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The Circular Venture Accelerator 2026 supports late‑stage circular start-ups with expert-led guidance, industry integration, and hands-on commercial scaling support. Over six months, ventures work with circularity specialists and IMR experts to strengthen business models, advance technology, adopt circular metrics, and prepare for investment. The programme offers funding, industry engagement, prototyping access, and tailored mentoring to accelerate growth and build market‑ready solutions. EXPLORE THE PROGRAMME Circular Venture Accelerator 2026 Scaling-up circular innovation. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA & APPLICATION About the Programme The Circular Venture Accelerator is designed and delivered by Irish Manufacturing Research and funded by the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment as part of CIRCULÉIRE - Ireland's first cross-sectoral industry-led innovation network established in 2020. Built specifically for late-stage start-ups and scaling innovators, the Circular Venture Accelerator 2026 is a high-impact, industry-embedded programme that helps ambitious circular ventures prepare for commercial scaling, enterprise adoption, and investment readiness. Ventures accepted to this six-month programme will work closely with leading circularity experts, Irish Manufacturing Research specialists, and experienced industry members. They will strengthen their business model, accelerate product and technology development, adopt circular metrics, anticipate and align with policy shifts, and become investment and partnership-ready.  Designed for late-stage circular ventures to sharpen strategy, scale operations, prove economics, and prepare for partnerships or funding rounds. Deep Industry Integration provides access to the largest circular economy industry network in Ireland and the Industry Members Advisory Group (IMAG). Commercial scaling at its core , enabling ventures to quantify metrics that matter and turn compliance into a competitive advantage. Expert-led thematic modules on commercial positioning, enterprise growth, circular business models, regulatory alignment, impact metrics, storytelling, and pitching. Two immersive, residential bootcamps focused on strategy, execution, and investor preparation. One-to-one mentoring and peer-to-peer sessions , events and forums. The Call for Applications is now closed. Please note 2026 submissions were accepted on Awards Force only. What Ventures Can Expect Ventures will experience a targeted, industry-embedded scale-up journey designed to accelerate commercial growth, strengthen strategic clarity, and build investor readiness.  Benefits include: € 5,000 Equity-Free Funding. Free CIRCULÉIRE Membership for 2026 , unlocking ecosystem access, networking, and wide-ranging circularity resources and supports. Direct industry engagement  through IMAG's real-world insights, validation, and collaboration opportunities. Access to IMR’s prototyping, testing, and technology development facilities  to support product and manufacturing advancement. Hands on funding support , including RD&I pathways, grant identification, and funding readiness preparation.  ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA & APPLICATION MEDIA & NEWS Media News Circular accelerator offers €5k equity-free funding READ MORE THINK BUSINESS, 08 APR 2026 Circuléire makes fresh call for 2026 accelerator applicants READ MORE SILICON REPUBLIC, 08 APR 2026

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 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. 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. 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. 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. Click the image to read the document. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. Click the image to read the document. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. Click the image to read the document. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. Click the image to read the document. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. Click the image to read the document. 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 A New Chapter for Circular Business: Ireland's Circular Economy Strategy 2026–2028 Illustrative image — Whole of Government Circular Economy Strategy 2026–2028: Accelerating Action. Ireland's second Whole of Government Circular Economy Strategy 2026-2028. Accelerating Action has arrived — and it is the most ambitious and concrete national commitment to circularity the country has seen. Launched in February 2026 by Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment (DCEE) Darragh O'Brien and Minister of State Alan Dillon, the Whole of Government Circular Econo Apr 9 5 min read CIRCULÉIRE Q1 Network Meeting 2025 - A Discussion on PPWR with Repak On Wednesday 26th of March 2025 CIRCULÉIRE and Repak collaborated to deep dive into PPWR Regulations as a driver for circular innovation Mar 31, 2025 2 min read CIRCULÉIRE 2025 CIRCULAR VENTURES ACCELERATOR - CALL FOR APPLICATIONS EXTENDED CIRCULÉIRE's 2025 Circular Venture Accelerator Programme is now open for applications. Calling on mid-stage circular innovators to join! Mar 27, 2025 4 min read Ireland's Circular Economy Strategy 2026–2028: What It Means for You Apr 9 Circular Bioeconomy & Packaging in Action Mar 31 Subscribe to our Newsletter for insights and updates Upcoming Events CIRCULÉIRE's Q2 Network Meeting - Members Only Thu, 11 Jun Irish Manufacturing Research, IMR More info Details

