Search Results

THE CIRCULAR ECONOMY WHAT IS IT? BENEFITS ENABLERS STRATEGIES SECTORAL OPPORTUNITIES Circularity is a new way to design, make and use goods and materials The circular economy is an economic model that is restorative and regenerative by design. The circular economy stems from the realisation that Earth is a finite system constrained by planetary boundaries. Ultimately in nature the concept of waste does not exist – everything is transformed into a resource that can be utilised. The circular economy aims to keep materials, components, and products in-use in the economy for as long as possible. In circularity, the key objective is to design consumption and production systems to create and retain value. Circularity seeks to optimise every aspect of a product’s lifecycle, from raw material extraction to manufacturing and first use, and multiple use-lives thereafter; through product re-design, new business models and novel technologies and processes. The global and European decarbonisation transition agenda has led to increased emphasis on promoting circular economy policies and initiatives at national and regional levels, and in many contexts, has been accompanied with an increased strengthening of statutory decarbonisation reuse/repair, recycling and waste reduction targets. Embedding circular economy practices into production and consumption systems is fundamental to realising Ireland and Europe's shared ambition for a net-zero carbon and circular future. The 2019 introduction of the European Green Deal made a transition to the circular economy a necessity to making Europe the first climate-neutral continent by 2050. In 2021, the Government of Ireland followed suit by enacting its own Circular Economy Strategy and enshrining the Circular Economy Act in law in 2022. These significant policies solidify the circular economy as the foundation pillar of Ireland's climate and economic development agendas into the future. Benefits of the Circular Economy MACRO-ECONOMIC Circular business models enable the decoupling of GDP from resource use and can deliver significant: • Economic growth through value creation and cost savings • Decarbonisation and resilience to resource price volatility • Security of supply through the creation of secondary raw material markets ENVIRONMENTAL Circularity is a key to decarbonisation and contributes to UN SDGs and ESG. Key environmental benefits include: • Decarbonisation and carbon emission reductions from waste elimination • Reductions of virgin material extraction (across materials, water, and energy nexus) • Reduction in biodiversity loss associated with virgin material extraction SOCIAL Scaling circularity can contribute to addressing labour market skill gaps and regional unemployment. Key social benefits include: • Significant job creation, job retention, and upskilling potential • Quality work at all skill levels • Cost savings from products-as-a-service and remanufactured/refurbished goods BUSINESS The circular economy represents a significant innovation and differentiation opportunity for enterprise. Key industry benefits include: • Resilience to resource price-volatility and supply-chain shocks • New revenue models and value creation opportunities • Enhanced customer relationships and enhanced customer loyalty Enablers of the Circular Economy Widespread support of the circular economy is essential for a smooth and successful transition. Behind the scenes of this global movement are individuals, organisations, and systems acting as catalysts for change to mainstream circularity. Without enablers of the circular economy on a wide scale to smooth the way for change and foster practices and policy to encourage circularity, change wouldn’t be possible. Industry 4.0 Digitalisation Circularity is enabled by digital technologies and strategies referred to collectively as the Fourth Industrial Revolution or “Industry 4.0”. Digitalisation strategies include the Internet of Things, block-chain, advanced robotics and automation, artificial intelligence, remote-sensing, and 3-D printing amongst others. Digitalisation is a key enabler of the circular economy because of the importance that information plays in keeping materials, components, and products in-use in the economy. From data-driven circular processes in manufacturing sites, to real-time resource usage information across product life cycles and value chains, to material specifications contained in digital material passports to optimised reverse logistics. Mobilising Finance Faster mobilisation of capital is one of the key ingredients needed to accelerate the transition to a circular economy. Current funding & investment models largely ignore linear risks associated with linear business practices, e.g., scarcity of primary resources, volatility of resource prices and increasingly stringent environmental laws, but that is starting to change. Some key examples of circular financing developments include: •The Joint Initiative on Circular Economy (JICE), launched by the European Union’s largest public promotional banks and institutions •The Mulilateral Development Banks (MDBs) have established a joint working group to focus on continued support for circular economy approaches •Intesa Sanpaolo set up the Plafond, a dedicated €8 billion credit facility (extended in 2020 from an initial €5 billion) for innovative companies with business practices aligned to circular economy principles. •Investment giant BlackRock launched the BGF Circular Economy Fund which invests globally at least 80% of its total assets in the equity securities (i.e. shares) of companies globally that benefit from, or contribute to, the advancement of the “Circular Economy”. Cross-Sectoral Collaboration Policy & Regulatory Frameworks European policy has been a key driver in the transition towards a circular economy. The 2020 EU Green Deal placed circularity at the centre stage, promoting sustainable business practices for a future-proof economy. The recent introduction of the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), closely links a company’s resource use with its sustainability performance. For the first time, the ESRS E5 standard within the CSRD mandates reporting on resource consumption, waste generation, circular design, and material recovery. This encourages companies to assess their circularity across their entire value chain. In Ireland, the upcoming third update of the Climate Action Plan (due in 2024) reinforces this commitment. The plan outlines a roadmap to achieve Ireland's climate goals and promotes circular innovation through policy measures like Green Public Procurement. These measures incentivize wider adoption of circular strategies across Irish businesses. Global circularity currently stands at just 7.2% (Circle Economy, 2023). To progress the circular economy, cross-sectoral synergies are vital to transforming linear business models to circular ones. This collaborative approach can be seen throughout the CIRCULÉIRE network. Our Innovation Pilot Projects and member projects such as The ZeroNet’s C2X Smart Waste Pilot perfectly exemplify how knowledge sharing and capacity building can unlock circular solutions. Novel forms of multi-stakeholder collaborations are pivotal because they demonstrate and exemplify the value of circularity and contribute to the transformation of industrial sectors through mainstreaming circularity thinking. Enabling Infrastructure The transition from a linear “take-make-waste" model to a circular economy in Ireland requires infrastructural change. For example: •Collaborative online platforms to facilitate sharing, renting, or leasing products to extend their lifespan. •Efficient reverse logistics networks that enable refurbishment or remanufacturing through take-back or collection schemes •Real-time digital marketplaces that can facilitate industrial symbiosis between industries and sectors by harvesting underutilised resources from one another. •Expanding investment in local and national recycling plants to capture valuable materials currently lost from industrial waste due to insufficient economies of scale. Mindset Change Social factors, particularly environmental values and beliefs are having a direct impact on consumer behaviour. This is driving consumers towards the more sustainable option, leading to a demand driven shift in how manufacturers are managing their supply chains. The rise of social enterprises that promote access over ownership such as clothing rental online stores and apps, are making it easier for consumers to choose a more circular option. Circular Economy Strategies Design for Circularity Product-Service-Systems (PSS) Re-Use & Shared Use Remanufacturing Repair & Refurbishment Take-Back Schemes & Reverse Logistics Industrial Symbiosis Recycling Design for Circularity Design for Circularity refers to the process in which companies seek to re-design their products and associated business models to enable the retention of embedded value. Design for Circularity is aligned with Eco-Design and seeks to anticipate and minimize negative environmental impacts associated with manufacture, use and disposal of products. Design for Circularity gives priority to design principles and strategies which enable materials, components, and products to have multiple use-lives in our economy. Product-Service-Systems (PSS) A product-service-system (PSS) describes the transformation of a traditional product offering into a product-service model where ownership of a product is retained by the manufacturer or distributer. In PSS, end-users are given access to products through pay-per-use, short-term rental, or long-term lease models. Central to successful PSS are products that are designed for; longevity, and backward and forward compatibility, utilise predictive maintenance and have an enabling service network which ensures high-quality performance. Re-Use & Shared Use Re-use refers to when a product or component is used again for the same purpose. Shared Use refers to collaborative consumption (e.g. Peer-to-Peer or B2C) or asset sharing (B2B). New B2B business models are emerging which facilitate the sharing of overcapacity of business equipment and even the underutilised skills and knowledge of personnel. Re-Use and Shared Use are cornerstones of the circular economy because they increase the utilisation of products across multiple use-lives. Remanufacturing Remanufacturing is when a used product is returned to the standard of an equivalent new product. Remanufacturing involves the disassembly, restoration, replacement and testing of the individual components and the product itself to ensure it complies with its original design specifications. Remanufactured products come with warranties assuring that products meet like-new performance standards. These warranties are at least equal to that of a newly