AZ Rendering

EU Legislative Interests

AZ Rendering aligns its operations with key EU legislation and policy frameworks related to the safe handling, processing, and recovery of animal by-products (ABPs), environmental protection, and the circular economy. The main EU legislative acts and policies targeted include: Regulation (EC) No 1069/2009 – Lays down health rules for animal by-products not intended for human consumption. It sets strict standards for the collection, transport, storage, handling, processing, and use or disposal of ABPs to protect public and animal health. Commission Regulation (EU) No 142/2011 – Implements Regulation 1069/2009 with detailed technical and hygiene requirements for rendering plants and operators. EU Circular Economy Action Plan (2020) – Encourages resource efficiency and waste-to-value approaches. Rendering is recognized as a model for material recovery and sustainable waste treatment. EU Farm to Fork Strategy – Promotes sustainable food systems and biosecurity. Proper ABP management supports food chain safety and environmental goals. Directive 2008/98/EC on Waste (Waste Framework Directive) – Establishes waste hierarchy and principles of extended producer responsibility, promoting recovery and recycling over disposal. EU Green Deal – Rendering contributes to climate goals by reducing methane emissions from decomposing organic waste and producing alternative resources. National (Albanian) legislation aligned with EU standards includes: Law No. 10463, dated 22.9.2011 "On integrated waste management", as amended – Establishes rules on waste classification, management, and recovery, in line with the EU Waste Framework Directive. Law No. 10440, dated 7.7.2011 "On environmental impact assessment", which governs the EIA process for rendering plants and similar facilities. Law No. 10465, dated 29.9.2011 "On veterinary service in the Republic of Albania", covering the control and treatment of animal by-products. Decision of Council of Ministers (DCM) No. 924, dated 14.11.2012 – Establishes the categorization, treatment, and disposal methods for animal by-products and derived products, harmonized with EU regulations. National Strategy for Waste Management (2020–2035) – Prioritizes recovery and recycling of organic waste, including animal waste, and supports the development of rendering technologies.

Communication Activities

Awareness Campaigns: AZ Rendering has organized and supported awareness campaigns in collaboration with local municipalities and veterinary authorities to promote proper disposal of animal by-products and to educate stakeholders on the importance of safe and EU-compliant rendering practices. Technical Workshops and Public Consultations: Hosted technical sessions with local farmers, slaughterhouses, and food industry operators to inform them about the obligations under EU Regulation 1069/2009 and the benefits of rendering for the environment and public health. Environmental Reporting and Publications: Published informational brochures and reports on the environmental benefits of rendering technology, waste valorization, and circular economy practices, in line with the EU Green Deal and Circular Economy Action Plan. Participation in National Environmental and Agricultural Fairs: AZ Rendering has showcased its technology and compliance efforts at public events and fairs, raising awareness of EU-aligned solutions for sustainable waste management. Online Communication: Maintains an updated digital presence through its website and social media platforms, sharing information about its alignment with EU directives, environmental performance, and resource recovery outcomes. EIA Public Hearing: As part of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process, AZ Rendering conducted a public consultation and presentation of the project’s environmental compliance and benefits in accordance with both national and EU legislation. Future Activities: Plans to launch educational content for schools and vocational training centers focused on circular economy concepts and green innovation in animal waste processing.

Interests Represented

Promotes their own interests or the collective interests of their members

Member Of

AZ Rendering is a member of several national and regional networks that support sustainable waste management, circular economy practices, and agri-food sector development. These include: Albanian Agribusiness Council (KASH) – A key platform for agricultural and food industry stakeholders in Albania. National Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Albania – Supporting business development, innovation, and EU alignment. SEE Waste Management Network – A regional network promoting cooperation in waste management across Southeast Europe. Albanian Environmental Services Network – Focused on green transition and environmental technologies. Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) thematic working groups** on Green Agenda and Circular Economy. European Circular Economy Stakeholder Platform (ECESP) – AZ Rendering follows developments and shares insights through this EU-level platform. The company also collaborates with academic institutions and local NGOs in capacity-building and awareness activities related to environmental protection, sustainable waste treatment, and bioresource valorization.

Organisation Members

AZ Rendering is part of the AZ Group, a diversified business group operating in Albania and the Western Balkans. Within this structure, AZ Rendering works in close cooperation with the following affiliated entities: AZ Group Holding – The parent company providing strategic support and coordination. AZ Bioenergy – Focused on renewable energy solutions from organic waste. AZ Logistics – Supporting transportation and logistical operations of the rendering process. AZ Agro – Operating in agricultural production and raw material supply. A full list of group entities and affiliates can be found on the official website: www.azgroup.al

Additional Information

AZ Rendering operates as a private enterprise under AZ Group, with funding primarily derived from private investment and commercial operations related to the treatment and transformation of animal by-products. The company has not received direct EU funding to date, although it aligns its operations with EU environmental and public health standards, including those required under Regulation (EC) No 1069/2009 and Regulation (EC) No 142/2011. Any affiliated entities within AZ Group that have accessed EU or donor-supported funding are managed independently and their financial flows are reported separately. All representatives of AZ Rendering are salaried employees, and the company does not rely on unpaid staff or pro-bono contributions for its activities. The financial model of AZ Rendering is based on sustainable service provision, sales of end-products such as animal fat and protein meal, and long-term reinvestment into environmental infrastructure.