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Sophie Reynolds, Senior Programme Manager at CIRCULÉIRE/IMR, speaking at the Environment Ireland Conference 2025. We were delighted to sponsor the Environment Ireland Conference on October 9th with IMR ’s Sophie Reynolds, Senior Programme Manager CIRCULÉIRE  taking to the stage to talk about ‘Delivering on Circularity's Transformational Potential’.    Sophie explained that the linear economy of ‘take, make, waste’ is a mindset and system which has enabled growth in the past, however, it has also created many of the most urgent sustainability and resource crises faced today.     Outlining Ireland’s over dependence on virgin materials and resulting increased exposure to price and supply chain shocks, Sophie noted construction’s dominance in material use and waste with agri-food and materials production sectors next in line. Sophie identified the need to meet demand while reducing emissions as a challenge facing industry, asserting that this can only be achieved by decoupling economic growth from material use through circular, low-impact innovation, then moving on to highlight the circular innovation services offered by CIRCULÉIRE .      Three key articles published in the Circular Economy Chapter of the Environment Ireland Handbook give excellent updates on the policy landscape, our cross-sectoral circular innovation and collaboration approach, as well as our Venture Accelerator.      See links below. Delivering the circular transition – Environment Ireland   Demystifying, de-risking and delivering circular innovation – Environment Ireland   Accelerating circular business model innovation – Environment Ireland      Now back to the events of the day!      The Circular Economy & Resource Management Session chaired by Claire Downey, CEO of the Rediscovery Centre also featured speakers from Repak, The European Environment Agency and Northern Ireland’s Strategic Investment Board.    Repak  Chief Operations Officer Tom Gaynor  outlined the company’s role in packaging, waste and the circular economy. Members’ fees support household and business recycling, bottle banks, and civic amenities, while Repak leads the efficient collection and recycling of packaging waste through support and guidance on packaging design and promoting the circular economy through reduce, reuse, refill, and recycle activity.  It collaborates with the EU to design and implement legislation while meeting challenges and managing the implications for Ireland; and develops and implements plans to educate and encourage consumers to recycle.    Ioannis Bakas , Circular Economy Monitoring Expert at the European Environment Agency , is focused on accelerating the circular economy in Europe.  In the context of resource extraction and processing accounting for 55 per cent of greenhouse gas emissions; 90 per cent of total global biodiversity loss and water stress; and 50 per cent of total particulate matter pollution, Bakas outlined what must be done to accelerate the circular economy in Europe:  Firstly, resource use must be reduced and a move towards a less material-intensive European economy must be prioritized. Secondly, to maximize the utility of existing products, we need to significantly increase the intensity of use per product and achieve much longer product lifetimes. Thirdly, for circular economies to achieve large-scale success, substantial quantities of high-quality secondary raw materials must be returned to productive use; and finally, a robust global governance framework on resource use is essential.    Heidi Redmond , Circular Economy Adviser at the Strategic Investment Board   spoke about developing a circular economy for Northern Ireland and outlined the circular economy policy goals of the Department for the Economy NI .  Put simply, they aim to invest in innovation, skills and R&D; maximise the value of resources locally; design out waste; collaborate for system change; and stimulate funding and incentivize investment.    This was a really enjoyable session  - we look forward to many more!  See more below from colleagues who attended other elements of the day    In the opening session, Timmy Dooley TD, Minster of State with responsibility for the Marine at DCEE, emphasized the development of Ireland’s Marine Strategy under the Marine Strategy Framework Directive, aiming for clean, healthy, and sustainably used seas. He announced forthcoming legislation for Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) to safeguard habitats, support biodiversity, and facilitate offshore renewable energy, including plans to deliver 20GW of offshore wind by 2040.     Julie Thompson, Deputy Secretary of Environment, Marine & Fisheries Group, Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (N.I.), outlined the region’s environmental priorities. Central to this work is the Environmental Improvement Plan (EIP), built around six outcomes covering air and water quality, biodiversity, sustainable production, waste reduction, and climate action. Other priorities include peatland restoration, the Farming with Nature Programme, and circular economy measures such as deposit return schemes and extended producer responsibility.    