Greece. In relation to its shareholder structure, ν 35% of the share capital belongs to the Central Union of maximum possible packaging quantities, in To respond to the above requirements, HERRCO – in accordance Municipalities of Greece and the rest to the industrial and accordance to the legally set National and with the provisions of Law 2939/01 – has developed and commercial companies bound by Law to undertake the European Targets implemented in Greece the Collective Alternative Management collection and recycling of their product packaging. System – RECYCLING (CAMS – RECYCLING) by applying 6-year Operational Plans as approved by the competent authorities. The operations of HERRCO are not governed by profit, but instead, for the benefit of public interest, as provided by the legal and regulatory framework in force.

6 7 ΕΝΑA PROJECT ΕΡΓΟ ΓΙΑ FOR ΟΛΟΥΣ ALL OF ΜΑΣ US 13 YEARS13 WITHXΡONIA HERRCO EEAA

Operating Shareholders European

Central Union of Municipalities of Greece Principles The Central Union of Municipalities of Greece Partnerships participates in the share capital of the System with 35% and is represented in the 9-member Board of Directors of HERRCO by 3 members. Expra (www.expra.eu) HERRCO is a member of EXPRA (Extended Producer Responsibility Alliance), the European collective organization which incorporates the national Packaging The industrial and commercial companies Recycling Systems established by the legally bound packaging administrators completing the shareholder structure of and operating on a non-profit basis. Participation in EXPRA offers know-how on HERRCO are the following: optimal packaging waste recovery, as well as the opportunity to negotiate on Participation in the share capital of HERRCO is common issues faced by the Recycling Systems within the European Union. • ARTENIUS HELLAS S.A. open to any company providing the market with • COCA – COLA HBC GREECE S.A. packaged goods, subject to the terms valid for Pro-Europe (www.pro-e.org) existing shareholders. • COLGATE PALMOLIVE (HELLAS) S.A. HERRCO is also a member of PRO-EUROPE (Packaging Recovery Organization • CROWN HELLAS CAN S.A. Europe), the European collective organization handling the -European • ION S.A. recycling label, known as the Green Dot. The Green Dot – which is by now on HERRCO is a non-profit entity and its shares do not • NESTLE HELLAS S.A. most of the product packaging available in the Greek market – clearly states that distribute dividends. • PEPSICO – IVI S.A. the specific piece of packaging has financially contributed to CAMS – RECYCLING. • VIVARTIA S.A. Having signed an exclusive license agreement with PRO-EUROPE for the use of • ATHENIAN BREWERY S.A. the Green Dot in Greece, HERRCO is responsible for granting the usage rights to Service is provided to the legally bound • ΕLAIS – UNILEVER HELLAS S.A. the affiliated companies of the System. administrators under the same terms, whether • ELVAL S.A. they are shareholders or not. • MEVGAL S.A. • PAPASTRATOS CIGARETTE MANUFACTURING CO. The main activities of CAMS – RECYCLING are • PROCTER & GAMBLE HELLAS LTD developed in close collaboration with the Local • TETRA PAK HELLAS S.A. Authorities, as dictated by the legal framework. • YIOULA GLASSWORKS S.A. National Targets • FAGE S.A. • FRIESLANDCAMPINA HELLAS S.A. The Collective Alternative Management System (CAMS – RECYCLING) intends • PSIGIA THEOD. KLIAFAS S.A. to contribute significantly to the achievement of the national targets setfor HERRCO handles all packaging materials available packaging recycling, as outlined in the Joint Ministerial Decision 9268/469/2007. in the market according to objective technical and financial criteria. More specifically the national targets are as follows:

• 60% (by weight) recovery of the total of packaging waste, out of which • at least 55% (by weight) recycling

In particular, the following percentages of recycling are anticipated per material:

• 60% (by weight) glass • 60% (by weight) paper and cardboard • 50% (by weight) metals • 22.5% (by weight) plastics • 15% (by weight) wood

8 9 ΕΝΑA PROJECT ΕΡΓΟ ΓΙΑ FOR ΟΛΟΥΣ ALL OF ΜΑΣ US 13 YEARS13 WITHXΡONIA HERRCO EEAA

Local Authorities Local Authorities – or other competent municipal bodies – and HERRCO sign EQUIPMENT collaboration agreements aiming at the most effective organization and management ION of packaging waste recycling, in accordance with Law 2939/01. The framework for HERRCO provides municipa- CT lities with the recycling bins, E cooperation between the Local Authorities and HERRCO includes two alternative LL patterns: as well as with the collection O vehicles. It also ensures the C sorting infrastructure (RSCs) F Collaboration I O N and organizes the educational F A

