By Business & Finance 
Neil Skeffington is CEO of Novelplast, the PET plastic recycling company.
What inspired you to start your company?
I started Novelplast in 2019 because I saw a real gap in the plastic recycling industry—specifically around PET materials that are typically not recycled and are quite difficult to process. I was inspired by the opportunity to create a business that could not only be commercially successful but also make a meaningful impact on the environment by addressing this challenge head-on.
What is your core product/service offering and what gap in the market are you trying to address?
At Novelplast, we focus on recycling PET plastics—particularly the types that are harder to recycle and usually end up in landfill. These are materials that most recyclers avoid, but we’ve developed the technology and capacity to handle them at scale. In fact, we’re now the largest plastic recycler in Ireland, with a capacity of 33,000 tons per year. We’re addressing a major gap in the market by giving these materials a second life.
Is there a particular sustainability-related issue that your business is trying to solve?
Yes, we’re tackling the global issue of plastic waste, especially PET plastics that are often overlooked by traditional recyclers. Our goal is to recycle 100,000 tons of PET annually by 2029. It’s a bold target, but we believe it’s necessary if we want to make a real difference in reducing plastic pollution.
What motivated you to apply to the Accelerate Green programme?
I applied to Accelerate Green to help shape the strategic direction of Novelplast as we continue to grow. I’m also keen to build a stronger leadership culture within our team, one that’s less reliant on me and more focused on collaborative, sustainable growth. Plus, connecting with other entrepreneurs in the green space is a big draw—it’s always valuable to share ideas and experiences with like-minded people.
How important is professional networking for you as you grow your business?
Networking is incredibly important to me. It’s not just about building business contacts—it’s about learning from others, sharing our story, and finding opportunities to collaborate. The chance to be part of a community of sustainability-focused entrepreneurs is one of the key reasons I joined Accelerate Green.
What’s your long-term vision for the company?
My vision for Novelplast is to recycle 100,000 tons of PET plastic every year by 2029. That means growing our footprint, managing multiple sites, and making acquisitions—with our first one is planned for 2025. But beyond the numbers, I want Novelplast to lead the way in sustainable recycling, setting a new standard for what’s possible in our industry.
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