manufactured equivalent. Repair & Refurbishment Repair refers to the process through which apparent faults and product malfunctions are rectified. Refurbishment goes a step further and entails activities to refinish and sanitize a product, so it is fit to serve its original function. Refurbishment results in a product that is in good condition but is not directly comparable with a new or remanufactured product. While important resource-life extension strategies, neither repair nor refurbishment guarantee the product will perform like new. Take-Back Schemes & Reverse Logistics Take-Back Schemes are programmes implemented by companies to recover products or packaging from end-users so they can be repaired, re-used, remanufactured, or recycled to recover the embedded value in raw materials. Take-Back Schemes are underpinned by what is referred to as Reverse Logistics. Reverse Logistics refers to when goods move from end-users back to the retailer/distributor, original manufacturer or a third-party repair, re-use, or recycling organisation. Industrial Symbiosis Industrial Symbiosis (IS) refers to a collaboration between two or more geographically close companies whereby residuals or by-products of one industry or industrial process become the raw materials for another process within a manufacturing site (Closed-Loop Production) or industry. Industrial Symbiosis includes: the capture, recovery, and re-use of waste (materials, water, or energy) and the development of secondary raw material markets and logistics networks to facilitate by-product exchange or co-product development. Recycling Recycling is the collection and processing of discarded materials and transformation into secondary raw materials. There are three types of recycling – mechanical, thermodynamic or energy recovery. Mechanical refers to when residuals are mechanically transformed without changing their chemical structure. Thermodynamic (chemical) involves breaking materials into their molecular components to create raw materials for new products. Energy recovery by combustion – a last resort – is when waste is transformed into usable heat, electricity, or fuel. Sectoral Opportunities Food & Drink BioPharmaChem Built Environment Packaging Electronics & Batteries Plastics Furniture Textiles Food & Drink Ireland's renowned food & drink sector, including over 700 manufacturers and employing over 160,000 people (Teagasc ), faces a critical challenge: reducing its environmental footprint. Currently, agriculture contributes nearly 39% of Ireland's greenhouse gas emissions (SEAI ). The agri-food sector holds immense potential for embracing circularity and reducing its environmental impact. This can be achieved through several key approaches. First, by optimising production processes, the sector can minimise waste generation and energy consumption. Second, closed-loop production systems can be designed, where food processing byproducts are reused as valuable inputs within the production chain, minimising the need for external resources. Finally, valorisation through cascading utilises food waste and byproducts to create high-value secondary raw materials for other industries, such as bioplastics or biofuels. BioPharmaChem Ireland is home to a thriving pharmaceutical sector, with over 90 biopharma manufacturing plants housing all the top 10 global players and 14 of the world's leading multinationals. However, stringent hygiene protocols often lead to high material use. Recognising this environmental challenge, the European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Associations (EPFIA) sees the circular economy as a key solution for reducing the sector's carbon footprint within its highly regulated environment. The pharmaceutical industry has significant opportunities to embrace circularity. A key focus is shifting towards renewable biomaterials, a more sustainable alternative to traditional materials. Additionally, by leveraging new technologies like automation and 3D printing, pharmaceutical companies can significantly reduce waste generation throughout the manufacturing process. Construction & Building The construction sector is a significant contributor to the European economy, generating roughly 5.5% of GDP and employing apx 7.6 million people (CEDEFOP, 2023 ) However, it also faces a sustainability challenge. Globally, construction is responsible for an estimated 37% of carbon emissions, and in Europe alone, construction and demolition waste makes up a third of all waste, with only half currently recycled (UNEP, 2023 ). The circular economy offers a path to a more sustainable future for construction. One key opportunity involves designing buildings as "material banks." This means planning structures with the eventual disassembly and reuse of their materials in mind. Imagine buildings as repositories of valuable resources waiting for their next life cycle. Furthermore, improvements in waste logistics and the development of novel recycling techniques can significantly improve construction and demolition waste recovery and reuse rates. Packaging Packaging waste in Europe hit a record high in 2021, with an average of 188.7kg generated per person (EC, 2021 ). While packaging plays a vital role in protecting products, enabling efficient logistics, and communicating brand messages, its environmental impact demands a rethink. The Government of Ireland's Waste Action Plan for a Circular Economy recognises this challenge and sets an ambitious goal: all packaging to be reusable or recyclable by 2030. The packaging sector has significant circular opportunities to meet this target. A key focus is reducing unnecessary packaging through "design for light-weighting." This means using less material while still ensuring product integrity. Furthermore, promoting reusable and recyclable packaging systems minimises waste generation. Another strategy is simplifying packaging complexity. This could involve reducing the variety of materials used in a single package or eliminating hard-to-recycle polymers. Additionally, developing effective refill systems and reusable packaging solutions can significantly reduce waste at the consumer level. Electronics & Batteries Electronic waste, or e-waste, is the fastest growing waste stream in Europe, surging by 2% annually, with a recycling rate of 42.8% (Statista, 2022 ). The European Commission, recognizing this challenge, has proposed a "Circular Electronics Initiative" to address this mounting issue. Similar concerns are echoed in Ireland, where over 66,000 tonnes of e-waste were collected for treatment in 2022 alone (EPA, 2022 ). The electronics and ICT sector has significant opportunities to embrace circularity and become a more sustainable industry. A key focus is on designing for longevity. This means creating electronics built to last longer, potentially through modular components or upgradeable features, encouraging multiple lifespans for these devices. Additionally, designing for disassembly is crucial. By simplifying the dismantling process, valuable rare earth materials can be easily recovered and reused in new products, minimizing reliance on virgin resources. Plastics Plastic's versatility and recyclability make it a cornerstone of modern life. However, with plastic consumption projected to double in the next two decades and pollution a growing concern, the European Union is taking action. The EU Strategy for Plastics in a Circular Economy and the Directive on Single-Use Plastic Products aim to minimise the environmental impact of plastic waste. This directive, embedded into Irish law in 2021, represents a significant step forward. Under these new plans, all plastic packaging on the EU market must be recyclable by 2030. The EU has set Ireland a target to separate and collect 70% of plastic beverage bottles by 2025, rising to 90% in 2029. In response, the Government of Ireland launched a Deposit Return Scheme to create a closed loop recycling system guaranteeing the material is returned and recycled. There are a variety of opportunities available for the Plastic sector to embrace circularity. A key focus is moving away from single-use plastics, a major contributor to waste. Exploring bio-based and biodegradable alternatives offers a promising path. Additionally, eliminating complex, hard-to-recycle polymers from plastic products will streamline the recycling process and increase resource recovery rates. Furniture The European Union is one of the largest furniture manufacturers globally, producing nearly a quarter of the world's furniture €110 billion market dominated by SMEs (Furniture Industry in Europe, 2024 ). However, a significant challenge looms – Europe discards an estimated 10.5 million tonnes of furniture annually (EEB, 2017 ). The Irish furniture sector, encompassing diverse areas like cabinetry, bedding, and office furniture, has massive potential to embrace circularity. One key strategy is to design furniture with disassembly and easy repair in mind. This allows furniture to have multiple lifespans through remanufacturing or refurbishment, minimizing waste destined for landfills. An example of this can be found in the Do More with Less Innovation Pilot Project led by CIRCULÉIRE member Farrell Furniture that moved Irish Government's Office of Public Works from linear to circular procurement. Additionally, the industry can explore using recycled materials in furniture production, creating a closed-loop system that reduces reliance on virgin resources. Other sustainable and recyclable materials can also be explored as alternatives to traditional furniture components, reducing environmental impact. Textiles & Clothing The fashion industry grapples with a significant environmental challenge. In Ireland the generation of post-consumer textile waste is estimated at 35KG per person per year, this is higher than the reported EU average of 26Kg per person per year (O’Leary et al, 2021). While domestic textile production is limited, resulting in the import of much of the associated environmental impact, this waste stream presents a unique opportunity for the Irish sector. A key strategy is to scale up existing efforts in redesign and repurposing used textiles. This can involve transforming old clothes into new garments, utilising second-hand fashion through “thrifting”, or embracing digital transitions to online fashion rental. By extending the lifespan of these materials, the industry can divert waste from landfills and create unique, sustainable products. Furthermore, Ireland can explore the exciting potential of "reshoring" textile manufacturing, which involves developing innovative methods to transform textile waste into high-quality secondary raw materials. This approach not only reduces reliance on virgin resources and associated emissions, but also fosters a more localised and sustainable textile industry in Ireland.

