Sekopak, a leading operator of the packaging waste management system in Serbia, has contributed to environmental preservation for over 18 years through innovation, responsible business practices, and efficient recycling. The company, which has set high industry standards through its work, not only helps reduce the ecological footprint but also actively educates citizens and businesses about the importance of sustainability and recycling.
Violeta Belanović, General Manager of Sekopak, reveals how the company implements a responsible approach to business, her perspective on developing the waste management sector in Serbia, and the key innovations shaping the future of recycling and environmental protection.
Q: What does a responsible business approach mean to you, and how do you implement it at Sekopak?
A: For Sekopak, a responsible business approach means actively contributing to environmental preservation through innovation, transparency, and collaboration with key partners. As an operator of the packaging waste management system, our mission is to enable an efficient and sustainable system. We support all our collaborators in this system. Over the past 18 years, we have recycled more than one million tons of packaging waste, directly contributing to reducing carbon dioxide emissions and developing the circular economy in Serbia.
Throughout these years, we have consistently highlighted the benefits of recycling and sustainable business practices. Those who analyze corporate social responsibility have confirmed that these are not just words. EcoVadis awarded Sekopak a gold certificate for corporate social responsibility, placing us among the top five percent of companies across all categories that meet the highest criteria for social responsibility. Additionally, Sekopak is one of the first companies to adopt new ISO standards in the field of circular economy.
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Q: How has the packaging waste management and recycling sector in Serbia developed over the past few years?
A: In recent years, we have witnessed significant progress in the packaging waste management sector. Last year, new targets for reducing municipal packaging waste were adopted, placing additional demands on operators while presenting challenges that drive us to improve the system. Currently, 67 percent of packaging waste in Serbia is recycled, which is a good result, especially considering that the system was established only 14 years ago. Achieving these goals requires the synergy of all stakeholders to ensure the system’s sustainability. We notice strong interest from all sides, and it will soon become more apparent how the system will function following the adoption of the Regulation on the Determination of the Packaging Waste Reduction Plan for the 2025–2029 period.
Q: What recycling and environmental protection innovations are most important to your company?
A: Even when everything is running smoothly, asking how we can improve is crucial. If we hadn’t strived for innovation, we wouldn’t be where we are today—industry leaders for the ninth consecutive year. One of the innovations introduced by Sekopak in Serbia is recycling machines. Citizens of Novi Sad, Kragujevac, Aranđelovac, and Niš have deposited over 500,000 packaging units into these machines so far, demonstrating the potential of new technologies. We have learned a lot through projects involving smart recycling and will continue to learn as technology advances. Moreover, we invest in digital communication channels, such as TikTok, to capture the attention of younger generations. We believe that an innovative approach to communication and education is crucial for motivating citizens to recycle.
Interview by Milica Radičević
The inteview was published in the Energy portal Magazine RESPONSIBLE BUSINESS
