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We are thrilled to announce the release of the CIRCULÉIRE 2024 Remanufacturing Insights Report, officially launched during IMR’s Network Day at the Mullingar Lab on the 28th of November 2024. This report is the culmination of CIRCULÉIRE’s 2024 Thematic Working Group series, which focused on advancing Remanufacturing and Recirculation Strategies as key enablers of a Circular Economy.   Why This Report Matters As industries face increasing pressures to adopt sustainable practices, remanufacturing and recirculation strategies offer a transformative approach to extending the lifecycle of products and materials. This report provides:   Comprehensive insights into the environmental, economic, and social benefits of remanufacturing. Strategic guidance for businesses to implement circular practices that drive resource efficiency and innovation. Policy recommendations to reduce barriers and enable the scale-up of remanufacturing practices in Ireland and Europe. Case studies showcasing best practices from industry leaders across various sectors.   By adopting the strategies outlined in this report, stakeholders can significantly reduce waste, cut greenhouse gas emissions, and unlock economic opportunities, all while aligning with evolving EU sustainability regulations.   Key Takeaways from the Report   Design for Circularity : Develop products with disassembly, repair, and reuse in mind to maximize lifecycle value. Explore Design for Remanufacturing. Embrace Innovative Business Models : Transition to service-oriented approaches like Product-as-a-Service (PaaS) to retain value and reduce waste. Collaborate Across Stakeholders : Foster partnerships between industry, academia, and government to accelerate circular economy adoption through the recirculation strategies. Engage in Policy Advocacy : Work with policymakers to establish clear definitions and supportive frameworks for remanufacturing. Invest in Skills and Technology : Equip the workforce with expertise in remanufacturing processes and leverage tools like Digital Product Passports for transparency and efficiency.   Who Should Read This Report This report is a must-read for businesses, policymakers, and stakeholders across sectors such as automotive, medical technology, ICT, and energy-intensive industries. It offers actionable insights to integrate remanufacturing and recirculation strategies, paving the way for a more sustainable and resilient industrial future. Read the full report by clicking here

We are delighted to announce the launch of CIRCULÉIRE’s MedTech Best Practice Sectoral Guide ‘ Unpacking the Circular Innovation Opportunities for Ireland’s MedTech Sector’ , unveiled at the CIRCULÉIRE Annual Conference on the 27th of November 2024. This guide is a pivotal resource for stakeholders in the Medical Technology (MedTech) sector, policymakers, and project funders in Ireland, aiming to drive a transformative shift towards a Circular Economy (CE).   Why the MedTech Sectoral Guide Matters   The MedTech industry is a cornerstone of Ireland’s economy, with a global reputation for innovation. However, it faces mounting challenges, including environmental pressures, resource scarcity, and evolving regulatory landscapes. This guide provides:   Insights into Circular Economy principles tailored for the MedTech sector. Actionable strategies to address sustainability challenges while enhancing competitiveness. Case studies showcasing international and local examples of circular innovation in MedTech. Recommendations for accelerating the transition to a CE in Ireland’s MedTech sector.   By adopting circular economy principles, the MedTech sector can reduce its environmental impact, unlock economic opportunities, and strengthen Ireland’s position as a global leader in sustainable healthcare innovation.   Key Takeaways from the Guide   Design for Circularity : Incorporate sustainability into product design, prioritizing durability, reusability, and material recovery. Implement Circular Business Models : Shift from a linear “take-make-waste” approach to models such as Product-as-a-Service (PaaS) that enhance lifecycle management. Foster Collaboration : Build networks among manufacturers, policymakers, healthcare providers, and other stakeholders to create closed-loop systems for medical devices. Advocate for Policy Alignment : Engage actively in shaping policies that support circular practices and streamline regulatory processes for reprocessed and remanufactured devices. Invest in Innovation : Support technological advancements and workforce training to scale up circular practices across the sector.   Who Should Read This Guide   The CIRCULÉIRE MedTech Best Practice Sectoral Guide is a must-read for MedTech manufacturers, healthcare providers, policymakers, and anyone interested in advancing sustainability in Ireland’s healthcare industry. It offers practical solutions and a roadmap for integrating CE principles into business strategies and operations. We invite all stakeholders to leverage the insights and strategies outlined in this guide to accelerate the transition towards a Circular Economy in Ireland’s MedTech sector. Together, we can create a more sustainable, resilient, and innovative future for healthcare. You can read the full Best Practice Guide

The 2024 CIRCULÉIRE Annual Conference will take place in IMR Mullingar Lab on Wednesday 27th November 2024 and we are delighted to announce the first of our Key Speakers for the event. The key focus for this event are the Pathways to 2030 decarbonisation, Building Future Markets, and Showcasing Industrial Circularity. This conference will bring together leaders in climate innovation, policy, and government to discuss circular advancement in Ireland. To support an engaging and active conversation in these areas we are pleased to present the following speakers: 2024 CIRCULÉIRE Annual Conference Speakers Announced Public registration for this conference is now open and we encourage early registration as places are limited. Click below to book your place today.

