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SEEN AND HEARD
Your business waste – easily sorted! A new initiative designed to take the uncertainty out of waste segregation for businesses has been launched by MyWaste, Ireland’s official guide to waste. This government-funded initiative provides a free and extensive suite of signage and training materials to help workforces make accurate recycling decisions. This will assist Irish businesses achieve greater circular economy performance through increased recycling and composting rates. A waste characterisation study by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) found that almost 70% of materials being placed in the general commercial waste bins is waste that should be placed in the recycling or food waste bins. Targeted materials (those suitable for recycling) accounted for only 60% of the materials in the mixed dry recycling bins, with food waste among the contaminants.
The study found that by improving waste segregation practices, businesses could divert up to 350,000 tonnes of waste from the general waste stream annually. “This initiative will empower small and medium size businesses, particularly those in the retail, hospitality, manufacturing and corporate sectors, to further improve how their waste is managed,” said Kevin Swift of the Connacht Ulster Region Waste Office, speaking on behalf of the Regional Waste Management Planning Offices. “With clear language and visuals, the materials will make it easy for staff to quickly understand what waste goes in what bin,” Swift added. “This should help significantly increase the amount of recyclables and food waste diverted from the general bin and correctly placed in the recycling and food waste bins.” The toolkit is free to download or order from www.mywaste.ie/business/.
MyWaste Brand Toolkit Identity Usage Guidelines V1_September 2018
The MyWaste toolkit materials will make it easy for staff to quickly understand what waste goes in what bin
Energia can reduce lighting costs by up to 80% Mattress and foam manufactuer, Kayfoam Woolfson whose brands include King Koil, Emma and Maymed, recently turned to Energia Lighting Solutions to complete a full lighting upgrade to its two manufacturing sites located in Dublin and Kildare. Production engineering and quality manager at Kayfoam Woolfson, Martin McCurdy explained that it was a combination of cost benefits and the impact on the company’s carbon footprint and sustainability which compelled them to sign up. The lighting solutions provided by Energia can reduce lighting costs by up to 80% meaning businesses gain a brighter working environment, become more energy efficient and reduce their carbon footprint. “Lighting levels are important to us, particularly in our bedding plant where
detailed inspection is required throughout the plant,” McCurdy said. Operating across two sites in Dublin and Kilcullen, both sites had fluorescent strip lighting which was not ideal in an industry where employees are performing an exceptionally highskilled craft. “The reason for wanting to upgrade the old lighting system was down to ethical reasons
which were twofold,” continued McCurdy. “Firstly, we wanted to provide a well-lit and comfortable workspace for our employees. “Secondly, we wanted to make sure we were doing our bit to protect the environment by cutting down on energy usage and costs. Our lighting bill has since reduced by 65% and energy savings by 25%. It really is like a completely different environment,” he added. “We had 2,000 units which needed replacing and the installation from Energia was seamless with all the works carried out effortlessly. The feedback from our staff has been excellent and the new lighting definitely makes it easier to keep the work areas clean and tidy.” Overall, he was delighted that the “new lighting levels exceeded our expectations”.
The Cúl-est Camps return for summer 2022 Kellogg and the GAA have announced the most hotly anticipated summer camp, Kellogg’s GAA Cúl Camps, has returned for 2022. The camps are anticipating an extra level of excitement this year with numbers back at full capacity across the country following Covid restrictions. Camps will kick off on Monday, 27 June and will run up to 26 August. GAA clubs across the country are set to be a hive of activity this summer with bookings for participants aged 6-13 now open. Launching the 2022 Kellogg’s GAA Cúl Camps were Kellogg ambassadors and sport superstars, Mayo footballer, Tommy Conroy and Antrim Camogie player, Roisin McCormick. Both county players are past participants and credit the camps for giving them the most fun summers. Kellogg has recently built on its 10-year partnership with the GAA by sponsoring the
ShelfLife May 2022 | www.shelflife.ie
newly renamed Kellogg’s Skyline Tour at Croke Park. Conroy and McCormick took a visit 44 metres above the ground to see the iconic stadium of Croke Park from a different angle. As in previous years, the Assisted Needs Kellogg’s GAA Cúl Camps are back this summer, providing a calmer environment for those who need it with the same level of fun*. “Kellogg is very proud to be involved in a partnership which involves children taking part in outdoor exercise where fun is at the core. Kellogg’s GAA Cúl Camps are in all four corners of the country throughout the summer,” said Sarah Ferguson, Kellogg Ireland general manager. “In recent years, we’ve reached incredible milestones in terms of participation levels,” she added, “and we love hearing the feedback from kids and their parents about the camps.” For more information on the Kellogg’s GAA
Mayo footballer Tommy Conroy and Antrim camogie player Roisin McCormick with Emily, age 8, during the launch of the 2022 Kellogg’s GAA Cúl Camps
Cúl Camps, visit www.gaa.ie/kelloggsculcamps. *(Assisted Needs Kellogg’s GAA Cúl Camps are run by local GAA clubs and are not available at each camp across the country)
