Leading glass container manufacturer and filler, Encirc, has been awarded the ‘NI Responsible Company of the Year’ accolade at the BITC NI Responsible Business Awards – marking the first time Encirc has won the prestigious award.

The company, initially created in 1998 in Derrylin Northern Ireland, has been a pillar of the community in County Fermanagh, NI, since its inception. Now part of the Vidrala Group, Encirc boasts three sites in England, Northern Ireland and Italy and is a leader in the production of sustainable packaging – creating more than 4 billion glass containers a year while continuing to innovate and drive forward the manufacturing sector to be more sustainable and inclusive.

The award recognises the actions of Encirc and the staff working there – commending the efforts that have gone into building thriving communities as well as acknowledging the forward-thinking leadership in tackling head-on the pressing social and environmental issues the industry and planet faces.

Encirc is at the forefront of research, innovation, diversity, and inclusion in its sector with the glass company continually exploring ways to create both a more sustainable and accessible industry with numerous exciting projects.

In 2022, Encirc and its parent company Vidrala became one of the first organisations of its kind to have its Science Based Targets approved by the SBTi (Science Based Targets Initiative), ensuring the company operates in a way which helps prevent the planet’s temperature from rising more than 1.5°C compared to pre-industrial levels.

At the same time, the company announced its ambition to be the first glassmaker to create net-zero glass containers. From its original site in Derrylin, Northern Ireland, Encirc will be supporting its parent company in reducing its Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions by 47%, and its Scope 3 emissions by 28% by 2030, helping prevent the worst effects of climate change whilst also future-proofing the company.

Encirc is also active as a BITC climate champion, and member of its Environmental Leadership Team. The glass bottle manufacturer supports BITC with speaking slots aimed at the wider industry, outlining how it is acting on the climate emergency, and inspiring others to drive change in their organisations.

 

Additionally, Encirc works heavily within its local communities through its HOCAM (Helping our Communities Achieve More) programme, partnering with schools and colleges to raise awareness of diversity issues, sustainability considerations and career opportunities.
Adrian Curry, Encirc’s Managing Director, said: “Winning the BITC NI Responsible Company of the Year 2022 award is testimony to the hard work and dedication we continuously put into the business, especially over the last 12 months.

“Every team member has played their parts in continuing to push Encirc forward across all levels – from sustainability to inclusivity and diversity. We have continued to invest and innovate in creating the most environmentally friendly bottles possible – assessing our equipment, processes, and fundamentals to push the business and industry forward with exciting projects.

“Equally as important, we have been striving to develop the sector as a place where everyone is welcome, through programmes like our Girl’s Network as well as partnering with the Diversity Mark accreditation programme and working with our local communities to highlight the opportunities on offer.”

With Encirc being bestowed with the NI Responsible Company of the Year award at the BITC NI Responsible Business Awards, it highlights the continued progression the business is showing in all aspects – with the Derrylin-based bottle manufacturer, filler and distributer front and centre in transforming the glass sector.

Speaking on the award this year, Chair of Business in the Community Northern Ireland and Group Chief Executive of Translink, Chris Conway, said: “Being awarded the NI Responsible Business of the Year Award confirms the great work Encirc has been doing as a responsible business, placing the company in the spotlight and celebrating its fantastic achievements, as it continues to lead the way within the industry.

“Encirc has set a great example for other companies looking to increase their focus on sustainability and diversity, whilst engaging with their local communities and helping them to prosper.

“Well done to all ten business who took home a Responsible Business Award in what was an extremely strong year for entries in all categories.”