Here's the video from the launch of Repak Recycling Week where artist Robert Bradford speaks to Alma Jordan about his art exhibition made out of old toys!
Wednesday 8 October 2008
Monday 6 October 2008
Repak Survey Results Podcast
Darrell Crowe, Marketing Manager for Repak talks about the results from the recent survey conducted by Repak that found that 50% of householders neglect the rest of the house when it comes to recycling. See release below.
Repak Launch Podcast
Alma Jordan, Marketing Executive for Repak discusses Repak Recycling Week 2008, the Robert Bradford exhibition and how best to recycle during Repak Recycling Week.
Picture: Artist robert Bradford with CEO of Repak Andrew Hetherington
Interview with Robert Bradford
To coincide with the launch of Repak Recycling Week 2008, Repak unveiled Robert Bradford’s “Plastic Family” of recycled goods. The exhibition which can be seen in the Window of BT2 Grafton Street and Dundrum Town Centre, Dublin can be seen for the duration of Repak Recycling Week between 6th-12th October.
Most of the pieces are made from old and used toys and one piece “toy soldier” stands at a staggaring 6″6′! Listen to the interview with the artist Robert Bradford.
Repak Urges Householders to Recycle More and “Get out of the Kitchen” as over 50% Neglect the Rest of the House
· 50% of householders not recycling from other rooms outside the kitchen
· Recycling rate needs to increase by 15%, equivalent to two extra greens bin per household
· Only 45% of respondents recycle regularly from the bathroom
· Renters are recycling less than homeowners
· 50% not recycling aerosol cans, over a third not recycling plastic detergent and shampoo
bottles.
· Recyclers urged to recycle an extra 100,000 tonnes of used packaging in 2008 to meet
· Recyclers urged to recycle an extra 100,000 tonnes of used packaging in 2008 to meet
Ireland’s target of 750,000 tonnes
Thousands of tonnes of household waste are landfilled every year due to householder recycling misconceptions. Recent research carried out by Repak shows 50 percent of the Irish population are not recycling regularly from other rooms in the house beyond the kitchen. 89% of respondents said they recycled regularly from the kitchen, while only 45% regularly recycle from the bathroom, 43% from the bedroom and only 24% recycle from the home office or study.
Repak are asking householders and businesses to recycle more used packaging to help reach the 750,000 tonnes target by the end of 2008. This is an increase of 100,000 tonnes from 2007, so we have to recycle up to 15% more than was recycled last year. People therefore need to double their recycling efforts, filling an extra two green recycling bins per household.
Thousands of tonnes of household waste are landfilled every year due to householder recycling misconceptions. Recent research carried out by Repak shows 50 percent of the Irish population are not recycling regularly from other rooms in the house beyond the kitchen. 89% of respondents said they recycled regularly from the kitchen, while only 45% regularly recycle from the bathroom, 43% from the bedroom and only 24% recycle from the home office or study.
Repak are asking householders and businesses to recycle more used packaging to help reach the 750,000 tonnes target by the end of 2008. This is an increase of 100,000 tonnes from 2007, so we have to recycle up to 15% more than was recycled last year. People therefore need to double their recycling efforts, filling an extra two green recycling bins per household.
There are a number of materials in the house which are readily recyclable in the existing collection systems that people are still not recycling. Only 55% of adults recycle steel food cans, only 49% are recycling aerosol cans (shaving foam, air freshner and deodorant cans) and 41% still not recycling sweet or biscuit tins, 45% are still not recycling aluminium or foil trays from, take-aways and cake and tart holders. Over a third of householders 39% are not recycling plastic detergent/cleaning products bottles, 32% are not recycling shampoo or conditioner bottles.
Commenting on the results from the survey, Andrew Hetherington CEO of Repak said “It is clear from the results that there is plenty of room for improvement when it comes to packaging recycling in the home. Recycling in the home is very convenient now as over 1.1 million households now have direct access to a household dry recyclable collection (green bins). So we want to encourage people to scour each room in the house and check what additional packaging items they are not recycling that can be recycled. As part of campaign we are asking people to log onto Recyclemore.ie to learn how and what more they can recycle to help us maximise our recycling efforts.”
The most forgotten recycled items in the house are
· 51% are not recycling aerosol cans for deodorant, air freshener, polish,
· 45% do not recycle foil trays from take aways and tart holders
· 41% are not regularly recycling sweet or biscuit tins
· 39% do not recycle plastic detergent or cleaning products bottles
· 35% do not recycle plastic toiletry bottles
Renters are falling behind
An interesting comparison to arise from the survey was that those renting are also less likely to recycle with an average claimed recycling rate of 42% versus 53% for home owners. Their propensity to recycle from different areas of the house is also less than for home owners. Only 30% of renters recycle from the bedroom in comparison to 43% for homeowners and 40% recycle from the bathroom regularly versus 54% for home owners.
Apartment dwellers are also less likely to regularly use bottle banks (52%) and recycling centres (27%) as opposed to home owners 72% and 47% respectively.
To help reach the 2008 packaging recycling target of 750,000 tonnes Repak are calling on all householders, apartment or house owners, to recycle more used packaging from around the household. Repak are highlighting the forgotten recycling hotspots and items in their advertising and on their website Recyclemore.ie to try and increase packaging recycling rates. By logging on to the website households can get hints and tips on recycling all around the house and from each individual room and help grow Ireland’s overall packaging recycling rate.
Commenting on the results from the survey, Andrew Hetherington CEO of Repak said “It is clear from the results that there is plenty of room for improvement when it comes to packaging recycling in the home. Recycling in the home is very convenient now as over 1.1 million households now have direct access to a household dry recyclable collection (green bins). So we want to encourage people to scour each room in the house and check what additional packaging items they are not recycling that can be recycled. As part of campaign we are asking people to log onto Recyclemore.ie to learn how and what more they can recycle to help us maximise our recycling efforts.”
The most forgotten recycled items in the house are
· 51% are not recycling aerosol cans for deodorant, air freshener, polish,
· 45% do not recycle foil trays from take aways and tart holders
· 41% are not regularly recycling sweet or biscuit tins
· 39% do not recycle plastic detergent or cleaning products bottles
· 35% do not recycle plastic toiletry bottles
Renters are falling behind
An interesting comparison to arise from the survey was that those renting are also less likely to recycle with an average claimed recycling rate of 42% versus 53% for home owners. Their propensity to recycle from different areas of the house is also less than for home owners. Only 30% of renters recycle from the bedroom in comparison to 43% for homeowners and 40% recycle from the bathroom regularly versus 54% for home owners.
Apartment dwellers are also less likely to regularly use bottle banks (52%) and recycling centres (27%) as opposed to home owners 72% and 47% respectively.
To help reach the 2008 packaging recycling target of 750,000 tonnes Repak are calling on all householders, apartment or house owners, to recycle more used packaging from around the household. Repak are highlighting the forgotten recycling hotspots and items in their advertising and on their website Recyclemore.ie to try and increase packaging recycling rates. By logging on to the website households can get hints and tips on recycling all around the house and from each individual room and help grow Ireland’s overall packaging recycling rate.