L N

activities for citizens. O C C C Sheme B’ I

A A O

L L L

Local Authorities undertake the responsibility A A L

S

U E

to design, organize and operate the packaging S

T C OLLEC I C T H IO S

N waste recycling and recovery projects. In this O

E T T

R Q A

I case, the System covers the expenses for I

N U T

I O

C

P I

N the collection equipment, while the financial E

M E S

EN assistance it offers to the Local Authorities T is equivalent to the certified quantities of the Collaboration acquired materials delivered for recovery, S according to the procedures approved by the

C Sheme A’ O competent authorities.

O The Collective Alternative Management System (CAMS R

L T – RECYCLING) undertakes the investment and the N

L I

O

E operational costs of the recycling projects, while the Local N I N

C Authorities realize the collection of recyclable materials G O T I

T and the maintenance of equipment. T A SE A I LLI UC O N C G D Collection Equipment System MA OF E N U T ERIALS RSC Establishment System D E Collection Operation Municipalities Sorting Operation System Education – Promotion System / Municipalities

R EC E IP O T F AN R D H E AND G S LING IN IDU ORT Local Authorities are responsible for E S At the same time, HERRCO the collection and transfer of recyclable undertakes the operational materials to the RSCs, as well as for the expenses of the RSCs, along receipt and handling of the residue from with the costs of educational sorting corresponding to them. activities addressed to citizens and companies, in collaboration with the Local Authorities. 10 11 A PROJECT FOR ALL OF US 13 YEARS WITH HERRCO

Affiliated Member-Companies Packaging Material Quantities in the Local Market

The packaging administrators already affiliated with HERRCO cover the largest chart 1 part of the legal and financial obligations regarding packaging recycling in Greece. 1847 Based on a sampling of 1,085 companies that have already submitted their At this point, it is worth mentioning that the 2000 1817 reports regarding the quantities of recyclable materials which they have made 1703 1720 1721 funds of the System are derived exclusively 1651 available in the market, there was a pattern of a decrease for 2015 as well, of 1552 from the affiliated companies. The average 1420 1500 about 2% in comparison to 2014. Following an extrapolation on the company 1293 yearly revenue from each new contract reports that are still not submitted, it is estimated that the companies affiliated 1078 reached 900 Euros in 2015. However, the with the System in total have provided the Greek market with approximately total revenues from contributions decreased 1000 826 395,000 tons of packaging material in 2015. by about 2% in relation to the past year,

460 mainly due to the drop in consumption and 500 247 the ongoing recession. 107

0 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015

Forecast of 2015 reports 2014 Reports (based on a sampling of 1,085 affiliated companies & Packaging material estimated % of decrease)

Chart 1 presents the progress Electric & Electronic Appliances – Spare parts Chemicals – Construction materials Quantities by affiliated companies Quantities by affiliated companies of vehicles and machinery of signed Agreements, starting (in thousand tons) (in thousand tons) from the foundation of the 11% Paper – Cardboard 144 141 System till the end of 2015. 5% Paper packaging of liquids 14 14 By December 31, 2015 the Detergents – Cosmetics – Pharmaceuticals companies that have signed – Medical equipment Plastic 107 107 a Collaboration Agreement Aluminum 20 18 with the System were 1,847 19% Alcoholic and Tinplate 25 24 in total. The relevant list of non-alcoholic beverages Glass 76 72 companies is communicated Wood 16 17 to the competent authorities. 21% Clothing – Shoes – Toys – Publications Others 2 2 TOTAL 404 395 Chart 2 depicts the extent of 3% contribution per category on behalf of the Affiliates. The majority of contributions (62%) Still, the issue of contribution evasion (non-compliance to legal obligation) results from companies active remains grave. Fourteen years after the enforcement of the related law, it in the food and beverage Food is estimated that 40% of contribution is being evaded, while the competent sector. authorities are not applying any measures to confront this issue despite chart 2 41% repeated comments from HERRCO.

