Plastic waste processing company from Vrginmost relocates to Slovakia

“We are deeply concerned to learn that the same company, Phaten Plastic Recycling, using the same inadequate and outdated equipment, and potentially employing the same workforce, is now setting up operations in Prakovce, following the closure of its plant in Croatia. We urge the Slovak authorities to learn from our experience and to prioritise the health and wellbeing of their citizens and the protection of the environment, rather than placing trust in the false promises of this damaging industry”, stated FoE Croatia.

Vrginmost, a marginalised community already affected by war and earthquakes, suffered serious negative consequences due to the facility, which was located just 100 metres from a school and kindergarten. Contrary to initial promises of job creation and the operational description listed in the permit, such as the collection and sorting of plastic waste, the plant processed a wide variety of mixed plastic waste, including electronic and electrical waste (WEEE), using high-temperature methods.

Residents were exposed to intense and nauseating odours, which caused respiratory irritation, vomiting, and in some cases coughing up blood. The community also endured a significant increase in traffic, with over 50 large trucks transporting plastic waste daily, as well as continuous noise pollution, including during the night. Residents were unable to open their windows due to the unbearable smell of melted plastic and feared toxic particles were contaminating the food they grew and the water they consumed.

Expert assessments pointed to potential long-term health risks, including infertility, miscarriages, and cancer. Despite numerous reports filed by FoE Croatia and local residents to the relevant Croatian authorities, no adequate action was taken. Local activists who documented the facility’s illegal operations were subjected to pressure and intimidation. To date, no one has been held accountable for the significant environmental damage caused in Vrginmost.

FoE Croatia, the Stop Phaten Plastic Recycling initiative, Priatelia Zeme – SPZ (Slovakia), and Break Free From Plastic are now calling on the Slovak authorities to take urgent and decisive action to protect the community of Prakovce and the surrounding environment. The Slovak Environmental Inspectorate must carry out an immediate inspection of the industrial premises in Prakovce, where the plastic recycling facility is believed to be illegally installed.

The organisations also call on Slovak institutions to:

Conduct an independent Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) that thoroughly evaluates long-term environmental and health risks, including air, water, soil and noise pollution, as well as traffic impacts.

Critically review the documented negative impacts and the operational history of this investor.

Prioritise the health and wellbeing of the Prakovce community and ensure their meaningful involvement in all decision-making processes.

Prevent a repeat of the lack of response and accountability seen from Croatian institutions.

FoE Croatia and the initiative from Vrginmost are ready to share their experience and documentation with both the residents of Prakovce and Slovak authorities. “We call for a swift and concrete response to prevent the repetition of environmental injustice”, they concluded.

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Break Free From Plastic is a global movement working towards a future free from plastic pollution, made up of more than 3,000 organisations from across the world demanding significant reductions in plastics and pushing for lasting solutions to end the plastic pollution. In Europe, the movement counts 128 core member organisations in 37 countries.