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CIRCULÉIRE Case Studies. Ireland's second Whole of Government Circular Economy Strategy 2026-2028 has been launched, and it marks a significant step forward for circularity in this country. At CIRCULÉIRE, we have been closely following its development and actively contributed by submitting our members' feedback through public consultation. We are pleased to share both a summary of what it contains and some excellent news: many of the recommendations our members helped shape have made it into the final text.   Read on for a breakdown of the strategy's ambitions, the actions most relevant to your sector, and to see where your voice made a difference. The Big Picture: A New Direction for Ireland's Circular Economy   The Circularity Gap Report Ireland cover. The strategy sets out an ambitious vision: by 2030, Ireland will be a recognised leader in circular innovation and collaboration, moving decisively away from the traditional 'take–make–waste' model toward a regenerative, closed-loop system where materials are kept in use for as long as possible.   The scale of the challenge is real. Ireland's Circularity Gap Report puts our current Circularity Metric at just 2.7% —meaning that over 97% of materials flowing through our economy still come from virgin sources. The strategy aims to increase Ireland's circular material use rate by two percentage points each year, to reach 12% by 2030.  Covering six key sectors — Construction, Agriculture, Retail, Packaging, Textiles, and Electronics & Electronic Equipment — the Strategy includes concrete targets and actions to drive reductions in material consumption and increases in repair, reuse, and circular product design.   Key Actions and Targets for CIRCULÉIRE Members Here are some of the actions and targets most relevant to businesses across our member sectors.   Cross-Cutting & Innovation     A new Circularity Sandbox Programme will allow companies to safely test circular materials and processes in a collaborative, trial-friendly regulatory environment, a game-changer for circular innovators.    The Circular Economy Innovation Grants Scheme sees its funding increased from €650,000 to €1.5 million.   A dedicated Statutory Instrument will be introduced to simplify the classification of by-products, in line with EU legislation.   CIRCULÉIRE will be established as a Centre of Excellence for the circular economy in Ireland.   A Repair Voucher Scheme pilot and other targeted initiatives to encourage repair and reuse will be introduced.   Research will be undertaken on taxes and subsidies — including examining VAT on donation of goods prohibit from being destroyed under the ESPR — to incentivise prevention, reuse and repair.   Undertake a mapping exercise to identify all circular economy funding opportunities at both national and EU levels and engage with stakeholders to ensure that these are fully utilised.   Support CIRCULÉIRE in building a coalition across enterprise sectors, research and training to scale and deliver industrial impact.   Work with representative reuse and repair organisations, insurance bodies and other departments in identifying and implementing insurance reforms to support the development of more reuse cafés and associated repair infrastructure. Bioeconomy   A National Bioeconomy Strategy to be published in 2026.   Review of the biowaste regulatory framework to enable the valorisation and reuse of bio-based materials.   Standards to be developed for the reuse of bio-based materials including biowaste.    A National Food Waste Prevention Roadmap to be published in 2026, and a target to reduce food waste in processing and manufacturing by 10% by 2030.   A feasibility study for a digital platform that enables all-Island Industrial Symbiosis. Retail    Voluntary recycling labelling systems to be promoted, with development of a new system to demonstrate product circularity and sustainability.     By February 2028, Hotels, Restaurants and Cafés (HORECA) establishments must offer their own reusable packaging for takeaway items at no extra charge to the consumer.   Enhanced dialogue between retailers and the public sector on Right to Repair, Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR), and Digital Product Passports.    Packaging     A reuse matchmaker platform to connect businesses generating and seeking reusable packaging flows.   Funding for demonstration pilots for reusable packaging formats.   Reusable and refillable packaging systems to be promoted under the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR).   A harmonised labelling system for packaging to be implemented as provided for in the PPWR.   Refill obligations to be implemented under PPWR. Textiles    Publication of a National Policy Statement and Roadmap on Circular Textiles (launched on 2nd of April 2026).  Develop an EPR Scheme for textiles by April 2028.    Evidence-based public awareness campaigns on textile waste prevention and conscious consumption.   Support for implementation of the ESPR, including Digital Product Passports for textiles.   