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

d40f2141-868e-4e7d-bad4-c47dc8c4b28a Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Copy link CIRCULÉIRE MEMBER CASE STUDY COMPANY: DELTAQ WEBSITE: DELTAQ.IE SECTOR : PLASTICS PUBLISHED: 24 APRIL 2024 TAGS: PLASTICS, CIRCULAR MANUFACTURING About DeltaQ DeltaQ is a leading supply partner to the plastic manufacturing industry in Ireland. They work with their industry clients to analyse the technical needs of their products and then provide additives and compounds that give those products a wide variety of special properties, such as colour, strength, flexibility, temperature resistance etc. Their customers come from all sectors ranging from medical supplies to the construction industry. DeltaQ prioritises sustainability and strives to assist Ireland in reaching its climate targets. Restructuring their shipments of materials from suppliers and product delivery processes was one of the steps they implemented to lessen their environmental impacts. Tackling Pallet & Packaging Waste In the past, when DeltaQ received their supplies, they arrived on a range of different sized wooden pallets. The size of these pallets frequently differed from the standard sizes that DeltaQ uses to ship their own finished products. Moreover, the supplies were individually packaged in 20kg plastic bags which were then wrapped in another layer of plastic for protection during transportation and delivery. In between the pallet and the supplies was a thick custom branded cardboard skirt. All this single use packaging created significant waste. DeltaQ’s sustainability team saw value in addressing the financial and environmental costs associated with their disposal. Impact To Date DeltaQ identified products that they manufacture for which their supplier pallets could be re-used. This allowed the pallets to be redistributed to their customers rather than being thrown away. Previously, non-standard pallets were disposed of through a waste recycling provider. Through this initiative, DeltaQ has prevented the waste of 213 pallets since the beginning of 2023.A EUR sized wooden pallet has a partial carbon footprint equivalent to 5kg of CO2 ( Deviatkin, 2019 ). Meaning that DeltaQ has prevented approximately 1065kg of carbon emissions, or 2730 miles driven by an average petrol powered passenger vehicle ( epa.gov 2023 ). DeltaQ also initiated a broader packaging review. They shifted to semi-bulk deliveries for key ingredients, which reduced the net number of pallets received and incurred more standard sizes. The transition to semi-bulk containers also resulted in a net reduction in plastic packaging waste as supplies are now shipped in one large container instead of packaged individually and there is no need for external plastic wrapping. Where possible, DeltaQ requests that supplies are delivered in large unbranded cardboard boxes. Cardboard and un- branded packaging is easier to recycle and re-use. Also, the semi-bulk packaging either has a thin cardboard skirt or has none. The removal of pallet skirts has had an initial 30% reduction in cardboard use. To further reduce cardboard waste, DeltaQ identified finished products for which they can reuse stock cardboard arriving with supplies. Furthermore, shifting to semi- bulk packaging allowed them to automate the material handling process, reducing manual labour and creating a better work environment for employees. Replicability DeltaQ has already begun to explore other avenues for re-use of their packaging. This process means engaging with and educating their own clients on the value of semi-bulk packaging and the use of packaging from recycled streams. Starting conversations like these, with customers and suppliers, can have a ripple effect further up and down the supply chain, encouraging others to look at their own sustainability and environmental impacts. Reusing packaging and packing materials is one of the simplest ways for businesses to reduce their environmental impact, and is easily replicable. A noteworthy example is Freefoam , another Circuléire member that reuses pallet hoods and liners. ALL CASE STUDIES

a4740068-36be-456d-ade7-4fe19cface0a Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Copy link CIRCULÉIRE MEMBER CASE STUDY COMPANY: ARCOLOGY WEBSITE: ARCOLOGYSYSTEM.COM SECTOR : BUILT ENVIRONMENT PUBLISHED: 24 APRIL 2024 TAGS: CIRCULAR IT, CIRCULAR BUSINESS MODEL About Arcology System Arcology System is a smart and data-driven interior construction system that offers modularity and adaptability, unlocking circular economy value in the way that commercial fit-outs are financed, designed, procured, built, and managed for REITs (real estate investment trusts), developers, and end-users. Fit-outs are activities that prepare a commercial tenant’s interior space for occupation, such as installing flooring, ceilings, partitions, and furnishings. The Challenge Buildings account for 39% of annual global Green House Gas (GHG) emissions, with 28% originating from building operations and 11% from building materials and construction activities ( Fonseca, 2023 ). In Ireland, construction and demolition generate nine million tonnes of waste ( EPA, 2023 ), that’s about the same weight as 12,857 fully loaded Boeing 747 jumbo jets. Furthermore, most of this material is not being reused or recycled ( Nugent, 2023 ). Urgent decarbonisation is driving REITs and landlords to invest in energy and building retrofitting to reduce carbon emissions, meet regulations, and reduce financial risk, but they are struggling to find solutions to embodied carbon. Embodied carbon refers to the GHG emissions arising from materials and construction processes across the entire lifecycle of a building, as measured in carbon dioxide equivalents (CO₂e) ( Fonseca, 2023 ). The Circular Opportunity Arcology System is a circular kit-of-parts approach to interior construction that aims to solve several problems within commercial interior fit-outs on both the supply and demand side, including inflexibility, sustainability, cost-effectiveness, and labour shortages. It uses lightweight, post-consumer recycled aluminium profiles to create a “smart grid” that can integrate various interior components (doors, walls, ceilings, lighting), allowing for easy adaptability