CIRCULÉIRE is Ireland’s first national circular innovation network, supporting industry and manufacturing to develop and deliver circular business models driving the circular economy transition. CIRCULÉIRE The National Platform for Circular Innovation BECOME A MEMBER CIRCULÉIRE is Ireland's First Circular Innovation Network. Our mission is to demystify, derisk, and deliver circular business model innovation by unlocking the value that resides in an Irish circular economy. CIRCULÉIRE, the National Platform for Circular Innovation, is a multi-million euro cross-sectoral, industry-led public-private partnership that provides Industry with the necessary supports and expertise to drive their systems-level circular innovation. Irish Manufacturing Research (IMR) (Secretariat) in conjunction with three public sector Strategic Partners (Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications (DECC); the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA); and EIT Climate-KIC ), and 25 Founding Industry Members (MNCs and SMEs alike) soft-launched the programme in January 202O as a pilot initiative. Building on the impacts achieved by the pilot initiative from 2020 to 2022, the Department of Environment, Climate, and Communications became the primary public funder of CIRCULÉIRE in 2023. This support enables the continued scaling of industry-led circular innovation while leveraging existing expertise and activities within the national circular innovation ecosystem. We work across multiple Industry sectors and are stewarding over 50 organisations and their supply-chains on a journey from linear to circular business models. €1.5m Invested in 10 Circular Innovation Pilot Demonstrations €130k Invested in supporting 26 Circular New Ventures to date 50+ Active Members VIEW MEMBERS 19 Circularity Action Plans and Assessments Delivered 10 Thematic Working Groups delivered for Collaborative Knowledge Sharing READ ABOUT CIRCULÉIRE WHAT IS CIRCULAR ECONOMY? Circular Business Supports We accelerate organisations’ Circular Transformation to meet ESG and net-zero goals. More Knowledge Exchange & Policy Engagements We facilitate learning and capacity building and demystify policy and regulation to drive circular innovation. More Ecosystem Collaboration We are a dynamic Cross-Sectoral Industry Network committed to scaling circularity. More Highlights National Policy Statement & Roadmap on Circular Textiles Following DCEE’s Circular Textiles roadmap launch, IMR/CIRCULÉIRE will lead cross‑sector collaboration supporting innovation, skills, funding access, and SME EPR engagement. The All-Island Circular Venture Awards 2026 is now open! The All-Island Circular Venture Awards 2026 Call for Applications is now open, celebrating innovative circular economy start-ups with funding, expert coaching, networking opportunities, and investor exposure. The CIRCULÉIRE Innovation Fund 2026 is now open! The CIRCULÉIRE Innovation Fund 2026 supports collaborative circular economy demonstration projects that help Irish industry test, demonstrate and scale practical circular solutions. Click on the image for more details. Application Deadline: 31st August. Circular Explorer The Circular Explorer is an interactive infographic that maps circular economy strategies across the full product value chain, from raw material sourcing and design through manufacturing, distribution, use, and end of life. At each stage, it highlights circular opportunities, key enablers, and common barriers, alongside real‑world examples of companies already putting circular practices into action. The Explorer includes eight sector‑specific versions covering Food and Drink, Electronics, the Built Environment, Textiles, Plastics, Agri‑Bio, Pharma and Chemicals, and Transport. CIRCULEIRE Accelerator Programme 2026 The CIRCULÉIRE Accelerator, now six years strong, is scaling industry‑led circular solutions across Ireland with continued DECC support. More than 50 organisations are already transforming their value chains. Click the image to know more. Circular Skills Insights Report (2025) The CIRCULÉIRE Circular Skills Insights Report 2025 explores circular economy skills, jobs, leadership, and innovation in Irish industry, bridging the gap between strategy and operational delivery through research and training. Click the image to know more. Innovation Sprints 2026 Led by Karl Crowley, Senior Programme Manager for R, D & I (CIRCULÉIRE/IMR), the programme will include both online and in‑person sessions focused on identifying and developing circular innovation opportunities. CIRCULÉIRE & Zero Waste Scotland Innovation Exchange Trip Highlights Organised by CIRCULÉIRE/IMR in partnership with Zero Waste Scotland, the Innovation Knowledge Exchange Trip took place on 9–10 September 2025, bringing members to five leading innovation and sustainability centres across Scotland. Click the image to watch the video. National