d64ee546-b73f-4f6b-9567-fb831907b904 CIRCULÉIRE MEMBER CASE STUDY COMPANY: VOTECHNIK WEBSITE: VOTECHNIK.COM SECTOR : WEEE PUBLISHED: 09 OCTOBER 2025 TAGS: EWASTE, WEEE, ROBOTICS, AUTOMATION. RESOURCERECOVERY, LCDRECYCLING, MANUFACTURINGTECH The Challenge The rapid growth of consumer electronics has turned the industry into a significant source of global waste, with waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) rising sharply. Current data indicates that only around 44% of electronics entering the EU market are collected for recycling ( EEA, 2025 ), leaving the remainder discarded in landfills or incinerators. In 2020, WEEE contributed an estimated 580 million tonnes of CO 2 emissions globally ( Singh and Ogunseitan, 2022 ), equivalent to the emissions from over 153 coal power plants annually ( US EPA, 2024 ). Despite containing valuable resources such as gold, silver, copper, and platinum - worth approximately USD $65 billion ( Murthy & Ramakrishna, 2022 ) - much of this material remains unrecovered due to inefficient dismantling processes and hazardous substance risks. The Circular Opportunity Irish company, Votechnik, and CIRCULÉIRE member, has developed innovative robotic technologies - most notably the ALR4000 - to transform LCD recycling and resource recovery. LCDs, found in laptops, TVs, and tablets, contain hazardous components such as mercury-containing lamps, which pose health and environmental risks if mishandled. The ALR4000 machine automates the safe depollution process by removing hazardous substances and sharp-edged components like fluorescent tubes and screens, significantly increasing throughput—processing between 60 and 80 devices per hour compared to 5 manually ( Votechnik, 2023 ). This plug-and-play system employs the KUKA KR QUANTEC industrial robot ( KUKA, 2024 ), which eliminates the need for direct human contact with toxic substances. Its modular, energy-efficient design reduces operational costs and minimises maintenance, facilitating compliance with stringent legislation such as the EU’s WEEE Directive and EN50625 standards. By depolluting and segregating hazardous materials, the ALR4000 allows for the extraction of valuable metals and recyclable plastics, supporting reuse, recovery, and remanufacturing. The ALR4000 in operation at KMK Metals Recycling Climate Impact The high efficiency of the ALR4000 system, combined with the use of robotic automation, makes LCD recycling not only safer but more cost-effective - generating significant revenues in recovered materials monthly ( Votechnik, 2023 ). It reduces dependence on virgin materials, lowering greenhouse gas emissions associated with raw material extraction, processing, and product manufacturing. The robot’s recyclability- up to 90%- further supports circular practices and sustains the environmental benefits ( KUKA, 2024 ). Additionally, the machine prevents hazardous waste from entering landfills or being incinerated, thus mitigating pollution, protecting ecosystems, and contributing to climate targets. Replicability The global electronics market was valued at USD $1,275 billion in 2023, expanding at a CAGR of roughly 7.5%, underscoring the industry’s scale and potential for circular integration ( Lopez, Soltani & Ringmar, 2023 ). Transitioning to a circular model - such as robotic depollution and resource recovery - addresses critical environmental challenges while unlocking new revenue streams for WEEE recovery and remanufacturing. The core innovation demonstrated by Votechnik is the use of robotic automation to safely and economically recycle complex products, turning a hazardous waste stream into a valuable resource. This principle of ‘automated recycling for value recovery’ is not limited to electronics and holds immense potential across other key Irish and European manufacturing sectors. By decoupling dangerous, repetitive, or intricate tasks from manual labour, businesses can overcome economic barriers to circularity and create new revenue from materials previously deemed too costly or risky to recover. This approach is gaining momentum across Europe, highlighting a clear pathway for replication and investment. The challenges of product recycling are a shared European problem, and leaders in automation are proving the viability of this model in adjacent industries: Electric Vehicle (EV) Batteries: The rapid growth of e-mobility presents a significant end-of-life challenge. Companies like the Italian automation specialist Comau are leading EU-funded projects (such as FLEX-BD and REINFORCE) to develop flexible, robotic systems that can safely disassemble different types of EV battery packs. By automating the high-risk stages, they enable the efficient recovery of critical materials like lithium and cobalt, creating the foundation for a secure European battery supply chain. Wind Turbines: As early-generation wind farms are decommissioned, the challenge is to sustainably manage the large, complex structures. UK-based BladeBUG has developed a six-legged, remote-operated robot that can walk on turbine blades to perform detailed inspection and maintenance. By providing a safe and cost-effective alternative to human rope access teams, this technology not only extends the operational life of turbines but also pioneers the kind of advanced robotics needed for their eventual safe and efficient decommissioning. Industrial Automation & Remanufacturing: The principle is also being advanced at a systemic level. The University of Birmingham is a key research hub for robotic disassembly, focusing on how automation can make remanufacturing more cost-effective for a wider range of industrial products. Their work on robotic disassembly cells and optimisation provides a blueprint for companies looking to recover and remanufacture valuable industrial components with minimal human intervention. For Ireland, Votechnik’s success serves as a powerful proof point. It demonstrates that targeted investment in automation can unlock high-value secondary materials, enhance worker safety, and position Irish innovators at the forefront of the European circular economy. The deployment of the ALR4000 in Ireland has transformed the country’s LCD waste stream. Before its installation, LCDs were being exported for disposal at a negative cost. Today, the technology processes around 80% of Ireland’s LCDs domestically , dramatically reducing the environmental footprint and keeping valuable materials in circulation ( WEEE Ireland, 2025 ). In addition, Votechnik is building on the expertise gained from the ALR4000 by applying it to the new SUP2000 plant , which focuses on the recovery of valuable and critical raw materials from renewable-energy products — including photovoltaics, the indium contained in glass panels, and battery black mass. Through this next-generation technology, Votechnik continues to innovate, add value, and expand its impact in the circular economy. ALL CASE STUDIES

I'M A TITLE I'm a paragraph. Click here to add your own text and edit me. Let your users get to know you. Read More About ABOUT I'm a paragraph. Click here to add your own text and edit me. It’s easy. Just click “Edit Text” or double click me to add your own content and make changes to the font. Feel free to drag and drop me anywhere you like on your page. I’m a great place for you to tell a story and let your users know a little more about you. Projects PROJECTS Contact

5d2f185c-5482-4e4a-846f-d64c4ffe141b CIRCULÉIRE MEMBER CASE STUDY COMPANY: FINLINE FURNITURE WEBSITE: FINLINEFURNITURE.IE SECTOR : BUILT ENVIRONMENT PUBLISHED: 30 JULY 2025 TAGS: BUILT ENVIRONMENT, FURNITURE, CIRCULAR BUSINESS MODELS, REFURBISH, REUSE, RECYCLING About Finline Furniture Established in 1979, Finline Furniture is one of Ireland's leading manufacturers of high-end furniture. Every piece of Finline furniture is handcrafted in their headquarters in Emo, County Laois, and since their inception Finline have garnered an excellent reputation for designing and making high-quality, long-lasting sofas, chairs, and footstools both for residential customers and commercial projects. The company exports worldwide and has developed its network to include showrooms in Dublin, Cork, and Galway. The Challenge Ireland generates a substantial amount of municipal waste each year. Municipal waste is waste from households and other locations such as schools, shops, small businesses and commercial premises ( EPA, 2024 ). In 2022, Ireland generated 3.19 million tonnes of municipal waste ( CSO, 2024 ). That’s equivalent to the weight of more than 40 million adults, which is nearly eight times the entire population of Ireland, and only 41% of it was recycled ( EPA, 2024 ). Although exact figures are not isolated for furniture waste alone, it is part of the broader category of bulky waste, including but not limited to furniture, and mattresses. More than 1.2 million potentially reusable bulky items are going to landfill or incineration in Ireland every year ( EPA, 2020 ). The EUs Circular Material Use Rate (CMUR) measures how much of the consumed material (in tonnes) in a given country, is reused. Ireland recorded a CMUR rate of 2.8% in 2023 ( Eurostat, 2024 ). The average CMUR in Europe is 11.8% ( EEA, 2025 ). A key objective in Ireland’s Whole of Government Circular Economy Strategy 2022 – 2023 is to raise Ireland’s CMUR so that the national rate is above the EU average by the end of this decade ( DCEE, 2021 ) that will require consumers and businesses alike to get much more comfortable with the concept of reuse. The Circular Opportunity Finline Furniture estimates that there are more than 500,000 pieces of their furniture in circulation and they don’t want to see them end up in landfill. To encourage customers not to throw away any worn-out sofas, Finline have partnered with the ‘Loved Back to Life’ team in Aiseiri to launch their REVIVE product line. Aiseiri provide community and residential services to help young people, adults and families overcome addiction and lead meaningful lives in recovery. Finline customers are incentivized with €100 vouchers to return their old sofas which are subsequently stripped back to their core frame by members of the ‘Loved Back