Veronica Manfredi , Director, Zero Pollution, Water Resilience & Green Urban Transition, DG Environment, EC, highlighted the EU’s continued commitment to its Zero Pollution Action Plan, launched in 2021 under the European Green Deal. Upcoming reviews of the Zero Pollution Action Plan and new strategies for chemicals, circular economy, and water resilience will focus on implementation, innovation, and simplification.     Prof. Robbie McDonald, Chief Scientist and Chief Insights Officer, Office for Environmental Protection, UK, gave a blunt assessment of the current state of water quality and environment in Northern Ireland. The OEP’s mission is to protect and improve the environment by holding government and public bodies account, focusing on four key areas: scrutinizing environmental improvement plans, monitoring environmental law, advising government, and enforcing compliance.     Levent Ergin, Chief Climate, Sustainability & AI strategist at Informatica, emphasized the critical role of data as the foundation for both sustainability reporting and AI deployment in public and private sectors. He highlighted the growing regulatory landscape which will require detailed supply chain and environmental data. Ergin also addressed AI, particularly agentic AI capable of autonomous decision-making, noting that 80% of projects fail due to siloed deployment and insufficient controls. To succeed, organisations must implement cross-functional AI committees, risk assessment, and change management frameworks, with strong foundations in data cataloging, quality, master data management, and governance.    Laura Morrison, Head of Responsible Business, Business in the Community Ireland, focused on developing sustainable supply chains, emphasising the social and human rights aspects alongside environmental concerns. Morrison stressed social due diligence is more than compliance; it requires companies to assess where people may be at risk, engage with suppliers proportionately, and take tangible actions to mitigate harm. She noted the importance of integrating internal practices with supplier engagement, as poor purchasing behaviors (short-term contracts, cost pressures) can exacerbate social risks and that education and training would be beneficial in reinforcing that sustainability success requires both data and human-centric engagement across the supply chain.    Lisa-Nicole Dunne, CEO of Mantra Strategy, spoke about diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI), underscoring that social justice is inseparable from environmental and economic sustainability. Drawing on her experience as a neurodivergent leader, she highlighted how structural barriers, from recruitment bias to inflexible workplaces, continue to exclude many groups, particularly women, disabled people, migrants and those from lower-income or minority backgrounds. Her conclusion was that sustainable progress depends on integrating environmental, social and governance goals, ensuring that diverse voices are central to decision-making.

All-Island Circular Venture Awards 2025, featuring the judging panel: Geraldine Brennan (IMR/CIRCULÉIRE), Mark Nodder (Makers Alliance), Faye Walsh Drouillard (WakeUp Capital), and Jamie Rowles (Regeneration.VC). CIRCULÉIRE and Irish Manufacturing Research are proud to announce the All-Island Circular Venture Awards 2025 judging panel which in its inaugural year gathers circular economy innovation, venture investment, and advanced manufacturing leaders. The distinguished panel includes Joint Chief Executive Officer of Makers Alliance, Mark Nodder; Partner at Regeneration.VC , Jamie Rowles; Founding and Managing Partner of WakeUp Capital, Faye Walsh Drouillard; and Dr. Geraldine Brennan, Director of Circular Economy Innovation at Irish Manufacturing Research.     Mark Nodder  brings a wealth of knowledge in advanced manufacturing in Northern Ireland, gained through an extensive career of service to the economy at the NI Chamber of Commerce and Invest NI.     Jamie Rowles  provides his expertise in leading early-stage circular and regenerative technology investments globally, climate investments across the UK and US, and co-founding tech start-ups.     Faye Walsh Drouillard  contributes with her experience in driving financial, social and environmental impact via venture investment, entrepreneurship, innovation, enlightened funding models and encouraging diversity in finance and governance.     Dr. Geraldine Brennan  completes the panel with her leadership in industry applied research and as Director of Circular Economy Innovation at Irish Manufacturing Research and former head of CIRCULÉIRE, Ireland's flagship Platform for Circular Manufacturing & Innovation.    The All-Island Circular Venture Awards 2025 will be held on 27th November at ESB HQ, Dublin 2, where late-stage start-ups and ventures driving circular economy innovation will pitch to the judging panel and compete for a total prize pool of €10,000 plus additional coaching sessions.    The deadline for applications is Thursday 30 th  October at midnight .     For full details about the judging panel, eligibility criteria and to submit your entry, please visit the Awards site: All-Island Circular Venture Award 2025 | CIRCULÉIRE .

