New research shows Irish consumers want companies to do more to improve sustainability of packaging
91% of Irish respondents believe companies should only use packaging that is infinitely recyclable
Print7 June 2022
More than nine in ten (95%) people living in Ireland want to see more done by businesses to protect the environment, with the onus first and foremost on companies improving their packaging recyclability.
According to the new research from not-for-profit, Every Can Counts, 91% of Irish respondents said that companies should only use packaging that is infinitely recyclable, with even more (94%) believing that firms should be held responsible for the packaging they select.
Comparatively, seven in 10 (70%) Irish adults believe consumers should be held responsible for the packaging they buy, proving that it is businesses that are being held accountable for making a change.
However, Irish people are committed to supporting the initiatives available to them to protect the environment, with 79% prioritising reducing waste and 70% encouraging individuals to recycle more.
When it comes to recycling at home, two-thirds (67%) of Irish people surveyed admitted to always recycling their drink cans – although that means a third (33%) still aren’t in the habit of doing so.
Recycling rates also drop dramatically when out of the home, with only 40% of Irish adults placing their drink cans in recycling bins when at work, and 29% when out and about.
Perhaps improved recycling infrastructure could go some way in resolving the problem, with 69% saying they would like more recycling bins in public areas and 61% favouring implementing deposit return schemes.
Every Can Counts commissioned the research to coincide with its International Recycling Tour which took place in 17 countries recently to mark World Environment Day, aiming to raise awareness of drink can recycling and encourage people to keep public outdoor spaces clean.
“Drink cans recycle forever,” said Tom Giddings, director of Every Can Counts Ireland.
“This is the main message of our International Recycling Tour and the reason why we are working to inspire behaviour change and help reach 100% can recycling in Europe and beyond.
“This ambitious target can only be reached if consumers, brands, event organisers and local communities join forces to recycle every drink can, working together to build a more sustainable planet,” he added.
The International Recycling Tour’s goal is to remind people that keeping public outdoor spaces clean is a collaborative effort. Small everyday acts, like proper waste disposal, can help us all towards a more sustainable living and a healthier planet.
With this in mind, more than 100 recycling ambassadors roamed parks, cities, and beaches, donning their vibrant backpacks to help raise awareness of drink can recycling in the following countries: Austria, Brazil, Colombia, Czech Republic, France, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Montenegro, Netherlands, Poland, Romania, Serbia, Slovenia, Spain, and the United Kingdom.
Related Articles
Gala Retail marks a decade of supporting Special Olympics Ireland →
Fyffes announces Ireland’s Fittest School finalists →
BWG Foods introduces iHexagon cooking system in Ireland →
Fans 0
Followers