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 Ireland's Circular Innovation Network 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 the launch of the DCEE Circular Textiles Roadmap, IMR/CIRCULÉIRE will lead cross-sector collaboration to support innovation, skills development, access to funding, and SME engagement with Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) requirements. Circular Economy Innovation Grant Scheme (CEIGS) CEIGS 2026 is now open, offering €1.5 million in funding to support innovative circular economy projects across Ireland. Visit the CEIGS page to learn more. The National Circular Skills Survey 2026 is now live! Take part in the National Circular Skills Survey 2026 and help build a clearer picture of the skills, training and support needs of businesses across Ireland. 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 the launch of the DCEE Circular Textiles Roadmap, IMR/CIRCULÉIRE will lead cross-sector collaboration to support innovation, skills development, access to funding, and SME engagement with Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) requirements. Circular Economy Innovation Grant Scheme (CEIGS) CEIGS 2026 is now open, offering €1.5 million in funding to support innovative circular economy projects across Ireland. Visit the CEIGS page to learn more. The National Circular Skills Survey 2026 is now live! Take part in the National Circular Skills Survey 2026 and help build a clearer picture of the skills, training and support needs of businesses across Ireland. 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 the launch of the DCEE Circular Textiles Roadmap, IMR/CIRCULÉIRE will lead cross-sector collaboration to support innovation, skills development, access to funding, and SME engagement with Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) requirements. Circular Economy Innovation Grant Scheme (CEIGS) CEIGS 2026 is now open, offering €1.5 million in funding to support innovative circular economy projects across Ireland. Visit the CEIGS page to learn more. The National Circular Skills Survey 2026 is now live! Take part in the National Circular Skills Survey 2026 and help build a clearer picture of the skills, training and support needs of businesses across Ireland. 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 Remanufacturing: Turning Circular Ambition into Industrial Opportunity Speakers at IMR Connect Day on 1 October: Geraldine Brennan (IMR), Mark O'Sullivan (IQUTECH), Aswin Ramasubramanian (IMR), Richard Brennan (Evolve), and Joe Coleman (Combilift). At the recent IMR Connect Day, manufacturers, industry leaders and technology experts explored a practical question: how can businesses recover more value from the products and equipment they already manufacture, use and maintain? Through the panel discussion Circular Manufacturing in Practice: From C Oct 15 6 min read Reflecting, Connecting and Shaping the Future of Ireland's Circular Economy Sep 28 Minister Dillon launches €1.5 million Circular Economy Innovation Grant Scheme Sep 14 VIEW ALL Subscribe to our Newsletter for insights and updates Upcoming Events All-Island Circular Venture Awards 2026 Thu, 19 Nov Aviva Stadium More info Buy Tickets

CIRCULÉIRE is Ireland’s circular economy network led by Irish Manufacturing Research, uniting industry, government, and innovators to accelerate circular transition. Our Network Irish Manufacturing Research (IMR) is the Secretariat of CIRCULÉIRE, funded by the Government of Ireland’s Department of Climate, Energy and Environment (DCEE). CIRCULÉIRE is a multi-million euro cross-sectoral industry-led, public-private partnership that was co-created by IMR, and three Strategic Partners; the Department of Climate, Energy and Environment (DCEE), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and EIT Climate-KIC and 25 Founding Industry Members. Starting with 25 founding members, we have grown to a vibrant network of over 50 engaged members who are committed to circular economy transition, collaboration, and knowledge sharing. CIRCULÉIRE is actively engaging and collaborating with all stakeholders from the wider Irish Circular innovation ecosystem - government departments and agencies, academia, third sector and solution providers and provides regular opportunities to for the network to engage and collaborate within this wider ecosystem. What We Do Support the delivery of reduction in waste across our network members through product redesign; business model innovation; industrial symbiosis; materials substitution and other circularity strategies Raise awareness and increase understanding of circularity within and for Irish Industry and the wider ecosystem. Identify barriers to implementation and advise on strategies to overcome them Develop frameworks, toolkits + deep demonstrations to de-risk & prove the value of Circular Economy Inform Irish Circular Economy policy innovation. Strategic Partners The Department of Climate, Energy and Environment (DCEE) are leading the delivery the Government of Ireland’s National Climate Action Plan (2019) and the Waste Action Plan for a Circular Economy (2020-2025). In November 2022, DECC announced €1.5m continutation funding for CIRCULÉIRE in 2023. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) lead the National Waste Prevention Programme (NWPP), a Government of Ireland initiative, which supports national-level, strategic programmes to prevent waste and drive the circular economy in Ireland. EIT Climate-KIC is the largest public-private partnership in the EU dedicated to accelerating the transition to a zero-carbon, climate-resilient society, supported by the European Institute for Innovation & Technology (EIT). Governance As a public-private partnership, CIRCULÉIRE’s governance structure includes a steering group with IMR as secretary, along with permanent representation from its three strategic partners DCEE, EPA and EIT Climate-KIC, as well as representatives from industry members who rotate annually. In 2024, the Local Government Management Agency (LGMA) joined the Steering Group. Network members are invited to put themselves forward for election or nominate a peer each year. Industry representatives play a crucial feedback role between CIRCULÉIRE’s cross-sectoral Industry Members (who range from MNCs to SMEs to micro-enterprise) and the Strategic Partners – bringing industry’s perspectives to the table. 2026 Ciarán McGann Head of Manufacturing, Food & Fisheries Sector | Capital Markets Anthony O’Dea Commercial Director Mary O’Riordan Co-Founder & CEO Amanda Steward CEO 2025 Colette Van Jaarsveld Managing Director Mark O’Sullivan Global Business Development Director Donough McGrath Director of Engineering Technology Development Rory O'Dwyer Environmental Coordinator 2024 Colette Van Jaarsveld Managing Director Conor Magee Head of Manufacturing Paul Farrell Joint Chief Executive Officer Rory O'Dwyer Environmental Coordinator 2023 Lisa O'Donoghue Chief Executive Officer Mark O'Sullivan Global Business Development Director Kevin Sheridan Managing Director Paul Farrell Joint Chief Executive Officer 2022 Fergus O'Sullivan Plant Manager Kevin Cronin Chief Operating Officer Maria Couchman Senior Craft & Education Manager Neil Skeffington Chief Executive Officer 2021 Austin Geraghty Global Director, Health, Safety & Sustainability Elizabeth O'Reilly Head of Environmental Compliance & Membership Ian Ryan Energy & Utilities Manager 2020 David Callanan Senior Engineering Executive Declan O'Riordan Sustainability Manager Mark Coyne Global Sustainability Lead Contact Us Irish Manufacturing Research Unit A, Aerodrome Business Park, Rathcoole, Co. Dublin D24 WC04 08.30 – 17.00 Monday – Friday +353 (0) 1 567 5000 circuleire@imr.ie Irish Manufacturing Research, National Science Park, Dublin Rd, Mullingar, Co. Westmeath N91 TX80 08.30 – 17.00 Monday – Friday +353 (0) 1 567 5000 circuleire@imr.ie