to Life’ program. The quality sofa frames are then reupholstered by the Finline team and sold at more affordable prices - typically 20 per cent lower than the lowest price point in store. These re-manufactured pieces then come with a 20-year guarantee demonstrating to customers the confidence Finline have in their frames and workmanship. Finline and Aiseiri not only prevent sofas from ending up in landfill, thereby reducing waste and keeping valuable materials in circulation, but they also train people in recovery adding a valuable social element to the initiative. Climate Impact Finline Furniture aim to reduce waste and save resources by refurbishing 20 suites in the first year, with a target of 80 by year three. This will prevent the furniture from reaching landfills and save the need for new raw materials by using end-of-line and recycled fabrics. In contrast to manufacturing new furniture, refurbishment requires less processing and therefore generates lower greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, Finline uses FSC-certified timber and 100% recyclable packaging, further supporting sustainability ( Finline Furniture, 2023 ). These efforts put together enhance resource efficiency, extend the life cycle of materials, and show a strong commitment to environmental responsibility. Replicability REVIVE by Finline Furniture is a replicable model which other companies could adopt to promote sustainability, support local economies, and generate social value. The initiative's concentration on quality assurance, resource efficiency, and scalable processes promotes long-term success and market acceptance. This approach enables a company to realize several benefits that extend beyond environmental concerns: improved brand reputation and customer loyalty. Other examples of the circular economy in the furniture industry include: Ahrend who manufactures office furniture products with modularity, disassembly, and life extension as core design principles. They offer Furniture-As-A-Service (FAAS) models where customers pay a monthly fee and return the furniture when they no longer need it. Goldfinger is another example of a social enterprise using reclaimed materials to craft sustainable high-quality furniture for residential and business clients. They reinvest their profits into their Goldfinger Academy which teaches skills to marginalised young people and isolated community members plus their People’s Kitchen, where they make community meals from surplus food. ALL CASE STUDIES

8e6b311c-1b69-4b7d-bc5b-d08ce03d5ed8 CIRCULÉIRE MEMBER CASE STUDY COMPANY: TYMPANY MEDICAL WEBSITE: TYMPANYMEDICAL.COM SECTOR: MEDTECH PUBLISHED: 12 MAY 2025 TAGS: MEDTECH, CIRCULAR BUSINESS MODEL About Tympany Medical Tympany Medical is a Galway-based medical technology company that produces sustainable surgical ear, nose, and throat endoscopes. Endoscopy uses camera technology to improve the visualisation of hard-to-reach areas during surgery. The Challenge The healthcare sector produces a lot of waste and contributes significantly towards climate change. In fact, healthcare systems contribute approximately 4%–5% of global greenhouse gas emissions ( Rodríguez‐Jiménez et al., 2023 ). If healthcare were a country, it would be the fifth-largest emitter of greenhouse gases on the planet. With medical procedures and technology becoming increasingly complex, coupled with global population growth, the waste produced from the healthcare sector is only projected to grow. The production, delivery, use, and disposal of single-use medical supplies account for about 80% of the industry’s carbon footprint ( Greene et al., 2022 ). Currently, discarded products that are disposable rather than reusable make up 85% of global medical waste, while the remaining 15% is hazardous medical waste that requires considerable management ( Greene et al., 2022 ). High-income countries like Ireland produce up to almost 11 kg of hazardous waste per hospital bed per day ( Janik-Karpinska, 2023 ). An endoscope is a thin tube with a light and camera at the end. Endoscopy is a medical procedure that involves the insertion of an endoscope into the body to visualize internal organs and structures. Traditional endoscopic equipment is limited by light availability and imaging technology. Traditional equipment is fixed in terms of what can it can see and the angle of view cannot be adjusted. This can be a significant problem in an area with multiple cavities such as the sinus. As these traditional scopes do not provide visibility around corners, four separate scopes, each with different angles (0, 30, 45, and 70 degrees), must be prepared for each surgery. This results in significant waste given that they are removed up to 30 times per procedure. Furthermore, there is a great deal of sterilisation effort required and a lot of additional waste generated from supporting materials, including single-use plastic packaging. The Circular Opportunity Tympany Medical has developed the next generation of endoscope called Solascope. Solascope is the world’s first sterile, panoramic endoscope with integrated lens cleaning. The device is currently completing its initial design phase and preclinical validation. Tympany Medical has designed and patented a novel proof-of-concept encapsulation technology. This outer-layer protects the core components of their endoscope, allowing the highly technical internal components to be reused, while significantly reducing the amount of waste produced. Solascope further improves surgical visibility due to its panoramic camera lens while simultaneously reducing the amount of blood obstructing the lens via its inbuilt cleaning system. Climate Impact The Solascope will have the following clinical, environmental, and monetary impacts: Reduced number of scopes prepared per procedure from four to one. Encapsulation technology with fully integrated manufacturing and remanufacturing technology, making the circular economy for medical devices a reality. Reduction in cost and environmental impact of risk waste (disposal of risk waste costs between €935 – €2,125 per tonne. The average is €1,530). Replicability In 2019, the global health care market was valued at approximately USD $7.7 trillion and was projected to exceed USD $8.5 trillion by 2020 ( Deloitte, 2019 ). Because circularity in healthcare is a relatively new concept, Tympany Medical has the potential to carve out a space in the market and be a leader and exemplar in the circular medical device industry. Medical waste has a significant environmental impact, and international and national focus is increasingly directed towards sustainability. As a result numerous initiatives to develop circular medical products and practices have been launched. The ReMed project, for example, a collaboration between Loughborough University and the University of Leeds, aims to identify the barriers to the circular use of medical devices and develop potential sustainable solutions. ALL CASE STUDIES

f4128287-c8f8-408b-aff4-a8e3615f0fb2 CIRCULÉIRE NON-MEMBER CASE STUDY COMPANY: SOTENÄS SYMBIOSCENTRUM WEBSITE: SYMBIOSCENTRUM.SE SECTOR : ENERGY, AQUACULTURE, FOOD PUBLISHED: 03 SEPTEMBER 2025 TAGS: SUSTAINABLEFISHING, INDUSTRIALSYMBIOSIS, MARINESUSTAINABILITY, FISHWASTEMANAGEMENT, RENEWABLEENERGY, SUSTAINABLEAQUACULTURE The Challenge Sotenäs is a small coastal municipality in Sweden with around 9,000 inhabitants. Fishing is its economic backbone, home to the country’s second largest fish auction as well as three of Sweden’s major seafood processing plants ( Marthinson, 2022 ). By 2010, decades of rapid expansion had created serious sustainability challenges. Environmental regulations prohibited companies from increasing their discharges of processed water into the sea, and each year more than 15,000 tonnes of sludge and fish trimmings had to be transported to distant biogas plants in Norway, Denmark, and Sweden. These long and costly transports resulted in substantial CO₂ emissions entering the atmosphere. Under pressure, some businesses considered relocating, a move that would have put the local economy at risk ( Marthinson, 2022 ). The Circular Solution In response, the Sotenäs municipality launched the Sotenäs Centre for Symbiosis (Symbioscentrum) in 2015. The centre functions as a hub for industrial symbiosis (IS), bringing together the municipality, a local college, a Swedish state-owned venture capital company Fouriertransform, and six other partner organisations ( Charter & Whitehead, 2023 ). The vision of Symbioscentrum is both economic and environmental: to create jobs, develop value-added products, and achieve greater efficiency by linking industries and upcycling local waste streams. Its collaborations extend across sectors such as food production, aquaculture, renewable energy, algae production, and marine technology ( Charter & Whitehead, 2023 ). At the outset, three core projects anchored the system: · a biogas facility to process fish trimmings, · a wastewater treatment plant, and · the recycling of ocean plastics and fishing gear. Today, fishing companies send their waste to the Renahav biogas plant, which produces renewable energy and hot water that are supplied back to those same companies. The facility also generates digestate — a nutrient-rich by-product of anaerobic digestion — which local farms use as organic fertiliser. Over time, new businesses joined the loop. For instance, the microbrewery Smögen Ale AB delivers spent malt to the biogas plant, further demonstrating how waste streams can be repurposed into resources ( Giacometti et al., 2023 ; Trokanas et al., 2014 ). The flow of resources through the Municipality (Sotenäs Symbioscentrum, 2024) Climate Impact This model has yielded both business and environmental gains. An environmental impact assessment in 2018 estimated: · reductions of approximately 60,000 tonnes of CO₂-eq emissions, · a decrease of 388 tonnes of phosphate-equivalent eutrophication impacts, · avoidance of more than 19 million tonne-kms of waste transport, and · the creation of local green jobs. Additionally, by extracting nutrients from wastewater, the initiative helps improve aquatic conditions and enhances the quality of marine resources, especially fish. Streamlined operations also reduce energy and logistics costs, making participation economically attractive for local companies ( Martin & Carlsson, 2018 ). Replicability The Sotenäs case shows how municipalities can use industrial symbiosis principles to manage environmental pressures while strengthening the local economy. The European Union hosts more than 6,600 industrial facilities and up to 43 million potential synergies for IS — meaning there is vast untapped potential across Europe ( Quintana, Chamkhi, & Bredimas, 2020 ). Drawing on this experience, Symbioscentrum recommends five enablers for successful symbiosis: Networking – the human element is key Innovation – Access to funding, knowledge and testing are highly beneficial Smart adaptation – the business model needs to be viable Physical proximity – can be crucial for communication and resource exchange Storytelling – A powerful tool to communicate your vision and attract new participants ( Giacometti et al., 2023 ). The initiative also looked to the well-known Kalundborg Symbiosis in Denmark as inspiration, the world’s first IS network, which now involves 17 public and private organisations and more than 30 different resource flows ( Giacometti et al., 2023 ). ALL CASE STUDIES