Wednesday 1 October 2008
Repak Recycling Week 2008
Recycle More - Lets get it sorted
· Repak Recycling Week launched by first of it’s kind art exhibition
· Recycling target for 2008 is 250,000 tonnes
· Recyclemore.ie launched as a quick guide to help consumers
· 7th Annual Repak Recycling Awards take place Thursday 9th of October
Repak Recycling Week 2008 is launching with a splash of colour as they unveil artist Robert Bradford to Ireland for the first time for a 10 day exhibition in the windows of BT2 Grafton St, featuring his unique recycled sculptures. The exhibition will start on the 1st of October and will run right through Repak Recycling Week which takes place from the
6th-12th October.
As Repak host their 8th Annual Repak Recycling Week campaign with the theme ‘Recycle More- Let’s Get it Sorted’ Robert’s work will serve to encourage people to look at all the different types of material that can be recycled and to realize that recycled materials have an afterlife and are not finished once they go in to the green bin.
This year Repak are calling on householders and businesses to help achieve an ambitious Packaging recycling target of 750,000 tonnes. This target is up 100,000 tonnes on last year which means recyclers need to increase their recycling rate by 15%.
Andrew Hetherington commenting on this target said “Irish Consumers have to be commended for the achievements to date. They have recycled over 3.6 million tonnes of packaging waste in the last 11 years which is the equivalent of 2.8 million tonnes of carbon emissions savings, making it one of the top six EU member states for packaging recycling. However, this year we are asking people to recycle more and to check every item of packaging in the house and consider whether it can be placed in their Household recycling bins or brought to a recycling centre”
As well as the art exhibition Repak have many other initiatives planned to help raise awareness of recycling during Repak Recycling Week:
1. Repak have also launched a new website called Recyclemore.ie which is designed to encourage more packaging recycling in the Home, Office and School. Teachers and families can download posters from the site to help keep get them actively involved recycling activities over the week.
2. Posters detailing common packaging items that can be recycled have been distributed nationwide to local libraries.
3. Repak in conjunction with REHAB Recycling are postering bottle banks nationwide to highlight the amount of glass we are still not recycling that could be as part of the overall theme Recycle More
4. Repak have also developed a Bebo page specifically for Repak Recycling Week 2008 and which will enable the online audience to engage with Repak over the week and view hints and tips on recycling in the household as well as videos and images of the art exhibition in situ
5. Also it is running an educational campaign with ENFO where by information will be displayed in ENFO offices about recycling in the home and recycling from different rooms in the home. This information will be in the ENFO offices for the whole month of October.
6. The 7th Annual Repak awards will also take place during the week on Thursday the 9th of October at the Four Seasons Hotel, Dublin. The awards recognise the efforts and ingenuity of its Repak Industry Members, Local Authorities and Collectors in the area of packaging prevention, reuse and recycling. There will be more details on the winners and finalists issued during the week
Robert’s art is one example of how recycled materials are used once they have been collected from a household’s green bin but many materials can be used over and over again to create different items:
· Recycling target for 2008 is 250,000 tonnes
· Recyclemore.ie launched as a quick guide to help consumers
· 7th Annual Repak Recycling Awards take place Thursday 9th of October
Repak Recycling Week 2008 is launching with a splash of colour as they unveil artist Robert Bradford to Ireland for the first time for a 10 day exhibition in the windows of BT2 Grafton St, featuring his unique recycled sculptures. The exhibition will start on the 1st of October and will run right through Repak Recycling Week which takes place from the
6th-12th October.As Repak host their 8th Annual Repak Recycling Week campaign with the theme ‘Recycle More- Let’s Get it Sorted’ Robert’s work will serve to encourage people to look at all the different types of material that can be recycled and to realize that recycled materials have an afterlife and are not finished once they go in to the green bin.
This year Repak are calling on householders and businesses to help achieve an ambitious Packaging recycling target of 750,000 tonnes. This target is up 100,000 tonnes on last year which means recyclers need to increase their recycling rate by 15%.
Andrew Hetherington commenting on this target said “Irish Consumers have to be commended for the achievements to date. They have recycled over 3.6 million tonnes of packaging waste in the last 11 years which is the equivalent of 2.8 million tonnes of carbon emissions savings, making it one of the top six EU member states for packaging recycling. However, this year we are asking people to recycle more and to check every item of packaging in the house and consider whether it can be placed in their Household recycling bins or brought to a recycling centre”
As well as the art exhibition Repak have many other initiatives planned to help raise awareness of recycling during Repak Recycling Week:1. Repak have also launched a new website called Recyclemore.ie which is designed to encourage more packaging recycling in the Home, Office and School. Teachers and families can download posters from the site to help keep get them actively involved recycling activities over the week.
2. Posters detailing common packaging items that can be recycled have been distributed nationwide to local libraries.
3. Repak in conjunction with REHAB Recycling are postering bottle banks nationwide to highlight the amount of glass we are still not recycling that could be as part of the overall theme Recycle More
4. Repak have also developed a Bebo page specifically for Repak Recycling Week 2008 and which will enable the online audience to engage with Repak over the week and view hints and tips on recycling in the household as well as videos and images of the art exhibition in situ
5. Also it is running an educational campaign with ENFO where by information will be displayed in ENFO offices about recycling in the home and recycling from different rooms in the home. This information will be in the ENFO offices for the whole month of October.
6. The 7th Annual Repak awards will also take place during the week on Thursday the 9th of October at the Four Seasons Hotel, Dublin. The awards recognise the efforts and ingenuity of its Repak Industry Members, Local Authorities and Collectors in the area of packaging prevention, reuse and recycling. There will be more details on the winners and finalists issued during the week
Robert’s art is one example of how recycled materials are used once they have been collected from a household’s green bin but many materials can be used over and over again to create different items:
· 27 recycled PET plastic bottles will create one fleece jacket
· 670 aluminium cans can create one bicycle
· 19,000 steel cans can be used to make one car
· 150 recycled plastic PET bottles is enough to make a rug or small carpet
· 1 steel can be used to make one key and by producing the key from the recycled steel it saves up to 80% of the energy needed to create the key
Robert’s most recent work which is entitled ‘Plastic Family’ is primarily made from old and recycled toys and 12 pieces of his work will be on display in the windows of BT2 Grafton St and BT2 Dundrum over the duration of Repak Recycling Week which runs from the 6th-12th of October.
Brown Thomas and BT2 are long standing members of Repak contributing towards the recovery and recycling of the packaging they supply to their customers. Through participating members, Repak last year raised €27 millon in Packaging levies to support packaging recycling in Ireland.
· 670 aluminium cans can create one bicycle
· 19,000 steel cans can be used to make one car
· 150 recycled plastic PET bottles is enough to make a rug or small carpet
· 1 steel can be used to make one key and by producing the key from the recycled steel it saves up to 80% of the energy needed to create the key
Robert’s most recent work which is entitled ‘Plastic Family’ is primarily made from old and recycled toys and 12 pieces of his work will be on display in the windows of BT2 Grafton St and BT2 Dundrum over the duration of Repak Recycling Week which runs from the 6th-12th of October.