Explore CIRCULÉIRE’s knowledge sharing resources, including circular economy policy insights, thought leadership, case studies, and much more in our Knowledge Hub. CIRCULAR BUSINESS SUPPORTS KNOWLEDGE EXCHANGE & POLICY ENGAGEMENTS ECOSYSTEM COLLABORATION CIRCULAR ECONOMY POLICY THOUGHT LEADERSHIP CASE STUDIES CIRCULAR EXPLORER KNOWLEDGE HUB European Circular Economy Policy EU Green Deal (EGD, 12/2019) The EU Green Deal is Europe’s roadmap for making the EU’s economy sustainable – tackling climate and environmental-related challenges through a new growth strategy. It outlines the European Commissions’ commitment to make Europe the first climate-neutral continent by 2050. The Green Deal defines key actions, investments, and support mechanisms to support people, businesses, and regions transition to a circular economy, restoring biodiversity and cutting pollution. European Industrial Strategy (2020) The EU’s Industrial Strategy seeks to transform industry making Europe’s businesses future-fit by becoming greener, more circular (the Green Transition) and more digital (the Digital Transition) while remaining globally competitive. It emphasises the importance of leveraging the impact of the EU Single Market to drive innovation and set global standards and outlines a new SME Strategy to encourage innovation, cut red tape and provide better access to finance. EU Circular Economy Action Plan (2020) The EU Circular Economy Action Plan (CEAP 2.0) is part of the European Green Deal. It outlines a range of measures to enable sustainable products to become the EU norm starting with the following key value chains: Electronics and ICT; Batteries and Vehicles; Packaging; Plastics; Textiles; Construction, Food, Water and Nutrients. The CEAP 2.0 in conjunction with other policy frameworks aims to ensure a joined-up approach to circularity in Europe. EU Waste Framework Directive (2018) The EU Waste Framework Directive was adopted in 2008 to regulate and reduce the quantity of waste being produced in Europe. It has undergone several amendments, the latest in 2018. It defined the waste management hierarchy; explains when waste becomes a secondary raw material; encourages the reuse of products and design of products with recycled content and outlines targets for the recycling of key materials. In 2023, the EU Commission proposed a targeted amendment of the Directive, with a focus on textiles and food waste. The proposal aims to bring a more circular and sustainable management of textile waste as well as introducing EPR schemes for textiles in all EU Member States. In June 2024 the Council adopted its general approach on the Revision proposed which allows the new EU presidency to continue the process for the final text under the new legislative cycle. EU Farm to Fork Strategy (2020) The Farm to Fork Strategy is a key part of the European Green Deal and outlines how food production systems in Europe can be reshaped to ensure healthy, environmentally- friendly and fair food for all citizens. It seeks to deploy circularity in bio-based value chains, and focuses on carbon intensity, protection of soil, air, water, and reversing biodiversity loss. The strategy also seeks to ensure that fair economic returns for producers and affordable prices for end-customers. Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (2023) The Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) entered into force on the 5th of January 2023. It modernizes and strengthens the non-financial reporting rules concerning social and environmental information companies must report. It also broadens the set of companies that must report to include listed SMEs and non-EU companies that generate over 150 million EUR on the EU market. Companies subject to CSRD will have to report according to the ESRS standards, and the first companies will have to apply the new rules when reporting in 2025. Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (2024) The new Ecodesign for Sustainable Regulation (ESPR) entered into force on the 18th of July 2024. It builds on the Ecodesign Directive (2009/125/EC) and aims to promote more environmentally sustainable and circular products. The ESPR establishes a framework to set eco-design requirements for specific product groups to improve their circularity, energy performance, and other environmental sustainability aspects. The ESPR also introduces the Digital Product Passport (DPP) (art.9), a tool to provide comprehensive digital information about a product’s sustainability throughout its entire lifecycle. Right to Repair Directive (2024) The Right to Repair Directive adopted by the European Council on the 30th of May of 2024 aims to ensure that consumers are able to seek repair instead of replacement when a product is broken or defective. Some of its main elements are: incentives for producers to prolong life cycles of products, a right for consumers to request that manufacturers repair products that are technically repairable under EU law, a free-of-charge EU repair information form, and online repair platform to connect consumers with repairs and the extension by 12 months of the seller’s liability period after the repair of a product. National Circular Economy Policy Climate Action Plan (2019) Ireland’s first Climate Action Plan was published in 2019, to address the impacts of climate disruption. It includes a chapter on Waste and the Circular Economy. This is the first time an Irish policy recognized the need to adopt circular economy principles and mandated the development of a Circular Economy Policy and Action Plan for Ireland, inspired by the EU’s Circular Economy Action Plan. Climate Action & Low Carbon Development Act (2021) The Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Act turn climate commitment into a law and set out a specific target for Ireland of net-zero emissions no later than 2050 and to a 51% reduction in emissions by 2030, doubling the ambition of the 2019 Action Plan. The Climate Action Plan 2021 set out a detailed sectoral roadmap to achieve Ireland’s net-zero targets. This Plan is revised and updated yearly. Waste Action Plan for Circular Economy (2020) The Waste Action Plan for Circular Economy is Ireland's strategic waste planning and management roadmap. This plan aims to move away from a waste disposal focus and promote a circular economy, preserving resources for longer. The plan outlines the sector's role in achieving the CAP 2019 and includes measures and targets for various waste areas. Additionally, the plan promises to publish a Whole-Government Circular Economy Strategy Whole of Government Circular Economy Strategy (2022-23) The Whole Government Circular Economy Strategy published in December 2021 is Ireland's first national strategy which establishes a policy framework to guide the transition towards a circular economy in all sectors and encourages public sector leadership in embracing circularity. In