Green Dot recognition for waste recovery scheme

The waste recovery scheme spearheaded by the GreenPak company for the recovery and recycling of packaging waste has been formally recognised by ProEUROPE, the European controlling body which manages the use of the environmental friendly Green Dot symbol in various countries.

During the bi-annual managers' meeting held in Toronto for representatives from the 22 countries operating the Green Dot schemes, Mario Schembri, on behalf of GreenPak, signed an agreement authorising it to license the use of the Green Dot symbol to companies operating in Malta.

The Green Dot mark is extensively used on all forms of packaging as it is widely used in many European countries to finance waste recovery schemes. The EU requires member states to recycle high portions of waste originating from packaging. In line with these requirements, newly introduced local waste regulations mandate that all forms of packaging are recovered from the waste stream and recycled.

While over the years various countries have taken different routes to recycle waste, including the adoption of eco taxes, none has been more successful than the Green Dot model. In line with the polluter pays principle, this model allows the very same generators of packaging to manage and finance the recycling of waste material.

So successful has this scheme been that the Canadian organisation CSR is in the process of introducing the Green Dot model in North America. ProEUROPE held the managers' meeting in Toronto to support the initiative.

In Malta, GreenPak are issuing importers and manufacturers with the necessary licences to use the much coveted Green Dot symbol on their packaging. Products carrying this symbol will form part of an authorised waste recovery scheme and therefore be entitled to exemption from any eco taxes as they would be able to show that they are collecting, sorting and recycling their packaging that is put on the local market in line with local legislation.

Various importers, re-packers, manufacturers and other companies have already registered the use of the Green Dot mark on their products with GreenPak. Work is also underway to bring on board other companies which do not yet have this mark but are keen to participate in a recovery scheme.