Polygreen launches Europe’s first automated e-cigarette recycling line

Polygreen, through the Greek Recycling Center (EKAN), has developed Europe’s first fully automated mechanical processing line for electronic cigarettes. The facility, which has received WEEELABEX certification, is capable of processing up to 3,000 tons of e-cigarettes annually.

While the technology is operational following two and a half years of development, the company faces a significant challenge in collection rates. Currently, a large portion of e-cigarettes, which contain complex materials and integrated lithium batteries, end up in general waste rather than organized recycling systems.

Processing volumes are expected to grow from 166 tons in 2025 to approximately 200 tons in 2026. The technology was designed entirely in-house by a team of five EKAN engineers.