Repak’s Plastic Pledge Signatories Work Towards Ireland’s Circular Economy Goals

151 Repak Members are Signatories of the Plastic Pledge. Under this pledge, signatories adopt more sustainable practices and remove significant volumes of plastic from their operations and supply chain. Although the Plastic Pledge has 151 signatories, 4 of these have made significant changes to their sustainability practices in 2023. These signatories were Aldi, Lidl, Nestle and The Culinary Food Group. In 2023 the Plastic Pledge Signatories achieved an average recycling rate of 72% surpassing EU Circular Economy Targets. Signatories also achieved an average recycled content of 43% and 100% recycled plastic content for some products.  

The Plastic Pledge Report shows that Signatories are working effectively to meet EU Circular Economy Targets. As well as this it showcases companies’ efforts in relation to adopting new design choices and more sustainable initiatives to create a circular economy for plastic packaging in Ireland.   

Speaking at the launch of the Plastic Pledge Report, Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform, and the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications, Ossian Smyth TD, praised the work being done by Repak and its members.

“The plastic pledge reports shows that we are committed to achieving meaningful change in the realm of plastic packaging. The signatures have provided us with the confidence that the challenges presented by plastic packaging can be overcome through our collective efforts.”    

Zoe Kavanagh CEO of Repak also spoke at the launch adding: “In 2023, Repak’s Plastic Pledge Signatories made remarkable strides toward fulfilling the ambitious goals of our Plastic Packaging Recycling Strategy 2018-2030. While these advancements are commendable, the road to meeting the future recycling targets for plastic packaging remains challenging. We call on all organisations across Ireland to embrace the exemplary practices outlined in the Plastic Pledge. The commitment of the Signatories to recycling innovation and plastic reduction stands as a beacon of what is possible and should be used as a model for others to follow. If all organisations in Ireland adopted Repak’s Plastic Pledge, we would achieve our EU Circular Economy targets.”  

For the full overview of Repak Plastic Pledge Signatory programs completed in 2023 and plans for 2024, please see https://repak.ie/plastic-pledge/