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Rebecca Wilson (Rediscovery Centre), Elizabeth O’Reilly (WEEE Ireland), David Fitzsimons (European Remanufacturing Council), Katharina Schlegel Thummer (Plastics Europe), and Geraldine Brennan (IMR), speaking at Session 2 of the EPA Circular Economy Conference 2025 . The recent EPA Circular Economy Conference was an inflection point for the next phase of circular economy implementation in Ireland.  Minister Alan Dillon TD launched the consultation on the second Whole of Government CE Strategy with significant state investment planned.  While we heard about the green shoots of progress made by companies, opportunities for collaboration, information sharing, business model innovation and wider harmonization need focus.    Laura Burke, EPA Director General reminded us that Ireland is facing a growing waste crisis, with excessive waste generation across municipal, packaging, and construction sectors. EPA data shows recycling rates are stagnating, and Ireland is on track to miss key EU targets. Ultimately, producers must design more durable, repairable, remanufactured and recyclable products, engage with circularity and support take-back schemes.    Later in the day, Dr. Geraldine Brennan, Director of Circular Economy Innovation at Irish Manufacturing Research chaired Session 2 dedicated to Producer Responsibility in Priority Sectors   with a stellar cross sectoral panel spotlighting plastics (Dr. Katharina Schlegel, Plastics Europe 's Circularity Director), remanufacturing (David Fitsimons, Director, European Remanufacturing Council ), electronics and batteries (Elizabeth O’Reilly, WEEE Ireland , a    CIRCULÉIRE Founding member) and Local Circular Solutions (Rebecca Wilson, Director of Research Policy and Education, Rediscovery Centre ).  David Fitzsimons, European Remanufacturing Council , emphasized the challenges of building a circular economy amid global economic pressures that favor cheaper, large-scale production. He highlighted the need to shift remanufacturing from business-to-business (B2B) to business-to- consumer (B2C), showcasing companies like Orbitex, Cordon Group, and D&B Audiotechnik as successful examples.  Here in Ireland we have notable examples such as Iqutech and GreenIT (CIRCULÉIRE Members). Fitzsimons warned that EU policies must accelerate to compete with U.S. tariff-driven growth in circular industries. He urged Irish innovators to focus on enabling technologies and praised Ireland’s leadership in green procurement. Finally, he called for balanced EU policy that supports product life extension – noting the friction between ensuring repair incentives do not disincentivize design for remanufacturing alongside recycling, stressing the urgency of coordinated action.    The Whole of Government CE Strategy will drive this coordinated action.  This statutory, action-focused plan aims to increase circular material usage by two percentage points annually and embed circularity across sectors. Key initiatives include expanding the Circular Econ omy Innovation Grant, piloting a repair voucher scheme, establishing circular hubs, a national communications platform and a National Centre of Excellence for Circular Economy Innovation.      By promoting shared economies, reverse logistics, and collaboration across government, industry, and academia, the strategy aims to reduce resource loss, support job creation, and end our throwaway culture.     Industry and public input is vital to shaping this transition and ensuring Ireland becomes a European leader in circularity, sustainability, and green innovation.      Anyone can have their say here  until the 5 th  of November.     A reminder too that CIRCULÉIRE will facilitate sectoral workshops for members to co-ordinate responses to the strategy which are taking place week commencing the 20 th  of October.      #LetsGetCircular

All-Island Circular Venture Awards 2025, taking place on November 27, 2025 - Celebrating Innovation. Accelerating Circular Impact. Are you a late-stage start-up driving innovation in the circular economy? Does your venture have the high potential to reshape how materials, components and products are used, reused, remanufactured and regenerated? CIRCULÉIRE is pleased to announce our inaugural All-Island Circular Venture Awards . Open to late-stage start-ups and ventures across the island of Ireland, this award is designed to recognise those pioneering the emergence of the circular economy sector by enabling or demonstrating a circular value proposition.    The All-Island Circular Venture Awards, designed and led by Irish Manufacturing Research (IMR) and funded by the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment (DCEE), are a prestigious initiative that will see shortlisted companies pitch to a high-profile audience of investors, industry leaders, policy makers, and media on the  27 th  November 2025 .  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. Referring to the awards announcement, Dr Geraldine Brennan, Director of Circular Economy Innovation at Irish Manufacturing Research, said:  “ Ireland’s transition to a circular economy is not just an environmental imperative—it’s a strategic opportunity to unlock innovation, create green jobs, build resilient economies and enable communities to thrive. Pioneering circular ventures represent the bold thinking and collaborative spirit needed to redesign production and consumption system for a regenerative future .”     Inspired by this potentia l, CIRCULÉIRE and Irish Manufacturing Research w elcome applications from ventures that meet the eligibility criteria.  This is an excellent opportunity to pitch to investors and potential partners aligned with your mission.      The  All-Island Circular Venture Awards will take place at ESB Head Office (F27), 27 Fitzwilliam Street Lower, Dublin 2, D02 KT92 on the 27 th  November 2025 at 2-7pm.    Additionally, all shortlisted ventures will receive promotional support from IMR’s Circular Economy Innovation Unit and will have the opportunity to feature as a case study on CIRCULÉIRE’ s website and social media channels. The All-Island Circular Venture Awards  will be an occasion for networking with like-minded businesses, all-island government representatives and th e CIRCULÉIRE’s n etwork members.    Ventures should submit applications via th e Awards Platform by 30 th  October 2025 . Any enquiries about the application process can be emailed t o circuleire@imr.ie .   Shortlisted ventures will be notified in early November 2025 and will be asked to provide evidence of compliance with t he eligibility criteria b y 10 th  November 2025 .

