National Repak community campaign launched in Mayo by Minister Dillon
Minister Alan Dillon has today launched the Repak Members in the Community national campaign at Intersport Elverys, Castlebar.
The campaign shines a spotlight on the vital role Repak Members play in towns and villages across the country, highlighting the businesses and individuals within the community that are contributing to a greener future for Ireland.
Anchored in community contribution and innovation, the campaign celebrates the achievements of Repak Members in advancing sustainable packaging and recycling practices.
It is aimed at inspiring communities nationwide to build on this progress and take further action in support of Ireland’s circular economy.
Repak Member Intersport Elverys operates 44 stores nationwide.
Among their most impactful initiatives in reducing waste and reusing is the introduction of 100% recyclable online and in-store bags, in addition to a reusable and recyclable warehouse pallet box system.
In 2025, Intersport Elverys recycled over 210 tonnes of cardboard and just under 15 tonnes of plastic, demonstrating commitment at every level to sustainable change and impact.
Alan Dillon, Minister of State for Employment, Small Businesses and Retail & Circular Economy, commented: “The campaign highlights the practical actions Repak Member businesses are taking to reduce waste, embrace reuse, and innovate in packaging design.
"Achieving our national and European recycling targets requires partnership between government, industry and citizens.
"Campaigns like this not only recognise the progress being made but also encourage wider behavioural change which is essential as we continue our transition to a circular economy.”
Repak CEO Zoe Kavanagh added: “We are delighted to provide a platform for Repak Members like Intersport Elverys, who demonstrate circular thinking across all their operations, and inspire other businesses on how they can follow suit.
"By engaging with Repak, any business – big or small – can access packaging optimisation expertise to reduce packaging waste and maximise recycling.
"Not only will this guarantee compliance with EU Packaging Regulations, all Repak Members will also play a huge role in contributing to the achievement of Ireland’s recycling targets.”
Repak is proud to support over 3,500 Members in reducing packaging waste, improving recyclability and preparing for evolving EU regulations.
By working together, we are driving real progress towards a circular economy, where materials are kept in use for as long as possible and waste is designed out from the start. Importantly, we hope this campaign inspires other businesses to take the next step on their sustainability journey.”
Mark Cormican, general manager of Intersport Elverys, also said: “With 44 stores across Ireland, we manage significant volumes of product and packaging each year, which gives us both a responsibility and an opportunity to innovate.
"Our membership of Repak is central to this progress. Their expertise, regulatory guidance and national recycling framework give us the confidence that the packaging we place on the Irish market is managed responsibly and in line with evolving EU requirements.”
As Ireland works to meet ambitious national and EU environmental targets, Repak continues to play a pivotal role in supporting its Members to design out waste, improve recyclability and ensure packaging placed on the Irish market is managed responsibly.
Through collaboration, expert guidance and regulatory support, Repak is helping businesses transition towards more sustainable packaging systems while strengthening Ireland’s recycling infrastructure.
The campaign underscores Repak’s central role in helping Ireland achieve its recycling and packaging recovery targets. Through eco-fee modulation, technical advice, training and data reporting supports, Repak enables members to make informed packaging decisions that reduce environmental impact while ensuring compliance with evolving regulations, including the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation.
The 'Repak Members in the Community’ national campaign will be rolled out nationwide and participating members include Badger & Dodo, SuperValu, Boots, Slaney Farms, Donnelly Fresh and Dublin Zoo demonstrating the collective commitment of Irish businesses to sustainable packaging and responsible environmental stewardship.