Brown Thomas and BT2 are long standing members of Repak contributing towards the recovery and recycling of the packaging they supply to their customers. Through participating members, Repak last year raised €27 millon in Packaging levies to support packaging recycling in Ireland.
Thursday 4 September 2008
Seeing the Signs - Your guide to Plastic
In all there are 7 grades of plastic. Some of which are easily recycled within Ireland's current recycling infrastructure.
Listed below is a full outline of these plastics and their recyclability.
1. Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET)
This can be recycled in most household recycling schemes
2. High Density Polyethylene (HDPE)
This can be recycled in most household recycling schemes
contact your local authority or recovery operator for confirmation
3. Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)
At the moment this cannot be recycled.
This can be recycled in most household recycling schemes
contact your local authority or recovery operator for confirmation
Listed below is a full outline of these plastics and their recyclability.
1. Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET)
This can be recycled in most household recycling schemes
2. High Density Polyethylene (HDPE)
This can be recycled in most household recycling schemes
contact your local authority or recovery operator for confirmation
3. Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)
At the moment this cannot be recycled.
4. Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE)
This can be recycled in most household recycling schemescontact your local authority or recovery operator for confirmation
5. Polypropylene (PP) 
Some recovery operators do recycle PP plastic, contact your local authority or recovery operator for confirmation
6. Polystyrene (PS)
PS recycling has been possible in Ireland since 2007, it is currently been rolled out on a natinal level. Rehab recycling can be contact for PS recycling in your area. 
7. Other
At the moment this cannot be recycled.
The Beauty of Recycling
Here is quick step by step guide to what can and can’t be recycled from our beauty products and how to recognise for yourself the products that can be recycled!
For most women the last thing they think about, when lashing on a lotion or a lippie, is where the empty packaging will end up. But while we are making ourselves beautiful we should also try and be mindful of mother earth’s beauty and make an effort to recycle anything we can from our bedrooms and bathroom and start thinking about how to reduce the waste produced by our beauty regimes. Many high profile, high quality cosmetic and beauty companies have a real environmental conscience so this means that the majority of packaging from beauty products is fully recyclable.
So what are the products that can and can’t be recycled and if they can be recycled, how and where?
Shampoo and Conditioner Bottles: These bottles are fully recyclable and once washed out can either be put in your green bin (check with your local waste collector policy) or else can be taken to the local recycling centre (check Repak.ie to find your nearest recycling centre). Also where possible it is always good to try and choose bulk-size shampoos and conditioners as well as products with minimal external packaging. The fewer small containers you use, the less waste you'll produce. Bigger is better The L'Oreal Elvive range is an example of a brand that has larger sized bottles of shampoo and conditioners to reduce packaging waste.
Glass Foundation bottles: The majority of foundations come in small glass bottles. These are also fully recyclable like any glass bottle such as glass wine or beer bottles which many are used to recycling. These can be taken to the glass bottle banks or recycling centres when you are taking all your other glass materials to the bottle bank.
Aerosol Deodorants: The aerosol cans used for deodorants or hairsprays can also be recycled. These bottles are made of aluminium but as it is a pressurised can it will need to be taken to your recycling centre and cannot yet be recycled straight through the green bin.
Paper and cardboard packaging: All the wrapping and boxing around various products such as, perfumes, make up, moisturisers, clothes, tissue boxes can all be recycled, it is just paper and cardboard same as you find in your kitchen so this can all go in the green bin.
Cleanser and Toner bottles: Cleanser and toner bottles are made from the same type of hard plastic as your shampoo and conditioner bottles and again are fully recyclable. So make sure that popping these in the green bin when they are finished becomes part of your beauty ritual as well.
Vaseline Lip balm tins: These small lip balms tins are made of aluminium which is highly recyclable, same as a soft drinks can so this can be recycled by popping it straight in to your green bin.Juicy Tube lip gloss: this tubing is also made of PET plastic and as such is fully recyclable. Put a little box aside in your room to collect all the little plastic bottles and tubing that can be recycled and when you have enough take a trip to the recycling centre and get it all recycled.
Key Tips
Outlined above is a broad array of the type of products that can be recycled but if you come across a product not listed above and you want to check if it is recyclable, here is quick learner guide on how to find out if the packaging is recyclable or not!
PET packaging; Big name cosmetic companies who use it on some of their packaging include: Clinique, Clarins, Redken, Nivea, Johnson & Johnson, the letters PET will be written either on the side or the bottom of the bottles and you will see a symbol of 3 Arrows chasing each other, encircling the number 1 (which indicates PET) so you can be sure that this is recyclable
HDPE packaging is also accepted in a lot of recycling centres, generally not in your green bin but check with your own individual waste collector if you are not sure. HDPE plastics are used in shampoo bottles, fake tan bottles and moisturiser bottles again the letters HDPE will be written on either the side or the bottom of the bottles and the symbol of 3 arrows chasing each other, encircling the number 2 will also indicate that it is HDPE plastic and can be recycled
Always look for the PET logo (three green arrows chasing each other) when purchasing your beauty products and cosmetics.
PET packaging; Big name cosmetic companies who use it on some of their packaging include: Clinique, Clarins, Redken, Nivea, Johnson & Johnson, the letters PET will be written either on the side or the bottom of the bottles and you will see a symbol of 3 Arrows chasing each other, encircling the number 1 (which indicates PET) so you can be sure that this is recyclable
HDPE packaging is also accepted in a lot of recycling centres, generally not in your green bin but check with your own individual waste collector if you are not sure. HDPE plastics are used in shampoo bottles, fake tan bottles and moisturiser bottles again the letters HDPE will be written on either the side or the bottom of the bottles and the symbol of 3 arrows chasing each other, encircling the number 2 will also indicate that it is HDPE plastic and can be recycled
Always look for the PET logo (three green arrows chasing each other) when purchasing your beauty products and cosmetics.
Thursday 7 August 2008
Repak Members Conference Podcast Part 3
In our third instalment of podcasts from the Repak members conference, Bob Schmitz, European Regulatory Affairs Consultant / specialist on deposit systems explains why he believes the Irish collection system is superior to deposit systems operational in other European countries.
To listen to the podcast click Here:
and to download the slides from the presentation click here: http://www.repak.ie/files/Bob%20Scmitz.pdf
To listen to the podcast click Here:
and to download the slides from the presentation click here: http://www.repak.ie/files/Bob%20Scmitz.pdf
Wednesday 23 July 2008
Repak Members Conference Podcast Part 2
Andrew Hetherington, CEO of Repak discusses how the changing demographics and households in Ireland are leading to increased packaging at this year’s Repak members conference.
To listen to an excerpt of the speech click here:
And to download the slides from the presentation click here: http://www.repak.ie/files/AH_Memconf_08%20(2).pdf
To listen to an excerpt of the speech click here:
And to download the slides from the presentation click here: http://www.repak.ie/files/AH_Memconf_08%20(2).pdf
Thursday 17 July 2008
Members conference podcast
Next in our series of podcast we will roll out the highlights from some of the speeches at this year’s Repak members conference.