19c8a8d5-aefd-49f6-9c2d-16d77324d22a CIRCULÉIRE MEMBER CASE STUDY COMPANY: HaPPE EARTH WEBSITE: HAPPEEARTH.COM SECTOR : MEDTECH PUBLISHED: 06 AUGUST 2025 TAGS: GREENHEALTHCARE, PPEWASTE, INNOVATION, SUSTAINABLEHEALTHCARE, MEDTECH, CIRCULARHEALTHCARE, ESG, COMPOSTABLE, BIOECONOMY, WASTEMANAGEMENT The Challenge Through its vitally important role in the protection of human health, the global healthcare sector generates an enormous and complex waste stream. If the global healthcare sector were a country, it would rank as the fifth-largest contributor to global CO₂ emissions, responsible for over 5% of total emissions, surpassing those from aviation or shipping sectors ( MedTech Europe, 2024 ). One-third of the carbon emissions generated by the healthcare sector, and most of its waste comes from medical devices ( Boston Consulting Group, 2024 ). Ninety percent of medical device waste primarily consists of single-use devices ( Health & EY, 2024 ). During the COVID-19 pandemic, medical waste became particularly visible, especially concerning Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). PPE is classified as any device or appliance designed to be worn or held by an individual for protection against one or more health and safety hazards ( HSA, 2025 ). Globally, an estimated 129 billion face masks and 65 billion gloves were used every month ( Prata et al., 2020 ). Typically, PPE is incinerated, and none is sent to landfill. However, during the pandemic, incinerators were so overrun that many countries were forced to send waste to landfill ( BMJ, 2021 ). By 2021, more than 8,000,000 tonnes of pandemic-associated plastic waste was generated globally, with more than 25,000 tonnes entering our oceans ( PNAS, 2021 ). An estimated 73% came from hospitals ( PNAS, 2021 ). PPE is an unquestionably necessary tool for saving lives. It prevents the spread of pathogens and infections and protects both frontline healthcare workers and patients. However, PPE such as face masks, gloves, and gowns are commonly manufactured from plastics such as polypropylene, polyurethane, polyacrylonitrile, polyethylene, and polyethylene terephthalate which can take as long as 450 years to decompose ( BMJ, 2021 ). Even when incinerated, PPE still releases greenhouse gases and contributes to air pollution ( Kumar et al., 2020 ). The challenge, therefore, is not to eliminate this essential equipment but to fundamentally redesign its lifecycle. The Circular Solution in Practice HaPPE Earth is an Irish company and CIRCULÉIRE member, founded in 2021. They make medically approved compostable PPE aprons from sustainably sourced, proprietary bio-resins. Bioresins are a type of polymer derived from renewable sources such as plants, cellulose, sugars, and other biological materials, instead of traditional petroleum-based sources ( Verde Bioresins, 2025 ). HaPPE Earth’s aprons are used the same as standard petroleum-based PPE aprons, but instead of being thrown away after use, they are sent to HaPPE Earth’s onsite medical biodigester system. The biodigester is offered as a first-of-its-kind Sustainable-Consumables-as-a-Service (SCAAS) business model and requires no capital investment from the healthcare service provider. The PPE aprons are composted alongside the healthcare provider’s food waste, where they break down in days in HaPPE Earth’s industrial composting process, resulting in a valuable, pathogen safe, nutrient-rich fertilizer. In addition, HaPPE Earth offers a real-time data monitoring tool allowing healthcare providers to track their plastic waste and CO 2 reduction and capture food waste data for use in their ESG reporting. The service is provided with a dedicated account management team to help with software integration and training, and technical support throughout the process. HaPPE Earth estimates the compostable apron and digestion system uses 75% less carbon emissions than standard single use aprons ( Health Innovation Hub Ireland, 2023 ). By managing waste on-site, the system saves on carbon emissions from transport while simultaneously preventing waste from entering waterways and avoiding air pollution from incineration. Furthermore, HaPPE Earth estimates their waste re-direction service can save the Irish Health Service approximately EUR €400,000.00, and reduce 8,000 tonnes of carbon emissions each year, all while eliminating PPE plastic waste. HaPPE Earth’s aprons are being trialled in over 20 hospitals in Ireland. However, any sector that uses PPE can use the HaPPE system – including pharmaceuticals, medical device industries and food preparation. Replicability Biodegradable and compostable PPE options are growing across Europe and North America, alongside trials of systems to digest and decompose the products effectively. Some notable examples of companies working to tackle the use of PPE in the healthcare sector include: Revolution-Zero focus on reusable alternatives to medical textiles, including isolation gowns, aprons, transfer sheets, curtains, and warm-up jackets. They offer direct purchase options or Product as a Service models, and offer software for operations, regulatory compliance, asset tracking and environmental reporting. AmorSui – offer a reusable line of PPE made from premium, machine washable materials. Their fabrics are recyclable, and they are currently developing a take-back programme and subscription model to fully align with their circular economy principles. ALL CASE STUDIES

MEMBERSHIP TESTIMONIALS OUR MEMBERS The future of business is circular. By adopting a circular economy model, you can unlock a wealth of benefits, including: Reducing waste and driving innovation. Improving efficiency and profitability. Prioritizing resource efficiency and responsible practices, to create a more transparent value chain, fostering trust with investors, regulators, and customers. Understanding policy developments and meeting regulatory requirements. Working together we aim to accelerate the transition to a circular economy in Ireland and to close the circular innovation gap through cross-sectoral and interdisciplinary collaboration between Industry, government & public bodies and research organisations. Membership Opportunities The CIRCULÉIRE Network is your gateway to a thriving community of experts and innovators. Join us and Contribute to unlocking the value that resides in an Irish circular economy. Gain a competitive edge. Benefit from first-mover advantage in resource efficiency and innovative revenue models. Expand your knowledge and network. Connect with experts and peers, broadening your perspective on circularity. Simplify ESG and CSRD reporting. CIRCULÉIRE helps you communicate your emissions reduction efforts transparently. Benefit from a range of funded business supports CIRCULÉIRE Member Services 01 Baseline Estimation INCLUDED WITH MEMBERSHIP Establish a baseline hotspot estimation for your overall emissions –Scope 1 to Scope 3 Yearly estimation & impact analysis Starting point on your journey to a full GHG assessment Government subsidized – market value of 10k - 20k+ 02 Circular Maturity Assessment INCLUDED WITH MEMBERSHIP Annual self-assessment Stimulate internal dialogue around circularity and your business Understand circular capabilities Establish baseline and benchmark circular performance Gain recommendations to improve Circular Performance Government subsidized – market value of approx. 5k 03 Circularity Action Planning ADDITIONAL COST Understand circular capabilities Visualise how resources are used in your value chain(s) Identify where structural waste is occurring Identify circular oriented innovation opportunities to reduce costs, improve supply-chain resilience and create new value propositions CSRD Relevance ESRS E1 Climate Change ESRS E5 Resource use & Circular Economy ESRS E5 Resource use & Circular Economy Best Practice and Insights Resources: Insight into National and European circular innovation funding opportunities. Policy & regulation updates to help you understand and prepare for regulations that will impact your operations. Access to our Circular Economy Knowledge Library containing a range of support resources and thought leadership such as policy documents, case studies, webinars and much more. Access to CIRCULÉIRE’s Good Practice Sectoral Guides highlight the best Circular Economy practices in a variety of sectors. Networking and Collaboration: Invites to a yearly calendar of interactive networking events. Share and gain knowledge with over 50 innovative companies working on their circular transition and business model innovation across multiple sectors. Meet Circularity Experts through participating in CIRCULÉIRE Thematic Working Group Sessions, and expert lead information webinars. Opportunities to host quarterly network meetings at your site. Regular communications and check ins to support your circular transition and innovation ambitions. By joining CIRCULÉIRE your organisation is signaling commitment to circular economy transition and knowledge sharing within and outside the network. We encourage members to make a voluntary commitment to contribute towards a collective goal of Co2 and waste reduction. Fees are based on company size and number of employees in your organisation. Next Steps Please submit your Member Participation enquiry through the form below with detail on where you are on your circular transition journey and your specific needs. Our member engagement team will set up a 30 minute introductory call to give you an overview of CIRCULÉIRE and our fee structure according to your company size. We will refer you to the relevant team leads to and start the onboarding process and determine your circular transition pathway. You will be added to the network communications list and will be contacted in relation to our calendar of events and have full access to the Members Only Knowledge Library. Our Engagement Lead will schedule regular check ins to ensure that you are maximising your membership. 