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Transition Year students learned about circularity through life-cycle analysis of a smartphone “Do you know what circular economy is?” followed by nods and curious eyes was how CIRCULÉIRE started its presentation as part of Engineers Week 2022. Later on during the workshop, students reflected on their smartphones and how they could redesign them considering the circular economy through a practical exercise using the principles of life-cycle analysis (LCA). LCA is a method used to evaluate the environmental impact of a product through its life cycle: extraction and processing of the raw materials, manufacturing, distribution, use, recycling, and disposal, for example. CIRCULÉIRE welcomed Transition Year students from St. Oliver’s Community College and Bush Post Primary School on the 2nd and 3rd of March. Furthermore, on March 9th, students from Clonaslee College also joined the activities at Irish Manufacturing Research (IMR) Lab in Mullingar. Approximately 70 post-primary students (15-16 years old) and their respective teachers participated in the outreach programme. “We like to use smartphones as an example to talk about circular economy because usually young people are extremely connected to their device, but they don’t know or haven’t had the opportunity to consider the design and production processes before it comes to their hands or even what happens to their old phones when they buy a new one”, explains Dr Geraldine Brennan, CIRCULÉIRE’s Lead and IMR’s Head of Circular Economy. Students also had the chance to see 3D printing machines, collaborative robots, and experience virtual and augmented reality. “We really enjoyed the experience and some of our students chatting away about 3D printing and some of the robots on the bus on the way back to school. They gained a lot from the experience. It’s great to bring STEM to life and see its applications in person”, said James Madden, Science teacher at Clonaslee College. Outreach Activities CIRCULÉIRE in collaboration with IMR’s Outreach team have been working to reach out to students and talk about circular economy and its role in the transition towards a more sustainable world. Last year, students were introduced to the cutting-edge technologies that are being used in manufacturing. The group from Clonaslee College, for example, participated in an initiative during Science Week 2021, where they were invited to submit a video recording answering the question “ How could circular economy be implemented in your school?” . Due to COVID-19 restrictions, their opportunity to visit IMR’s Lab had to be delayed until March 9th 2022. “IMR’s outreach team aims to engage students from all backgrounds, in Manufacturing and STEM education programmes in order to increase awareness and improve knowledge of its role in our society”, says Isabel Meza, Outreach and Education Programme Lead. About CIRCULÉIRE CIRCULÉIRE is a public-private partnership co-created by Irish Manufacturing Research (IMR) and three strategic partners: the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications (DECC) , the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and EIT Climate-KIC . Together with industry partners CIRCULÉIRE aims to assist manufacturers and their supply chains to switch from linear to circular business models. Read more about CIRCULÉIRE here .

We are looking for specialists in End of Waste, By-Products and Waste Licensing Pathfinders Deadline for applying is 27th April 2022 Click here for the scope of work and expected outputs Download the Excel Application Form Do you have a deep understanding of the Irish waste management and circular economy policy landscape, and a proven track record providing technical expertise to industry with successful End-of-Waste and By-Product applications and waste licensing compliance? Do you have demonstrated experience facilitating groups and successfully leading co-design and ideation workshops or events? If so, CIRCULÉIRE wants to hear from you. CIRCULÉIRE is requesting applications from suitably qualified ‘Expert Facilitators’ to lead its forthcoming Thematic Working Group on ‘End of Waste, By-products and Waste Licensing Pathfinders’ . Thematic Working Group (TWG) Process and Aims Each year for the duration of the programme, CIRCULÉIRE’s industry members vote on topics that they deem strategically important to enabling – or preventing - their transition to a circular economy. In 2022, End of Waste, By-Products and