Policy Statement & Roadmap on Circular Textiles Following DCEE’s Circular Textiles roadmap launch, IMR/CIRCULÉIRE will lead cross‑sector collaboration supporting innovation, skills, funding access, and SME EPR engagement. The All-Island Circular Venture Awards 2026 is now open! The All-Island Circular Venture Awards 2026 Call for Applications is now open, celebrating innovative circular economy start-ups with funding, expert coaching, networking opportunities, and investor exposure. The CIRCULÉIRE Innovation Fund 2026 is now open! The CIRCULÉIRE Innovation Fund 2026 supports collaborative circular economy demonstration projects that help Irish industry test, demonstrate and scale practical circular solutions. Click on the image for more details. Application Deadline: 31st August. Circular Explorer The Circular Explorer is an interactive infographic that maps circular economy strategies across the full product value chain, from raw material sourcing and design through manufacturing, distribution, use, and end of life. At each stage, it highlights circular opportunities, key enablers, and common barriers, alongside real‑world examples of companies already putting circular practices into action. The Explorer includes eight sector‑specific versions covering Food and Drink, Electronics, the Built Environment, Textiles, Plastics, Agri‑Bio, Pharma and Chemicals, and Transport. CIRCULEIRE Accelerator Programme 2026 The CIRCULÉIRE Accelerator, now six years strong, is scaling industry‑led circular solutions across Ireland with continued DECC support. More than 50 organisations are already transforming their value chains. Click the image to know more. Circular Skills Insights Report (2025) The CIRCULÉIRE Circular Skills Insights Report 2025 explores circular economy skills, jobs, leadership, and innovation in Irish industry, bridging the gap between strategy and operational delivery through research and training. Click the image to know more. Innovation Sprints 2026 Led by Karl Crowley, Senior Programme Manager for R, D & I (CIRCULÉIRE/IMR), the programme will include both online and in‑person sessions focused on identifying and developing circular innovation opportunities. CIRCULÉIRE & Zero Waste Scotland Innovation Exchange Trip Highlights Organised by CIRCULÉIRE/IMR in partnership with Zero Waste Scotland, the Innovation Knowledge Exchange Trip took place on 9–10 September 2025, bringing members to five leading innovation and sustainability centres across Scotland. Click the image to watch the video. National Policy Statement & Roadmap on Circular Textiles Following DCEE’s Circular Textiles roadmap launch, IMR/CIRCULÉIRE will lead cross‑sector collaboration supporting innovation, skills, funding access, and SME EPR engagement. The All-Island Circular Venture Awards 2026 is now open! The All-Island Circular Venture Awards 2026 Call for Applications is now open, celebrating innovative circular economy start-ups with funding, expert coaching, networking opportunities, and investor exposure. The CIRCULÉIRE Innovation Fund 2026 is now open! The CIRCULÉIRE Innovation Fund 2026 supports collaborative circular economy demonstration projects that help Irish industry test, demonstrate and scale practical circular solutions. Click on the image for more details. Application Deadline: 31st August. Circular Explorer The Circular Explorer is an interactive infographic that maps circular economy strategies across the full product value chain, from raw material sourcing and design through manufacturing, distribution, use, and end of life. At each stage, it highlights circular opportunities, key enablers, and common barriers, alongside real‑world examples of companies already putting circular practices into action. The Explorer includes eight sector‑specific versions covering Food and Drink, Electronics, the Built Environment, Textiles, Plastics, Agri‑Bio, Pharma and Chemicals, and Transport. CIRCULEIRE Accelerator Programme 2026 The CIRCULÉIRE Accelerator, now six years strong, is scaling industry‑led circular solutions across Ireland with continued DECC support. More than 50 organisations are already transforming their value chains. Click the image to know more. Circular Skills Insights Report (2025) The CIRCULÉIRE Circular Skills Insights Report 2025 explores circular economy skills, jobs, leadership, and innovation in Irish industry, bridging the gap between strategy and operational delivery through research and training. Click the image to know more. Innovation Sprints 2026 Led by Karl Crowley, Senior Programme Manager for R, D & I (CIRCULÉIRE/IMR), the programme will include both online and in‑person sessions focused on identifying and developing circular innovation opportunities. CIRCULÉIRE & Zero Waste Scotland Innovation Exchange Trip Highlights Organised by CIRCULÉIRE/IMR in partnership with Zero Waste Scotland, the Innovation Knowledge Exchange