Repak, Ireland’s environmental not-for-profit organisation committed to enhancing packaging recycling in Ireland and promoting a circular economy, today announces the appointment of Zoё Kavanagh as its new CEO.  Zoё will begin her tenure as CEO on May 1st, 2024, succeeding Séamus Clancy who is retiring following a decade in the role.

A distinguished leader with almost 30 years of experience in domestic & international markets within dairy and FMCG (Fast Moving Consumer Goods) sectors, Zoё joins Repak following 13 years as CEO of the National Dairy Council. Prior to this, she spent 16 years at PepsiCo, working across numerous briefs and gaining significant insights into the FMCG sector, before concluding her tenure as General Manager for Ireland Beverages in 2010.

Zoё’s appointment marks a significant milestone in Repak’s history, promising to build upon its legacy of sustainability and environmental advocacy. Her extensive background in advocacy, strategy, and stakeholder engagement, combined with her passion for driving growth and sustainability, aligns with Repak’s strategic objectives to enhance recycling rates and support Ireland’s transition to a circular economy.

“Zoё‘s leadership qualities, her outstanding track record in the environmental and FMCG sectors, and her vision for a sustainable future make her the perfect candidate to lead Repak into its next chapter,” said Tom Shipsey, Chairman of Repak. “Under Seamus Clancy’s leadership, Repak has achieved remarkable milestones, including significant investments in recycling and recovery initiatives. We are confident that Zoё will continue this legacy, driving forward our mission to reduce packaging waste and promote recycling across Ireland.”

During her tenure as CEO of the National Dairy Council, Kavanagh demonstrated exceptional leadership, contributing to the council’s growth and enhancing its reputation in the industry. Membership of the organisation grew by 33% and income more than doubled while public trust in Irish Dairy production increased significantly due to robust advocacy and strong public engagement.

Repak’s purpose, on behalf of Members, is to lead the recycling and sustainability efforts for Ireland’s packaging, advocate for a new circular economy, and educate businesses and consumers on reducing and recycling packaging. Zoë Kavanagh’s experience and strategic insight will be crucial in advancing this mission.

Speaking on her appointment Zoё Kavanagh said: “I am delighted to join Repak and continue the important work this organisation has done in transforming Ireland’s recycling landscape. The achievements of Repak, under the leadership of Séamus Clancy and the dedication of its Members, have set a high standard. I look forward to building on this foundation, working alongside our Members, stakeholders, and the community to further our impact and contribute to a more sustainable future.”

Zoё holds a primary degree in Agriculture and Food Engineering from University College Dublin and a Diploma in Board Governance & Strategy from the Institute of Directors (IoD). In addition to her executive role, Zoё has contributed her expertise to various Board positions, serving as Director of Horse Sport Ireland, Chair of the International Milk Promotion Group, and Vice Chair of the European Milk Forum.

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Entries are now open on www.pakman.ie, closing on Friday 23^rd September 2022.

Now in its eighth year, The Pakman Awards are recognised as one of the most prestigious accolades that an organisation, community group or individual can win in Ireland’s environmental sector.

This year will see 10 categories in the National Environmental Awards and the Overall Pakman Award, which was won by Irish Packaging Recycling (IPR) in 2021. IPR invested €2 million upgrading the plastics and metals sorting line at its Dublin plant in 2020, which resulted in the recovery of an additional 2,500 tonnes of plastics and aluminium. Award categories also include Community Recycling Initiative, Waste Prevention Award and Business Recycling Champion.

Category entrants are invited to submit examples of their environmental efforts from the past year, with details of all categories available on www.pakman.ie. The winners will be announced at this year’s Pakman Awards, which will be held on the 28^th October 2022 in The Marker Hotel, Dublin.

Speaking at the launch of the 2022 Pakman Awards, Minister of State with responsibility for Public Procurement, eGoverment, Communications and the Circular Economy, Ossian Smyth TD, said: “As Ireland’s focus shifts away from waste disposal towards how we can preserve resources by creating a circular economy, the 2022 Pakman Awards provide an opportunity to raise awareness about the circular economy and how it can improve citizens lives in a tangible way.

“The awards will recognise Ireland’s environmental best in class, highlighting and acknowledging achievements of individuals, communities, businesses, and organisations who are leading Ireland’s transition to a circular economy through prevention, recycling and awareness initiatives.”

Séamus Clancy, CEO of Repak added: “The Pakman Awards offer not only businesses and organisations but community groups and individuals the opportunity to showcase their best practices and innovation in recycling and waste management.

“We are back to a new normality after a challenging two years and we’re looking forward to seeing the changes organisations and community groups have made over the past 12 months and highlighting these efforts.

“We would like to encourage all organisations, businesses, community groups and individuals to share the innovations they have made and enter this year’s awards. We are proud to see so many organisations and individuals over the years make these environmental changes, big and small, to ensure that Ireland continues in our overall commitment to a sustainable future.”

More information can be found on Pakman Awards on Facebook and @PakmanAwards on Twitter and www.pakman.ie.

The Pakman Awards 2022 categories are:

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The company is calling on the Irish public to join the drive to learn how to recycle more and better.

Now in its fourth year, the Repak Team Green initiative says research shows that out of 850 adults surveyed, 89% are confident that their recycling habits are good, but 1 in 10 are still not confident. However, 64% are more eco conscious now than before the Covid-19 pandemic 

Meanwhile, 57% are shopping more locally and 56% adopting best practice recycling habits.

The research examined the public’s attitudes towards eco-conscious behaviour after it was recently announced that all plastic packaging waste can now go into the recycling bin. Ireland is currently exceeding the EU plastic recycling targets of 22.5%. However, achieving the ambitious targets for plastics recycling of 50% by 2025 and 55% by 2030, under the Circular Economy and EU Legislation, will require a concentrated effort by all stakeholders and putting all plastics in the recycling bin is a step towards making this target achievable.

