- 31 tons of plastics saved through >195,500 devices refurbishment
- Collection & Recycling of 21 tons of mobile devices
- Sustainable packaging for COSMOTE-branded routers
- #zeroplastic initiative to ban single-use plastics and plastic bags at Group buildings and stores
This year's World Environment Day (5 June) on the fight against plastic pollution reminds everyone not only of the urgent situation the planet is facing, but also of the need to accelerate actions to protect it. COSMOTE contributes significantly to the common effort against plastic pollution with a series of initiatives. Following a specific strategy for the reduction of its environmental footprint, and utilizing the circular economy model, COSMOTE continuously reenforces its activities.
Specifically for plastic pollution, COSMOTE focuses on the reduction or elimination of plastic use, the responsible management of plastic waste through recycling programs, as well as on cooperation with major environmental organizations for the protection of the environment. In this context, in 2022 COSMOTE:
- Saved 31 tons of plastic through more than 195,500 pieces of terminal equipment refurbishment (routers, modems and TV decoders).
- Introduced its first sustainable packaging for COSMOTE routers, having set specifications for packaging without plastic – with environmentally friendly paper – for COSMOTE-branded devices.
- Recycled more than 21 tons of mobile devices at COSMOTE and GERMANOS store network, saving approximately 4.2 tonnes of plastic and 2.8 tonnes of precious metals.
- Ensured responsible management of all waste from technology services, which did not end up in landfills.
- Continued the #zeroplastic initiative, which saved 2.5 million plastic items from being used. Though this initiative through which plastic bags have been removed from the store network since the end of 2019, and the use of single-use plastics stopped at 7 of the Group’s office buildings. The use of was avoided.
- Recycled more than 800 kg of plastic through the recycling programme at its buildings.
- Supported the collection of over 8 tons of litter, mainly plastic, from the seas and coasts of four Greek islands, through the non-profit organization ‘Enaleia’.
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The way we live and work produces millions of plastic waste every year, which ends up on beaches, into the sea, and eventually on our plates through the food chain. To tackle this major issue, we at OTE Group have reacted early on. An action that focuses not only on programmes that reduce waste and promote responsible waste management, but above all on changing our people’s, our partners’ and our customers’ mindset and culture. In this way, we contribute to creating a better world for all", said Ms Deppie Tzimea, OTE Group’s Executive Director for Corporate Communication and Sustainability.
COSMOTE’s goals for the coming years include collecting 400,000 mobile devices and accessories for recycling or refurbishment by 2024, strengthening recycling programmes, and continuing the #zeroplastic initiative.