Emma McBride, (Public Affairs Ireland), David Flynn (Iarnród Éireann Irish Rail), Geraldine Brennan (Irish Manufacturing Research), Vojtech Vosecky (The Circular Economist), Seán O'Dwyer (An Post) at Procurement Forum 2025. Public Affairs Ireland ’s recent Procurement Forum brought together leaders from government, law, policy, and practice to explore how procurement in Ireland can be a genuine driver of change. Minister of State Emer Higgins opened the forum by introducing the new National Procurement Strategy and Roadmap. She emphasised that procurement is no longer just about securing the lowest price; it is about delivering broader value for every euro spent. Highlighting its potential, she explained how procurement can support SMEs, drive regional development, and advance environmental goals. With €175 billion in public capital investment planned, initiatives such as nationwide roadshows and the first-ever Supply Exposition this November showcase the government’s commitment to transforming the way Ireland procures goods and services. Three themes repeatedly emerged throughout the day: strategy, digitalisation, and the circular economy. Emma McBride , Director of Public Affairs Ireland (PAI), likened them to the wheels and pedals of a bike that must work together to keep progress moving forward. Mags O’Callaghan from the Office of Government Procurement (OGP) shared Ireland’s work with the OECD on a national digital procurement roadmap. She acknowledged that the current system is fragmented and overly complex but stressed that successful change depends on input from both experts and novices. She explained that hearing from individuals with different levels of experience is crucial to building a genuinely user-friendly system. Other speakers added further depth to the conversation. Paul McEvoy , from the Dublin Business School (DBS) , cautioned against adopting technology for its own sake. He noted that digitalisation is only valuable if it leads to better outcomes and more intelligent decisions. Peter Curran of Beauchamps reminded attendees of the importance of legal foundations, fairness, transparency, and clear feedback in every procurement process. Adding a sustainability lens to the topic at hand, circular economist Vojtech Vosecky, entered the conversation. He challenged the audience to view procurement as a tool for sustainability, sharing examples from across Europe where circular approaches have reduced waste, cut emissions, and created new markets. The forum concluded with reflections from a panel comprising Vojtech Vosecky , representatives from the EPA and An Post , as well as Irish Manufacturing Research Director of Circular Economy Innovation, Dr. Geraldine Brennan . This panel emphasised that while public procurement is already a powerful lever for change, organisations must shift their mindsets and embed sustainability into their daily operations. Overall, the discussions pointed clearly to a shared vision: procurement can be a strategic lever for economic opportunity, sustainability, and resilience, but only if approached with ambition and collaboration, concluding that: Strategy, digitalisation, and circular economy thinking must be integrated, not treated as separate agendas. Both experts and novices should be engaged to design systems that work for all users. Procurement should be used as an economic tool to support SMEs and foster innovation. Fairness and transparency should be kept at the heart of every process, ensuring trust and accountability. #LetsGetCircular #CircularProcurement

Niamh O’Sullivan, Peter Hunt, and Lise-Ann Sheahan represented IMR and CIRCULÉIRE at Midwest Sustainability Week, organised by Shannon Chamber of Commerce Shannon Chamber of Commerce held its Midwest Sustainability Week October 22nd to 25 t h . Sponsored by Climate Action, the Chamber hosted a wide variety of events and site visits throughout the week, and IMR with  CIRCULEIRE joined them on their final day.  The theme, ' Developing a Sustainability Mindset' , set the tone for the day, with engaging panels, inspiring speakers, and practical discussions. Over the course of the three panels, leaders from across the region shared their experiences of embedding sustainability into their organisations. The first panel, ‘ The Tone at the Top ’, highlighted the critical role leadership plays in setting direction and influencing culture. Speakers discussed the structures and processes they’ve implemented, as well as the challenges they’ve encountered along the way. Vicky Howard of Calibre Scientific highlighted an apparent pattern she has observed that younger employees are often more eager to engage with sustainability, and senior leaders recognise its strategic value for competitiveness, yet middle management can be slower to adopt these changes. Many in this “frozen middle” prefer traditional ways of working and may not fully