Sustainability at Walsh Packaging

Sustainable Materials at Walsh Packaging

At Walsh Packaging, our materials choice is central to our sustainability approach. We use paper for bag manufacture, including twist handles because it comes from renewable sources and offers clear end-of-life benefits. Paper is widely recyclable, can be reused multiple times, and—when recycling isn’t possible—is compostable, allowing it to return naturally to the environment. By choosing paper-based materials, we help reduce reliance on fossil-fuel plastics while giving customers packaging that is practical, responsible, and aligned with circular economy principles.

Water-Based Flexographic Inks

Sustainability also extends to how we print. Walsh Packaging uses water-based flexographic inks, which have a lower environmental impact than solvent-based alternatives and support safer working conditions. By remixing inks on site, we significantly reduce waste and minimise unnecessary ink disposal. This approach allows us to use only what is needed, cutting excess materials while maintaining high print quality and supporting more responsible manufacturing practices.

Sustainability Governance

Walsh Packaging is a member of Repak, Ireland’s national packaging recycling scheme, which supports businesses in meeting their environmental and regulatory responsibilities. Membership ensures we comply with packaging waste legislation while actively contributing to the collection and recycling of packaging materials. Repak also provides guidance, reporting frameworks, and ongoing oversight, helping us measure our impact, improve transparency, and continuously strengthen our sustainability practices. This governance structure gives our customers confidence that our packaging is managed responsibly throughout its lifecycle.

Sustainability Projects

We are committed to continually improving our environmental performance through practical, measurable actions. Walsh Packaging actively sources new and innovative products that reduce environmental impact while maintaining quality and performance. In 2025, we reduced our energy consumption by 25% by streamlining our factory layout and optimising production processes. We also work closely with FSC®-accredited suppliers, ensuring the materials we use come from responsibly managed and ethical sources. In addition, the vast majority of our customers are based on the island of Ireland, helping to minimise transport distances and supporting our Scope 3 net zero ambitions.

Waste & Circular Economy

Waste reduction is a key focus at Walsh Packaging, supported by ongoing waste analysis projects designed to identify and minimise material loss across our operations. All pre-consumer paper waste is baled on site and returned to paper mills, where it is re-pulped and used to produce recycled paper reels. This closed-loop approach keeps valuable materials in use for longer, reduces landfill, and reflects our strong commitment to circular economy principles.

Did You Know?

Buying Bags from Irish Manufacturers such as Walsh, helps to cut emmisions from transport and logistics? Local supply chains are more predctable which reduces rush orders and innefficient transport. It also makes it easier to work with suppliers on standards, data sharing and continuose improvements. All this adds up to a meaningful reduction in carbon footprints

Did You know?

Our Factory in Roscrea is one of the only on-shore bag manufacturers in the country, this makes our lead times very competitive against imported product, as well as supporting the local economy.

Did You Know?

A circular economy for paper bags means materials are kept in use for as long as possible, rather than being used once and discarded. Paper bags can be reused, collected, and recycled back into pulp to make new paper products, reducing the need for virgin raw materials. At the end of their life, they can also be composted, allowing the material to safely return to the natural system.

Did you Know?

Walsh plays a pivotal role in bolstering the local economy, serving as a major employer in Roscrea.

Our commitment wherein we rigorously assess the potential effects of our current and prospective business operations on local communities and the environment.

Renewable and recyclable
materials for paper bags

We offer an extensive portfolio catering to a diverse range of requirements. All our paper bag materials are crafted from 100% fresh fibers sourced from sustainably managed forests, ensuring their suitability for direct food contact. Within our material lineup, you'll discover options tailored to your specific bag applications, including products boasting exceptional strength, superior visual aesthetics, and an authentic natural texture, among other qualities.

By utilizing these premium materials, you can diversify your business into markets that demand both purity and robustness in their bags, align with sustainability objectives, and leave a lasting impression on your customers.

Customers are increasingly mindful of their environmental footprint.

Popularity of Eco-Friendly Products is increasing, from plastic to paper.

Eco-friendly Manufacturing process

Paper Bags by Walsh Packaging

As consumers move away from single-use plastics, paper bags have become a preferred, sustainable alternative. Walsh Packaging offers a comprehensive range of paper bags manufactured from renewable, recyclable materials and certified by PEFC and FSC.

Designed for performance as well as presentation, our paper bags are available in a wide selection of sizes, weights, and formats to suit retail, gifting, and promotional applications. Gusseted sides and flat bases provide strength, stability, and efficient capacity for both lightweight and heavier products.

Kraft paper bags are produced using responsible, low-impact manufacturing processes that require fewer chemicals and less energy than plastic. Naturally unbleached Kraft paper remains strong, biodegradable, recyclable, and compostable, while offering an authentic, high-quality finish.