792505fe-15ec-45b6-acf6-1cfc10e0bcf0 Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Copy link CIRCULÉIRE NON-MEMBER CASE STUDY COMPANY: MiALGAE WEBSITE: MIALGAE.COM SECTOR: BIOTECHNOLOGY, AQUACULTURE & AGRI-FOOD PUBLISHED: 15 th JULY 2026 TAGS: CIRCULAR BIOECONOMY, DISTILLERY WASTE, FERMENTATION, BY-PRODUCT VALORISATION, MICROALGAE, AQUACULTURE, FISHMEAL REPLACEMENT, JUST TRANSITION The Challenge Global fish stocks are under sustained pressure: as of the most recent FAO assessment, 35.5% of the world's marine fish stocks are classified as overfished ( FAO, 2025 ). A significant share of this pressure comes from "reduction fisheries" - fishing aimed not at direct human consumption but at producing fishmeal and fish oil - which land an average of 23.4 million tonnes of forage fish a year, around a quarter of all wild marine catch by volume ( Majluf et al., 2024 ). Having fallen well below its 1990s peak, the volume of wild fish reduced to fishmeal and fish oil is now projected to rise again over the coming decade, according to the OECD-FAO's latest joint outlook, which identifies the EU as one of the two largest global consumers of fish oil - expected to account for 15% of world demand by 2034 ( OECD/FAO, 2025 ). Ireland has a direct stake in this: marine ingredients still made up around 62% of feed for its organic farmed salmon at the sector's 2017–2019 baseline, including 18% fish oil ( Cooney et al., BIM, 2025 ). A Circular Solution MiAlgae produces omega-3-rich microalgae by recycling nutrient-rich by-products from whisky distilleries, including Falkirk Distillery ( Scotch Whisky Association, n.d. ). In Scotland, approximately 15 litres of co-product are generated for every litre of whisky produced ( Zero Waste Scotland, 2026 ). MiAlgae uses them as a feedstock for fermentation in 30,000-litre bioreactors, which the company states are run on renewable energy ( Just Transition Commission, 2025 ). Throughout the process, growth is monitored to maintain oil quality ( University of Edinburgh, n.d. ). The dried algae is sold as a microalgal omega-3 ingredient for the aquaculture and pet food sectors, giving distilleries a lower-cost, lower-impact route for co-products that would otherwise require disposal ( University of Edinburgh, n.d. ). The company's production model is designed to be modular, replicable and scalable, enabling facilities to be located close to whisky distilleries to minimise transport requirements and simplify feedstock collection. Construction of the new Grangemouth facility began in December 2025, with commercial production scheduled to commence in spring 2026 ( Zero Waste Scotland, 2026 ). Environmental, Social and Economic Impact Over a recent six-month period, MiAlgae reports that it recycled wastewater equivalent to nearly 300 Olympic-sized swimming pools and prevented 150,000 kg of CO₂ emissions - comparable to eliminating 500 round-trip flights between London and Edinburgh ( Just Transition Commission, 2025 ). For every tonne of algae it produces, the company saves an estimated 30 tonnes of fish that would otherwise be caught for fishmeal and fish oil ( Scottish Government, 2025 ). Zero Waste Scotland estimates that, scaled across further sites near Scotland's whisky distilleries, the model could average 100,000 tonnes of CO₂ saved per site annually ( Zero Waste Scotland, 2024 ). MiAlgae's Grangemouth facility is backed by £3 million in joint UK and Scottish Government funding and is the first new project at the Grangemouth site since its oil refinery closure ( UK Government, 2025 ; Scottish Government, 2025 ). Over the next five years, the project is expected to create around 310 jobs - roughly 130 directly at the Grangemouth site and a further 180 supported elsewhere in Scotland - and deliver an estimated £53 million into the Scottish economy ( UK Government, 2025 ; Scottish Government, 2025 ). As a condition of the public funding, eligible local workers are given priority during recruitment, and the facility is expected to help move workers into biotech from Scotland's oil and gas sector as part of Scotland's just transition ( UK Government, 2025 ; Just Transition Commission, 2025 ). Replicability The model addresses a growing need for sustainable omega-3. Fish oil remains the only economically viable source of the long-chain omega-3s that farmed fish require, which makes it a limiting factor for the sector's growth. Demand is set to intensify: global aquaculture output overtook wild capture fisheries in 2023, reaching 97.6 million tonnes, and is projected to reach 112 million tonnes by 2033 - growth that will widen a gap fish oil alone cannot fill ( European Commission & EUMOFA, 2025 ). Aquaculture's share of global fishmeal use, which rose from 63% in 2009 to 92% in 2023, underlines how heavily the sector already leans on marine ingredients ( European Commission & EUMOFA, 2025 ). MiAlgae's own model is built to be replicated - a modular design intended to be rolled out close to distilleries across Scotland - and it sits within a growing ecosystem of related approaches to sustainable feed: INNOAQUA (EU) - a €7.2 million Horizon Europe project cultivating microalgae on aquaculture wastewater to produce omega-3-rich, protein-rich ingredients under the Farm-to-Fork Strategy. Horizon Proteins (United Kingdom) - a Heriot-Watt University spin-out that shares MiAlgae's whisky-by-product feedstock, extracting protein from pot ale for Scottish salmon feed. Ocean Harvest Technology (Ireland) - produces seaweed-derived feed ingredients for aquaculture and livestock, developed through an Enterprise Ireland Innovation Partnership. Veramaris (Netherlands) - produces the omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA directly from marine algae as an alternative to fish oil. ALL CASE STUDIES

e98898ad-0e77-4354-a3e6-0bf98438432d Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Copy link CIRCULÉIRE MEMBER CASE STUDY COMPANY: BLADEBRIDGE WEBSITE: BLADEBRIDGE.IE SECTOR : BUILT ENVIRONEMENT PUBLISHED: 21 AUGUST 2025 TAGS: BUILT ENVIRONMENT, CIRCULAR DESIGN, INNOVATION, SECOND LIFE, WASTE VALORISATION The Challenge Wind power has established itself as a vital cornerstone technology in the global effort to combat climate change and achieve the transition to a net-zero economy. Its environmental credentials, particularly when compared to legacy fossil fuel systems, are now scientifically robust and well-documented. On a life-cycle basis, onshore wind power has one of the lowest greenhouse gas (GHG) footprints of all energy sources. Comparing CO₂ equivalents per kilowatt-hour (gCO_2eq/kWh): Wind power has a median estimate of 13 gCO_2eq/kWh, Natural gas has a median estimate of 490 gCO_2eq/kWh, and Coal-fired power plants have a median estimate of 1,001 gCO_2eq/kWh ( NREL, 2021 ). According to the International Energy Agency, global wind energy generation needs to increase from 2,330 Terawatt-hours (TWh) in 2023 to over 7,100 TWh by 2030 to align with a Net Zero Emissions by 2050 scenario. An approximate increase of 17% per year ( IEA, 2024 ). In terms of policy within the EU and Ireland, more wind power is the clear direction of travel. In 2022, in response to the war in Ukraine, the European Union launched the REPowerEU plan, to reduce EU dependence on fossil-fuel imports. The plan aims for 480 GW of wind energy by 2030 up from 190 GW in 2022 ( Wind Europe, 2022 ). Ireland's Climate Action Plan 2024 aims to increase the island’s share of renewable electricity to 80% by 2030, targeting 9 GW of onshore wind, and at least 5 GW from offshore wind projects ( Government of Ireland, 2024 ). With so much wind power coming online, serious consideration needs to be given to what happens to the wind turbines at the end of their life. Wind turbines are designed for a 20-year lifespan based on a set of design requirements by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) ( Wind Energy Ireland, 2021 ). Typically they last up to 25 years with some having their lifetime extended to 35 years ( Wind Europe, 2020 ). 