and upgradability of the space. The system reduces waste and the use of new materials, thus contributing to a circular economy. Clients can either purchase the hardware outright or lease it (Product-as-a- Service) as an operating expense. Integrated Internet of Things (IoT) sensors collect real-time data on environmental conditions, occupancy, and asset tracking, which is gathered within a proprietary artificial intelligence (AI) assisted operations and integrated workplace management system (IWMS) platform. This data provides insights into how the space is being used and identifies generative-design layouts for improvement using already purchased modules. The material chain of custody and ‘ golden thread ’ of information are also captured across the entire lifecycle. Climate Impact Arcology System offers a data-driven and intelligent interior fit-out solution that can significantly reduce carbon emissions and enable adaptive reuse of potentially stranded assets. The system enables a circular economy value chain, from financing and design to procurement, construction, and management. The system’s design-for-disassembly approach can constantly reconfigure internal space for multiple use cases by reusing materials, rather than recycling or disposing of them, reducing the need for virgin resources and waste. 80% of buildings to meet Net-zero 2050 targets already exist, Arcology enables the adaptive reuse of these assets enabling them to become ‘smart’, and function as ‘ material banks .’ The proprietary integrated IoT- environmental and asset tracking sensors within the hardware system efficiently track materials, reducing waste and carbon emissions from sourcing to use, and enabling a circular supply chain that integrates certified products. The company’s post-consumer aluminium “Meccano™-like” connection hardware ensures that integrated and approved locally sourced materials stay in use at their highest value. They can be moved from building to building, and traded afterward, resulting in lower embodied carbon. Replicability The construction industry is one of the largest in the world economy, with approximately USD $10 trillion spent each year on construction-related goods and services ( Barbosa et al., 2017 ). As one of the most waste-producing sectors, a new approach to materials is required. In Ireland, implementation of digital product passports requiring a collection of digital data associated with a certain product is scheduled for 2026 or 2027. Arcology System provides the first step from a linear to a circular construction industry and is positioning itself as an industry leader in the circular construction sector. As sustainability becomes more important in the construction sector, circular economy practices are becoming more prevalent. Other notable businesses are: Dirtt manufactures a component-led, modular, interior construction system that is shipped from their facilities in Canada. Holcim decarbonises buildings for a net-zero future by providing low-carbon products and solutions that allow the construction industry to build better with less. ALL CASE STUDIES

35571c7f-11f5-4ff4-b582-1dbcc4883a23 Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Copy link CIRCULÉIRE NON-MEMBER CASE STUDY COMPANY: IPERIONX WEBSITE: IPERIONX.COM SECTOR : ADVANCED MATERIALS PUBLISHED: 13 NOVEMBER 2025 TAGS: CRITICALRAWMATERIALS, TITANIUM, RECYCLING, SUPPLYCHAIN, RESOURCERECOVERY, AEROSPACE, ADVANCED-MATERIALS The Challenge Titanium is a critical mineral valued for its exceptional strength, light weight, and resistance to corrosion ( Schulz et al., 2017 ). It is an essential metal for industries such as aviation, shipbuilding, power generation, and medical implants, where durability and lightweight materials are crucial ( Schulz et al., 2017 ). Titanium dioxide (TiO2), an oxide form of titanium, is widely used in pigments and renewable energy applications due to its photocatalytic properties - its ability to use light to trigger chemical reactions that can, for example, enhance the efficiency of sunlight conversion into electricity in solar panels ( TDMA, 2023 ). Recognized as both a critical and strategic raw material under the European Union's Critical Raw Materials Act , titanium is vital for key sectors including civil aviation, defence, space, advanced manufacturing, and the green and digital transitions ( Joint Research Centre, 2025 ). Despite its importance, the EU relies heavily on imports of titanium minerals and metal, primarily from countries like China, Russia, and Ukraine, which exposes the supply chain to geopolitical risks, market concentration, and long lead times. These vulnerabilities have led the EU to prioritize circular economy strategies such as increased recycling, diversification of supply sources, and development of secondary raw materials to reduce import dependency and increase supply resilience ( Joint Research Centre, 2025 ). The extraction and processing of titanium has additional environmental and human health costs. Titanium mining can result in deforestation, habitat loss, and contamination of air and water - especially when waste is improperly managed ( Farjana et al., 2018 ). The overall process is energy- and water-intensive, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions and exacerbating water scarcity in mining regions. A Circular Solution IperionX, a U.S.