understand the incentives or needs driving sustainability efforts. Her reflections reminded us that embedding sustainability is not just about compliance but about embracing a deeper belief. True transformation happens when leaders’ actions and values, the “shadow of the leader,” inspire a genuine commitment at every level. Mid-West Sustainability Network Week, 22-25 Sep 2025. The second panel focused on ‘ Driving Mindset ’. Here, the conversation shifted from structures to people: how to spark curiosity, shift attitudes, and build momentum across different departments. Panellists explained how they are reframing sustainability as the lens through which their organisations operate. It was clear that leadership in this space is about empowering others, not dictating from the top.   The final panel showcased projects within companies that have already delivered tangible environmental and social impacts . From reducing emissions to creating inclusive workplaces, the examples underscored that embedding sustainability is both a good business practice and a commitment to broader social responsibility.   A particular highlight of the day was the keynote from Gary Keegan, CEO of Uppercut . Known for his work in high-performance sport, Keegan drew compelling parallels between elite performance and sustainability leadership. He emphasised how leading mindsets set direction, but it is the structures that leaders put in place that shape behaviour and outcomes. Just as athletes rely on systems and routines to achieve long-term success, business leaders must create the frameworks and supports that embed sustainability into the core of their organisations.   The conference was a testament to the work being done across the Midwest, from Shannon Chamber’s leadership in convening these conversations to the openness of the panellists of their journeys. The day demonstrated that while policies and frameworks matter, it is mindset and leadership that will make the difference moving forward.

CIRCULÉIRE team and members at Renewable Parts, Scotland Last week, in collaboration with Zero Waste Scotland (ZWS) , we hosted a group of over 30 circular economy stakeholders including CIRCULÉIRE   members, DCEE representatives, LGMA and IMR for a two-day circular innovation exchange in Glasgow.   At Renewable Parts we learned about remanufactured wind turbine parts from CEO, James Barry, and General Manager, Magnus Firth. By using failure data to proactively redesign parts that consistently fail, the business even produces some parts deemed ‘ better than new ’. They then pair them with either remanufactured or new parts for optimal performance. Despite some ongoing ‘resistance’ to remanufactured parts, James eloquently highlighted 4 key customer benefits: 1) Remanufactured parts can be ‘Better than New’ through redesign; 2) Cost 30% less than new parts; 3) Really do work (think about the fact that 80% of airplane engines are remanufactured); 4) Are Sustainable with every 1T of steel saved equalling 3T of CO2e.  In the future, Barry suggested that a move to a servitisation model, could work well to help mainstream remanufacturing. Morag Clarke from Scottish Enterprise presented on the upcoming Circular Innovation Valley (ECIV) EU funded project with Call 1 opening for applications in December 2025.  More on this in due course, however, you can participate in their B2B matching events here . At the National Manufacturing Institute of Scotland , Stephen Fitzpatrick introduced the circular projects his team have collaborated on over the last ten years with the ReMake Glasgow project being instrumental in helping ambitious manufacturers of all sizes to adopt circularity and extend the life of products and parts   catapulting remanufacturing. The project is developing a first-of-its-kind national ReMake hub within the NMIS Digital Factory which provides the skills and technologies needed to support ambitious manufacturers of all sizes to adopt circularity and extend the life of products and parts. There were many parallels between IMR and NMIS with large demonstrator space and action-based projects. A visit to the HPE Technology Renewal Centre was a real eye opener. In a world where e-waste is the fastest-growing waste stream, HPE is proving that technology retirement doesn’t have to mean technology waste. Jackie Rafferty showed us how they returned over 9.5 million IT assets to use over the past 3 years. Day 1 concluded with a group dinner with Glasgow Chamber members active in circular innovation.  This informal meeting of minds was an excellent way to foster introductions and share knowledge, and we thank Zero Waste Scotland for facilitating the matchmaking process!  A big thank you also to the chamber members who attended on the night! Day 2 kicked off with a site visit to BE-ST where Hanna Lundstrom delivered a powerful built environment impact presentation and site tour.  