Ms Dixon served as Commissioner at the Commission for Communications Regulation in Ireland until February 2025. From 2014 to 2024, she was Ireland’s Data Protection Commissioner, completing two five-year terms in this role, where she was responsible for upholding individual rights and where the DPC was lead European data regulator in respect of multinational companies with European headquarters located in Ireland.

Ms Dixon was previously the Irish Registrar of Companies and has held senior roles in the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, focusing on economic migration as well as science, technology and innovation policy.

Zoe Kavanagh, CEO of Repak, commented: “Helen’s extensive knowledge of governance, policy development and operational delivery, along with her commitment to innovation is a welcome addition to an already strong Repak Board. We look forward to working with Helen in spearheading innovation and best practice in packaging design and further developing Repak’s vision for the future.”

Tom Shipsey, Chairman, said: “I am delighted to welcome Helen to our Board of Directors. Her international track record in both public and private sectors will be invaluable to Repak as we continue to lead and support our Members nationwide.”

Helen Dixon  commented: “I’m delighted to take up this independent non-executive role on the board of Repak. In a world where so much is “fast” and disposable, initiatives to reduce, reuse and recycle are critical to environmental sustainability. As regulatory requirements for packaging and recycling evolve, I’ll be especially keen to support Repak in identifying how best to encourage, incentivise and drive best practice and compliance.”

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• Repak’s Most Sorted Garden wins Gold and Best in Category in the Large Garden category
• 3 in 5 (60%) of people have used empty packaging for gardening purposes, such as starting seeds, as plant pots, for watering or for creating plant labels
• Less than half of adults can correctly identify which bins tinfoil (44%), cosmetic jars (45%) and deodorant cans (50%) should go in while 71% don’t know how to recycle bleach bottles correctly
• Repak calls on visitors to Bloom to recycle just one more item per day. With an expected attendance of 100,000 people this would result in 36.5 million more items diverted from landfill, which the equivalent of 28 GAA pitches

 Repak is delighted to announce that the Repak Most Sorted Garden, designed by award-winning architect and garden designer James Purdy, has won Gold and Best in Category in the prestigious Large Garden category at Bord Bia Bloom 2025.

This stunning garden exemplifies Repak’s vision of a circular economy in action, transforming the traditional garden space into an inspiring journey through thoughtful recycling, regeneration, and design innovation. Created to engage the public in the future of recycling, the Most Sorted Garden serves as a true example that waste is not an inevitability, but a challenge that can be solved through smart design and sustainable thinking.

Speaking about the win, Zoe Kavanagh, CEO of Repak, said: “We are incredibly proud of this achievement. James Purdy has brought Repak’s vision to life with creativity and conviction. The Most Sorted Garden embodies the circular economy by proving that with considered design, we can eliminate waste and give materials a second life. This award is a testament to the importance of sustainability and innovation in shaping a greener future for Ireland.”

James Purdy, designer of Repak’s Most Sorted Garden said: “It’s an honour to receive Gold and Best in Category for the Repak Most Sorted Garden. This garden is about showing that sustainability doesn’t mean compromise, it can be beautiful, functional, and thought-provoking. I’m grateful to Repak for the opportunity to tell this story and for supporting a vision where every element is intentional, regenerative, and truly circular.”

New research from Repak carried out in advance of Bord Bia Bloom, highlighted a growing national passion for upcycling and growing confidence among the irish public when it comes to recycling, with 67% of Irish adults rate their recycling knowledge highly. However, the research also found that gaps remain around how to recycle some common household items. Less than half can correctly identify which bins tinfoil (44%), cosmetic jars (45%) and deodorant cans (50%) should go in, while 71% don’t know how to recycle bleach bottles correctly.

To help close these gaps, Repak’s Most Sorted Garden at Bord Bia Bloom will welcome thousands of visitors over the long weekend with hands-on tips and practical inspiration for better recycling habits at home and in the garden. Throughout the five-day event, the Repak Most Sorted Garden will serve as a hub for discussions, child-friendly workshops, and educational talks focused on recycling, sustainability, and Ireland’s path toward a circular economy.

The impact of small changes really adds up. If each of the 100,000 expected visitors to Bord Bia Bloom recycled just one more clean, dry, and loose item every day, this would result in an extra 36.5 million items recycled annually – enough to cover 28 GAA pitches. Nationally, if every person in Ireland recycled just one more item a day, it could divert over 1.9 billion items from landfill each year, this is equivalent to 48,362 tonnes of waste, which is eight fully packed Croke Parks.

This is James Purdy’s sixth show garden at Bord Bia Bloom. His previous designs have earned wide acclaim, including gold medals for The Podscape Garden (2016) and The Healthy Way (2019), and a silver-gilt for Love that Keelings Feeling in 2024.

Repak remains committed to leading the way in packaging recycling and educating both businesses and the public on how thoughtful choices can result in a more sustainable Ireland.