Green Public Procurement (GPP) of textiles to be driven through the GPP Strategy and Action Plan.   Enhance cross-sector collaboration and implementation through the Textiles Advisory Group.   By 2027, polyester fibre products procured by public sector bodies must include a minimum of 20% recycled content.     Electrical & Electronic Equipment (EEE) A centralised registry for repair operators, refurbishers and remanufacturers active across Ireland.   Support the further development of circular electronic business models (lending, renting, leasing, repair and servicing) and communicate successful models and best practices.   By 2027, OGP will launch a new ICT equipment management framework to prioritise reuse.   Support for transposition of the Right to Repair Directive, including operation of a national repair platform by July 2027.   Continue to support the OGP in facilitating centralised procurement of remanufactured electronic equipment, and increased acquisition of long-life, repaired, refurbished electronics through centralised framework arrangements that support green public procurement objectives. Built Environment & Construction    Publication of the Circularity Roadmap for the Construction Sector in 2026.   By 2027, a sectoral compact partnership will be agreed between government and industry to accelerate circular practices.   From 2028, at least 10% by weight of construction materials procured by public bodies for infrastructure projects must comprise recycled materials.   Feasibility study for a national digital marketplace for secondary construction materials. CIRCULÉIRE Members Featured in the Strategy     We are proud to share that the strategy features six case studies highlighting circular innovation in practice, and all six come from CIRCULÉIRE members:   Built Environment: Arcology System    Circular Bioeconomy: EcoRoots    Retail: Shareclub    Packaging: Rebox    Textiles: Rezero    EEE: Votechnik      These case studies were drawn from the CIRCULÉIRE library and are a strong testament to the quality and depth of the work carried out by our members. Your Voice in the Final Strategy One of the highlights of the Strategy launch for the CIRCULÉIRE network is that your feedback helped shape government policy. CIRCULEIRE's submission to the public consultation was prepared on behalf of members, drawing on feedback gathered across five sectoral policy sessions involving 25 members, as well as insights from previous engagements. When we prepare submissions, we go back to your specific, documented feedback. We build the case, we explain the 'why', and that rigour makes recommendations more likely to be adopted.   We are delighted to share that several recommendations from our submission are clearly reflected in the final strategy:   Circularity Sandbox Programme    Members raised the need for a safe testing space for circular materials before the full burden of regulation applies. This call, first raised in our End of Waste 2022 Thematic Working Group and carried forward into the public consultation, has been incorporated as a new dedicated action in the strategy. The Circularity Sandbox Programme uses language closely aligned with our submission. Regulatory Barriers for Bio-Based Materials  Members highlighted how many low-impact bio-based materials are classified as waste, triggering disproportionate handling requirements as well as the lack of policy coherence between environmental, health, and safety frameworks and standards. Two new targets in the final strategy directly address these concerns: a review of the biowaste regulatory framework and a new standards development process for secondary biological resources. VAT on Donations of Unsold Goods    Members raised a concern during our policy town hall: VAT is charged on donations of unsold goods to charities, treating them as sales, despite an EU exemption being available. With ESPR obligations on unsold goods coming in 2026, this issue is pressing. The final strategy now explicitly commits to examining VAT on donations of goods prohibited from being destroyed under the ESPR as part of its broader tax and subsidy research. The ESPR link we highlighted was directly referenced. Registry for Repair and Recirculation Operators Members highlighted the importance of supporting small-scale repair operators, such as phone-repair kiosks and independent technicians, who often lack access to quality parts or formal recognition and recommended linking them to a national digital exchange. The final strategy includes a new target to create a centralised registry for repair operators, refurbishers, and remanufacturers across Ireland. Evidence-Based Textiles Awareness Campaigns    Members recommended stronger, evidence-based public messaging on Ireland's textile consumption rates. Two new actions in the strategy adopt this approach. The specific phrase 'evidence-based', which we requested, appears in the final action text. Sectoral Compact for Construction  Members highlighted the value of deep, sector-specific engagement to tackle circular barriers in construction. A new target commits to a government-industry sectoral compact agreed by 2027 to accelerate circular practices in the sector.   