David Barnes, Head of Business Engagement at Zero Waste Scotland gave an overview of the systems approach they are taking to their built environment roadmap. Again, more on this in due course. Celtic Renewables was our last site visit.  This biorefinery produces ABE chemicals by fermenting food waste and residues e.g pot ale residue from whiskey production and reject potatoes.  Mark Simmers, CEO, delivered a captivating talk and spoke about the need for co-location and symbiosis to scale the solution and further improve circularity by incorporating biogas production into the overall system. We are busy collating insights, articles and site videos to share with our wider network.  Follow progress here, on LinkedIn or sign up for our newsletter. Again, a very big thank you to Zero Waste Scotland for enabling such an informative trip. We look forward to building on this collaboration. The CIRCULÉIRE Team

Irish Manufacturing Research, in our capacity as the secretariat of CIRCULÉIRE in collaboration with Zero Waste Scotland, curated a multi-sectoral circular innovation exchange for our industry members which included multiple site visits to Scottish circularity pioneers.     Renewable Parts Ltd. in Scotland offered a compelling look at circularity in action. From lean-designed facilities to reverse-engineered gearboxes, Renewable Parts is not just remanufacturing parts, it is reshaping how industry thinks about value, reliability, and sustainability as a supply chain and acts as a remanufacturing specialist to the wind energy industry.    The most impactful insight?     Circularity must start with the supply chain. Renewable Parts’ work shows that remanufactured components can match or exceed the performance of new ones, yet industry bias and inconsistent definitions continue to slow adoption. Customers often struggle to trust remanufactured parts—not because of data, but due to perception. Renewable Parts tackles this head-on with transparency, case studies, and customer engagement.    The challenge is clear - we cannot reach net zero without circularity. Renewable Parts is solving this by blending reused and new components, investing in predictive maintenance, and exploring digital product passports for traceability. Their apprenticeship program is building the next generation of circular engineers, while new business models like leasing and inventory pooling are making remanufacturing more accessible.    As highlighted in the 2024 CIRCULÉIRE Remanufacturing Insights Report , collaboration across OEMs, customers, and policymakers is essential. We must agitate for harmonized standards, better data sharing, and clearer communication of the carbon and financial benefits of remanufacturing.    If you're part of the circular ecosystem, now is the time to pilot, partner, and push. Remanufacturing is not a competitor to new, it complements it.   Let’s prove that circularity is not just viable, but vital.    For a great example of a CIRCULÉIRE member pioneering automotive parts remanufacturing, take a look at our case study on Evolve .    #CircularEconomy #Remanufacturing #Sustainability #WindEnergy #Innovation #CIRCULÉIRE #RenewableParts #NetZero #ImpactLeadership

Do you have deep technical expertise in the Irish and EU pharmaceutical sector, with a strong understanding of areas like green chemistry, solvent management, and GxP? Can you translate this knowledge into practical, actionable insights for a business audience? If you are a skilled technical writer passionate about advancing the circular economy, IMR the secretariat and coordinator of CIRCULÉIRE wants to hear from you.   IMR is requesting applications from a suitably qualified ‘Pharmaceutical Sector Expert’  to co-author its forthcoming best practice guide: ‘A Circular Economy for the Irish Pharmaceutical Sector’ .   Project Aims and Background  The Irish pharmaceutical industry is a cornerstone of the national economy, globally recognised for its manufacturing excellence. To build on this success and address the sector's environmental imperatives, CIRCULÉIRE is developing a new best practice guide to support its transition to a circular economy.    This guide will be the go-to resource  for industry stakeholders. It aims to:    Inspire  by bringing specific innovation opportunities to life.  Increase knowledge  and demystify the practical steps for implementation.  Highlight best practices  from Ireland and abroad that can be replicated and adapted.    The guide will be targeted at C-Suite leaders, technical professionals, and policymakers, and will tease out practical insights about implementation requirements, policy drivers, and operational implications.  For more details about the scope of work and expected outputs, please read the full Call for Proposals document .    Applicants must send the  completed Excel Application Form  to  circuleire@imr.ie  by Friday, 18th July 2025, 5:00 PM  (using subject heading ‘ CfP Application - Pharma Guide Co-author ’).   Indicative Timeline & Budget   Deadline for Submission:  Friday, 18 th July, 5:00 PM Communication of winning proposal:  By Wednesday, 23rd July 2025 Project Kick-Off Meeting:  Week commencing 28th July 2025   This work has a maximum allowable budget of €22,500 ex. VAT  for an estimated 20-25 days of work. All compliant tenders will be assessed against relevant knowledge, technical expertise, and proven writing and research experience.    IMR Contact Person:  Paul McCormack Cooney, CE Best Practice & Toolkits Lead   Email:   paul.mccormackcooney@imr.ie