At centre: Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon, T.D. (Photo sourced from Minister Martin Heydon's LinkedIn post). Last week, we joined the launch of Bioeconomy Ireland Week 2025 in Tullamore where Minister Martin Heydon announced that Ireland will host the Global Bioeconomy Summit in 2026 during its EU Presidency.    The event showcased how Ireland’s bioeconomy is moving from research to real deployment, with discussions on regional biorefineries, side-stream valorisation, bio-based materials, and SME-led innovation.    From Tirlán’s work on dairy side-stream valorisation to Zirkulu’s plant-based outdoor apparel, it was clear that collaboration between start-ups, industry, and research is driving momentum.    For us at CIRCULÉIRE, the takeaway is clear:    The bioeconomy and circular economy are complementary but distinct.    The real opportunity lies in designing systems that retain value locally through smart material loops, co-ownership models, and circular business innovation.    We look forward to continuing to support our members in connecting bio-based innovation with circular impact.    #LetsGerCircular #CIRCULÉIRE #IMR #BioeconomyIrelandWeek #CircularEconomy #IrishBioeconomy #Innovation #SustainableIndustry #RuralInnovation #CircularBusinessModels

John Gallagher (TCD), Fiona McCoole (EPA), Claire Downey (Rediscovery Centre), Dr. Geraldine Brennan (IMR), and Dr. Tom Voege (PRO Circularity Alliance) at the panel “Circular Economy: From Good Intentions to Good (EU) Regulations” during RDS Circular Economy Day 2025. On 22nd October 2025, the RDS hosted its Circular Economy Alumni Day in Dublin, bringing together alumni ventures, policymakers, funders, and partners to celebrate achievements and strengthen the ecosystem of circular innovators. Guests were welcomed by Paul Kelly, RDS CEO, Niamh De Loughry, RDS Foundation Director, and Sarah Keating, Sustainability and Innovation Programme Manager. The day featured an address from Minister of State for Small Business and Retail & Circular Economy, Alan Dillon TD , and remarks from Rebecca Markey, Chair of the RDS Committee of Enterprise. The programme included a keynote by Iain Gulland of Zero Waste Scotland, sessions on funding and policy, and workshops to gather evidence for the EU Circular Economy Act. The Alumni Day provided a unique platform for knowledge exchange and collaboration. Contributions from Dr Anne Marie Henihan and Dr Tom Voege; and panel discussions facilitated by Prof. Jane Stout and Prof. John Gallagher of Trinity College Dublin ensured a rich mix of perspectives. Stakeholders such as Dr Mary O’Riordan and Lisa O’Riordan (HaPPE Earth, Alumni of the 2024 CIRCULÉIRE Accelerator), David Scanlon (Resolve Partners), Sinead Byrne (Prospera), Claire Downey (The Rediscovery Centre), and Fiona McCoole (EPA) highlighted the urgency of collective action and the need to accelerate solutions which reduce waste, extend product lifecycles, and deliver sustainable growth. Dr Geraldine Brennan , Director of Circular Economy Innovation at Irish Manufacturing Research, contributed to the policy panel, sharing insights on how research and industry collaboration can drive systemic change. Agnese Metitieri, CE Ventures Lead, was also present to position the CIRCULÉIRE Accelerator, reinforcing our commitment to supporting ventures scaling circular solutions. These contributions, built awareness of the resources and programmes available to the CIRCULÉIRE network among alumni and stakeholders. Taking part in the RDS Circular Economy Alumni Day, not only allowed us to celebrate achievements but also deepen connections and reaffirm CIRCULÉIRE’s mission: accelerating impact in a systemic way alongside other key stakeholders within the Irish ecosystem.

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).