Calling all environmental champions! Repak has launched the 2022 Pakman Awards, Ireland’s National Environmental Awards, which recognise excellence in recycling and waste management across organisations, businesses, community groups and individuals in Ireland. Entries are now open on www.pakman.ie, closing on Friday 23rd 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 in addition to the Overall Pakman Award, which was won by Irish Packaging Recycling (I.P.R) in 2021. I.P.R 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 28th October 2022 in The Marker Hotel, Dublin.

Speaking on 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 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.”

The 2022 Pakman Awards are now open for entries. More information can be found on Pakman Awards on Facebook, @PakmanAwards on Twitter and www.pakman.ie.