We will generate 95,000 tonnes of packaging waste over Christmas period

New research from Repak reveals shoppers’ behaviour over festive season

• Ireland is expected to generate 95,000 tonnes of packaging waste this Christmas

• Research reveals that 75pc planned to be more eco-conscious this Christmas and 43pc purchased eco-friendly presents

• 25pc planned to buy 10-15 gifts this year, and 49pc planned to spend €300 or less

• Now all plastics can go into the recycling bin, Repak calls on the public to join Repak Team Green and learn how to dispose of packaging waste correctly over Christmas and beyond

We used to dream of a white Christmas, but now a green Christmas dominates our thoughts as three quarters (75pc) of shoppers are planning to be more eco-conscious over the festive period – according to new research by environmental organisation, Repak.

The survey of 1,397 people in Ireland, examines attitudes towards recycling and shopping over the festive season. A quarter 25pc planned to buy between 10 and 15 gifts this Christmas and 49pc agreed they would spend €300 or less, a 16pc increase compared to 20202.

In Ireland, we are expected to generate 95,000 tonnes of packaging waste this Christmas, so not only is Christmas the most wonderful time of the year, but it’s also the time when recycling bins are at their fullest.

To ensure Ireland reaches its future recycling targets under the EU’s Circular Economy Package, it’s important that all consumers understand how to manage their packaging waste over the holiday period.

Repak is encouraging everyone to join the Repak Team Green initiative, and commit to learning how to reduce, reuse and recycle more and better.

Since September, all plastics can go into the recycling bin, so common items such as bubble wrap, cardboard boxes, bread wrappers, and chocolate and biscuit trays can all be placed in the recycling bin.

To join Repak Team Green and make a difference, visit www.repak.ie/team-green.

Merry Clickmas

The pandemic has affected how people have chosen to shop for presents again this year, and more than half (54pc) planned to do most of their Christmas shopping online – 69pc cited the ability to avoid busy, crowded stores as the reason for doing so.

The packaging waste generated from online sales will create a heavy influx of materials for waste operators to process, but for online shoppers, more than half (57pc) of those polled don’t know if the retailers they purchase from have sustainability programmes in place.

Shopping Local

While some online retailers leave their packaging waste on the Irish market without contributing to the cost of recycling, 3,500 Repak members meet their obligations to recycle the packaging they place on the Irish market and also help fund household recycling bins, bottle banks and civic amenities.

Some 65pc of people said they would shop local this Christmas, and by shopping with a Repak member, consumers can feel assured they are purchasing from retailers who are helping to protect the environment in addition to supporting local businesses. To find out more about Repak members, visit here.

CEO of Repak, Séamus Clancy, said: “This Christmas, we are asking the Irish public to be more mindful of protecting the environment and dispose of their packaging waste in a responsible manner.

“With 95,000 tonnes of packaging waste expected to be generated in Ireland over the festive period, it’s important that we all try to recycle more and better. Since the start of September, all plastics can go into the recycling bin and by joining our Repak Team Green initiative, consumers can get great tips and advice on how to dispose of waste items correctly this Christmas.

“Currently in Ireland, we are exceeding the EU plastic recycling target of 22.5pc but achieving plastic recycling targets of 50pc by 2025 and 55pc by 2030 under the Circular Economy and EU Legislation will require a concerted effort from everyone in the country.

“Between the start of 2019 and the end of 2020, recycled plastic packaging tonnes increased by 9pc, so we are doing well but have to keep up the good work. Joining Repak Team Green takes a few minutes but committing to recycling more will make a long term, positive difference to us and future generations.”

For more information on Repak Team Green, visit www.repak.ie.