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Sustainable Business Practical framework shows exactly what modern businesses need to survive Discover new standards that will allow your business to thrive in today’s landscape, underpinned by governance, accountability, human rights and more.

F Cathy Kinsella Business Development, B Lab Ireland

or Irish businesses navigating economic uncertainty, geopolitical instability, climate disruption, talent shortages and evolving EU regulation, one thing is clear: the businesses best equipped for the future won’t simply react well to change; they’ll be designed to withstand it.

Resilience should be embedded throughout business Too often, sustainability is still treated as a separate function rather than a core business strategy. Governance failures, fragile supply chains, poor labour practices and unsubstantiated environmental claims are no longer just reputational issues; they are commercial risks that undermine longterm value. Yet, many businesses still approach sustainability as a collection of initiatives rather than as a driver of resilience. As expectations from

investors, regulators and customers continue to rise, that distinction is becoming increasingly important. This is where B Lab’s new standards come in. B Corp certification is underpinned by a globally recognised framework for responsible business. The new standards shift the focus from rewarding isolated sustainability initiatives to embedding resilience across an organisation. Rather than asking businesses to demonstrate a collection of individual projects, they require businesses to build systems for governance, accountability, climate action, human rights, fair work and environmental stewardship.

New standards recognise that risk is not uniform A risk-based approach applies deeper scrutiny where exposure is greatest, requiring meaningful due diligence where it matters most. The result is stronger decision-making, more

resilient operations and greater confidence among customers, investors, employees and regulators. Ireland’s B Corp community is growing because business leaders increasingly recognise that this is no longer about corporate responsibility. It’s about futureproofing organisations. Certified B Corporations in Ireland increased by 82% in 2024 and by a further 70% in 2025. That growth reflects rising demand for credible, independently verified frameworks that strengthen accountability, resilience and longterm value. Trust now carries measurable commercial value, but it cannot simply be claimed; it has to be built into the way a business operates. Resilience is becoming the price of entry, and the new B Lab standards offer one practical framework for building it.

Retail compliance steps under PPWR As the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) takes effect, Irish retailers face a new era of circular economy mandates.

T Samira Nicolo Senior Executive, Retail Ireland

he EU PPWR marks a major shift in Europe’s approach to packaging sustainability, introducing significant new legal obligations for Irish retailers. Many packaging measures that were previously considered best practice will now become mandatory requirements, affecting products sold across the EU, including in Ireland.

Changes to packaging rules

To find out more, go to: retailireland.ie

The regulation represents one of the most significant changes to packaging rules in decades. Its goal is to reduce packaging waste, improve recyclability and support the transition to a more circular economy. Retailers and suppliers will need to adapt packaging designs and materials to meet these new standards over the coming years. For businesses, this could include reducing unnecessary packaging, increasing the use of recyclable materials and ensuring packaging is easier for consumers to sort and recycle. Certain packaging formats

may also face restrictions as the regulation is phased in.

Understanding retailer obligations The PPWR places greater responsibility on businesses that place packaged products on the market. Retailers will need to demonstrate that products sold in their stores are moving towards compliance with the new requirements. Ultimately, packaging that fails to meet the standards will no longer be permitted. For own-brand products, retailers will take on responsibilities similar to those of a manufacturer. This includes maintaining records that demonstrate compliance, gathering detailed information on packaging materials and retaining supporting documentation that may be required by regulators.

Overcoming implementation challenges While the objectives of the regulation are widely supported, implementation

presents challenges. Uncertainty around some of the technical details, including harmonised waste-sorting labels and Digital Product Passports, makes it difficult for businesses to finalise packaging designs and update systems. Retailers also face the challenge of collecting compliance information from complex global supply chains.

Practical steps for readiness To prepare for PPWR requirements, retailers should focus on three key actions: 1. Review packaging portfolios to understand the materials currently in use and identify areas requiring change. 2. Work closely with suppliers to obtain the testing, material and compliance information required under the regulation. 3. Assign clear internal ownership for managing compliance records and declarations.

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Sustainability certification that can help SMEs move beyond compliance As companies seek to decarbonise and become more inclusive, they search for structured frameworks and accreditation to demonstrate their commitment to sustainability to their customers, employees and investors.

