Ireland's carton recycling milestone: 5 million and counting

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.

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.