Under the leadership of Sustainability Director Fiacre O’Donnell, Encirc has become a benchmark for responsible business, integrating environmental stewardship, inclusive workplace practices, and regional economic development into Encirc’s core operations.

What Fiacre did

Fiacre O’Donnell has driven transformative change at Encirc through a multi-dimensional approach to responsible business:

• People: Embedded inclusive practices through initiatives like Women in Manufacturing, Ignite, and Neurodiversity, increasing representation and support in a traditionally male-dominated industry. Encirc became a Living Wage employer and partnered with Diversity Mark, achieving measurable progress in equity and inclusion.
• Planet: Led environmental innovation including a verified Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi), a 24% reduction in scope 1 emissions since 2019, and trials to produce carbon-free glass using biofuels. Fiacre co-founded a 60-member Biodiversity Committee and oversaw award-winning school biodiversity projects.
• Place: Strengthened community ties through local school partnerships, art exhibitions, and the creation of Fermanagh’s first Chamber of Commerce. Encirc invested over £100,000 in community projects in 2024, including the return of Enniskillen’s fireworks festival.
• Innovation: Established the Innovation and Continuous Improvement Hub, encouraging staff-led sustainability projects such as heat recovery systems and gas reduction technologies. Fiacre ensured innovation was embedded across all levels of the organisation.
• Advocacy: Fiacre serves on multiple industry bodies including the NI Chamber of Commerce, British Glass, and BITC NI’s Climate Champions Team. He leads Encirc’s role in the Community Decarbonisation Pathway Plan and actively engages policymakers to influence sustainable industrial regulation. He is a regular speaker at national sustainability forums and contributor to policy dialogue.

Key impacts and outcomes for Encirc

• 24% reduction in scope 1 emissions since 2019 and targeting 47% reduction in scope 1 & 2 and 28% in scope 3 emissions by 2030
• Produced the world’s most sustainable glass bottle using recycled glass and biofuels (90% lower carbon footprint).
• Successful biofuel trials replacing natural gas in 2024.
• Heat recovery system saving over 300,000 kWh annually.
• Women in Manufacturing group grew from 4 to 30+ members.
• Living Wage employer status achieved in Northern Ireland.
• Over 25 employees earned Diplomas in Business Sustainability.
• Culture of innovation supported through staff-led projects and mentorship.
• £100,000+ invested in Fermanagh community projects in 2024.
• Established Fermanagh Chamber of Commerce to promote regional balance and investment.
• School biodiversity project involved 13 local schools.
• Graduate scheme applications rose from 11 (2022) to 158 (2024) following targeted social media campaigns.
• Encirc awarded NI Responsible Company of the Year 2022
• Winner of Nature and Biodiversity Award (2024).
• 85% of customers cite sustainability as a key factor in choosing Encirc.

What the Judges said:

“Fiacre is a worthy ambassador for responsible business and an inspirational leader working across people, planet and place. He is an innovative individual with focus on developing a local chamber and wider reach – an ambassador for himself, his company and Northern Ireland”.