"The support provided by IFC was instrumental in securing the grant from SIEPA. Brzan Plast is now set to become the regional leader in plastic waste recycling."
Rade Simic, owner of Brzan Plast
The challenge:
The recycling industry is responsible for collecting, sorting, processing and marketing a vast range of materials, largely the by-products of manufacturing industries and end-of-life consumer products.
The global recycling industry is developing rapidly, generating revenues of $160 billion annually and employing 1.5 million people world wide.
The waste recycled per capita in Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, FRY Macedonia and Serbia is far lower than the amount recycled in Western Europe, indicating great potential for recycling industry growth in the region.
The IFC approach:
IFC's Recycling Linkages Program in Southern Europe is:
- Addressing the financial, training, consulting and market needs of every segment of the scrap metal, paper, electronic, plastic and glass value-chains.
- Promoting SME development and improving lives of hundreds of families who make their primary income by collecting scrap materials.
- Improving environmental standards and best practices in Southern Europe.
Development potential
The recycling industry has a strong growth potential, it has a strategic importance to the economy and possesses a deep value chain with a large number o SMEs and individual scrap collectors.
Poverty reduction
By addressing the specific needs at each level of the value chain, the program will increase the capacity of small business suppliers and Roma micro-enterprises, to improve their operations, efficiency and profitability.
Environmental impact
By implementing best environmental practices, supporting the development of new environmental laws and regulations and conducting public campaigns, the program will foster the new culture and environmentally sound practices across the region.
The expected impact of the program:
- Increased scrap collection in the region by 50%
- The emergence of environmentally responsible businesses
- Poverty reduction (especially among the Roma communities engaged in recycling)
Budget:
US $ 2.8 million for activities in: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, FYR Macedonia, Montenegro and Serbia
Implementing partners:
Mills, recycling companies, collectors, business organizations and ministries of environment.
Donor:
The Recycling Linkages Program is jointly financed by IFC and Republic of Austria, Federal Ministry of Finance.
Contact info:
Valentina Popovska
Regional Manager
Ulica Makedonija 9 - 11 / III
1000 Skopje
FYR Macedonia
Tel: +389 2 3223 306
Fax: +389 2 3223 298
Email:
VPopovska@ifc.org
