Awards celebrate businesses for their environmental efforts

THE 2024 Pakman Awards, which celebrates best recycling and waste management practices is open for entries from businesses, organisations, community groups, and individuals across Ireland.

The awards were launched in 2015 by Clondalkin company Recycle IT, to honour organisations who demonstrate sustainability and environmental efforts.

Zoë Kavanagh, CEO of Repak, said: “This year marks a significant milestone for Repak as we launch the 10th annual Pakman Awards, introducing two new categories: Best Deposit Return Initiative Award and Best Single Use Plastic Initiative Award. The Best Single Use Plastic Initiative Award highlights efforts to reduce the impact of single-use plastics, while the Best Deposit Return Initiative Award celebrates the achievements from the initiatives implemented across the country since the launch of the scheme earlier this year.

“We invite all businesses, organisations, individuals and community groups to enter this year’s awards and share their progress in creating a more sustainable Ireland. Over the past decade, we have received thousands of applications from organisations dedicated to promoting best practices in recycling. Their achievements and innovative approaches have continually impressed us. We eagerly anticipate this year’s entries and look forward to showcasing the remarkable efforts of businesses, community groups, and individuals across the country.”

Minister of State with responsibility for Public Procurement, eGovernment, Communications and the Circular Economy, Ossian Smyth TD, said: “The awards are pivotal in recognising and celebrating how those achievements are benefiting wider society with their hard work to transform how we manage our resources, and showcase the best practice recycling methods, paving the way for others to follow.”

Entries close on August 31, and winners will be announced at an awards ceremony at The Shelbourne Hotel in October.