Supermac's

Case Study: Packaging Compliance

The Client

Supermac's was founded by Pat McDonagh in 1978 and is Ireland's largest and fastest-growing indigenous fast food group with over 2,500 employees and 80 stores.  The company's success is built on a unique menu, using real food and food ingredients sourced locally wherever possible and enhanced by quality in every aspect of the operation.  This quality philosophy has been recognised by the Gilbey's Award for Food Excellence and the Excellence Ireland Hygiene Mark. The quality of service is underwritten by Supermac's staff, who give the restaurants their unique, friendly atmosphere.

The Challenge

Supermac’s needed to assess its ‘producer’ status under the Waste Management (Packaging) Regulations, the legal, operational, and financial implications of compliance, and how best to address this issue in the context of being a premier brand with multiple sites throughout  Ireland.

The Solution

Greenstreets was able to assess the volume of packaging supplied by Supermac’s and determine financial liability as either a member of Repak or a self complier with the local authorities.  Greenstreets was also able to advise on legal liabilities for packaging supplied and packaging waste arising on-site.

Self Compliance was the favoured method of compliance.

The key benefits for Supermac’s were:

1. Liabilities (financial and legal) were detailed;
2. Options were detailed and Greenstreets’ recommendations were presented;
3. Supermac’s stores were registered as self compliant with the local authority; and
4. Waste management guidance for all registered and re-registered sites were provided.

Supermac’s were able to have a greater degree of control over their chosen method of compliance and promote best practice nationally.  Greenstreets continue to manage the reporting obligations for Supermac’s.  Following this successful project, Greenstreets is the sole nominated waste management consultant to Supermac’s and co-ordinates all issues with the local authorities.