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The System

The packaging waste relevant to the Collective Alternative Management System (CAMS – RECYCLING) is derived from many sources and follows Blue Bell Project different routes after use and following their disposal. Driven bythe optimal European practices, HERRCO has developed a flexible action plan aiming at the most effective utilization of funds collected by the affiliated The Blue Bell serves exclusively the collection of glass packaging deriving companies for packaging recycling. Thus, the activities of HERRCO include: from municipal waste. It mainly addresses large producers and venues of business activities that involve the consumption of goods in glass packaging (i.e. entertainment venues, hotel complexes, bars, cafeterias, restaurants etc.).

The goal of this particular project is to create a packaging waste stream that is as clear and pure as possible, close to its point of generation. Blue Bin Project

The Blue Bin constitutes the fundamental means for the fulfillment of the national targets since it undertakes the largest part of recycling realized in Greece resulting from the most crucial and difficult type of solid waste: municipal waste. The Blue Bin Project is addressed to the general public, in other words to all the inhabitants of Greece, and is developed in close collaboration with the Local Authorities, as provided by the legal Complementary framework in force.

Citizens are called to place their recyclable materials (packaging waste Recycling Projects made of paper-cardboard, plastic, glass, aluminum and tinplate) in the Blue Bin. Worthy of special mention is also the project of print paper Apart from the Blue Bin and Blue Bell projects – and generally the projects recycling – a material that is also disposed of in the Blue Bin – despite the realized in collaboration with the municipalities – HERRCO has developed fact that these quantities are not admeasured in relation to the national additional projects such as recycling certification/recording of Industrial targets and the corresponding producers do not participate in the handling and Commercial Packaging Waste (ICPW), energy recovery through the use costs of this particular material. of alternative fuel and others. The recyclable materials are collected by the municipalities and These projects are developed in order to contribute to the fulfillment of the transferred to the Recycling Sorting Centers (RSCs) where they are sorted national targets through all possible sources of recovery and, thus, create and dispatched for recycling. HERRCO invests heavily in the development the most complete picture of recycling in Greece which then is brought to of this particular field in order to be in the position to gradually cover the attention of the competent authorities. the entire population of Greece. In special cases (i.e. the ) or in areas where the Local Authorities choose to apply a different plan (i.e. regional units of West Macedonia, – Municipal Company of Solid Waste Management), the recycling projects apply more complex collection methods in cooperation with the Local Authorities, such as the multiple collection streams.

14 15 AΕΝΑ PROJECT ΕΡΓΟ ΓΙΑ FOR ΟΛΟΥΣ ALL OF ΜΑΣ US 13 YEARS13 WITHXΡONIA HERRCO EEAA

The Blue Bin What becomes of recyclable packaging?

Βy now, the Blue Bin constitutes an identifiable element of the urban and Paper Glass Aluminum Tinplate Plastic semi-urban setting, having gained the acceptance of both citizens and packaging packaging packaging packaging packaging businesses as the effective way for packaging recycling. The greatest What is the proper proof for this is that, right now there are about 140,000 Blue Bins placed carton box new bottle new new tins or bags, barrels, all over Greece, always in collaboration with the municipalities. way for recycling? aluminum tin steel products bottles, thread for fleece cloth etc.

1 We separate packaging Sorting at source materials from all other After collecting their used packaging separately in their Tinplate packaging household waste on a household, citizens are asked to dispose of it in the Blue Bin (tins of condensed daily basis. milk, cans, pet food, of their neighborhood. The Blue Bin serves for the recycling Glass packaging (juice tomato paste etc.) of any sort of packaging material (plastic, glass, paper- bottles, sauce jars, soft cardboard, aluminum, tinplate), thus making the process of drinks, alcoholic beverages, 2 wine, food etc.) recycling simpler for inhabitants and the placement of bins in We empty packaging public areas more functional. completely from all residue. Paper and cardboard packaging (milk, juices, Aluminum packaging Collection cereals, pizza, biscuits, (soft drink and beer The packaging materials accumulated in the Blue Bins are sugar, detergents, cans etc.) collected on a regular basis by the specialized vehicles that 3 paper bags etc.) HERRCO has provided the Local Authorities with and are then We fold cardboard transferred to the Recycling Sorting Centers (RSCs). boxes.