Waste Licensing was selected as the top priority topic for the network to run a Thematic Working Group. End-of-waste and by-product notifications are recognised as playing a key role in a circular economy. They do this by helping to establish a market for a wide range of secondary raw materials, improving resource management, encouraging symbiotic industrial practices, and preventing resources from being sent for disposal. By maintaining resource value within the economy, the successful application of end-of-waste and by-product status reduces the environmental impacts arising from waste disposal. Nevertheless, end-of-waste and by-product regulations are often poorly understood by certain sectors of Irish industry, which amongst other challenges, can result in poor engagement or unsuccessful applications. The aims of this TWG are thus as follows: Increase CIRCULÉIRE’s Industry Members’ knowledge and understanding of the EoW and By-products regulatory regime (particularly within the context of responsible innovation and circular economy); Clarify the roles and responsibilities of key stakeholders within the wider regulatory regime , such as local authorities, the EPA, DAFM etc.; Co-produce high-quality thought leadership with input from the panel members and CIRCULÉIRE’s Industry Members aimed at advancing the Irish industry’s circular transition (proposing practical, actionable recommendations as appropriate); To design and deliver 2x Ideation Workshops where the working group identify a minimum of 5-10 innovations (both at industry-specific product and policy levels) that support a circular economy. Product innovations should be based on the nationally important waste or by-products clusters identified in advance by the Expert Facilitator and should demonstrate potential to reduce GHG and waste if diverted from disposal. For more details about the scope of work and expected outputs, please read this background document . Applicants must send this completed Excel Application Form to  circuleire@imr.ie by Wednesday, 27th of April (using the subject heading ‘Expert Facilitator application - ‘End of Waste, By-Products and Waste Licensing Pathfinders’). 2022 TWGs Indicative Dates Kicking off in late May 2022, this Thematic Working Groups (TWGs) will run until September (Q3-4), 2022 for a period of approximately 12- 16 weeks. All compliant tenders (please complete and submit accompanying Excel Application to aide evaluation) will be assessed against relevant knowledge and experience, and proposed approach to delivering the activities. This work has a maximum allowable budget of €20,000.00 ex. VAT. Indicative timeline for the Call for Proposal: Open questions from submitting parties closed 20th of April - find IMR's compiled Q&A document here Deadline for RFP submission to  circuleire@imr.ie : Wednesday, 27th of April (with completed Excel Sheet using subject heading ‘Expert Facilitator application - ‘End of Waste, By-products and Waste Licensing Pathfinders’) Interviews with shortlisted applicants: W/C 2nd May Communication of winning proposal(s): W/C 9th May Kick-Off Meeting with to Agree Timeline: W/C 16th May TWG commences: W/C 30th May IMR Contact Person: Sophie Reynolds, Circular Economy Technologist ( sophie.reynolds@imr.ie ). About CIRCULÉIRE CIRCULÉIRE is a public-private partnership co-created by Irish Manufacturing Research (IMR) and three strategic partners: the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications (DECC) , the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and EIT Climate-KIC . Together with industry partners, CIRCULÉIRE aims to assist manufacturers and their supply chains to switch from linear to circular business models. Read more about CIRCULÉIRE here .

CIRCULÉIRE Industry Representatives hold seats on the Steering Group alongside Strategic Partners We are delighted to announce CIRCULÉIRE’s 2022 Industry Representatives who took over from outgoing 2021 Representatives Austin Geraghty (Hovione), Elizabeth O’Reilly (WEEE Ireland) and Ian Ryan (Wyeth) on CIRCULÉIRE’s Steering Group as of March 30th to December 31st, 2022. As a public-private partnership, CIRCULÉIRE’s governance structure includes a Steering Group with IMR as secretary, permanent representation from its three strategic partners DECC, EPA and EIT Climate-KIC, as well as representatives from industry members who rotate annually. Network members are invited to put themselves forward for election or nominate a peer each year. Industry representatives