Repak, which aims to enhancing packaging recycling in Ireland and promote a circular economy, said today that its 3,504 members last year surpassed all EU recycling targets
Repak members funded the recycling of over 100% of the packaging they placed on the market, achieving a recycling rate of 102% overall, including 69% for plastic packaging and 122% for paper, well above the EU targets set for 2025 and 2030.
But it that it is likely that the recycling of plastic packaging for Ireland will not reach the EU target of 50% by 2025, despite Repak members achieving a rate of 69% in 2023.
During 2023, Repak said it recovered and recycled a total of 1,114,763 tonnes, with 746,000 tonnes recycled and 369,000 tonnes recovered through Waste to Energy (WtE) processes. This marked a 279-tonne reduction compared to 2022.
It said that while overall recovery increased by 13,203 tonnes (+3.7%) compared to 2022, recycling saw a decrease of 13,483 tonnes (-1.8%). Specific material recycling experienced reductions, with paper decreasing by 53 tonnes, plastic by 4,220 tonnes, and glass by 10,052 tonnes, it added.
Repak said that while it increased the commercial recycling subsidy by €750,000 to support recycling initiatives in the sector, total recycled tonnes dropped from 424,294 in 2022 to 411,403 in 2023, a reduction of 12,892 tonnes. The national reduction in recycling levels primarily stemmed from commercial backdoor recycling, it added.
Meanwhile, household recycling remained stable, with a slight decline from 334,855 tonnes in 2022 to 334,264 tonnes in 2023, a decrease of just 591 tonnes.
Repac said these figures highlight the resilience of household recycling efforts amid broader national challenges.
Despite the challenges, all key materials surpassed current EU recycling targets - glass at 83% compared to an EU target of 60%, paper/cardboard at 67%, (EU target 60%), plastic at 26.4% (EU target 22.5%), wood at 59% (EU target 15%) and metal at 55% (EU target 50%).
Zoe Kavanagh, the newly appointed CEO of Repak, said the outstanding performance of its members in surpassing EU recycling targets is a testament to their dedication and commitment to environmental sustainability.
"By proactively adopting eco-modulated fees, complying with new regulatory frameworks, and improving waste segregation practices, they have set a high standard for environmental responsibility. Through investments in better recycling practices and extensive training programmes, our members have significantly contributed to ongoing efforts to meeting EU recycling targets and advancing Ireland's Circular Economy," she added.
Ms Kavanagh also said the challenges faced in 2023 underline the importance of continued collaboration and innovation in waste management practices.
"The decrease in specific material recycling highlights the need for all stakeholders to intensify their efforts in proper waste segregation to approach the ambitious recycling targets for 2025 and 2030. Repak members more than pull their weight by funding the recycling of 100% of the packaging they generate in Ireland," she noted.
"In light of these results, we are urging businesses to adopt best practice recycling processes to address the recycling gap. It is now mandatory for all businesses to have three bins at their commercial backdoors to ensure proper waste segregation. Proper use of these bins is crucial for closing the recycling gap," she advised.
"We recognise the challenges that have impacted commercial recycling levels and are committed to working collaboratively with all relevant stakeholders to address them challenges head-on," the Repak CEO said.
"By working closely with our members, local authorities, and other stakeholders, we aim to create a more robust and effective recycling infrastructure that will help us meet our future targets and continue to lead in environmental sustainability," she added.
