Geocycle Hellas upgrades Fyli Material Recycling facility with €1M fire protection investment
Geocycle Hellas, a member of HERACLES Group, is completing a €1,000,000 investment at its Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) in Fyli. By installing one of the most advanced fire detection and suppression systems in Greece, the company is moving from traditional firefighting to an automated, prevention-first model—setting new standards for the recycling sector.
The system’s key advantage is combining technical precision with targeted, immediate action to put out fires before they can spread. The strategic use of Fixed Thermal Cameras—ideal for spaces where layout continuously changes due to vehicle and material movement—ensures continuous monitoring with no blind spots.
The new system operates across multiple complementary levels, monitoring the plant in real time:
Dual-Lens Cameras: 10 smart optical and thermal cameras continuously monitor critical zones.
Specialized Spark and Flame Detectors inside the shredders, alongside carbon dioxide ($\text{CO}_2$) detectors in the baghouse filters.
Special Linear Heat Detectors covering an area of 2,500 sq.m., built to withstand industrial dust.
Smart "Double Knock" Interlock System that prevents false alarms by triggering automatic suppression only when two separate detection systems confirm a fire at the same time.
Unlike traditional deluge systems, the new architecture provides targeted, immediate intervention. The intake area is protected by six fire monitors (cannons), while the bag opener, ballistic separator, and shredders feature autonomous nozzle networks. Additionally, the Solid Recovered Fuel (SRF) storage area is split into four independent zones protected by a foam sprinkler system. System reliability is further reinforced by a new 310 cu.m. water tank and a high-flow pump station (230 cu.m./hour) with full redundancy to stay fully functional even during a power outage.
Designed and built in line with strict European standards EN 54 (fire detection) and EN 12845 (fixed firefighting systems), the project goes well beyond the minimum requirements of Greek law, applying international best practices in industrial safety.
Lena Belsi, CEO of Geocycle Hellas, stated:
"This investment reflects our commitment to placing the safety of our people above all else. We choose to invest in prevention, smart technology, and solutions that go beyond minimum compliance—protecting our workforce, infrastructure, and the environment while ensuring uninterrupted operations. The new fire protection system at our Fyli facility is a high-spec project and a new benchmark for the recycling industry in Greece."
Through this strategic investment, Geocycle Hellas and HERACLES Group demonstrate that sustainable industrial growth, technological leadership, and workplace safety go hand in hand with environmental protection and local community safety.