-based producer of critical minerals and materials, has partnered with European metals recycler Aperam Recycling through its American entity ELG. ELG has longstanding expertise in sourcing and processing titanium, stainless steel, and superalloys, handling over one million metric tonnes of metal annually ( Aperam, 2024 ). Using University of Utah-developed technology, IperionX can produce competitively priced titanium metal from both mined mineral and scrap. Unlike the industry-standard Kroll process, their method enables 100% scrap usage, making a fully closed-loop circular system possible ( IperionX, 2025 ). IperionX utilises Hydrogen Assisted Metallothermic Reduction (HAMR), an energy efficient thermochemical process that can produce either Commercially Pure (CP) or alloyed titanium powders at low cost and with low carbon emissions in a sustainable closed loop ( IperionX, 2025 ). The IperionX Titanium Demonstration Facility has the capacity to produce 125 tonnes of titanium powder per year ( Stockhead, 2023 ) and the company has scale-up plans to achieve a capacity of 1,400 metric tonnes of titanium per year by mid-2027 ( Metal AM, 2023 ). Climate Impact Recycling titanium scrap into powder produces over 90% fewer greenhouse gas emissions than conventional plasma atomisation methods, resulting in a carbon footprint as low as 7.8 kg CO2e per kilogram ( IperionX, 2023 ). By relying on recycled feedstock, IperionX reduces the need for new mining, conserves natural resources, and minimises waste. Additionally, by producing titanium powder domestically, the U.S. can lower transport-related emissions and costs - addressing a major supply chain gap as the nation currently imports all high-quality titanium ( Stockhead, 2023 ). Replicability The titanium market, valued at $2.44 billion in 2023, is set to grow at over 6% annually through 2030, largely due to increased demand from aviation and industrial sectors ( Grand View Research ). The uptake of circular recycling approaches, like those of IperionX, is likely to accelerate as industries seek lower-carbon and resource-efficient solutions. European initiatives focusing on titanium recycling and sustainable production include: EcoTitanium (France), is a leading European plant specializing in recycling aerospace-grade titanium alloys using advanced furnace technology. The EcoTitanium recycling plant is supported by significant EU investment, and produces thousands of tons of titanium alloy annually while helping to reduce emissions compared to traditional ore-based production. EcoTitanium is currently the main large-scale titanium recycling facility in Europe and aims to strengthen European supply chains and reduce import dependency ( EIB, 2018 ). The EURO-Titan Project is a multi-partner EU-funded project working to establish low-carbon titanium metal production from industrial residues and scraps within Europe. It aims to create traceable, continuous titanium metal production aligned with decarbonization and supply chain resilience goals. ALL CASE STUDIES

62ad6c22-eef5-428a-be28-26e7b1e2fbab Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Copy link CIRCULÉIRE MEMBER CASE STUDY COMPANY: ECOROOTS WEBSITE: ECOROOT.CO SECTOR : PACKAGING PUBLISHED: 04 FEBRUARY 2026 TAGS: BIOMATERIALS, MYCELIUM PACKAGING, BIOECONOMY, WASTE VALORISATION, INDUSTRIAL SYMBIOSIS, PLASTIC ALTERNATIVES, COMPOSTABLE MATERIALS, DIGITAL TRACEABILITY Challenge Plastic packaging waste poses severe environmental threats, contributing to pollution, climate change, and biodiversity loss. In 2019, global plastics production emitted 1.8 billion tonnes of greenhouse gas (GHG), equivalent to 3.4% of global emissions, with 90% stemming from fossil fuel extraction and processing ( OECD, 2022 ). This is more than Russia’s 1.7 billion tonnes of annual emissions in 2021 ( UNFCCC, 2021 ). Packaging dominates the plastics market at around 60% of end-use demand, yet EU recycling rates for plastic packaging hover below 40% ( StopWaste, 2024 ). In Ireland, only 30% of plastic packaging waste was recycled in 2023, leaving approximately 250,000 tonnes unrecycled and triggering €200 million in EU Plastics Own Resourc e levies ( EPA Ireland, 2025 ). That's enough to fill roughly 100 Olympic-sized swimming pools, intensifying landfill burdens and ocean contamination. Circular Solution Ecoroots , a participant of the 2025 CIRCULÉIRE Venture Accelerator, produces mycelium-based biomaterials from agricultural and industrial waste, replacing plastic and polystyrene in protective packaging for fragile goods like cosmetics, beverages, and pharmaceuticals. The company grows mycelium, the root network of mushrooms, on waste substrates like spent grain from whiskey distilleries, forming a strong, mouldable bio-foam that is 100% compostable. Ecoroots employs a closed-loop process using waste heat and rainwater for zero-waste production. Its digital platform delivers end-to-end traceability by analysing waste inputs, optimising growth conditions (temperature, humidity, CO₂), preventing drying defects, storing recipes, enabling predictive adjustments, triggering parameter alerts, and generating batch-level QA, traceability records, and ESG reports. This supports modular on-site grow-units, allowing partners like distilleries to convert residues into custom packaging. Climate Impact Ecoroots diverts agricultural and industrial waste from landfills. Irish whiskey production alone creates 350,000 tonnes of spent grain annually ( Abolore, 2022 ), weighing 100,000 tonnes more than the world’s largest cruise ship. Each tonne of brewers’ spent grain landfilled emits 513 kilogrammes of CO 2 e ( LIFE-Brewery ). Ecoroots' materials decompose in 3-6 weeks in home compost, 90 days in landfills, or 180 days in oceans, enriching soil without microplastics ( Ecoroots, n.d .). Compared to polystyrene, mycelium production emits far fewer GHGs, sequesters carbon (up to 70% more in some substrates) ( BBC, n.d. ), and cuts energy use by 90%. Currently, 70% of Ireland's plastic packaging waste undergoes energy recovery incineration ( EPA Ireland, 2025 ). Ecoroots curbs landfill methane and incineration-related carbon emissions by displacing non-recyclable plastics with mycelium alternatives, while valorising spent grain for biodegradable packaging production. Replicability EU policies are accelerating the shift to circular packaging like Ecoroots' mycelium alternatives. The Single-Use Plastics Directive bans expanded polystyrene food and drink containers since 2021 ( EPA Ireland, 2025 ), while the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation mandates all packaging to be recyclable by 2030, alongside a 5% waste reduction target ( European Commission, 2025 ; REPAK, 2025 ). Coupled with CSRD-mandated ESG disclosures, these frameworks heighten demand for compostable, traceable alternatives that deliver measurable circularity. Europe's recyclable packaging market is projected to grow from 7.17 billion USD in 2025 to 12.26 billion USD by 2035 (CAGR 6%), driven by EU directives like PPWR targeting 55% plastic recycling by 2030 ( Towards Packaging, 2026 ). As regulations tighten on packaging and the recyclable packaging market