KWD Recycling has taken home top honours at the inaugural Repak Resource Awards 2025, winning the Waste Recovery Operator and Facility Award at a ceremony held in The Shelbourne Hotel, Dublin.

The new-look Repak Resource Awards, formerly known as the Pakman Awards, are Ireland’s National Environmental Awards, recognising excellence in waste prevention, recycling, reuse, circular design, and community-led sustainability initiatives

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Sponsored by the Irish Waste Management Association, the Waste Recovery Operator and Facility Award celebrates companies that set the standard for innovation and leadership in resource recovery.

KWD Recycling, one of Ireland’s largest family-owned recycling groups, was recognised for its significant investment in a state-of-the-art Killarney facility that recovers recyclables from general waste.

Working in partnership with Tomra and European processing plants, KWD now diverts over 10% of plastics and 50% of organics from disposal.

Beyond its technical achievements, KWD has also led strong community education programmes and continues to play a key role in the annual County Clean-Up.

The company views residual waste as a valuable resource and plans to expand recovery rates further by adding new metal separation systems and developing an Irish-based plastic recycling facility.

Speaking after the awards, Repak CEO Zoe Kavanagh praised KWD Recycling’s innovation and leadership in the sector.

“We are delighted to recognise KWD Recycling for its outstanding commitment to innovation and leadership in waste management.

As one of Ireland’s largest family-owned recycling groups, KWD continues to demonstrate how investment in advanced infrastructure and technology can deliver real progress toward a circular economy.

Their new Killarney facility, community engagement, and ongoing efforts to treat residual waste as a valuable resource reflect best practice in Ireland’s recycling sector,” she said.

Welcome to the 261 Motoring Guide brought to you by the Killarney Advertiser

There’s no doubt that the car-buying public in Kerry is spoilt for choice. From the latest electric innovations to trusted petrol and diesel favourites, motorists in the county have access to an incredible range of vehicles across every major brand.

While the shift toward electric motoring continues to grow, traditional power units still have a strong presence in showrooms across Kerry. For such a small corner of the global motoring market, it’s remarkable to think that nearly every major manufacturer is represented right here in the county from compact city cars and SUVs to luxury performance models and commercial vehicles.
Anyone looking to buy in 2026 can look forward to a wide selection of new models, some of which have already landed in Kerry dealerships, as well as updated versions of familiar favourites. The new year brings fresh technology, improved efficiency, and more choice than ever before for Kerry drivers.
As you make your way around the showrooms of Tralee, Killarney, and Castleisland, remember to mention that you read about it in the Killarney Advertiser’s 261 Motoring Feature your complete local guide to what’s new on the road for 2026.
Sean Moriarty
Editor, 261 Motoring Feature