Unlocking Ireland’s Circular Future with Remanufacturing

Agnese Metitieri at the Manufacturing and Supply Chain Expo

Ireland’s circular economy is poised for a transformative shift, with remanufacturing emerging as a key driver of sustainability and industrial resilience. Last week Agnese Metitieri, IMR Circular Economy Ventures Lead presented the latest findings from the CIRCULÉIRE 2024 Remanufacturing Insights Report, at the Manufacturing and Supply-Chain Conference. Agnese highlighted how remanufacturing isn’t just a circularity trend—it’s an innovation-led approach that preserves value, strengthens supply chains, and reduces environmental impact. 

At its core, remanufacturing goes beyond repair or refurbishment, fully restoring products to their original performance while cutting costs by 40-65% compared to new production. By reducing resource extraction and waste disposal by up to 80%, remanufacturing aligns with Ireland’s ambitions under the EU Green Deal, Circular Economy Action Plan, and the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation. 

Agnese explained in the presentation how despite its benefits, barriers remain—regulatory uncertainty, logistical challenges, market perception, and technological constraints can slow progress.  

To overcome these hurdles, the report identifies key insights for Irish businesses, including embracing product design for remanufacturing, leveraging service-based models, and providing strong warranties to improve consumer trust. 

Public sector support is critical, and Ireland is leading the charge with initiatives such as the EPA-led National Repair & Reuse Network and the 2024 procurement framework for remanufactured laptops, a €30 million commitment that sets a precedent for Europe. 

With projected growth to €90 billion by 2030, remanufacturing in Ireland can revolutionize the automotive, aerospace, electronics, and medical devices industries. By scaling remanufacturing effectively, businesses can reduce dependence on raw materials, mitigate supply chain risks, and drive long-term sustainability. The future is circular—and Ireland is ready to lead. 

Want to dive deeper?  

Access the full CIRCULÉIRE 2024 Remanufacturing Insights Report here.