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Irish Manufacturing Research Unit A, Aerodrome Business Park, Rathcoole, Co. Dublin D24 WC04 Irish Manufacturing Research, National Science Park, Dublin Rd, Mullingar, N91 TX80 08.30 – 17.00 Monday – Friday +353 (0) 1 567 5000 circuleire@imr.ie First Name Last Name Email Type of Enquiry Choose an option Send

67923338-9d95-44a5-80e3-2fb0b2337bdf 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

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

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

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

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

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

2a208ad2-ef29-48f1-a9e7-818bcb4789e1 CIRCULÉIRE MEMBER CASE STUDY COMPANY: GREENIT WEBSITE: GREENIT.IE SECTOR : ELECTRONICS PUBLISHED: 23 JULY 2025 TAGS: REMANUFACTURE, REFURBISH, REPAIR, WEEE The Challenge Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) is the world's fastest-growing waste stream ( ILO, 2014 cited in WHO, 2024 ). Global e-waste production soared by 82% between 2010 and 2022 to reach a record 62 million tonnes ( UNITAR, 2024 ), a growth rate nearly six times faster than that of the world's population. To put this in perspective, that volume of e-waste could fill 1.55 million 40-tonne trucks, roughly enough to form a bumper-to-bumper line encircling the equator ( UNITAR, 2024 ). Yet only 22.3% of the WEEE was formally collected and recycled ( UNITAR, 2024 ). Large amounts of resources are utilised throughout the life cycle of electronic equipment, including mining, manufacturing, transport, retail, consumption, and disposal ( Meidl, 2023 ). An estimated 31 million tonnes of metals were embedded in e-waste in 2022, with a value of US $91 billion, including US $19 billion in copper, US $15 billion in gold, and US $16 billion in iron ( UNITAR, 2024 ). WEEE is often incinerated, dumped in landfills, or exported to developing countries at end-of-life ( Meidl, 2023 ). When e-waste is improperly recycled, it can release up to 1000 different chemical substances into the environment, including known neurotoxicants such as lead, leaving pregnant women and children particularly vulnerable ( WHO, 2024 ). In 2020, an estimated 580 MtCO₂e (Megatonnes of CO 2 e) were emitted by WEEE ( Singh and Ogunseitan, 2022 ), which is equivalent to the CO 2 emissions from 153 coal-fired [EV1] power plants in one year ( EPA.gov , 2024 ). Extracting valuable materials from e-waste is essential to avoid further environmental degradation. E-waste management globally prevents 93 MtCO₂e emissions in the form of refrigerants in temperature exchange equipment (41 MtCO₂e) and through the lower greenhouse gas emissions obtained by recycling metals versus mining (52 MtCO₂e) ( UNITAR, 2024 ). The Circular Solution Remanufacturing is one of the 10 R-strategies of a circular economy. A remanufactured product uses parts from a discarded product in a new product with the same function ( Potting et al, 2017 ). Importantly, a remanufactured product must perform at the same level or higher than the original product, and it must have a warranty of the same or longer duration ( Tant et al., 2018 ). Remanufactured products are disassembled, all components are cleaned, reassembled, tested, and repaired as needed ( Tant et al., 2018 ). GreenIT , an Irish SME and CIRCULÉIRE member, offers high-quality remanufactured laptops to the mainstream consumer as well as public sector bodies. Their preowned remanufactured laptops have been restored to a like-new condition, inside-and-out, through comprehensive testing, repair and updating of hardware and software components. The laptops go through the BSI (British Standards Institution) Kitemark certified Circular Remanufacturing Process where preowned laptops are inspected, disassembled, restored, re-assembled, tested and finished, meaning that every laptop must meet or exceed the quality and performance of new products ( BSI, 2023 ). GreenIT source laptops through a diverse network including corporate trade-ins and electronic recycling programmes. If deemed suitable for remanufacture all data on the laptops is securely erased, and key components such as the hard drive, memory, battery, and motherboard are tested for functionality. Any defective or outdated parts are replaced with new or refurbished components. The laptops are cleaned, and cosmetic damages, such as scratches or dents, are repaired. If necessary, they may be repainted or reskinned. The operating system and drivers are freshly installed, and the laptops undergo rigorous final testing to ensure they operate good-as-new. To guarantee their reliability, every GreenIT remanufactured laptop comes with a 3-5 year extended warranty, and cost up to 40% less than a new version of the same laptop ( GreenIT, 2024 ). In 2024, the Republic of Ireland’s Office of Government Procurement (OGP) launched a new ‘first-of-its-kind’ framework for public bodies to acquire remanufactured laptops ( Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation, 2024 ). The contract was granted to GreenIT who tendered as the lead entity in a consortium with Circular Computing , a UK-based company that specialises in the remanufacturing of enterprise-grade laptops ( Pepper, 2024 ). The contract is valued at up to EUR €30 million and aligns with the circular economy objectives outlined in the Green Public Procurement Strategy and Action Plan 2024-2027 ( DCEE, 2024 ). Green Public Procurement is the process by which public bodies aim to procure goods, services and works that have lower environmental impact throughout their life cycle as compared to goods, services and works with the same primary function that would otherwise be procured ( DCEE; OGP, 2024 ). Climate Impact Approximately 60,000 remanufactured laptops could be procured by public bodies throughout the four-year term, extending the life cycle of the laptops and minimising WEEE generation ( Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation, 2024 ). Purchasing a remanufactured laptop instead of a new one saves around 310 kilogrammes of CO 2 e ( Yuksek et al., 2023 ). Moreover, remanufacturing laptops can decrease energy consumption during manufacturing by up to 80% by eliminating raw material extraction and processing ( Yuksek et al., 2023 ). Furthermore, remanufactured laptops save about 190,000 litres of water per laptop due to the absence of primary resource extraction and refinement, and new product component production ( Maalouf et al., 2015 ). The Irish Government estimate the contract will equate to a reduction of 19 million Kgs CO 2 , preserve 72 million Kgs of mined resources and save 11 billion litres of water ( Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation, 2024 ). Replicability Ireland’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is EUR €506.30 billion ( Central Statistics Office, 2024 ). The annual public sector purchasing accounts for 10% to 12% of the country’s GDP ( DCEE; OGP, 2024 ), which represents a significant portion of economic activity and demand. As a result, Ireland’s public sector has the capacity to drive the procurement of more resource-efficient, less polluting goods, services and works within the marketplace. This is a great advantage for companies who embed circular principles into their business models when competing for government tenders. A noteworthy example is: Evolve , a CIRCULÉIRE Member, are an independent technology-driven supply chain solution that streamlines the sourcing of remanufactured green auto parts for automotive businesses. In 2022, An Garda Síochána, the Irish police force, saved the equivalent of 38,477 Kg of CO 2 by acquiring 551 reclaimed vehicle parts of various makes and models from Evolve ( Fleetcar, 2023 ). ALL CASE STUDIES

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05814e72-2073-4602-bc35-9357c56238a0 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