ACE Ireland is pleased to announce the appointment of Ben Powell as our new Head of External Affairs. Ben brings a wealth of public affairs, stakeholder engagement, and policy development experience, having held key roles in both the public and private sectors.
Before joining ACE Ireland, Ben held a leadership role in a strategic communications consultancy, working with clients in sectors including energy and housing. He has a background in UK politics, having worked as a political advisor in Westminster and as a local councillor.
The appointment comes at a significant point for the industry in Ireland with the Programme for Government committing to investing in sorting technology in Ireland’s materials recovery facility (MRF) network, the upcoming implementation of EU regulations, and the drafting of a new Waste Action Plan for a Circular Economy for 2026-2030.
Commenting on his appointment as Head of External Affairs at ACE Ireland, Ben Powell, said: “I am delighted to take on this role at such a pivotal time for ACE Ireland. This is an exciting opportunity to continue the impressive work the Alliance has undertaken in profiling beverage cartons as a recyclable packaging option for Irish households. My focus will be on advancing this work to ensure that beverage cartons can maximise their role in Ireland’s circular economy.
“I look forward to engaging with stakeholders and policymakers across the waste management sector to further build on Ireland’s circular economy ambitions. I am particularly looking forward to supporting the Government with their commitment to invest in sorting technology in MRFs.
“Effective collection and sorting of recyclable materials will be essential in reaching Ireland’s recycling targets and targeted investment in Ireland’s MRFs is key to delivering this to ensure sustainable packaging such as beverage cartons are sorted for full onward recycling.”
ACE Ireland, CEO Mandy Kelly said: “We are delighted to welcome Ben to the team. His extensive background in external affairs and policy engagement will be invaluable as we engage with the incoming Government and work to increase the collection and recycling of beverage cartons across Ireland. Ben’s appointment strengthens our ability to champion cartons as a sustainable and renewable packaging choice.”