2024 CIRCULÉIRE Circular Venture Accelerator Cohort IMR Circular Economy Team - 2024 CIRCULÉIRE Conference 2024 CIRCULÉIRE Circular Venture Accelerator Cohort 1/12 Testimonials "The participation with CIRCULÉIRE helped the organization start the journey of understand the principles of Circular economy and the importance of the transition from linear to circular model." Camila Batista, Sustainability Leader. Masonite Our Members AGRI FOOD & DRINK AUTOMOTIVE BIO PHARMA CHEM BUILT ENVIRONMENT CONSUMER GOODS FINANCIAL SERVICES GOVERNMENT ICT/WEEE MEDICAL DEVICES PLASTICS SECOND LIFE ENABLERS TEXTILES & FASHION Contact Us Company Name Company Sector Choose an option Company Address Email Code Phone Website The Circular Economy Area(s) we are interested in Choose an option(s) Where are you on your Circularity Journey * Emerging - just starting to think about it and how to get started Piloting - tested a number of initiatives and are keen to do more Well Developed - Circularity is embedded into our core business operations and we are demonstrating significant cost savings and waste reduction Please outline your current circular economy initiatives Send

8c3cab76-fc07-43ee-8b7f-cc1e19ca85c6 CIRCULÉIRE NON-MEMBER CASE STUDY COMPANY: NORSK OMBRUK WEBSITE: NORSKOMBRUK.NO SECTOR : WEEE PUBLISHED: 25 SEPTEMBER 2025 TAGS: REMANUFACTURING, WEEE, EWASTE, WHITEGOODS, EXTENDEDPRODUCERRESPONSIBILITY, EPR, APPLIANCEREPAIR, RESOURCEEFFICIENCY The Challenge Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) is the world’s fastest-growing waste stream, increasing faster than global population growth. In 2022, approximately 14.4 million tonnes of electrical and electronic equipment were placed on the market in the EU, with an official WEEE collection rate of around 40% according to the European Environment Agency ( EEA, 2025 ). This rate remains below the EU’s 65% target established under the WEEE Directive. In Ireland, 63,946 tonnes of WEEE were collected in 2023, reflecting a collection rate of approximately 43.6%, a significant drop from 51.2% in 2022 and 63.8% in 2021 ( EPA, 2025 ). WEEE is associated with major environmental and health risks due to toxic material content, energy consumption in production, and improper disposal. In 2020, WEEE contributed an estimated 580 million metric tonnes of CO2e emissions globally ( Singh and Ogunseitan, 2022 ). This makes effective circular management essential. The Circular Solution Norsk Ombruk AS is a Norwegian Remanufacturing company established in 2013, certified for Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR). EPR is a policy approach that makes producers responsible for managing the environmental impacts of their products throughout the product lifecycle, including waste collection, recycling, and disposal at end-of-life. Discarded kitchen, laundry, and bathroom appliances make up the majority of global e-waste, accounting for around 60%, with washing machines, clothes dryers, dishwashers, and electric stoves contributing approximately 11.8 million tonnes annually ( Earthshine, 2024 ). Norsk Ombruk extends the useful life of household electrical goods such as refrigerators, washing machines, stoves, dishwashers, and dryers, playing a leading role in Norway’s shift toward a more circular electronics sector. Norway’s EPR policies have fostered circular business models like Norsk Ombruk’s, which partners with leading electronics producers (e.g., Ikea , Elkjøp ), municipalities, and second-hand shops to collect used household appliances ( Elektronikkbransjen, 2022 ). Once Norsk Ombruk receives a product, it is inspected, barcoded, and entered into a quality control system. About 48% pass detailed diagnostics and are repairable, while non-repairable products are dismantled for parts recovery and the remaining materials are recycled. Repairable units are cleaned, assigned a tailored work schedule, refurbished or upgraded by certified skilled technicians, then rigorously tested to ensure quality. Once complete, products undergo a final hygienic cleaning before being dispatched to major retailers or sold via second-hand dealers or Norsk Ombruk’s own Sandefjord shop at around half the price of a new model. This collaborative, efficient workflow extends product and brand life while maximising resource use and environmental benefits ( Earthshine, 2024 ). A two-year guarantee on all remanufactured goods provides consumers with confidence and access to affordable, high-quality appliances. In 2016 alone, Norsk Ombruk remanufactured over 12,300 appliances and reported annual sales of €1.8 million, and by 2024 the company had extended the life of more than 100,000 products that would otherwise have become waste ( Earthshine, 2024 ). Success in Norway has led to expansion into other European markets, including the establishment of a similar business in Denmark under the name Resirk ( Elektronikkbransjen, 2022 ). Climate and Societal Impact Remanufacturing electrical appliances provides significant climate and resource benefits by displacing demand for new goods, reducing waste, and promoting resource efficiency. According to independent analysis, Norsk Ombruk’s activities in 2016 saved 2,713 tonnes of embedded CO 2 , nearly 13 million kWh of embedded energy, and €2.3 million in raw material value—resulting in cumulative benefits valued at €9.4 million ( Earthshine, 2024 ). These savings translate to lower product costs for consumers, which is especially meaningful for lower-income households. The business model also eases the regulatory burden for retailers and municipalities while supporting national circularity targets. Replicability The European remanufacturing market is projected to reach €90 billion by 2030 ( ERN, 2024 ). Regulations such as the EU Waste Framework Directive and the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation are strengthening producer responsibility and incentivising circularity across Europe ( ERN, 2024 ). Remanufacturing initiatives like Norsk Ombruk offer a scalable, proven pathway to cut emissions, retain value, and deliver social and economic wins for Ireland as it advances toward its national circular economy targets. Other examples of Irish remanufacturers include: Glen Dimplex Ireland repair and refurbish white goods and household appliances, including cooking appliances, water heaters, TVs, and electric fires. They use spare parts from returned appliances to refurbish or repair other units, reducing the need for new parts ( WEEE Ireland, 2024 ). GreenIT are one of Ireland’s pioneers in IT remanufacturing and circular economy, offering remanufactured IT devices with warranty and comprehensive quality assurance ( CIRCULÉIRE, 2025 ) Finline Furniture take back and remanufacture their pre-loved high-quality sofas offering them at an affordable price and a 20 year guarantee ( CIRCULÉIRE, 2025 ). A Note on the Differences Between Repair, Refurbishment & Remanufacture Repair is the most basic intervention, focused on fixing a specific fault to get a product back into working order. This process typically involves minimal disassembly and only addresses the failed part without assessing the overall condition of the item. The goal is to restore function, not to improve the product's lifespan or appearance. Refurbishment goes a step further than repair. It involves restoring a used product to a functional, but not necessarily "like-new," condition. The focus is on fixing obvious faults and improving its cosmetic appearance. Parts are repaired or replaced as needed, but the product is not completely disassembled. A refurbished item will often have a limited warranty and may not meet original performance specifications. Remanufacture is the most rigorous and comprehensive process. It involves disassembling the product completely, inspecting all individual components, and replacing or restoring worn-out or obsolete parts with a combination of reused, repaired, and new parts. The goal is to return the product to a like-new or better-than-new condition in terms of performance, appearance, and quality. A remanufactured product typically comes with a new warranty that is equivalent to or better than the original product's warranty. ALL CASE STUDIES

I'M A TITLE I'm a paragraph. Click here to add your own text and edit me. Let your users get to know you. Read More About ABOUT I'm a paragraph. Click here to add your own text and edit me. It’s easy. Just click “Edit Text” or double click me to add your own content and make changes to the font. Feel free to drag and drop me anywhere you like on your page. I’m a great place for you to tell a story and let your users know a little more about you. Projects PROJECTS Contact