Trip took place on 9–10 September 2025, bringing members to five leading innovation and sustainability centres across Scotland. Click the image to watch the video. National Policy Statement & Roadmap on Circular Textiles Following DCEE’s Circular Textiles roadmap launch, IMR/CIRCULÉIRE will lead cross‑sector collaboration supporting innovation, skills, funding access, and SME EPR engagement. The All-Island Circular Venture Awards 2026 is now open! The All-Island Circular Venture Awards 2026 Call for Applications is now open, celebrating innovative circular economy start-ups with funding, expert coaching, networking opportunities, and investor exposure. The CIRCULÉIRE Innovation Fund 2026 is now open! The CIRCULÉIRE Innovation Fund 2026 supports collaborative circular economy demonstration projects that help Irish industry test, demonstrate and scale practical circular solutions. Click on the image for more details. Application Deadline: 31st August. Circular Explorer The Circular Explorer is an interactive infographic that maps circular economy strategies across the full product value chain, from raw material sourcing and design through manufacturing, distribution, use, and end of life. At each stage, it highlights circular opportunities, key enablers, and common barriers, alongside real‑world examples of companies already putting circular practices into action. The Explorer includes eight sector‑specific versions covering Food and Drink, Electronics, the Built Environment, Textiles, Plastics, Agri‑Bio, Pharma and Chemicals, and Transport. CIRCULEIRE Accelerator Programme 2026 The CIRCULÉIRE Accelerator, now six years strong, is scaling industry‑led circular solutions across Ireland with continued DECC support. More than 50 organisations are already transforming their value chains. Click the image to know more. Circular Skills Insights Report (2025) The CIRCULÉIRE Circular Skills Insights Report 2025 explores circular economy skills, jobs, leadership, and innovation in Irish industry, bridging the gap between strategy and operational delivery through research and training. Click the image to know more. Innovation Sprints 2026 Led by Karl Crowley, Senior Programme Manager for R, D & I (CIRCULÉIRE/IMR), the programme will include both online and in‑person sessions focused on identifying and developing circular innovation opportunities. CIRCULÉIRE & Zero Waste Scotland Innovation Exchange Trip Highlights Organised by CIRCULÉIRE/IMR in partnership with Zero Waste Scotland, the Innovation Knowledge Exchange Trip took place on 9–10 September 2025, bringing members to five leading innovation and sustainability centres across Scotland. Click the image to watch the video. Featured Case Studies VIEW ALL Featured News Right to Repair rules now apply in Ireland: What should businesses know? As of 31st July 2026, new EU Right to Repair rules apply in Ireland, introducing requirements designed to make it easier for consumers to repair certain products rather than replace them. For businesses, particularly manufacturers, the new rules are worth paying attention to. However, the Right to Repair Directive does not currently apply to every product. Its manufacturer repair obligations are linked to specific product categories for which EU legislation establishes repair 2 days ago 4 min read EU Commissioner for Circular Economy and Minister of State, Alan Dillon TD, visit CIRCULÉIRE member Rebox 2 days ago Circularity Competitiveness Consensus at Environment Ireland Conference 4 days ago VIEW ALL Subscribe to our Newsletter for insights and updates Upcoming Events All-Island Circular Venture Awards 2026 - Online Info Session Wed, 16 Sept Zoom More info Details CIRCULÉIRE Q3 Network Meeting Wed, 23 Sept Irish Manufacturing Research More info Details

The Innovation Fund empowers organisations across Ireland to develop innovative circular economy solutions through collaboration. By supporting partnerships, the fund helps deliver projects that reduce waste, extend product lifecycles, improve resource efficiency, and create sustainable economic and environmental benefits. Innovation Fund 2026 FIND OUT MORE Powering circularity through collaboration. About the Fund The CIRCULÉIRE Innovation Fund 2026 supports collaborative circular economy demonstration projects that help Irish industry test, demonstrate and scale practical circular solutions. The Fund is designed to help organisations de-risk innovation, build cross-sector partnerships and generate learning that can support wider adoption across the CIRCULÉIRE network and the wider circular economy ecosystem. The Innovation Fund is not intended to support one-off pilots in isolation. Our goal is to identify and back the most promising circular innovations—projects capable of delivering tangible environmental, social and economic benefits while helping to accelerate Ireland’s transition to a circular economy