For the first time in two years, the Irish public can get together this Easter without restrictions. Easter celebrations will be different to last year for 60% of people, and 70% of families plan to take advantage of eased restrictions by enjoying a meal together at home. That’s according to our new research.
We carried out research with 1,000 adults in Ireland to examine the nation’s Easter consumption habits and awareness of what packaging waste can be recycled. Since last year, all plastics can go into the recycling bin, which our research reveals 35% are unaware of.
This Easter, we are asking the public to recycle all plastics and in particular, packaging from Easter eggs and gifts. Cardboard boxes, plastic moulds and clean tin foil are just some of the many items consumed by households over Easter that can all go into the recycling bin once clean, dry, and loose. Ireland currently recycles 31% of all plastics, but that needs to increase to 50% by 2025 to achieve plastic recycling targets the EU has set for coming years. By being a good egg and recycling correctly this Easter, the public will help Ireland reach the target.
Chocolate still on top
Research reveals that while gifting chocolate Easter eggs remains a popular tradition with 54% planning to do so, purchasing alternative gifts is becoming more common and 22% will gift a different present to chocolate. Of those planning to gift something different, 28% will buy another confectionery, 23% will gift toys, and 17% will surprise a loved one with baked goods.
Overall, people in Ireland will spend €36 on average on chocolate Easter eggs this year. A half (50%) will buy 6 chocolate eggs or more, and 27% plan to spend more than last year. When it comes to choosing an Easter egg to buy, it’s all about the type of chocolate for 62%, who say that this is more important to them than whether the packaging that comes with the egg is recyclable or not. Sustainability is particularly on the minds of those polled aged 18-24 when making an all-important chocolate egg choice, with 15% saying that it influences their decision most, compared with an average of 10% of older generations.
Celebrating with loved ones
Family meals are not the only way people plan to celebrate Easter together this year. An in-person chocolate Easter egg hunt is on the cards for 18%, another 18% will be getting together for food with friends, and 11% plan to get crafty by decorating eggs. Regardless of the celebration, 63% plan to spend the same on festivities as last year.
Commenting on the research findings, Séamus Clancy, CEO of Repak said: “Like most of the Irish public, we are delighted to be able to celebrate Easter with our family and friends this year. Easter is a particularly busy period for waste operators across Ireland, who receive a heavy influx of packaging waste over the weekend. By placing all recyclable items in the recycling bin clean, dry, and loose, we will be supporting their work. Also, as now all plastics can go in the recycling bin, we have a great opportunity to reach ambitious future plastic recycling targets set by the EU.
With 19% expecting to receive at least 3 chocolate eggs this Easter, it’s important to take the time to understand what can be recycled and how to do so correctly. Recycling all plastics in addition to other recyclable items clean, dry, and loose is a great first step in helping Ireland increase its recycling rates. Joining Repak Team Green is also a great way to learn what can be recycled and tips to become a best practice recycler.”
To find out more recycling hints and tips, join Repak Team Green and pledge to recycle more and better. It takes just two minutes to join Repak Team Green. Use the button above to download our handy ‘C.D.L’ (clean, dry, and loose) Easter recycling manual.