Circular economy the key debate as Minister Conor Murphy visits Encirc factory

How to create a true circular economy in Northern Ireland was the key area of debate when Minister for the Economy Conor Murphy visited Encirc’s factory in County Fermanagh on Thursday.

He met with members of the Executive Committee of Encirc and campaigning group Keep Recycling Local while newly elected MP for Fermanagh and South Tyrone, Pat Cullen was also in attendance.

Keep Recycling Local presented to the Minister on the need to separate waste at the point of collection to improve recycling rates and the quality of recyclables which will be essential as we strive to create a circular economy in Northern Ireland.

Minister Murphy then enjoyed a tour of the Encirc factory where he was able to see the scale of a business that produces almost one billion glass containers annually and employs just over 500 people at its Derrylin site.

Sean Murphy, Managing Director at Encirc, part of the Vidrala Group, said: “We had a very constructive meeting with Minister Murphy and we were able to highlight to him some of the critical issues impacting our business and the manufacturing sector.

“These included the option of using biomethane to replace fossil fuels in the production of glass, the need to separate our glass at the point of collection which Keep Recycling Local outlined in their excellent presentation and the Extended Producer Responsibility scheme.”

Sean added: “Glass is the perfect material for a circular economy as it is infinitely recyclable, and the Minister was very receptive of our ideas and future plans as we all work together to create a sustainable and successful future for businesses in Northern Ireland.”

Minister Murphy said: “Today’s visit to Encirc provided the opportunity to experience first-hand how a local company is embracing circular economy principles daily using recycled glass to produce new products for sale both locally and internationally.

“My Department is currently in the process of finalising a Circular Economy Strategy which I plan to bring to the Executive in the coming months. One of the proposals for change contained within the Strategy aims to maximise the value of materials locally.

“I recognise that the management of waste is a key factor and a driver towards transitioning to a more circular economy which aims to design out waste and keep products and materials in use for as long as possible at their highest value.”

Nicola Carruthers, Keep Recycling Local spokesperson highlighted how keeping recycling local in Northern Ireland will be key in achieving a circular economy.

She explained: “Keeping recycled materials in the local economy and diverting them from landfill and incineration is great for the environment. It also helps local businesses improve their sustainability credentials and compete on a global scale as illustrated by the recycled glass being used to make new bottles in a closed loop circular economy at Encirc.

“It’s important that policy makers and opinion formers see the value in keeping materials separate. Co-mingled recyclable materials are being shipped across the world at great cost, while local recycling companies are spending vast sums of money to import these very same materials because they are unable to source suitable quality material locally.”