Encirc welcomes First Minister and deputy First Minister to Derrylin facility
Encirc welcomed Northern Ireland’s First Minister Michelle O’Neill and deputy First Minister Emma Little‑Pengelly to its Derrylin manufacturing facility for a visit focused on economic impact, future investment, and the challenges facing energy‑intensive industries.
During the visit, the senior leadership team at Encirc provided an in-depth tour of operations and outlined the company’s strategic role within the wider Vidrala Group. Discussions focused on Encirc’s footprint in Northern Ireland and the upcoming investment opportunities aimed at strengthening long-term growth. The visit also served as a platform to address several critical issues impacting the glass manufacturing sector.
The Encirc leadership team highlighted the growing pressures associated with higher energy costs in Northern Ireland compared with GB and Europe. These costs pose significant challenges for energy-intensive producers here. The company, the only glass manufacturer on the island of Ireland, emphasised the importance of policy support to ensure competitiveness and parity across the UK, particularly as global market conditions tighten.
A key topic of discussion was the implementation of the UK’s Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) packaging scheme, with Encirc highlighting the significant implications for manufacturers and the wider supply chain.
Encirc raised particular concern about the weight-based calculation of EPR fees, which is disproportionately penalising glass packaging despite its strong environmental credentials
It was noted that the current approach may inadvertently favour lighter, less recyclable materials, potentially undermining the core environmental objectives of EPR. The company emphasised that policy design should reflect recyclability, rather than weight alone, to avoid discouraging the use of materials that already deliver strong circular outcomes.
Encirc also underlined the potential of biomethane as a viable alternative to fossil fuels in Northern Ireland. The business stressed that unlocking this opportunity would be crucial in supporting decarbonisation efforts while maintaining operational efficiency and cost competitiveness.
However, Encirc emphasised that realising the full potential of biomethane at scale will require greater collaboration across industry, energy producers, and government, particularly in relation to pricing. Without transparent and predictable pricing mechanisms, biomethane risks remaining commercially unviable despite its environmental benefits.
As a major exporter to other parts of the UK and Irish markets, Encirc reiterated the importance of continued engagement with the Northern Ireland Executive. The company highlighted the need for a supportive policy environment that enables sustainable growth, safeguards jobs, and encourages long-term investment at its Derrylin facility.
Beyond manufacturing, the discussion touched on broader regional considerations, including the importance of strong local partnerships and access to healthcare provision in Fermanagh. Encirc noted that these factors play a vital role in attracting and retaining talent, as well as sustaining thriving local communities.
Sean Murphy, Managing Director, Encirc said: “We were pleased to welcome both Ministers to Encirc and appreciated the time they took to engage with our team and see our operations first‑hand. The visit provided a valuable opportunity to demonstrate the scale of our manufacturing and sustainability activities, and to underline the strategic importance of maintaining Encirc’s competitiveness within the Vidrala Group’s international network.
He added: “It also reinforced the shared ambition between industry and government to secure a resilient, low‑carbon future for Northern Ireland’s manufacturing sector. To meet the challenges ahead, it is vital that policy, particularly around energy, decarbonisation and packaging regulation, is designed to support environmental goals while preserving investment, jobs and long‑term industrial competitiveness.”