play a crucial feedback role between CIRCULÉIRE’s 40 cross-sectoral Industry Members (who range from MNCs to SMEs to micro-enterprise) and the Strategic Partners - bringing industry’s perspectives to the table. A key focus of the 2022 Steering Group will be shaping the next phase of CIRCULÉIRE’s existence beyond its initial pilot phase running from 2020-2022. IMR, on behalf of CIRCULÉIRE, would like to extend our thanks to our outgoing 2021 Industry Representatives - Austin Geraghty (Hovione), Elizabeth O’Reilly (WEEE Ireland) and Ian Ryan (Wyeth) for their contributions to CIRCULÉIRE’s Steering Group over the last year and extend a very warm welcome to our four new incoming Industry Representatives. Meet our 2022 Industry Representatives and hear what they have to say about taking up their new roles: Fergus O’Sullivan , Plant Manager, Aryzta “CIRCULÉIRE supported us with circular economy workshops, establishing a baseline , and compiling carbon emission data. From my experience, I believe CIRCULÉIRE can help assist industry in Ireland to improve their environmental footprint and offer their expertise in carbon reporting and cost-saving projects”. Kevin Cronin , COO, Freefoam Plastics Ltd “I’m delighted to be one of the Industry Representatives for 2022. It’s an opportunity to learn more from the other members, support them with their endeavours, and, hopefully, help to shape the next phase of CIRCULÉIRE. Freefoam’s involvement with the platform has been hugely positive and we have learned a great deal from networking with like-minded people in other companies and across different industries”. Maria Couchman , Senior Market Advisor, Design & Crafts Council Ireland (DCCI) “I am delighted to represent the Design and Craft sector. We learn best through collaboration, and I look forward to working with my colleagues to share knowledge and help to progress circular manufacturing models that will benefit the wider industry and the environment through involvement with CIRCULÉIRE”. Neil Skeffington , CEO Novelplast “CIRCULÉIRE initiative is crucial to the progress of the circular economy in Ireland. Developing its role in the industry over the coming years is an exciting opportunity and one which we take seriously in Novelplast. Equally as important is to increase the membership numbers of CIRCULÉIRE, which will have an exponential effect on the efficacy of its role going forward”. About CIRCULÉIRE CIRCULÉIRE is a public-private partnership co-created by Irish Manufacturing Research (IMR) and three strategic partners: the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications (DECC) , the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and EIT Climate-KIC . Together with industry partners CIRCULÉIRE aims to assist manufacturers and their supply chains to switch from linear to circular business models. Read more about CIRCULÉIRE here .

The event will take place on 25th and 26th May 2022, at RDS Simmonscourt, Dublin Note: Due to external circumstances, the 2022 National Manufacturing & Supply Chain Conference and Exhibition will now take place in RDS Simmonscourt, Dublin, not at Citywest Hotel as planned initially. CIRCULÉIRE is excited to be hosting a range of activities during the 2022 Manufacturing & Supply Chain Conference and Exhibition taking place on the 25th and 26th of May 2022, at RDS Simmonscourt, Dublin. The 2022 Expo is free to attend, but you need to register: Register here for the 2022 Manufacturing Expo Join us to hear from our members/alumni of our Circular New Venture Programme, participate in a (free) Industry Stakeholder Workshop exploring the drivers and opportunities to embrace circularity; get a demo of our circular maturity self-assessment toolkit, interactive circular economy infographic and learn about how to develop a register of circular economy opportunities and circularity action plan from the CIRCULÉIRE delivery team. Check the agenda: Wednesday, 25th May 11:00 to 11:55 Circular Ventures: Drivers & Opportunities + Announcement of CIRCULÉIRE’s 2022 Circular Venture Cohort Panelists: Rick Earley, CEO, CirTex Vincent Farrelly, Founder, Niskus Biotec Sharon Barrington, General Manager, IFF Plastics 14:00 to 16:00 CIRCULÉIRE Industry Stakeholder Workshop: Supporting Industry to Embrace Circularity. This interactive workshop will unpack the enablers and barriers to Irish industry’s adoption of circularity. Registration details to follow. Register here for the Stakeholder Workshop 9:00 to 16:00 Visit IMR’s Exhibition Stand