Producing infrastructure pipes from recycled plastic for a greener industry
Enterprise
Inova Sh.P.K.
Presentation of the enterprise
Founded in 2004, Inova Sh.P.K. is a Kosovo-based SME specialising in the production of high-quality infrastructure pipes for telecom, energy, and construction sectors.
Amount of co-financing
EUR 350,000
- Kosovo
- 2025
- Ongoing
Challenge
Kosovo faces limited plastic recycling capacity, overdependence on imported raw materials, and poor integration of informal waste collectors into formal value chains. Infrastructure sectors rely on costly virgin plastic, exacerbating environmental degradation and import dependence. Spatial constraints at Inova’s current site hinder scale-up and safe waste handling.
Innovative solution
The project focuses on the establishment of Kosovo’s first fully integrated circular plastic manufacturing facility, on a new industrial site in Gjakova. Inova transitions to a closed-loop model: local waste sourcing → in-house recycling → energy-efficient production of market-ready pipes. The solution prioritises waste collector formalisation, ISO-aligned responsible business conduct, and market-tested, eco-friendly products for telecom and energy sectors.
Impact
- 33,000 kg of plastic waste recycled during project period
- 52 tons of CO₂ emissions avoided
- 13 new clients accessing circular products
- 18 new waste processors reporting improved livelihoods
- 15 new full-time jobs created, 35% for women and minorities
- Accidental insurance for 20 employees
- 11 staff trained in occupational health and safety
- 1 plastic waste collection point established
Targeted Sustainable Development Goals
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18 new waste processors report improved livelihoods through formal value chain inclusion. 15 new jobs are created, with over 35% prioritising women and minorities.
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15 new formal jobs are created. The company expands its client base by 13 and boosts local circular economy capacity.
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33,000 kg of plastic waste are processed into value-added products through circular production. A new waste collection point is established to support recycling at scale.
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52 tons of CO₂ emissions are avoided by using recycled HDPE instead of virgin plastic in production.
