Packaging recycling in Ireland rises by 60,000 tonnes

Repak report shows that more than 1.2m tonnes of packaging was recovered and recycled in 2025

Repak CEO Zoe Kavanagh. More than 1.2m tonnes of packaging was recovered and recycled in 2025, the annual report of Repak published on Thursday said.

More than 1.2m tonnes of packaging was recovered and recycled in 2025, the annual report of Repak published on Thursday said.

The report said an additional 60,000 tonnes of packaging was recycled in 2025, the largest year-on-year increase in packaging recycling volumes in the past decade.

Repak said commercial recycling grew by almost 48,000 tonnes during the year, while household recycling increased by almost 12,000 tonnes.

Paper recycling increased by 17,000 tonnes, while plastic recycling increased by more than 5,000 tonnes. However, aluminium tonnes recycled fell reflecting the launch of the Deposit and Return Scheme for beverage plastic bottle and aluminium cans.

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"2025 was a significant year for Repak, with our members delivering the largest increase in recycling volumes seen in the past decade, funding an additional €6m in recycling activity and achieving 115% of our members' recycling obligations," said Repak chief executive Zoe Kavanagh. 

"The results demonstrate what can be achieved when producers, waste operators, local authorities, and the public works together. While significant challenges remain, particularly around plastic recycling and the changing economics of waste management, this performance shows that Ireland can deliver on its environmental ambitions when investment, infrastructure and policy are aligned."

Repak's membership base grew in during 2025, with 138 new members joining to bring total membership to 3,690.

New Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) will come into effect in August, which sets out ambitious targets for recycled content in plastic packaging and greater use of reuse and refill systems. PPWR aims to reduce packaging waste by 5% by 2030, 10% by 2035 and 15% by 2040, while also requiring all packaging placed on the EU market to be recyclable by 2030.

"Repak’s new 10-year licence provides the long-term certainty needed to scale investment in infrastructure, technology and innovation, enabling more efficient recovery and recycling of materials. As we prepare for the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation, this foundation will be critical to supporting Irish businesses to adapt and to ensuring Ireland continues to increase our recycling rates,” said Ms Kavanagh.