2025 Ventures and the IMR team at the Rediscovery Centre, Ballymun Having completed a competitive recruitment process, Irish Manufacturing Research (IMR) is delighted to announce the sixth cohort of ventures joining CIRCULÉIRE’s 2025 Circular Venture Accelerator.    Established in 2020, the Programme is Ireland’s 1st dedicated late-stage circular venture accelerator and has so far supported 26 ventures over 5 years with a total of €130k equity free funding.     Alan Dillon TD, Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (DETE) with special responsibility for Small Businesses and Retail and the Department of Climate Energy & Environment (DCEE) with special responsibility for Circular Economy, said,    “Reflecting on the programme, the cohort and the impact of alumni since 2020, I am delighted to see that CIRCULÉIRE has expanded its venture accelerator intake in 2025.  The cohort represents a cross sectoral group of start-ups that can help Ireland to move the dial on circularity, and we are very proud to support this endeavour through the Circular Economy Fund and the scale-up of companies in the emerging circular economy sector”.      Driving circular innovation in MedTech, BioTech, Food, Consumer goods and the Automotive sectors, IMR welcomes the 2025 cohort:  Anaula:   ‘transforming distillery wastewater into algae-based fertiliser and feed  ‘.  Bean Around :   ‘transforming used coffee grounds into high value-added cosmetics products’.   Circular Food Co :   ‘ transforming food manufacturing waste into high-value ingredients’.   EcoRoots:   ‘combining biology with digital optimisation to deliver mycelium-based circular packaging solutions’.    Hibra Design:  ‘ re-engineering fossil-fuel powered vehicles with battery-electric powertrains extending product lifecycles’   HomePerk : ‘ embedding circular household practices through shared access and recirculation in residential properties’.   Kinset: ‘ driving circularity in fashion and beyond through a Digital Product Passport and supply-chain traceability platform’.   Mesh BioPlastics : ‘developing plant-based alternatives to single-use medical plastics’.     In the spirit of collaborative innovation and networking, the Ventures took part in CIRCULÉIRE’s Q2 Member Network Meeting on the 11th of June 2025. Hosted at The Rediscovery Centre, a hotbed of creative upcycling and circularity in practice, this session was dedicated to enhancing members’ ability to work on circular innovation opportunities and introduced the ventures to the collaborative opportunities from membership.      Dr Geraldine Brennan, Director of Circular Economy Innovation at IMR , said,   “ This programme is an integral part of the CIRCULÉIRE offering and positions our members at the forefront of circular innovation ”.    Agnese Metitieri, IMR Ventures Lead, said, “IMR is partnering with the crème de le crème of internal, national and international circular economy pioneers who have been advising and guiding circular ventures and innovators to scale businesses over the last decade. From systems thinking to storytelling and pitching, to advanced technologies, business models, finance and investment, IMR curate and provide hands-on experiences to accelerate our venture’s business growth’. We look forward to working with the 2025 founders and have an excellent track record in supporting our ventures’ success.    Success Stories of CIRCULÉIRE Venture Accelerator Alumni     In 2024, BladeBridge, rezero and The ZeroNet   were supported by IMR to apply and won 3 of 13 grants awarded by the 2024 Circular Economy Innovation Grant Scheme .      In 2025 HaPPE Earth  won the 2025 RDS CE Awards ( Emerging Business Category) and a Green Tech Health Innovation Ireland grant to fund their full cycle healthcare bio-digestion system that turns bio-PPE and food waste into nutrient-rich fertiliser with advanced decontamination technology.    IFF Plastics met CIRCULÉIRE Founding Member Freefoam Plastics  through the network and subsequently established a formal collaboration.    The ZeroNet and KnowCarbon  met through the CIRCULÉIRE network and have subsequently partnered with Founding Member IQuTech to collaborate on a multi- product take-back scheme (MedTech, ICT and Textiles).