Plastic packaging (water and soft Sorting at the RSCs drink bottles, yogurt, butter, oil, de- Using specialized electromechanical equipment along with tergents, cleaning items, shampoos, shower gels, as well as plastic wrap, careful hand sorting, the packaging materials arriving at the 4 RSCs are separated in: paper-cardboard packaging, liquid deodorants, plastic bags etc.) cartons, print paper, plastic packaging, plastic film, other We dispose of packag- plastics, glass bottles and containers, aluminum and tinplate ing loose in the bins packaging. and not tied-up in bags

Transfer for recovery Following their sorting, packaging materials (except glass We NEVER throw and tinplate that are placed in special cases) are compressed, common waste What goes into the baled and stored in order to be dispatched to respective into the Blue Bins industries for the development of new products. of packaging recycling. Blue Bin for recycling?

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The Blue Bin in 2015

Despite the general adverse circumstances, the System continued evolving in 2015 and new areas were incorporated into the packaging recycling project.

By the end of 2015, the Blue Bin project had the following to show:

488 thousand tons of packaging material and print 91% 473 collection 32 Recycling paper were recycled in 2015 of the Local vehicles have been Sorting Centers (including ICPW quantities) Authorities are delivered to the are operating collaborating with Local Authorities throughout the the System country

about 140 More than 110 3 new Recycling 92% of the thousand blue bins thousand collection Sorting Centers started total population are being used, while itineraries of recyclable their operation (Aspropirgos, Xanthi, ) has access to more than 187 materials have been recycling thousand have been realized by the Local delivered to the Local Authorities Authorities

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The Blue Bin per Region

Mainland Greece EAST MACEDONIA AND THRACE POPULATION VEHICLES BINS RECOVERY (active) (tons) 571,582 4 1,712 11,374

WEST MACEDONIA POPULATION VEHICLES BINS RECOVERY (active) (tons) POPULATION VEHICLES BINS RECOVERY 283,689 4 2,467 n/a (active) (tons) 1,757,335 84 29,289 58,123

EPIRUS POPULATION VEHICLES BINS RECOVERY (active) (tons) 206,779 8 2,989 8,717 POPULATION VEHICLES BINS RECOVERY (active) (tons) 709,008 28 10,912 23,986

WESTERN GREECE POPULATION VEHICLES BINS RECOVERY (active) (tons) 573,002 22 8,768 14,903 POPULATION VEHICLES BINS RECOVERY (active) (tons) 516,784 30 7,785 19,183

PELOPONNESE POPULATION VEHICLES BINS RECOVERY (active) (tons) 543,162 27 13,043 17,052 POPULATION VEHICLES BINS RECOVERY (active) (tons) 3,733,862 185 40,505 153,381

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ΕΝΑ ΕΡΓΟ ΓΙΑ ΟΛΟΥΣ ΜΑΣ Overall Presence13 of XΡONIA HERRCO EEAA

POPULATION SERVED VEHICLES 9.988.900 473

BLUE BINS (ACTIVE) RECOVERY (TONS) 139.551 355.887

Islands with Active Recycling Projects in 2015

AEGINA KITHIRA SAMOTHRAKI ALONNISOS KOS SIFNOS AMORGOS LIPSI SKIATHOS ANAFI LESVOS LEROS ASTYPALAIA LIMNOS FOLEGANDROS CHIOS KEA PATMOS KEFALONIA SALAMINA

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The Blue Bell The progress of the Blue Bell project is illustrated in the following table:

As significant quantities of glass bottles are amassed from More than specific business venues, HERRCO has established since 2013 a separate stream for glass recycling in order to serve the Glass Collection Project in Municipalities needs of businesses such as hotels, catering companies, event halls, bars, restaurants cafeterias and others. The basic means 3.700 Blue Bells are placed in public for separate glass collection is the Blue Bell. areas, serving about 11,500 2014 2015 businesses in collaboration with 2015 proved to be a positive year for glass recycling as HERRCO more than 160 municipalities Municipalities served 65 163 managed to expand substantially this stream and address numerous local businesses by placing Blue Bells in pubic areas in Blue Bells in place 1.150 3.708 collaboration with the municipalities. Businesses served 3.820 11.411 1.600 additional Blue Bells are placed in private places of hotels, reception venues Of great importance in this endeavour is the regular and entertainment venues, update of businesses through visits by representatives serving more than 1,500 large of HERRCO and distribution of related informational businesses material. Specifically, more than23,000 informational visits were realized in 2015, corresponding to 3-4 visits per business on average.

The greatest advantage offered by the Blue Bell is the purity of the material collected, which exceeds 95%.