The first speech is that presented by Michael Kitt, T.D., Minister of State at the Department of the Environment where he discusses why the Government have put waste management at the top of the political agenda and the importance of packaging waste recycling for the Irish Economy.
The full speech can be downloaded here: http://www.repak.ie/files/documents/Minister%20Kitt.pdf
The first speech is that presented by Michael Kitt, T.D., Minister of State at the Department of the Environment where he discusses why the Government have put waste management at the top of the political agenda and the importance of packaging waste recycling for the Irish Economy.
The full speech can be downloaded here: http://www.repak.ie/files/documents/Minister%20Kitt.pdf
Wednesday 2 July 2008
Packaging Prevention Course Podcast
Hi All,
In the latest Repak podcast, Declan Martin of Repak gives his opinion on the new Packaging Prevention course launched by Repak and how it will effect Irish producers.
This is the first course of its kind in Ireland and will help “design-out” over-packaging on products. The course is run in conjunction with FAS and RPS.
Please click play below to listen to the short podcast.
In the latest Repak podcast, Declan Martin of Repak gives his opinion on the new Packaging Prevention course launched by Repak and how it will effect Irish producers.
This is the first course of its kind in Ireland and will help “design-out” over-packaging on products. The course is run in conjunction with FAS and RPS.
Please click play below to listen to the short podcast.
Monday 23 June 2008
Repak Members Conference 2008
· 6.6% increase in tonnes recycled in 2007· 150 kilos per person of used packaging recycled in 2007
· 643,000 tonnes recycled in total a 40,000 tonne increase on last year
· 3.6 million tonnes of used packaging diverted from landfill since 1998
· Growth in Repak membership and Packaging prevention ear marked as key challenges to reaching 2011 targets
· One company shows significant financial saving of nearly €0.5 million from packaging minimisation
Delegates at the 2008 Repak Members Conference were told of a 6.6% increase in recycling rates for 2007. This equates to an increase of 40,000 tonnes.
The 643,000 tonnes of used packaging recycled in 2007 is equivalent to 150 kilos recycled per person in Ireland in 2007. This brings the total amount of used packaging diverted from landfill to in excess of €3.6 million tonnes since 1998. Over the same period Repak has invested over €145 million supporting packaging recycling, with €27 million raised in packaging levies from Repak members in 2007 alone.
“Despite increasing the amount raised from industry by over 14% in 2007” Dr. Andrew Hetherington, CEO of Repak warned “costs will increase as we dig deeper into the household recycling bin to meet higher packaging recycling targets.
He further added “the key to reaching the 2011 targets set by the EU will be growing compliance with producer responsibility and driving packaging prevention and minimisation which is the main focus of the Repak Members Conference today”.
Against this backdrop the conference also sees the introduction of a new booklet “Packaging Optimisation: Decision or Dilemma”. This booklet was compiled after an intensive study of the packaging supply chain in Ireland, commissioned by Repak and the EPA and carried out by UK consultants Perchards. The case studies in the booklet show the benefits, gains and challenges facing companies who are attempting to reduce packaging.
"We have made giant strides in improving our national performance in the recovery and recycling of waste and packaging waste has played a central role in these developments - thanks in no small part to the efforts of Repak and all its producer members" - said Mr. Michael Kitt, TD, Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government.
"Our focus needs to remain on the achievement of our international targets, while simultaneously reducing packaging waste generation. I remain confident that, by continuing to work together, we can achieve these common objectives and be to the fore in packaging waste prevention and recovery across the EU", continued Minister Kitt.
Minister Kitt added that he saw the effective enforcement of the new Regulations as being a key priority. "We cannot allow those who free-ride on the system to enjoy a competitive advantage over those producers who comply with their legal obligations. I want to see the local authorities and the Office of Environmental Enforcement intensify the enforcement efforts to ensure the success of the consolidated regulations. That will require the co-operation and active support of all the stakeholders in the sector" - the Minister concluded.
The computer software manufacturer, Symantec revealed a €400,000 financial saving over 12 months from their various packaging prevention and minimisation initiatives. This was announced as they presented their exemplary case study at the conference. In total they prevented 354 tonnes of packaging being produced. This was through two main initiatives, by encouraging customers to download their product online instead of buying a hard copy and secondly, significant overhauls of their packaging design resulting in the reduction of 108 metric tonnes of packaging.
Speaking at the conference Dr. Andrew Hetherington, CEO of Repak said “The reduction and prevention of packaging will be a main focus and challenge for Repak in the future. We commissioned this report on the packaging supply chain to give us a better understanding of how and where we can have an impact on the packaging produced and we plan to use the findings of the study to further progress our work in this area.
Also speaking at the conference was Dermot Breen, CEO of Tesco. Tesco have been very progressive in their approach to reducing their overall carbon footprint and have been longstanding members of Repak and in fact were recipients of the Repak Best Practice Award last year. At the conference Mr Breen discussed the initiatives Tesco have being taking to reduce their overall carbon foot print by looking at their energy consumption, transportation usage and bio fuels, as well as pursuing packaging reduction strategies. Colm Munnelley, the recently appointed Packaging Prevention Officer for Repak also spoke on the day discussing various initiatives that Repak are undertaking to assist industry, the most recent one of these being the Packaging Prevention Course design by by Repak in conjunction with the EPA and RPS which is run by FAS and was launched in the past month.
Copies of the case studies booklet are available on request from Colm Munnelly and through the Repak Website.
The computer software manufacturer, Symantec revealed a €400,000 financial saving over 12 months from their various packaging prevention and minimisation initiatives. This was announced as they presented their exemplary case study at the conference. In total they prevented 354 tonnes of packaging being produced. This was through two main initiatives, by encouraging customers to download their product online instead of buying a hard copy and secondly, significant overhauls of their packaging design resulting in the reduction of 108 metric tonnes of packaging.
Speaking at the conference Dr. Andrew Hetherington, CEO of Repak said “The reduction and prevention of packaging will be a main focus and challenge for Repak in the future. We commissioned this report on the packaging supply chain to give us a better understanding of how and where we can have an impact on the packaging produced and we plan to use the findings of the study to further progress our work in this area.
Also speaking at the conference was Dermot Breen, CEO of Tesco. Tesco have been very progressive in their approach to reducing their overall carbon footprint and have been longstanding members of Repak and in fact were recipients of the Repak Best Practice Award last year. At the conference Mr Breen discussed the initiatives Tesco have being taking to reduce their overall carbon foot print by looking at their energy consumption, transportation usage and bio fuels, as well as pursuing packaging reduction strategies. Colm Munnelley, the recently appointed Packaging Prevention Officer for Repak also spoke on the day discussing various initiatives that Repak are undertaking to assist industry, the most recent one of these being the Packaging Prevention Course design by by Repak in conjunction with the EPA and RPS which is run by FAS and was launched in the past month.
Copies of the case studies booklet are available on request from Colm Munnelly and through the Repak Website.