the strategy, the concept of a circular economy is explained, along with the reasons why Ireland must achieve it, and how national policy will be developed to support this objective. The next Whole of Government CE Strategy is anticipated to undergo public consultation and go before government before the end of 2024. Circular Economy & Miscellaneous Provisions Act (2022) The Circular Economy Act 2022 is a landmark legislation in Ireland that defines the Circular Economy for the first time in Irish domestic law. It establishes comprehensive regulations and economic measures to help Ireland transition into circularity. The Act places the Circular Economy Strategy on a statutory footing, making the ongoing development of circular economy policy a legal requirement of the Government. It also re-designates the existing Environment Fund as a Circular Economy Fund to support environmental and circular economy projects. National Food Waste Prevention Roadmap (2023-2025) The National Food Waste Prevention Roadmap sets out actions to achieve a reduction of 50% in Ireland's food waste by 2030. The development of this roadmap was one of the commitments in Ireland's Waste Action Plan for Circular Economy (2020). The Food Waste Prevention Roadmap sets out priority actions to focus on food waste prevention across key sectors in the food supply chain. It also looks at the role of the public sector in tackling food waste by improving procurement practices. National Bioeconomy Action Plan (2023) In 2018, as part of Project Ireland 2040, the government published the first National Policy Statement on the Bioeconomy which set out a vision, common principles, strategic objectives, and an implementation framework to develop the bioeconomy across relevant sectors. It established a Bioeconomy Implementation Group (BIG), co-chaired by DECC and DAFM. The subsequent National Bioeconomy Action Plan 2023-2025 has a strong focus on bringing sustainable scientific practices, technologies, and biobased innovation into use on farms and by biobased industries in Ireland – including leveraging circularity principles. National Waste Management Plan for Circular Economy (2024-30) The National Waste Management Plan for Circular Economy, published in March 2024, sets out the framework for the prevention and management of waste in Ireland from 2024 to 2030. The Plan outlines specific targets, policies, and actions to accelerate the transition toward a circular economy. It includes circular economy targets such as reuse, repair, and resource consumption. Green Public Procurement Strategy and Action Plan 2024-2027 (2024) The Green Public Procurement Strategy and Action Plan for the period 2024-207 was published in Ireland on the 4th of April of 2024. It aims to enhance sustainable procurement practices within the public sector, leveraging its substantial purchasing power to drive environmental and circular objectives. This plan replaces the “Green Tenders” policy and aligns with broader national circular and climate strategies. Key components include setting sector-specific targets, implementing comprehensive monitoring and reporting mechanism, providing training and awareness program and fostering market engagement and innovation. Sectoral Guides Sectoral Guides are resources that provide information, guidance, and best practice examples in a particular industry or sector. Our Good Practice Sectoral Guides series aim to educate and highlight the best Circular Economy practices in a variety of sectors. They are essential reading for both industry and policy stakeholders who are invested in the progression of a Circular Economy in Ireland. 2026 From Molecule to Medicine: Circular Manufacturing Opportunities for Ireland's Pharmaceutical Sector This guide is written for everyone with an interest in pharmaceutical manufacturing in Ireland, including manufacturers, policymakers, funders and students. It explains what a circular economy is and why it matters for pharmaceutical manufacturing. It sets out the sector’s main material flows and the laws that bear on them, describes how companies in Ireland and elsewhere are already putting circular practice to work, and identifies what enables that practice and what stands in its way. Its aim is to raise awareness of the circular economy and to help accelerate the sector’s transition towards it in Ireland. For policymakers, the guide draws attention to the EU and Irish laws and strategies that bear on a circular economy in pharmaceutical manufacturing, and sets out what industry, policymakers and regulators can do to advance it. 2025 Industrial Power-to-Heat: Enabling Circularity in Energy Systems This guide supports industry leaders, policymakers, and energy stakeholders in understanding how Power-to-Heat technologies can drive Ireland’s transition toward a circular and low‑carbon energy model. It examines the systemic inefficiencies in current renewable electricity use—such as curtailment and grid constraints—and highlights how converting surplus power into usable heat can unlock new value streams for industry. By exploring technological pathways, enabling conditions, and policy levers, the report illustrates how Power‑to‑Heat can strengthen energy resilience, decarbonise industrial heat demand, and accelerate Ireland’s journey toward a more integrated, resource‑efficient energy system. 2024 Unpacking the Circular Innovation Opportunities for Ireland's MedTech Sector This guide provides MedTech stakeholders with an understanding of the Circular Economy (CE), its necessity, and the opportunities it presents for value creation. It explores the drivers, enablers, and barriers to CE adoption in Europe and Ireland, offering strategies to transition effectively. Policymakers gain insights into key enablers and industry challenges, fostering collaboration to accelerate CE implementation in the MedTech sector. 2023 Towards a Circular Economy of Water This guide equips industry leaders with practical Circular Economy of Water (CEW) strategies, empowering them to drive sustainability and resource efficiency. Policymakers, gain insights and industry perspectives to accelerate CEW implementation through collaborative action. 2022 Circular Road and Rail Good Practice Sectoral Guide We explore global innovations in circular road & rail, sparking inspiration for Ireland's future. Industry leaders, discover practical strategies to optimise resource use and minimise waste. Policymakers, gain insights into international circular economy success stories shaping the future of mobility. 2022 Circular ICT /EEE Good Practice Sectoral Guide This guide empowers you to navigate the circular ICT & EEE shift and to discover best practices, funding opportunities, and educational resources to fuel your transition. We identify key barriers and learn from Irish companies leading the way. Policymakers will find insights to design supportive regulations and incentives. 2022 Circular Aviation Good Practice Sectoral Guide This guide showcases global innovations that are transforming the aviation industry towards circularity. Irish stakeholders will discover how to adopt these circular practices to optimise resource use and reduce waste. Policymakers will gain insights into international policies that are driving positive change in aviation sustainability. 