INTERVIEW OF THE MONTH: INOS BALKAN

A LEGACY OF INNOVATION AND SUSTAINABILITY
IN STEEL RECYCLING

INOS Balkan, a key player in Serbia’s steel recycling industry for over 70 years, has built a strong reputation through continuous modernization, adherence to international standards, and a commitment to sustainable development. As a member of the multinational Viohalco Group, the company leverages global expertise to shape local practices and contribute to raising the bar in the domestic recycling sector. With a deep understanding of Serbia’s evolving regulatory and technological landscape, INOS Balkan is actively driving progress through innovation and partnerships.
 

Mirjana Radic, Director of Inos Balkan

INOS Balkan has been operating in Serbia for over 70 years, during which it has become one of the key players in the steel recycling industry. What would you say are the company’s most notable achievements over the years, and what challenges have you faced along the way?
Over the course of more than 70 years, INOS Balkan has gone through various stages of development, but has always remained committed to its core mission— sourcing raw material for the steel industry. Among our most important achievements is the implementation of international standards for quality, environmental protection, and occupational health and safety, which helped set high benchmarks within the domestic industry and served as a strong example for other companies.
Continuous investment in equipment modernization and process improvement has enabled us to maintain a high level of efficiency and reliability. Naturally, we’ve faced challenges along the way. Changes in regulatory frameworks and global market fluctuations have required flexibility and strategic adaptation. Still, we’ve approached every challenge as an opportunity to learn, grow, and further strengthen our market position.
As a result of these efforts, INOS Balkan has successfully tripled its business volume during the period of last 20 years, confirming the effectiveness of our long-term strategy and the dedication of our team.

INOS Balkan is part of the Viohalco Group, a multinational company active in over 100 countries worldwide. How has this international experience shaped your business practices and the recycling strategies you apply in Serbia?
Being part of the Viohalco Group is a significant advantage for us. It’s not just about corporate structure—it’s about access to knowledge, technologies, and values that define modern business. This connection allows us to apply leading European practices, participate in joint projects, and develop strategically in line with ESG principles, which are now central to sustainable growth.
This year, Viohalco proudly celebrates 100 years of business, marking a century of industrial excellence, innovation, and resilience. For INOS Balkan, being part of such a legacy is both an honor and a responsibility. It inspires us to uphold the same standards of quality and long-term vision in our operations in Serbia.
This international perspective enables us to transfer knowledge and experience to our partners in Serbia, to jointly develop efficient and sustainable solutions, and to contribute to raising standards across the domestic recycling industry.

The recycling market in Serbia shows great potential but is still in the process of development compared to EU countries. How would you assess the current state of the Serbian recycling sector in relation to other markets, and what do you see as the main challenges?
The recycling sector in Serbia is moving in a positive direction, with growing awareness of the importance of sustainable resource management. While there is still a gap compared to EU countries in terms of development, it’s clear that the industry is progressing toward modernization and alignment with European standards.
One particularly encouraging development is the ongoing revision of the Waste Management Law, which aims to improve the existing system and fully harmonize it with EU regulations. This is a timely moment to formally introduce and clarify the “end-of-waste” concept within the legal framework, which would mark a significant step toward circular economy practices. However, implementing the law in practice will be a significant challenge, requiring coordinated efforts, capacity building, and strong institutional support.
We believe the coming period will bring meaningful progress—through stronger regulatory support, education, and the spread of best practices among businesses. INOS Balkan is ready to actively contribute to this process by sharing knowledge, collaborating with institutions, and applying modern solutions that support sustainability.

Digital technologies are increasingly transforming the recycling industry — from smart waste-tracking systems to automated sorting solutions. How well is Serbia keeping pace with these European trends, and how is INOS Balkan adapting to these developments and positioning itself within the changing dynamics of the industry?
Digital transformation is becoming a key factor of competitiveness across all industries, including recycling. In Serbia, there is growing recognition of the value that modern technologies bring to business operations, and we’re seeing a clear willingness to embrace these trends. Digitalization is no longer viewed as a future goal—it’s already part of everyday business for many companies.
INOS Balkan is actively investing in the modernization and automation of its operations, with the aim of optimizing workflows, improving planning accuracy, and accelerating decision-making. These digital solutions allow us to respond more quickly to market changes and organize our daily operations more effectively.
We also believe in the power of collaboration—with technology partners and academic institutions—because innovation often emerges at the intersection of different sectors. For us, digital transformation is not just a technical upgrade, but an integral part of our broader strategy for sustainable development.

Inos Balkan is one of the founding members of the Hellenic Business Association (HBA) and remains actively engaged in its work. What does the Association represent for your company, and as an active member, how satisfied are you with its overall performance and activities?
HBA holds great significance for us. As a founding member, we believed from the very beginning in the idea of connecting Greek and Serbian companies through shared values, business ethics, and a common vision for growth. Over the years, the Association has become a key player in economic dialogue, organizing professional events, and promoting bilateral cooperation.
We are pleased with its work, especially in areas such as advocacy, education, and networking. We believe that HBA will play an even more important role in the future—particularly in the context of sustainable development and strengthening regional competitiveness.
Greek companies were among the first to invest in Serbia, and these were long-term investments rooted in trust and strategic vision. This legacy makes us especially proud and reinforces our commitment to further strengthening Greek-Serbian business ties.