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Complementary Recycling Projects Apart from the Blue Bin and Blue Bell Projects, HERRCO engages in activities of recycling certification from other sources. More specifically:

Energy recovery through ICPW alternative fuel production Industrial and Commercial Packaging Waste (ICPW) constitutes the most important other source of recycling and involves mostly private, that is non-municipal (outside Another way for the recovery of packaging waste is through the the collection mechanism of the Local Authorities) pre-existing recycling accruing production and use of alternative fuel. The packaging quantity from third parties. This recycling is certified by HERRCO on behalf of the competent in the form of alternative fuel which was sent to the cement authorities and according to agreements and procedures approved by the competent industry for energy recovery reached 2.7 thousand tons in 2015. authorities. Controls, recording and certifications organized by HERRCO are realized by specialized audit companies.

The recorded results of ICPW are in direct conjunction with the local and international market situation, as they actually illustrate in part the business activity of the industrial and commercial companies. In 2015, HERRCO certified 246 thousand tons of ICPW (paper, plastic and aluminum packaging). Pilot Projects Material delivery to recycling industries Aiming at the maximization of the Blue Bin projects and The initial results seem encouraging and therefore the pilot the extrapolation of useful results regarding the increase projects will continue being applied in 2016 as well. in recyclable material quantities and decrease in residue In 2015, an additional quantity of recycling of 734 tons of tin cans and 6.9 thousand quantities, HERRCO realizes pilot recycling projects in the In addition, HERRCO – in order to better organize the tons of glass bottles was recorded, in collaboration with HELLENIC ALUMINIUM municipalities of Pendeli, Elefsina and Aliartos, in collaboration operations of the recycling project – develops upon occasion, in INDUSTRY S.A. (ELVAL S.A.) and YIOULA GLASSWORKS S.A. with the Local Authorities. collaboration with selected municipalities and municipal bodies, various projects with separate collection at the source which is The design of this pilot project was based on the needs for adapted to local circumstances. These are known as multiple revision in the placement of the network of the Blue Bins in streams of packaging waste, mainly found at the islands, which relation to that of the Green Bins for common waste (1 Blue: contribute significantly to the results of recovery and recycling 1.5 Green in proportion) and for the optimization of collection of materials accruing from municipal waste. Projects of this Organic recycling with each Blue Bin being served 3 times per week. sort operate at the municipalities of , Sparta, Skiathos, of wood packaging Patmos, Chios, Leros, Lipsi, Spetses and Kos, as well as in In order to achieve the above, the appropriate equipment was collaboration with the Local Authorities of the regional units delivered and extensive informational activities took place in of Rodopi, (Waste Management System Given the lack of end recipient for the recovery of wood packaging in Greece, HERRCO the specific municipalities. of Western Macedonia), Chania (Municipal Company of Solid also implemented in 2015 the alternative solution of dispatching wood packaging Waste Management) and others. (mostly wooden pallets) for the production of soil improver – humus (compost). In 2015, HERRCO certified 11 thousand tons of wood packaging for recycling.

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The 13-year Course of HERRCO in figures Project Results 2015 is the first year demonstrating a significant reversal of the downward trend on recycling results, although the decrease in packaging waste available in the local market persisted mainly due to the drop in consumption.

Participation of Companies Participation of Local Authorities 296 Local Authorities have already concluded a collaboration ν There was a 10% increase in packaging waste recycling ν 5,300 Blue Bells (glass stream) were placed by the end of agreement with the System, either directly or through municipal in comparison to 2014. The total quantities of packaging waste 2015 in 163 municipalities and 1,600 in private areas. In total, bodies. (including ICPW) which were recycled in 2015 reached 428 this project serves 13,000 businesses which are generating glass thousand tons; this constitutes the highest result over the last 6 packaging waste (i.e. restaurants, bars, hotel complexes). Percentage of population coverage 92% years, allowing Packaging Recycling to make a come-back towards 87% 87% 82% its highest level at the beginnings of the System (432 thousand 74% 75% Conversely, there was a 2% decrease in the packaging waste 1847 80 70% tons in 2009). ν Number of affiliated companies 1817 quantities made available in the market in 2015 (in comparison to 70 61% 1720 1721 56% 2014) mainly due to the ongoing impact of the economic recession 1651 1703 60 There was also an increase of 7% in overall recycling in (drop in consumption). 1552 ν 50 1420 40% comparison to 2014 (488 thousand tons of recyclable materials 1500 1293 40 including print paper and other non-packaging material). ν The percentage of contribution evasion remains very 1078 30 23% high (around 40%). This means that a bit less than half of the 1000 20 ν There was an even greater increase (12%) in packaging packaging materials are made available in the local market without 826 recycling deriving from the Blue Bin project – the main project of 10 4% the contractual commitment of their producers to the System. The HERRCO – in comparison to 2014. competent authorities are urged to take action and apply effective 460 0 500 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 measures against contribution evasion the soonest possible. ν There was a 7% increase in per capita recycling (of packaging waste) through the Blue Bin project. This increase reversed the 0 downward trend of the 5 previous years. ν In 2015, HERRCO showed an economic deficitwhich is covered 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 by the reserve formed over the first few years of the System’s ν There was an increase of 25% in glass packaging waste operation and which has been decreasing since 2007. collected in 2015 (in comparison to 2014) reaching 25 thousand tons. It should be mentioned that glass is the only material falling ν HERRCO has spent more than 300 million Euros in investments short of the National Targets. (bins, vehicles, RSCs) and in the operational expenses of recycling Quantities recovered projects from the establishment of the System up to date. Population Coverage By the end of 2015, more than 488 thousand tons of packaging materials and print paper (including ICPW quantities) were recovered from municipal waste and sent for recycling.