On November 27th 2024, the Irish Manufacturing Research (IMR) facility in Mullingar, Co. Westmeath, was abuzz with energy as leaders in sustainable innovation, policy, and industry gathered for CIRCULÉIRE’s Annual Conference: “The Future of Business is Circular” to mark this national flagship initiative’s 5th year in operation. With over 115 stakeholders in attendance, the event showcased Ireland’s circular economy journey, offering insights into decarbonisation pathways, market-building opportunities, and innovative cross-sectoral industrial circularity solutions. Below are the highlights as well as key note speaker slides and video recordings for full recap: Keynote Speakers Niall McLoughlin (Principal Officer, Circular Economy Strategic Policy, Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications ) Niall McLoughlin delivered the opening keynote with a deep dive into Ireland’s Circular Economy Strategic Policy. He highlighted the crucial role of robust frameworks and cross-sectoral collaboration to achieve Ireland’s ambitious 2030 targets and the significance of the strategic partnership with CIRCULÉIRE to demystify, derisk and deliver circular innovation in Ireland. Link to Niall's Presentation: Watch Niall's presentation here Iain Gulland (CEO, Zero Waste Scotland ) Iain Gulland, brought an international perspective sharing insights from Zero Waste Scotland’s 10 year journey to enable circularity and called for the urgent need to rewire the economy to make circular economy the new norm. He showcased Zero Waste Scotland’s new Corporate Strategy underpinned by an ecosystem approach to empowering businesses and communities to deliver disruptive innovation, localised solutions, and a resilient circular economy. Link to Iain's Presentation: Watch Iain's presentation here Dr Sarah Miller (CEO, The Rediscovery Centre ) Sarah Miller shared insights on consumer behaviour and the barriers to circular economy adoption – highlighting that the Rediscovery Centre’s most recent tracker with Behaviour & Attitudes shows that 55 per cent of the Irish population are now aware of the circular economy. She called for scalable circular business solutions to address cost and accessibility challenges for Irish citizens, emphasising Ireland’s "moral duty to future generations" to drive change. Link to Sarah's Presentation: Watch Sarah's presentation here Rasmus Jørgensen (Circularity Lead, Danfoss ) Rasmus Jørgensen outlined Danfoss’s groundbreaking remanufacturing journey. He shared success stories like remanufactured hydraulic pumps—a cost-effective, low-emission product—and highlighted how Danfoss use circular business revenue as an internal metric for circularity stressing the importance of how circular business metrics and strategic partnerships drive circular innovation. Link to Rasmus' Presentation: Watch Rasmus' presentation here Martijn Lopes Cardozo (Partner, Regeneration VC ) Martijn Lopes Cardozo, industrialist and ex-CEO of Circular Economy, addressed the untapped potential of circular economy investments, stating unequivocally, “There is no net zero without the circular economy.” He highlighted that circular economy as having an ‘outsized impact potential with Ireland being no exception’ and called for increased funding in design and use phases, showcasing showcased ventures like Cruise Foam and Tulu as examples of transformative circular solutions. Link to Martijn's Presentation: Watch Martijn's presentation here Circular Venture Speakers The conference spotlighted CIRCULÉIRE’s 2024 Venture Cohort, each presenting innovative solutions that exemplify the potential of circular business models:   HaPPE Earth Revolutionising single-use PPE with a circular-product service system for , bio-digestible alternatives tailored for healthcare, food, and