85-90% of a wind turbine can be recycled as they are made of copper, steel and cast iron, however the remaining 10-15% of a turbine's mass is primarily made from composite materials used in the turbine blades, which are more challenging to recycle. ( Wind Europe, 2020 ). By 2030, it is projected that around 52,000 tonnes of wind turbine blades will be decommissioned annually in Europe ( Wind Europe, 2021) , that’s approximately the same weight as 3,700 double-decker buses. Without a circular approach to blade design, it's estimated that blade waste will grow to approximately 43 million tonnes globally by 2050 ( Liu and Barlow, 2017 ) - that’s approximately 3.1 million double-decker busses. The Circular Opportunity BladeBridge , are an Irish company and CIRCULÉIRE member, spun-out from the Re-Wind Network. The Re-Wind Network is an international research group from the Georgia Institute of Technology, University College Cork, Queen’s University Belfast, City University of New York and Munster Technological University who develop solutions to repurpose wind turbine blades at the end of their life. BladeBridge works with owners and operators of wind farms to provide them with sustainable end-of-life options for decommissioned blade material. When a blade reaches the end of its life, BladeBridge tests its strength to assess what kind of products it is suitable for, they then design innovative products to repurpose the blade for its new life. They have repurposed blades to create infrastructure such as a bridge on the Midleton to Youghal Greenway; benches, bike-parking and picnic tables on the Achill Greenway; E-bike charging hubs with ESB; furniture for a local community centre in Co Clare; and they are constantly coming up with new and innovative ideas. Wind turbine blades are getting bigger as time passes, and the decommissioning of later models brings new opportunities for new designs. BladeBridge has plans for products including office pods, shelters, and glamping pods. BladeBridge is currently the only company in Ireland repurposing turbine blades and are a pioneer in using blades for infrastructure like bridges. They have extensive experience working on pilot projects with ESB, Tidy Towns and numerous county councils. As BladeBridge’s turbine blades are used as a substitute for high-carbon virgin material, such as steel and concrete, their infrastructure designs result in 20-50% lower environmental impacts, which exceeds green public procurement initiatives. Their products also save money over their lifespan, as they require much lower maintenance versus conventional products. For local governments and communities BladeBridge offer infrastructure that shows engagement with the circular economy and comes with a great built-in story about the products history. By averaging the CO 2 saved from the use of raw materials across twelve different repurposing scenarios, BladeBridge have calculated that repurposing one tonne of wind turbine blades saves an equivalent half a tonne of CO 2. Their goal is to repurpose as much of wind turbine material as possible, diverting it from landfill or incineration, and preventing up to 900 tonnes of CO 2 equivalent emissions per year. Replicability Wind turbine blades are made to be tough and durable. They are usually a mixture of fibreglass and resin and are designed to withstand storms and wind for decades. Whilst this makes them hard to recycle, it also means they are ideal for outdoor furniture and infrastructure. Other examples of wind turbine solutions include: The Danish city of Aalborg has installed public bicycle shelters made from decommissioned wind turbine blades from a local wind farm. In the Netherlands, the company Blade-Made creates street furniture, playground equipment, and architectural features from sections of decommissioned turbine blades. The Polish company Anmet recycles and repurposes blades for various uses, including constructing small-scale bridges and city furniture. GE Renewable Energy partnered with Veolia North America (VNA) to process blades from its U.S. based onshore turbines, shredding them for use as a raw material for cement manufacturing. Siemens Gamesa has launched the "RecyclableBlade," the world's first fully recyclable wind turbine blade, which uses a new resin type that allows for the separation of blade materials at the end of life. ALL CASE STUDIES

35baa048-ee0d-45bc-8725-03cc682c3bb5 Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Copy link CIRCULÉIRE MEMBER CASE STUDY COMPANY: HIBRA DESIGN WEBSITE: HIBRA.IE SECTOR : AUTOMOTIVE PUBLISHED: 12 FEBRUARY 2026 TAGS: ELECTRIC VEHICLE RETROFITS, CIRCULAR TRANSPORT, FLEET DECARBONISATION, AUTOMOTIVE ENGINEERING, EMISSIONS REDUCTION, COMMERCIAL VEHICLE ELECTRIFICATION, LOW‑CARBON LOGISTICS, RESOURCE EFFICIENCY The Problem Transport is the biggest emitter of greenhouse gases in Europe and has made little progress in decarbonising over the past few decades ( EEA, 2025 ). Despite advances in electrification and biofuels, transport emissions in 2024 were still higher than in 2012 ( EEA, 2025 ). In Ireland, transport has experienced the most significant increase in emissions of any sector since 1990 – up 129% ( EPA, n.d. ). In recent years, however, there has been some improvement. In 2024, Ireland’s transport emissions were approximately 5% lower than pre-COVID levels, largely due to growing electric vehicle (EV) adoption ( EPA, 2025 ). That year, 25% of new vehicle registrations were battery electric or hybrid electric vehicles, bringing the national EV fleet to 148,900, which exceeded the Climate Action Plan’s target ( EPA, 2025 ). Yet even if every passenger car were an EV, 51% of vehicle emissions would be unchanged because of the trucks, buses and vans on our roads ( EPA, 2025 ). Commercial vehicles typically have long service lives, which influences how companies account for both their costs and emissions. In Ireland, more than half of the national bus fleet is over five years old ( NTA, 2021 ), while half of the heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) are over eleven years old ( Climate Change Advisory Council, 2024 ). Replacing these vehicles early, while they're still good and usable, with EVs can cut operational emissions and fuel costs. For example, driving 10,000 km in an EV car costs approximately €145, compared with around €1,350 in a petrol-powered car ( Cupra, n.d. ). But they require high upfront investment and generate new manufacturing emissions. Retaining the existing fossil fuel-powered vehicles avoids these manufacturing impacts but perpetuates higher operational emissions. A more circular approach is to retrofit diesel vehicles with electric batteries and motors. This requires less capital investment; research indicates that new medium-duty electric trucks and buses typically have payback periods of 7.5 and 8.3 years, respectively. Retrofitted equivalents, however, can achieve payback in 4.7 and 4.5 years ( Primus Partners, 2024 ). This shorter payback window makes investing in retrofit solutions more attractive to fleet operators. However, the optimal pathway for fleet operators between these options depends on vehicle condition, age, mileage, electricity