YEARS 2009 - 2010 - 2011 - 2012 - 2013 - 2014 - 2015 AT A GLANCE Thousand tons 519 512 500 488 478 Index 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 457 447 455 450 442 Inhabitants served 10 Citizens served (millions) 9.9 9.4 9.4 7,6 8,1 8,1 8,9 9,4 9,4 9,9 400 (cumulative sums, mil.) (1) 8,9 380 8,1 8,1 Percentage of population 350 74% 79% 79% 82% 87% 87% 92% 8 7,6 coverage (%) 6,6 300 286 6,1 RSCs (cumulative sums) 22 28 27 28 29 30 32 6 250 Bins delivered to

4,3 200 municipalities (cumulative 98 111 126 138 153 164 187 4 sums, thousands) (2) 150 2,5 Collection vehicles 72 100 delivered to municipalities 327 359 370 387 406 430 473 2 (cumulative sums) 50 0,4 10 (1) It includes collaborating Local Authorities or other bodies handling municipal waste. The population figures 0 0 for 2012-2015 are based on the 2011 Census by the National Statistical Service of Greece (while the population 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 figures for 2009-2011 are based on the 2001 Census by the National Statistical Service of Greece). (2) The ongoing recording of bins shows that the existing network currently includes approximately 140,000 active Blue Bins. 28 29 A PROJECT FOR ALL OF US 13 YEARS WITH HERRCO

Fulfillment of National Targets System Control & Monitoring According to data collected by HERRCO, the National Targets for packaging waste recovery have been HERRCO applies specialized control and monitoring procedures in order to safeguard the reliability achieved (60% recovery of the total of packaging waste made available in the local market). The of the results of packaging recycling. Recording and certification of the quantities per activity of the fulfillment of the National Targets through the results of HERRCO is depicted in the following diagram: System rely on procedures that have been brought to the attention of the competent authorities or that have been instructed by the latter. In summary, these include:

Fulfillment of goals over the year - total quantities Blue Bin project ICPW TOTAL (Recycling Sorting Centers) ν Recording and control on ICPW loading or unloading Quantities collected at collaborators’ facilities Analysis of packs in order to identify the percentage ν Control and recording of quantities entering the RSCs ν of packaging ν Control on loads from Island Local Authorities Control on sales invoices in order to avoid the double ν Control on loads from reloading areas ν entry of quantities from RCSs to ICPW and vice versa ν Sample verification of load weights recorded during parallel measurements on third parties’ weighbridges

