Panda has published its 2025 Sustainability Report, marking another year of progress in our commitment to the circular economy, sustainability and responsible waste management.
As our fourth sustainability report, and the first published under our unified Panda brand, it highlights the progress we’ve made across our operations in Ireland, the UK and the Netherlands. From increasing renewable energy generation and maintaining industry-leading recycling rates to investing in our people, safety and governance, the report reflects the work taking place across every part of our business.
Behind every statistic is the dedication of our 2,929 colleagues, who work every day to help recover valuable resources, reduce environmental impact and create a more sustainable future.
For us, waste is never the end of the story. It’s the beginning of something new.
Collected today, recovered tomorrow and back in circulation by the next time you go shopping. That’s the circular economy in action, and it’s the principle that drives everything we do.
We don’t simply manage waste. We unlock its value.
We value waste. Not as a resource to manage, but to unlock.
Chapter 1: Our Three Pillars
Environment
– We managed 4.9 million tonnes of waste across our operations in 2025.
– We’ve maintained a 97% recycling and recovery rate, keeping materials in circulation.
– Our renewable energy generation hit 71,328 MWh, which means we produced 40% more energy than we consumed, feeding the surplus back into the national grid.
– We’re committed to net zero by 2040, with a 42% reduction in carbon emissions by 2030.
Social
– Our team completed 158,649 training hours in 2025, embedding safety and sustainability into the DNA of every role.
– We’ve grown our apprenticeship programme to 25 young people, bringing fresh perspectives to circular economy challenges and building the workforce of tomorrow.
– Our Lost Time Injury Frequency Rate went down to 3.6 (from 4.2), proving a safety-first culture.
Governance
– We’ve implemented comprehensive anti-bribery and corruption training across all levels of the organization.
– Our GRESB ESG score went up to 93 (from 87), reflecting deepening maturity across environmental, social, and governance performance.
– As we prepare for CSRD compliance in 2028, we keep building governance frameworks for a better future for all.
Chapter 2: The Stories Behind the Numbers
Fire Risk: Protecting Our People and Operations
Fire remains one of the most significant risks facing the waste management industry. During 2025, we took further steps to strengthen our resilience by carrying out comprehensive fire risk assessments across 36 processing sites.
We also invested €3.5 million in advanced fire detection and suppression systems, helping protect our people, our facilities and the communities we serve. This investment reflects our long-term commitment to creating safer workplaces across every part of the business.
Our commitment doesn’t stop there. A further €3.6 million has been allocated for 2026 to expand automated fire defence systems while continuing to work with industry partners to reduce the number of flammable materials entering the waste stream.
Safety will always remain at the heart of everything we do.
Our Second CNG Station: Driving Lower Emissions
In 2025, we strengthened our partnership with Gas Networks Ireland by opening our second internal Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) station at our Cappagh facility in Dublin.
Officially opened by Minister Darragh O’Brien, the facility represents another important milestone in our transition towards lower emission transport. Together with our Ballymount CNG station, it provides the infrastructure needed to support a growing alternative fuel fleet, including six new CNG Refuse Collection Vehicles planned for 2026.
By continuing to invest in cleaner transport solutions, we’re reducing emissions while building a more sustainable waste collection network for the future.
Cleaner Bin Imaging Service: Using Technology to Improve Recycling
Innovation continues to play an important role in improving recycling quality and resource recovery.
During 2025, we expanded our Cleaner Bin Imaging Service across our collection fleet, using intelligent camera technology to identify contamination in recycling bins in real time.
Providing immediate visibility allows both our customers and collection teams to improve waste segregation, increasing the quality of recyclable materials while reducing contamination across the recycling process.
It’s another example of how technology can support better environmental outcomes while helping customers play an active role in the circular economy.
Apprenticeships: Investing in the Next Generation
Developing future talent remains an important part of our sustainability strategy.
Our apprenticeship programme has now grown to 25 apprentices, covering HGV technicians, metal fabrication, logistics planning and finance roles.
While the majority of apprentices are currently based in the UK, we’re expanding the programme into Ireland to attract more young talent and encourage greater diversity across the sector.
By investing in apprenticeships today, we’re helping develop the skills and expertise that will support the future of the circular economy for years to come.
Anti-Bribery and Corruption: Building Trust Through Good Governance
Strong governance is fundamental to operating a responsible and sustainable business.
During 2025, we introduced comprehensive Anti-Corruption and Bribery (ACB) training across Panda, ensuring every new colleague understands our commitment to ethical business practices from day one.
Alongside this, we completed a full audit aligned with the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023, with economic crime and corporate transparency now forming an integral part of our corporate risk management framework.
Maintaining high standards of integrity helps strengthen trust with our customers, employees, partners and the communities we serve.
Chapter 3: Looking Ahead to 2026
Our 2025 Sustainability Report is both a reflection on what we’ve achieved and a roadmap for where we’re heading next.
The progress we’ve made over the past year reinforces our belief that businesses built on circular economy principles, supported by a strong safety culture and responsible governance, can create lasting environmental and social value.
As we look ahead to 2026, we’ll continue investing in initiatives that help reduce emissions, recover more resources and strengthen our operations across Ireland, the UK and the Netherlands.
Our priorities for the year ahead include:
- Installing two new rooftop solar PV arrays at Knockharley and Caythorpe.
- Expanding our apprenticeship programme into Ireland.
- Rolling out Mental Health First Aid training across all non-SHEQ sites.
- Submitting two additional end-of-waste applications for ash and aggregates.
- Continuing our preparations for CSRD compliance.
Every initiative supports the same long-term ambition, unlocking more value from waste while helping build a cleaner, safer and more sustainable future.
Get the Full Report
Our 2025 Sustainability Report provides a detailed look at the progress we’ve made, the challenges we’ve tackled and the priorities shaping our future.
Inside, you’ll find detailed performance data, project case studies and the strategic framework guiding our journey towards net zero and greater resource recovery.
Download Panda’s 2025 Sustainability Report here.
Across Ireland, the UK and the Netherlands, Panda manages 4.9 million tonnes of waste every year, helping recover valuable resources, generate renewable energy and support the transition to a more circular economy.
The journey continues, and we’re excited about what comes next.