Successful applicants will clearly articulate both the short-term and longer-term impacts their project seeks to achieve and how these will be measured. Projects should generate practical learning, evidence and transferable insights that can benefit the wider CIRCULÉIRE network and the broader circular economy ecosystem. Supporting Industry-Led Circular Transformation We are particularly seeking projects that demonstrate: Funding Impactful Projects with Potential to Scale Applications must be led by a CIRCULÉIRE member and involve collaboration between at least two organisations. We are particularly seeking projects that demonstrate: A clear circular economy opportunity or challenge Strong collaboration between industry, research and/or value chain partners A credible and measurable pathway to impact Alignment with CIRCULÉIRE's circular economy impact priorities High potential for replication, scale-up and wider market adoption. Supporting Industry-Led Circular Transformation Irish Manufacturing Research (IMR) welcomes the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment's support for the relaunch of the CIRCULÉIRE Innovation Fund. The Fund provides a vital opportunity for organisations to access RD&I funding dedicated to collaborative circular economy innovation. We encourage all CIRCULÉIRE members to build ambitious, high-potential consortia and bring forward the ideas, technologies and partnerships that will help shape Ireland's circular future. Ready to Apply? Explore the Application Guide , eligibility criteria and supporting resources to start building your consortium and shaping a high-impact circular innovation project. READ GUIDE FOR APPLICANTS Funding Range The CIRCULÉIRE Innovation Fund 2026 will support projects across three indicative funding bands: Small scale projects: up to €50,000 grant requested Medium scale projects: up to €150,000 grant requested Large scale projects: up to €250,000 grant requested The maximum grant requested must not exceed €250,000 per project. The grant requested is not the same as the total project cost. The total project cost may be higher where partner contribution is required. Projects may be 6 or 12 months in duration. Further information about co-funding rates (etc.) can be found in the Guide for Applicants document . Deadline & Countdown The deadline for full proposal submissions is 31st August 2026 at 23:59 Irish time. Applications must be submitted through the CIRCULÉIRE Innovation Fund 2026 online submission platform, hosted on AwardForce. Applicants should allow sufficient time to complete all online fields, upload all required documents and check that the information entered in the platform matches the uploaded Application Form and Project Budget Application Workbook. Days Hours Min Until applications close APPLY NOW Please cross-check the Application Checklist (Section 7 of the Application Form) to ensure all required documentation has been uploaded. Late applications will not be considered. Please ensure the email used to register on Awards Force is the same as that used in the application form . Past Funded Projects From 2020 to 2022, CIRCULÉIRE actively supported the development of a circular economy in Ireland through a dedicated Innovation Pilot Project Fund. Backed by our strategic partners —DCEE, EPA, and EIT Climate-KIC— the Innovation Pilot Project financed 10 large-scale, system-wide innovation projects within the CIRCULÉIRE network.  Visit the CIRCULÉIRE website for an overview of the successful projects, case studies and other useful resources The 2022 Innovation Fund brought together Farrell Furniture and ATU Connemara to collaborate on the project Do More with Less, advancing furniture remanufacturing and design preservation. Guidance for Applicants Applicants should review the Guide for Applicants and cross-check the Submission Checklist before preparing a submission. The Guide explains the fund objectives, eligibility requirements, funding rates, budget rules, selection criteria, evaluation process, communication outputs, De Minimis requirements and award conditions. Applicants should also review the Application Form, Project Budget Application Workbook, De Minimis Aid & UiD Declaration Form, FAQs and Terms and Conditions before submitting. Application Form Download De Minimis Aid & UiD Declaration Form Download Project Budget Application Workbook Download FAQs The FAQs document provides practical answers to common applicant questions, covering everything from how to submit through Awards Force, what documents must be uploaded, who can lead or participate in project, how funding rates apply, how De Minimis works, what budget rules apply, and what communication outputs are expected from funded projects. Applicants are encouraged to review the FAQs document before contacting the CIRCULÉIRE team, as many common eligibility, budget and submission questions are