Quantities recovered: ν Measurements for the identification of the anticipated Wood Packaging quantities of recovered materials and residue ν Full weighting and recording of recovered materials ν Quality recording in the presence of inspectors to ν Measurements of packaging that might be lost in verify that the material which is being broken into residue pieces is actually wood packaging ν Measurements for quality identification of recovered ν Sample recording of material loading at the collector’s materials – processor’s unit ν Control on mass balances ν Sample recording of material unloading at the end recipients’ facilities Quantities sold: ν Extrapolation of percentage of used wood packaging ν Verification of data based on sales invoices of used for the production of new products (preparation packaging material dispatched to the secondary for re-use) market ν Control on mass balances so that the certified sold The manner in which HERRCO’s activities are targeted in quantities do not exceed the certified recovery Alternative Fuel It reveals that: relation to the overall National Targets stems, not from The National Targets in terms of paper/cardboard, its legal obligation, but from the voluntary design of the ν Material control and analysis on a regular basis of power plastic, metal and wood were fulfilled in 2015 System as depicted on the Operational Plan of 2015-2020 supply in order to define the contents of the end product as well as the overall 2015 National Target. submitted to the competent authorities in December of (alternative fuel) in packaging waste 2014. The legal obligation of HERRCO and the objective ν Recording of incoming loads (raw material) at the However, the real issue in relation to the achievement of of the Blue Bin project – and of the rest of its activities facilities of RDF producers and of outgoing loads to the Blue Bell Project cement industry the National Targets remains to be for glass packaging. The – pertain exclusively to packaging waste. Still, the Blue ν Confirmation of use by end recipients System will keep working towards this direction to enhance Bin project, developed by HERRCO in collaboration with the network’s effectiveness. Still, in order to promote the Local Authorities, recovers an additional quantity of ν Recording and control of collection itineraries participation in glass recycling, institutional intervention approximately 60 thousand tons of materials which is not ν Recording and control of collected quantities upon their entrance to the consignees of glass bottles and activation of all related parties is necessary (State, packaging (mostly print paper and other material) and for For all the projects of the System, a total of 40,000 hours ν Controls on mass balances based on sales invoices Municipalities, related businesses). which their corresponding producers are not contributing of controls were realized in 2015 by external collaborators due to lack of legal framework; thus, this quantity is not (TÜV AUSTRIA, BUREAU VERITAS). calculated in the fulfillment of the System’s targets.

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Communication & Education Promotional Activities

For one more year, HERRCO developed and implemented a series of New innovative activities with music being the main element; specialized communication programs aiming at the awareness and activation ν ν Distribution of info pack (recycling recyclable packaging is transformed into musical instruments, this way of citizens for their proper participation in packaging recycling. In detail, the bag, specialized brochure, Mayor’s letter) inviting people to learn about recycling in the Blue Bin. The “Jazz for activities in 2015 included the following: to all the households of the 25 new Local kids and grown-ups” event took place at Kifisia, Aghios Dimitrios, Nea Authorities which were incorporated in Smirni, Pendeli and , while the “Glass Music” event took place the System; in 2015, 205,571 households at , , Nea Smirni, downtown and Thessaloniki. received the relative info pack ν Promo activities in the historical centre Informational Programs ν Promos in large supermarket chains in Athens and Thessaloniki of Thessaloniki during the Christmas period and on the World Environment Day ν Print campaign on Sunday newspapers, newspaper inserts, ν Events at busy commercial streets and of several municipalities magazines and free press publications via print ads and advertorials ν Promos in department stores and malls main crossroads in the municipalities of Aliartos, Elefsina and Pendeli Promos at the entrance of metro stations in Attica during the ν Internet campaign in high-traffic informational websites and portals ν Christmas period via banners and informative texts ν Distribution of info material to the personnel of companies affiliated with Informative activities and events for the proper use of the ν Social media campaign, e-game and e-contest under the theme ν HERRCO and organization of day conferences Blue Bin at central spots and squares in the municipalities of , Arta, of proper recycling in the Blue Bin via the related page of HERRCO and seminars regarding recycling , , Nikaia – Aghios Ioannis Rendi, Pirgos, Elefsina, Pendeli and Aliartos ν Mobile media campaign via branding on the back side of city buses ν Training seminars for the employees in and in the interior of metro trains (panes and lintels) the cleaning services of the municipalities of ν Informative activities in restaurants, bars, cafés in 200 Kalamaria, Pilea, Thermi and Thermaikos municipalities aiming at the promotion of glass recycling in the Blue Bell ν Infomercials with a series of short free-standing programs on TV programs and main news bulletins ν Distribution of info material to public services and banks in the municipalities of Pendeli, Elefsina and Aliartos ν Radio spots and references at Larissa, Pirgos, Tripoli and Crete Door-to-door distribution of a specialized brochure (Blue Bin/Blue ν Advertorials – specials on recycling on local print media ν “Recycle – Make it a way of life” Bell) to households and shops, as well as of specially designed Recycling in collaboration with the municipality of Thessaloniki info campaign under the auspices Calendar during the Christmas period, in the municipalities of Pendeli, of the Hellenic Recycling Agency and in Elefsina and Aliartos collaboration with SKAI media group. The related messages were broadcasted via SKAI TV and SKAI, MELODIA and SPORT FM radio stations, while they were also hosted at skai.gr. At the same time, related events were organized in the municipalities of Larissa, Pendeli, Elefsina, Peristeri, , Patras, Thessaloniki, Maroussi, Athens and .