and learn about how CIRCULÉIRE can support your journey towards a circular business model through: demo of our circular maturity self-assessment (online) toolkit demo of our interactive circular economy (online) infographic overview of our circularity assessment and circular action plan offering Thursday, 26th May 10:00 to 14:00 CIRCULÉIRE Q2 (in-person) Network Meeting – Members Only 9:00 to 16:00 Visit IMR’s Exhibition Stand and learn about how CIRCULÉIRE can support your journey towards a circular business model through: demo of our circular maturity self-assessment (online) toolkit demo of our interactive circular economy (online) infographic overview of our circularity assessment and circular action plan offering 2022 Manufacturing & Supply Chain Awards - Closing Date 10th June 2022 CIRCULÉIRE are pleased to sponsor Ireland’s first “Circular Economy Leadership” award, a brand-new category at this year’s 2022 Manufacturing & Supply Chain Awards. The award seeks to recognize industry actors who are demonstrating sectoral leadership in transitioning their business or supply-chain(s) towards a circular economy model. Please note that the 2022 Manufacturing & Supply Chain Awards originally scheduled to coincide with the Manufacturing Expo have been postponed to later in the year – a new date and venue for the awards will be announced soon. However, rest assured that all the entries which have been submitted to date will still be valid. Please note that the application deadline has been extended to Friday 10th June 2022. Check also: Sustainable Manufacturer of the Year category . Read more here . About CIRCULÉIRE CIRCULÉIRE is a public-private partnership co-created by Irish Manufacturing Research (IMR) and three strategic partners: the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications (DECC) , the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and EIT Climate-KIC . Together with industry partners CIRCULÉIRE aims to assist manufacturers and their supply chains to switch from linear to circular business models. Read more about CIRCULÉIRE here .

Join us on 25th May 2022, at RDS Simmonscourt, Dublin Click here to register for CIRCULÉIRE’s Workshop “Supporting Industry to Embrace Circularity” (FREE) taking place at the 2022 Manufacturing & Supply Chain Expo (registration is also FREE) Would your business like to understand how to capture circular advantage? If yes, CIRCULÉIRE would like to invite you to participate in the “Industry Stakeholder Workshop: Supporting Industry to Embrace Circularity” on the 25th of May, 2 pm, at RDS Simmonscourt, Dublin, during the 2022 Manufacturing & Supply Chain Conference and Exhibition. Transitioning from a linear to a circular business model has become a boardroom imperative. Join us to explore the drivers and opportunities for Irish industry’s transition towards circularity as well as unpack the barriers and key enablers of circular business models. This workshop will be delivered by Dr Geraldine Brennan, Head of Circular Economy at IMR and Lead of CIRCULÉIRE. She has spent over a decade exploring the barriers and enablers of industry adoption and implementation of circular and sustainable business models. Dr Brennan holds a PhD in Strategic Management from Imperial College London and has lectured, authored, and edited a range of thought leadership on the topic of scaling circular innovation. Workshop Agenda 2pm-2:15pm – Coffee & Tea on Arrival 2:15pm-2:30pm – Introductions to IMR, CIRCULÉIRE & Workshop Objectives 2:30pm – 2:45pm – Overview of Circular Economy Drivers + Opportunities 2:45pm-3:45pm - World Café: Exploring Barriers & Enablers of Circular Business Models 3:45-4pm – Workshop Wrap Up + Networking This free interactive 2-hour industry workshop is hosted by Irish Manufacturing Research, the secretariat of CIRCULÉIRE, Ireland’s first industry-led circular economy innovation network. Places are limited so please register to reserve your place. See CIRCULÉIRE’s full range of activities at 2022 Manufacturing & Supply Chain Expo. About CIRCULÉIRE CIRCULÉIRE is a public-private partnership co-created by Irish Manufacturing Research (IMR) and three strategic partners: the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications (DECC) , the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and EIT Climate-KIC . Together with industry partners CIRCULÉIRE aims to assist manufacturers and their supply chains to switch from linear to circular business models. Read more about CIRCULÉIRE here .

