Giannis Grammatikos serves as the Head of Sales and Operations at KYKLOS GROUP, a leading player in producing chemical flocculating products for various industries, leveraging the recovery of hazardous waste. Gianni's professional origins start in Athens as an executive in a successful Greek startup before deciding to move away from all the startup fame and run a unique installation of industrial symbiosis in the periphery. We met with Giannis and discussed his work at KYKLOS Group and his professional story. Here's what he told us. 

Tell us a few things about KYKLOS GROUP. How did it all start? How did you discover the market opportunity for your technology, and where are you today?

KYKLOS GROUP had its genesis in the year 2010, a pivotal moment when we stumbled upon a patent that encapsulated the transformative know-how to convert hazardous waste emanating from the aluminum extrusion industry into a chemical flocculated substance, finding applications in diverse sectors such as water treatment, papermaking, and concrete production. Driven by our unwavering commitment to nurturing the circular economy, we seized the opportunity and decisively acquired the patent. Our subsequent deep dive into the nuances of the aluminum extrusion industry revealed a glaring deficiency in sustainable waste management practices.

Thus, in 2019, KYKLOS GROUP took its maiden steps into the realm of active engagement, primarily offering consultancy services aimed at waste reduction for our esteemed clientele, who are themselves producers of waste. Fast forward to the present day. KYKLOS GROUP stands as a beacon of sustainability, having forged agreements with all major stakeholders in the Greek aluminum extrusion market, thereby commanding an impressive 100% market share. Our influence extends beyond national borders as we boldly venture into territories across the Balkans, Eastern Europe, and Turkey.

The metamorphosis of waste into a novel flocculated product, guided by the principles of the circular economy, has imbued KYKLOS GROUP with a distinctive identity. This has propelled us to achieve remarkable sales growth, witnessing our turnover quadruple within a mere span of five years. As of 2022, our global footprint has expanded further, with the commencement of exports to Israel, while ongoing discussions hint at prospective expansions into the lucrative Central and Eastern European markets.

How do you differentiate from other similar offers in the market? What value does KYKLOS GROUP bring to consumers and partners?

KYKLOS GROUP distinguishes itself in the marketplace through its comprehensive suite of licenses, authorizing the collection, transportation, and management of waste emanating from aluminum extrusion plants. Our value proposition lies in providing an all-encompassing solution to waste producers, effectively closing the loop in the waste cycle by ingeniously transforming recycled materials into innovative products that find relevance across various industries, thus significantly mitigating the demand for virgin raw materials.

The certification process instituted by KYKLOS GROUP empowers waste-producing entities to cultivate and nurture their green credentials, enhancing their sustainability quotient and bolstering their corporate social responsibility endeavors. Despite offering unparalleled services, we remain steadfast in our commitment to maintaining competitive pricing structures, significantly undercutting prevailing industry standards.

Furthermore, our ability to offer attractive pricing for finished products sourced from waste recovery positions us favorably in the market landscape. By meticulously adhering to stringent quality protocols, we ensure that our products not only meet but exceed existing market benchmarks, thereby facilitating our seamless entry into lucrative export markets.

What would you consider to have been (or are) your biggest challenge so far?

KYKLOS GROUP has encountered significant challenges in our business journey, each requiring strategic solutions to ensure continued growth and success. Initially, establishing credibility and fostering partnerships within the aluminum extrusion sector proved a formidable obstacle. To overcome this challenge, we implemented targeted marketing strategies, refined our value proposition, and engaged in proactive networking to build trust and rapport with industry stakeholders. Developing high-quality products from liquid waste streams also presented operational complexities that demanded innovative solutions. We successfully addressed these challenges through rigorous process optimization, technological advancements, and stringent quality control measures, ensuring the consistent delivery of superior products to our customers.

Looking ahead, we focus on maximizing data utilization for informed decision-making and implementing sustainable practices to minimize environmental impact while driving operational efficiency and profitability.

What are the biggest learnings from your journey so far?

Reflecting on our business journey, KYKLOS GROUP has gleaned invaluable insights that have shaped our strategic direction and operational approach. One key learning has been the importance of strategic diversification to capture new market opportunities and mitigate risk. By expanding into chemical flocculant production aligned with the circular economy principles, we have diversified our revenue streams and strengthened our competitive position in the market.

Furthermore, our relentless pursuit of innovation and continuous improvement has been instrumental in driving operational excellence and maintaining a competitive edge. From a business perspective, this underscores the importance of investing in research and development to drive product innovation and stay ahead of the competition. Additionally, our unwavering commitment to sustainability has not only enhanced our brand reputation but also resonated with environmentally conscious consumers, driving customer loyalty and market differentiation.

As we continue our business journey, these key learnings inform our strategic decisions and guide our efforts to achieve long-term growth and success while positively impacting society and the environment.

You joined KYKLOS GROUP after a successful career in the startup ecosystem in Athens. Tell us a few things about your decision to move to Volos, the transition, and the new you today.

Back in 2019, I made a pivotal decision to leave Athens and my job, opting instead to start a new chapter in Volos. It was a significant shift for my wife and me, especially with our first child on board. The fast-paced life in the city was leaving us drained and exhausted. But let me tell you, that change brought a whole new perspective. We wake up every day (even now!) steps away from the sea, with the mountains practically in our backyard, a stark contrast from the concrete jungle of Athens.

Right off the bat, I dove into my new role as Operations Manager at KYKLOS. It was challenging to transition from the structured world of startups, where data reigns supreme, to a more traditional setting. But I embraced it, playing a pivotal role in shaping the company's operations and driving growth. Adapting wasn't easy, though. I had to instill a culture based on data-driven decision-making from scratch, a departure from the emotional impulses often prevalent in our new environment. Yet, it's gratifying to see how the company has flourished, building upon the foundations we laid.

I owe a lot of that success to my time with the Douleutaras.gr team. Those years were invaluable, and I carry the ethos and philosophy instilled during my tenure there like a treasure. It's shaped not only my approach to work but also how I navigate life's challenges. So, in a way, every step of this journey has been guided by the lessons learned and experiences gained along the way.