Offaly business wins top award in national Green Awards

Fivealley based print business The FACTORY has been crowned Green Small Organisation of the Year for the second year in a row.

Minister Pippa Hackett addressed the Green Awards ceremony as a special guest this week. During the event she commended the 3 Laois businesses, CJ Sheeran, Ballykilcavan Farm and Refillz Zero Waste and one Offaly business, The Factory, for reaching the shortlist.

Minister Hackett said: “I’m particularly delighted that The FACTORY won Green Small Organisation of the Year, and that Refillz Zero Waste won Green Micro Enterprise of the Year. All of the finalists are standing up for sustainability and I thank them for that.”

During her speech, Minister Hackett said: “We need to remember that businesses who remain at the cutting edge of sustainability often reap an advantage in the marketplace. I have always believed in the carrot approach because if we are relying on the stick, metaphorically at least, we are losing.”

She concluded by saying, “This Government is supporting you. We are legislating for Climate Action, supporting renewable and community energy, funding research and development - including in food waste, bioeconomy, and disruptive technologies. We are legislating for a circular economy, for waste reduction, and implementing policies in sustainable public procurement policy, and in the skills to meet industry need of the future. We have your backs. If we are missing something tell us your needs.

I really cannot understate the scale of the challenge facing us and time is not on our side. Thank you for all you are doing.”

Launched in 2008, the Green Awards recognise the extraordinary contribution and commitment that companies now make towards growing a greener future in Irish business today.