coatings and structural materials; and 40% for durable consumer applications with
an intermediate life span, such as electronic goods, furniture and vehicles. In
advanced economies, plastic bags are among the most-found plastic packaging litter
items (EEA 2015).
Currently, technological innovation in areas such relevant to material design,
separation technologies, chemical recycling, reprocessing technology and renewably
sourced and biodegradable plastics is unlocking new opportunities. A growing
number of governments are in the process of designing and implementing policies
related to reducing the environmental impact of plastic packaging, while the demand
for single-use plastics is deteriorating in some of these cases already (WEF 2016).
In Greece, the total amount of plastic waste generated in 2016 was 257 thousand
tons, decreased by 65% compared to 2006 (755 thousand tons) according to
Eurostat. Almost 39 thousand tons of plastic waste were recycled, while only 1000
ton was landfilled. Greece appears in the second lowest position, after Cyprus, in
terms of per capita volume of processed and recycled plastic waste (4 kg per person),
according to Eurostat data. However, the relevant published data by the Hellenic
Recycling Agency differ significantly, signifying underestimations from the side of
Eurostat and the need for further and deeper research.
In addition, according to the recyclable raw materials trade data of Eurostat, about
61 thousand tonnes of recyclable plastics were exported to other countries (inside
and outside the EU) (IOBE 2019).
The wider plastic industry is an important driver of growth for the Greek
economy. The total contribution of the sector from its operation is estimated at €3
billion or 1.6% of the country’s GDP in 2018. In terms of employment, total
contribution is estimated at 67.2 thousand jobs (direct, indirect and induced impact),
or 1.8% of total employment in the country, while public revenues from taxes and
contributions due to the operation of the sector exceed €900 million (IOBE 2019).
The above environmental and socioeconomic characteristics depict the need for a
transition to a new era where single-use plastics are eliminated and recycling rates of
plastics is increased. In addition, elements that give added value and increase
competitiveness of the industry globally are necessary. The transition of the Greek
plastics industry should modernise the production process and proceed with
adopting circular models in their production. This will not only strengthen their
presence in the market but will also help the skills upgrade of the existing employment. In other words, the reform of the sector shouldn’t only consider the environmental, but the social and economic aspects as well.
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P. Koundouri et al.
an intermediate life span, such as electronic goods, furniture and vehicles. In
advanced economies, plastic bags are among the most-found plastic packaging litter
items (EEA 2015).
Currently, technological innovation in areas such relevant to material design,
separation technologies, chemical recycling, reprocessing technology and renewably
sourced and biodegradable plastics is unlocking new opportunities. A growing
number of governments are in the process of designing and implementing policies
related to reducing the environmental impact of plastic packaging, while the demand
for single-use plastics is deteriorating in some of these cases already (WEF 2016).
In Greece, the total amount of plastic waste generated in 2016 was 257 thousand
tons, decreased by 65% compared to 2006 (755 thousand tons) according to
Eurostat. Almost 39 thousand tons of plastic waste were recycled, while only 1000
ton was landfilled. Greece appears in the second lowest position, after Cyprus, in
terms of per capita volume of processed and recycled plastic waste (4 kg per person),
according to Eurostat data. However, the relevant published data by the Hellenic
Recycling Agency differ significantly, signifying underestimations from the side of
Eurostat and the need for further and deeper research.
In addition, according to the recyclable raw materials trade data of Eurostat, about
61 thousand tonnes of recyclable plastics were exported to other countries (inside
and outside the EU) (IOBE 2019).
The wider plastic industry is an important driver of growth for the Greek
economy. The total contribution of the sector from its operation is estimated at €3
billion or 1.6% of the country’s GDP in 2018. In terms of employment, total
contribution is estimated at 67.2 thousand jobs (direct, indirect and induced impact),
or 1.8% of total employment in the country, while public revenues from taxes and
contributions due to the operation of the sector exceed €900 million (IOBE 2019).
The above environmental and socioeconomic characteristics depict the need for a
transition to a new era where single-use plastics are eliminated and recycling rates of
plastics is increased. In addition, elements that give added value and increase
competitiveness of the industry globally are necessary. The transition of the Greek
plastics industry should modernise the production process and proceed with
adopting circular models in their production. This will not only strengthen their
presence in the market but will also help the skills upgrade of the existing employment. In other words, the reform of the sector shouldn’t only consider the environmental, but the social and economic aspects as well.
138
P. Koundouri et al.