Recognition of Remanufacturing and R-Strategy Diversity     Drawing on insights from CIRCULEIRE's  2024 Thematic Working Group on Remanufacturing , our submission highlighted the importance of promoting the full range of recirculation strategies and their critical role in product life-extension. We are delighted to see remanufacturing explicitly acknowledged in the final strategy, with specific actions including a centralised registry for r-strategy operators and support for circular business models such as repair, refurbishment, and remanufacturing. This is a meaningful step toward recognising these as core pillars of Ireland's circular transition.  What This Means for You and Why It Matters    This strategy is not just a policy document; it is a signal of the direction Ireland's circular economy is heading, and an opportunity for circular enterprises to grow, innovate, and lead.   The fact that recommendations from CIRCULÉIRE’s submission are visible in the final text reflects the effort members put into our policy sessions, and the care with which IMR, on behalf of network members, develops and presents the feedback you share with us. This is exactly the kind of impact that justifies your participation.   We will continue to monitor implementation of the strategy closely and keep members informed as new funding streams, regulatory changes, and engagement opportunities arise. If any of the actions or targets outlined above are particularly relevant to your business, please do get in touch. We would love to support you in making the most of them.   You can access the full submission here: (2024) Public Consultation Submission to Ireland's Whole of Government Circular Economy Strategy 2026-2028 – CIRCULÉIRE .

Illustrative image — Whole of Government Circular Economy Strategy 2026–2028: Accelerating Action. Ireland's second Whole of Government Circular Economy Strategy 2026-2028. Accelerating Action has arrived — and it is the most ambitious and concrete national commitment to circularity the country has seen. Launched in February 2026 by Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment (DCEE) Darragh O'Brien and Minister of State Alan Dillon, the Whole of Government Circular Economy Strategy 2026–2028: Accelerating Action sets out a cross-departmental plan to move Ireland decisively away from the linear 'take–make–waste' model and toward a regenerative economy where materials, products, and resources are kept in use for as long as possible.  For businesses, enterprises, and innovators working in or adjacent to the circular economy, this strategy matters. It signals where regulation is heading, where public funding will flow, and where the growth opportunities lie.  Where Ireland Stands and Why the Urgency Is Real  The Circularity Gap Report Ireland cover. The scale of the challenge is real. Ireland's Circularity Gap Report found that the country's circularity metric stands at just 2.7%, meaning that more than 97% of materials flowing through the economy originate from virgin sources. Ireland continues to operate largely within a linear model characterised by high material and carbon footprints, but as the same report makes clear, advancing the circular economy has transformative potential for decarbonisation, competitiveness, and economic security.  The strategy's central objective is to raise Ireland's circular material use rate by two percentage points each year, with the aim of reaching 12% by 2030, supporting economic expansion while improving resource productivity and reducing dependency on virgin raw materials.   The ambition is not just environmental. As Minister Dillon noted, the strategy aims to transform how Ireland uses materials and resources, cut waste, boost productivity, and create sustainable jobs in every part of the country. Circularity, in other words, is being positioned as an economic strategy as much as an environmental one.  A Whole-of-Government Approach. Six Sectors, Concrete Targets What distinguishes this Strategy from its predecessor is the shift from framework-setting to action. The strategy has a statutory basis and includes sector-specific targets across construction, bioeconomy, retail, packaging, textiles, and electronics.  Here are some of its highlights:    Cross-Cutting & Innovation  Several significant cross-cutting measures will shape the operating environment for all circular enterprises. A new Circularity Sandbox Programme will allow companies to safely test circular materials and processes in a collaborative and trial-friendly regulatory environment, a meaningful step for innovators working with novel or bio-based materials. The Circular Economy Innovation Grants Scheme will see its funding nearly tripled, from €650,000 to €1.5 million. A dedicated Statutory Instrument will be introduced to simplify the classification of by-products in line with EU legislation, addressing a long-standing barrier for businesses seeking to keep materials in use. A pilot Repair Voucher Scheme and other targeted initiatives will encourage repair and reuse, while Civic Amenity Sites will be reimagined as Circular Economy Hubs. Research will also be undertaken on VAT and other tax measures to incentivise prevention, reuse and repair, and a mapping exercise will identify all circular economy funding opportunities at national and EU levels.  CIRCULÉIRE will be formally established as a Centre of Excellence for the circular economy in Ireland.   