“Circular Ventures: Drivers & Opportunities” will take place at the 2022 Manufacturing & Supply Chain Expo Click here to attend the 2022 Manufacturing & Supply Chain Expo (FREE) See CIRCULÉIRE’s full range of activities at 2022 Manufacturing & Supply Chain Expo (RDS Simonscourt,Dublin) Among a range of activities, CIRCULÉIRE will host the panel “Circular Ventures: Drivers & Opportunities” on May 25th, during the (in-person) 2022 Manufacturing & Supply Chain Conference and Exhibition. From 11 to 11:55 am, hear from CirTex, IFF Plastics and Niskus Biotec who will share their journey to scaling up their circular ventures. David McCormack, Director of Sustainable Manufacturing at Irish Manufacturing Research (IMR), will moderate the panel and will also announce CIRCULÉIRE’s 2022 Circular Venture Cohort. See below the panellist’s biographies and their presentation synopsis. The Linear Model: have we reached the tipping point? – CirTex Ltd The stage is set. We are all clear that it’s not business as usual. The pattern of Manufacture, Use and Discard is the burning platform. Irish Entrepreneurs are stepping into the problem by investing and innovating new solutions. We’re at a tipping point. So how do we catapult forward? Presenter: Rick Earley , CEO at CirTex Ltd Rick graduated in Applied Chemistry from the Cork Institute of Technology and in Purchasing Management from Witwatersrand Business College, South Africa. He started his professional career in the R&D unit of Biocon Biochemicals. Later, he founded MetPro Limited, which was acquired by Jordan and subsequently acquired by Goldman Sachs. From 2017 – to 2018, he served as CEO of Shanghai Santai Wrapper Company in China. IFF Plastics: Transforming Plastics Waste into Longer-Lasting Products – IFF Plastics IFF Plastics diverts valuable plastic waste from export or landfill by recovering and processing industrial waste plastics from industry, farms, and recovering ocean plastics to transform these into durable plastics products. Learn how IFF Plastics is playing its part to build a circular plastics economy in Ireland. Presenter: Sharon Barrington , General Manager at IFF Plastics Sharon Barrington is the General Manager of IFF Plastics, a family-run plastics recycling and manufacturing facility in West Clare. Transforming Agrifood waste streams into revenue streams - Niskus Biotec Ltd Food manufacturing companies create a significant amount of plant-based waste streams that are becoming increasingly costly to treat or dispose of, we profile how onsite myco-valorisation can be used to convert these waste and side streams into high-value fermented products. Presenter: Vincent Farrelly , Founder & CEO at Niskus Biotec Ltd Vincent Farrelly has 20 years of experience working in European life science and tech. He has held management positions in R&D and business development in private, spin-outs and public sectors. He has an MBA from Technology University Dublin and MSc from Aberdeen University. _ CIRCULÉIRE’s Workshop: Supporting Industry to Embrace Circularity (25th May) Transitioning from a linear to a circular business model has become a boardroom imperative. Join our free (in-person) Stakeholder Workshop on the 25th May from 2-4pm at the 2022 Manufacturing & Supply-Chain Expo to explore the drivers and opportunities for Irish industry’s transition towards circularity as well as unpack the barriers and key enablers of circular business models. Click here to register for CIRCULÉIRE’s Workshop “Supporting Industry to Embrace Circularity” (FREE) – Note places are limited.  About CIRCULÉIRE CIRCULÉIRE is a public-private partnership co-created by Irish Manufacturing Research (IMR) and three strategic partners: the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications (DECC) , the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and EIT Climate-KIC . Together with industry partners CIRCULÉIRE aims to assist manufacturers and their supply chains to switch from linear to circular business models. Read more about CIRCULÉIRE here .

