A recycling complex worth 12 million euros is planned in Akmenė FEZ

UAB Ekobazė, one of the largest waste recycling companies in Lithuania operating since 2007, has been approved for nearly 10 million euros of EU funding for a planned plastic waste and solid recovered fuel recycling complex in the Akmenė Free Economic Zone (FEZ). The total value of the project, which is expected to be completed by early 2027, will reach around 12 million euros, and the complex is expected to create about 60 new jobs.

The Akmenė FEZ company plans to construct two new plants that will form one complex—a plastic recycling plant and a solid recovered fuel production plant.

Ekobazė plans to produce two types of products from collected plastic waste in the Akmenė FEZ: secondary fuel for energy needs and recycled plastic for new uses. Both projects will contribute to the EU’s circular economy and environmental impact reduction goals. Recycled raw materials suitable for new plastic products are rapidly gaining popularity across Europe, while solid recovered fuel is widely used in cement plants in Western European countries.

Ekobazė has currently reached a significant stage in project development, with the company being approved for EU funding with 80 percent intensity. However, the company still faces procedures such as environmental impact assessments, public consultations, obtaining construction permits, and more.

“We see great synergy with local Akmenės Cementas, for whom we plan to supply solid recovered fuel made from non-recyclable plastic waste, which can replace the coal the company currently uses. The other recyclable plastic will be processed into plastic granules right here in Akmenė, which can be reused. Of course, we still have to go through all the necessary procedures and obtain permits. We are currently awaiting a positive conclusion on the environmental impact assessment. Once we receive it, we will coordinate the project with all interested parties and present it to the communities,” said Marina Curko-Notkuvienė, CEO of Ekobazė.

The new plant complex is planned to be built on a plot of more than 3 hectares in the Akmenė FEZ, with construction starting at the end of 2025 and production beginning in early 2027.

According to Lina Mockutė, CEO of Akmenė FEZ, Ekobazė’s investment aligns perfectly with the strategic goals of the free zone, which focuses on attracting companies oriented toward the circular economy and renewable energy. In addition, this investment will further strengthen the Akmenė FEZ business community’s portfolio beyond a single large business group, increase the diversity of competencies in the area, and create new jobs.

“I am pleased that new investors value both the achievements and future potential of the FEZ and the Akmenė region. This is not the first time this year that the expansion of a new investor has been partly driven by existing business partnership opportunities in the region. This investment will also strengthen Akmenė’s position in sustainability, the circular economy, and renewable resources. Our FEZ is becoming a major center for these businesses and competencies, not only on a national level but also regionally,” said L. Mockutė.

In 2023, UAB Ekobazė’s revenue exceeded 27 million euros, and the company employs more than 170 people.

Currently, Akmenė FEZ is home to companies such as UAB VMG Wood Solutions, a wood particle board manufacturer; UAB Rietuva, a heat supplier; UAB VMG Akmenės Baldai, a furniture manufacturer; UAB VMG Service Akmenė, an equipment maintenance and process automation company; UAB VMG Lignum Construction, a construction timber solutions manufacturer; UAB Akmenės Projektai, a real estate company; and UAB Akmenės Servisas, which began developing heavy vehicle workshops this summer. The free zone specializes in the wood, construction, energy, and logistics sectors but is open to other business segments as well.

In 2023, the total revenue of investors in Akmenė FEZ reached 120.3 million euros, with 3.8 million euros paid in income and social security taxes, and purchases in Lithuania exceeded 170 million euros.