The EU4Environment

“Green Age” Greenhouse Charentsavan specializes in growing fruits and vegetables, particularly tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, and strawberries. Founded with a dedication to producing environmentally friendly and pollutant-free foods, the greenhouse operates on the principles of Circular Economy. Within its ecosystem, fish are also cultivated, with their bioactive waste serving as a natural fertilizer for plant growth. Motivated to achieve more energy-efficient production, the company participated in the RECP Demonstration Project under EU4Environment (2019-2024).

"Vazgen Abgaryan" is a manufacturer of toilet paper based on waste paper and cardboards. Founded in 1998 as a micro-enterprise, five years ago, the company purchased modern pieces of equipment through a procurement process, which is currently operating at full capacity. The company’s main products consist of non-bleached toilet paper, kitchen paper towels, and paper napkins. The enterprise itself is lucrative and has no pending loans. In the near future, it plans to expand the supply of its products by introducing new varieties of paper goods. Motivated to improve the quality of its products and address the high annual energy costs, the company participated in the RECP Demonstration Project under EU4Environment (2019-2024).

"Unigroup" is a manufacturer of various plastic products. Established in 2015, the company comprises 40 workers (25 men and 15 women). It spreads across 1.25 hectares and makes the quality of its products a top priority. The production of plastics is based on two methods, blowing and extrusion, and a part of the enterprise's total sales is based on a closed market trade. Here, the supply is sold to other companies under the current owner, in order to satisfy their needs for various plastic products. The enterprise is interested in acquiring new technologies, improving its operational system, reducing emissions and pollutants, and setting forth a better management of plastic waste. Future plans include the expansion to new markets and an overall increase in sales. Motivated to invest in cost reduction and improve product quality, the company participated in the RECP Demonstration Project under EU4Environment (2019-2024).

Established in 2006, "Snekarm" LLC is a food producer of dry bread, potato chips, sweet corn sticks, and various types of pastries, with a total production volume of 9 tonnes of products per month. Before joining the RECP Project, the company did not have any environmental policies in place. Hence, one of its main goals was to start the development of an environmental policy and identify RECP measures (such as the installation of solar PV panels, and means to recycle plastic waste) to increase its environmental performance and outlook. Motivated to achieve more energy-efficient production, the company participated in the RECP Demonstration Project under EU4Environment(2019-2024).

"Sevani Ishkhan-2" is a fish processing company founded in 2014 within the framework of the programme "Recovery of trout stocks and fish breeding in Lake Sevan". The company is based in the village of Jrarat, and it rents its premises from a landlord settled within the production area. In the future, the company plans to move to a smaller production site. The company specialises in the production of freshly-chilled, lightly-salted, and cold-smoked summer, Gegharkunik, and rainbow trout. To become more competitive in the market and to expand its supply, the company has entered the process of acquiring the ISO 9001 and HACCP certification standards. Motivated to address cost reduction and energy savings, the company also participated in the RECP Demonstration Project under EU4Environment (2019-2024).

"Sevan Aqua" is a state-owned, fish farming company. Established in 2015 to restore the fish stock in Lake Sevan, the enterprise continued to exercise its environmental duty and maintain the reproduction and development of the trout fish. Located within the National Park, the company pursues a policy based on clean production, which limits the generation of solid waste and wastewater. As a self-funded organization, its main goal is to reduce production costs as much as possible. Motivated to address the issues of resource efficiency and cleaner production, the company participated in the RECP Demonstration Project under EU4Environment (2019-2024).

"Magnon" is a manufacturer of structural metal-based products. Established in 1998 on the foundations of an enterprise that got privatized, the company turned around the pre-existing technological park (equipment, tools, and infrastructural elements such as buildings, water supply, and the electricity system) and uses it as its own. Unfortunately, the company's facilities are considered obsolete and in need of either renovation (buildings and storage areas) or replacement (ventilation system, water supply infrastructure). The equipment is out of order or unrepairable, occupying one-third of the working space. Furthermore, due to a lack of proper heating and thermal insulation, the company is unable to operate during the winter season. Motivated to address energy efficiency and the well-being of its staff, the company participated in the RECP Demonstration Project under EU4Environment (2019-2024).