Deadline for applications is 31st of July and the award ceremony takes place on September 16th, at Kilashee Hotel, Co. Kildare Click here to apply for the Circular Economy Leadership category Click here to apply for the Sustainable Manufacturer of the Year Updated on 27th June 2022: the deadline for applications was extended. The new deadline is 31st of July 2022. Don’t miss this opportunity! CIRCULÉIRE is pleased to sponsor Ireland’s first “Circular Economy Leadership” award, a brand-new category at this year’s 2022 Manufacturing & Supply Chain Awards. The award seeks to recognise industry actors demonstrating sectoral leadership in transitioning their business or supply-chain(s) towards a circular economy model. Another excellent opportunity for companies and businesses on a green trajectory is the category “Sustainable Manufacturer of the Year”, which recognises manufacturers who have taken their sustainability agenda to the next level: cutting carbon footprint and converting green manufacturing into a business opportunity. The deadline for applications to both award categories is the 31st of July and the award ceremony will take place on September 16th, 2022 at Kilashee Hotel, Co. Kildare. Circular Economy Leadership Award Criteria Nominees for this award must illustrate the ways in which they have embedded circular innovation within their business or supply chain or how they are enabling circular economy innovation within their supply chain or sector. Candidates are asked to provide details of, and be evaluated on, the following aspects of their submission: a) Company overview b) The circular economy innovation, which tends to relate to the implementation of multiple circular economy strategies like Design for Circularity, Product Service Systems, Asset Utilisation, As-Is Re-Use, Remanufacturing, Repair, Refurbishment, Take-back Schemes/ Circular Reverse Logistics, Circular Procurement and Industrial Symbiosis, for example. c) Supply-Chain / Sectoral Leadership d) Impacts, which tend to include, but are not limited to, waste reductions; greenhouse gas emission reductions; job creation, retention or upskilling and impacts on national public policy / regulatory frameworks. e) Supporting Documentation – Including Testimonials Read more & apply here . Sustainable Manufacturer of the Year Criteria Candidates are asked to provide details of, and be evaluated on, the following aspects of their submission: a) Company overview b) Green Manufacturing Initiative c) Sustainability Strategy d) Emissions Measurements Systems e) Sustainable Sourcing f) Impact g) Supporting Material Read more & apply here . IMR Manufacturing & Supply Chain Awards https://youtu.be/Y8N2IN0D7nQ The first edition of the IMR Manufacturing & Supply Chain Awards took place in 2020 ( see the winners here ). Currently, there are 12 award categories one can apply to . The idea is to “recognise excellence, promote innovation, and raise standards across Ireland’s manufacturing and supply chain industry”. The awards culminating in a ceremony that gathers the manufacturing community to celebrate and acknowledge their peers. See more here . The 2022 judging panel includes: Barry Kennedy , CEO of Irish Manufacturing Research Bob Barbour , Director and Chief Executive of the Centre for Competitiveness Dr Christopher Keely , Senior Business Development Manager, Trinity College Dublin Eoin O’Driscoll , Chairman of the Tyndall National Institute John F. Whelan , Independent Consultant – Specialising International Trade Prof Eamonn Murphy , MD-Irish Centre for Business Excellence, UL Regina Moran , Vodafone Business Director About CIRCULÉIRE CIRCULÉIRE is a public-private partnership co-created by Irish Manufacturing Research (IMR) and three strategic partners: the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications (DECC) , the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and EIT Climate-KIC . Together with industry partners CIRCULÉIRE aims to assist manufacturers and their supply chains to switch from linear to circular business models. Read more about CIRCULÉIRE here .