WHAT WE DO CIRCULAR BUSINESS SUPPORTS KNOWLEDGE EXCHANGE & POLICY ENGAGEMENTS ECOSYSTEM COLLABORATION HOTSPOT BASELINE ASSESSMENTS CIRCULAR MATURITY MODEL CIRCULAR ACTION PLAN CIRCULAR ECONOMY ENTREPRENEURSHIP FUNDING SUPPORTS POLICY INNOVATION GHG (Hotspot) Baseline CIRCULÉIRE is raising awareness and capacity building with our member participants to explore and report not only Scope 1 & 2 emissions, but also Scope 3 emissions on an annual basis. The CIRCULÉIRE baseline assessment provides you with a Hotspot Baseline for your estimated emissions across scope 1, 2 and 3 which provide an indicator of how your organisation is performing over time. Completing a baseline assessment annually will help your organisation to: Inform carbon reduction target setting Establish internal data collection and data management practices Enable transparent communication about your emissions reduction efforts – as part of ESG and CSRD reporting requirements. GHG (Hotpost) Baseline Steps Circular Maturity Model Transitioning from the current linear economy of ‘Take, Make and Waste’ to a circular economy where ‘waste’ is designed out of the system is not something that is done overnight. Nor is it something that is done by one or two people within in an organisation. It requires a broader conversation across the entire organisation to make that shift from a linear to a circular mindset. CIRCULÉIRE’s Circular Maturity Model (CMM) is an online self-assessment toolkit designed to facilitate that conversation. Key benefits of the CMM tool are: Stimulate a dialogue around what circularity means for your business Understand your circular economy capabilities Establish (Annual) Circular Maturity Baseline & Benchmark Circularity Performance Gain recommendations to improve Circular Economy Performance Visual Reporting Tool - representing your current and targeted circularity levels Easy-to-Use Online Tool - functionality for both individual and multi-user assessments Circular Action Plan For those organisation's interested in finding ways to save money and add value to your business operations, we offer a comprehensive assessment and customised action plan. Over the course of 12 to 16 weeks, our team will work closely with you through on-site visits, workshops, and interviews to: Understand the current environmental impacts of your production processes and supply chain, focusing on materials, water, and energy usage. Identify areas where circular economy strategies are already in practice. Analyze how resources are utilized throughout your value chain and pinpoint where inefficiencies occur. Brainstorm innovative ideas for reducing costs, enhancing supply chain resilience, and create new value opportunities through circular strategies. Develop a customized action plan outlining short-term, medium-term, and long-term goals for implementing circular economy practices, allowing for ongoing monitoring and performance tracking. Circular Ventures Accelerator From 2020 to 2023, CIRCULÉIRE in collaboration with Tangent, Trinity’s Idea Workspace delivered Ireland’s first accelerator dedicated to scaling circular ventures. This programme is a combination of non-equity funding and expert mentoring that supports mid-level start-ups to expand their innovative business models and impact Ireland’s Net-Zero Carbon ambitions. The programme empowers Ireland’s circular economy entrepreneurs to scale their circular solutions and find markets. CIRCULÉIRE's Circular Venture Accelerator aims to support late-stage circular economy ventures to scale by introducing innovators to System Thinking for circularity, helping them refine their customers profiling, improving their ability to leverage multiple funding opportunities, getting them familiar with tools to measure circular performance and master their storytelling. We are committed to give circular economy innovators, who wish to avail of highly specialized circularity mentorship and business acceleration support, access to a diverse pool of mentors, coaches and subject experts. 2024 2023 2022 2021 2020 Arcology Systems Arcology System is a revolutionary smart and data-driven interior construction system that offers modularity and adaptability. This system unlocks circular economy value in the way commercial fitouts are financed, procured, built and managed for REIT’s, developers and end-users. Ériu Ériu is reviving the lost legacy of Irish Wool. Ériu yarn is made from the softest Irish wool, hand selected, processed and designed entirely in Ireland. They are proud to be the first Irish knitwear brand whose products are exclusively Irish sourced and made through our ‘Farm to Yarn’ sustainable initiative and sourced from a trusted network of farmers around Ireland, as well as Ériu’s own farm in Wicklow. THE FACTORY The FACTORY is on a mission to reinvent the traditionally wasteful and plastic-reliant signage industry by utilising wood, cardboard and other more Earth-friendly materials. The company uses green energy for production, and is reimagining their signage systems with so reuse is at its core. Tympany Medical Tympany Medical are designing endoscopes at the leading edge of design, electronics, photonics, and engineering. Tympany deliver first in class endoscopes to the ENT market and beyond to allow surgeons to maximise visualisation in minimally invasive surgery. UsedFULLY UsedFULLY is creating science-based solutions for unwanted clothing and textiles. Their vision is to circularise textile resources and measure impacts to reduce waste and emissions. The company seeks to Implement new technologies and circular business models at scale to ensure the full value of textile resources are maximised thereby reducing the environmental impacts of clothing and textiles. Well Spent Grain Well Spent Grain are committed to reducing the impact of food waste in the supply chain by upcycling brewer’s spent grain (which is underutilized and wasted in the food supply chain), into healthy sustainable snacks that are available for sale in retail stores. Harley & Marley Harley & Marley launched “Planet Loving Pets” a super-premium range of fish-based pet treats made from sustainable and nutritious ingredients in Ireland. The company’s range is made by Origin Green Gold Members Atlantis Seafood of Kilmore Quay, Wexford and the first range features four products. Their treats are made of locally caught fish, under Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM)’s Fisheries Improvement Project (FIP), meaning it is all sustainably fished and traceable. IFF Plastics IFF Plastics turns waste plastic (farm, industrial and ocean plastic) into top quality fence posts using a closed loop recycling service. They partner with farmers, business, and customers to deliver a circular plastics business model. Niskus Biotec Niskus Biotec is focused on the provision of innovative products and services to the agri-food and biotech sectors in fungal large-scale solid-state fermentation. The company works with customers to select the most suitable fungal strains for their process and growing media and to develop and scale-up new fungal derived high-value products such as proteins, enzymes, and intermediates. Sensi Sensi is a cleantech company that has developed the world’s first Smart RVM (Reverse Vending Machine) using Visual Artificial Intelligence. Their products incorporate advanced visual recognition technology and digital rewards, enabling deposit return schemes for several recyclable materials and reusable products to ensure the collection of uncontaminated streams of material. Verifact Verifact are a cloud-based sustainability platform that enables supply chain information to be captured and stored securely. This data is then used to validate the supply chain claims including circular economy related claims. Avoca Seafood Avoca Seafood is an aquaculture company dedicated to raising Atlantic salmon in a responsible and eco-friendly way. Utilizing a state-of-the-art Recirculating Aquaculture System (RAS), Avoca raises fish entirely on land within a controlled environment. Allowing for continuous production while maintaining optimal conditions for the fish and minimizing environmental impact. Biowave Biowave technology is the sustainable solution for converting waste streams to bioavailable resources. Bio wave take difficult to treat organic wastes and convert them to a form that is ready for downstream biological processing. Digital Array Control Systems (DACS) DACS has developed a battery management system to extend the useful lifespan of lithium battery packs. This unit costs 8-12% of the basic array but doubles lifespan and prevents capacity loss. I am not a Virgin A high-quality clothing and shoe company, specializing in 100% recycled or biodegradable a high-quality clothing and shoe company, developing 3D printed footwear from secondary raw materials. ZeroNet The world’s first cloud-based technology platform designed explicitly around the logistical requirements of the Circular Economy. The ZeroNet app launched in Brighton & Hove in 2020 in partnership with Tech-Takeback. It will launch in Ireland in 2024. The service is designed to radically streamline the domestic recovery of unwanted small electrical and electronic devices. Electric Avenue Bikes Electric Avenue are a bike-share provider that is exploring the modularity of their bikes and batteries, which creates the potential to remanufacturer them at the end of each lifecycle. Applying this method, they double the life span of a lithium-ion battery pack and keep bikes on the road and out of landfills for longer. Jiminy Eco Toys Jiminy Eco Toys is an eco-specialist toy company, retailing and distributing the earth-kindest toys across Ireland & the UK that address the problem of toys that are wrapped in plastic packaging. Founder Sharon Keilthy set up Jiminy to give eco-minded customers more options. KnowCarbon KnowCarbon are a digital and traceability venture that provides transparent, actionable data to companies and consumers on carbon. ReFunk ReFunk is a female-owned, one-stop eCommerce platform that promotes the circular economy by buying, selling and commissioning pre-loved and upcycled furniture through their marketplace. Returnr Returnr is eliminating single-use food and beverage packaging in cafes and independent retailers through a B2C deposit return scheme for reusable food and beverage packaging. Blade Bridge 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 Finline Furniture Revive by Finline Furniture is an initiative that not only promotes circularity but also supports social causes and customer loyalty. This take back scheme gives old furniture a second life. We restore and resell it, reducing waste and promoting sustainability thereby making a positive impact on the environment and society as a whole. HaPPE Earth HaPPE Earth have created bio-digestible (compostable) Personal Protective Equipment, such as single use splash aprons, using sustainably sourced bio-resin. The PPE is used as before but this time, the value is recovered by using our HaPPE onsite medical bio-digester creating a pathogen safe, nutrient rich fertiliser, resin recapture or biofuel potential. 