Save the Planet 2015 - Final Report
The event once again validated its position as the leading business and knowledge platform for the waste management industry in South-East Europe. It was held on 11-13 March in Sofia, Bulgaria. “The three-day event was a real proof for the progress in technology and experience in the sector.” - says Maya Kristeva, CEO of the organizer Via Expo.
"It is time start profiting from waste instead of burying it in landfills." – she added. Bulgaria and the countries from the Region are facing numerous challenges to achieve the high European waste management targets. Till 2020 they have to recycle 70% of their construction waste and 50% of the municipal waste. SE European countries are streamlining the legislation and introducing new facilities in cities, landfill sites and industry enterprises.
The conference program encompassed working models, new developments in the European legislation and nascent trends. Three sessions were held: Recycling of Construction & Demolition Waste (C&DW) – moderated by Jose Blanco, Secretary General of the European Demolition Association; Circular Economy - moderated by Naemi Denz, Managing Director, VDMA Waste Treatment and Recycling Technology; Plastic Waste Recycling, moderated by Ton Emans, President of the Plastics Recycling Europe.
Among the speakers were also experts from the European Network of Environmental Professionals, Bulgarian Ministry of Environment and Water, Romanian Environmental Association, etc.
A concurrent initiative was the discussion forum “Transparency in Waste Management”, organized by the Bulgarian Association of Municipal Environmental Experts. They discussed the new National Plan for Waste Management 2014-2020 г. and guidance for preparation of municipal and regional waste management programs.
The exhibition featured a strong international presence - 71% of the participants were from abroad. Exhibitors from Austria, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Greece, Germany, Denmark, Italy, Poland, the Netherlands, Slovakia and Switzerland showcased their latest products.
They presented to the visitors containers, underground storage-tank systems, transport vehicles, cleaning systems, waste treatment and recycling equipment (balers, crushers, presses, biogas systems, extruders, sorting installations, shredders, separators), landfill management equipment, waste-to-energy technologies, recycling plans, etc.
This year 8 companies participated within the Austrian Pavilion, the realization of which was actively supported by ADVANTAGE AUSTRIA Sofia. “Most of our exhibitors are satisfied. The companies which intend to develop their business in Bulgaria hope that the country will make a step forward in the new period of EU funding and invest more in fields like environment technology, waste management, smart cities, etc. No doubt, such an event is necessary and also has an influence on the market. .” – says Ivo Duerr, International Messe Agentur.
A new highlight during 2015 was the Italian Participation.
Managers and experts from 37 countries visited Save the Planet and the parallel exhibitions: Energy Efficiency & Renewables, Smart Cities and Save the Life (disaster management).
For more info: Via Expo Ltd. – www.viaexpo.com