Meet the awardees and take a deep dive into their innovative circular business The five awardees were announced during CIRCULÉIRE’s panel at the Manufacturing and Supply Chain Expo on the 25th of May 2022. On May 31st CIRCULÉIRE, in partnership with Tangent, Trinity’s Ideas Space , kicked off the 2022 Circular Venture Innovation & Mentoring Programme. In this first meeting, the new cohort had the opportunity to meet their fellow awardees’ peers and take the first step toward this journey of learning and scaling up their business. This circular venture programme is the first of its kind in Ireland (established in 2020) to target late-stage ventures that demonstrate or enable circular business models. Following a competitive selection process, each awardee will receive a grant of €5k and participate in our bespoke Innovation & Mentoring Programme from May 2022 to September 2022. Read more about the 5 awardees: Jiminy Eco Toys Jiminy retails "sustainably-made new" toys. Now, they are launching "Play", a line of "proudly pre-loved" toys. In this line, the toys are checked, cleaned, warrantied, and packed in a stylish, branded, gift-able box. "We're conscious that re-use is an equally powerful way to make toys sustainable. We know from experiments that there's a bigger shift in people's mindsets and behaviour needed to normalise pre-loved toys. So we applied to CIRCULÉIRE’s programme for some expert help getting that started" – Sharon Keilthy, Founder and CEO of Jiminy Eco Toys. Electric Avenue (Electric Bikes) A bike-share provider that focuses on the modularity of their bikes and batteries, which enables to re-manufacture them at the end of each lifecycle. Applying this method, they double the life span of a lithium-ion battery pack and keep bikes on the road and out of landfills for longer. “We have first-hand experience of the strategic and educational benefits these programmes afford to start-ups and couldn’t miss the opportunity to apply to the CIRCULÉIRE’s programme as the mentoring will be invaluable to our remanufacturing process and company development” – David Harpur, Co-Founder of Electric Avenue. ReFunk (Furniture) Refunk is a one-stop eCommerce platform which facilitates the buying, selling and commissioning of pre-loved and upcycled furniture through their marketplace. “Our mission is to stop virgin materials being used in the furniture sector and to provide a platform to enable furniture pieces to be kept in use for longer. We applied to the CIRCULÉIRE’s programme to gain access to the expertise of the best mentors in the circular economy who will enable us to create the most scalable and circular model that we can optimise here in Ireland, and expand globally” – Ellie Walters, Co-Founder & COO of ReFunk Upcycling. Returnr (Re-Usable Packaging) Returnr is eliminating single-use food and beverage packaging in cafes and independent retailers through a B2C deposit return scheme for re-usable food and beverage packaging. “Returnr Ireland applied to CIRCULÉIRE’s programme to progress it's mission of eliminating single use food and beverage packaging while impacting and accelerating the national transition to a net-zero carbon circular economy" – David Weitbrecht, Director of Returnr. KnowCarbon (CE Enabler) Digital and traceability venture that focuses on providing transparent, actionable data to companies and consumers on carbon. The mission is to accelerate the move to a zero-carbon economy and reduce carbon emissions by 100M tonnes by 2030 (2x the carbon footprint of Ireland). “We believe we are aligned with CIRCULÉIRE’s objectives to ‘source, test, finance, and scale’, circular manufacturing systems, supply chains and circular business models to deliver significant reductions in both CO2 emissions and waste. We’ll do this by increasing sales revenues for our SME/circular customers and increasing the growth of circular business models by creating network effects for the circular economy” – Eamonn Galvin, CEO and Co-Founder of KnowCarbon. Read about the 2021 New Venture Cohort here About CIRCULÉIRE CIRCULÉIRE is a public-private partnership co-created by Irish Manufacturing Research (IMR) and three strategic partners: the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications (DECC) , the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and EIT Climate-KIC . Together with industry partners CIRCULÉIRE aims to assist manufacturers and their supply chains to switch from linear to circular business models. Read more about CIRCULÉIRE here .

Rebox collects reusable cardboard all over Ireland and the U.K. CIRCULÉIRE is delighted to welcome our newest member to the network: Rebox . The company collects reusable cardboard mainly sourced from waste and recycling companies, or directly from Food and Beverage producers or the Pharmaceutical sector (for example Diageo, Glenpatrick Water and Baxter Pharmaceuticals). Hear from Michael O’Doherty, from Rebox, about the benefits of reusing cardboard packaging and why they joined the network: "Recycling tends to lead to exporting of resources whilst reuse creates local supply-chains which keep resources and economic value in the Irish economy. Re-box enables reuse by providing SMEs with cardboard packaging which is no longer utilised by larger entities- reducing costs, reducing environmental waste, and creating local supply-chains in the process". Rebox collect reusable cardboard all over Ireland and the U.K. "We joined CIRCULÉIRE because it is important to get the message out that there is a world of difference between recycling something or reusing it. We tell our clients that 'Reuse takes recycling to the next level' and helps them to take their next step on their carbon reduction journey”. Watch below "The Story of Rebox": https://youtu.be/3bhqGC1FfVc About CIRCULÉIRE CIRCULÉIRE is a public-private partnership co-created by Irish Manufacturing Research (IMR) and three strategic partners: the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications (DECC) , the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and EIT Climate-KIC . Together with industry partners CIRCULÉIRE aims to assist manufacturers and their supply chains to switch from linear to circular business models. Read more about CIRCULÉIRE here .