Construction  The strategy commits to the publication of a Circularity Roadmap for the Construction Sector in 2026 and agreement on a sectoral compact partnership between government and industry to accelerate circular practices. From 2028, at least 10% by weight of construction materials procured by public bodies for infrastructure projects must comprise recycled materials. A feasibility study will also explore a national digital marketplace for secondary construction materials.  Bioeconomy  A National Bioeconomy Strategy and a National Food Waste Prevention Roadmap will both be published in 2026. The strategy sets a target to reduce food waste in processing and manufacturing by 10% by 2030. It also commits to reviewing the biowaste regulatory framework and develop standards to enable the valorisation and reuse of bio-based materials. A feasibility study will explore an All-Island digital platform for industrial symbiosis across key sectors.  Retail  By February 2028, Hotels, Restaurants and Cafés (HORECA) establishments must offer their own reusable packaging options for takeaway items, with no surcharge compared to single-use alternatives. New voluntary recycling labelling systems will be promoted to help consumers understand the circularity of products. Enhanced dialogue between retailers and the public sector will address upcoming EU legislation including the Right to Repair Directive, the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR), and Digital Product Passports.  Packaging  The strategy aims for a 5% packaging waste reduction by 2030 and 90% plastic bottle collection by 2029 through implementation of the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR). A reuse matchmaker platform will connect businesses generating reusable packaging flows with those seeking supply. Funding for reusable packaging demonstration pilots and implementation of refill obligations are also included.  Textiles  A National Policy Statement and Roadmap on Circular Textiles was launched in April 2026 already delivering one of the actions of the Strategy, with the commitment to develop an EPR Scheme for textiles by April 2028. Evidence-based public awareness campaigns will target textile waste prevention and conscious consumption. By 2027, polyester fibre products procured by public sector bodies must include a minimum of 20% recycled content.  Electronics & Electrical Equipment (EEE)  The strategy commits to expansion of repair and remanufacturing and transposition of the Right to Repair Directive, including operation of a national repair platform by July 2027. A centralised registry for repair operators, refurbishers, and remanufacturers active across Ireland will be established. Circular electronic business models —lending, renting, leasing, repair, and servicing— will be actively supported, and by 2027, the OGP will launch a new ICT equipment management framework to prioritise reuse.  CIRCULEIRE Members Showcasing What Circular Looks Like CIRCULÉIRE Case Studies. One of the most tangible ways a strategy signals its direction is in the examples it chooses to highlight. We are proud to share that all six case studies featured in the strategy come from CIRCULEIRE members, spanning every key sector addressed:  Built Environment: Arcology System  Circular Bioeconomy: EcoRoots  Retail: Shareclub  Packaging: Rebox  Textiles: Rezero  EEE: Votechnik  These case studies were drawn from the CIRCULÉIRE library, which can be found on our website, a growing collection of real-world circular innovation stories from Irish enterprise and beyond.   Industry Input Reflected in the Final Text  CIRCULÉIRE participated actively in the public consultation process, submitting detailed recommendations developed with and on behalf of our member network. DCEE reviewed more than 120 submissions and stated that feedback has been reflected in the final text where appropriate. We are pleased to see that several of the recommendations we put forward are clearly reflected in the final strategy —including the design of a Circularity Sandbox Programme, introducing a dedicated statutory Instrument to support the simplification of the classification of by-products, the review of the biowaste regulatory framework and a new standards development process for secondary biological resources, among others. This exemplifies that structured, evidence-based industry engagement works, and that participating in policy processes makes a genuine difference.  What This Means for Your Business  This strategy is not simply a policy document; it is a map of where Ireland's regulatory and funding landscape is heading over the next three years and beyond. The direction of travel is clear: circularity will increasingly become the baseline expectation, not the exception.  For businesses already operating in the circular economy, the strategy brings new opportunities —in public procurement, in innovation funding, in digital infrastructure, and in the regulatory simplifications that have long been called for. For businesses beginning their circular transition, it indicates that now is the time to act.  CIRCULÉIRE exists to help enterprises navigate this landscape — connecting members with policy developments, funding opportunities, peer learning, and collaborative platforms. If you would like to understand what the strategy means for your sector or your business, get in touch.