mix, and available capital, requiring a case-by-case assessment. The Circular Solution Hibra Design is an Irish automotive engineering company that takes existing diesel-powered commercial vehicles and retrofits them with battery electric powertrains (Powertrain refers to the system that delivers power to the wheels; in a diesel vehicle, this includes the engine, gearbox, drive shaft, etc.). This enables Hibra Design to extend the lifespan of existing vehicles, reduce operational costs, and significantly cut emissions. The company’s engineering approach allows for customised vehicle redesign and prototype development tailored to meet the performance and reliability needs of the client. Each retrofit involves detailed analysis of thermodynamics, electrical systems, and ergonomics, while maintaining compliance with safety and regulatory standards. As well as reducing fuel emissions, Hibra Design’s approach retains the embedded carbon already invested in the original vehicle structure, avoiding the emissions associated with manufacturing a new one. This supports both decarbonisation and circular economy objectives by extending vehicle life and maximising material value. The company has also developed its internal Hibra Design System, which analyses real-world operational data from its clients, such as fuel use, distance travelled, and operating hours. This enables three key outcomes: Technical feasibility assessment of vehicle electrification based on operational patterns. Economic analysis of cost and return on investment for fleet operators. Engineering and implementation of customised zero-emission solutions. Through this data-driven methodology, Hibra Design helps clients identify viable decarbonisation pathways and transition towards circular, low-carbon fleet operations, with significant cost savings. Video of Ireland's first electric tractor built in Cork by Hibra Design Climate Impact Retrofitting internal combustion vehicles to electric powertrains delivers emission savings. An independent life cycle assessment of a converted Smart ForTwo found a 45% reduction in total greenhouse gas emissions compared to a new EV. This was driven by the reuse of the existing structure and the lower fuel emissions ( Innocenti et al., 2024 ). In India, where the electricity grid is more carbon-intensive, retrofitted buses and trucks achieved operational emission savings of 26 and 36 tonnes of CO₂ per year, respectively ( Primus Partners, 2024 ). In Ireland, Hibra Design demonstrated the potential impact of this approach through a feasibility study for Iarnród Éireann at Rosslare Europort. The study showed that 98% of terminal tractor operations could be powered by battery-electric technology, eliminating tailpipe emissions and saving approximately €200,000 per year in operational costs. Replicability New Electric is a Dutch company that has been converting a wide range of commercial vehicles, including everything from Hilux trucks to asphalt rollers to tugboats, to fully electric since 2008. ABB retrofits large-scale mining trucks. In one example, a 30-year-old 147-tonne mining truck was converted to a fully electric drivetrain, saving around 100,000 litres of fuel per year. Electric Classic Cars is the world’s largest converter of classic cars to electric drivetrains, giving old cars new technology. ALL CASE STUDIES

cdf1704c-4fcc-4821-a744-b50daba372fe Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Copy link CIRCULÉIRE MEMBER CASE STUDY COMPANY: BEAN AROUND WEBSITE: BEANAROUND.IE SECTOR : COSMETICS PUBLISHED: 2 ND MARCH 2026 TAGS: WASTE TO VALUE, UPCYCLED INGREDIENTS, COFFEE WASTE VALORISATION, CIRCULAR COSMETICS, BIO BASED SOLUTIONS, MATERIAL EFFICIENCY, LOCAL CLOSED LOOPS, RESOURCE RECOVERY, SUSTAINABLE BEAUTY, EMISSIONS REDUCTION The Problem Coffee is one of the most widely consumed beverages in the world and ranks among the most traded commodities ( FAO, 2025 ). In 2023, an estimated 11 billion kilograms of raw coffee were produced, requiring around 12 million hectares of land ( FAO, n.d.), or nearly twice the area of Ireland 1 . During brewing, only 18–22% of coffee’s mass is extracted by water, leaving behind spent coffee grounds (SCGs) as waste ( Corrochano et al, 2025 ). These residues still contain valuable compounds such as proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, phenolics and caffeine ( Sidło and Latosińska, 2024 ). These components provide useful functional properties, including antioxidant activity, dietary fibre, stimulation of collagen production in the skin, and protection against UV radiation ( Sidło and Latosińska, 2024 ). Despite this, coffee grounds are a burden for cafes, workplaces and homes across the country. If sent to landfill, every tonne of coffee grounds would produce 525 kilograms of carbon dioxide emissions ( Schmidt Rivera et al., 2025 ). Coffee grounds are a food waste, and therefore, Irish businesses are required under the Waste Management (Food Waste)(Amendment) Regulations 2024 to segregate coffee grounds from other waste streams. This waste is typically composted or anaerobically digested ( EPA, n.d. ). Composting one tonne of spent coffee grounds produces approximately 30.7 kg of CO₂ emissions, whereas processing the same amount through anaerobic digestion can avoid about 6.2 kg of CO₂ by capturing gases that would otherwise escape into the atmosphere and by substituting fossil-derived gas. ( Schmidt Rivera et al., 2025 ). However, both of these solutions still treat the material as waste. Under the 10 R-strategies framework for the circular economy , which sets out different ways to reduce waste and keep materials in use for longer, using spent coffee grounds for new products is considered a more circular option than simply treating them as waste. This is because it extends the life of the material, reduces the need for virgin resources, and can lower greenhouse gas emissions compared with disposal. Coffee grounds are segregated at source, providing a clean and consistent feedstock that can be redirected into new value chains. Spent grounds have been used to produce reusable coffee cups , insulation for buildings , stronger concrete , and even alcohol . Moreover, individual components such as caffeine, coffee oil, chlorogenic acid, and phenolics can be extracted for use in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and biofuels ( Sidło and Latosińska, 2024 ). Despite these efforts, spent coffee grounds remain an underutilised resource with significant potential for higher value uses. Unlocking this potential calls for solutions that transform this abundant “waste” into circular products. The Circular Solution Bean Around produces exfoliating soap made from used coffee grounds collected from local cafés and workplaces. It was founded by sisters Sadhbh and Aisling Wood, after Sadhbh used their father’s home psoriasis remedy of used coffee grounds to remove fake tan ( Bean Around, n.d. ). They have since expanded nationwide, demonstrating how everyday waste can be transformed into value-added consumer products. Coffee grounds serve as a natural exfoliant, replacing synthetic or resource-intensive materials such as plastic microbeads ( which were banned in 2019 ), sugar, or salt. By incorporating this by-product into skincare formulations, Bean Around valorises a waste material while reducing the need for virgin ingredients. Many of their soaps are sold in the same cafés that supply the grounds, creating a local closed loop ( SustainabilityOnline, 2025 ). The packaging is made from recycled and recyclable materials, further enhancing the company’s circular model. To