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Activities for Children Participation in Other Activities Events/Conferences ν Fun– educational events, such as the Fun Fair of Recycling with 37 ν Use of print material, which was not used in the national elections, events in municipalities all over Greece, each attended by more than in collaboration with the region of Attica and the municipality of Nea 300 children in order to support social groups in need (Social Grocery Store of ν Participation in environmental events Nea Ionia) ν Application of the program “Recycling at School: Changing Attitudes” organized by certain Municipalities involving the placement of a Blue Bin of 360lt capacity within the ν Administration of the HERRCO fan page at Facebook titled “Blue school community along with educational presentations aiming at the ν Participation in cultural events and Bin Packaging Recycling – RECYCLE” with more than 90,000 members awareness of students. In 2015, 1,439 presentations took place at 250 concerts through the collection of recyclable schools in Attica and the regional unit of Thessaloniki. Approximately materials ν Publication of annual report titled “12 years HERRCO” 36,000 students were informed about the benefits of recycling and the proper use of the Blue Bin, while 304 bins were provided to ν Support of conferences through presen- ν Creation of 5 electronic newsletters presenting the activities corresponding schools. The program is in progress throughout the tations, placement of stands and distribution of HERRCO and addressed to central bodies, public administration, Local current school year. of info material (i.e. 1st Conference for Authorities and affiliated companies Recycling on the Islands at , 9th Panhellenic Summit of Solid Waste ν Dispatch of 7 press releases/corporate news which generated ν Application of the educational program “Discover how you can Management Associations at Hersonisos of 141 publications in print and online media properly recycle through the Blue Bin”, under the license of the Crete, 25th Panhellenic Conference of the Ministry of Education. It consists of 5 modules along with numerous Eco Organizations’ Network at , 2nd ν Production of specialized communication tools (i.e. info educational methods such as games, exercises and role playing. The Food for Success Conference, Waste and brochures, posters and stands). educational kit delivered to all schools contains the following: time Recycling Awards). plan and program of packaging recycling classes, detailed course guide ν Response to 4 journalistic requests (from print, online, TV and radio along with aids, informational brochure about packaging recycling, ν Participation in the Thessaloniki media) which were followed by 1 print, 1 TV and 2 radio references. In poster and educational video. Moreover, a specialized webpage was International Trade Fair through an enriched 2015, the total number of publications in print or online media referring developed for additional material. info program for visitors to HERRCO and the Blue Bin Project reached 1,630.

ν Student visits at RSCs, offering the opportunity to attend the entire ν Participation in the 33rd Athens Authentic ν Response to 320 written requests by citizens (either via e-mail recycling process in person. In 2015, 22 visits of 640 students were Marathon though a specialized info kiosk and or the Facebook page), as well as to more than 1,350 phone calls realized by 22 schools of Greece. collection/recovery of recyclable materials during and after the event ν Placement of permanent stands with brochures at central ν Support of the environmental education network at primary and areas of Municipalities secondary educational institutions in Thessaloniki regarding recycling. ν Support of the info campaign organized by the municipality of Thessaloniki regarding recycling via the creation of specialized print material and the broadcasting of related TV and radio spot

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Abbreviations – Acronyms

HERRCO ΡΕΤ Hellenic Recovery Recycling Corporation Polyethylene Terephthalate

CAMS PE Collective Alternative Management System Polyethylene

RSCs PP/PS Recycling Sorting Centers Polypropylene / Polystyrene

PW ΗDPE Packaging Waste High-density polyethylene You can watch ICPW Industrial and Commercial Packaging Waste the entire recycling process via the corporate video of HERRCO at www.herrco.gr

Packaging Waste Recycling: The re-processing as production procedure of packaging waste or other products so that they can be used for their original purpose or other purposes, including that of organic recycling while excluding the recovery of energy.

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www.herrco.gr Hellenic Recovery Recycling Corporation S.A. 5, Chimaras Street Maroussi, 151 25 Athens, Greece Tel.: +30 210 8010962-3 Fax: +30 210 8012272 e-mail: [email protected] MADE OF HIGH-QUALITY RECYCLED PAPER 40