CIRCULÉIRE Q1 Network Meeting – Members at Aryzta, 26 March 2026. On Thursday Irish Manufacturing Research hosted our Q1 CIRCULÉIRE network meeting 'Circular Bioeconomy & Packaging in Action’ at Aryzta in Dublin. With over 40 cross sectoral members attending to get the latest updates from DCEE, stats from the EPA and insights from members including a tour around the Aryzta bakery - it was a very informative session.      Niall McLoughlin , Principal Officer, CE Strategic Policy Unit, Department, Climate, Energy & the Environment opened the session with an overview of the recently launched Whole of Government Circular Economy Strategy and its sectoral priorities.     Fergal Mulligan from the EPA Circular Economy Waste Statistics Team advised the group that 2024 stats are work in progress but that 2023 figures indicate that Ireland generated 1.2 million tonnes of packaging waste, with paper & cardboard being the largest share, followed by plastic, glass, wood, and metals. Despite rising recycling volumes, packaging waste has increased by 20% since 2016, while recycling has risen only 5%, causing national recycling rates to decline.  Ireland’s overall 2023 recycling rate was 59%, leaving the country at risk of missing the 2025 EU target of 65%. Targets for glass and wood were met for both 2023 and 2025, while paper & cardboard is on track for 2025. However, aluminium and ferrous metals are at risk, and plastic recycling targets are unlikely to be achieved. The 2024 Return deposit return scheme may improve plastic and aluminium recycling but will not fully close the target gap. Ireland also faces significant financial consequences: under the EU’s Plastic Own Resource mechanism, failure to recycle plastic packaging cost approximately €200 million in 2023.    Helen Searson from the EPA Food Waste Prevention Team updated the group on the Food Waste Charter.    Dr Geraldine Brennan , Director of Circular Economy Innovation at Irish Manufacturing Research (IMR), welcomed the group and our newest members CircolELT. MT Sustainability Consulting, Kinset & Mesh Bioplastics.   Geraldine wished the 2025 Steering Group farewell and welcomed the 2026 Cohort – Ciaran McGann, AIB, Anthony O’Dea, Green IT, Mary O’Riordan, HaPPE Earth and Amanda Stewart, HPBA.    Agnese Metitieri , IMR Circular Ventures Lead chaired the session ‘ Circular Bioeconomy & Packaging Insights’       Gary Browne from Repak shared the latest progress on PPWR highlighting that the upcoming packaging regulations require producers to formally identify themselves and join a national producer register before placing packaging on the market. Manufacturers must supply a Declaration of Conformity for each packaging type, detailing recyclability, minimisation, material restrictions, and any targets. A new national labelling system will replace all existing packaging labels, including the green dot, which will shift to a QR code. Producers should now assess how these changes affect their business, review packaging designs, confirm their role in the supply chain, and begin preparing for the regulatory transition starting in August 2026.  HaPPE Earth Circular Solution Value Creation blueprint. Mary O’Riordan from HaPPE Earth wants to address the massive and often overlooked waste problem created by singleuse PPE across healthcare, pharmaceuticals, medtech, food processing, and other industries.  Most PPE cannot be recycled because it is made from multiple composite materials (plastic film, elastic thread, synthetic bands), making disassembly unrealistic. HaPPE Earth have developed the first fully compostable overshoe, using nonfoodsource, home and industrial compostable bioresins and specially developed compostable elastication. Because manufacturers refused to run these biomaterials on their production lines, HaPPE established its own manufacturing capability in Cork. To close the loop, they developed an onsite packaging-based biodigester for healthcare settings that processes compostable PPE and food waste into nitrogenrich fertiliser while using plasma technology for decontamination. This decentralised system reduces risk, cuts downstream waste costs, and provides feedstock for anaerobic digestion and future biofuel production. Given that medical waste costs €1,800 per tonne and is often offshored for incineration or landfilled (where PPE can persist for 50–100 years), upstream segregation offers major environmental and economic benefits. Kinset - Smart Labels Solution details. Katie O’Riordan  from Kinset  spoke on the topic of Smart Labels. The consumer goods