Minister of State Ossian Smyth Launches 2021 Pakman Awards
Minister of State for Public Procurement and eGovernment, Ossian Smyth TD and Repak CEO, Séamus Clancy, today launched the 2021 Pakman Awards. Now in its 7th year, the National Environmental Awards honour organisations, businesses, community groups and individuals across Ireland, who demonstrate excellence in recycling and waste management.
A Pakman Award is the most prestigious accolade that an organisation, community group or individual can win in Ireland’s environmental sector.
This year sees the introduction of a new category, the Online Green Packaging Award. This Award is open to producers and retailers of e-commerce packaging, recognising innovation in sustainable packaging with an emphasis on reduce, reuse and recycle. The significant increase in online shopping as a result of Covid restrictions has given rise to an opportunity for online sellers to produce eco-friendly sustainable packaging that demonstrates CO2 reduction impacts across the supply chain.
Like many businesses and organisations across Ireland, the 2020 Pakman Awards was impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic, but this year will see the return of 12 categories in the National Environmental Awards including the Overall Pakman Award. This year, category entrants are invited to submit examples of their environmental efforts from the past two years, rather than 12 months.
Winners of all categories will be announced at this year’s Pakman Awards, which will be held on 29 October in The Shelbourne Hotel, subject to government guidelines. In 2020, Aldi was named the overall winner for demonstrating an outstanding commitment to the Repak Members’ Plastic Pledge objectives, including the removal of 600 tonnes of plastic from its packaging.
Speaking at the launch of the 2021 Pakman Awards, Minister of State for Public Procurement and eGovernment, Ossian Smyth TD said: ‘The Pakman Awards pay tribute to the people and businesses all across Ireland whose sustainability efforts have resulted in a much improved environment for us all. From local community group efforts to improve recycling, to corporate schemes that prioritise prevention of waste and innovation in waste management, the Pakman Awards play an important role in highlighting and acknowledging these achievements.’
Séamus Clancy, CEO of Repak added: ‘Our National Environmental Awards offer a fantastic opportunity for any business, organisation or community group to demonstrate their environmental leadership and how they are making a difference for future generations. Despite difficult conditions, most businesses and organisations have continued to implement exemplary waste management, sustainability, and recycling practices and we want to highlight these efforts.
The Pakman Awards give nominees and winners the chance to enhance their reputation and showcase their sustainability credentials. We’re delighted to be back with a full programme of awards this year, so from recycling bins to batteries, environmental education to packaging waste, there is a category for everyone committed to a sustainable future in Ireland.’
The 2021 Pakman Awards are now open for entries. More information can also be found on Pakman Awards on Facebook and @PakmanAwards on Twitter and www.pakman.ie.