addressed there. READ FAQs Terms & Conditions Applicants should review the CIRCULÉIRE Innovation Fund 2026 Terms & Conditions before submitting an application. The Terms & Conditions set out the obligations that apply to funded projects, including use of funding, eligible costs, reporting and monitoring, payment arrangements, project changes, completion requirements, De Minimis and State Aid compliance, data protection, audit access and other grant management responsibilities. If a project is approved for funding, the Lead Partner and relevant Project Partners will be required to comply with the Terms & Conditions, the Letter of Offer, the Guide for Applicants, the approved Application Form and the Project Budget Application Workbook. READ TERMS & CONDITIONS Call for Evaluators Irish Manufacturing Research (IMR) is establishing a pool of international expert evaluators to assess applications for the CIRCULÉIRE Innovation Fund 2026 . We welcome applications from independent evaluators who can assess the quality of the Innovation Fund 2026 entries in September 2026 READ MORE Other Resources Watch our recap information session below Watch our Website & AwardForce Application Tutorial Website and awardforce application tutorial Read Application Clinic Presentation presentation application clinic innovation fund Watch our Application Clinic Session video application clinic innovation fund Strategic Partners Page Menu Close All-Island Venture Award 2026 About the Fund Application Guide Funding Range Deadline and Countdown Past Funded Projects Documents for Application FAQ Terms and Conditions Call for Evaluators Resources and media Strategic Partners

Our Members Bank of Ireland 2 College Green, Temple Bar, Dublin, Ireland NA NA https://www.bankofireland.com/ Financial Services Well Spent Grain Greenhills Road, Greenhills, Dublin 12, Ireland +353 '(0)86 171 4815 NA https://well-spent-grain.com/ Agri-Food Know Carbon 12 Clarinda Park East, Dún Laoghaire, Dublin, Co. Dublin, A96 PP78, Ireland +353 (0)86 851 4503 eamonn.galvin@knowcarbon.com https://knowcarbon.com/ ICT/EEE Wyeth Nutrition Askeaton, County Limerick, Ireland +353 (0)61 601 200 askeaton.security@wyethnutrition.com https://www.wyethnutrition.com/ Agri-Food & Drink Arcology Service Fern Road, Sandyford, Dublin, Ireland +353 (0)87 065 7450 info@arcologyint.com http://www.arcologysystem.com/ Built Environment Masonite Derryoughter, County Leitrim, N41 CC94, Ireland +353 (0)71 965 9500 NA https://www.masonite.com/ Built Environment Farrell John Street, Ardee, Co. Louth, A92 NN53 +353 (0) 41 685 3418 info@farrell.ie http://www.farrell.ie Built Environment Decotek Automotive Mullingar Road, Collinstown, County Westmeath, Ireland +353 (0)44 966 6600 info@decotek.com https://decotek.com/ Automotive Wisetek Ballincolly, Cork, T23 RX03, Ireland +353 21 455 6920 enquiries@wisetek.net https://wisetek.net/ ICT/EEE IFF Plastics Ltd Cloonwhite North, County Clare, Ireland +353 (0)65 9050773 info@iff.ie https://iff.ie/ Second-Life Enablers

As of 31st July 2026, new EU Right to Repair rules apply in Ireland, introducing requirements designed to make it easier for consumers to repair certain products rather than replace them. For businesses, particularly manufacturers, the new rules are worth paying attention to. However, the Right to Repair Directive does not currently apply to every product. Its manufacturer repair obligations are linked to specific product categories for which EU legislation establishes repairability requirements. The EU Right to Repair Directive —Directive (EU) 2024/1799— is being implemented in Ireland through S.I. No. 373/2026 and forms part of a wider shift in EU policy towards longer-lasting, more repairable and circular products. As these requirements develop, including through the EU's Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR), the range of products affected may continue to expand. What does the Right to Repair Directive do? The Directive aims to make repair a more accessible and attractive option for consumers. It introduces measures to improve access to repair services and information, including new obligations for manufacturers of certain products, a European Repair Information Form and the development of an EU-wide online platform to help consumers find repair services. It is important to note, the Directive complements rather than replaces existing consumer protection rules. In Ireland, consumers already have rights when goods do not match the standard of their sales contract under the Consumer Rights Act 2022. The new Right to Repair framework introduces additional obligations with a particular impact for manufacturers and access to repair. Does the obligation to repair apply to every manufacturer? No. The obligation to repair currently applies only to products for which EU product-specific legislation establishes repairability requirements and which fall