Tuesday, 29th October, 2024. WeCan, a CluneTech initiative, has been awarded Best Deposit Return Initiative at the 2024 Pakman Awards, held at The Shelbourne Hotel, Dublin on Thursday, October 24th.
Launched in June 2024, WeCan has achieved its first major recognition, marking a significant milestone in its commitment to inclusion and sustainability.
The Pakman Awards are Ireland’s premier environmental awards, recognising excellence in recycling and waste management among businesses, community groups, and individuals. Celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, the awards shine a spotlight on organisations demonstrating outstanding sustainability efforts.
WeCan blends social inclusion with environmental responsibility by providing adults with intellectual disabilities meaningful employment that is in line with their capabilities. The initiative drives participation in the deposit return scheme and thus assists with boosting the country’s recycling rates, with the EU mandating Ireland to achieve 77% recycling of plastic bottles by 2025, escalating to 90% by 2030. It actively plays a role in protecting our environment by reducing litter and waste.
WeCan also offers businesses a sustainable and practical solution for returning their cans and bottles that they can leverage to benefit their own operations, ESG, and CSR objectives. By advocating for an inclusive society, WeCan enables adults with intellectual disabilities to bring value to their local communities. Additionally, the initiative further benefits communities by donating any excess funds raised to local charities and causes.
Commenting on the award, Terry Clune, CEO and Founder of CluneTech, said:
“Winning the Best Deposit Return Initiative at the 2024 Pakman Awards is a tremendous honour and a testament to the meaningful impact of WeCan. Since its launch, WeCan has not only promoted sustainability but has also empowered individuals with intellectual disabilities to secure meaningful employment. I want to extend a special thanks to Johnny McCarthy, his son Adam, and the wider team for their contributions in bringing this idea to life. I am excited about WeCan’s potential to grow and create even more opportunities for our communities as we move forward.”
The initiative collaborates closely with the Work4Life Employment Support team from SOS Kilkenny CLG, a not-for-profit organisation that supports individuals with intellectual disabilities and autism in Kilkenny. This collaboration aids in workplace integration and reflects CluneTech’s dedication to positively impacting both the community and the environment.
The Pakman Awards are Ireland’s leading National Environmental Awards, recognising excellence in recycling and waste management among businesses, organisations, community groups, and individuals. Divided into 12 categories, including the Overall Pakman Award, the awards cover areas such as ESG leadership, innovation in waste resource management, and business recycling.
WeCan is a not-for-profit initiative that creates meaningful employment opportunities for adults with intellectual disabilities, enabling them to contribute to their communities while positively impacting the environment.
CluneTech is a suite of software technology companies providing cutting-edge solutions that simplify global business. Our technology streamlines business processes such as digital sales, global payroll, tax compliance, global VAT & cross-border payments, making business better for our customers worldwide.
Established in 1996 by entrepreneur Terry Clune, CluneTech is headquartered in Ireland with a footprint across four continents and does business in more than 100 countries on a daily basis. The group has offices in 21 countries, and over 1,200 employees globally. The group encompasses TransferMate, Sprintax, Taxback International, Taxback, Benamic and Visa First. Immedis, a leading global payroll platform, was acquired by UKG in June 2023, in one of Ireland’s largest technology deals.
CluneTech has been recognised as one of Ireland’s best workplaces for nine consecutive years by Great Place to Work®, the global authority on workplace culture.
For more information, please contact:
Lauren Cleere, Marketing and Engagement Specialist, CluneTech
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