V GROUP

The initiative aims at the installation and operation of a mobile Thermal Desorption Unit (TDU) at Antipollution’s facility in Ritsona, with the purpose of applying an innovative method for the management of oily sludge and contaminated soils. The application of this technology ensures the reduction of waste hazard potential, the recovery of usable fractions, and the strengthening of the circular economy, positioning the company at the forefront of environmental innovation in the Greek industrial sector.

Alignment with UN SDGs

- Sustainable Development Goal 9 – Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

- Sustainable Development Goal 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities

- Sustainable Development Goal 13 – Climate Action

- Sustainable Development Goal 17 – Partnerships for the Goals

The initiative is addressed to industrial and maritime entities that generate complex waste streams, such as oily sludge, drilling mud, oil/water separator residues, and contaminated soils. At the same time, it concerns local communities, as the operation of the unit reduces the risk of environmental pollution and enhances the protection of soil and water resources.

The initiative began in 2024 with the installation of the mobile Thermal Desorption Unit in Ritsona. The construction phase is ongoing, and the operation of the unit is expected to commence upon its completion.

The TDU is one of the most innovative technological solutions in the field of waste management in Greece and highlights Antipollution as a pioneer in implementing practices that combine technical efficiency with environmental responsibility.

At Section 3 of the company’s facility in Ritsona, the mobile Thermal Desorption Unit (TDU) is being installed. The unit will treat oily sludge, drilling mud, oil/water separator residues, and contaminated soils. It is installed in an existing compartment of Building 3, with the possibility of future relocation within the same building, as it is mobile equipment.

The treatment process is based on thermal desorption in a closed system and inert atmosphere, ensuring that no combustion of the waste occurs during processing. Through this process, the phases of the incoming waste are separated, resulting in:

• Solid residue, which is either directed for further stabilization or utilized externally in projects such as quarry rehabilitation and road construction.
• Petroleum fraction, which is sent to oil refining units or configured within the facility as an alternative fuel.
• Aqueous phase, which is recycled back into Section 2 of the facility’s production process.

In this way, the thermal desorption technology enables the safe and environmentally sound management of complex waste streams, reduces their hazard potential, and at the same time contributes to the recovery of valuable materials and the reinforcement of the circular economy.

The implementation of the initiative is based on collaboration with a specialized international technology provider, who has undertaken the construction and adaptation of the Thermal Desorption Unit to the needs of Antipollution’s facility in Ritsona. This collaboration ensures the transfer of cutting-edge know-how, the application of international best practices, and the integration of innovative solutions at all stages of the process.

The contribution of Antipollution’s employees focuses on supervising, monitoring, and supporting the construction of the Thermal Desorption Unit at the Ritsona facility. Specialized staff ensure compliance with technical specifications, regulatory requirements, and the safe integration of the equipment into the facility’s production and environmental framework.

This active involvement strengthens Antipollution’s role in safeguarding quality, safety, and regulatory compliance, while at the same time laying the foundation for a smooth transition to the operational phase of the unit, with adequately trained personnel and full knowledge of the processes to follow.

The initiative is implemented at the company’s facility in Ritsona, Evia.

Upon completion and operation of the Thermal Desorption Unit, substantial progress is expected in the management of complex waste streams such as oily sludge and contaminated soils, which until now could not be effectively addressed with the existing technologies in Greece. For the company’s clients, the new technology will provide an integrated, innovative, safe, and environmentally responsible waste management solution, enabling the recovery of usable fractions such as petroleum fractions that can be used as alternative fuels, while simultaneously reducing non-recoverable residues.

At the local community level, the operation of the unit will contribute to reducing the risk of environmental pollution and will strengthen the protection of soil and water resources, promoting environmental safety and sustainable development. This initiative is expected to have a multiplier effect, upgrading both the quality and the range of available waste management solutions in the country.

The installation of the Thermal Desorption Unit substantially strengthens Antipollution’s position in the Greek waste management market, as it enables the management of waste streams that until now could not be optimally treated. This technology differentiates the company from its competitors by offering innovative, high value-added services.

At the same time, the ability to recover usable fractions, such as petroleum fractions that can be utilized as alternative fuels, reduces disposal costs and creates new business opportunities for the company.

At a strategic level, this investment establishes Antipollution as a pioneer in applying innovative environmental management technologies in Greece, enhancing its credibility with clients, partners, and regulatory authorities, while reinforcing its long-term sustainability.