sector in Europe generates massive waste with millions of tonnes of unsold goods, furniture, and food resulting in significant lost value and zero real‑time product visibility. Traditional labels and packaging can’t support the data, traceability, or responsiveness required for a circular economy. Smart labels offer a scalable solution by enabling automated circular workflows, dynamic pricing to reduce waste, real‑time traceability for faster recalls, and new digital retail touchpoints that drive engagement and sales. Market and regulatory shifts (including GS1’s Sunrise 2027 transition to 2D barcodes and new EU requirements such as EUDR, batch traceability, PPWR, and allergen rules) are accelerating the need for intelligent labelling.  Kinset’s smart QR codes address all these needs simultaneously, providing a compliant, future‑ready, and highly functional platform for circularity, transparency, and digital retail activation. Ecoroots: The circular bio-manufacturing tool. Lavanya Bhandari  from Ecoroots  believes today’s packaging system is unsustainable because it is l inear, centralised, and waste‑intensive, with most discarded material ending up exported or landfilled. The company addresses this by creating a circular biomanufacturing platform that transforms agricultural and industrial waste into high‑performance, fully compostable biofoam packaging. Their technology combines biology, digital infrastructure, and predictive modelling to grow materials and enable scalable, decentralised production. Inspired by mycelium (the natural recycler), Ecoroots’ system not only produces packaging but builds circular manufacturing loops. These include closed loops, where companies turn their own waste into packaging, and distribution loops, where waste from one industry can supply another. Overall, Ecoroots aims to create local, interconnected, circular ecosystems that reduce waste and emissions while replacing fossil‑derived packaging. Mesh Bioplatics: Manufacturing Partnership Opportunity. Shane Hannan  from Mesh Bioplastics outlined the challenges to scaling circularity on existing packaging production equipment and the production barriers holding back the widespread adoption of bioplastics. His company’s AI tool ‘VariControl’ can help increase recycled content safely, reduce scrap and process efficiency and therefore help with PPWR and ESG reporting. Daniel Whelan, IMR CE Metrics & Assessment Technologist   chaired session  2 ‘Aryzta Circular Initiatives’. Fergus O’Sullivan  from Aryzta  spoke about their food waste management prioritising donation (e.g., to FoodCloud), pig feed, and energy recovery, with no waste going to landfill.  Lifecycle analysis guided efforts to reduce the carbon footprint of bread production, resulting in an innovative bread recycling machine being introduced.  It allows bread rejected for minor quality issues (such as size, weight, shape, or cuts) to be reprocessed back into production rather than diverted to pig feed. The new system further cuts waste by up to 2%. Benefits include waste reduction, alignment with sustainability goals, and an estimated 480‑tonne reduction in carbon footprint per year. Fergus O'Sullivan (Sustainability Director, Aryzta) leading Q1 Network Meeting attendees on a tour of the Aryzta plant. On the packaging front, Jarek Gradowski  and the team at Aryzta have also implemented a project designed to eliminate plastic liners from corrugated boxes used in bakery production.  Driven by the goal of reducing unnecessary packaging while maintaining performance and product quality, the project kicked off in 2017.  The team collaborated with a supportive paper supplier to develop a liner‑free, food‑safe corrugated material and conducted extensive lab, production, distribution, and real‑world stress testing to validate its strength and runability. Quality concerns led to a box redesign, and comprehensive sensory evaluations (including abuse tests and blind tastings) with no negative impact on product quality being identified. Now implemented on all production lines for some customers, the solution has achieved cost neutrality and delivered substantial sustainability benefits, including the removal of 100 tonnes of virgin plastic to date. The session continued with the group taking a Bakery Tour to see ‘Circularity in Action’ . Valentina Tarasco, IMR CE Metrics & Assessment Lead chaired session 3 ‘Member Engagement, Services & Supports’. To conclude the meeting the IMR Circular Economy Leads took to the floor to update members on 2026 services and supports.  