What Recycling Excellence Means for Irish Businesses in 2025

What Recycling Excellence Means for Irish Businesses in 2025

As we recently marked World Recycling Day on March 18th, it served as a powerful reminder that sustainability is no longer optional—it's a fundamental responsibility. At Repak, we witness firsthand the remarkable strides Irish businesses are making in packaging optimisation, waste reduction, and achieving true recycling excellence.

Beyond Traditional Recycling: A Comprehensive Approach

At Repak, we believe that achieving excellence in recycling goes far beyond mere waste management. It begins with the very design, production, and reuse of packaging. Through our Prevent and Save Programme, Repak members are empowered to optimise their packaging, minimise waste at its source, and ensure materials are fully recyclable wherever possible. This initiative provides companies with the necessary tools to assess their packaging footprint and implement practical strategies for enhanced sustainability, all while maintaining efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

Repak’s Plastic Pledge Programme further encourages businesses to actively reduce plastic use and transition to more sustainable alternatives. By committing to minimising plastic, ensuring correct waste segregation, reducing packaging complexity, and incorporating recycled plastic content, companies are contributing to a stronger circular economy, keeping resources in continuous use for longer.

These programmes provide businesses with the tools and knowledge needed to meet evolving environmental targets and reinforce their commitment to sustainability.

Recycling Excellence in 2025: Our Vision

With ambitious EU recycling targets rapidly approaching, businesses must fundamentally rethink their approach to waste and sustainability. At Repak, we define excellence in recycling as meeting evolving regulatory requirements, driving innovation, enhancing efficiency, and fully committing to a circular economy. In 2025, the leading companies will be those that embed sustainability into their packaging design, supply chain operations, and consumer engagement strategies.

Repak's Definition of Recycling Excellence for Irish Businesses:

• Full Compliance with Packaging Regulations: Businesses must stay ahead of evolving regulations, including Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) compliance, single-use plastics bans, and proper waste segregation under EU rules. Clear labelling and transparency, aligned with the Green Claims Directive, will ensure consumers receive accurate recycling information. Companies that actively track and manage waste improve both compliance and sustainability efforts.

• Packaging Optimisation & Circular Design: Reducing packaging waste begins with smarter design. Businesses can cut costs and material use by using lightweight materials, optimising pack dimensions, and eliminating unnecessary packaging space. Standardising packaging across products also improves supply chain efficiency and reduces waste.

• Engaging Employees and Consumers: Sustainability starts within a business. Educating employees on proper waste segregation and recycling fosters responsibility, while clear consumer labelling encourages better recycling habits.

• Increased Use of Recycled Content: Businesses should prioritise recyclable materials and incorporate Post-Consumer Recycled (PCR) content to support the circular economy. Where multi-material packaging is necessary, designs should allow for easy separation and recycling. Exploring reusable and refillable packaging models also helps reduce waste. Transparent labelling and consumer education drive better recycling participation and help meet EU recycling targets.

Repak supports its members through tailored programmes, aiding in packaging optimisation and compliance. The benefits of achieving recycling excellence are substantial:

• Cost Savings: Optimised packaging reduces material and disposal costs.

• Regulatory Compliance: Avoid future fines and legal complications by adhering to waste management laws.

• Brand Reputation: Consumers are increasingly loyal to brands that prioritise sustainability.

• Circular Economy Contribution: Meeting Ireland’s ambitious 55% plastic recycling target by 2025 and 60% overall packaging recycling target strengthens the nation’s green credentials.

Leading Ireland Towards a Greener Future

Ireland’s business community has a unique opportunity to set a global benchmark for recycling excellence. By embracing circular packaging, optimising waste management, and maximising recycling, we can collectively move towards a truly sustainable future.

Repak is calling on all businesses to reflect on their sustainability journey and take bold steps towards recycling excellence. Through innovation, collaboration, and commitment, Irish businesses can lead the way in creating a cleaner, greener future.

For guidance, resources, and support in achieving best-in-class recycling practices, visit Repak.ie. 

Jennifer Ross

Marketing Manager

Repak- https://repak.ie