Shop with a Repak Member
Almost all Irish people think retailers have an obligation to recycle properly.
Repak research reveals Ireland’s preferences for recycling over the festive season:
- Over 93% of people think that retailers have an obligation to recycle properly
- Just over 50% are unaware that retailers are legally obligated to recycle
- Almost all (90%) are more likely to shop with a retailer that they know recycles properly
- 82% have never asked a retailer whether they recycle
- 71% plan to shop for their presents online this Christmas
- Over 80% recycle packaging from their presents every Christmas
- Partner / significant other cited as the most difficult person to buy for (36%)
Dublin, 5th December, 2016: Repak has today announced the results of a survey that exposes what the Irish public really think when it comes to recycling at Christmas. Over 1,000 people were questioned for this specially commissioned survey, which has revealed that 93% of people think Irish retailers should recycle properly, despite 50% being unaware that retailers are legally obliged to do so.
Believe it or not, there’s only 20 days left until Christmas and Repak is calling on consumers to shop with a Repak member. The results from the 2016 Repak Christmas Survey have revealed that we’re a fascinating bunch when it comes to recycling habits during the festive season.
Recycle for life, not just for Christmas…
Repak research also reveals Irish people’s attitudes towards recycling over Christmas and beyond:
- Despite the fact that 50% of those surveyed believe retailers should always recycle properly, only 18% have ever asked a retailer whether they do recycle
- 71% plan to shop online for Christmas, however less than half (43%) will consider whether the online retailer will recycle packaging correctly
- 81% recycle packaging from presents every Christmas, but a significant 4% never recycle and 14% only recycle on occasion
- 95% claim to always put wrapping paper in the recycle bin, 74% recycle plastic inserts from toy boxes and 46% of respondents will ensure that chocolate wrappers are recycled
Shop with a Repak member this Christmas!
Today’s announcement coincides with the launch of a new drive by Repak to encourage people to adapt a ‘shop better’ approach this festive season. Repak are encouraging consumers to shop with one of their members not just at Christmas, but all year round.
Seamus Clancy, CEO Repak said: “The volume of gifts that are given in Irish households each Christmas creates a heavy influx of waste packaging to process each year.
It will not come as a surprise to many that Christmas is also the busiest time of year for our recycling contract partners. To ease the levels of recycling from Irish households this Christmas, we’re asking people to shop better and purchase gifts from a Repak member. While research shows that Irish people buy presents aplenty at Christmas, by shopping with one of our member’s, people can feel assured that they are helping to protect the environment. As a nation, we’re continuing to take strides in increasing packaging recycling rates and at this particular time of year, we’re asking people to shop better and pay special attention to their recycling habits”.
This year, Repak celebrates 19 years of recycling success in Ireland which is largely due to the commitment of its 2,085 members. This ongoing commitment has lifted Ireland from being one of the poorest performers to being ranked one of the highest in Europe in packaging recycling. By choosing to shop with a Repak member, Irish consumers are continuing to play a significant role in funding the recycling of hundreds of thousands of tonnes in used packaging each year.
From Tesco, to Aldi, Coca Cola to IKEA and TK Maxx, Argos, Penneys and many more these are the country’s leading retailers and are committed Repak members. The 2016 Repak Christmas Survey revealed that 10% of respondents are unaware some of Ireland’s biggest names in the retail sector were members and based on these interesting findings, Repak is urging shoppers to visit repak.ie where they can find the full list.