Pictured with their new packaging concept at Repak's 2008 Member's conference are Symantec's Siobhan Connell and Raquel Alonzo
Friday 13 June 2008
Repak's Members Conference Agenda 2008
EVENT BOOKED OUT
Repak Members Conference 2008
Hilton Dublin Airport Hotel
Northern Cross –Jct. of N32 & Malahide Road,
Dublin 17
Thursday 19th June 2008
Moderator
Mary Kennedy of RTE’s ‘Nationwide’ Programme
Conference Theme
Hilton Dublin Airport Hotel
Northern Cross –Jct. of N32 & Malahide Road,
Dublin 17
Thursday 19th June 2008
Moderator
Mary Kennedy of RTE’s ‘Nationwide’ Programme
Conference Theme
The Challenge of Change -
“Optimising Packaging and Packaging Recycling in Ireland”
Conference Programme
Part 1 Repak and the new Legislative Framework/DoEHLG challenges to industry
Conference Programme
Part 1 Repak and the new Legislative Framework/DoEHLG challenges to industry
08.45 Registration/Coffee
09.15 Conference Opening remarks by Repak Chairman, Adrian Goodrich.
09.30 Keynote address by the Minister of State at the Dept of the Environment,
Heritage & Local Govt., Michael Kitt , TD.
09.45 “The challenges facing Repak over the next 4 years” - Dr. Andrew
Hetherington, CEO, Repak
10.15 The Government’s challenge to introduce mandatory deposits on beverage
containers - The European Perspective: Guest speaker, Bob Schmitz, European Regulatory Affairs Consultant
10.45 1st Question & Answer session
11.00 Tea/Coffee break
Part 2 Members meeting the Challenges – Prevention and Best Practice case studies
11.20 Packaging Prevention Programme – challenges and opportunities - Colm
Munnelly, Repak’s Packaging Prevention Technologist
11.50 Members’ Best Practice - case study No. 1 – Dermot Breen, Director of Corporate Affairs, Tesco Ireland
12.20 Members’ Best Practice - case study No. 2 - John Connolly, Director of EMEA Supply Chain, Symantec Limited
12.40 Open Forum – final Q & A’s – Conference closes
12.45 Buffet lunch in the main dining room next to the conference room
09.15 Conference Opening remarks by Repak Chairman, Adrian Goodrich.
09.30 Keynote address by the Minister of State at the Dept of the Environment,
Heritage & Local Govt., Michael Kitt , TD.
09.45 “The challenges facing Repak over the next 4 years” - Dr. Andrew
Hetherington, CEO, Repak
10.15 The Government’s challenge to introduce mandatory deposits on beverage
containers - The European Perspective: Guest speaker, Bob Schmitz, European Regulatory Affairs Consultant
10.45 1st Question & Answer session
11.00 Tea/Coffee break
Part 2 Members meeting the Challenges – Prevention and Best Practice case studies
11.20 Packaging Prevention Programme – challenges and opportunities - Colm
Munnelly, Repak’s Packaging Prevention Technologist
11.50 Members’ Best Practice - case study No. 1 – Dermot Breen, Director of Corporate Affairs, Tesco Ireland
12.20 Members’ Best Practice - case study No. 2 - John Connolly, Director of EMEA Supply Chain, Symantec Limited
12.40 Open Forum – final Q & A’s – Conference closes
12.45 Buffet lunch in the main dining room next to the conference room
Repak urging people to recycle more
As the first in our series of national packaging recycling campaign comes to an end, (don't worry we are back in July !), we in Repak are looking to far off lands, (well the UK) to see how we compare.
As we already know more and more people are recycling however (and I do hate to nag), with recycling growth rates slowing and with us still only recycling circa 35% of used household packaging we need people to recycle more and to better use the current recycling infrastructure that is available.
Therefore our current range of campaigns are geared to highlight the less frequently recycled items. People are exceptionally good at recycling wine and beer bottles but we seem to forget about the food jars, jam jars pickle jars etc. Likewise recycling plastic drinks bottles, not problem here, but we do not as readily recycle shampoo and shower gel bottles, detergent bottles, cleanser bottles, sauce bottles etc.
The UK has roped in the talents of Gail Porter to get their message across, click here for more on their current Recycle Now campaign.
For more inspiration also checkout their 'Why Recycling Matters' page can I do page' for more tips and advice.
Tuesday 27 May 2008
New Initiative to Assist Irish industry ‘design out’ over-Packaging Launched by Repak.
· First Irish Packaging Prevention course launched by Repak· Repak initiatives seek to design out packaging growth over the next number of years
· Every 1% of packaging prevented would reduce packaging waste by c10,000 tonnes.
· Voluntary packaging reduction agreement with Irish Retail to be announced as part of
Repak Packaging Prevention Program
With increased consumer concern about the volumes of packaging, recycling producer responsibility scheme, Repak has launched a major training initiative to help Irish industry ‘design out’ over-packaging on products. The nationwide training programme, which is the first of its kind, was developed in conjunction with FAS and RPS.
The course development was funded by Repak and the EPA as part of their packaging prevention programme. This initiative follows a series of earlier initiatives designed to reduce the amount of packaging generated with future plans to develop a voluntary packaging agreement for the Irish retail sector. This agreement will introduce a commitment by the sector to reduce packaging to agreed levels.
The first Packaging Optimisation training programme took place in the Mullingar Park Hotel today and was attended by representatives from the food and drink industries, major retailer chains, packaging producers and wholesalers. The course aims to create awareness and knowledge of packaging waste prevention and enable companies to identify and implement their own packaging optimisation initiatives. Some of the areas that will be explored include light-weighting of materials, alternative packaging solutions and use of replacement materials.
The FETAC Level 6 accredited course is run over 3 modules of 2 days each,and covers Packaging Waste Legislation & Policy, Supply Chain Analysis & Prevention, Impact Analysis; Economic and Environmental Impacts and Organisational Implementation. The course also includes best practice site visits, interactive sessions, comprehensive case studies, video clips and practical exercises. Twenty two participants from a wide spectrum of industry covering the major retailers, large food and drink suppliers, high tech companies as well as other producers along the supply chain attended the inaugural course on the 27th May.
Commenting on the course Dr. Andrew Hetherington, CEO Repak said “While recycling rates are on target at 60% emphasis must now go on prevention and minimisation of packaging. There is no easy solution to this growing issue as packaging is an essential requirement in product protection, with food wastage and food safety a major consideration. However packaging design is a major consideration and we are helping to equip Irish industry with the tools to pro actively manage this challenge. This is one initiative within our Repak packaging prevention program. To help drive additional change in the UK the government funded WRAP program and the innovation fund was specifically targeted to design out packaging growth.”
Repak and the EPA under their packaging prevention program are looking to design out packaging growth and to see if packaging growth can be decoupled from economic and social economic drivers over the coming years. Every 1% of packaging prevented will result in the equivalent of 10,000 tonnes reduction in total waste arisings.
“Whilst packaging waste is a highly visible waste with a recycling rate close to 60% it is more under control than other waste streams such as bio waste. Yet as waste growth and packaging recycling rates continue to grow the time is ripe for us to focus on prevention/optimization.”, commented Andrew Hetherington,
The Packaging Optimisation Training Programme builds on the successes already achieved through a nationwide seminar series, a best practice website http://www.preventandsave.ie/, a household carbon calculator http://www.repak.ie/ and an annual packaging design awards.