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. Shareclub Shareclub offers innovative circular packaging solutions for events, workplaces, and takeaway services, designed to cut costs and minimise waste. Utilising QR-enabled reusables, shareclub tracks usage and impact, providing event hosts and corporate partners with quantifiable insights on their reduction of disposable items and CO2 emissions, enhancing sustainability reporting. European Level Funding Supports Horizon LIFE Programme Innovation Fund Circular Bio-based Europe Just Transition Fund Horizon Europe Horizon Europe is European Union’s primary funding program for research and innovation. The programme funds large scale international research projects on a variety of topics including the circular economy and sustainability. Objectives: Improving European competitiveness through innovation. Target Audience(s): Research organisations, SMEs, multinationals. For most call proposals you must apply as a team of at least three partner organization from three different EU or associated countries, at least one being from an EU country. Total Funding: Budget of EUR 95.5 billion for the period of 2021-2027. Availability: Funding opportunities all year around, deadlines dependent on specific calls. LEARN MORE Innovation Fund The Innovation Fund is one of the world’s largest funding programmes for the demonstration of innovative low carbon technologies, especially with an emphasis on energy and industry. It focuses on projects with European added value that can bring significant emission and greenhouse gas reductions. Objectives: Support and foster innovation in low-carbon technologies and processes across Europe. Target Audience(s): Research organisations, SMEs, multinationals. Total Funding: The Innovation Fund’s total budget is dependent on the carbon price and it is estimated to be c.€40 billion over 2020 to 2030. Availability: Regular calls throughout the year. LEARN MORE EU LIFE Programe LIFE funding is the European fund for Environment Nature Conservation and Climate Action. LIFE funds close-to market projects providing up to 55% co-funding of project costs. Objectives: Support the transition towards a resource efficient society. Target Audience(s): Research organisations, SMEs, multinationals. Total Funding: Ranging from €1 million up to €5m per project. Availability: April-September (Opens 18th April 2024) LEARN MORE Circular Bio-based Europe Joint Undertaking The Bio-based Industries Joint Undertaking (BBIJU) is a €2 billion partnership between the EU and the Bio-based Industries Consortium which builds on the success of its’ predecessor, the Bio-based Industries Joint Undertaking (BBI JU) . Objectives: Develop new technologies to transform renewable natural resources into bio-based products. Target audience(s): Research organisations, SMEs, multinationals. Total Funding: For 2024 the call budget is €213 million. Availability: Calls opened 24th April 2024 and close on 18th September 2024. LEARN MORE EU Just Transition Fund The EU Just Transition Fund (EUJTF) is Pillar 1 of the European Union Just Transition Mechanism. Its purpose is to assist the most affected territories in transitioning to a climate-neutral economy. In Ireland, the EUJTF supports the economic transition of the Midlands region and focuses on upskilling and employment projects in green enterprise. Target Audience(s): Private, public, and community and voluntary organisations. Total Funding: Budget of €169 million from 2021-2027. Availability: July LEARN MORE National and All-Island Funding Supports Green Transition Fund DECC CEIGS EPA Research Call Intertrade Ireland Enterprise Ireland Green Transition Fund The Green Transition Fund supports companies across each of the different aspects of their decarbonisation journey – from initial planning and capability building to investment, research, and innovation. The fund is comprised of two separate streams: The Climate Planning Fund for Business includes the following opportunities: Climate Action Voucher: €1,800 for advisory support to develop an initial sustainability/decarbonization/circular economy strategy and action plan Green Start: Up to €5,000 to fund consultancy to introduce environmental best practice systems. Green Plus: up to €50,000 support for training project to improve environmental management capability. Strategic Consultancy: Up to €35,000 support to assist large energy user to develop carbon reduction roadmap. Audience: High-potential start-ups, SME and large enterprise can apply to all the above, except from GreenPlus which is available only for SME and large enterprise. Availability: any time. The Enterprise Emissions Reduction Investment Fund include the following opportunities: Capital investment for Energy Monitoring & Tracking Systems: Up to €50,000 for companies to put in place systems to monitor energy usage. Capital Investment for Decarbonisation processes: Up to €1m to support companies to decarbonise their manufacturing combustion processes. Innovation and R&D Grants: From €5,000 innovation vouchers to large scale R&D projects in the areas of sustainability and decarbonisation. Audience: Manufacturing, SMEs and large enterprises. Availability: any time. LEARN MORE EPA Research Call 2024 The call aims to support innovative research projects to support policy-and decision-making addressing environmental, climate change and sustainability challenges. Applicant may apply under a range of broad thematic areas including facilitating a circular economy. Objectives: Enhance Ireland’s competitiveness and resilience and inform policy innovation. Target Audience(s): Research organisations, SMEs, multinationals. Total Funding: €14.3m awarded in 2023 Availability: April Green Enterprise Funding: Innovation for a Circular Economy The Green Enterprise funding aims to support innovators in Ireland to develop, demonstrate and implement circular economy approaches in their business models. It is managed through the EPA-led Circular Economy Programme and is co-funded by EPA Research. Objective: Support innovation projects for the implementation of circular economy approaches in business models. Target Audience(s): Research organisations, SMEs, multinationals. Total Funding: Up to €100,000 (this is information of 2022) Availability: 2024 Call is closed - Updates to come on 2025 Call LEARN MORE Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications Circular Economy Innovation Grant Scheme (CEIGS) The Circular Economy Innovation Grant Scheme (CEIGS) is a Government of Ireland initiative led by DECC. The purpose of this grants scheme is to provide support to projects which work in the Circular Economy space, with the aim of advancing the Circular Economy in Ireland and raising awareness of its need. Objective: support Irish businesses develop circular solutions in product and service design, production. Target Audience(s): social enterprises, voluntary and community organisations and small/medium businesses (defined here as less than 50 employees). Total Funding: c.€500,000 per call with indicative grant €50,000 for 1-year projects. Availability: The 2024 call opened on 19th June 2024 and closes on 19th July 2024 LEARN MORE Intertrade Ireland Innovation Boost The Innovation Boost aims to support cross-border business on the island of Ireland through developing and embedding innovation through facilitating and funding an academic partner to help industry overcome an innovation or technology gap. Objective: Support innovation projects for the implementation of circular economy business models. Target Audience(s): Indigenous SME on manufacturing or tradeable services Total Funding: c. €50,000 Availability: All year round. Innovation Boost B2B The Innovation Boost B2B aims to support innovative cross-border partnerships and promote business collaborate to solve problems. Objective: Support innovation projects for the implementation of circular economy business models. Target Audience(s): Indigenous SME on manufacturing or tradeable services Total Funding: Provides up to €50,000 per partner. Availability: All year round. LEARN MORE LEARN MORE Policy Innovation CIRCULÉIRE's involvement in policy advisory groups and legislative discussions exemplifies our collective commitment to advancing the circular economy agenda in Ireland. Through strategic collaborations, expert representation, and thought leadership, we actively contribute to the formulation of policies that drive sustainable practices, innovation, and economic growth. As we engage with policymakers and industry stakeholders, our aim is to create an environment where circular principles thrive and pave the way for a more resilient and prosperous Ireland. At CIRCULÉIRE, we actively engage with key policy initiatives and decision-making processes that affect our Industry members to support the adoption of their circular transition in Ireland. CIRCULÉIRE team members play an active roles in advisory groups led by government and state agencies, such as the Department of the Environment, Climate, and Communications (DECC), the Department of Agriculture, Food, and the Marine (DAFM) , the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI). We contribute on behalf of Industry members with insights, knowledge, and industry experience to inform the policy decision making process DECC Construction Advisory Group DECC Textiles Advisory Group DECC Waste Action Plan for a Circular Economy Advisory Group DAFM Irish Bioeconomy Forum EPA Food Waste Action Group EPA National Reuse and Repair Network NSAI National Committee on Circular Economy - NSAI/TC066

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