The Alliance for Beverage Cartons and the Environment (ACE) Ireland has welcomed the inclusion of investment in sorting technology for Ireland’s materials recovery facility (MRF) network as part of the Programme for Government.
ACE Ireland represents Tetra Pak, Elopak, and SIG Combibloc, the leading manufacturers of beverage cartons for the Irish and European markets. As an association ACE Ireland is focused on increasing collection and recycling rates for all recyclable materials placed on the Irish market, including beverage cartons. ACE Ireland believe that targeted investment in Ireland’s MRFs is key to delivering this to ensure recyclable materials collected at kerbside are correctly sorted for full onward recycling.
Commenting ACE Ireland Chief Executive, Mandy Kelly said: “It’s very encouraging to see the commitment to provide investment for sorting technology in MRFs outlined in the Programme for Government. This reflects a key ask from our General Election manifesto and would be a significant step to improving recycling processes and rates in Ireland.
“Beverage cartons are a circular, renewable and recyclable food packaging solution and it’s essential that the necessary infrastructure and investment is in place to maximise their potential in Ireland’s circular economy and to meet EU collection and recycling targets.
“We are looking forward to working with the incoming Government to support the commitments set out in the Programme for Government. We are also committed to working with the Government and other stakeholders to further build on Ireland’s circular economy ambitions through increased public awareness regarding recycling and collating and publishing more detailed data on the collection and recycling of specific material formats.”