Repak will be following this initiative with further projects and is currently working with Retail Ireland with the aim of delivering a voluntary packaging agreement for the Irish retail sector. Most leading retailers are currently on board with this initiative which is currently under negotiation with the key retail players in the Irish market. Repak will seek to expand this initiative to include other sectors to help reduce packaging volumes in the future.
The programme initiated by Repak supported by the EPA was developed by RPS consulting and FAS and will run throughout 2008. Going forward this FETAC accredited course will be run by FAS. Those seeking to enrole on the course should contact Colm Munnelly of Repak on 01 4670190.
With increased consumer concern about the volumes of packaging, recycling producer responsibility scheme, Repak has launched a major training initiative to help Irish industry ‘design out’ over-packaging on products. The nationwide training programme, which is the first of its kind, was developed in conjunction with FAS and RPS.
The course development was funded by Repak and the EPA as part of their packaging prevention programme. This initiative follows a series of earlier initiatives designed to reduce the amount of packaging generated with future plans to develop a voluntary packaging agreement for the Irish retail sector. This agreement will introduce a commitment by the sector to reduce packaging to agreed levels.
The first Packaging Optimisation training programme took place in the Mullingar Park Hotel today and was attended by representatives from the food and drink industries, major retailer chains, packaging producers and wholesalers. The course aims to create awareness and knowledge of packaging waste prevention and enable companies to identify and implement their own packaging optimisation initiatives. Some of the areas that will be explored include light-weighting of materials, alternative packaging solutions and use of replacement materials.
The FETAC Level 6 accredited course is run over 3 modules of 2 days each,and covers Packaging Waste Legislation & Policy, Supply Chain Analysis & Prevention, Impact Analysis; Economic and Environmental Impacts and Organisational Implementation. The course also includes best practice site visits, interactive sessions, comprehensive case studies, video clips and practical exercises. Twenty two participants from a wide spectrum of industry covering the major retailers, large food and drink suppliers, high tech companies as well as other producers along the supply chain attended the inaugural course on the 27th May.
Commenting on the course Dr. Andrew Hetherington, CEO Repak said “While recycling rates are on target at 60% emphasis must now go on prevention and minimisation of packaging. There is no easy solution to this growing issue as packaging is an essential requirement in product protection, with food wastage and food safety a major consideration. However packaging design is a major consideration and we are helping to equip Irish industry with the tools to pro actively manage this challenge. This is one initiative within our Repak packaging prevention program. To help drive additional change in the UK the government funded WRAP program and the innovation fund was specifically targeted to design out packaging growth.”Repak and the EPA under their packaging prevention program are looking to design out packaging growth and to see if packaging growth can be decoupled from economic and social economic drivers over the coming years. Every 1% of packaging prevented will result in the equivalent of 10,000 tonnes reduction in total waste arisings.
“Whilst packaging waste is a highly visible waste with a recycling rate close to 60% it is more under control than other waste streams such as bio waste. Yet as waste growth and packaging recycling rates continue to grow the time is ripe for us to focus on prevention/optimization.”, commented Andrew Hetherington,
The Packaging Optimisation Training Programme builds on the successes already achieved through a nationwide seminar series, a best practice website http://www.preventandsave.ie/, a household carbon calculator http://www.repak.ie/ and an annual packaging design awards.
Repak will be following this initiative with further projects and is currently working with Retail Ireland with the aim of delivering a voluntary packaging agreement for the Irish retail sector. Most leading retailers are currently on board with this initiative which is currently under negotiation with the key retail players in the Irish market. Repak will seek to expand this initiative to include other sectors to help reduce packaging volumes in the future.
The programme initiated by Repak supported by the EPA was developed by RPS consulting and FAS and will run throughout 2008. Going forward this FETAC accredited course will be run by FAS. Those seeking to enrole on the course should contact Colm Munnelly of Repak on 01 4670190.
Thursday 15 May 2008
Repak Call on Nominations for Best Presented Bring Bank
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Repak is proud to once again be sponsoring the Best Presented Bring Bank Award as part of the National Tidy Towns Competition. Repak are seeking nominations from every town and county around the country. The prize fund of €1,000 per region is awarded to the local Tidy Town Committee. In all there are seven regional winners and one overall winner.
Repak are seeking nominations and will be involved in the final judging of all short-listed nominees for the above award.
Speaking about the award, Darrell Crowe from Repak said “it is vitally important that the areas around bring bank sites are kept tidy and free from littering and by making these sites attractive it encourages more people to recycle and this why Repak is so delighted to sponsor this award. We are calling on you to nominate a bring bank in your area, which you consider a worthy contender for this year’s award and get deserved recognition for your efforts and for your Local Tidy Town Committee”
To nominate a Bring Bank site for this award please send all entries no later than June 20th 2008 to Alma Jordan, Repak Ltd, Red Cow Interchange Estate, 1 Ballymount road, Clondalkin, Dublin 22, alternatively you can email Alma directly at alma.jordan@repak.ie
The judging criteria will be as follows:
Best Presented Bring Bank Judging Criteria
1. Location and positioning of site (e.g. on Main thorough fare etc)
2. Accessibility of Bring bank
3. Directional Sign posting and Signage
4. Tidiness and litter abatement of site
5. Physical Presentation/landscaping of site
6. Usage of site (figures provided by Repak for Short list)
7. Local Community Support/involvement in site management
Photographs must be supplied with each entry. All judging will be completed by August 15th.
Repak are seeking nominations and will be involved in the final judging of all short-listed nominees for the above award.
Speaking about the award, Darrell Crowe from Repak said “it is vitally important that the areas around bring bank sites are kept tidy and free from littering and by making these sites attractive it encourages more people to recycle and this why Repak is so delighted to sponsor this award. We are calling on you to nominate a bring bank in your area, which you consider a worthy contender for this year’s award and get deserved recognition for your efforts and for your Local Tidy Town Committee”
To nominate a Bring Bank site for this award please send all entries no later than June 20th 2008 to Alma Jordan, Repak Ltd, Red Cow Interchange Estate, 1 Ballymount road, Clondalkin, Dublin 22, alternatively you can email Alma directly at alma.jordan@repak.ie
The judging criteria will be as follows:
Best Presented Bring Bank Judging Criteria
1. Location and positioning of site (e.g. on Main thorough fare etc)
2. Accessibility of Bring bank
3. Directional Sign posting and Signage
4. Tidiness and litter abatement of site
5. Physical Presentation/landscaping of site
6. Usage of site (figures provided by Repak for Short list)
7. Local Community Support/involvement in site management
Photographs must be supplied with each entry. All judging will be completed by August 15th.