T Lis Dare Business Working Responsibly Mark Manager, Business in the Community Ireland

Business Working Responsibly Mark

he Business Working Responsibly Mark (Mark) is Ireland’s leading standard for Economic, Environmental, Social and Governance (EESG) performance. Administered by Business in the Community Ireland (BITCI) and independently certified by the National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI), the Mark enables organisations to move beyond compliance and demonstrate credible leadership in sustainable business practice.

a BITCI in-house team of specialist advisers. From this analysis, gaps will be identified along with a detailed and bespoke action plan. When ready, organisations can then go for a third-party certification audit with the NSAI. This involves an evidencebased assessment of policies, processes and performance. The three-year certification cycle ensures that improvements are sustained and continuously built upon, supporting longterm business success.

Making sustainability part of SMEs’ day-to-day

Benefits of certification

The Mark provides a practical, structured framework to embed sustainability into core business strategy. It ensures sustainability is no longer treated as a standalone initiative but threaded into leadership decision-making, risk management and day-to-day operations. Already, many BITCI members spanning multiple sectors are certified with the Business Working Responsibly Mark. Now, in response to a growing demand for sustainable supply chains, it is open to benefit SMEs. Funding options are available from Enterprise Ireland to support SMEs to acquire the Mark.

For companies navigating growth, regulation and increasing stakeholder expectations, the Business Working Responsibly Mark offers: • A trusted framework to embed ESG without overwhelming resources • A clear action plan to integrate sustainability into business strategy • A way to differentiate in the marketplace • A tool to strengthen governance and manage risk • A pathway to unlock new business opportunities • A foundation for long-term, sustainable growth • It enables organisations to move beyond good intentions and deliver meaningful, measurable impact. Take the next step by starting your journey towards the Business Working Responsibly Mark.

Access to a guided audit process Unlike other sustainability certifications, Mark certification is a guided audit process. All companies begin with an in-depth gap analysis against the Mark Standard with

Building a sustainable future across boundaries Action for climate and nature is now a business imperative. Discover how collaboration helps organisations to build resilience and develop new opportunities through cost-effective research.

Professor Yvonne Buckley Co-Director, Co-Centre for Climate+ Biodiversity + Water

WRITTEN BY Beth Cooper

s businesses commit to net zero, biodiversity and water stewardship, they are also navigating a more unpredictable world, where climate change can disrupt supply chains and industry infrastructure. Research is becoming central to finding practical solutions and building business resilience. The Co-Centre for Climate + Biodiversity + Water brings together academic expertise across Ireland, Northern Ireland and Great Britain. “We collaborate with businesses, policymakers and communities across borders and disciplines to research solutions for preventing and adapting to climate change, protecting and restoring ecosystems, developing sustainable economies and improving quality of life,” explains Professor Yvonne Buckley, Co-Director.

Why industry engagement matters

To find out more, go to: climatecocentre. org

“Businesses are operating in an increasingly changing and unpredictable world because of climate change, degradation of water and biodiversity loss,” explains Buckley. “A good understanding of how climate

@Mediaplanet UK & IE

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change affects your business makes you better able to plan for a changed and unpredictable future.” Businesses possess valuable operational knowledge, data, infrastructure and implementation capability that can accelerate the development and deployment of effective solutions. “By strengthening the networks between businesses, academics and policymakers, we are ensuring we can respond effectively to these transitions, finding rapid, realworld solutions,” she adds. Examples of Climate+ projects include the University of Limerick’s Centre for Emerging Risk Studies (CERS) working in collaboration with Intact Insurance to gain a better understanding of climate-related disaster risk management and insurance strategies, alongside a recent AI project with renewable energy company Galetech Group to support turbine maintenance and optimise renewable energy systems, developed in collaboration with university researchers and PhD students.

Partnering for the future Climate+ actively seeks to engage with

businesses that share a commitment to sustainability and innovation, supported by their network of hundreds of researchers across 14 institutions, expertise spanning ecology, engineering, AI, insurance, risk management, finance, climate science and more. “We can leverage funding to work with you,” explains Buckley. “Whether that’s through research partnerships and collaborative projects, corporate philanthropy, knowledge-sharing initiatives or financial support, there are multiple pathways for engagement.” By engaging with Climate+, companies can gain access to leading research expertise, contribute to innovative projects and explore opportunities that align sustainability objectives with business priorities. “We work across sectors and borders to find solutions for industry, communities and policymakers to the challenges we continue to face,” concludes Buckley. “Get in touch with us to discuss your needs and determine how best we can help. Whether it’s through our costshare research partnerships, specialised industry training or knowledge-sharing opportunities.”

