A glass container manufacturer has won a prestigious award for its efforts to improve biodiversity and the natural environment.

Encirc, which is based in Derrylin, was one of 13 organisations in Northern Ireland to be crowned winners at the 2024 Responsible Business Awards, organised by Business in the Community NI (BITC).

The company scooped the inaugural Nature and Biodiversity accolade at the gala event, which was attended by more than 600 people on Thursday, September 5, at ICC Belfast.

The award recognises an organisation that best demonstrated a significant commitment and contribution to improving biodiversity and the natural environment in Northern Ireland.

Encirc was recognised for its schools’ biodiversity project, which sees the glass container manufacturer and bottle filler working with 13 schools in the local area, engaging nearly 30 per cent of the Fermanagh school population to improve and enhance biodiversity green space.

Encirc has also partnered with other Fermanagh businesses and Fermanagh and Omagh District Council to help widen the scope and potential of these projects.

Sean Murphy, managing director at Encirc, said: "We are all delighted to be recognised at these prestigious awards which celebrate responsible businesses throughout Northern Ireland that are determined to make a difference in the communities they serve.

"We are so proud to win the first-ever Nature and Biodiversity award, this is such an important area for us.

"Encirc is fully committed to our sustainability strategy.

"Decarbonising the production of glass is undoubtedly a major part of that strategy, but it is about much more than that.

"Our schools project is about educating young people on the best ways to protect our environment.

"We want to start conversations about biodiversity and through our actions, we want to change how everybody sees our natural environment."

Mr. Murphy added: "We have a biodiversity committee in Derrylin that comprises almost 50 people, 10 per cent of our workforce in the Derrylin factory and I congratulate them all on this win.

"They are leading change, encouraging volunteering and participation from within Encirc to create a sustainable plan that achieves continual biodiversity enhancement.

"This award is due recognition for that work."

Vicky Davies, chair of BITC and chief executive of Danske Bank, said: "These awards provide a platform to showcase and celebrate the most innovative and inspirational responsible businesses.

"As the only awards dedicated to responsible business in NI, this is a unique opportunity for leaders in all areas of corporate responsibility to be recognised and rewarded for going beyond profit to be a force for good for society and the environment, and it serves as a way to inspire others to follow suit."