*Recycling Knowledge Audit surveyed over 1,000 people conducted by 3Gem in May 2025

Repak’s Most Sorted Garden wins Gold at Bord Bia Bloom. Pictured is garden designer and architect, James Purdy. Repak calls on visitors to Bloom to visit its Most Sorted Garden and recycle just one more item per day. With an expected attendance of 100,000 people this would result in 36.5 million more items recycled annually, which is the equivalent of 28 GAA pitches.

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Even with 77% of people understanding the basics of “clean, dry, and loose,” errors persist. The audit uncovers common misconceptions and aims to correct these mistakes.

In response to the audit findings, Repak’s new campaign is aimed at improving recycling practices across Ireland, focusing on dispelling myths and ensuring everyone knows what “clean, dry, and loose” really means.

As Ireland faces the ticking clock of EU recycling targets, new findings from Repak’s first-ever annual national Recycling Knowledge Audit have unearthed a startling truth: we think we’re recycling pros, but the reality is quite different. Despite our good intentions, Irish households are stumbling in some surprisingly simple areas of recycling—and it’s time we all took a closer look at what’s really going into our recycling bins.

88% of the Recycling Knowledge Audit respondents believe they are doing a great job with their recycling; the reality is far different. Only 53% can accurately identify what can actually be recycled. Repak’s Clean, Dry and Loose Campaign is calling on everyone—from households to businesses—to step up and sort out their recycling habits.

Unveiling the Knowledge Gap: Ireland’s Overconfidence in Recycling

The audit, which surveyed over 2,000 people—twice the size of a typical national survey—tested respondents on their knowledge of recycling rules and ability to segregate waste correctly. Although nearly 30% of participants rated themselves a perfect 10 out of 10 for recycling knowledge, the average national score was just 64%, equivalent to a C2 in the old grading school system or a current H4.

“We’ve Got the Will, but Not the Way”: The Misconceptions Holding Ireland Back

Repak’s findings highlight critical misconceptions and gaps that are holding Ireland back from achieving its recycling targets. For example:

• Bleach Bottles: Only 29% knew the correct way to dispose of them—ensuring the bottle is empty, with the lid on, and placed in the recycling bin.

• Cereal Boxes: 41% disposed of these incorrectly; the right method is to separate the plastic cereal bag, flatten the box, and recycle both.
• Deodorant Cans: Just 43% correctly identified them as recyclable items.

These errors are not just harmless mistakes; they contribute to contamination rates that make recycling efforts ineffective.

Zoe Kavanagh Repak CEO says “Our Recycling Knowledge Audit has revealed a significant gap between perceived recycling knowledge and the reality of recycling practices across Ireland. While many believe they’re doing the right thing, a national average score of 64% shows that we are not where we need to be—recycling is a 100% game. Education is crucial to ensure the public understands what can and cannot be recycled, but this is only one part of the solution. 

The answer doesn’t rest solely with households; however, our commercial infrastructure, particularly the three-bin system, also needs greater adoption. We must enhance recycling capacity and improve infrastructure across the board. These efforts are all interconnected, and consumer education plays a pivotal role. Addressing these broader issues is essential if we are to meet our targets and become the most sorted country in the EU.”

It’s Time for the Three-Bin Revolution

The audit also highlighted the lack of proper waste segregation systems beyond the household. While many homes have embraced the three-bin system for recycling, organic waste, and general waste, the same cannot be said for workplaces. 40% of respondents said their workplace lacks a three-bin system or that they are unsure whether one is in place. With commercial recycling down by 12,892 tonnes in 2023, Repak calls for stricter enforcement and a nationwide commitment to proper waste segregation infrastructure.

While better public education is critical, Repak stresses that responsibility does not lie solely with consumers. The audit findings have prompted a renewed call for improved commercial recycling infrastructure and enhanced recycling capacity. “We need a comprehensive approach that addresses both consumer habits and systemic infrastructure issues,” Repak’s spokesperson continued. “Education without action is like recycling without proper bins—it’s just not going to work.”

What Repak is Doing to Drive Change

Additionally, the introduction of eco fee modulation in Ireland—a pioneering move in the EU—demonstrates Repak’s commitment to incentivizing more sustainable packaging.

Repak is also advocating for broader policy changes to hold all stakeholders accountable for their recycling responsibilities. “We can’t just rely on good intentions,” says Repak. “We need firm commitments and actions from all sectors—household, commercial, and governmental—to truly tackle the recycling challenge.”

Join Us: Clean, Dry, and Loose—Make it a Habit!

The message is clear: recycling right starts with understanding the basics—clean, dry, and loose. Repak encourages everyone to take part in the movement to make Ireland the “Most Sorted” country in the EU. Visit repak.ie for more tips, tools, and resources on how to improve your recycling game and help Ireland meet its EU targets by 2025.

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 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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