Contact information: ie.info@mediaplanet.com or +44 (0) 203 642 0737

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Why sustainability is good for your business – not just the environment Sustainably minded businesses can benefit the planet — and themselves — by improving circularity in the workplace and making waste management easy and effective.

sharpened focus on sustainability isn’t just a corporate ‘nice to have,’ explains Sinead Ní Mhainnín, Connacht-Ulster Regional Waste Management and Planning Offices. It’s a ‘must do.’

Sinead Ní Mhainnín Connacht-Ulster Regional Waste Management and Planning Offices

WRITTEN BY Tony Greenway

“Due to various issues — including transient workforces and poor bin set-up areas — businesses may not always be segregating their waste in the right way,” says Ní Mhainnín. “The Toolkit includes a range of materials, such as posters and labels, to help staff understand exactly what type of Growing need for sustainability policies waste should go into each recycling bin.” Also available “Consumers are more astute now,” notes Ní Mhainnín. are four short guidance animations which can be used to “They want to deal with businesses that have sustainability improve waste segregation practices. policies because it shows they take this Then there is the MODOS Circular issue very seriously.” Plus, she points Economy Course, a free online out, new legislation is coming down programme for SMEs and microThere are small but the track, including the EU’s Corporate enterprises that want to improve their concrete ways for all Sustainability Reporting Directive environmental performance. “After the (CSRD), which will require businesses businesses to improve the course, businesses will be able to look at to disclose how they impact the impact they have on the their operations with a more informed environment and society. eye to discover where they can introduce environment. Businesses that start their circularity, reduce costs and streamline sustainability journey in one area usually the way they work,” says Ní Mhainnín. end up exploring others, and creates a “One-to-one mentoring with MODOS domino effect,” she says. “When they begin to segregate their experts is also available.” waste properly for the first time, they’ll see the impact and Every business — be it a hotel in Donegal, a football club think about other sustainable actions they can take.” in Limerick, a local authority in Dublin, a manufacturing plant in Cork or a supermarket in Galway — can benefit Tapping into a range of free sustainability resources from these resources. “There are small but concrete ways Support is available for businesses that want to become for all businesses to improve the impact they have on the more sustainable. For example, free business resources are environment,” says Ní Mhainnín. “And that’s good for staff, available on MyWaste.ie — Ireland’s official guide to waste customers and ultimately the businesses.” management — including a Commercial Waste Management Toolkit.

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Sustainable Enterprise Skillnet, is offering a range of fully funded Trade Effluent Water Stewardship supports. From a short online course for SMEs to an eight-week programme for larger businesses, they offer the tools and expertise to help businesses understand and manage trade effluent at site level. The Trade Effluent Essentials Programme provides SMEs with an accessible introduction to trade effluent requirements, water quality and compliance, plus ways to reduce effluent strength, volume and charges. For larger businesses, the eight-week Trade Effluent Water Stewardship Programme provides more in-depth support. Participants examine their water use, drainage and effluent flows, identify opportunities for improvement and develop a tailored Water Charter for their facility.

The programmes can help businesses to: • identify opportunities to reduce trade effluent volume and strength; • improve water efficiency and protect water quality; • identify potential operational and cost savings;

• understand evolving regulatory and reporting requirements; • develop practical, site-specific actions to improve environmental performance.

Fully funded support for all businesses “We’re committed to supporting our business customers to manage their trade effluent effectively. Our fully funded Trade Effluent Water Stewardship supports provide practical guidance and tools to help businesses to prepare for the changes to charges, identify opportunities for improvement and take action to manage costs and protect water quality,” said Geoffrey Bourke, Head of Customer Operations, Uisce Éireann. The programmes form part of a wider range of Uisce Éireann supports available to trade effluent customers, including a Trade Effluent Tariff Calculator and sector-specific guidance for brewing, food processing, manufacturing and engineering and biopharma and chemical industries. Find out more and register at water.ie/business/ trade-effluent

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New EU packaging rules: what they mean for Irish consumers From clearer recycling labels to reduced packaging and increased recyclability, the new European Union Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) is set to influence how products are packaged, sold and recycled across Ireland and Europe.

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directed into the correct recycling streams. For many consumers, one of the biggest barriers to recycling correctly is uncertainty. Clearer and more consistent information ensures more packaging materials end up in recycling streams rather than in the general waste bins. Recent studies show that only 64% of materials were in the correct bin. These changes should make it easier for consumers to know what goes into the recycling bin, both at home and at work.

rolled out across Europe, consumers can expect less packaging and an increased focus on waste prevention, recyclability and reuse. For Repak, supporting this transition means working with Over time, consumers can expect to businesses, consumers and see less packaging, including fewer other stakeholders to help create a packaging system that uses oversized boxes, less wrapping resources more efficiently and and packaging designed more keeps valuable materials in circulation. efficiently for recycling.