within the scope of the Directive. The current scope is mainly focused on electrical and electronic products but also includes categories such as household washing machines and washer-dryers, dishwashers, refrigerators, electronic displays, mobile phones and tablets, tumble dryers, vacuum cleaners, servers and data-storage products, welding equipment, and products incorporating light-means-of-transport batteries. Even where a product category is covered, the precise requirements will depend on the relevant product-specific EU legislation. Businesses should therefore understand both whether their products are within scope and what specific repairability requirements apply. The scope may also evolve as further product-specific repairability requirements are introduced at EU level, including through the ESPR. What does this mean for manufacturers? For products within scope, manufacturers may have a direct obligation to provide a repair when requested by a consumer, where repair is technically possible. The repair must be provided free of charge or at a reasonable price and within a reasonable period. Manufacturers with repair obligations must also make information about their repair services available to consumers in a clear and accessible way. The Directive also aims to prevent repair from being unnecessarily restricted. This includes provisions to facilitate access to certain spare parts and tools and restrictions on contractual, hardware or software practices that prevent repair without legitimate and objective justification. Importantly, manufacturers do not necessarily have to carry out repairs themselves. Repair services can be subcontracted to an external repair provider, opening opportunities for collaboration with repair networks and specialist service providers. Where a manufacturer is established outside the EU, responsibility may instead fall to its authorised representative, importer or, in certain circumstances, distributor. What about products outside warranty? The Right to Repair Directive should not be confused with a commercial warranty or consumers' existing statutory remedies for faulty products. Where consumers have remedies against a trader under existing consumer law, those rights continue to apply. The new framework is particularly relevant where a consumer seeks repair outside the seller's warranty or liability period. Depending on the product and applicable product-specific requirements, a manufacturer repair obligation may therefore apply even where a commercial warranty has expired. This does not mean manufacturers must repair every product indefinitely. Whether the obligation applies will depend on the product, its technical repairability and the relevant product-specific requirements. What else is changing? Not every element of the new repair framework is fully operational yet. A European Repair Information Form is available to help consumers compare repair conditions, prices and expected timeframes, although its use by repairers is voluntary. An EU-wide online repair platform is also being developed to make it easier for consumers to find repair services. In Ireland, RepairMyStuff.ie will provide the basis for the national platform. Together, these measures are part of a broader EU policy direction towards increasing product durability, repairability and products with a higher circularity value. What should businesses do now? Businesses can begin by: Assessing whether the products they manufacture or supply fall within the current scope of the Right to Repair rules. Identifying their role in the supply chain and whether manufacturer, authorised representative, importer or distributor obligations may apply. Reviewing existing repair services and how consumers can access information about them. Evaluating arrangements with external repair providers where repair is outsourced. Understanding the product-specific requirements that may apply to repair, spare parts and related information. Monitoring the expansion of repairability requirements under the ESPR and other EU product legislation. Even where a company's products are not currently covered, repairability is becoming an increasingly important consideration in how products are designed, manufactured and supported throughout their lifetime. How CIRCULÉIRE can help For manufacturers, the Right to Repair agenda is not only about regulatory compliance. It also raises wider questions around product design, spare parts, repair services, refurbishment, product lifetime extension and opportunities for circular business models working in the higher R strategies space such as repair, reuse, remanufacturing, refurbishment or circular design. CIRCULÉIRE members can access one-to-one Policy Clinics to better understand emerging policy and regulatory developments. Get in touch to discuss how new legislation may apply to your organisation and identify practical next steps.