2022 Circular Maritime & Shipping Good Practice Sectoral Guide Discover global innovations transforming the Irish shipping industry towards circularity. Explore practical strategies to optimise resource use and reduce waste. For broader industries relying on Ireland's sea links, learn more about the potential to minimize your Scope 3 emissions. 2021 Circular Food & Drinks Good Practice Sectoral Guide We explore cutting-edge innovations revolutionising the food & drinks industry. Discover Irish and global best practices to minimise waste, optimise resources, and embrace circularity. Unleash new opportunities for your business while protecting our planet. 2021 Circular Construction & Built Environment Good Practice Sectoral Guide We explore innovative solutions transforming construction globally, from recycled materials to modular design. Irish stakeholders, discover practical ways to optimise resources and minimise waste in your projects. 2021 Circular Fashion & Textiles Good Practice Sectoral Guide Explore innovative solutions reshaping fashion globally, from recycled materials to upcycling trends. Irish stakeholders, unlock opportunities to close the loop and minimise textile waste. 2021 Circular Agriculture & Biobased Industries Sectoral Good Practice Guide Discover global pioneers driving the circular shift in agriculture and biobased industries. Irish stakeholders, unleash your potential to reduce waste, optimise resources, and unlock new business models. Embrace a more sustainable future for Ireland's agricultural & biobased landscape. Other Publications CIRCULÉIRE produces and curates a range of knowledge resources to support learning and action on the circular economy. These resources help demystify circular economy concepts, share evidence‑based insights, and highlight practical approaches across sectors, forming a growing knowledge base that supports organisations, policymakers, and practitioners in advancing Ireland’s transition to a circular economy. 2026 2025 2024 Download 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. View infographic A Circular Economy MedTech Infographic This infographic introduces CIRCULÉIRE’s MedTech circular innovation guide, highlighting best practice insights for industry, funders, and policymakers. Download Public Consultation: Whole of Government Circular Economy Strategy 2026-2028 Submitted by Irish Manufacturing Research on behalf of CIRCULÉIRE Network Members. Download Remanufacturing Insight Report Remanufacturing is transforming how industries tackle sustainability—cutting costs, conserving resources, and driving innovation. Discover how this powerful circular model can boost resilience, reduce emissions, and unlock new opportunities. Download the full report to explore the insights, data, and sectoral opportunities shaping the future. Thematic Working Groups Each year CIRUCLÉIRE designs and deliver Thematic Working Group interactive sessions based on topics chosen by our network participants to support their transition to the circular economy. The aim of Thematic Working Groups is to: Demystify the circular economy, raising awareness of relevant policy and industry best practices to equip businesses to make informed decisions Unlock the opportunities and barriers to scaling up circular innovation in Ireland Co-develop actionable outputs and recommendations to support the transition of Irish Industry towards circularity Foster collaboration, knowledge sharing, and networking amongst the CIRCULÉIRE network and key stakeholders in Ireland’s circular economy ecosystem Share a pipeline of circular opportunities to inspire circular innovation in Irish industry Our Thematic Working Groups are delivered by the CIRCULÉIRE team within Irish Manufacturing Research, in collaboration with select expert facilitators or guest speakers. A multi-sectoral panel including industry representatives, policy makers, regulators, and academics are guided through a collaborative peer learning and knowledge-sharing process to obtain a detailed understanding of the selected topic. 2024 2023 2022 2021 2020 Circular Economy, Product Lifecycle Thinking & Sustainable Product Regulation Designing products and services with a circular economy mindset, considering the entire lifecycle of products from design to disposal, and creating value through sustainable and innovative business practices. Contributors: Aisling McCarthy Dept Enterprise, Trade, and Employment Vojtech Vosecky Circle Economy Digitalisation & Digital Product Passport Using latest digital technologies to optimise the use of resources, reduce waste, and increase efficiency in the supply chain. Importance of data-driven decision-making and how digitisation can support transparency and traceability in the supply chain, as well as ensuring your business is ready to adapt to future EU regulatory changes such as Digital Product Passports. Contributors: Amba Concheso DSS+ Dr Rembrant Kopplaar EcoWise Measuring Circularity Exploring the main measurement approaches and tools for measuring circularity, such as life cycle assessment, material flow analysis, and circularity indicators. Outlining the process of measuring progress in the circular economy, and whether and how impact is highly dependent on the goals, reach, and target audiences of circular economy practitioners. Contributors: Shane Colgan EEA Dr John Gallagher TCD Circular Packaging Packaging waste is a key priority highlighted in both the EU Circular Economy Action Plan and the Irish Waste Action Plan for a Circular Economy . The plans identify packaging as a prime target for the Extended Producer Responsibility model, placing the onus on producers to minimize waste. In 2021, packaging waste generated in the EU was estimated at 18.7kg per inhabitant with significant variations between countries. Irish inhabitants are amongst the top generators of packaging waste across Europe producing 1.2 million tonnes. The Circular Packaging Thematic Working Group, co-designed and delivered by CIRCULÉIRE and Mabbett & Associates Ltd guided participants through a series of meetings, ideation workshops and webinars. These sessions aimed at identifying circular innovation opportunities where Irish industry can reduce or replace their primary, secondary and tertiary packaging waste with more re-usable, re-fillable or recyclable packaging systems. Expert Co- Facilitators: Mabbett & Associates Ltd Circular Plastics While plastics offer advantages like affordability, durability, and versatility, their single-use nature and low recycling rates create significant challenges. These challenges include lost material value, harm to wildlife, and negative impacts on our environment and health. Out of 30 million tonnes of plastic waste collected annually in Europe, only 5 million are recycled into new products. The remaining plastic is incinerated, landfilled, or exported. To meet the ambitious European Green Deal objectives, much more plastic waste needs to be recycled and more sustainable, non-toxic and viable material substitutes also need to be found. The chemical industry plays a crucial role in this transition by advancing all forms of plastic recycling – mechanical, chemical, and organic. Similarly, emerging innovations in green chemistry are leading the way for industry to substitute fossil-fuel derived plastics with non-toxic, bio-based alternatives from renewable sources. The Circular Plastics Thematic Working Group, delivered by CIRCULÉIRE in collaboration with TUS’s Material