expands, circular solutions like Ecoroots are primed to tackle pollution, climate change, and biodiversity loss, while valorising waste streams into revenue. Other companies tackling packaging waste include: Myco , a Czech biotech company that develops and manufactures 100% natural, biodegradable mycelium‑based materials. Rebox , CIRCULÉIRE member, provides a circular approach to cardboard packaging by prioritising reuse over recycling. Mondi advances flexible packaging circularity through its FlexStudios R&D, targeting 100% reusable/recyclable products by 2025. Note on By-Products & End of Waste A by-product is a residue left over from the production of another product. In Ireland, Regulation 27 of the Waste Directive sets out the circumstances in which a material can be considered a by-product and not a waste. It is essential you notify the EPA to determine if your material satisfies the criteria of a by-product. The EPA will confirm if it can be categorised as a by-product or if it must be categorised as a waste. If the substance is classified as a waste, then it may need to achieve End-of-Waste status via Article 28 of the Waste Directive to be kept in use as a resource. ALL CASE STUDIES

194c63c3-e43c-4b1a-8aa8-64d1987b2622 Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Copy link CIRCULÉIRE MEMBER CASE STUDY COMPANY: REZERO WEBSITE: REZEROMATERIAL.COM SECTOR : TEXTILES PUBLISHED: 13 AUGUST 2025 TAGS: SUSTAINABLE FASHION, WASTE TO VALUE, INNOVATION, CIRCULAR FASHION, TEXTILE RECYCLING, MATERIAL INNOVATION, CELLULOSE ACETATE, ETHICAL FASHION The Challenge The fashion industry is responsible for approximately 10% of global carbon emissions ( UNRIC, 2024 ), nearly double the combined annual emissions of France, Germany, and the United Kingdom ( EDGAR, 2024 ). Yet, despite its massive environmental footprint, 85% of textiles end up in landfills or are incinerated, with only a small fraction being recycled ( UNRIC, 2024 ). The three main drivers of the fashion industry’s pollution impacts are dyeing and finishing (36%), yarn preparation (28%) and fibre production (15%) ( Quantis, 2018 ). As a result of fibre production’s impact, man-made cellulosic fibres (MMCFs), commonly made from wood pulp, are one alternative to cotton or synthetic fibres receiving increased attention from the industry ( UNCCD, 2024 ). Cellulose is a natural polymer found in plants which is commonly sourced from cotton linters (short fibres on the cotton seed) and wood pulp ( Sid et al., 2021 ). Cellulose Acetate (CA) a plant-based plastic, is created through reacting purified cellulose with acetic anhydride, using acetic acid and most commonly sulfuric acid. CA is used to make a variety of consumer products including textiles, plastics, films, and cigarette filters. Historically, within the fashion industry CA fibre is known as ‘artificial silk’, offering a drape, feel and sheen similar to silk, but costing much less ( Yardblox, n.d .). It was extremely popular up until the 1970s when its market share declined in favour of cheaper and more durable fully-synthetic fibres like polyester ( Law, 2004 ). Though it currently represents less than one percent of the world's total fibre consumption it is still commonly used for its silk-like properties in garments such as evening wear and formal dresses, and suit and jacket linings ( Law, 2004 ). As a thermoplastic (a plastic that is pliable or moldable at certain temperatures and solidifies after cooling) CA is desirable for injection-molded products. Known for its mechanical strength, toughness, wear resistance and transparency, and ease of moldability ( Britannica, n.d.) CA is a material of choice for high-end eyewear frames ( Ray-Ban, n.d.) and for arguably one of the most important and ubiquitous fashion items, the humble button. As global fashion brands seek to tackle the environmental damage caused by the industry the demand for recycled materials is increasing. The global recycled plastics market is currently valued at USD 85.90 billion and projected to grow to USD 149.25 billion by 2032 ( Markets and Markets, 2025 ). One source for high quality recycled CA comes from an unexpected place... The Circular Opportunity Approximately 80% of all CA production is used to make cigarette filters ( C&EN, 2016 ). In 2023, more than 600 million illegal cigarettes were seized in EU operations involving the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) ( TJI, 2024 ). In 2024, 112 million illegal cigarettes were seized in Ireland ( Revenue, 2025 ). Typically, seized cigarettes are destroyed by incineration but Irish company and CIRCULÉIRE member Rezero is working to make sure that valuable material doesn’t go to waste. Working with customs in Ireland and several EU countries, Rezero recycles cellulose acetate from seized cigarette butts, preventing the versatile material from being incinerated while reducing CO 2 emissions and avoiding the production of virgin CA ( Irish Times, 2024 ). The company turns their recycled CA it into premium fashion accessories, such as buttons, frames for glasses, and yarn fibres. They have also developed their own Re-Fil Fibre for wadding, insulation and acoustic panels. Their mechanical, chemical-free recycling process produces OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified acetate and is free from harmful substances ( Rezero, n.d.). Rezero supply customers with raw material, but their mission is to become the leading EU button and fashion accessory provider, suppling sustainable buttons of any shape, size and colour. They have already begun working with fashion designers and high-profile luxury fashion brands ( Irish Times, 2024 ). As the fashion industry looks to increase the sustainability of their products, Rezero aims to capitalise on this drive by becoming a premium recycled material supplier for numerous brands. By focussing on buttons, an accessory that practically every brand needs, Rezero has a broad potential customer base. Climate Impact Rezero estimate approximately 700 billion unconsumed cigarettes are incinerated around the globe annually contributing to air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions ( Rezero, n.d. ). For every 100kg of cellulose acetate fibre manufactured by Rezero they prevent the