Jessika Roswall, European Commissioner for Environment, Water Resilience and a Competitive Circular Economy, and Minister of State for the Circular Economy Alan Dillon TD visited Re-Box on 3 September 2026, accompanied by members of the Irish Manufacturing Research team. Dublin, 3 September 2026. Jessika Roswall, European Commissioner for Environment, Water Resilience and a Competitive Circular Economy, and Minister of State for the Circular Economy, Alan Dillon TD, participated in a site visit at Irish circular economy company Re-Box. During the visit, IMR's Director of Circular Economy Innovation, Dr Geraldine Brennan, highlighted IMR’s national and EU flagship spanning digitalisation (FxC) space (ESA Phi Lab) to renewable energy (DigiWind) with a deep dive into IMR’s circular economy innovation portfolio, spotlighting CIRCULÉIRE. The visit showcased how collaboration between industry and CIRCULÉIRE is helping to accelerate Ireland's transition from a linear to a circular economy. Dr Brennan outlined how CIRCULÉIRE's work with members such as Re-Box demonstrates the potential for circular innovation to deliver measurable environmental outcomes while strengthening business resilience and competitiveness. A key focus of the visit was Re-Box's innovative reuse model, which exemplifies the principles of the circular economy. Rather than recycling cardboard packaging after a single use, the company extends the life of existing materials by collecting, grading and reselling used cardboard boxes to Irish SMEs. This "as-is reuse" approach extends the lifespan of cardboard, reducing demand for virgin materials while lowering both costs and environmental impacts for customers. Michael Doherty, Founder and Managing Director of Re-Box, explained how reuse sits at the heart of the company's business model and how growing demand for sustainable packaging solutions is creating opportunities for circular business growth. His company keeps “a product as a product” and brings it back to the market for a fraction of the cost of virgin packaging for Irish SMEs. Re-Box collaborator and CIRCULÉIRE network member SPECO were also in attendance on this important milestone. The delegation also heard how Re-Box has collaborated with CIRCULÉIRE to measure and strengthen its circular performance. IMR's Circularity Assessment & Metrics Technologist, Daniel Whelan, outlined how the company's circularity assessment identified opportunities for further environmental improvements, including the transition from diesel vehicles to HVO fuel after fleet operations were highlighted as an emissions hotspot. Re-Box is also supporting a pioneering CIRCULÉIRE pilot project focused on developing circular metrics methodologies to quantify emissions avoided through reuse strategies. While reuse is widely recognised as one of the highest-value circular economy interventions, its full climate benefits are often not captured in conventional GHG assessments. This pilot will help advance new ways of measuring and validating the positive impacts of circular business models. Speaking during the visit, Dr Geraldine Brennan, Director of Circular Economy Innovation at IMR, said: "Today's visit demonstrates how collaboration between policymakers, research organisations and industry can accelerate the transition to a competitive circular economy. Re-Box is an outstanding example of how innovation and circular business models can unlock value while reducing resource consumption and emissions." The visit was part of Commissioner Roswall's official agenda in Ireland, which included her participation in the Environment Ireland conference. Sponsored by CIRCULÉIRE, the conference brings together leading stakeholders from across Ireland's environmental sector alongside international experts to discuss solutions that support climate action, resource efficiency and circular economy development. As Ireland and Europe continue to advance ambitious circular economy and climate goals, IMR's Circular Economy Innovation team is working with industry to develop the next generation of circular impact metrics. Through initiatives such as CIRCULÉIRE and collaborations with companies like Re-Box, IMR is helping to build the evidence base needed to demonstrate the true value of circular business models and support their adoption at scale. This important showcase was made possible through Irish Manufacturing Research's continued engagement with EU and national government stakeholders. CIRCULÉIRE supports Irish businesses to identify, test and scale circular solutions through technical expertise, research & innovation programmes, skills development and cross sector collaboration which leverages advanced technologies. Interested in joining Ireland’s Circular Innovation Network? Please get in touch.