Tuesday 8th April, IMR Mullingar, Co Westmeath CIRCULÉIRE members and staff gathered for the special visit Irish Manufacturing Research (IMR), as Secretariat of CIRCULÉIRE, was delighted to welcome Alan Dillon TD, Minister of State with special responsibility for the Circular Economy,   to their Mullingar RD&I Lab to showcase CIRCULÉIRE services and members’ circularity in action. Award winning enterprise and industry representatives from a cross-sectoral cohort of circular businesses and innovative circular solutions were on hand to talk about their circular impact and the benefits membership has delivered. CIRCULÉIRE Cross-Sectoral Membership & Impact The ICT/WEEE sector was represented by IQuTech ( RDS 2025 Circular Economy Award Nominee ), Green IT and WEEE Ireland. Plastics, packaging and print were represented by Novelplast, Rebox ( RDS 2025 Circular Economy Award Nominee ) and iSupply ( 2025 PWC/Business Post Sustainable Small Business of the Year ). Alumni from CIRCULÉIRE’s Circular Ventures Accelerator including HaPPE Earth ( 2025 HIHI awardee ), BladeBridge ( CEIG 2024 awardee ), shareclub and Eriu were on hand to highlight their circular journeys and efforts to scale. Decotek, an automotive business, elaborated on their circular practices, while past and present CIRCULÉIRE Industry Steering Group members also attended to round out representation from the Built Environment and Financial Services sectors. Comments About the CIRCULÉIRE Member Showcase Minister Alan Dillon said “I am impressed with the scope and scale of the circular business models and practices on display here today.  I have heard from pioneering cross-sectoral enterprise on their journeys to put circular design principles into practice. I thank IMR and CIRCULÉIRE members for a very insightful and hands-on showcase of circularity in action” . Minister Alan Dillon TD (left) and CIRCULÉIRE member Sarah Fliessbach (right) of Shareclub Barry Kennedy, IMR CEO, said “ We are delighted to welcome Minister Alan Dillon, here today.  IMR partners with industry to demystify emerging technologies, derisk adoption, and deliver real-world impact - helping businesses scale and innovate with confidence . CIRCULÉIRE, our national platform for circular innovation, is at the forefront of driving carbon emission reductions by mainstreaming circular business and events like this today are important to put a spotlight on this very important work to protect our climate”. Dr Geraldine Brennan, Head of Circular Economy at IMR and CIRCULÉIRE lead , said,  “Established in 2020, IMR has co-developed the first large-scale industry and enterprise focused platform to deploy circular economy design principles and methodologies in Ireland’s industrial base and we are proud to have the opportunity to showcase CIRCULÉIRE members’ impacts so early in the Minister’s tenure. As we embark on the pathway to 2030, IMR is committed to working with stakeholders in Ireland’s circular ecosystem to realise our shared ambition to make Ireland a leading testbed for circular innovation”.

A day of circular innovation at the Q2 CIRULÉIRE member network meeting on Wednesday 11th June hosted at The Rediscovery Centre in Ballymun.    Kicking off with a tour of the centre (and former district heating boiler house), members witnessed the circular opportunities in our everyday lives, from bike repairs to upcycled lamps and paint to reupholstered and revamped furniture. The centre showcases citizen circularity in action and was a fitting venue to inspire our group to forge ahead with CIRULÉIRE‘s innovation sprints.    Delivered by IMR’s Circular Economy Policy & Innovation Lead Sophie Reynolds in partnership with Laura McDermot from Colectivo, the day was designed to embed the RD&I and collaboration opportunities posed by addressing circularity challenges.       Dr. Geraldine Brennan IMR Director of Circular Economy & Innovation welcomed the group and Fiona Hill, CE Strategic Policy Unit, DCEE gave an update on the Public Consultation for a ‘National Policy Statement & Roadmap on Circular Textiles’ that is open until the 7th of July.  Fiona noted that the second ‘Whole of Government Circular Economy Strategy’ was being finalised and would be open to public consultation in the coming weeks; the ‘Circularity Road Map for the Construction Sector’ will go live in Q4; and the fourth call for the ‘Circular Economy Innovation Grant Scheme 2025’ will go live in September.  Finally, we were advised that DECC is now the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment DCEE with Martina Hennessy appointed as Assistant Secretary for the Circular Economy.    To set the scene, we heard from Angie Nagle, CEO of BladeBridge on their approach to innovation. BladeBridge is circular by design repurposing wind turbine blades for use as components in bridges, bike sheds, EV car charging units etc.  Angie called out the need for ongoing market validation in tandem with solution design.    Peter Mooney from Dawn Meats, a seasoned innovator, gave a captivating presentation, highlighting the no nonsense approach to achieving project go ahead using the analogy of ‘show me the baby’ to refer to key leadership questions like ‘What do we have to do?   How much will it cost?   What are we getting out of it?  While detailed research is needed to get to this point, without the answers to these questions, a project will never get the go ahead.    An outdoor ‘Innovation Bingo’ session allowed all participants to learn about the challenges other members are tackling and helped identify potential partnerships and collaboration opportunities.     Members were then guided through the first divergence and convergence steps of the problem definition phase by Sophie.  Laura explored personas and some interesting new AI solutions and primed the group for the deeper dive that will follow to explore, prototype, test and iterate solutions.    Thanks to all the cross sectoral member companies who took part in workshops. It was glorious to be outdoors for some of the sessions.    Finally, a big thank you to IMR’s Kevin Fraser for presenting to members on the opportunity posed by the upcoming SustainFit Programme.    Don’t forget, our next in person invite only member event will be held in Glasgow on the 9th and 10th of September. Our collaboration with Zero Waste Scotland will involve multiple site visits and CE innovator exchange. Watch this space!