felling of one tree and avoid up to 184 kg of CO 2 emissions from incineration ( Rezero, n.d. ). Since 2021, Rezero have saved over 160 million units of cigarettes from incineration and are aiming to recycle 1 billion filters by 2026. By repurposing low-value cigarette butts into high-value accessories for the fashion industry, Rezero helps avoid the unnecessary extraction of virgin resources while promoting sustainable and circular practices within the industry. Replicability The fashion industry has a huge sustainability problem and pressures to reduce the industry’s negative impacts on the environment are increasing. Examples of brands already engaging with their impacts: Marchon Eyewear produce and sell frames using Eastman Acetate Renew™, a sustainable material made from bio-based and recycled materials certified by the International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC). Patagonia source MMCFs from sustainably grown wood, waste streams, and fibre-production processes that use less harmful chemistries, including Eastmans cellulose acetate Naia® Renew fibre. ALL CASE STUDIES

3496cd27-edd3-42f2-a017-682ae4600cfe Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Copy link CIRCULÉIRE NON-MEMBER CASE STUDY COMPANY: BRITISH SUGAR WEBSITE: BRITISHSUGAR.CO.UK SECTOR : FOOD & BEVERAGE PUBLISHED: 03 JULY 2025 TAGS: FOOD & BEVERAGE, INDUSTRIAL SYMBIOSIS (IS), BIOECONOMY, CIRCULAR BUSINESS MODELS, NEW REVENUE STREAMS, INNOVATION, WASTE VALORISATION About British Sugar Located in Wissington, Norfolk, British Sugar is the United Kingdom’s (UK) largest sugar beet refinery. In 1912 their first factory was built in Cantley, Norfolk, and in 1936 the factories were amalgamated into the British Sugar Corporation to manage the entire domestic crop. The Challenge Industrial Symbiosis (IS) is a form of circular economy that connects businesses from various industries to increase waste valorisation, improve resource efficiency, and reduce environmental impact ( Trokanas et al., 2014 ). The gradual opening of the UK sugar market to global competition, as well as the subsequent competition with low- cost sugar produced in developing nations, contributed to a change in the global market ( Benedetti, 2017 ). The main challenge that led British Sugar to implement industrial symbiosis (IS) was the need to adapt and maintain its competitive advantage in this changing global market ( Benedetti, 2017 ). The Circular Solution in Practice British Sugar is the leading producer of sugar for the British and Irish food and beverage sectors, processing about eight million tonnes of sugar beet and producing up to 1.2 million tonnes of sugar each year. They work in partnership with over 2,300 growers. They utilise waste materials from their sugar production process, as well as certain external partnerships, to make 12 different saleable products ( EU, 2023 ). Their innovative manufacturing approach also allows them to create co-products ranging from power generation and bioethanol to animal feed and much more. For instance, the beet washing residual soil is sold under a different brand called Topsoil ( Shi et al., 2021 ). The limestone used for purification is utilised to produce a lime substance that regulates soil acidity to improve soil quality, and this business has become the primary source of agricultural lime in Britain ( Shi et al., 2021 ). They also use the highly concentrated CO2 and waste heat generated during the manufacturing process in the greenhouse to create better growing conditions for tomatoes, making them Europe’s second largest tomato supplier ( Shi et al., 2021 ). These initiatives created significant economic value by generating new revenue streams and reducing waste disposal costs ( Shi et al., 2021 ). The Wissington facility processes 3.5 million tonnes of sugar beet every year, yet less than 100 tonnes of waste is sent to the landfill ( Shi et al., 2021 ). Environmental Impact Since 2014, these processes have resulted in a 26% reduction in water usage, a 12% reduction in energy usage and a 17% reduction in CO2. The factories operate using management systems accredited to ISO 9001, ISO 14001, OHSAS 18001, ISO 50001, BRC and FEMAS. Moreover, British Sugar is playing a part in meeting the industry-focused goals of the United Nation’s 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, such as SDG9 ‘Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation’. Focusing on continuous improvement, the company supported this goal by applying a circular solution that helped reduce its end-to-end supply chain water and CO2 footprints by 30%, and by ensuring all plastic packaging is reusable, recyclable, biodegradable and / or compostable and providing access to objective scientific advice on sugar. Replicability The British Sugar case illustrates how the groundwork of Industrial Symbiosis can create opportunities for business innovation towards sustainability, by seeking opportunities to turn waste streams and emissions from core production processes into useful and positive inputs to new product lines. Replicability enhances the goal of reusing networked resources including water, energy, and materials both within a single company or industry or across multiple businesses in traditionally separate industries. Another significant IS project is Kalundborg Symbiosis , the world’s first IS initiative that has evolved over the past 50 years. This partnership of 17 public and private companies has more than 30 different streams of excess resources flowing between them. ALL CASE STUDIES