Research Institute, guided participants through a series of meetings, ideation workshops and webinars aimed at identifying industry-led innovation opportunities to circularise Ireland’s plastics economy. Expert Co- Facilitators: TUS’s Material Research Institute Circular Design Circular design, a core principle of the circular economy, is a key priority in both the EU Circular Economy Action Plan and Ireland's Waste Action Plan for a Circular Economy. Crucial for developing sustainable products and services, circular design focuses on repairability, recyclability, and readily available spare parts. This allows existing products to be redesigned for a circular economy, minimizing waste throughout the value chain. design for repair and recycling; including availability of spare parts, and removing barriers to reuse and repair, so that current products and services can be redesigned with circularity at their core. Furthermore, circular design plays an important role in enabling producers to design out waste and pollution. It also features prominently in the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) measures contained in the Government of Ireland’s Waste Action Plan for a Circular Economy, which recognises the importance of eco and smart design. The Circular Design Thematic Working Group, designed and delivered by CIRUCLÉIRE in collaboration with Dr Simon O’Rafferty of M-CO guided participants through a series of meetings, ideation workshops and webinars that shared circular innovation opportunities, highlighting major barriers that hold back circular design in Ireland and what’s needed to overcome them. Moreover, it provided an incentive to producers to design products that contribute to waste prevention and facilitate recycling by considering their durability, reparability, reusability, recyclability and the presence of hazardous substances. Expert Co- Facilitators: Dr Simon O’Rafferty M-CO End-of-Waste, By-Products & Waste Licensing Pathfinder End-of-waste and by-product notifications play a key role in fostering circular economy in Ireland. They establish a marketplace for diverse secondary raw materials, improve resource management, encourage symbiotic industrial practices, and divert resources from landfills. By keeping valuable materials circulating within the economy, successful end-of-waste and by-product applications can significantly reduce the environmental burden of waste disposal. However, a lack of understanding around policy regulation of end-of-waste and by-products is a barrier to engagement and successful applications in Irish Industries. To address this, CIRCULÉIRE and expert facilitator Karl Hylands of Re-Mine Limited, guided participants through a series of meetings, including two ideation workshops, a policy roundtable and a webinar. These sessions aimed to unlock the potential of using end-of-waste and by-products & waste licensing to advance circular economy in Ireland. Expert Co-Facilitators: Karl Hylands Re-Mine Ltd Financing the Circular Economy The transition to a circular economy hinges on increased access to circular finance and funding. Yet for both industry and the financial sectors significant hurdles still exist. Current regulations, markets, and financing practices are geared towards linear economic models. Risk assessments fail to account for the positive externalities of circular business models, often perceiving them as risky and not bankable, hindering access to funding. While an increasing number of circular finance instruments are coming on stream, there is a need to take a holistic, pipeline approach to developing the funding and financial landscape that caters to the diverse needs of circular businesses. Additionally, developing financial instruments and risk assessment tools specifically designed for circular innovations is essential to raise awareness and educate the financial sector is essential for transition to occur. In this Thematic Working Group, CIRCULÉIRE in collaboration with expert facilitators Elizabeth Gavin and Kate Van Der Merwe, brought together key stakeholders together from industry and the financial, funding and enterprise support ecosystem to jointly explore what opportunities there are to optimise the circular finance & funding landscape, so that it best supports Irish industry’s transition to a circular economy. Expert Co- Facilitators: Elizabeth Gavin NuaFund (previously known as Eur Digital Village)/Kilpatrick Innovation Kate Van Der Merwe Circular Bioeconomy The terms "bioeconomy" and "circular economy" have become hot topics in recent years, offering promising solutions to environmental challenges like climate change and pollution, while fostering economic and regional development. The European Bioeconomy Strategy defines it as "the production of renewable biological resources and their conversion into food, feed, bio-based products, and bioenergy" (2012). This encompasses a wide range of sectors, including agriculture, forestry, and even parts of the chemical and energy industries. Ireland has abundant bioresources that presents immense opportunities for the development of a circular bioeconomy. To explore these opportunities, the CIRCULÉIRE Circular Bioeconomy Thematic Working Group collaborated with the Irish Bioeconomy Foundation to guide participants through a series of meetings, ideation workshops and webinars to explore the opportunities available in Ireland and the broader EU. Expert Co- Facilitators: Irish Bioeconomy Foundation Industrial Symbiosis Industrial Symbiosis – one company or sector using the underutilised resources from another to keep the resources in productive use for longer – can boost economic, environmental, and social benefits, while accelerating the transition to a circular economy. To promote the uptake of industrial symbiosis in Ireland, CIRCULÉIRE in collaboration with Internation Synergies, introduced participants to the concept and implementation of industrial symbiosis in Ireland. This was done through guided meetings, ideation workshops, and webinars that included examples of industry best practice and an exploration of innovative opportunities. Expert Co- Facilitators: International Synergies Circular Procurement Circular procurement goes beyond simply buying products and services. It's a strategic process where organisations source works, goods, or services that contribute to closed-loop supply chains. Minimising negative environmental impacts and waste throughout the entire life cycle, from acquisition to disposal. While the public sector has embraced procurement as policy tool to drive sustainability, many private sector organisations are unknowingly implementing circular procurement in their purchasing practices. Market collaboration, life-cycle assessments, total cost of ownership (TCO) and total costs of usership (TCU) models, green and circular criteria in specifications, and end-of-life product management are all examples of circular procurement in action. In this Thematic Working Group, CIRCULÉIRE and expert facilitators, IDDEA, guided participants through a series of meetings, ideation workshops and webinars that shared circular innovation opportunities and understanding the current and future circular procurement opportunities in Ireland. Expert Co- Facilitators: IDDEA Remanufacturing & Recirculation Strategies The theme for this conversation was “Remanufacturing” and the Recirculation