biopharma sectors. Watch Mary O'Riordan's pitching session here   Rezero Transforming cigarette waste into “Re-fil” materials for diverse applications, from fashion to construction. Watch Johnnie Bell's pitching session here   Finline Furniture Pioneering sustainable manufacturing with their “Made to be ReMade in Ireland” ethos and circular sofa take-back scheme “Revive” which gives Finline pieces a second-life. Watch Vanessa O'Rourke's pitching session here   Shareclub Tackling single-use plastics with reusable packaging solutions and real-time impact tracking for corporate events and canteens. Watch Sarah Fliessbach's pitching session here   BladeBridge Repurposing wind turbines into pedestrian bridges and other infrastructure, showcasing circularity in the built environment. Watch Angie Nagle's pitching session here Exhibitors The event also featured an impressive line-up of exhibitors sharing their circular journeys and expertise: IQUTECH - Showcasing remanufacturing in action AIB - launching their 2024 Manufacturing Outlook spotlighting circularity BiaSol X Aryzta – Showcasing their collaboration utilising Brewers Spent Grain as a flour substitute GreenIT - Showcasing their remanufactured laptops Lough Ree Distillery - Showcasing their ecoSPIRITS Circular Economy distribution system for spirits NSAI - Highlighting the ISO circular economy standards ISO 59004, 59010 and 59020 launched in 2024 EPA Ireland - Spotlighting the Food Waste Charter SOLAS - Spotlighting their suite of Circular Economy training courses like 'Circular Economy in the Workplace' Enterprise Ireland - Showcasing grants available through The Green Transition Fund .   Their displays highlighted practical applications of circular economy principles across diverse sectors, from manufacturing to education. Closing Reflections Maurice O'Connell (COO, IMR), Dr Geraldine Brennan (Head of CE, IMR), Niall McLoughlin (PO, DECC), Barry Kenney (CEO, IMR) The conference’s success lay not only in the inspiring talks but also in the dynamic conversations and connections forged. Delegates departed with actionable insights, from policy developments to venture innovations, ready to accelerate Ireland’s circular economy transformation.   A special thanks to keynote speaker Dr Andy Kerr from EIT Climate-KIC for his dinner address at the CIRCULÉIRE Conference Stakeholder dinner, which underscored the urgency of continuing to invest in and scale circular economy innovation to support greater resilience and competitiveness in the face of anticipated supply-chain shocks. Moreover, he stressed the importance of understanding the multitude of interconnected EU regulations driving the interdependent climate-circular economy agendas - from CSRD to ESPR to Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CABM), Deforestation-free Regulation (EUDR)) in addition to the “Competitive Circularity Act” anticipated in 2026.   To all who attended—your participation drives the collaboration and innovation needed for a circular future. We look forward to seeing the impact of these discussions unfold. Let’s make circularity the cornerstone of Ireland’s economy. IMR Circular Economy Team: (Back Row) Valentina Tarasco, Valentina Rangel Leon, Yi Liu Chen, Agnese Metitieri, Leanne Conroy (Front Row) Marianne Dorney, Sophie Reynolds, Daniel Whelan, Dr Geraldine Brennan, Eluise Vaz, Paul McCormack Cooney

