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Strengthening the recycling economy in Serbia

Partnering with civil society organizations is incredibly beneficial for achieving long-term and sustainable impact on local communities.
Through cooperation with civil society organizations and associations, improvements in education, health and environmental protection can be achieved for disadvantaged groups, e.g. the informal sector – an integral part of the recycling value chain.

A successful example is the good cooperation with the non-profit association Help e.V. in a pilot project to strengthen the circular economy in Serbia. The project was funded by the PREVENT Waste Alliance, an initiative of the German Federal Government.

A local plastics recycling company was supported with our expertise in creating income opportunities along the value chain for disadvantaged groups. As an expert in recycling and circular economy, Rodiek was responsible for the transfer of knowledge for material flows and operation in the field of plastic packaging.

In addition, we have determined the need for technical equipment and implemented training courses for treatment, occupational safety measures and documentation of material flows.

The measures implemented enabled the Serbian recycling company to increase its own capacities by 50%. Even during the height of the corona crisis, constant production was ensured. Working conditions, particularly with regard to occupational safety, have been significantly improved and there are plans to invest in the expansion of the plant.

A total of ten new employees, all members of disadvantaged groups, were helped to find permanent employment.

A factsheet on the project can be found here.

The presentation at the end of the project can be found here.