CPC Rethink Filters Ltd received a six-year licence on 4 May 2026 from Dr Maria Panayiotou, Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment, to operate a collective system for tobacco products with filters and filters marketed for use in combination with tobacco products.

Under this licence, the Collective System assumes the role of the approved body responsible for the management of tobacco product filters, in accordance with the Waste (Management of Waste from Tobacco Products with Filters and Filters Marketed for Use in Combination with Tobacco Products) Regulations of 2024 (K.D.P. 53/2024).

The objective of the Collective System is to reduce the environmental impact caused by the disposal of cigarette filters (cigarette filters), while achieving the quantitative targets established by legislation. At the same time, it aims to raise environmental awareness among the public by providing information about the consequences of uncontrolled disposal and encouraging responsible practices.

The disposal of cigarette filters is among the most widespread and environmentally harmful forms of waste, negatively affecting urban and natural environments, beaches and marine life. However, many smokers are either insufficiently informed or do not give the issue the attention it deserves, often failing to recognise cigarette filters as waste.

The key challenge is to change attitudes: from indifference to conscious responsibility. The aim is for citizens to recognise cigarette filters as waste and dispose of them correctly using the appropriate infrastructure, particularly in outdoor areas.

To support this objective, dedicated disposal infrastructure is planned in cooperation with local authorities.