Strategies,” and it focused on innovative approaches to extend the lifecycle of products and materials through the Recirculation Strategies. This TWG offered foundational knowledge on Remanufacturing, highlighted industry-specific opportunities and potential challenges, while showcasing best practices and case studies, and discussed regulatory frameworks and policy recommendations. Contributors: Prof.Winifred Ijomah Scottish Institute for Remanufacturing, University of Strathclyde Dr David Peck TU Delft Dr Damian Coughlan University of Limerick David Fitzsimons European Remanufacturing Council Case Studies Our collection of case studies present inspirational examples of how our members in Ireland, and businesses from all over the world, are leading the charge in transforming our economy to one that minimises environmental damage while maximising economic value. Our case studies cover some of the actions taken by organisations who are only beginning their journey to circularity, right the way up to global leaders well advanced on the path. Wherever you are on your own journey, there is inspiration here for everyone. AUTOMOTIVE BUILT ENVIRONMENT FOOD & BEVERAGE ELECTRONICS PLASTICS TEXTILES MEDTECH WASTE CLEAN TECHNOLOGY PACKAGING Circular Explorer The Circular Explorer i s 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. Go to Circular Explorer Knowledge Library CIRCULÉIRE's open-access knowledge library is the central hosting spot for a wide range of circular economy resources, including: Case Studies Best Practice Guides Key Design Guides Circular Economy Policy Documents National & EU Circular Economy Action Plans and Strategies And much more… Whether you are a captain of industry, an entrepreneur with a great idea, or a policy maker signposting the way, there is something useful here for you. Go to Library

Speakers at IMR Connect Day on 1 October: Geraldine Brennan (IMR), Mark O'Sullivan (IQUTECH), Aswin Ramasubramanian (IMR), Richard Brennan (Evolve), and Joe Coleman (Combilift). At the recent IMR Connect Day, manufacturers, industry leaders and technology experts explored a practical question: how can businesses recover more value from the products and equipment they already manufacture, use and maintain? Through the panel discussion Circular Manufacturing in Practice: From Compliance to Competitive Advantage and an interactive workshop, participants explored how remanufacturing can help reduce costs, strengthen supply-chain resilience and create new business opportunities. From rebuilding long-life industrial equipment to using robotics and digital technologies to recover components, the discussions evidenced that remanufacturing is more than a circular economy ambition. It is an opportunity to improve manufacturing competitiveness, provided businesses can overcome challenges around technology, quality assurance, market demand and regulation. Key Takeaways For industry Remanufacturing turns circularity into competitive advantage. By recovering value from existing products and equipment, manufacturers can reduce waste and resource consumption while creating new revenue streams, lowering costs and strengthening supply-chain resilience. Turning circular ambition into industrial practice requires an integrated approach. Combining circular economy expertise with advanced manufacturing, robotics, digital technologies and viable business models can help manufacturers overcome technical and commercial barriers and scale remanufacturing. For policymakers EU legislation is increasingly recognising remanufacturing, but regulatory fragmentation remains a challenge. Definitions of remanufacturing differ across legislation, reflecting different regulatory objectives and product characteristics. This fragmentation can create uncertainty for businesses, particularly those operating across sectors. Greater consistency in definitions and clearer rules around the waste status of products and components could help remove barriers to adoption. Scaling remanufacturing in Ireland requires targeted policy support. Better access to product information, skills development, stronger supply-chain collaboration and measures such as green public procurement can help overcome barriers and support wider adoption. From circular ambition to commercial opportunity The panel, chaired by Dr Geraldine Brennan, Director of Circular Economy Innovation at IMR, brought together perspectives from across the product lifecycle, including original equipment manufacturing, product recovery, circular business models and advanced technologies. Joe Coleman from Combilift highlighted the potential to recover value from long-life industrial equipment. With machines designed to operate for 20–25 years, significant value remains in their structures and components. Rebuilding existing equipment to a like-new standard could create new commercial opportunities, offer customers more affordable alternatives and help manufacturers reach additional markets. Mark O'Sullivan from iQuTech drew on experience in the electronics sector, where product recovery and remanufacturing have long been commercially driven. His contribution highlighted the importance of spare-parts availability, efficient reverse logistics and recovering value from returned products. It demonstrated that remanufacturing is not necessarily a new business concept, even if its contribution to circularity is receiving greater attention today. From the automotive sector, Richard Brennan of Evolve illustrated how circular business models can connect different actors across the value chain. Facilitating the use of reclaimed and remanufactured vehicle parts can offer alternatives to new components while delivering economic and environmental benefits. His example highlighted the importance of connecting suppliers, insurers, repairers and customers to create demand. Technology was another important part of the discussion. Dr Aswin Ramasubramanian from IMR presented the EU-funded REWIRE project, which explores how robotics, automation and digital technologies can support remanufacturing. Through industrial use cases, the project is investigating how digital traceability, automated inspection, disassembly and testing can make remanufacturing more efficient, reliable and scalable. Together, these examples demonstrated the diversity of remanufacturing opportunities across industries and product lifecycles. A recurring theme was trust and quality assurance. For remanufacturing to compete with new production, customers need confidence in product performance and reliability. Robust testing, traceability, warranties and consistent quality standards are therefore essential. Exploring opportunities through the workshop Building on the panel discussion, a group of attendees took part in an interactive workshop to consider how remanufacturing could apply to their organisations. Participants identified opportunities including cost savings, supply-chain simplification, extending equipment lifetimes and recovering valuable components. However, recurring barriers included limited access to technical information, difficulties demonstrating product performance, regulatory uncertainty and skills gaps. The discussions highlighted a consistent message: remanufacturing opportunities need to be assessed through both a technical and commercial lens. Identifying products with recovery potential is only the starting