Design & Crafts Council Ireland, also a CIRCULÉIRE Member, is running the 3rd edition of the challenge – open for public vote now! 🗳️ Public vote is live now: click here and access DCCI’s Irish Business Challenge Page CIRCULÉIRE Members Farrell Furniture and ReFunk Upcycling have proceeded to the public vote in the Irish Business Design Challenge (IBDC) , a competition run by Design & Crafts Council Ireland (DCCI) , also a CIRCULÉIRE Member. The challenge involves micro, small and medium enterprises in Ireland that have designed sustainable products, services, or strategies that have benefitted their customers, communities and the environment at large.  This is the third year of the Irish Business Design Challenge. It has always highlighted the resilience, ingenuity, and creativity of Ireland’s MSMEs and it is a privilege to shine a light on these businesses. This year’s entries clearly show how a greener outlook and design thinking can come together to ensure a more sustainable outcome for businesses and their customers. Farrell Furniture and 'Do More With Less' project In 2022, Farrel Furniture was granted the CIRCULÉIRE’s Innovation Fund to run the pilot project ‘Do More With Less’, a collaborative furniture take-back and remanufacturing scheme that moves Government from green procurement to circular procurement. Farrell realised certain furniture was reaching end of life prematurely due to office trends. They brought the idea of remanufacturing furniture forward to their staff, a research institution - GMIT Letterfrack (now ATU - Atlantic Technological University) and their client - The Office of the Public Works (OPW) to jointly form a project to extend the life-cycle and honour examples of Irish furniture design. “Our aim was to set an example that circular procurement is not just achievable but it is a viable business model. And so our 'Do More With Less' project was born”, stated the company. Learn more about Do More With Less here and read Farrell Furniture’s submission to Irish Business Design Challenge here . ReFunk Upcycling ReFunk joined CIRCULÉIRE in 2022’s cohort for the Circular Venture Innovation and Mentoring Programme . They are a one-stop eCommerce platform that facilitates the buying, selling and commissioning of pre-loved and upcycled furniture through their marketplace. Their entry to the Irish Business Design Challenge states that 7 out of 8 furniture upcyclers want to scale up their business but find it difficult as there is no one platform for upcycling to enable them to do so with ease. The ReFunk platform purpose is to solve the furniture upcyclers’ problem of scaling their creative passion into a business and empowers consumers to extend the lifetime of their furniture without compromising on design, all while addressing the shocking statistic that 10 million tonnes of furniture is discarded annually in the EU.  “At ReFunk, we believe the return to local craft and the prioritisation of refurbishment of existing materials is a necessary element in the journey to decelerate climate change. Our mission is to empower consumers and craftspeople, by connecting them and facilitating the accessibility of artisan trade, for the Earth.”, stated the company. Read ReFunk Upcycling’s submission to Irish Business Design Challenge here. DCCI’s Irish Business Design Challenge Design & Crafts Council Ireland’s Irish Business Design Challenge will grant a prize fund of €15,000 each plus free publicity and promotion (winner); €2,000 each plus free publicity and promotion (runner up); and Business Mentoring plus free publicity and promotion (highly commended). CIRCULÉIRE wishes the best of luck for all competitors in this challenge. Learn more information about the challenge here . About CIRCULÉIRE CIRCULÉIRE is a public-private partnership co-created by Irish Manufacturing Research (IMR) and three strategic partners: the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications (DECC) , the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and EIT Climate-KIC . Together with industry partners, CIRCULÉIRE aims to assist manufacturers and their supply chains to switch from linear to circular business models. Read more about CIRCULÉIRE here .

