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Material flow analysis of water packaging system in Greece

Zormpas Lampros

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Summary

The European Union (EU) is committed to reducing the volume of waste sent to landfills and increasing reuse and recycling rates of bottled water storage packaging. Considering the rapid generation of single-use packaging waste, air and marine pollution, and in view of the targets set by European legislation by 2030 for the collection and recycling of aluminum, plastic and glass bottles for water storage, it is recommended that EU Member States consider implementing policy measures to achieve the set targets. Recycling of this waste plays a key role in achieving sustainability, based on the principles of the circular economy. This thesis investigates the material flow related to the production of plastic, glass and aluminum bottles and, by extension, their management, while assessing the air pollution associated with global warming. It is important to note that recycling rates in Greece for 2024 are quite low compared to other EU countries. More specifically, recycling rates for plastic water bottles are estimated at 12.5%, while for glass and aluminum water bottles are estimated at 35% and 55%, respectively. The Directive for single-use plastics, as set by European and national legislation, aims to achieve a minimum recycling rate of 55% by 2030, with the target set at 75% and 60% for glass and aluminum water bottles, respectively. Obtaining data on the annual production of plastic, glass and aluminum bottles in Greece, four scenarios have been developed for the management of these materials for the years 2024, 2026, 2028 and 2030. Finally, the quantities of raw materials that will be needed to produce these bottles are presented, as well as their impact on the environment based on the pollutants produced.

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