Leading Northern Ireland glass container manufacturer Encirc has been recognised for its commitment to biodiversity with a major accolade.

The firm become one of only six companies to achieve platinum level in the Business in the Community Northern Ireland (BITCNI) Business and Biodiversity Charter. This recognises Encirc's commitment to supporting biodiversity in its local community and the actions the company has taken to improve its impact on all living things, from habitats to individual organisms.  

Encirc first introduced a biodiversity plan back in 2018 which, after a follow up audit with Ulster Wildlife, was revised to set a new three-year strategy. The Action Plan outlined a number of objectives based on Ulster Wildlife's recommendations and report on local habitats and species. Encirc's Biodiversity Committee, made up of 22 employees, is working alongside Ulster Wildlife, the council, schools and organisations such as the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan to halt and reverse the decline of nature. 

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As part of this Action Plan, Encirc has established a green corridor project, partnering with local schools to promote and create biodiverse environments. Its work with schools includes supporting St Aidan's in Derrylin to plant and grow flowers for use around the factory entrance and carpark. The students were also educated on the value of reducing waste and, to put this into practice, they repurposed old wooden boxes for use as planters for vegetables. The vegetables were then harvested and sold to Encirc employees with the proceeds going to school funds. Further plans are in place to install a green wall and create a recreational pond to develop wildlife and habitats around the school.  

Encirc also assisted Killyhommon Primary School with land donated by an Encirc employee to grow potatoes, this project educated pupils about soil erosion and planting. The produce was then donated to local foodbanks.  

In addition to its work with local schools, the company has endorsed multiple community initiatives. This includes supporting the Drumlane Parish Council to help renovate and replant an orchard as part of a cross border program. 

Encirc's Environmental co-ordinator, Theresa Clarke, said: "At Encirc we continually focus on our impact on the localities in which we operate. A key part of this was engaging the services of Ulster Wildlife, to further understand what we have in and around our sites and what we can do to protect and enhance this and to further develop the areas for the betterment of wildlife and our staff.

"It really is important for businesses to do their part to support their local environment. So, we would encourage other companies to look at what role they can play in their communities and challenge themselves to complete the BITC Biodiversity Charter programme."

As part of Encirc's commitment to the Biodiversity Charter, it has pledged to continue supporting local biodiversity projects and working with local schools and communities to develop biodiversity initiatives.