secure a supply of coffee grounds, Bean Around partners with both large corporate clients, including Google Ireland, KPMG, and EY, and independent coffee shops in Dún Laoghaire and nearby areas. This localised collection network minimises transport emissions and ensures access to fresh coffee grounds. Bringing a cosmetic product to market requires a Cosmetic Product Safety Assessment . This involves strict checks to prevent contamination and bacterial growth. Several laboratories refused to even test Bean Around’s products because they contained waste-derived ingredients. Eventually, they found a suitable testing partner, and the products passed all safety standards. This shows a wider problem. Products made from recycled or waste materials often face additional soft barriers (non-regulatory obstacles), even when they meet all required safety standards. Through collaborations with national retailers such as Lidl, SuperValu, and Java Republic, Bean Around achieved a 300% increase in sales in 2024 ( Business Post, 2025 ). This success reflects growing consumer demand for clean and sustainable beauty products, particularly among young people ( Statistica, 2025 ). While Bean Around demonstrates how circular innovation can succeed, the use of waste-derived materials in cosmetics also faces regulatory and practical hurdles. Addressing these challenges will be essential for scaling such models across the wider beauty industry. Bean Around's founders featured on RTÉ News, discussing their sustainable, coffee-ground skincare business. Climate Impact To date, Bean Around has repurposed more than 1,000 kilograms of spent coffee grounds into high-value skincare products. By valorising this material rather than sending it to compost or landfill, the company transforms a common waste into a source of economic and environmental value. If the same quantity were landfilled, it would generate over 525 kilograms of CO₂ equivalent emission ( Schmidt Rivera et al., 2025 ). That is comparable to driving 4,600 kilometres², or driving from Cork to Belfast and back five times³. Replicability UpCircle is a circular skincare company that makes face and body scrubs from upcycled coffee grounds, as well as other upcycled ingredients from the food industry. Frank Body is an Australian company that produces coffee-based exfoliating scrubs, although they don’t claim to be made from used coffee. Ecobean produces a range of chemicals extracted from spent coffee, including coffee oil, antioxidants, and protein additives for industrial and consumer applications Kaffe Bueno is a Danish biotech company that extracts products from spent coffee grounds for human nutrition, personal care, and agrochemical industries. See the CIRCULÉIRE case study on Kaffe Bueno here . Footnotes The land area of the Republic of Ireland is 6.9 million hectares. 12 million hectares is 1.77 times the area of Ireland. Based on 0.114 kg CO2e emissions per kilometre ( SEAI, n.d. ) Based on the return trip from Cork to Belfast being equal to 830km. ALL CASE STUDIES

c11d36ad-d879-4496-8638-4af7801836e0 Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Copy link CIRCULÉIRE MEMBER CASE STUDY COMPANY: WELL SPENT GRAIN WEBSITE: WELL-SPENT-GRAIN.COM SECTOR : FOOD PUBLISHED: 24 APRIL 2024 TAGS: FOOD WASTE, CIRCULAR BUSINESS MODEL The Challenge One of the earliest steps in the beer brewing process is when grain is steeped in hot water to stimulate the release of fermentable sugars for brewing. Once those sugars are released, the liquid is drained away and used in the next stage of the process. The grain that is left behind is no longer of any use to the brewer and is called Brewer’s Spent Grain (BSG). This spent grain accounts for approximately 85% of the waste created through the entire brewing process (Terefe, 2022). The brewing industry produces an estimated 39 million tonnes of spent grain per year (Bachmann, Calvete and Féris, 2022), that’s equivalent to the weight of 7.8 million African elephants. 70% of spent grain is commonly used as low-value cow feed or fertiliser, 20% is usually either disposed of in a landfill and the remaining 10% is converted into biogas (Terefe, 2022). That means approximately 7.8 million tonnes of BSG ends up in a landfill every year. Every tonne of BSG disposed of in landfill emits 513 kilogrammes of CO2 equivalent (LIFE-Brewery). BSG disposed of in landfill emits about 4 billion kilogrammes of CO2 each year. This is comparable to the same annual amount of CO2 emitted by burning 22,053 railcars worth of coal (EPA.gov). The Circular Opportunity BSG for human consumption has gained popularity in recent years, owing mostly to its health-related bioactive components. BSG is thought to be the most abundant source of phenolic chemicals, particularly hydroxycinnamic acids (HCAs) (Ikram et al., 2017). These phenolic chemicals are natural antioxidants that have been linked to the prevention of age-related chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, neurodegenerative diseases, type I and type II diabetes, and some cancers (Ikram et al., 2017). BSG is also regarded as a source of dietary fibre for humans, mainly viscous fibres, which aid in raising cholesterol and fat excretion and improving the digestive process (Ikram et al., 2017). The Circular Solution In Practice Well Spent Grain, a CIRCULÉIRE New Venture, is a Dublin-based Irish start-up founded by Sunkyung Choi and Patrick Nagle in March 2022. Well Spent Grain collect BSG from brewers like Rascals Brewing Company and transport it immediately to their kitchen for processing or storage. They upcycle it by creating tasty value-added snack bites. Well Spent Grain collaborated with the Prepared Consumer Foods Team in Teagasc Food Research Centre in Ashtown to develop the snacks and validate the production process. They work with ENSO to create and implement their sustainability strategy, track, and verify their performance. Their first product, Born-Again Peanut and Dark Chocolate soft snack bites, are made from upcycled BSG plus 5 additional ingredients (dates, 100% peanut peanut butter, toasted hazelnut, 70% dark chocolate and maple syrup). They provide good nutrition and a boost to adults’ energy levels. Each pack of Born-Again Bites has a natural malty, nutty, fruity flavour, with hints of dark chocolate and maple syrup. They provide 4.6g of protein per pouch and are high in fibre. They are accidentally vegan, have 100% recyclable packaging, and are hand-crafted locally. Well Spent Grain offer the consumer the opportunity to take part in the circular food economy in the easiest way possible. By picking up a pouch of Born Again Peanut and Dark Chocolate Soft Snack Bites, you are already taking part, and you get a delicious treat for your trouble. Replicability The global upcycled food market size was valued at USD 53.7 billion in 2021, and is projected to reach USD 97 billion by 2031 (J & D, 2023). Well Spent Grain has a great opportunity to cement and scale its business model alongside the thriving market while promoting the circular economy. Nutrient recovery from food waste and residues has been utilised in a variety of cases, including Niskus Biotec, a CIRCULÉIRE member, who upcycles and adds value to brewery and whiskey distillery by-products by using them to grow gourmet mushrooms (e.g., oyster, lion’s mane, and shiitake) and create myco-fermented food ingredients. ALL CASE STUDIES

