Encirc scoops Nature and Biodiversity accolade at 2024 Responsible Business Awards

Encirc has won the inaugural Nature and Biodiversity award at the 2024 Responsible Business Awards in Northern Ireland

Encirc was one of 13 organisations in Northern Ireland that were crowned winners at a gala event attended by over 600 people on Thursday, September 5^th at ICC Belfast, organised by Business in the Community NI (BITC).

The Nature & Biodiversity recognises an organisation that best demonstrated a significant commitment and contribution to improving biodiversity and the natural environment in Northern Ireland with a panel of judges selecting Encirc for this prestigious award.

Encirc was recognised for its schools’ biodiversity project which sees the glass container manufacturer and bottle filler working with 13 schools in the local area, engaging nearly 30 per cent of the Fermanagh school population to improve and enhance biodiversity green space.

Encirc has also partnered with other Fermanagh businesses and Fermanagh and Omagh District Council to help widen the scope and potential of these projects.

Sean Murphy, Managing Director at Encirc, part of the Vidrala Group, said: “We are all delighted to be recognised at these prestigious awards which celebrate responsible businesses throughout Northern Ireland that are determined to make a difference in the communities they serve.

“We are so proud to win the first ever Nature and Biodiversity award, this is such an important area for us. Encirc is fully committed to our sustainability strategy. Decarbonising the production of glass is undoubtedly a major part of that strategy, but it is about much more than that.

“Our schools project is about educating young people on the best ways to protect our environment. We want to start conversations about biodiversity and through our actions we want to change how everybody sees our natural environment.”

Sean added: “We have a biodiversity committee in Derrylin that comprises almost 50 people, 10 per cent of our workforce in the Derrylin factory and I congratulate them all on this win.

“They are leading change, encouraging volunteering and participation from within Encirc to create a sustainable plan that achieves continual biodiversity enhancement. This award is due recognition for that work.”

Vicky Davies, Chair of BITC and Chief Executive of Danske Bank, commented: “These Awards provide a platform to showcase and celebrate the most innovative and inspirational responsible businesses. As the only Awards dedicated to responsible business in NI, this is a unique opportunity for leaders in all areas of corporate responsibility to be recognised and rewarded for going beyond profit to be a force for good for society and the environment, and its serves as a way to inspire others to follow suit.”

This is the 19^th year of the awards and the black-tie event was hosted by presenters Mark Simpson and Sarah Travers. Encirc was also a sponsor at the awards, sponsoring the main accolade of the night, the Responsible Company of the Year, won by JP Corry.

Encirc previously won that award in 2022.

For more information on each of the winners and the event, visit www.bitcni.org.uk/awards.