When it comes to responsible waste management in Serbia, Sekopak is a name that stands out. Established in 2006, this packaging waste management system operator was founded on the principle that packaging should not be seen as a problem, but as a valuable resource
Over the course of nearly two decades, Sekopak has recycled more than one million tonnes of packaging waste and has played a key role in building a sustainable waste management system nationwide.
Through partnerships with companies placing packaging on the market, Sekopak ensures that packaging is properly collected and recycled—thereby closing the loop of the circular economy.
“Our role is not simply to help clients meet legal obligations – we are building a system,” says Violeta Belanović, General Manager of Sekopak.
As she explains, Sekopak has long been involved in consultations for the development of key policy documents, including the new Packaging Waste Reduction Plan for the period through to 2029. “The plan brings ambitious targets, but no surprises – the system is evolving, and we are evolving with it,” Belanović affirms.
Fully aware that investment in infrastructure and public education forms the backbone of a successful system, Sekopak installed more than 2,000 containers for primary waste selection in the past year alone. “There is no successful recycling system without the trust and participation of citizens,” she notes.
Sekopak has long participated in consultations for drafting key national documents, including the new packaging waste reduction plan covering the period through to 2029
The introduction of municipal packaging waste recycling targets last year marked, in her view, an important step towards more realistic monitoring of results. “Even before this regulation came into force, Sekopak was investing in the municipal sector. For us, this is simply a continuation of the path we’ve already taken. Thanks to this proactive approach, many local authorities today have a solid foundation for more efficient packaging waste management.”
In addition to supporting the development of municipal infrastructure, Sekopak places a strong emphasis on eco-modulation – a system that incentivises companies to use packaging that is easier to recycle. “Sekopak actively supports trends that promote a shift towards recyclable packaging, in line with European sustainability standards. In this context, we are a strong partner to our clients striving to improve their environmental performance,” Belanović explains.
This approach not only contributes to environmental protection but also enhances companies’ reputations and helps them meet growing market expectations.
Looking to the future, she notes that Sekopak is closely monitoring the Ministry of Environmental Protection’s plans to potentially introduce a deposit return scheme for PET bottles and aluminium cans from 2027. “We support initiatives aimed at improving packaging waste management, provided they are planned with care to ensure the long-term sustainability of existing systems.”
In conclusion, Belanović underlines that success depends on the concerted efforts of all actors involved. “Industry, citizens, waste operators, public utility companies and the state – we all have a role to play. Ours is to help build a system in which packaging waste becomes an opportunity, rather than a burden on the environment.”