Circular Economy Business Models at ESG Spring Summit 2025

(From left) Sadhbh Wood, Geraldine Brennan, Narina Mnatsakanian, Colette van Jaarsveld

On Wednesday 30th of April Geraldine Brennan, PhD Head of Circular Economy at Irish Manufacturing Research chaired Stream 2 of the ESG Spring Summit which explored how we redefine business models through circularity. 

Opening with an exploration of CE, Geraldine mapped Ireland’s path to a circular economy, highlighting both the policy levers and innovation gaps we must navigate.  Narina Mnatsakanian Partner and Chief Impact Officer at Regeneration.VC delivered the keynote stating that 'Circular models are not just environmentally necessary - they are financially strategic'.   While the circular economy has been consistently underfunded, Narina's organisation is focused on investing in companies and brands innovating in the space via ecodesign, novel material use and products as a service. In terms of outlook Narina believes that #circularbusinessmodels drive efficiency and therefore profitability; regulation is forcing focus on circularity and finally consumers and capital markets are demanding it.   

Of the four companies showcasing circularity innovation case studies, two of the four were CIRCULÉIRE members and former accelerator alumni. Colette van Jaarsveld (Arcology System) and Mary O'Riordan (HaPPE Earth) spoke about their circular innovations and value propositions in the built environment and biomaterials sectors with Mary then running off to the official unveiling by Minister of State Alan Dillon of their world first compostable PPE & food waste medicalized biodigester.

 Sadhbh Wood from Bean Around spoke about her coffee repurposing company with Heidi Hooper from Irish Rail outlining their very practical circular strategies to reduce, reuse, repair and refurbish helped by procurement and material reduction initiatives.   The panel discussion included other ecosystem collaborators and explored the challenges of unlocking business opportunities and scaling the circular economy.   

Alan Wyley from Energy Cloud spoke about using surplus renewable energy for those in poverty, Gillian Kinsella from Pringles, showcased the project to make packaging fully paperbased and recyclable. Janet Lynch from Arup, spoke about relationship building and talking to your value chain to make real progress. Portia Sara Quinn from Harley & Marley called for more state support to enable innovation and Zoe Kavanagh Repak CEO mirrored the need for stakeholder engagement, highlighted the opportunity technology presents, as well as the need for economics to work in order to scale circularity.  

Circularity is no longer niche — it is a strategic imperative. Let’s build business models that regenerate, not deplete.  If you are interested in hearing more about CIRCULÉIRE services please reach out.