Industry Perspectives From c.11am to c.12:30pm as part of CIRCULEIRE’ “ Accelerating the transition to a Circular Economy ” Conference on Wednesday 24th November 2021 hear from CIRCULEIRE’s Network Industry Members as they reflect on the circular drivers, barriers, and opportunities they are encountering in the pharmaceutical, food, and consumer electronics sectors respectively. Austin Geraghty ​, Global Health, Safety & Sustainability Snr Director, Hovione will be reflecting on “ Hovione’s Sustainability Journey and the Challenge of the Circular Economy ” Brian Cloonan , General Manager, Western Proteins & By products recovery, Dawn Meats will be speaking about “Opportunities and Challenges” Elizabeth O’Reilly ​, Head of Environmental Compliance & Membership​, WEEE Ireland will be reflecting on “ Circular Opportunities in meeting the E-Waste challenge ” Paul McSweeney ​, CEO​, The ZeroNet ​​ will be speaking about how “ The circular economy needs a whole new operating system and introducing the ZeroNet ” Join our hybrid event: In person at 2021 National Manufacturing & Supply Chain Expo: Register Here Or virtually through Irish Manufacturing Research’s YouTube Channel: Join Virtually Here Please note if attending in person, while the event is free to attend, it will take place under COVID-19 public health guidelines – all visitors will be required to provide a vaccination certificate on arrival, valid identification and also to wear a mask for the duration of the event. About CIRCULÉIRE CIRCULÉIRE is a public-private partnership co-created by Irish Manufacturing Research (IMR) and three strategic partners: the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications (DECC) , the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and EIT Climate-KIC . Together with industry partners CIRCULÉIRE aims to assist manufacturers and their supply chains to switch from linear to circular business models. Read more about CIRCULÉIRE here .

Circular Innovation Insights From c.12:30 to 1:30pm on Wednesday, 24th November 2021, hear from CIRCULEIRE’s team and IMR’s specialists about circular innovation insights. Sophie Reynolds ​, Circular Economy Technologist​, IMR, will be reflecting on “ Circular Innovation Opportunities & Sectoral Best Practice ” Dr Mohamed Abokersh ​, Senior Circular Economy Researcher, IMR, will introduce “CIRCULÉIRE's Circular Maturity Toolkit ” Dr Damian Coughlan​ , Senior Circular Economy Researcher, IMR, will be speaking about “ CircThread: Building the digital thread for the Circular Economy” Dr Geraldine Brennan , Head of Circular Economy, IMR, will be reflecting on “ CIRCULÉIRE in 2022 and beyond... ” Join our hybrid event: In person at 2021 National Manufacturing & Supply Chain Expo: Register Here Or virtually through Irish Manufacturing Research’s YouTube Channel: Join Virtually Here Please note if attending in person, while the event is free to attend, it will take place under COVID-19 public health guidelines – all visitors will be required to provide a vaccination certificate on arrival, valid identification and also to wear a mask for the duration of the event. About CIRCULÉIRE CIRCULÉIRE is a public-private partnership co-created by Irish Manufacturing Research (IMR) and three strategic partners: the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications (DECC) , the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and EIT Climate-KIC . Together with industry partners CIRCULÉIRE aims to assist manufacturers and their supply chains to switch from linear to circular business models. Read more about CIRCULÉIRE here .

Ahead of our upcoming hybrid 2021 Circular Economy Conference at National Manufacturing & Supply-Chain Expo this Wednesday, 24th November 2021 - meet our growing network of cross-sectoral members who are on the journey to transition from a linear to circular business models with support from CIRCULEIRE. Check out the Network Members: Associate Members Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine Automotive Decotek Built Environment Farrell Furniture Freefoam Plastics Masonite Novum Food and Drinks Aryzta Ballina Beverages / Coca-Cola Biowave Dairy Gold Dawn Meats Kerry Group The Culinary Food Group Wyeth Nutrition Medical Devices Boston Scientific DePuy Synthes J&J Vision Care ICT/WEEE Digital Array Control Systems (DACS) European Recycling Platform FPD Recycling IQuTech Optel Group The Zero Net WEEE Ireland Wisetek Solutions Limited Packaging Automatic Plastics Limited Pharmaceutical & Chemical Brockley Group Ltd. Hovione Pfizer Second-Life Enablers Avoca Seafood Dowmann Front Row Engineering Gannon Eco Novelplast Offerre P. Carney Ltd Repak Textiles & Fashion Cirtex Design & Crafts Council Ireland I am not Virgin Join our hybrid event: In person at 2021 National Manufacturing & Supply Chain Expo: Register Here Or virtually through Irish Manufacturing Research’s YouTube Channel: Join Virtually Here Please note if attending in person, while the event is free to attend, it will take place under COVID-19 public health guidelines – all visitors will be required to provide a vaccination certificate on arrival, valid identification and also to wear a mask for the duration of the event. About CIRCULÉIRE CIRCULÉIRE is a public-private partnership co-created by Irish Manufacturing Research (IMR) and three strategic partners: the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications (DECC) , the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and EIT Climate-KIC . Together with industry partners CIRCULÉIRE aims to assist manufacturers and their supply chains to switch from linear to circular business models. Read more about CIRCULÉIRE here .

