Europe(Washington Insider Magazine)-With support from the European Union’s “EU for the Green Agenda in Serbia” project, two local companies near Belgrade are recycling automotive and construction textile waste to create new products. This initiative aids in transitioning from a linear to a circular business model, promoting efficient resource and energy use, reducing waste and greenhouse gas emissions, and fostering a cleaner environment.
H.E. Ambassador Emanuele Giaufret, Head of the EU Delegation to Serbia, stated, “These are just two of many examples of how the EU supports Serbian entrepreneurs. We provide opportunities for creativity and innovation to help the country become greener while also boosting economic growth. Environment and economy must go hand in hand; sustainable businesses are crucial for a greener future. We all benefit from environmentally-friendly companies.”
Thanks to EU co-financing, “Steel Impex” has acquired an air filtration system and equipment enabling the recycling of 80%-90% of a vehicle in Krnješevci. By separating different metal fractions from automotive waste, the company will produce high-purity metal granules for local foundries, significantly reducing automotive waste by over 165,000 tons in the next 20 years.
“Reusing and reducing waste is beneficial for the environment, people, and their health, while also enhancing business operations and increasing competitiveness in foreign markets. Together with the European Union and other partners, UNDP will continue supporting innovators whose initiatives drive Serbia’s green transition,” said Yakup Beris, UNDP Serbia Resident Representative.
The EU Ambassador and the UNDP Resident Representative also visited “ArTech Engineering” in Dobanovci, where a new material called “Retex” is being developed from textile leftovers from the production of tents, awnings, and tarpaulins. This material is suitable for construction use, insulation, and interior decoration.
Under the “EU for the Green Agenda” initiative, 66 “green” innovations worth a total of $25 million have been implemented, thanks to the financial support of the EU, Switzerland, and the Government of Serbia.
The presentation of innovations from “Steel Impex” and “ArTech Engineering” was organized within the “EU for the Green Agenda in Serbia” initiative, implemented by UNDP with technical and financial support from the European Union, in partnership with the Ministry of Environmental Protection and in cooperation with the Embassy of Sweden and the European Investment Bank (EIB), with additional funding from the governments of Sweden, Switzerland, and Serbia.