67923338-9d95-44a5-80e3-2fb0b2337bdf Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Copy link CIRCULÉIRE MEMBER CASE STUDY COMPANY: ERIU WEBSITE: ERIU.EU SECTOR : TEXTILES PUBLISHED: 24 APRIL 2024 TAGS: TEXTILES, BIOECONOMY The Challenge Sheep farming is Ireland’s fourth most important animal enterprise ( Teagasc, 2023 ). Wool is a natural, biodegradable, and renewable fibre and is abundant in Ireland due to the key role of sheep farming. Wool was considered as an agricultural product in the EU until 2002, and it was a source of income for the farmers who operated in the sector. Wool’s categorisation altered through a series of EU regulations and is now currently classified as a Category 3 waste product alongside animal carcasses (DAFM, 2022 ). Wool must now be transferred to specialised processing facilities, which means high reprocessing costs and uncertain earnings for many farmers. All treatment of recovered materials needs to adhere to the guidelines of Ireland’s Environmental Protection Agency . This regulatory change, coupled with the rapid decline in the usage of natural fibres in favour of synthetic fibre production, resulted in the devaluation of wool. Farmers in Ireland are only paid 20 cents per kg ( DAFM, 2022 ), which is considerably less than the cost of shearing. This leaves farmers with no incentive to care for their wool or breed for wool quality. Currently, some sheep farmers are storing years’ worth of wool in their sheds or storage warehouses ( O’Riordan, 2022 ), which compromises the condition of the wool. The Circular Opportunity Currently, synthetic, petroleum-based polymers account for two-thirds of all textile items ( Henry, Laitala and Klepp 2019 ). Laundering synthetic clothes accounts for 35% of primary microplastics released into the environment ( De Falco et al., 2019 ). Sheep wool, on the other hand, is a natural biodegradable and renewable fibre which at the end of its life poses no threat to human health or the environment ( DAFM, 2022 ). Properties in wool also allow it to be used for purposes such as fertiliser and insulation. Wool is an excellent insulator and thermo- regulator. It responds to variations in body temperature, keeping the wearer warmer when cold and cooler when warm. It is odour and wrinkle resistant, so does not need to be washed as frequently as other fibre types, conserving water, and energy ( DAFM 2023 ). According to recent studies, regenerative wool can store carbon from the environment, thereby minimising the impacts of climate change ( Colley et al., 2020 ). The Circular Solution In Practice Ériu , a 2023 CIRCULEIRE New Venture, founded in 2021, manufactures yarn from the wool that is hand-selected, processed and designed entirely in Ireland. Ériu is the first Irish knitwear brand whose products are exclusively Irish sourced and manufactured using a ‘Farm to Yarn’ sustainable initiative. Ériu contributes to the Irish economy by sourcing wool from a trusted network of farmers around Ireland, as well as from their own farm in Wicklow. They offer farmers EUR €2.50 per kg of wool, which is more than 10 times market price. Donegal Yarns processes the wool locally, and Irish knitters in Dublin make it. Aside from local collaborations, they have established their own facility for processing wool on the farm which they intend to roll out in stages. The first stage is scouring, where they will wash the wool softly and sustainably using biodiverse methods. They already have equipment for additional stages, which will further enable an expansion of their Farm-to- Yarn networks to source and incentivise more wool collection, and create more opportunities for an expanding range of wool products. Replicability The global wool market is expected to grow from $37.06 billion in 2022 to $45.05 billion in 2027 ( The Business Research Company, 2023 ). As consumers are becoming more conscious of the environmental degradation caused by synthetic textile production there has been a rise in demand for sustainable and ethically produced textiles ( Granskog et al., 2020 ). In light of these factors, Irish wool is expected to hold significant potential for the textile sector’s sustainable transition. Ériu has an unparalleled opportunity to be at the forefront of revitalising the Irish wool market . As circularity in the textiles and fashion sector continues to be encouraged, a few companies worth mentioning include: Infinited Fiber , a Finnish company that has developed a technology that converts textile waste into a premium-quality circular textile fibre, which reduces the world’s reliance on virgin raw materials. Our Choice Fashion, based in Luxemburg, manufactures circular leather sneakers that are 100% plastic free, repairable, and recyclable. ALL CASE STUDIES

f74e8719-ca2e-43f8-9b65-516d56caea47 Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Copy link CIRCULÉIRE NON-MEMBER CASE STUDY COMPANY: KUJALA WASTE CENTRE WEBSITE: Salpakierto.fi/en/ SECTOR : WASTE PUBLISHED: 01 JULY 2025 TAGS: INDUSTRIAL SYMBIOSIS (IS), RESOURCE EFFICIENCY, WASTE VALORISATION, WASTE MANAGEMENT About Kujala Waste Centre The Kujala Waste Centre in the city of Lahti, Finland, collects biowaste and bio residues and processes these into biogas, biofuel, compost, and fertilizer. The centre also collects hazardous Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE ( EU, 2019 ). The main operator at Kujala Waste Centre is Päijät‐ Häme Waste Management Ltd (PHJ), which provides waste management for ten municipalities and offers seven waste reception stations for residents. The Challenge As the global population grows and urbanisation expands, so does industry. However, increased industrialisation leads to greater waste generation. According to the World Bank, the world generates 2.01 billion tonnes of waste yearly, with this amount projected to rise to 3.40 billion tonnes by 2050 ( Kaza et al., 2021 ). The Circular Solution PHJ has employed the principles of industrial symbiosis (IS) in the city of Lahti to optimise waste processing, treatment, and recycling. IS is a form of circular economy that connects businesses from various industries to increase waste valorisation, improve resource efficiency, and reduce environmental impact ( Trokanas et al., 2014 ). The Kujala Waste Centre project has various waste related businesses in a single location spanning 70 hectares ( Ministry of the Environment of Finland, 2022 ), allowing outputs from one business to be easily transferred to another for reuse or further processing. Salpakierto contributes to developing IS in the Kujala Waste Centre and invites new companies to the area ( Ministry of the Environment of Finland, 2022 ). Tarpaper Recycling Finland Ltd. has a facility in the Kujala Waste Centre where it receives, stores and processes roofing felt containing bitumen ( Ministry of the Environment of Finland, 2022 ). The roofing felt is crushed into bitumen crumbs, which is used as a bitumen substitute in the asphalt sector, such as at NCC Industry