Panda was honored to attend the prestigious Green Awards 2025, an event that recognises outstanding achievements in sustainability across Ireland. This year’s ceremony took place on February 25, 2025, at the Clayton Hotel, Burlington Road, bringing together leaders and innovators dedicated to environmental stewardship.
Sponsoring the Excellence in Waste Management Award
As part of our unwavering commitment to promoting sustainable waste management practices, Panda had the privilege of sponsoring the Excellence in Waste Management category. This award celebrates businesses throughout Ireland with 50 or more full-time employees who demonstrate exceptional dedication, innovation, and action in enhancing waste management systems through sustainability and innovation. By sponsoring this award, we aim to acknowledge and support industry leaders who share our vision for a greener, more sustainable future.
Celebrating the Winner: The Q Cafe Company
We extend our heartfelt congratulations to The Q Café Company, the recipient of the Excellence in Waste Management award. Established in 1999 by CEO Breda Quigley, The Q Café Company has been a pioneer in integrating sustainability into its business strategy for over 26 years. Their comprehensive Environmental Management System, accredited with ISO 14001, exemplifies their proactive approach to minimising environmental impact and continually improving environmental performance.
As a double accredited member of Bord Bia’s Origin Green, The Q Café Company demonstrates a steadfast commitment to sustainable food production. Their sustainability initiatives encompass a range of objectives, including:
- Supporting Local Business: Prioritising seasonal produce from local producers and artisan craftspeople, thereby reducing food miles and bolstering local economies.
- Zero Waste: Implementing strategies to minimise waste generation and promote recycling and composting within their operations.
- Re-Usable Packaging & Removal of Single-Use Plastics: Transitioning to reusable packaging solutions and eliminating single-use plastics to reduce environmental footprint.
- Biodiversity Initiatives: Engaging in onsite growing projects and maintaining bee hives to enhance local biodiversity.
- Energy & Water Conservation: Adopting measures to conserve energy and water across their facilities, contributing to overall environmental sustainability.
Notably, The Q Café Company has signed the Food Waste Charter, led by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), committing to measuring, reporting, and reducing food waste in alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. This dedication to waste management and sustainability rightfully earned them the Excellence in Waste Management award at the Green Awards 2025.
Panda’s Commitment to Sustainability
As a proud member of the Beauparc Group, Panda is part of a network that collectively manages 4.3 million tonnes of waste across Ireland, the UK, and the Netherlands. Our commitment to the circular economy is evident through our innovative recycling and resource recovery practices, ensuring minimal environmental impact while maximising resource value. This unique approach is at the forefront of our core values and makes us proud to be part of our organisation and the wider industry.
But our dedication extends beyond waste management. We also actively engage with local communities, fostering positive relations through initiatives like the Compost Championship, encouraging communities to embrace composting and develop a circular economy mindset. Our goal is to empower individuals to make informed, sustainable choices in their daily lives. Additionally, we have shown our support for numerous charitable causes, including providing skips to the JB Foundation and raising funds for the Children’s Health Foundation. By working together with these organisations, we aim to create a more sustainable and supportive environment for the communities we serve.
Looking Ahead
Our active participation in the Green Awards reaffirms our role as a leader in Ireland’s circular economy, advocating for sustainable practices that make a tangible difference.
As we reflect on our experience at the Green Awards 2025, check out more about Panda’s sustainability journey and our ongoing initiatives on our blog. Stay tuned as we continue to share insights, tips, and updates on how, together, we can build a more sustainable future.
For more details on the award winners and the event, you can read the full coverage in The Irish Times.