6e96babb-4ff6-4283-bfea-ea288304e089 Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Copy link CIRCULÉIRE NON-MEMBER CASE STUDY COMPANY: LOGITECH WEBSITE: LOGITECH.COM SECTOR : ELECTRONICS PUBLISHED: 16 OCTOBER 2025 TAGS: DESIGNFORCIRCULARITY, EWASTE, RIGHTTOREPAIR, PRODUCTDESIGN, SUSTAINABLETECH, LIFECYCLEASSESSMENT, CONSUMERELECTRONICS, CIRCULARDESIGN The Challenge Consumer electronics are traditionally designed to meet the immediate needs of the user by making life simpler or more convenient. However, this approach has contributed to a growing global problem: electronic waste, or “e-waste”. Electronics are among the fastest-growing waste streams globally. Since 2010, the amount of e-waste created per year has risen by 82% ( UNITAR, 2024 ). In 2022, the world generated a record 62 million tonnes of e-waste, which would fill 1.5 million 40-tonne trucks, roughly enough trucks to form a bumper-to-bumper line encircling the equator ( UNITAR, 2024 ). Modern electronics are often designed with complex, miniaturised components and composite materials, making disassembly and recycling difficult ( UNITAR, 2024 ). Most products lack design features that support recyclability, especially for rare and critical raw materials. As a result, valuable elements like lithium and neodymium are frequently lost during processing ( UNITAR, 2024 ). Research shows that extending the use of electronic equipment has clear environmental benefits. Extending the life of phones, for example, from 2 to 3 years reduces their carbon footprint by between 23 and 30 per cent, depending on whether repairs are required or not ( Cordella et al., 2021 ). A UK study revealed that extending the life of devices (such as phones, tablets and laptops) by 50% would reduce the amount thrown away by 24%, over ten years ( Lysaght, 2023 ). Recognising this, policymakers are beginning to act. The European Union’s 2024 Eco-design for Sustainable Products Regulation requires manufacturers to ensure products are more durable, repairable, and recyclable. This signals a shift from conventional design, which prioritises only the first user, toward circular design, which considers the needs of multiple stakeholders: initial users, second-hand buyers, repairers, recyclers and more. By extending product lifespans and reducing material and energy use, circular design tackles waste at its source. Importantly, this approach also aligns with consumer expectations. Surveys indicate that 70% of consumers are interested in buying durable, maintainable products ( Capgemini, 2021 ). Spending on sustainably marketed products is rising rapidly. Over the past five years, sales of such products have grown by 28%, compared with 20% growth for products without sustainability claims ( McKinsey, 2023 ). Consumers also increasingly value repairability. More than half (54%) of consumers say they would prefer to repair their electronic equipment rather than replace it ( Bruce, 2021 ). However, the cost of repair is the biggest deciding factor ( Higginbottom, 2024 ). If the repair is just as expensive as the new item, then why bother? This underscores the need for repairs and aftermarket parts to be affordable and accessible. Taken together, these factors highlight that e-waste is not merely a by-product of technological progress; people want change. Advancing circular design is therefore essential to minimise waste, conserve resources, and respond effectively to both regulatory pressures and evolving consumer expectations. The Circular Solution Logitech is a global manufacturer of computer peripherals, such as mice, keyboards and headsets, shipping around 3 million products per week to over 100 countries ( O’Mahony, 2021 ). Its products are used by 71% of the world’s 500 largest companies, and feature in one in three meeting rooms and desks worldwide ( Logitech, 2025 ). When operating at such a scale, circular solutions can offer huge positive impacts. Logitech recognises that many of the most effective opportunities to reduce a product’s environmental impact occur during early-stage development, when fundamental design and material choices are made. Consequently, the company has integrated circular design principles across its entire product development process ( Logitech, n.d. ). Logitech achieves this through a deep understanding of its products and their impacts. Teardowns are performed to analyse each part, the materials used and how these parts are assembled ( Logitech, 2025 ). Insights from these analyses feed into life cycle assessments (LCAs) ( Logitech, 2024 ). This is a systematic analysis of a product’s material sourcing, production, distribution, use and disposal to understand and quantify the carbon emissions associated with each step. Currently, 84% of Logitech’s products have independently verified LCAs ( Logitech, 2025 ), providing detailed insights into their environmental impacts. This drives data-driven decision-making to target the most impactful hotspots ( Logitech, 2024 ). Logitech's Product Teardown Process Logitech has also developed an internal Circularity Assessment Tool. This measures the comparative circularity of product designs while aligning with stakeholder views, regulatory trends, and industry best practices ( Logitech, 2024 ). This uses a semi-quantitative scoring system to evaluate factors like longevity, reuse, and recyclability, which helps development teams identify improvement opportunities and implement more sustainable solutions ( Logitech, 2024 ). This evidence-based circular development has driven several tangible outcomes, including: Materials: 78% of products now use post-consumer recycled plastics ( Logitech, 2024 ). Manufacturing: the MX Creative Console replaces painted finishes with microtextures, improving recyclability while giving a premium surface finish ( Logitech, 2024 ). Product Design: Steel reinforcing plates have been removed from keyboards to reduce carbon-intensive material use ( Logitech, 2023 ). End of life: In the US, Logitech has partnered with Staples to take back end-of-life products in exchange for a 25% discount voucher ( Logitech, n.d. ). These circularity initiatives both complement and enhance the user experience. Logitech aims to foster emotional attachment between users and their devices so they keep them for longer and repair them when they break ( Logitech, 2024 ). Transparency is another key aspect: LCA results are displayed on Logitech’s product packaging, empowering consumers to make more informed purchasing decisions ( Logitech 2025 ). Logitech is advancing design for repair. For example, the G733 headset features detachable ear pads and headband strap with easily replaceable internal parts such as battery and microphone ( iFixIt, n.d. ). The Logitech Repair Hub , developed in partnership with iFixIt, provides multilingual step-by-step repair guides for common problems on 20 popular products and offers direct sales of replacement parts. For the G733, replacing the battery for €25 ( iFixIt, 2025 ) instead of the entire product for €160 exemplifies how repair can extend product lifetimes while saving costs. By making repairs accessible and affordable, Logitech is reducing barriers to circular product use and empowering consumers to participate in the circular economy. Climate Impact The data-driven decision-making in Logitech is having a positive impact on their products. For example, the second generation of the Wave Keys keyboard implemented post-consumer recycled plastics, a redesigned circuit board, a redesigned frame, paper packaging and was manufactured with renewable energy ( Logitech, 2025 ). These steps reduced the second generation's emissions by 37% compared to the first, which equates to 310 tonnes of CO 2 per 100,000 units ( Logitech, 2025 ). Logitech’s emissions are highly dependent on its manufacturing and material