point. Manufacturers also need to consider access to components and product information, the processes required to restore performance, customer confidence and whether the business case supports implementation. Addressing these challenges requires a combination of manufacturing expertise, enabling technologies, collaboration and appropriate policy support. Remanufacturing: A significant economic opportunity Remanufacturing restores products or components to a specified, like-new level of performance through an industrial process involving activities such as inspection, disassembly, component replacement, reassembly and testing. Unlike recycling, which recovers materials, remanufacturing preserves more of the value already embedded in products, including their components, engineering and manufacturing effort. Its economic potential is significant. A 2015 European Remanufacturing Network Market Study estimated that Europe's remanufacturing industry generated approximately €30 billion in annual turnover and employed around 190,000 people at the time. It also projected potential growth to approximately €90 billion by 2030, subject to supportive policies and investment. These figures illustrate the scale of the opportunity. For manufacturers, remanufacturing can create revenue streams, extend customer relationships, reduce dependence on virgin materials and strengthen supply-chain resilience. Building the evidence base for remanufacturing in Ireland In 2024, CIRCULÉIRE (Ireland's Circular Innovation Network), designed and led by IMR, published its Remanufacturing Thematic Working Group Insights Report. Drawing on industry workshops and policy discussions, the report explored the opportunities, challenges and enabling conditions for remanufacturing in Ireland, identifying priorities for industry and policymakers. More recently, the EPA-funded Research Report 520: Remanufacturing for Ireland (ReManIre), published in September 2026 and led by the University of Limerick, examined how remanufacturing could be scaled nationally. Based on research and stakeholder engagement, it proposed a more coordinated approach, including a national roadmap, policy framework and Centre of Excellence for remanufacturing. The 2026 EPA-funded research report echoes several conclusions from CIRCULÉIRE's earlier work in 2024, particularly the opportunities for industrial competitiveness and resource efficiency, alongside persistent barriers relating to regulatory clarity, access to products and information, skills and market development. Together, these reports reinforce the importance of creating the right policy, technical and commercial conditions to enable remanufacturing to scale across Irish industry. Measures such as green public procurement could help stimulate demand for remanufactured products, while improved access to product information, investment in skills and stronger supply-chain collaboration could help manufacturers overcome practical barriers to adoption. An evolving policy landscape: Growing recognition, but remaining barriers Remanufacturing is receiving increasing recognition in European product legislation, reflecting its potential to extend product lifetimes, retain valuable resources and support industrial competitiveness. The Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR), for example, explicitly defines remanufacturing and identifies it as a relevant consideration for future ecodesign requirements. Its Digital Product Passport framework could also improve access to product information, supporting activities such as disassembly, component identification and recovery. Similarly, the EU Batteries Regulation establishes specific provisions for battery remanufacturing, recognising its role in extending battery lifetimes. The revised Construction Products Regulation also recognises remanufactured products, while the proposed End-of-Life Vehicles Regulation reflects growing attention to circularity and the recovery of value from vehicle components. These developments represent important progress. However, greater recognition has not yet translated into a harmonised regulatory framework. Definitions of remanufacturing differ across legislation, reflecting different regulatory objectives and product characteristics. This fragmentation can create uncertainty for businesses, particularly those operating across sectors. Another challenge concerns the relationship between remanufacturing and waste legislation. As highlighted in CIRCULÉIRE's 2024 report, uncertainty around when products or components are legally considered waste can create significant regulatory and operational barriers. The Batteries Regulation offers an interesting example of how this distinction can be approached. It recognises that remanufacturing can involve both used batteries and waste batteries. For waste batteries, remanufacturing may constitute preparation for re-use or preparation for repurposing, while remanufacturing of used batteries is described as an intensive form of re-use. This illustrates an important principle: remanufacturing does not inherently determine whether an input is waste or non-waste. The legal status of the product entering the process and the nature of the remanufacturing activity should be considered separately, with the relevant requirements applying accordingly. Although sector-specific, this approach provides a useful reference for future policy discussions. As remanufacturing becomes more prominent within EU circular economy and industrial policy, greater consistency in definitions, clearer guidance on waste status and supportive regulatory frameworks will be instrumental. For Ireland, translating growing policy recognition into practical opportunities will require the clarity and conditions that enable manufacturers to invest, innovate and develop commercially viable remanufacturing activities. From opportunity to implementation: IMR's role in advancing remanufacturing The discussions at IMR Connect highlighted that scaling remanufacturing requires more than recognising its potential. Manufacturers need practical solutions to overcome technical challenges, develop viable business models and navigate an evolving regulatory landscape. At Irish Manufacturing Research (IMR), we bring together expertise in advanced manufacturing, robotics, automation, digitalisation and circular economy innovation to help manufacturers explore these opportunities. From developing technologies for inspection, disassembly and component recovery to improving product traceability and lifecycle information, IMR's research capabilities can support the development of more efficient and reliable remanufacturing processes. Through CIRCULÉIRE, designed and led by IMR, we help bridge the gap between circular economy ambition and industrial implementation, combining technology, research, business model innovation and policy insights to support practical solutions for Irish manufacturers. Remanufacturing offers significant opportunities for Irish industry. Realising them will require continued collaboration between manufacturers, technology providers, researchers and policymakers. Interested in exploring remanufacturing opportunities within your organisation? Connect with IMR to discuss how our expertise and collaborative innovation activities can support your next steps through national networks like CIRCULEIRE or engagement with EU projects like REWIRE.

