Ireland to generate 100,000 tonnes of packaging waste over Christmas, a 4% increase

50% of people say they will reduce their consumption this year. Picture: Larry Cummins

Ireland is expected to generate 100,000 tonnes of packaging waste this Christmas.

Packaging waste is at its highest at this time of year and it is set to increase 4% this Christmas. 

50% of people in Ireland said that sustainability is a consideration when choosing what to buy, according to research from environmental organisation Repak.

Businesses have noted these concerns and a growing number offer minimal packaging, while others are highlighting sustainable packaging.

Efforts to make Christmas greener go beyond packaging: People are buying gifts that can be reused or kept for a long time.

30% of shoppers said that buying local is a priority to boost their regional economy.

Shopping local can also reduce the carbon footprint of shipping  and transporting from retailers outside of Ireland.

45% of people will give gifts in reusable bags, while 30% will use recycled wrapping paper.

The majority of people will use last year's decorations, while 20% will create homemade decorations from reusable materials.

Meanwhile, 50% of people will reduce consumption this Christmas, by buying less food and drink.

Chief executive of Repak, Séamus Clancy, is calling for people to make sure that all packaging and waste is recycled correctly.

"It is important that we all play our part in recycling our packaging effectively to contribute to a circular economy and meet our EU goal of recycling 50% of all plastics by 2025," said Mr Clancy.

"We can all make a huge impact by recycling and by ensuring our packaging is clean, dry, and placed loosely in the correct bin this Christmas."

The survey found a considerable increase in the number of people who will prioritise sustainability  this Christmas.

As well as putting packaging in the correct bin, people are planning to dispose of used batteries in their local WEEE facility and 55% will visit their local recycling facility.

Wrapping paper, and paper and cardboard boxes, and wrappers from sweets and biscuits, can all be placed into the recycling bin, while empty glass bottles should go to the local bottle bank.