Posted by: Tirana Chamber of Commerce and Industry

Status: Inquired

The following challenges were identified through discussions with partner companies of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Tirana (CCIT), in the framework of the DERHE project. They reflect real problems faced by companies and institutions in Albania.

Background. Beverage and bottled water producers in Albania use large volumes of plastic (PET) and glass packaging. Their production value chains largely follow the linear “take–make–dispose” model. This leads to high consumption of raw materials, packaging waste and dependence on imported materials. At the same time, the new EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) will set requirements for recycled content and reuse. Albania will align with these requirements as part of the EU accession process.

Problem. Companies in the sector need to identify where in their value chain circular economy strategies can be applied. These strategies must reduce material use and waste and also be feasible within Albania’s current waste-management infrastructure.

Questions to be solved:

Where are the main inefficiencies in the chain, from raw materials to packaging and distribution?

Can PET bottles be made lighter, and can recycled PET (rPET) be sourced locally?

How can a return-and-reuse system for glass bottles be set up for business (HoReCa) customers?

Which practices of European beverage producers can be transferred to the Albanian context?