suppliers. More than 99% of Logitech’s emissions are Scope 3 ( Logitech, 2024 ); 60% of which are from materials and manufacturing, and a further 25% are from the use of the products (i.e. the energy consumed by the devices) ( Logitech, 2024 ). The direct contribution of the different carbon reduction initiatives can be quantified. The transition to renewable energy of their suppliers saves 79 thousand tonnes of CO 2 emissions per year, post-consumer recycled plastic saves 25 thousand, and low-carbon aluminium saves 13 thousand( Logitech, 2024 ). Of all the materials used in their products and packaging, about one-third contains recycled content, and a further quarter is renewable natural materials ( Logitech, 2024 ). Across all programs, this saved roughly 140 thousand tonnes of CO 2 emissions in 2023 ( Logitech, 2024 ). You would need a forest roughly four times the size of Killarney National Park to capture a similar amount of CO 2 (Based on 3.5tCO 2 sequestered per hectare of native woodland per year ( Teagasc, 2025 ) and area of Killarney National Park = 10,236 hectares ( Discover Kerry, n.d. )). Logitech highlights how data-driven decision-making in product development enables lower impact and more circular products. Replicability Shift produces modular, easy-to-repair devices such as smartphones and speakers made with circularity in mind. Fairphone creates phones and audio devices that are easy to repair and built to last. iFixIt is spearheading the right-to-repair movement and is working with major tech manufacturers to improve the repairability of their devices. They also provide repair guides, parts and tools to break down barriers to repair. Refurbed offers a range of refurbished technology, such as mice, keyboards and headsets, giving them a second life. Google’s Pixel Watch 4 is assembled with screws and seals instead of glue, making it more repairable. iFixIt rated its repairability a 9/10 and called it “the first mainstream smartwatch to make repairability cool.” ALL CASE STUDIES

f3843591-0df6-4785-b40a-57236b472118 Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Copy link CIRCULÉIRE NON-MEMBER CASE STUDY COMPANY: RECEOL WEBSITE: www.ucc.ie/en/receol/ SECTOR: WASTE ELECTRICAL & ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT (WEEE) PUBLISHED: 15 MAY 2025 TAGS: ELECTRONICS, MATERIAL RECOVERY, RARE EARTH METALS About ReCEOL T he Recycling of End-of-Life Products (ReCEOL) project was a collaboration between the University College Cork (UCC) and Composite Recycling Limited , which began in 2018 and ended in 2021. The project was co-funded by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Ireland, the Geological Survey of Ireland (GSI) and the European Union ERA-MIN2 programme and was supported by Freiberg Technical University (Germany), Coolrec (Belgium), Alumisel (Spain) and Muldenhütten Recycling und Umwelttechnik (Germany). The Challenge The rise in business and consumer demand for electronics has created one of the fastest waste streams in the European Union (EU). Currently, roughly 38% of electronics that enter the market are collected; the rest are discarded ( EC, 2020 ). Electronics are a complex waste stream as they can be composed of a mix of materials from rare earths to precious metals to plastics. Every year it is estimated that around 400,000 tonnes of Printed Circuit Boards (PCB’s) are generated in the EU of which over 90% are sent to landfill or are incinerated ( Cordis, 2022 ). Many of the materials in the PCB’s are valuable, scarce and in demand, such as copper, gold, silver, solder and indium, but many are lost during the recycling and recovery process. The Circular Solution ReCEOL developed a patented recycling process to recover metals from waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) from PCB, Liquid Crystal Displays (LCD), batteries and Automobile Shredder Residue (ASR). The waste materials from the components described above are added to molten salt at operating temperatures of 300-450°C ( Cordis, 2022 ). The molten salt separates the metals at the bottom of the reactor, while the solid copper floats on the solder making material recovery easier ( Cordis, 2022 ). This process also enables scaling by doubling the surface area of the molten material, which doubles the throughput ( Cordis, 2022 ). Climate Impact The research carried out by ReCEOL has proven yields of 95% can be achieved for copper, steel and solder which exceeds the current industry rates of 70% to 80% ( Cordis, 2022 ). Aluminium, solder, and steel can be separated and recovered. Critical raw materials such as Indium and Tantalum can be recycled. This recycling process developed by ReCEOL can recover metals from low value PCBs. The process has several benefits over existing alternatives, including eliminating the need for shredding plus a low capital cost, given its established nature. The project also contributes to environmental preservation by efficiently extracting raw materials from WEEE, preventing them from being lost in landfills or incinerated, and reducing dependency on virgin-metal mining. Replicability A printed circuit board recovery (PCBRec) plant’s Internal-Rate-of-Return (IRR) is projected to be more than 15% for low value Waste Printed Circuit Boards (WPCBs) and 80% for medium value WPCBs ( Cordis, 2022 ). These IRR amounts do not account for the recovery of precious metals such as gold or silver ( Cordis, 2022 ). Moreover, significant regulatory drivers, such as the WEEE Directive, exist in the EU to stimulate the future development of PCBRec technology and the circular economy in the electronics industry. Because the technology is modular, capacity may be increased in a systematic manner ( Cordis, 2022 ). ReCEOL’s process is reproducible and cost effective because it uses existing processes from established industries. A few Irish companies of note in the WEEE recovery industry include: Votechnik , a CIRCULÉIRE member, develops a series of deep technologies from lab to market in the space of circular economy for LCD and flat panel display (FPD) recycling. KMK Metals Recycling , a CIRCULÉIRE member, provides environmentally sound management of waste metal in all forms. They collect and process 75% of Ireland’s WEEE. ALL CASE STUDIES

a5b70e0a-7b0b-46bb-a0ec-f139d0268178 Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Copy link CIRCULÉIRE MEMBER CASE STUDY COMPANY: VOTECHNIK WEBSITE: VOTECHNIK.COM SECTOR : ELECTRONICS PUBLISHED: 24 APRIL 2024 TAGS: WEEE, CRITICAL RAW MATERIALS About Votechnik Votechnik developed a series of cutting-edge innovative robotic technologies for Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) recycling. LCD is an electronic display that is found in smartphones, tablets, televisions, and many other electronics. Votechnik’s robotic technology removes components containing hazardous substances from LCDs (e.g., mercury-containing lamps), and prepare non- hazardous materials for recycling. The Challenge The electronics industry is one of the top eight industries responsible for more than half of the world’s total carbon footprint. In 2020, the equivalent of 580 million metric tons of CO2 were emitted by Waste from Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) ( Singh and Ogunseitan, 2022 ). That is more than the emissions generated by Canada in a year (525 million metric tons) ( World Bank, 2023 ). LCDs have become the dominant technology in devices that contain displays. The rate at which people replace their devices every year results in an avalanche of discarded electronic waste. In fact, only about 38% of electronics that enter the