Eva Maria Bille (European Environmental Bureau), Tad Kirakowski (VOICE Ireland), Claire Downey (The Rediscovery Centre), Martina Hennessy (DCEE), and Valentina Tarasco (IMR/CIRCULÉIRE) at Environment Ireland 2026, 3 September 2026, Croke Park, Dublin. CIRCULÉIRE was delighted to sponsor the Environment Ireland® Conference. From a circularity perspective, discussions reinforced a clear message: the transition to a circular economy is no longer simply desirable it is essential for Ireland’s competitiveness, resilience and environmental future. In her opening keynote, Commissioner Roswall stated that, “Circularity is a necessity. It’s not just a nice to have.” Achieving the transition requires us to make change easier for businesses, create demand for secondary materials, improve affordability and use regulation, public procurement and other incentives to enable circular solutions to compete and scale. This strongly reflects CIRCULÉIRE’s own message at the conference: circularity must work in practice. Presenters at the Circular Economy session highlighted the importance of moving beyond recycling by prioritising prevention, redesign, reuse and repair, alongside effective implementation of the policies already adopted. The European Environmental Bureau (EEB), representing over 190 organisations across 42 countries, highlighted the urgent need to accelerate Europe’s transition to a circular economy. With rising resource consumption, waste generation and environmental pressures, Eva Maria Bille, Head of Circular Economy argued that meaningful progress requires a systemic shift from a linear economy to one focused on prevention, redesign, reuse and repair, with recycling as a last resort. While welcoming the forthcoming EU Circular Economy Act, concerns were raised that policy remains overly focused on recycling. The EEB called for stronger targets across the waste hierarchy, enhanced producer responsibility, toxic-free circularity and effective implementation of existing Green Deal measures. Martina Hennessey, Assistant Secretary, Circular Economy and Resource Efficiency at the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment outlined how circular economy policy is evolving into a key industrial and economic strategy at both EU and Irish levels. The forthcoming EU Circular Economy Act and Critical Raw Materials Act aim to create stronger market conditions for circular solutions, improve resource security and support competitiveness. Ireland’s Circular Economy Strategy 2026–2028 builds on initiatives such as the Deposit Return Scheme and targets annual growth in circularity. Priority sectors include construction and textiles, supported by innovation funding, Extended Producer Responsibility and circular procurement measures. Success relies on effective governance, industry engagement, citizen participation and coordinated action to deliver a more resilient, resource-efficient economy. Valentina Tarasco, Metrics & Assessment Lead at Irish Manufacturing Research (IMR) outlined how Ireland can accelerate the transition from circular economy ambition to industrial-scale impact by highlighting how CIRCULÉIRE helps businesses overcome the common challenge of scaling successful pilots into commercially viable solutions. Despite growing policy support and clear economic opportunities, organisations face barriers including fragmented value chains, limited investment and internal capability gaps. IMR addresses these through innovation programmes, funding support, collaboration and demonstration projects. Case studies from electronics, healthcare and renewable energy showed how circular business models can reduce costs, minimise waste, strengthen resilience and create competitive advantage across key sectors. Tad Kirakowski CEO at Voice Ireland focused on the community side of circularity. He emphasised that delivering a circular economy requires sustained policy leadership, stronger education and skills development, and closer alignment between government, industry and communities. He warned that delays to visible measures can weaken public confidence and momentum, despite strong public support for circular action. Embedding circularity across schools, higher education and workforce training was identified as a priority. The key message - lasting circular outcomes depend on making sustainable choices easy, supporting community initiatives, and aligning policy, education, retail and data systems. The session was expertly chaired by Claire Downey, CEO of the Rediscovery Centre. The 2027 Environment Ireland Handbook was distributed to attendees. Our featured articles are linked below: Circular economy in Ireland: A market reset CIRCULÉIRE: Accelerating circular innovation across industry Circular Shift: Rethinking how Ireland buys technology