(Pictured is the 2007 Overall Winner - Partry Bring Bank, Co. Mayo)
Tuesday 13 May 2008
Repak launch new recruitment campaign
Repak have just started their first in a series of promotional campaigns planned for 2008. In line with the new changes in the regulations, Repak is looking to further extend its membership to include all companies who are now obligated under the amended Irish Packaging Regulations, ie. have a turnover of €1 million per annum and who place 10 tonnes or more packaging on the Irish market.As usual Enforcement continues to be an important issue for Repak in driving new Membership recruitment. With new Regulations in place Repak have been pushing the enforcement agenda. As part of enforcement of the New Regulations the EPA commissioned the CTC to identify potentially newly obligated companies.
This report was launched to the Enforcement network on the 13th May in Tullamore. The report though limited in its details highlights 5,000 potential targets for follow up by the Local Authority enforcement network. Repak for its part has introduced a number of new initiatives to increase compliance and simplify membership for newly obligated companies.
Repak have also funded and developed a series of enforcement adverts these will include radio and press. The radio campaign was launched on the 12th May on national and local radio stations for two weeks in May using business to business drive time packages. Repak look forward to welcoming large numbers of new members in 2008 as a result of the changes in the new regulations.
Friday 2 May 2008
Repak's Easter podcast!
Hi there,
Over the easter period Darrell Crowe, Marketing and Sales Manager for Repak gives an interview about a number of issues around recycling at easter including:
• Irelands capability of coping with the extra packaging being produced over
the Easter period
• Who is to blame regarding excessive packaging
• Easter Vs Christmas recycling
• Easter recycling targets
• Irelands recycling efforts compared to international standards
Click on the play sign below to hear the short podcast!
Over the easter period Darrell Crowe, Marketing and Sales Manager for Repak gives an interview about a number of issues around recycling at easter including:
• Irelands capability of coping with the extra packaging being produced over
the Easter period
• Who is to blame regarding excessive packaging
• Easter Vs Christmas recycling
• Easter recycling targets
• Irelands recycling efforts compared to international standards
Click on the play sign below to hear the short podcast!
Tuesday 1 April 2008
Have you checked out our Bebo site !!!
Click on our link above to go directly to our Bebo page, sign yourself up as a friend of Repak and keep in touch with like minded friends on all the latest environmental news and stories.
Saturday 22 March 2008
Recycling Hints and Tips for Easter
1. Cardboard - Compress/fold cardboard box flat and put into household dry recyclable bin or bring to your nearest recycling centre. 2. Plastics – Most Easter egg molded plastic is PET denoted by a triangle with the number 1 inside. This can go into most plastic bottle collection systems.
3. Foil – We recommend you Scrunch these up, and put the foil in an aluminium can and place in dry recyclable household collection bin or bring it to your nearest recycling centre.
4. Check http://www.repak.ie/ to find the nearest centre in your area and also to check what materials they accept.
5. Make Easter treats instead of buying shop bought eggs. Children will love helping make chocolate cornflake cakes, or creating Easter bunny-shaped biscuits. If you do buy Easter eggs, get ones with minimal recyclable packaging and use a reusable bag to take them home.
6. Recycle Easter cards in your household bin collection. Better still, instead of sending a card, reduce waste by sending your greeting by e-mail.
7. If you are planning a big Easter lunch, buy loose fruit and vegetables, rather than pre-packaged ones.
8. Don't forget to compost the fruit and vegetable peelings. If you've been gardening over the weekend, add your plant prunings and grass cuttings. The compost will improve the quality of the soil and help plants grow.
9. Put any glass bottles, jars and tins in your local BringBank
The Easter Egg tradition
Ø The Easter egg tradition began with painted egg shells but the modern variety is made from chocolate and packaged in a variety of colourful packaging.
Ø The first chocolate eggs were made in Europe in the early 19th century (source Checkout.ie). Since then these chocolate eggs have become richer and more varied and come in ever more elaborate wrapping.
Ø In 2006, the world’s most expensive Easter egg was created by La Maison du Chocolat in London. The Diamond Stella Egg was 60cm tall and covered with 100 half-carat diamonds. Its price tag was a mere snip at $100,000 (source http://www.bornrich.org/).
Ø This pales in comparison with Fabergé eggs. The first Fabergé egg was created in 1884 as an Easter egg for Czar Alexander III. These elaborate eggs were made of gold and silver and decorated with diamonds, sapphires and rubies. A total of 57 were made for various czars. One of these eggs the “Winter Egg” was sold in 2002 for $9.5 million. Another, the Coronation Egg is valued at between $18-24 million (Source http://www.artsjournal.com/).
Ø This price tag may prove a bit steep for most people this Easter. However, the Irish Easter egg market is worth a staggering €32 million, with over 6.5 million sold at an average price of €5 each. People are willing to spend increasingly larger sums of money on Easter eggs but it is worth bearing in mind the other costs to the environment at Easter.
Friday 21 March 2008
Repak Launch Easter Appeal 2008
Consumers can save 22,000 tonnes of carbon emissions this Easter, equivalent of removing 12,000 cars from our roads
Egg eater’s carbon foot print can be reduced by 22,000 tonnes, if we recycle over 17,000 tonnes of packaging waste this Easter period
Saving 22,000 carbon tonnes is the equivalent of taking 12,000 cars off the road
Irish chocoholics will munch their way through circa 6.4 million Easter Eggs
624,160 kilos of Easter egg packaging waste will be generated
Repak calls on consumers to recycle all packaging from cardboard and plastic to aluminium foil wrapping.
Egg eater’s carbon foot print can be reduced by 22,000 tonnes, if we recycle over 17,000 tonnes of packaging waste this Easter period
Saving 22,000 carbon tonnes is the equivalent of taking 12,000 cars off the road
Irish chocoholics will munch their way through circa 6.4 million Easter Eggs
624,160 kilos of Easter egg packaging waste will be generated
Repak calls on consumers to recycle all packaging from cardboard and plastic to aluminium foil wrapping.
Target of 45% of all packaging to be recycled this Easter
By recycling the packaging from the 6.4 million eggs consumed Irish households can save up to 811 tonnes of carbon, the equivalent of just over 20,000 bags of coal. The annual chocolate splurge will result in the creation of 624 tonnes of additional used packaging however Irish consumers can offset their chocolate eating guilt by making an egg-stra effort to recycle over the Easter period.
Easter egg boxes are not the only used packaging that householders need to be aware of at this time. The Easter festivities will generate over 39,000 tonnes of used packaging in total. Last year consumers recycled 16,000 tonnes or just over 40% of all packaging but this year Repak is calling on all households to help them recycle 17,500 tonnes of this packaging or over 45% of all packaging generated. If all this packaging is recycled it will result in 22,000 tonnes of carbon saved which is the equivalent of taking 12,000 cars off our roads
Also the housebound festivities on Good Friday result in a significant increase in household packaging. 7 million beverage cans and 2 million bottles of wine will be consumed. Repak is urging all households to use their household collections, Recycling Centres and BringBanks to recycle all of this used packaging rather than sending it to landfill.Commenting at the launch, Darrell Crowe of Repak said “Easter is a great time for giving and receiving special treats, however we always see a spike in the amount of additional used packaging that is produced at this time. This year we are trying to influence consumer to recycle more of their used packaging and their Easte egg packaging in particular by making them aware of the positive impact recycling can have on the environment as a whole, particularly in the terms of carbon emission savings. We recently launched a household carbon calculator on our website so if consumers are interested in finding out how their carbon footprint can be reduced by taking individual action and by measuring their impact when they visit the carbon calculator on our website.”