Repak created its Team Green initiative in 2018 to support Ireland in achieving future packaging recycling targets set by the EU and as a result of the efforts by the 22,000 who have joined the initiative, recycled plastic packaging tonnes increased by 9% between the start of 2019 and the end of 2020.

CEO of Repak, Séamus Clancy says: “Since we launched Repak Team Green in 2018, over 22,000 individuals have joined the initiative to reduce, reuse and recycle more and better. Join us on Repak Team Green today and pledge to protect the environment at this critical juncture in Ireland’s journey to reducing and recycling better.”

“All plastic packaging waste now being accepted into recycling bins is a very positive change, as not only does it eliminate confusion amongst householders about what can be recycled, it’s also an opportunity to drive a significant increase in our recycling rates. 

“To protect our environment, we need to continue working together to reduce the volume of waste generated and to recycle more. Since 2018, Repak has invested €10 million in funding for plastic recycling, and we are committed to facilitating Ireland’s journey to becoming an even more sustainable society.”

By joining Repak Team Green, not only will you be pledging to recycle more and better, you can also get handy tips on how to do so. It takes just two minutes to join Repak Team Green at repak.ie/teamgreen.

Caption: Repak Team Green ambassador Roz Purcell

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Repak launches fourth year of Repak Team Green initiative and introduces new Team Green Ambassador

 TV Chef, Food Writer and best-selling author Donal Skehan is the newest member of Repak Team Green, joining Paul McGrath; Roz Purcell, Anna Geary, and Bobby Kerr as they lead the charge to help increase Ireland’s recycling rates.

As it was recently announced that all plastic packaging waste can now go into the recycling bin, Repak Team Green calls on the Irish public to learn how to recycle more and better.

According to research of over 850 adults, 89% are confident that their recycling habits are good, but 1 in 10 are still not confident. 64% are more eco conscious now than before the Covid-19 pandemic.

Since Covid-19, 57% are shopping more locally and 56% are implementing best practice recycling habits.

Recycling habits

Since the arrival of Covid-19, the public’s recycling habits have come into spotlight. The Irish public are drumming up some new habits with 64% of people saying they are more eco conscious now than before the pandemic and 89% confident that their recycling habits are good. That’s according to new research by leading environmental organisation, Repak.

The research of over 850 adults examined the public’s attitudes towards eco-conscious behaviour after it was recently announced that all plastic packaging waste can now go into the recycling bin. Currently in Ireland, we are exceeding the EU plastic recycling targets of 22.5%. However, achieving the ambitious targets for plastics recycling of 50% by 2025 and 55% by 2030, under the Circular Economy and EU Legislation, will require a concentrated effort by all stakeholders. Putting all plastics in the recycling bin is a step towards making this target achievable.

Team Green

Repak created its Team Green initiative in 2018 to support Ireland in achieving future packaging recycling targets set by the EU. To date, over 22,000 individuals have joined Repak Team Green and as a result of their collective efforts to recycle more and better, recycled plastic packaging tonnes increased by 9% between the start of 2019 and the end of 2020.

By joining Repak Team Green, not only will you be pledging to recycle more and better, you can also get handy tips on how to do so. It takes just two minutes to join Repak Team Green at repak.ie/teamgreen.

Plastic can make the difference to Ireland’s recycling rates 

All plastics now being accepted into the recycling bin marks a positive and significant step in Ireland’s journey to reaching its future recycling targets. In addition to placing rigid (hard) plastics in the recycling bin, the Irish public can now place all soft plastic packaging waste, such as bread wrappers, plastic carrier bags and frozen food bags in the recycling bin once they are clean, dry and loose.

According to the Repak research, 91% understand what clean, dry and loose means in terms of recycling best practice, which is very helpful in increasing the amount recycled and preventing contamination. In addition, 83% are confident they know what items can or can’t go into the recycling bin.

Understanding what can and can’t be recycled is crucial in continuing to increase Ireland’s recycling rates. According to research, 89% are confident that their recycling habits are good, but 1 in 10 are still not confident.

Repak, Séamus Clancy commented: “Since we launched Repak Team Green in 2018, over 22,000 individuals have joined the initiative to reduce, reuse and recycle more and better. Join us on Repak Team Green today and pledge to protect the environment at this critical juncture in Ireland’s journey to reducing and recycling better.”

“All plastic packaging waste now being accepted into recycling bins is a very positive change, as not only does it eliminate confusion amongst householders about what can be recycled, it’s also an opportunity to drive a significant increase in our recycling rates. To protect our environment, we need to continue working together to reduce the volume of waste generated and to recycle more. Since 2018, Repak has invested €10 million in funding for plastic recycling, and we are committed to facilitating Ireland’s journey to becoming an even more sustainable society.”

New Repak Team Green Ambassador

Joining the Irish personalities leading the charge to increase Ireland’s future recycling rates today is TV Chef, Food Writer and best-selling author, Donal Skehan.

Commenting on joining Repak Team Green, Donal Skehan said: ‘I’m delighted to join Repak Team Green as an Ambassador this year. Since moving back to Ireland from LA, I’ve been making a conscious effort to educate myself on best practice recycling, as well as making sure I do all I can to help protect the environment. As part of Repak Team Green, I have learned lots of helpful tips and hints on best practise recycling and am really proud to be part of this initiative to protect our environment. Throughout my career, I’ve seen the effectiveness of teamwork and what people can do when they come together to achieve a common goal, so I would ask everyone to join Repak Team Green and help protect the environment and  make a difference.”

#RepakTeamGreen

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