According to recycling partnership Every Can Counts, new research shows that environmental concerns within Ireland are among the highest in Europe.
Survey Results
Every Can Counts stated, "In a survey of thousands of people across 15 European countries, conducted by Every Can Counts, 97% of Irish respondents said that protecting the environment is important to them. Environmental concerns were only felt more strongly in the Czech Republic and the Netherlands.
"The importance of recycling in safeguarding the environment is also widely recognised, with six in 10 people in Ireland saying they 'always' recycle drink cans when on the go. Nearly two-thirds (64%) state that they would recycle more if there were a greater number of recycling bins in public places.
"The research coincides with the not-for-profit’s first-ever European Recycling Tour, which ran simultaneously in 15 countries, highlighting the value of drink cans recycling to over four million people across the continent.
"As part of this, Every Can Counts ambassadors worked with Dún Laoghaire County Council, Flossie and the Beach Cleaners, and Dún Laoghaire Tidy Towns to clear up the seaside suburb of Dún Laoghaire with colourful recycling backpacks. Meanwhile, 18 other European locations joined in on the action, all with a goal to celebrate public spaces and inspire people to do the right thing with empty drink cans.
"The joint effort culminated in the creation of a live PixelCan artwork - the first of its kind in Ireland. The art piece, depicting an eye-catching rainbow, measured two metres high and six metres wide. It was built with painted drink cans recycled from the European Recycling Tour, and put together with the help of Dún Laoghaire’s young people."
Every Can Counts Ireland Programme Manager
Every Can Counts Ireland programme manager Róisín O'Brien stated, "It's great to see the growing awareness of environmental issues throughout the country, and it’s definitely reflected in the figures as Ireland has one of the highest drink can recycling rates in Europe too.
"The whole campaign has been so well received, including by people enjoying a day out in Dún Laoghaire. Thanks to everyone involved, we were able to collect nearly 2,000 drink cans, which were all used to create our gorgeous rainbow artwork and communicate the all-important recycling message. It was a case of team work really does make the dream work!"
Key Criteria Of Sustainable Packaging
Every Can Counts continued, "When asked about the key criteria of sustainable packaging, the majority of respondents prioritised the following: 'made from 100% recyclable material', 'infinitely recyclable', and 'can be produced and recycled inside Europe'."
Director Of Every Can Counts Europe Statement
Director of Every Can Counts Europe David Van Heuverswyn stated, "Aluminium drink cans meet all the requirements for sustainable packaging highlighted by the majority of respondents in our research, which is very encouraging. But it's also clear that more work needs to be done from all sides when it comes to recycling on the go and putting our empties in the right bin for proper waste disposal and recycling. This visually impressive activation across Europe delivered a strong message about people acting in unison when it comes to achieving a truly circular economy, and if we are to reach our vision for 100% can recycling throughout Europe, we need all actors to do their part: the metal packaging industry, extended producer responsibility schemes, local authorities, brands, as well as consumers."
European Recycling Tour 2021 Countries
Every Can Counts added, "The European Recycling Tour 2021 took place in Austria, the Czech Republic, France, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Montenegro, the Netherlands, Poland, Romania, Serbia, Slovenia, Spain, and the United Kingdom."
Every Can Counts Information
Every Can Counts is a not-for-profit communications programme that works to inspire, encourage and empower people to recycle their empty drink cans. The programme is funded through a partnership between European drink can manufacturers, and the Irish recycling industry. The programme's vision is to achieve a 100% recycling rate for drink cans throughout Europe. Every Can Counts partners with a wide range of businesses, organisations and events to work towards this goal, providing advice and support including free-to-use communications materials to help engage consumers with the benefits of recycling drink cans.
Created in 2009, the programme now has a presence in 19 countries across Europe.
The Naked Collective Partnership
Earlier this year, Co. Kildare-based healthy drinks company The Naked Collective entered into a partnership with Every Can Counts to help inspire and encourage more people to recycle their empty drink cans.
© 2021 Hospitality Ireland – your source for the latest industry news. Article by Dave Simpson. Click subscribe to sign up for the Hospitality Ireland print edition.
