Ireland's carton recycling milestone: 5 million and counting

Five million beverage cartons fully recycled thanks to Panda and ACE Ireland collaboration ACE Ireland
Sustainability

Ireland has reached a significant milestone, recycling around five million beverage cartons since the introduction of advanced sorting technology at Panda’s Ballymount Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) in Dublin last July.

The robotic AI sorting technology, funded by The Alliance for Beverage Cartons and the Environment (ACE) Ireland in partnership with Panda, has improved the recycling process for beverage cartons in Ireland.

To celebrate the first anniversary of this technology, ACE Ireland and Panda are launching the #RecycleYourCartons campaign to raise awareness about the recyclability of beverage cartons.

Panda customers are reminded that beverage cartons should be placed clean, dry, and loose in household recycling bins. Once collected, these bins are taken to Panda’s MRF, where an AI robot sorts the cartons into dedicated streams. The sorted materials are then sent to ACE’s specialized recycling facility, where the fibres are recycled multiple times.

Over five million cartons recycled since launch of dedicated sorting at Ireland’s largest MRF © ACE Ireland
Commenting, ACE Ireland’s Senior Recycling Manager, Mandy Kelly said: The initiation of robotic sorting at Ballymount is proving hugely successful in showcasing how beverage cartons can and should be recycled in Ireland. It’s very encouraging to see over five million cartons sorted and sent for full recycling at ACE’s specialised carton facility within the first year of our partnership with Panda. However, there is huge potential for a further increase in carton recycling rates in Ireland and improved recycling practices through targeted investment and working with industry partners.

By ensuring your cartons are clean, dry, and loose in your recycling bin, you help guarantee they can be fully recycled.

Latest Packaging News

100 days to go: London Packaging Week prepares to launch its most ambitious show yet
Events

100 days to go: London Packaging Week prepares to launch its most ambitious show yet

With 100 days to go, momentum is building for London Packaging Week 2025. Taking place on 15 &...
Viscose Closures: Major investment in state-of-the-art flexo printer boosts shrink sleeve production
Supplier News

Viscose Closures: Major investment in state-of-the-art flexo printer boosts shrink sleeve production

We’re excited to announce a major investment here at Viscose Closures: the planned installation of...
UK retailers unite to explore reusable packaging through prefill systems
Business

UK retailers unite to explore reusable packaging through prefill systems

Nine of the UK’s largest grocery retailers have jointly announced plans to explore the...
Glue-based Snap Packs to replace cardboard sleeves on Aldi beer multipacks
Sustainability

Glue-based Snap Packs to replace cardboard sleeves on Aldi beer multipacks

Aldi has announced plans to introduce a new packaging format for its own-label beers that is...
Makro uses 'Life Extending Stickers' to guide consumers towards less food waste
Sustainability

Makro uses 'Life Extending Stickers' to guide consumers towards less food waste

To support its sustainability objectives and tackle the widespread issue of food waste in fresh...