It is estimated that if all the eggs consumed in Ireland over the coming Easter period were to be converted into chocolate liquid, weighed or measured, there would be enough eggs equivalent to:
The weight of more than 78 killer whales
Create a path as long as 4 full length triathlons
Households will generate over 42,000 tonnes of used packaging over Easter but last year
only 40% of it was recycled.
It is estimated that over the Easter period Irish households will create the following amount of Easter Egg packaging waste:
17,270 kilos of aluminium foil packaging waste equal to just over 1,000 mountain bikes.
376,596 kilos of card or paper packaging waste which laid out flat would cover an area 50
It is estimated that over the Easter period Irish households will create the following amount of Easter Egg packaging waste:
17,270 kilos of aluminium foil packaging waste equal to just over 1,000 mountain bikes.
376,596 kilos of card or paper packaging waste which laid out flat would cover an area 50
times the size of Sydney Opera House
230,295 kilos of PET plastic packaging waste if recycled saves 1.6 cubic kilometers of landfill
230,295 kilos of PET plastic packaging waste if recycled saves 1.6 cubic kilometers of landfill
space
Irish households will generate over 42,000 kilos of used packaging in total over Easter period but last year only 40% of it was recycled.
Irish households will produce circa 42,000 tonnes of used packaging this Easter. Last year over 16,000 tonnes or 40% of all used packaging was recycled during the Easter period this was 14% up on the previous year. Due to Repaks financial supports and campaigns such as Repak Easter appeal, Repak recorded an increase in household packaging recycling of nearly 7% in 2007, recovering approximately 640,000 toones of used packaing.
Householders can visit http://www.repak.ie/ for details of your local Recycling Centres
Irish households will generate over 42,000 kilos of used packaging in total over Easter period but last year only 40% of it was recycled.
Irish households will produce circa 42,000 tonnes of used packaging this Easter. Last year over 16,000 tonnes or 40% of all used packaging was recycled during the Easter period this was 14% up on the previous year. Due to Repaks financial supports and campaigns such as Repak Easter appeal, Repak recorded an increase in household packaging recycling of nearly 7% in 2007, recovering approximately 640,000 toones of used packaing.
Householders can visit http://www.repak.ie/ for details of your local Recycling Centres
Tuesday 19 February 2008
Repak take over as Green Schools Lead Sponsor
Repak are delighted to announce their new role as lead sponsor of the An Taisce Green Schools programme, committing to a €1 million sponsorship package. 
With over 2,800 schools now in the programme in Ireland, Repak will use this support in keeping Green-Schools initiative at the forefront of environmental education and in helping achieve the Irish Government’s waste reduction and climate change targets.
Speaking on behalf of Repak, Chief Executive Andrew Hetherington said “this sponsorship is a great fit for Repak as we and Green-Schools share the common goal of driving forward the recycling agenda and ensuring we care for the long term future of our environment. We hope through Repak’s sponsorship and direct support Green-Schools can grow to be an even greater success than it is today. “
They join Coca Cola who have supported Green-Schools since it began ten years ago and The Wrigley Company who became sponsors a year later.
Repak takes over as lead sponsor from Greenstar who have supported Green-Schools for the past three years.
A series of green flag award ceremonies took place in February where a further 158 Green Flags were awarded to Montessori, Primary, Secondary and Special schools for their good environmental management practices
This brings the number of schools flying the flag in Ireland to 1,277, which represents nearly one third of all schools in the country.
Speaking at the ceremonies, Green-Schools Manager Cathy Joyce said “It is so important to acknowledge the great work going on all over the country in Green Schools.” “Students, teachers and whole school communities are taking real action and making a positive difference. They are an inspiration to us all.”
Along with Green Schools Repak have also renewed their commitments to the National Spring Clean campaign and also to the National Tidy Towns awards, where they sponsor the Regional and Best Presented Bring Bank Awards.
With over 2,800 schools now in the programme in Ireland, Repak will use this support in keeping Green-Schools initiative at the forefront of environmental education and in helping achieve the Irish Government’s waste reduction and climate change targets.
Speaking on behalf of Repak, Chief Executive Andrew Hetherington said “this sponsorship is a great fit for Repak as we and Green-Schools share the common goal of driving forward the recycling agenda and ensuring we care for the long term future of our environment. We hope through Repak’s sponsorship and direct support Green-Schools can grow to be an even greater success than it is today. “
They join Coca Cola who have supported Green-Schools since it began ten years ago and The Wrigley Company who became sponsors a year later.
Repak takes over as lead sponsor from Greenstar who have supported Green-Schools for the past three years.
A series of green flag award ceremonies took place in February where a further 158 Green Flags were awarded to Montessori, Primary, Secondary and Special schools for their good environmental management practices
This brings the number of schools flying the flag in Ireland to 1,277, which represents nearly one third of all schools in the country.
Speaking at the ceremonies, Green-Schools Manager Cathy Joyce said “It is so important to acknowledge the great work going on all over the country in Green Schools.” “Students, teachers and whole school communities are taking real action and making a positive difference. They are an inspiration to us all.”
Along with Green Schools Repak have also renewed their commitments to the National Spring Clean campaign and also to the National Tidy Towns awards, where they sponsor the Regional and Best Presented Bring Bank Awards.
Thursday 24 January 2008
Repak Found Members Dinner
Adrian Goodrich, Repak’s chairman, hosted a celebratory members’ dinner at Dublin’s Westin Hotel to mark Repak’s 10th anniversary as Ireland’s packaging compliance scheme. Attending the function were representatives of Repak’s founding members who set up the voluntary producer responsibility scheme back in 1997
Repak’s CEO, Dr. Andrew Hetherington welcomed the attendees and through them, extended to the wider membership his warm appreciation for their financial backing and moral support during the decade. “I thank you for your unstinting support for Repak that has seen Ireland rise to the very pinnacle of the EU packaging recycling league”, he said.
Adrian Goodrich recalled Repak’s early years which he described as ‘a roller coaster ride’. “The task before us in 1997 seemed insurmountable”, he said. “Today, Repak has the wind at its back and is looking forward to a second decade of steady and solid progress”.
As a memento of the occasion, the attendees were each presented with a print of a specially commissioned seascape by Irish artist John Hurley.
Repak’s CEO, Dr. Andrew Hetherington welcomed the attendees and through them, extended to the wider membership his warm appreciation for their financial backing and moral support during the decade. “I thank you for your unstinting support for Repak that has seen Ireland rise to the very pinnacle of the EU packaging recycling league”, he said.
Adrian Goodrich recalled Repak’s early years which he described as ‘a roller coaster ride’. “The task before us in 1997 seemed insurmountable”, he said. “Today, Repak has the wind at its back and is looking forward to a second decade of steady and solid progress”.
As a memento of the occasion, the attendees were each presented with a print of a specially commissioned seascape by Irish artist John Hurley.
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