Ltd.’s asphalt factory in Kujala ( Ministry of the Environment of Finland, 2022 ). Climate Impact Kujala Waste Centre receives approximately 200,000 tonnes of waste every year. Approximately 85,000 tonnes of the waste received is municipal, and the remaining 115,000 tonnes is production waste. Nearly 100% of the material is recovered ( Ministry of the Environment of Finland, 2022 ). In 2018, the amount of energy generated from landfill waste was equivalent to the annual heating energy consumption of roughly 13,900 detached houses ( EU , 2019 ). About 70% of landfill gas is directed to Hartwall Ltd.’s soft drink factory, where it is used to create steam for bottle washing ( Ministry of the Environment of Finland, 2022 ), and around 30% of the biogas is utilized at the Kujala Waste Centre to generate electricity and heat at the microturbine factory ( Ministry of the Environment of Finland, 2022 ). Replicability Replicability can be inspired by the Lahti region’s municipality approach in coordinating the principles of industrial symbiosis and waste management practices. In 2022, Ireland's municipal waste recycling rate was 41%, meaning the country will face significant challenges to meet the upcoming EU recycling targets for 2025 to 2035 ( Environmental Protection Agency, 2024 ). Ireland is also strongly reliant on export markets, particularly for municipal waste, hazardous waste, packaging waste, WEEE and biowastes treatment. An estimated 39% of all municipal waste managed was exported in 2022 ( Environmental Protection Agency, 2024 ). so the country is clearly missing out on opportunities for repurposing waste materials. Addressing this waste management issue would also aid Ireland in meeting its commitments under the EU Circular Economy Action Plan, the EU Green Deal and the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Some significant IS projects include: Kalundborg Symbiosis , the world’s first IS initiative that has evolved over the past 50 years, with a partnership of 17 public and private companies, with more than 30 different streams of excess resources flowing between them. British Sugar is the leading producer of sugar for the British and Irish food and beverage sectors, they utilise waste materials from their sugar production process, as well as certain external partnerships, to make 12 different saleable products ( European Union, 2023 ). ALL CASE STUDIES

63d81167-45f8-4294-8bc6-b8095f5b3584 Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Copy link CIRCULÉIRE NON-MEMBER CASE STUDY COMPANY: KALUNBORG SYMBIOSIS WEBSITE: SYMBIOSIS.DK SECTOR : ENERGY, CONSTRUCTION, PHARMACEUTICALS, MEDTECH, ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES, AGRICULTURE, AQUACULTURE PUBLISHED: 04 JULY 2025 TAGS: INDUSTRIAL SYMBIOSIS, WASTE VALORISATION, RESOURCE EFFICIENCY, HEAT EXCHANGE About Kalunborg Symbiosis Kalundborg is a city in Denmark where big industrial companies work together across sectors to share excess energy, water, and materials, so less goes to waste. As public and private companies are physically connected, one company’s surplus of resources adds value to another. Today, more than 30 different streams of excess resources flow between the companies, creating a symbiosis of resource exchange, adding more resilience and profit to the partners. The Challenge The world population is growing, and urbanisation is spreading, hence industry is expanding. Every year, 100 billion tonnes of raw material are extracted from the earth, which is comparable to demolishing two-thirds of Mount Everest every year ( Miller, 2021). However, increased industrialisation is driving increased waste generation. The World Bank estimates that the world generates 2.01 billion tonnes of waste each year, with that figure anticipated to rise to 3.4 billion tonnes by 2050 ( Kaza et al., 2021 ). But, amongst the discarded waste are treasures for certain industries and Kalundborg Symbiosis is an example of an initiative capitalising on that potential. The Circular Solution in Practice Kalundborg Symbiosis is the world’s first industrial symbiosis (IS) initiative that has evolved over the past 50 years, with a partnership of 17 public and private companies. IS is a form of circular economy that connects businesses from various industries to increase waste valorisation, improve resource efficiency, and reduce environmental impact ( Trokanas et al., 2014 ). The Kalundborg network began in 1961 with a project to use surface water from Lake Tissø for a new oil refinery ( UNEP ). To preserve the limited ground water supply, the city of Kalundborg built the pipeline using funding from the refinery ( UNEP ). Following that, many other collaborative initiatives were established, with the number of partners gradually increasing ( UNEP ). By the end of the 1980’s, the partners realised that they had developed an IS ( UNEP ). IS provides mutual economic and environmental benefits for the partners. Some valuable initiatives include the elimination of 3500 oil-fired domestic furnaces since 1981 and distribution of heat from the Asnaes Power Station, Denmark’s largest power plant, via an underground pipe network ( Doty, 2023 ). Homeowners pay for the piping but receive affordable, dependable heat in exchange ( Doty, 2023 ). The power plant supplies cooling water to an on-site fish farm that produces roughly 200 tonnes of trout per year ( Doty, 2023 ). Asnaes also provides process steam to neighbouring companies, Novo Nordisk and Statoil ( Doty, 2023 ). Climate Impact Currently, every year, the symbiosis saves the partners and environment: 4 billion litres of groundwater by using surface water instead 586.000 tonnes of CO2 62.000 tonnes of residual materials recycled including waste, gypsum, fly ash, sulphur, bioethanol, sand, sludge, C5/C6 sugars, lignin, NovoGro 30, ethanol waste and biomass. In addition, 80% of the emissions in the Symbiosis has been reduced since 2015, and the local energy supply is now carbon neutral. While the fossil fuel industry is at the heart of the Kalunborg network, and that industry is by far the largest contributor to global climate change ( UN, 2023 ), there is still a lot to be learned from Kalundborg’s decades of experience in industrial symbiosis. Replicability The European Union has 