"M. Sisakyan" is a sewing company established in 2017 in the province of Lori. The company provides sewing services as a subcontractor for large textile manufacturers and, therefore, its outputs are mostly export-oriented. Although the enterprise itself does not own any international certificates, one of the company's main contractors, Gloria, is a holder of the ISO 9001 certification and has implemented the standardized quality assurance system throughout M.Sisakyan.Motivated to address the high electricity costs and the generation of waste, the company participated in the RECPDemonstration Project under EU4Environment (2019-2024).

"Kara Yev Karen" is a dairy producer from Vanadzor. The company’s main output is the fermented probiotic "Narine", used in the nutrition of infants and toddlers. Moreover, the company is the only distributor of baby food in the regions of Lori, Shirak, and Tavush Marzes. The enterprise also produces buttermilk, yogurt, cheese, and butter, to name a few. Financing is based on mid-term loans and self-financing, therefore, the enterprise is interested in reducing its annual costs, especially in terms of electricity consumption and the use of plastic containers. Plans include market expansion by introducing new products. Motivated to address its high annual energy costs, the company participated in the RECP Demonstration Project under EU4Environment (2019-2024).

Established in 1999, "Julianna" manufacturing enterprise is a manufacturer of furniture that currently operates under "Wood Company" LLC. The enterprise spreads across 0.25 hectares, where both the manufacturing workshop and the store are located. The production of furniture is order-based and it accounts for 70% of the company's total income. Some of the long-term goals include sales increase and market expansion, as well as the improvement of the working environment for staff. Motivated to address production costs and product quality, the company participated in the RECP Demonstration Project under EU4Environment (2019-2024).

"Lilit Derdzyan" PE, also known as “Hayq plast”, was established in 2016 as a domestic company working in the Lori and Tavush regions of Armenia. In time, the company became determined to expand its activities to the remaining regions of the country by taking part in state and open tenders. The enterprise specialises in producing metallic and plastic-based doors and windows, and pays special attention to the raw materials it uses in the production process by seeking those that have the lowest negative environmental impact. Motivated to improve energy savings, the company participated in the RECP Demonstration Project under EU4Environment (2019-2024).

"GOS" CJSC was established in 1973 and it is located within the National Park "Sevan". In the past, the company was the largest fish farm within the Gegharkunik province, raising trout and Khramulia fingerlings. Currently, the farm grows commercial fish: rainbow trout and Gegharkunik trout, as well as crayfish (mainly for the Russian market). Due to a reduction in crayfish stock, the company’s focus is now on increasing the production and sale of trout. The main goal of the company is to sell high-quality, fresh fish products on both domestic and international markets, as well as to reduce overall production costs. Motivated to improve the quality of its products and address the high annual energy costs, the company participated in the RECP Demonstration Project under EU4Environment (2019-2024).

"Erpin" is a dairy producer from the Yelpin community of Vayots Dzor. The company was founded in 2017 by the president of the agricultural cooperation, Mr. Artur Nazaryan, who also provided the land and infrastructure. In addition to being specialized in cheese production (11 types), the company also shows great potential for expanding production to other dairy products, such as yogurts, protein powder, and dry food for animals. The production process is based on locally available inputs (milk and fine herbs). The company’s main challenges are the excess waste (wastewater and solid residuals) from cheese production, which is disposed of in the precipitation basins without any treatment, as well as energy efficiency (as production is based on using gas, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), and electricity from the grid). Motivated to minimize waste and high energy costs, the company participated in the RECP Demonstration Project under EU4Environment (2019-2024).

"Bnakat" is a dairy producer from Yerevan. Established in 2011, the enterprise started its operation with the production of the Lori Mozzarella cheese and gradually expanded the production line throughout the years. The company’s facilities are separated into two sections: the first, consisting of the paving production line, and the latter, which comprises the administration staff. Once the planned renovation is complete, the production line will benefit from new pieces of equipment. Motivated to improve energy efficiency and its overall performance, the company participated in the RECP Demonstration Project under EU4Environment (2019-2024).