In the pursuit of a more sustainable and resilient future, Industry 5.0 is emerging as a crucial driver of circular economy principles and overall business success. Through the power of digitization and data exchange systems, a new era of product lifecycle management is unfolding, offering profound insights into circular design and enhanced resource productivity in manufacturing processes Picture source: www.freepik.com EU's Sustainable Products Initiative: Navigating Circular Transformation The European Union's (EU) Sustainable Products Initiative (SPI) takes the lead in boosting circularity within its market. SPI integrates sustainability from product inception, with a focus on showcasing goods' circularity and eco-friendliness. Digital Passports: Empowering Sustainability Digital Product Passports (DPPs) emerge as linchpins. They gather product data, spanning material composition to circular actions like repair and recycling. Irish Manufacturing Research 's (IMR) ' CircThread ' pioneers a digital thread platform, providing users with insights from materials to manufacturing, extending product lifetimes. AI's Role in Circular Innovation Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a key enabler of circular implementation, particularly in challenging areas like electronics waste. Advanced AI technologies have proven their prowess in recovering secondary raw materials from e-waste, an otherwise hazardous and complex task. Innovations such as 'RoboCRM ,' spearheaded by FPD Recycling/Peregrine Technologies , leverage AI to detect and sort electronics containing batteries. This not only aids in safe recycling but also enhances the recovery of critical raw materials. Towards a Circular Future with AI Projects like the 'AI for Circular Economy' (AI4CE), funded by the Irish Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and led by IMR, signify a forward push. AI4CE investigates the potential of AI to expedite circular implementation. Through this initiative, a toolkit will be developed to empower companies in embracing AI to accelerate their circularity efforts. In essence, the fusion of digitization and Industry 5.0 holds the key to scaling up the circular economy. With data-driven insights, digital passports, and AI-powered innovations, businesses are well-equipped to drive circular transformation, benefiting not only their bottom line but also the well-being of future generations. Through these advanced strategies, the journey towards sustainability becomes a shared endeavor that promises lasting positive impact. The content from this post has been taken from the article Industry 5.0 is key to circular economy and business success written by Damien Coughlin and published by Profit with Purpose Magazine in Summer 2023 and businessnews.ie . About CIRCULÉIRE CIRCULÉIRE is a public-private partnership co-created by Irish Manufacturing Research (IMR) and three strategic partners: the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications (DECC) , the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and EIT Climate-KIC . Together with industry partners, CIRCULÉIRE aims to assist manufacturers and their supply chains to switch from linear to circular business models. In November 2022, DECC announced €1.5m continuation funding for CIRCULÉIRE in 2023. Read more about CIRCULÉIRE here .