market are subsequently collected; the remainder are discarded ( European Commission, 2020 ). LCD monitors are among the most dangerous electronic devices to discard because they contain toxic metals, including mercury, which can harm both humans and the environment. LCDs also contain rare earth metals, such as indium, which is one of the earth’s least prevalent minerals ( Royal Society of Chemistry, 2023 ). If Indium recovery is not increased, reserves may become smaller, affecting the supply chain. The Circular Opportunity Votechnik emerged from the University of Limerick, backed by the European Commission, and supported by world- class industrial players such as Siemens and KUKA . Votechnik has spent the last 10 years developing, testing, and operating their technology to the highest industry standards. They are certified compliant with the European Standard EN50625 for WEEE treatment, and their business model is specifically designed to address the EU legislative WEEE Directive. Votechnik offers a wide range of LCD recycling technologies, one of them being their Indium Recovery System, which is designed specifically to extract indium from WEEE glass panels. Their indium recovery technology is called IND2000 and is supplied as a machine to recyclers who run the process with Votechnik’s support. Votechnik’s technology is used to release and capture indium from the glass panels, achieving high extraction rates and minimizing waste. Purification techniques are used to refine the extracted indium, ensuring its quality and suitability for reuse in various applications. Furthermore, clean glass fractions are generated from the process, which can be reused in the production of the new glass products. The Indium Recovery System is designed to comply with international standards and regulations. Climate Impact By recovering this critical raw material from waste electronics, Votechnik’s Indium Recovery System ensures a stable and reliable supply chain for businesses, by reducing dependence on imported indium from China. It further contributes to environmental preservation by efficiently extracting indium from glass panels, preventing it from being lost in landfills or incinerated, and reducing dependency on indium mining. Replicability The electronic device industry is growing. The combined sales of smartphones, televisions, and computers in 2021 were USD$ 880 billion, with growth rates in 2022 expected to range between 3% - 4% ( Stewart and Crossan, 2022 ). Votechnik has effectively incorporated a circular business model into the booming electronics market, decreasing virgin resource consumption while assisting Ireland in meeting its WEEE collection targets. Recovery and reuse are becoming increasingly prevalent as nations strive to meet climate targets. KMK Metals Recycling , another CIRCULÉIRE member, provides environmentally sound management of waste metal in all forms. They collect and process 75% of Ireland’s WEEE. KMK Metals are partners with Votechnik on both their IND2000 technology plus their ALR4000 technology. The ALR4000 technology depollutes LCD displays, allowing them to be shredded before the secondary raw materials are recovered. ALL CASE STUDIES

19c8a8d5-aefd-49f6-9c2d-16d77324d22a Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Copy link 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

c7eee634-9120-419d-8d18-ac09ce30d4b1 Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Copy link CIRCULÉIRE MEMBER CASE STUDY COMPANY: RELOOP WEBSITE: RELOOP.IE SECTOR : INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (IT) PUBLISHED: 25 TH MARCH 2026 TAGS: PRODUCT SHARING, LIBRARY OF THINGS, REUSE SYSTEMS, TEXTILE RECOVERY, E-WASTE COLLECTION, VALUE RETENTION, DIGITAL PLATFORMS, MATERIAL EFFICIENCY, SUPPLY CHAIN RESILIENCE The Problem Ireland has a waste problem. We generate 3.1 million tonnes of municipal waste (the waste from homes and businesses) per year ( EPA, n.d. ), or roughly 590 kilograms per person 1 . This rate has remained largely unchanged since 2016 2 , and at the same time, there has been no meaningful improvement in the recycling rate 3 . Over 97% of the materials used in the economy come from virgin sources ( Circle Economy, 2024 ). This consumption is reflected in emissions: in 2022, Ireland had the second-highest carbon emissions per capita in the EU, and was more than 50% higher than the EU average ( CSO, 2024 ). Textiles are one part of this issue. Ireland generates about 170,000 tonnes of used textiles per year ( EPA, 2021 ). Roughly two-thirds end up in general waste, which destines it for incineration or landfill ( EPA, 2021 ). The remaining third is collected through clothes banks, collections and charity shops, where items may be resold or recycled ( EPA, 2021 ). The collection rate of textiles needs to be increased to boost this reuse and recycling. Waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) shows a similar pattern. In 2023, Ireland collected 44% of WEEE placed on the market; well below the EU target of 65% ( EPA, n.d. ). In fact, this is down from previous years; it was 51% in 2022 and 64% in 2021 ( EPA, n.d. ). Despite this, Ireland performs strongly once WEEE is collected, exceeding EU benchmarks for recovery, recycling and reuse ( EPA, n.d. ). The main challenge is therefore expanding the collection, particularly from consumers. Sharing offers a practical mechanism to reduce the amount of waste generated and materials used, whilst maintaining access to products and services. For example, a typical household drill is used for only 13 minutes over its lifetime ( Ellen MacArthur Foundation, 2021 ), yet most of us have one at home. But what if you and your neighbours shared one drill instead? Sharing tools or other products within communities can significantly cut demand for new items, share costs, and encourage the purchasing of longer-lasting, better-quality products ( Demailly & Novel, 2014 ). In the UK, Libraries of Things scale this idea through digital platforms to manage shared items. Members can easily check availability, book items, and collect them from local hubs ( Library of Things, 2024 ). These systems simplify borrowing, build community trust and make low-impact choices more accessible and affordable ( Library of Things, 2024 ). The Circular Solution Reloop is an online platform that works with residential communities to collect old clothes and e-waste, while also offering a library-of-things service for residents. Through the platform, residents can borrow a wide range of products, from VR headsets to steam cleaners to tables and chairs. Items are requested online, delivered the next working day, used for two days, and then collected for the next user. The service itself is free; residents pay only an €8 delivery and collection fee. This saves residents’ money by removing the need to buy these items while saving materials and emissions. Reloop also partners with charities to ensure that collected textiles are resold to support their work. E-waste is collected by social enterprises that specialise in recycling electrical and electronic equipment. These partnerships help give materials a second life and support wider social and environmental goals. For property managers, Reloop offers a low-effort way to improve residents’ experience. Running a library of things or managing textile and e-waste collections independently would be an administrative burden and would require significant investment. Reloop handles logistics, coordination and reporting through its online booking and data-tracking system, reducing workload while enhancing the services available to