Green Pak Cooperative Society, which runs the largest waste recovery system in Malta, is registering its 10th consecutive year of operation with a net surplus on its recycling operations.
In addition, the Mepa-authorised scheme has improved on last year’s record recycling performance and registered its highest figures. An annual general meeting, to be held on Tuesday, will be addressed by Environment Minister Leo Brincat and Economy Minister Chris Cardona.
As a founding member of the Extended Producer Responsibility Alliance (Expra), a not-for-profit international organisation promoting the concept that it is private industry itself that should take up recycling, GreenPak is at the forefront of advocating the concept EPR within the business community as the way forward to a circular economy.
Expra’s managing director Joachim Quoden will be in Malta to deliver a keynote speech, looking into the implications of the EU proposed circular economy package on Malta. Mr Quoden explains: “EPR means that after a product has been sold, the company takes upon itself the responsibility to finance its collection and recycling once it becomes waste. However, with the implementation of the circular economy as a business model, this would effectively mean as the beginning of a new cycle. Within a circular economy products are predesigned to be stripped down to their smallest components after they’ve been used, with the parts re-inserted into the production chain instead of being discarded as waste.”
Keeping true to its original pledge is the secret to its success. Green Pak CEO Mario Schembri explains: “When in 2005 we launched our business, we immediately set out a clear vision of what and how we wanted to achieve our goals. Our initial commitment that Green Pak will operate at the least possible cost in the interest of the common good is as strong as ever.”
Green Pak operates across both islands, providing recycling services to almost three-quarters of the population. The cooperative comprises over 1,300 companies which actively take part in its packaging waste recycling scheme. Due to the superior service it provides, Green Pak has seen a remarkable increase in growth even in the last 12 months, with more local councils, namely Naxxar, Swieqi, Santa Lucija, Santa Venera and Msida joining its fold.
Accounts for the 2014 financial year, audited by PwC, will be presenting a report at the AGM.
For more information, visit the website www.greenpak.com.mt, call 2166 1081 or e-mail info@greenpak.com.mt.