"Sis Alp" was established in 2007, on the premise of the previously state-owned factory "Sisian Kat". The company specialises in the production of six types of dairy (cheese, bottled milk, kefir, matsun, butter, and curd), and 33 sub-categories, with the potential to further expand its goods to fruit milkshakes, protein powder, and animal food from residuals. The main challenge the enterprise is facing is the excess wastewater and residuals from cheese production, which are not properly stored or recycled. Motivated to address the waste issue and improve its production, the company participated in the RECP Demonstration Project under EU4Environment(2019-2024). This publication shows the company’s experience reported after the monitoring exercise conducted in 2022-2023.

"Ararat-Chansin" is well-renowned in the construction and building materials sectors. It provides services for the construction, installation, and repair works of roads, and it manufactures various products such as asphaltic concrete, building sand, crushed stone, and mineral powders. The company extracts its materials from its own quarry and uses advanced technological equipment for the industrial production of construction materials. Motivated to achieve a more energy-efficient production facility (integrated into its growth plans), the company participated in the RECP demonstration project under EaP GREEN (2013-2017). This publication shows the company’s experience reported after the monitoring exercise conducted in 2021, four years after the programme ended.

"Sam Har" LLC specializes in the production of carbonated beverages (lemonade and mineral water) under the trademark "Sipan." In addition, since 2009, the company expanded to compote production, and since 2013, to produce canned food in a new, relocated building. Since 2010, it has produced 15 varieties of compote and jam, two types of jelly, 10 types of natural juice, and four types of marinade under the trademarks "Sipan," "Anush," and "Arevik." The manufacturing facility operates seasonally from May to October, while the labeling and packaging takes place all year round, based on orders. The company sources its raw materials from premium suppliers to ensure the high quality of its goods. Adhering to the ISO 22000 international standard, its products are well-regarded both in Armenia and abroad. The company also maintains an orchard on its premises, cultivating peaches, apricots, and white sweet-cherry. Motivated to achieve more energy-efficient production, the company participated in the RECP Demonstration Project under EaP GREEN (2013-2017).

Since 2009, “Arminashogh” LLC has been providing its customers with a diverse selection of over 60 cakes, pastries, and breads. The extensive range of products is freshly delivered to grocery shops and supermarkets nationwide. Additionally, the company specializes in crafting individual cakes for special occasions like weddings or birthdays. Its mission is to maintain the highest quality standards by employing natural ingredients that guarantee an exceptional taste. The company sets itself apart through its unwavering commitment to high quality, authentic flavors, and maximum product safety. Through diligent and persistent efforts, it has risen to prominence among Armenian pastries and cake producers over several years, establishing a distinctive presence in shops and supermarkets across nearly all regions in Armenia. Motivated by a commitment to achieving more resource and energy-efficient production, the company actively participated in the RECP Demonstration Project under EaP GREEN (2013-2017).

“ELBAT” CJSC is a leading producer of high-quality lead-acid batteries. The company offers a wide range of batteries for cars and commercial vehicles between 40-100 A/H and 120-200 A/H, and provides technical services to select the best battery option for its clients. The enterprise’s annual production is around 15,000 batteries. Motivated to improve its environmental performance and optimize its resource usage (materials, water, energy) the company joined EaP GREEN in 2017. The programme was in line with ELBAT's environmental management system (EMS), whose objectives include minimizing the negative impact of the production systems on the environment and mitigating risks to people. Thanks to EaP GREEN, RECP is now a well-understood concept within ELBAT, and it is used to improve the company's performance, as part of its EMS.

"Lukashin" CC was founded as a community-based small enterprise (SME) consisting of 42 farmers. Its main activity is the production of dried fruits of technical grade and quality (apricots, peaches, plums, apples, pears, figs, and grapes). The fruits are grown by farmers from the Lukashin rural community located in the heart of the Ararat Valley. The average production capacity is 14,000 kg/year of finished products (dried fruits) which are mainly consumed on the national market and partly exported to the Russian Federation and European Union countries. Motivated to achieve more energy-efficient production, the company participated in the RECP demonstration project under EaP GREEN (2013-2017).