Repak is also supporting businesses across Ireland in preparing for changes brought about by this new legislation. Repak has launched two free online self-assessment tools: the Producer Classification Tool, which helps businesses determine whether they are considered a producer under PPWR, and the Packaging Classification Tool, which helps identify how packaging is classified under PPWR. Together with guides on all areas of PPWR, these tools help simplify information on requirements and enable businesses to take practical steps towards preparing for compliance.

Better designed, more recyclable packaging The PPWR also places greater emphasis on how packaging is designed, including its recyclability and the use of recycled materials. Innovation continues to play an important role in improving recycling outcomes. Alongside supporting businesses to understand their PPWR obligations through its new self-assessment tools, Repak is supporting initiatives that

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use artificial intelligence and camera technology to identify contamination in recycling bins and provide feedback to help households and businesses

recycle more effectively. Repak is also working with members on packaging design, packaging reduction and optimisation, and reuse and refill initiatives that keep materials in circulation for longer.

What consumers can do While many of the responsibilities under PPWR sit with producers and businesses, consumers also have an important role to play. Checking recycling information, separating waste correctly, reducing unnecessary consumption and choosing products with more sustainable packaging can all contribute to better recycling outcomes.

Focused on waste prevention The changes introduced by PPWR will happen over time, rather than all at once. As the regulations are

Clean, Dry, Loose Repak’s Clean, Dry, Loose guidance provides a simple way for households to make sure the right materials go into the recycling bin. Clean – make sure packaging is empty and free from food or liquid residue. Dry – packaging should be dry before it goes into the recycling bin. Loose – place items directly into the recycling bin rather than putting them inside plastic bags. Following these simple steps helps reduce contamination and ensures more recyclable material can be successfully sorted and recycled.

For businesses looking to understand their role and obligations under PPWR, Repak provides expert support and advice as well as a range of interactive tools & guides www.repak.ie/ PPWR

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Putting sustainability leadership in the right hands For executive teams, appointing the right sustainability lead has become a strategic decision rather than an operational one, and it comes down to finding the right fit.

S Elaine Brady Managing Partner, Barden Leinster

Jonathan Olden Managing Partner, Barden Munster

WRITTEN BY Bethany Cooper

ustainability now shapes strategy, investment, risk “This could be the COO, CFO or a whole new appointment and reputation, so it needs clear ownership at the entirely.” top. “The challenge isn’t always having the data or understanding what needs to change,” explains Skills matter, but fit matters more Elaine Brady, Managing Partner at Barden Leinster. “It’s Skills are easily assessed on paper; fit is more challenging. deciding who ultimately owns the sustainability agenda.” Through their Leaders for Better interview series, Barden That means looking past who does the day-to-day asked Irish B Corp leaders what they find hardest to hire for work, to who is accountable for the outcome. Ownership at leadership level, and every one of them gave the same below executive level rarely answer: fit. Several build it into their carries the authority to move processes deliberately, giving the procurement, finance or operations. individual real time with the wider Sustainability can’t sit in “Sustainability can’t sit in the leadership team before any offer is margins of the business. Someone made. the margins of the business. at executive level needs to be That holds across every practice Someone at executive level accountable,” says Brady. area, according to Jonathan Olden, needs to be accountable. Managing Partner at Barden Deciding who holds the seat Munster. “When we talk to leaders “Who you put in that seat is a real about sustainability appointments, statement of intent,” continues the list of required skills can be very Brady. “It sets the direction for the next five years and the long. But ultimately, it’s fit that will determine whether the calibre of people you can attract around them.” person succeeds,” he says. “You can teach skills, but you Seniority, reporting lines, and budget are not can’t teach cultural fit. It comes down to culture, morals and administrative details. Pitched too far down, the role the kind of leadership you need to make change happen.” struggles to attract experienced professionals later, The takeaway: decide who owns the sustainability because few will come in beneath someone more junior agenda before writing a specification. If the answer is a new than themselves. “Getting that appointment wrong can appointment, pitch it at a level that will still attract the right be catastrophic. The person needs genuine ownership, people in five years. That is far harder to correct later than it influence, and the authority to deliver change,” says Brady. is to get right at the start.

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27/08/2026

12:00

CMY

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01/09/2026

14:12

Supporting best practice reuse, refill & recycling both at home and at work.

CMY

To find out more visit

www.repak.ie

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