Coca-Cola completes groundbreaking project at key facility, filling them with pride

A groundbreaking water recycling project in Tanagra is setting a new benchmark for sustainable resource management in Greece, a country facing persistent drought challenges. The modernization of the Schimatari Water Treatment Plant, carried out under the Coca-Cola Zero Drop initiative, incorporates advanced technology that captures water typically lost during treatment, purifies it, and returns it to use.

Stavros Mourelatos, general manager of Coca-Cola Hellas for Greece, Cyprus, and Malta, highlighted the long-term vision behind the program: "The Zero Drop initiative reflects nearly 20 years of commitment to responsible water management. By reclaiming and reusing water, we protect this vital resource and strengthen water security for the future. This achievement is a source of pride because it directly benefits local communities and addresses the challenge of water scarcity."

The project delivers notable environmental advantages. The new system recycles all filter wash water and reuses about 15% of untreated water, conserving enough water to meet the daily requirements of approximately 6,500 people. Energy use is also reduced by up to 10%, cutting emissions linked to water processing.

Greece, like much of the Mediterranean region, has been grappling with water shortages due to prolonged droughts, growing urban demand, and stress on reservoirs such as the Mornos system. Initiatives that enhance efficiency and promote reuse are increasingly critical for climate resilience. By advancing circular water use, the Schimatari project helps protect the municipality and surrounding areas from future water deficits.

The effort demonstrates the power of collaboration between public authorities, private enterprises, and technical experts, offering a model for climate-adaptive infrastructure. Svetoslav Atanazov, general manager of Coca-Cola Tria Epsilon for Greece and Cyprus, emphasized the broader impact: "This project reinforces our strategic focus on sustainable water management, not only within our operations but throughout the communities where we operate."

Author: Grace Ellison