residents. Climate Impact Library of Things services cut manufacturing demand and resource extraction by enabling shared access to products. Reloop now works with 23 residential communities across Dublin to provide this service. A useful comparison comes from Library of Things Ltd in London, which operates 22 locations. To date, they have enabled their members to borrow 75,000 items, saving them over £10 million, while at the same time reusing 525 tonnes of electricals and saving 1,500 tonnes of carbon emissions ( Library of Things, 2025 ). This illustrates the potential environmental value of shared-use systems like Reloop’s. Reloop’s textile collection helps to divert these from general waste streams. Reused clothing has 70 times lower emissions than new, even when global transport is included ( Norion Consult, 2023 ). Producing a new cotton shirt requires more than 30,000 litres of water, while a reused one only needs 0.3 litres ( Norion Consult, 2023 ). Increasing textile recovery, therefore, delivers substantial savings. E-waste collection offers similar benefits by recovering valuable materials. From the 5.7 million tonnes of e-waste collected in Europe, around 400,000 tonnes of critical raw materials were recovered, including copper, aluminium, silicon, tungsten and palladium ( Iattoni et al., 2025 ). Recycled metals are 2 to 10 times more energy efficient than virgin metals ( PACE, 2019 ). According to the 2050 Critical Raw Materials Outlook for WEEE report, “improving separate collection systems is essential to reduce the volume of critical raw materials lost before they even reach treatment facilities” ( Iattoni et al., 2025 ), and this objective is in line with Reloop’s mission. Replicability Tulu is a smart in-building platform that lets residents access shared appliances, tools and services on demand, reducing the need for individual ownership. Clothes POD provides clothing banks at 1,200 locations nationwide to offer convenient local drop off for waste textiles for resale or recycling. University College Dublin’s library offers a library of things for its students, enabling access to shared equipment. Westmeath libraries offer a library of things for musical instruments, toys, children’s fancy dress costumes, and much more. WEEE Ireland is a CIRCULÉIRE member that offers on-demand collection of e-waste for businesses, schools, colleges, health facilities and more. Footnotes Based on waste statistics for 2023. Ireland’s population in April 2023 was 5.281 million people ( CSO, 2023 ). For 2016, total municipal waste generated =2.763 million tonnes ( EPA, n.d. ) and Ireland population = 4.762 million people ( CSO, 2017 ). This gives a per capita rate of 580 kg per person, representing a 1.7% increase between 2016 and 2023. The recycling rate in 2016 was 41%, in 2023 it was 42% ( EPA, n.d. ). The EU target for 2023 was 50% ( EPA, n.d. ). ALL CASE STUDIES

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05814e72-2073-4602-bc35-9357c56238a0 Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Copy link CIRCULÉIRE NON-MEMBER CASE STUDY COMPANY: CPW & HGP ARCHITECTS (BEN AINSLIE RACING HQ) WEBSITE: CPW & HGP ARCHITECTS SECTOR : BUILT ENVIRONMENT PUBLISHED: 02 JULY 2025 TAGS: CIRCULAR DESIGN, CIRCULAR PROCUREMENT, LIFE_CYCLE ANALYSIS, WASTE HIERARCHY, RECYCLED MATERIALS, RENEWABLE ELECTRICITY, WATER EFFICIENCY, RESOURCE EFFICIENCY About Ben Ainslie HQ Ben Ainslie Racing (BAR) headquarters is a building located in Portsmouth in England. It was built to house the British sailing team competing in the America’s Cup. The construction work started in July 2014, with the new facility becoming fully operational in late 2015. The project faced demanding targets from the local government’s planning consent process, since it had to demonstrate its environmental benefits. In the end these initial challenges facilitated the adoption of circular principles in the procurement process, allowing better end-of-life consideration and sourcing of materials. The Challenge Construction and building operations account for 33% of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and 40% of global energy consumption, owing to the use of equipment, transportation, and building materials manufacturing ( Sizirici et al., 2021 ). In Ireland, construction and demolition generate eight million tonnes of waste ( Nugent, 2023 ), which is more weight than that of the Great Pyramid of Giza in Egypt. Furthermore, the vast majority of this material is not reused or recycled ( Nugent, 2023 ). More construction is needed as the population grows and urbanisation expands. However, to mitigate GHG emissions, novel, sustainable, and resource efficient construction methods are required. The Circular Solution The tender for the BAR HQ was based on creating the first building in Portsmouth with a Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM1) ‘Excellent’ rating. This was a requirement for the local government planning consent. Using Building Information Modelling (BIM), the design team was able to conduct a life cycle analysis of design decisions while also giving informed options for in-use performance monitoring. This promoted circular thinking in the acquisition of construction materials and products. Following the waste hierarchy, the first principle of the procurement approach was to reduce the impact of the materials energy and water. This approach started with the demolition and recycling of existing materials, e.g. concrete, on the site. The approach also considered where impacts would occur across the whole life of the building. All the key specifications were aimed at achieving the BREEAM Excellent rating. The award criteria was based on a combination of environmental performance and cost, depending on the construction element being procured. Climate Impact The collaboration between designers and product suppliers during the BAR HQ project demonstrated the importance of engaging suppliers early. This ensured that solutions offered through the tender stage met environmental performance, as well as cost levels. In terms of environmental benefits, much importance was given to fully or almost fully recyclable and recycled materials. For instance: 100% of the demolition concrete was reused in the foundations; Over 97% of all demolition materials from the site were recycled; 100% of the steelwork materials are recyclable if the building is dismantled; 100% of the wall cladding is recyclable ( Jones et al., 2017 ). Importance was also given to energy and water efficiency: 100% renewable electricity; 1200 litre tank for harvesting rainwater; 25% improvement in water efficiency over standard building regulations. An estimated €2 million to €2.7 million worth of savings were achieved through sustainability measures ( Jones et al., 2017 ). Replicability Important factors to consider in projects with environmental performance targets are deadlines, costs and secondary material supply / availability ( Jones et al., 2017 ). Considering the conceptual and design phases of buildings rely on bids based on costs and CO2 emissions, some examples that are worth mentioning include: JLL’s Manchester office , where upskilling a real estate firm’s staff was the key to embed circular principles into design, procurement and fit-out to showcase how circularity can be brought into an office environment. UN City in Copenhagen , where the new UN hub presented a key opportunity to embed sustainable development and circularity in the building process. (Top image: Matt Brown, Flickr , under Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic license) ALL CASE STUDIES