Valentina Rangel Leon and Sophie Reynolds at EU Green Week From the 3rd to 5th of June, CIRCULÉIRE participated in EU Green Week 2025, Europe’s flagship event on environmental policy. This year’s edition focused on the “Three Cs” – Clean, Competitive, and Circular  – and made a strong case for placing circularity at the heart of Europe’s environmental, economic and social transformation.    The event brought together policymakers, industry leaders, civil society, and circular economy practitioners to discuss and showcase how circularity can drive the EU’s strategic autonomy, resilience, and innovation. The message was clear: circular economy is no longer niche- but remains fragile without stronger market signal and systemic support.      Key highlights included the forthcoming Circular Economy Act  (2026), which aims to level the playing field for secondary raw materials, harmonise end-of-waste criteria, and boost demand through green public procurement. There was a resounding call for smarter regulation that supports SMEs, incentivises recycled content, strengthens local and regional ecosystems and advance material use targets.  Importantly, it was noted that identifying new gaps and barriers is a sign of progress – it shows we are moving forward in the transition, even if not fast enough.    Sessions spotlighted circular opportunities in sectors like bioeconomy and construction, with concrete case studies from across Europe. The role of skills, innovation, and early collaboration featured prominently, alongside the need to scale successful pilots into investable, market-ready solutions.    Sophie Reynolds, IMR CE Policy & Innovation Lead and Valentina Rangel Leon, IMR CE Policy Officer also attended a side event hosted by the European Bioeconomy Bureau, focused on   discussing upcoming European Bioeconomy Strategy and discussing how to scale bioeconomy innovation pilots to industrial level. Key messages included the need to reduce fossil-based material dependency, improve biowaste collection, and align policies to foster nature-positive development.    Looking ahead, the European Commission announced that the public consultation on the Circular Economy Act   will open soon. CIRCULÉIRE will be reaching out to our members to gather insights, best practices, and feedback to help shape this pivotal piece of legislation.    Stay tuned – and let’s ensure Irish voices and solutions are part of Europe’s circular future.

Paul McCormack-Cooney at Manufacturing and Supply Chain Expo On May 29th, at Ireland’s National Manufacturing & Supply Chain Conference, IMR and CIRCULÉIRE presented the findings of our latest sectoral guide, ‘Unpacking the Circular Innovation Opportunities for Ireland’s MedTech Sector’ . The key message is clear: while Ireland is a global leader in MedTech, our reliance on a linear, single-use model presents a critical risk—and a significant opportunity. This article unpacks the core findings of that guide, exploring the environmental cost of the current model and the clear, actionable pathways towards a more resilient, profitable, and circular future. Ireland’s MedTech Sector: A Global Powerhouse Ireland’s MedTech sector is a big player on the global stage. As one of the top five global MedTech hubs, we export to over 100 countries and are the third-largest exporter of medical devices in Europe. ·       80% of the world’s stents and 50% of the world’s ventilators are manufactured here. ·       We are the largest global exporter of contact lenses. ·       14 of the top 15 global MedTech companies have operations in Ireland. ·       The sector employs over 50,000 people and its exports are worth €14.9 billion annually, representing 8% of all national exports. And of course, the profound benefits of these technologies to human health and wellbeing cannot be measured in economic terms alone. The Hidden Environmental Cost However, this success comes at an increasing environmental cost. If global healthcare were a country, it would be the world’s fifth-largest CO₂ emitter, surpassing the aviation and shipping sectors (MedTech Europe, 2024). The MedTech industry is a major contributor. According to the Boston Consulting Group (2024), MedTech products contribute about one-third of healthcare’s carbon emissions and most of its waste . This is the result of a linear, single-use-heavy model that consumes vast amounts of energy and finite materials, only to generate significant waste and emissions at a product's end-of-life. The Challenge of Single-Use by Default The MedTech sector is unique in its reliance on single-use devices, a practice driven by crucial patient safety concerns regarding infection and cross-contamination. This trend accelerated during the COVID-19 pandemic, increasing the sector's dependence on virgin plastics and other materials. The waste is significant. Single-use devices constitute up to 90% of medical device waste  (Health and EY, 2024). The HSE’s Green Healthcare programme found that at least one-third of waste disposed of as "healthcare risk waste" is misclassified, costing the country €1.3 million annually . A further €500,000 per year  is lost by discarding recyclable materials into general waste. The Global Consequences of a Linear Model This reliance on single-use has consequences that extend far beyond clinic waste bins. The continuous extraction and processing of raw materials is a primary driver of the triple planetary crisis. The UNEP’s 2024 Global Resources Outlook reports that this process is responsible for: 60% of climate change impacts. 