From January, Irish consumers may more easily choose goods produced by companies which are responsible in their waste management practices. The PanEuropean "Green Dot" symbol on packaging indicates that the supplier is recovering and recycling its packaging material through a Government-approved compliance scheme.

Under the Waste Management (Packaging) Act 1997 major producers are required by law to recover packaging material that they supply. Enforcement is carried out by local authorities.

The Green Dot allows consumers to choose goods produced by firms contributing to national packaging recovery operations.

The scheme is managed by Repak a private, non-profit company set up by industry and the Department of the Environment to achieve recycling of package waste in the most cost effective way. National recovery targets include a minimum 27 per cent by weight of packaging waste to be recycled by June 2001.