On 28th and 29th May 2024, CIRCULÉIRE participated in the Manufacturing and Supply Chain Conference & Exhibition (MASC) in the RDS Dublin, contributing to discussions on cutting-edge advancements in circular innovation. MASC is the largest manufacturing conference in Ireland with a focus on a wide range of sectors.   Day 1 Highlights : Dr Geraldine Brennan presenting on the Sustainability Stage at MASC 2024 Dr Geraldine Brennan, PhD, IMR's Head of Circular Economy and CIRCULÉIRE lead, delivered an impactful presentation on the Sustainability Stage titled "Transforming Business Models towards Circularity." Geraldine emphasised the importance of combining multiple circular strategies to unlock ESG outcomes, stating, “The transformational potential of circularity comes from combining multiple circular strategies... moreover, there are many different ESG outcomes and impacts.”   Meanwhile, IMR’s Circular Economy project funded by EPA Ireland , AI4CE project (AI for Circular Economy), took to the IoT & Industry 4.0 Stage with a presentation titled "AI-Driven Circularity: Insights & Opportunities for Irish Enterprise." Enya O'Connell Hussey and Veena Grace Thomas of IMR presenting on AI4CE on the IoT and Industry 4.0 Stage at MASC 2024 This innovative project aims to demystify AI adoption in manufacturing while advancing circular economy strategies. Enya O'Connell Hussey (Circular Economy Project Officer, IMR), highlighted the vital role of AI in this space, saying, “AI-driven circularity is more than a trend; it's the future of sustainable manufacturing.” Veena Grace Thomas, Industrial Analyst Researcher, IMR, added, “In the race towards sustainability, data science is our most powerful tool. Let's harness its potential to transform waste into wealth and redefine manufacturing.”   Day 2 Highlights : The second day of MASC saw Dr Geraldine Brennan participating in a Fireside Chat on the Pharmaceuticals & Life Sciences Stage. Joined by Duncan Flack, Chairman and Global Sustainability Lead at CiPPPA and Honeywell , the discussion focused on "Closing the Loop: Advancing Sustainability in Pharmaceutical Packaging."   Dr Geraldine Brennan and Duncan Flack participating in Fireside Chat on the Pharmaceuticals & Life Science Stage at MASC 2024 Later, Geraldine joined a dynamic panel discussion on the Sustainability Stage featuring CIRCULÉIRE member Paul McSweeney ( The ZeroNet ), Mike Townsend ( Earthshine Group ), and Francis O’Haire ( Techies Go Green ). Together, they explored the challenges of transitioning from linear to circular models, spotlighting industry exemplars such as IQUTECH, The ZeroNet, Freefoam Building Products Ltd, and Evolve for their gold-standard circular transitions. Geraldine remarked, “Circular Economy is not without its challenges, but everything is to play for,” encapsulating the opportunities and obstacles in mainstreaming circularity.   Francis O'Haire, Dr Geraldine Brennan, Paul McSweeney, and Mike Townsend participating in Panel Discussion on the Sustainability Stage at MASC 2024   Spotlight on Members : CIRCULÉIRE members Huhtamaki Cup Print and IQUTECH also exhibited at MASC, exemplifying circular innovation in action. Brian McDowell and Dr Geraldine Brennan at MASC 2024 Huhtamaki’s environmentally friendly paper cups are both recyclable and compostable, setting a benchmark for sustainable packaging solutions. IQUTECH continues to lead in circularity by offering clients bespoke software solutions and consultancy services, empowering companies to meet their Sustainable Development Goals and manage circular economy activities effectively. Members of the CIRCULÉIRE and IQUTECH Teams at MASC 2024   CIRCULÉIRE: Driving the Future of Circular Innovation CIRCULÉIRE’s presence at MASC 2024 highlighted the intersection of circular innovation and manufacturing to create a more sustainable future. From showcasing AI-driven decision-making tools to demonstrating industry-leading exemplars, the event reaffirmed that the future of manufacturing is circular.

On the 19th of June 2024 Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications, with responsibility for the Circular Economy and Communications, Ossian Smyth announced the call for the 2024 funding round of the Circular Economy Innovation Grant Scheme (CEIGS). The CEIGS grant scheme aims to support innovation and circular economy projects by social enterprises, voluntary and community organisations and businesses with fewer than 50 employees. Since being established by Minister Smyth in April 2021, almost €1.14 million has been awarded to 23 projects covering a wide range of circular economy themes including food waste, plastics, single-use plastics, packaging, construction, textiles and general waste. In 2024, total CEIGS funding of €650,000 was made available and was awarded to 13 projects. CIRCULÉIRE are delighted to celebrate three of our network members, who were awarded funding for innovative projects aimed at driving Circular Economy in Ireland   Bladebridge - BladeBridge repurposes retired wind turbine blades into sustainable infrastructure such as bridges and e-bike charging hubs.  Wind blades are made from a composite material which is incredibly strong and durable and can be used to substitute raw materials such as steel and concrete for lower carbon & lower maintenance products. Rezero - Rezero eliminates waste by preventing millions of unused cigarettes from being incinerated annually, addressing a global issue. By isolating cellulose acetate from the cigarette filters, Rezero manufactures sustainable products like buttons and eyewear frames, reducing reliance on virgin materials and supporting the circular economy in the fashion industry and beyond. Zerobin Group (TA The ZeroNet) – The ZeroNet are creating the world’s first cloud-based technology platform designed around managing the domestic recovery of e-waste with a key ethos: transforming the way in which products and materials are recovered and facilitating a transformation in high value, zero-waste recovery.

