Mergon mission is to be carbon neutral by 2030
One of the global leaders in plastics manufacturing, Mergon International plans to be carbon neutral by 2030. That’s according to the Castlepollard based firm’s 2022 Sustainability Report, which outlines plans including recycling plastics and ensuring that all of its plants in Ireland, the UK, the Czech Republic, China, Mexico and the US are fully powered by reusable energy.
The report also states that within three years all of its company vehicles, including forklifts, will be electric. The firm is also working on a number of research and development trials to increase the number of products using “lightweight additives thereby reducing the amount of plastic used”.
Among its long-term initiatives, Mergon also plans to carry out R&D trials on recycled plastic raw material, such as bio plastic recycled from fishing nets and milk cartons.
In his message at the start of the report, Mergon CEO and founder Pat Beirne says that the firm “is committed to play its part in achieving a sustainable future and avoiding climate crisis”.
“...Commitments are pointless unless we get traction on the ground. Since our first Sustainability Report one year ago Mergon has improved energy efficiency across the group.
“We are now exclusively using renewable energy at our facilities in Ireland and Czech Republic with plans to expand this programme to the other sites.
“We are about to start production of renewable energy in Ireland with solar panels and we are bringing sustainable sourcing and sustainable design to all our activities.
“People are crucial to achieving a sustainable future and we are increasing our investment in training and development, health and safety, and diversity with an inclusive workplace for all. In addition to the recycling of plastics, Mergon is also expanding the use of inorganic additives as a substitute for virgin resin to achieve even lower part weights. I want to thank Mergon’s employees across the Group, all of you, for helping Mergon to be a leader in sustainability.” Founded in 1981 and currently employing more than 1,000 around the globe, Mergon supplies parts to some of world’s best known brands including BMW, Bosch, Makita, Toyota and Xerox.
Earlier this year, the firm acquired Weltonhurst, a UK supplier of blow moulded components. Speaking then, Mr Beirne said it “represents a considerable strategic expansion of Mergon’s operations and footprint internationally”.
“Operating in the UK will both safeguard seamless service for our UK customers following Brexit and will enhance our capabilities in large part, small volume moulding. We have ambitious plans to grow our industrial division in the areas of traffic management and packaging products, and this acquisition gives us the springboard to launch that initiative.”