Valentina outlined Member Engagement Opportunities for 2026 and called out a SAVE the Date for our next network meeting to be held on Thursday the   11 th  of June in Mullingar – 10-2pm. 2026 Network Engagement Opportunities. Paul McCormack Cooney , CE Best Practice Lead introduced our new Circular Economy Explorer.  It is a tool that maps circular economy strategies across the full product value chain from raw material sourcing through design, manufacturing, distribution, use, and end of life.  At every stage it tells you what the circular opportunities are, what the enablers and barriers are, and it shows you companies already doing it with access to verified sources throughout. Circular Economy Explorer Infographic. It is available in eight sector-specific versions covering Food and Drink, Electronics, Built Environment, Textiles, Plastics, Agri-Bio, Pharma and Chemicals, and Transport. Visit www.explorer.circuleire.ie  to check it out. Members can log in for more detailed information. Karl Crowley , Circular Economy Innovation RD&I Programme Manager introduced our Innovation Sprints. They help companies scope out circular projects and pilots that can either be self-funded (i.e. low-hanging fruit) or externally funded. By bringing diverse stakeholders together for rapid prototyping and experimentation, businesses can identify strategies to accelerate scalable, validated circular solutions, ensuring that self-funded initiatives are closer to implementation and that externally funded collaborative projects have a solid foundation for applications. Innovation Sprints 2026: Overview & Key Milestones. Join us for the Innovation Sprints Kick-off – Today! Date:  Tuesday, 28 th  April 2026 Time:  2:00 PM – 3:30 PM (Irish Time) Location:  On-line Email: karl.crowley@imr.ie   No prep needed — just come with one circular innovation idea or challenge you may wish to explore! Agnese Metitieri, IMR CE Ventures Lead  introduced the 2026 Circular Venture Accelerator which launches on the 31 st  of March.  The programme is the first of its kind in Ireland, dedicated to supporting late-stage circular economy ventures to scale. It supports circular economy innovators that have developed and tested services or products who wish to avail of highly specialized circularity mentorship and business acceleration supports including Knowledge Transfer, Applied Peer Led Learning, Industry-Venture Collaboration Opportunities and access to the CIRCULÉIRE Network.  Agnese called on network members to consider joining the Industry Member Advisory Group (IMAG) – get in touch with her directly to discuss if interested.     Valentina Rangel Leon, CE Policy Specialist  introduced our new Policy Clinics, now included in membership.  They fill a gap identified by members who wanted tailored, business‑specific policy support, beyond our core work in monitoring policy, responding to consultations, and representing members in national/EU groups. Policy Clinics are 1:1 sessions to help members:   Understand how specific legislation affects your business Get research‑based insights (not legal advice) Receive analysis of opportunities/implications and recommended next steps   Spaces are limited. Members can email Valentina with your question or the legislation you want to explore.  If helpful, we’ll arrange a short call to refine the request. We then conduct the research and schedule a one‑hour session, followed by a summary of insights and sources.     Shareclub Impact Report sample. Impact, Networking & Access to Presentations Members then enjoyed lunch and time for further networking! Thanks to Shareclub for supplying the reusable coffee mugs and for preventing 57.7 kgs of CO2e.   Thanks again to Aryzta for collaborating with us, to all the presenters and attendees, we look forward to working closely with you throughout 2026   The full presentation deck is accessible to members on our knowledge library at the below link: 2026 | Q1 Network Meeting CIRCULÉIRE & ARYZTA - Circular Bioeconomy & Packaging in Action - CIRCULÉIRE   Get in touch with us at the link below if you would like to become a member. Get Involved | CIRCULÉIRE   #LetsGetCircular #PPWR #CircularPackaging #CircularBioeconomy #CircularInnovation AIB , Arcology System , Arytza , Carbery Group , CircolELT , Ecoroots , ERP Ireland , ESB , Finline Furniture , FoodCloud , General Paints Group , Green IT , HaPPE Earth , High Performance Building Alliance , IFF Plastics , IQutech , i-Supply , Johnson & Johnson Vision Care , Kinset , Mesh Bioplastics , Panda , Rebox , Repak , Re-turn , Shareclub , WEEE Ireland .