In the heart of drought-stricken Greece, a beacon of hope emerges from the Municipality of Tanagra, where a pioneering water reuse project is redefining sustainable resource management. The Schimatari Water Treatment Plant, upgraded under the Coca-Cola Zero Drop program, is now harnessing advanced technology to recover, clean, and reuse water previously lost during treatment. This milestone project, nearly two decades in the making, is not just a testament to technological innovation but also a model for public-private partnerships in addressing water scarcity.
Stavros Mourelatos, general manager of Coca-Cola Hellas for Greece, Cyprus, and Malta, encapsulates the project’s significance: “The Zero Drop program embodies our 19-year vision for responsible water management. By recycling water, we protect it and contribute to water security of today and tomorrow. This project fills us with pride because it directly benefits local communities and helps address water scarcity.”
The environmental benefits are substantial. The plant’s new system recycles 100% of filter wash water and reuses approximately 15% of untreated water, conserving enough water to support the needs of around 6,500 people. Additionally, the innovation reduces energy consumption by up to 10%, mitigating the environmental impact of water treatment.
Greece, like many Mediterranean countries, grapples with water scarcity due to prolonged droughts, urban demand, and strain on reservoirs like the Mornos system. Projects like Schimatari, focused on efficiency and reuse, are becoming crucial in adapting to climate change. By improving circular water use, the initiative helps buffer the municipality and the surrounding region against future shortages.
The collaboration among public authorities, private industry, and technical services sets a precedent for how infrastructure can adapt to climate-driven water scarcity. Svetoslav Atanazov, general manager of Coca-Cola Tria Epsilon for Greece and Cyprus, highlights the strategic commitment: “This project reaffirms our strategic commitment to sustainable water use. Not only in our facilities but in the wider community where we operate.”
However, the project’s success also invites scrutiny. While Coca-Cola is taking steps in the right direction, the company has been repeatedly identified as the world’s leading producer of branded plastic waste. A global study published in Science Advances found that Coca-Cola accounts for approximately 11% of branded plastic pollution in the environment. This duality raises questions about the balance between corporate sustainability initiatives and broader environmental impacts.
The Schimatari project offers a blueprint for sustainable water management, but it also underscores the need for holistic approaches that address both water scarcity and pollution. As the sector evolves, the challenge lies in integrating such innovations into broader environmental strategies, ensuring that progress in one area does not come at the expense of another. The water, sanitation, and drainage sector must continue to challenge norms, spark debate, and push for comprehensive solutions that truly benefit communities and the environment.