As we step into 2026, we want to take a moment to reflect on what has been a transformative year for Panda in 2025. From major infrastructure investments and industry-leading innovation to a full company rebrand, it has been a year of progress and momentum.
None of this would have been possible without the continued trust and support of our customers. Thank you for being part of our journey.
Awards & Recognition
Throughout 2025, Panda was shortlisted for over 25 awards across the UK and Ireland, reflecting the scale and impact of our work across the sector.
While awards are never the goal, this recognition is something we are extremely proud of. Being acknowledged by our peers and industry bodies reinforces the dedication, expertise, and commitment shown by our teams every day. We will continue to build on this momentum, raising standards across our operations and working towards even greater achievements in the years ahead.
Industry Changes & How We Responded
Composting Legislation
As per regulation, all businesses and households must segregate their food waste from their general waste and recycling.
Since these regulations have been introduced, we have been offering our customers relevant options, whether that be a brown caddy bin for households or a brown wheelie bin, depending on your needs.
If you don’t have a brown caddy bin or a brown wheelie bin, now is the time to adopt this. Please contact our customer service team to have one delivered to your premises.
Dublin City Council Bag Ban
The future of waste management has arrived in Dublin City, and it’s greener, quieter, and more efficient than ever before. We launched our ground-breaking E-Bike Waste Collection service, a revolutionary approach set to transform how businesses manage their waste across the city.
The reason for this innovation stems from Dublin City Council’s announcement that businesses on 90 streets in Dublin City can no longer leave their bin bags on the street for collection.
Our E-Bike Waste Collection service goes beyond removing waste; it creates real environmental benefits for Dublin City:
- Quiet by Design: E-bikes operate almost silently, maintaining peace in residential and business areas.
- Cleaner Air: With zero tailpipe emissions, e-bikes help improve local air quality, supporting healthier communities.
- Aligned with Dublin’s Green Future: Our fleet supports the city’s sustainability goals, making everyday services part of the climate solution.
Customer & Operational Updates
Cleaner Bin Imaging System
We introduced our cleaner bin imaging system on five trucks across South Dublin. The results were immediate and impactful:
- Recycling contamination dropped from 50% to just 5% within months
- Higher-quality recyclate suitable for reprocessing
- Reduced transport and re-collection emissions
- Stronger alignment with Ireland’s recycling targets and EU Waste Framework Directive goals
Enhanced Safety Measures
We have introduced the requirement for our helpers to wear helmets when using and operating vehicles with ride-on steps as part of our 5-point PPE standards.
The helmets that have been introduced aim to improve our employees’ safety and protect them from head injuries and impact in the event of a fall or impact with an object.
Additionally, we provided them with a helmet cover for protection during wet conditions and a bag to store their helmet. The helmets were extensively tested before being sent to our employees to ensure their safety.
Milestones in 2025
€5 Million Metals & Plastics Recovery System
We opened a brand-new, state-of-the-art metals and plastics recovery system at our Millennium Park facility.
This system captures valuable recyclable materials incorrectly placed in general waste (black bins), helping to:
- Increase national recovery rates
- Reduce landfill dependency
- Ensure valuable materials stay in circulation
- Support Ireland’s and the EU’s circular economy goals
€35 Million Incinerator Bottom Ash (IBA) Facility
We opened Ireland’s first purpose-built IBA processing facility, enabling 120,000 tonnes of bottom ash to be processed each year domestically, rather than exported abroad.
This milestone:
- Reduces emissions
- Strengthens national infrastructure
- Recovers valuable resources
- Supports circular resource use and national self-sufficiency
The facility has been welcomed by operators of the Dublin Waste-to-Energy plant as a long-awaited solution for local ash management.
New CNG Refuelling Station
We opened a new Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) refuelling station in Cappagh, supporting lower-carbon transport across sectors.
For Panda:
- 32 CNG vehicles already operate in the Fingal area
- This will increase to 56 vehicles over the next two years
- Supporting our goal of net zero Scope 1 & 2 emissions by 2040
Our Circular Economy Strategy
Over the past five years, Panda has invested €80 million in waste processing and recycling infrastructure.
Looking ahead, we are committing a further €100 million over the next five years, aligned with:
- Ireland’s Climate Action Plan
- The Waste Action Plan for a Circular Economy
- EU Green Deal objectives
Our €180 million investment programme demonstrates a long-term commitment to:
- Scaling recycling and recovery capacity
- Driving innovation in material reuse
- Reducing landfill and waste exports
- Creating green jobs and supporting regional development
Together with government, regulators, and industry partners, we are helping build a more resilient, resource-efficient Ireland, where waste becomes opportunity.
Sustainability Report Highlights
This year’s Sustainability Report shows how ambition is turning into measurable action.
Highlights include:
- 4.4 million tonnes of material handled across the Group
- 71,000+ MWh of renewable electricity generated, more than we consumed
- 2.07 MW of rooftop solar installed, with a further 2 MW planned
- Continued expansion of our electric and CNG fleet
- 45,000+ hours of health & safety training delivered
- Apprenticeship programme growth from 4 to 14 apprentices
People & Culture Highlights
Panda Family Fun Day
We hosted our second annual Panda Family Fun Day, welcoming colleagues and their families from across the business for a day dedicated to fun, connection, and celebration.
The event brought together Panda teams from all areas of the company, providing families with an opportunity to spend quality time together in a relaxed and joyful setting. From the moment guests arrived, the atmosphere was filled with excitement, laughter, and energy.
Beyond the fun, the day was about recognising the incredible commitment of our employees and the vital support provided by their families. The positive feedback we received was overwhelmingly encouraging, with many commenting on how enjoyable, inclusive, and memorable the day was.
Our Rebrand: One Brand, One Team
After years of growth, Panda’s operations across Ireland and the UK are now united under one brand, one team, and one shared goal: a greener future for all.
For our Irish customers, you’ll notice a fresh new look across our logo, vehicles, website, and communications, but what hasn’t changed is what matters most:
- The same trusted local teams
- The same commitment to 100% resource recovery
- The same focus on innovation, safety, and sustainability
This rebrand reflects who we already are, and where we’re heading together.
Looking Ahead
As regulations evolve and expectations around sustainability continue to rise, our focus remains on delivering reliable, compliant, and responsible waste services that support your business every day. We will continue investing in the infrastructure, people, and systems that allow us to provide consistent, high-quality service while helping customers reduce waste, increase recycling, and meet environmental obligations with confidence.
Thank you for continuing to place your trust in Panda. We look forward to another year of strong partnership, shared progress, and positive impact.
To stay connected throughout 2026, follow us on social media and visit the News & Insights section of our website.
Here’s to a successful year ahead, together.
