Repak members removed or replaced 28,500 tonnes of plastic last year 

Repak announced this morning that Plastic Pledge Signatories have successfully removed or replaced 28,500 tonnes of plastic packaging from the Irish market since 2018.  

The announcement made at the launch of Repak's fifth annual Plastic Pledge Report this week highlights the achievements of its 146 Plastic Pledge Signatories and their impactful efforts to reduce and remove plastic packaging from their organisation.

In 2022, Plastic Pledge Signatories achieved an average of 52% recycled content in their packaging, with select products attaining an impressive 100% recycled plastic content. 

The Report also showcases alterations made by signatories to their packaging by reducing or substituting plastic materials. 

As part of committing to Repak's Plastic Pledge, Signatories of the Plastic Pledge gain access to a Plastic Challenge Working Group, where collaborative efforts are made to identify significant packaging challenges and formulate solutions. 

In 2023, the Working Group identified two key objectives for all Repak Members: increasing reusable packaging for B2B Secondary and Transport Packaging and improving recycled content rates for packaging in Ireland.  

They assisted in implementing mandatory segregation, incentivised charging for commercial waste, and reintroduced soft plastics into the recycling bin. 

Speaking at the launch of the 2022 Repak 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, said: 

"Repak and its Plastic Pledge Signatories are leading the way in reducing and removing plastic packaging. The substantial reduction of over 28,500 tonnes of plastic packaging achieved by Plastic Pledge Signatories since 2018 marks a significant milestone in collective efforts. 

"I am encouraged by the progress made thus far and look forward to further collaborations with Repak and its Plastic Pledge Signatories as we strive to meet EU circular economy targets," added the Minister. 

This marks a significant advancement in Ireland's national recycling policy and encourages wider recognition of Repak's Plastic Pledge across all Repak Members. 

Repak Members placed 140,000 tonnes of plastic packaging on the market in 2022, of which 104,000 (74%) were recycled – an 8.3% increase in 2021.  

CEO of Repak, Séamus Clancy, added: "2022 saw further progress made by Repak's Plastic Pledge Signatories to deliver on the objectives set out in Repak's Plastic Packaging Recycling Strategy 2018-2030. 

"They successfully eliminated 28,500 tonnes of avoidable plastic waste from the estimated 322,000 tonnes of total plastic packaging placed on the Irish market. 

"The exponential growth in the number of businesses joining the Repak Members' Plastic Pledge, now totalling 146, attests to the momentum in addressing avoidable plastic packaging waste, enhancing recyclability, and incorporating recycled content. 

"Each signatory continues to play a pivotal role in ensuring that Ireland strives to meet stringent EU Circular Economy targets. 

"Despite the achievements made by Repak Members and Plastic Pledge Signatories, it is imperative to acknowledge that attaining the 2025 plastic packaging recycling targets remains a formidable challenge. 

"Forecasts indicate that Ireland will miss its national plastic target. If all organisations in Ireland focused on the five objectives set out in the Plastic Pledge and followed in the footsteps of Plastic Pledge Signatories, our Change Makers, Ireland would make significant progress to meet these targets. 

"We look forward to continuing to work with Plastic Pledge Signatories and stakeholders to ensure further changes are implemented to remove and reduce plastic packaging from the supply chain. We also call on more organisations to sign up to the Plastic Pledge and join the movement towards a circular economy", Séamus added.

In this year's Report, Repak spotlights five key 'Change Makers' leading the way in reducing and removing plastic packaging from their supply chains and setting the standard, including: 

• Coca-Cola HBC Ireland and Northern Ireland continued to eliminate plastic shrink wrap from multi-packs, eliminating 500 tonnes of plastic;
• Aldi swapped its peanut butter jars from plastic to glass, saving 13 tonnes of plastic per annum and contributing to an 18% plastic reduction of own-label products;
• Lidl optimised its Greek and flavoured 1kg yoghurt buckets, saving 30 tonnes of plastic; 
• Nomad Foods downgauge the film across all pizza products, eliminating 93 tonnes of plastic packaging; and
• Tesco removed the handles on packs of Fred & Flo nappies, removing 36 tonnes of plastic.