IMR welcomes submissions from ventures operating on the island of Ireland and delivering a circular solution in the region. Adam Hankin (Gemell), first finalist; Lisa O'Riordan (HaPPE Earth), winner; and Lavanya Bhandari (EcoRoots), second finalist, at the first All-Island Circular Venture Awards, 27 November 2025. Irish Manufacturing Research (IMR), as the secretariat of CIRCULÉIRE, is delighted to announce the All-Island Circular Venture Awards 2026, an initiative designed and led by IMR and funded by the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment (DCEE). In this second year, IMR is pleased to welcome the Department for the Economy (DfE) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as Media Support and Event Partner, respectively. The All-Island Circular Venture Awards celebrate late-stage startups at the forefront of circular economy innovation, providing a platform to showcase high-potential ventures reshaping how materials, components and products are used, reused, remanufactured and regenerated.  ​In 2026, the awards will continue to spotlight start-ups and ventures across the island of Ireland who are pioneering the circular economy through innovative business models, products, and services that directly facilitate or enable circular value creation. The call for applications opened on Wednesday 19th August 2026 and will close on Tuesday 13th October 2026 at 23.59 (Irish time). IMR welcomes applications from ventures operating on the island of Ireland, delivering a circular solution that tackles an environmental or sustainability challenge in the region. Finalists will compete for a total prize pool of €10,000, plus 1-to-1 coaching sessions with international experts in entrepreneurship and circular economy, and promotional support from IMR's Circular Economy Innovation Unit to help raise the venture's visibility. Shortlisted ventures will have the opportunity to: Pitch to investors and potential partners aligned with your venture's mission and growth ambitions. Network with like-minded businesses, all-island government representatives and investors to build valuable connections and opportunities. Engage with CIRCULÉIRE network members, a leading community of circular economy innovators and practitioners and gain high-profile exposure on its social channels. Selected ventures will pitch at Awards Day on Thursday 19th November 2026 to a high-profile audience of investors, industry leaders, policy makers, and media at Dublin’s Aviva Stadium. Awards Day will be held following the EPA’s Circular Economy Conference. The deadline for applications is on 16th October at 23.59 (Irish time). Shortlisted ventures will be notified in late October 2026. Visit the All-Island Circular Venture Awards website for more information and to read the Awards Guidelines and Eligibility Criteria.

Members and staff attending the Q3 Network Meeting at the IMR Rathcoole office on 23 Sep 2026. Collaboration is at the heart of building a more circular and sustainable future. At last week’s CIRCULÉIRE Network Meeting, members from across the network came together to reflect on progress, share experiences, and help shape priorities for the years ahead. The event provided a valuable opportunity for members to hear updates from IMR, DCEE and the CIRCULÉIRE programme, while also exploring all the supports, services and opportunities available through membership. Participants learned about innovation funding opportunities, member engagement initiatives, and examples of collaborations that are delivering real impact across the network. A key highlight of the day was the Membership Review Workshop, which invited members to share honest feedback on the value they receive from the network. Through facilitated discussions, participants explored which services have created the greatest benefit for their organisations, the outcomes achieved through participation, and where future investment and support should be focused. The conversations highlighted the importance of in-person networking, knowledge sharing, collaboration, innovation support and partnership development in helping organisations advance their circular economy ambitions. Members also identified opportunities to strengthen existing services and address emerging needs as sustainability challenges continue to evolve. Importantly, the workshop reinforced CIRCULÉIRE's commitment to continuous improvement and member-led development. Insights gathered during the session will help inform future programming, strengthen member supports, and ensure the network continues to deliver meaningful value for organisations across Ireland. As Ireland's circular economy community continues to grow, events like this network meeting demonstrate the power of bringing organisations together to learn, collaborate and drive change. By reflecting on achievements and planning collectively for the future, CIRCULÉIRE members are helping to accelerate the transition towards a more sustainable and circular economy for all. We were delighted to welcome and introduce four of our newest members – Native Events, Earthy Vitality, Gemell Technologies and Sligas. The 2026 Venture Accelerator Cohort were well represented by Abhar Materials, Celestine Materials Innovation, Change Clothes Nothing New, EcoKinly, Neg8 Carbon and Techstuff. The session deck and member reflection exercises can be accessed in our dedicated members area here. A big thank you to all the member companies who participated in the day!