Filenews 27 October 2025 - by Angelos Nikolaou
A number of important initiatives to reduce waste, enhance sustainability and promote green practices in various sectors are being implemented in Cyprus, as part of the transition strategy towards the Circular Economy.
With steady steps, Cyprus is strengthening the implementation of the Circular Economy through the adoption of national technical specifications, methodologies and guides. These actions aim not only to reduce environmental impact, but also to strengthen the market, enhance circularity and raise awareness among citizens through green development.
Cyprus has expressed its intention to share these actions with EU member states and institutions, strengthening European cooperation and accelerating the transition towards a more sustainable and green future, presenting the standards at the Council of Environment Ministers taking place next Tuesday in Luxembourg and member states have already requested more information on these standards. The following is a presentation of the main initiatives
New certification scheme for recycled plastic products
The technical specification CYS/TS 600:2024 (Circular plastic products – Recycled content traceability and conformity assessment of recyclates and final products – Basic elements of a certification scheme) establishes the basic elements of a certification scheme for products made from recycled plastic materials, as well as for finished plastic products. The purpose is to trace the raw material and ensure that the final products comply with environmental standards. The aim is to verify the compliance of products with the requirements specified therein, in terms of their origin and recycled content, as well as compliance with applicable standards related to recycled plastic waste and environmental claims.
It is intended to be used by certification bodies seeking to establish and maintain certification schemes for plastic products, which cover one or more aspects of the circular economy.
However, its implementation is expected to promote transparency and reliability regarding the use of recycled content, enhance consumer and market confidence, support the transition towards a circular economy and contribute to reducing the environmental impact associated with the production and distribution of plastic products.
The standard, developed by the Technical Committee CYS/TC 26 of the Cyprus Organization for Standardization, is expected to increase transparency and reliability in the market, enhancing consumer and business confidence and contributing to the achievement of circular economy goals. It is available in English for easy use by the other member states. The specification was published in the Official Gazette of the Republic on 17/1/2025.
Quantifying Carbon Sequestration from Trees
With the aim of scientifically assessing the contribution of trees to CO₂ absorption, the new technical standard prepared by the Technical Committee CYS/TC 27 of the Cyprus Organization for Standardization introduces a documented methodology for calculating the carbon dioxide sequestration per tree, adapted to Cypriot conditions.
The aim of the Cypriot technical standard prCYS/TS 650:2025 (Carbon sequestration by trees – Quantification guidelines and reporting), is to develop a practical and scientifically documented methodology for calculating carbon dioxide (CO₂) sequestration at the level of an individual tree, taking into account the specificities of the Cypriot climate and the local flora.
The methodology is based on measurements of physical characteristics and species-specific equations, allowing a reliable estimate of the stored biomass and the corresponding amount of CO₂, emphasizing the use of native species and excluding alien ones, to protect local biodiversity.
Circular economy certification scheme for hotels
An important tool for the tourism sector (Circular Economy Certification Scheme for Hotels) is the new Certification Scheme for the Circular Economy in hotel units. Its aim is to integrate sustainable practices, such as the reduction of waste, energy and food waste, enhancing the resilience and competitiveness of Cypriot hotels.
The measure aims to create substantial added value for businesses through the reduction of energy consumption, waste and food waste. At the same time, the acquisition of know-how for the implementation of circular practices, with the aim of saving resources and environmental protection, as well as the preparation of businesses for the utilization of investment plans and compliance with the current and upcoming legislative framework of the circular economy, is enhanced. Businesses that implement it gain a competitive advantage through certification under the Circular Economy Certification Scheme.
The action is directly linked to the European strategies for the circular economy and sustainable tourism development, promoting the transformative adaptation of SMEs in the tourism sector towards greener and more efficient operating models.
The initiative is fully aligned with the European strategies for the green transition in tourism.
"Zero Waste to Landfill" guide for public buildings
Cyprus is also moving forward in the field of waste management, with the development of a guide to achieving zero waste in landfills from public buildings. The guide, which is part of EMAS, offers guidance on how to transform buildings into sustainability standards, reducing waste and strengthening its management at source. The advisory guide explains the steps and procedure that must be followed so that a building can be classified as zero waste in landfills.
The transition to a circular economy, where materials are reused and recycled, is essential for conserving natural resources. Raw materials are running out, while the production of new materials consumes huge amounts of energy and water. The 'Zero Waste to Landfill' strategy is an innovative approach to waste management, which aims to reduce waste ending up in landfills. "Zero Waste to Landfill" embodies the principle of waste hierarchy, promoting prevention, reuse, and recycling to reduce reliance on non-renewable sources.
Zero waste at events and festivals
Another practical guide has been developed to reduce waste at events and festivals. The guide provides specific guidelines for sustainable organisation, promoting waste prioritisation (prevention, reuse, recycling) and reducing the environmental footprint of such activities.
The purpose of the good practice guide is to promote the zero waste policy at events and festivals in order to reduce their environmental footprint, promote the principles of the circular economy and strengthen the environmental awareness of citizens. It is addressed to local authorities, organized groups and individuals who organize events.
In order for an event to become sustainable and follow a zero waste policy, there must be effective control of the materials entering and used at the event, taking into account all the parameters and specificities of each event.
This guide attempts to contribute to the improvement of the sustainability of events and festivals by presenting the basic principles of the circular economy and waste prioritization as they emerge from it. It includes key parameters to be taken into account for the design and implementation of a zero waste policy while considering ways to reduce it at source. A basic condition is that there is a will to implement and commitment to the goal.