CIRCULÉIRE members and team visiting Celtic Renewables on Sighthill Ct, Edinburgh on 10th November 2025. Irish Manufacturing Research, in our capacity as the secretariat of CIRCULÉIRE in collaboration with Zero Waste Scotland, curated a multi-sectoral circular innovation exchange in September 2025 for our industry members which included multiple site visits to Scottish circularity pioneers.     During this two day trip to Scotland we travelled to Celtic Renewables in Grangemouth, to see how a lab project has grown into Scotland’s first industrial biorefinery. What began in test tubes and 50ml flasks has scaled to 100,000-litre fermenters, operating 24/7 and shipping green chemicals to customers in pharma, cosmetics, and industry.     What They Do    Celtic Renewables adapts the ABE fermentation (Acetone-Butanol-Ethanol) process to use waste and by-products instead of food crops. This makes the process both more sustainable and more commercially viable.     Key feedstocks include:     Whisky by-products (pot ale, draff)   Reject potatoes (unfit for sale or processing)   Molasses from sugar production     These are converted into bio-acetone, bio-butanol, and bioethanol — chemicals essential to modern life but currently made almost entirely from fossil fuels.     From Research to Reality    Celtic Renewables spun out of Edinburgh Napier University and was founded by Prof. Martin Tangney. Backed by a mix of private investors, government support, and crowdfunding, the company has grown from lab trials to full-scale demonstration. CEO Mark Simmers highlighted how difficult but vital financing was in getting the Grangemouth plant operational.     Circular & Environmental Benefits    Over 60% lower emissions compared with petrochemical equivalents   Waste streams become valuable inputs, cutting transport miles and supporting farmers   Potential to capture hydrogen and CO₂ by-products, further enhancing circularity   Integration with anaerobic digestion could deliver even greater efficiency and value     Why It Matters for Ireland ?  Celtic Renewables proves that by-products from distilling and agri-food can be transformed into high-value green chemicals at scale. Ireland, with its strong feedstock base and industrial clusters, is well positioned to adapt and replicate this model and explore industrial symbiosis opportunities particularly between the pharma and Agri-Food & Drinks Sector.     Conclusion    Celtic Renewables shows what happens when research, investment, and policy align: a proven process, real carbon savings, and tangible circular benefits. For Ireland, the opportunity is clear.  Our industries can seize similar models and lead in the shift to greener chemistry whilst creating jobs, cutting emissions and advancing the circular bioeconomy.     IMR in its capacity as designer and lead of CIRCULÉIRE are delighted to represent our members as circular economy experts in DAFM’s National Bioeconomy Implementation Forum which explores how to scale circular bioeconomy in Ireland.      🔗 Learn More     2021 Circular Bioeconomy Report   (This report was co-designed and delivered by IMR in collaboration with the Irish Bioeconomy Foundation who are developing the National Bioeconomy Campus in Lisheen Mine).   2021 Circular Food & Drinks Good Practice Sectoral Guide   2021 Circular Agriculture & Biobased Industries Good Practice Sectoral Guide   For a great example of a CIRCULÉIRE member pioneering biotech solutions, take a look at Niskus Biotech or our case studies on Irish agrifood companies pioneering the bioeconomy such as Meade Farm  and Monaghan Mushrooms .      #CircularEconomy #LetsGetCircular #GreenChemicals #Innovation #CircularBioEconomy #Biorefinery #CoLocation #IndustrialSymbiosis