90% of land-related biodiversity loss and water stress. 40% of health-related pollution impacts. The effects are already here. The IPCC (2021) links rising CO₂ concentrations to more frequent and intense heatwaves and droughts. The WWF (2024) has recorded a 73% average decline in wildlife populations since 1970 . And in Ireland, air pollution contributes to 1,700 premature deaths annually (Irish Heart Foundation, 2023), as 99% of the world’s population breathes air that exceeds WHO safety guidelines. The Circular Economy: A Systemic Solution Much of the sustainability focus to date has been on decarbonising our energy supply. While vital, this only addresses 55% of global emissions. The Ellen MacArthur Foundation (2021) highlights that the remaining 45% of emissions come from how we make and use products and materials . This is where the circular economy provides the solution. By designing products and materials to be reused, repaired, and remanufactured, a circular economy decouples economic activity from the consumption of finite resources. It is the essential strategy for tackling the 45% of emissions that energy efficiency alone cannot solve. Circularity: The New Direction of Travel The transition to a circular economy is no longer optional. It is a core component of the EU Green Deal and is described in the EU Circular Economy Action Plan as ‘a prerequisite to achieve the EU’s 2050 climate neutrality target and to halt biodiversity loss.’ For businesses, this is becoming a hard-coded requirement. The EU’s Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) includes the E5 standard for ‘Resource use & Circular Economy,’ which requires in-scope companies to report on their circularity policies, material flows, and financial risks and opportunities. Investors are increasingly using this data to assess a company’s long-term resilience. (Note: The scope of the CSRD is currently being debated under an Omnibus Simplification Package). Key Barriers to Circularity in MedTech Our research identified six key challenges the MedTech sector must overcome: A Culture of Single-Use:  Overcoming a culture where single-use is the default, driven by legitimate patient safety concerns but hampered by a limited awareness of circular benefits. Navigating Regulatory Compliance:  Managing stringent and sometimes overlapping regulations across healthcare, environmental protection, and safety standards. Complex Global Supply Chains:  Tracking materials responsibly and developing reverse logistics for material recovery across globalised supply chains. Economic and Financial Hurdles:  Securing the significant upfront investment required for circular product design, infrastructure, and costly re-certification processes. Technological & Material Limitations:  Addressing technical challenges in meeting stringent biocompatibility and sterility requirements with recycled or bio-based materials. Restrictive 'Waste' Classification:  Overcoming broad hazardous waste classifications that prevent the recovery of high-value materials that could be safely recovered post-sterilisation. Recommendations for a Circular MedTech Sector Our guide provides a detailed roadmap for the sector. The key strategic recommendations are: Adopt Circular Design from the Start:  Embed eco-design principles early in product development to optimise for reuse, repair, and sustainable materials. Advocate for Supportive Policy:  Collaborate to create clear, harmonised standards and embed circular criteria within public and private procurement. Explore Financial Incentives:  Leverage available grants and funding from bodies like Enterprise Ireland, IDA Ireland, and Horizon Europe to de-risk innovation. Foster Circular Leadership:  Appoint Circular Champions and set measurable KPIs to embed circularity into corporate strategy and culture. Deepen Collaboration:  Strengthen partnerships across the value chain, academia, and government to share knowledge and accelerate adoption. Invest in Circular Skills:  Work with universities and training bodies to equip the next generation of designers and engineers with circular economy expertise. Implement and Scale Circular Business Models:  Pilot innovative models like Product-as-a-Service (PaaS) to retain material value and create new revenue streams. Establish Robust Metrics:  Implement systems to measure material flows, track progress against KPIs, and report transparently under frameworks like the CSRD. The Time to Act is Now The Irish MedTech sector is at a crossroads. Continuing with a linear, resource-intensive model is a path of increasing cost, risk, and environmental impact. The alternative—a circular economy—offers a pathway to enhanced resilience, innovation, and long-term value creation. The transition requires bold leadership, strategic investment, and deep collaboration, but the tools and strategies are available today. To explore these findings in greater detail and begin charting your organisation's circular journey, download the full report here .