6656 industrial facilities, with approximately 43 million alternatives for collaboration ( Quintana, Chamkhi, and Bredimas, 2020 ). As a result, there are numerous opportunities for IS, however; there are a few factors to consider for a successful project. The SCALER (SCALing European Resources with industrial symbiosis) Project 2018 report on lessons learnt and best practices for enhancing industrial symbiosis in the process industry makes three main recommendations to the business community involved in or considering IS: Leadership : There must be strong leadership and commitment from top management to shift the organisational mindset away from linear processes and towards IS. Long-term commitment is vital to under-pin IS for economic, social, and environmental benefits to be realised. Initially, synergistic initiatives need to be small scale to build capability, capacity and most importantly confidence before attempting bolder steps. Internal organisational IS structure : A dedicated organisational structure to explore and drive synergistic opportunities is required because it will deliver more rapid progress than project-based assignments. A noteworthy example of IS in Ireland is Well Spent Grain , a CIRCULEIRE New Venture, they collect brewer’s spent grain from brewers like Rascals Brewing Company and transform it into Born- Again Bites, a healthy and delicious snack. ALL CASE STUDIES

fdede40f-096c-41a9-adc3-053d6c2210ec Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Copy link CIRCULÉIRE MEMBER CASE STUDY COMPANY: EVOLVE WEBSITE: HTTPS://WWW.EVOLVEAUTO.IE/ SECTOR : AUTOMOTIVE PUBLISHED: 24 APRIL 2024 TAGS: REPAIR, CIRCULAR BUSINESS MODEL The Challenge Every year, an estimated 8 to 9 million tonnes of waste is generated from the disposal of End-of-Life Vehicles (ELVs) ( EPA , 2023 ). That’s equivalent to the weight of approximately 19,000 Boeing 747s. In addition, around 3.5 million vehicles disappear without a trace from EU roads each year, and are exported, or disposed of illegally ( EC , 2023 ). Since 2015, EU Member States are required to meet rates of ≥85% for reuse-and-recycling and ≥95% for reuse and recovery ( Eurostat, 2023 ). An estimated 145,628 ELVs were treated in Ireland in 2021, equating to an estimated 154,365 tonnes of waste. That’s about the same weight as 345 Boeing 747s. In 2021, Ireland achieved a reuse and recycling rate of 87.81% compared with the EU target of 85% and a reuse and recovery rate of 95.74% compared with the EU target of 95% ( EPA , 2023 ). The production of vehicles is one of the most resource- intensive industries. The automotive industry in the EU is the number one consumer of aluminium (42%), magnesium (44%), platinum group metals (63%), natural rubber (67%) and rare earth elements (30% and growing exponentially) ( EC , 2023 ). The Circular Opportunity With so many critical raw materials tied up in the production of vehicles the EU has prioritised the implementation of circular economy principles to recover those materials and to reduce the environmental impact of their disposal and the need for replacing them with virgin materials. The Circular Solution In Practice Evolve , is an independent technology- driven supply chain solution aimed at streamlining the sourcing of green auto parts for automotive businesses. Green auto parts are undamaged Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) parts that have been taken from a vehicle during the disassembly and recycling process which can be reused for the repair of vehicles still in service. Evolve brings together green auto parts suppliers (vehicle recyclers) and green auto parts consumers (insurers, repairers, fleets, etc.) from across Ireland and the United Kingdom in a structured, value-driven manner. To ensure that only the highest-quality green parts enter the repair cycle, all Evolve-supplied green parts are graded to the Vehicle Remarketing Association (VRA) standards. The Evolve OS technology platform, which interfaces seamlessly with clients’ workflows to deliver feasible and value- driven green parts solutions in seconds, is at the heart of the market-leading service. Evolve provides measurable net carbon emissions savings, sustainability impacts and commercial savings. Opting for green auto parts prevents the need for new parts to be manufactured, therefore creating significant energy and resource savings. It also prevents high quality used parts from ending up in landfills. Reusing vehicle parts saves approximately 35.3 gigajoules of energy and 1,887 kg of CO2 per vehicle ( Sato, 2018 ). An Garda Síochána, the Irish police force, saved the equivalent of 38,477 kg of CO2 in 2022 by acquiring 551 reclaimed vehicle parts of various makes and models. They aquired the parts for its fleet from Evolve’s partner Ted4Parts, as opposed to purchasing newly made vehicle parts. This is an average savings of 94% net carbon dioxide equivalent for An Garda Síochána ( FleetCar, 2023 ). Replicability The automotive industry accounts for more than 7% of the EU’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) ( EC, 2023 ). The EU’s ELV Directive sets clear targets for ELVs and their components. It also prohibits the use of hazardous substances when manufacturing new vehicles (especially lead, mercury, cadmium and hexavalent chromium) except in defined exemptions when there are no adequate alternatives ( EC, 2023 ). Furthermore, consumer expectations are shifting, emphasising the importance of sustainable practises. Evolve has successfully integrated a circular business model into a thriving automobile market in order to reduce CO2 emissions and virgin resource use, while also helping Ireland reach its targets under the ELV Directive. Repair, recovery, and reuse are becoming more prevalent as nations aim to achieve their climate targets. Some examples worth mentioning include: Norsk Ombruk a Norwegian household electronic appliance remanufacturing firm that was established in 2014. Synetiq a car salvage, green auto parts supplier, vehicle repairing, and automobile software solutions provider based in the UK and founded in 1939. ALL CASE STUDIES

8e6b311c-1b69-4b7d-bc5b-d08ce03d5ed8 Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Copy link 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