Limerick Polymers Production has been named the winner of the overall Pakman Award 2022.
The awards ceremony at the Marker Hotel saw representatives from leading businesses and community groups come together to recognise excellence in recycling and waste management.
The Pakman Awards, organised by Repak, is held annually and seeks to find and celebrate Ireland’s recycling and waste management champions.
Limerick Polymers Production is the newest site in one of Ireland’s largest family-owned recycling groups.
The site is Ireland’s first purpose built plastic recovery facility and is the single largest investment in recycling infrastructure in the history of the state.
In Association with
The automated plant is capable of processing over 70,000 tons of mixed plastic packaging per year.
Currys won the award in the ‘Battery and WEEE’ category. In 2021 and 2022, the retailer launched its ‘Cash for Trash’ campaign, the first initiative of its kind which takes back small electricals at delivery and adapts a circular economy for all WEEE.
Laois business CJ Sheeran won the award in the Business Recycling category.
The company produces a range of wood packaging and pallet modules such as pallets, cases, crates, boxes, frames, skids and dunnage, and recovers in excess of three million used pallets per annum.
Minister Ossian Smyth commented: “Since last year’s Pakman Awards, government has enacted the first Circular Economy Act. The pace of change is remarkable. The awards don’t just recognise the marvellous achievements of individual companies but will further inspire and energise us all to reach Ireland’s potential to become a leader in the circular economy.”
Repak CEO Séamus Clancy said: “This year saw some of the highest entries from companies, businesses, community groups and individuals to the Pakman Awards, a reflection of the commitment of many industries in Ireland to help reach our future EU recycling targets and protect our planet for future generations.”
PAKMAN AWARDS NOMINEES AND WINNERS
| Category | Finalists | Winner |
| 2022 Overall Pakman Award | All 10 category winners | Limerick Polymers Production |
| Battery and WEEE Champion | Association of Electrical Wholesalers, Currys Ireland, Lidl Ireland | Currys Ireland |
| Business Recycling Champion | CJ Sheeran, Swords Pavilions, The Imperial Hotel Cork | CJ Sheeran |
| Community Recycling Initiative | Dillon Waste, Joe Bonner, Relove Paint - Cork County Council & Cork City Council | Relove Paint – Cork County Council & Cork City Council |
| Education and Awareness Initiative | Eastern-Midlands Regional Waste Management Plan Office, Castletroy College National Spring Clean | Eastern-Midlands Regional Waste Management Plan Office |
| Innovation in Waste Resource Products or Services | McCulla (Ireland), Rebox, Soltec (Ireland) | Rebox |
| Plastic Pledge Award | Aldi Ireland, ABP Food Group, Brown Thomas, Arnotts, Coca-Cola, HBC Ireland and Northern Ireland, Irish Distillers Pernod Ricard, Lidl Ireland, Musgrave, NPP Group, Primark | Coca-Cola HBC Ireland and Northern Ireland Irish Distillers Pernod Ricard Lidl Ireland |
| Tyre Champion | Continental Tyre Group, Discount Tyres, Toyota Ireland | Continental Tyre Group |
| Waste Recovery Operator – Household and Commercial | Enva Ireland. KeyWaste Management, Panda Green | Panda Green |
| Waste Prevention Award | CJ Sheeran, Palm Free (Zero Waste) Irish Soap. Skerries TidyTowns Committee | Palm Free (Zero Waste) Irish Soap |
| Waste Recycling and Recovery Facility | Glassco Recycling, Limerick Polymers Production, Re-gen Waste | Limerick Polymers Production |
Photo: Mark Sheahan (left) and Sean Murphy from Limerick Polymers Production. (Pic: Naoise Culhane)
