Soltec has won the prestigious 2024 Overall Pakman Award for what was described as 'its outstanding contributions to improving waste recycling rates across Ireland.'
The Pakman Awards honour Ireland's leaders in sustainability, recognising organisations, businesses, and individuals for their innovation and commitment to protecting the environment.
The 10th annual ceremony, held at The Shelbourne Hotel, Dublin, was say organisers Repak a 'celebration of those making strides toward a greener, more sustainable Ireland.'
Established in 1994, Soltec specialises in providing innovative waste management and recycling solutions, particularly in hazardous waste, helping businesses across Ireland minimise their environmental impact.
In 2023, Soltec achieved an exceptional 91% overall waste recovery rate, diverting materials from general waste and saving 5,333 tonnes of carbon emissions through liquid recovered fuel, along with 1,479 tonnes by replacing virgin solvents with recovered solvents.
Over the past two years, Soltec has expanded its hazardous waste treatment capacity from 5,000 tonnes in 2019 to 20,000 tonnes in 2021—an impressive 300% growth.
Pakman judges praised Soltec’s pioneering advancements in technology and infrastructure, which have helped numerous businesses reduce their carbon footprint, making a significant contribution to Ireland’s sustainability efforts.
Minister Ossian Smyth, Minister of State for Communications and Circular Economy, congratulated the winners, saying: “The 2024 Pakman Awards showcase the remarkable achievements of individuals, businesses, and communities working to create a more sustainable future.
"These awards inspire all of us to take part in Ireland’s transition to a Circular Economy.”
Zoe Kavanagh, CEO of Repak, also praised all of the participants saying: “This year’s entries were some of the most innovative and impactful we’ve seen, setting an example for others to follow.
"I want to extend my congratulations to all our winners, especially Soltec, for their exceptional leadership in environmental sustainability.”
Other winners of the night were Lidl Ireland, which took home the Business Recycling Champion Award.
Lidl’s partnership with FoodCloud has resulted in the donation of over 4 million meals to Irish charities, and the company has reduced 40 tonnes of general waste by converting protective plastics into new products such as picnic benches and plant pots.
This year's awards also saw the introduction of the Best Deposit Return Initiative which was won by WeCan.
WeCan Ireland is a community project that supports adults with intellectual disabilities by providing them with jobs collecting and returning recyclable cans and bottles from local businesses.
The project now has 56 supporters onboard which has seen them collect over 33,300 cans and bottles, raising €5,000 in funds to support local charities.
Eco-Friendly Cups Ireland won the Best Single Use Plastic Initiative Award for its innovative approach to reducing waste.
In 2024, the company washed and reused over 2 million cups, including substituting 150,000 single-use cups with reusable alternatives at the Irish Open.
Also on the night, Dennis Spiegel, of Lidl Ireland, was awarded the ESG Leader award.
Dennis Spiegel is a sustainability leader at Lidl Ireland, known for his work in environmental management and corporate responsibility.
Since joining Lidl in 2020, Dennis has gone above and beyond to educate others on the importance of socially and environmentally responsible consumption as well as working towards a circular economy both on an individual and organisational level.
Other winners included:
· Aldi Ireland: Winner of the Plastic Pledge Award for becoming the first major Irish retailer to introduce fully recyclable milk bottle caps, leading to the reuse of 70 tonnes of plastic.
· Dawn Farm Foods Ltd: Winner of the Waste Prevention Award.
· NR Rubber Products: Recognised as Tyre Champion.
· Green Generation: Winner of Best Innovation in Waste Resource Products or Services.
· Tramore Eco Group: Awarded for Best Environmental Education and Community Initiative.
Photo: From from left, Michael Corcoran, Managing Director, of Soltec (Ireland) Ltd, Zoe Kavanagh, CEO of Repak, David Corcoran, Director, of Soltec (Ireland) Ltd, with Ossian Smyth, Minister of State for Communications and Circular Economy, and and Patricia Corcoran, Richard Kelly, and Diarmuid Griffin, of Soltec (Ireland) Ltd.
