Mayo launch highlights businesses leading Ireland’s recycling drive

A major national sustainability campaign has been launched in Castlebar, Co. Mayo, placing a spotlight on the role of local businesses in driving environmental change.

Alan Dillon, Minister of State for Employment, Small Businesses and Retail & Circular Economy, officially launched the ‘Repak Members in the Community’ campaign at Intersport Elverys today (Friday, March 27).

The initiative, led by Repak, highlights how businesses across Ireland are reducing waste, improving recyclability and contributing to the transition towards a circular economy.

Launching the campaign, Minister Dillon said it recognises the steps being taken by companies to reduce their environmental impact.

“Achieving our recycling targets requires partnership between Government, industry and citizens,” he said. “Campaigns like this not only highlight progress but also encourage wider behavioural change.”

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A key focus of the launch was the work of Intersport Elverys, which operates 44 stores nationwide and has introduced a range of sustainability measures. These include fully recyclable shopping bags and a reusable warehouse pallet system.

The company reported recycling over 210 tonnes of cardboard and nearly 15 tonnes of plastic in 2025, demonstrating what organisers described as a strong commitment to sustainable practices.

Zoe Kavanagh, CEO of Repak, said the campaign aims to inspire other businesses to follow suit.

“By engaging with Repak, businesses of all sizes can access expertise to reduce packaging waste and maximise recycling, while also meeting EU regulations,” she said.

Repak currently supports more than 3,500 member companies nationwide, providing guidance on packaging design, waste reduction and compliance with evolving environmental standards.

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Mark Cormican, General Manager of Intersport Elverys, said the company sees sustainability as both a responsibility and an opportunity.

“Our membership of Repak gives us the confidence that the packaging we use is managed responsibly and in line with EU requirements,” he said.

The campaign will now roll out nationwide, featuring a range of participating businesses including SuperValu, Boots and Dublin Zoo, all working to improve packaging sustainability.