We are looking for CE specialists in Advanced Technologies and Digitalisation to deliver our latest Thematic Working Group . Deadline for applying is midnight July 18th, 2022 . Click here for the Background document Download Click here for the Application Form (Excel) Download Are you an expert in Digital Transformation, who recognises the enabling role that Advanced Technologies and Digitalisation can play in supporting Irish manufacturers’ and their supply-chain partners’ transition to a circular economy? Do you have demonstrated experience facilitating groups and successfully leading co-design and ideation workshops, roundtables and events? If so, CIRCULÉIRE wants to hear from you. CIRCULÉIRE is requesting applications from suitably qualified ‘Expert Facilitators’ to lead its forthcoming Thematic Working Group on ‘Industry 5.0 and the Circular Economy’. Thematic Working Group (TWG) Process and Aims Each year for the duration of the programme, CIRCULÉIRE’s industry members vote on topics they deem strategically important to enabling – or preventing – their transition to a circular economy. In 2022, ‘Industry 5.0 and the Circular Economy’ was selected as a top priority topic for the network to run a Thematic Working Group on. Background - how can Industry 5.0 accelerate Ireland Inc’s transition to a Circular Economy? Digital and advanced technologies have a vital role to play in leading to more efficient and flexible production processes, with increased resource efficiency in terms of both energy and materials ( EI; 2019 ). A critique of past digital strategies for industry, however, is that they are not sufficiently focused on sustainability or respect for planetary boundaries and that they can encourage digitally-enabled extractive and consumptive economic activity, contributing to an overall acceleration of negative climate impacts and ecosystem loss (EC, 2021; 8). Industrial digital and technological paradigms must therefore set out a clear ambition to support the industry’s transition to regenerative, circular economy pathways, based on intensified renewable energy usage and circular value chains. When applied effectively, digital solutions and advanced technologies can open up several opportunities for manufacturers and their supply chain partners to achieve sustainable, circular economy implementation. Running over a 12 – 16-week period, the successfully appointed Expert Facilitator will deliver a series of meetings, workshops and webinars and produce high-quality industry-focussed outputs; each aimed at achieving the objectives of the TWG (more details in the call document here ). The aims of this TWG are thus as follows: Increase CIRCULÉIRE’s panel members’ (including Industry Members’) knowledge and awareness of Industry 5.0 technologies, trends and best practices, exploring the opportunities and challenges it presents to accelerate and enable Irish industry’s transition to circularity; Convene a working group – comprised of industry representatives and senior stakeholders – to co-produce high-quality thought leadership aimed at advancing Irish the industry’s circular transition (producing high-quality outputs and proposing practical, actionable recommendations as appropriate); Design and deliver 2x Ideation Workshops where the working group identify min. 7-10 digital/advanced technology circular innovations (e.g. related to platforms, processes, products and/and people) that support Irish industry’s circularity transition, and which have potential to reduce industry’s GHG and waste and improve material efficiency if implemented in the future. 2022 TWGs Indicative Dates Kicking off in mid-August 2022, this Thematic Working Group (TWG) will run until October (Q3-4) 2022, for a period of approximately 12- 16 weeks (A more detailed timeline will be agreed with the consultant as service contracts are being drawn up). Questions on this specification should come in writing to IMR (contact details below). We will collect questions until midnight Tuesday, 12th of July . Deadline for applications to circuleire@imr.ie is midnight, 18th of July . Applications to be emailed using subject heading ‘Expert Facilitator application – ‘Industry 5.0 and the Circular Economy’ with completed Excel Application SpreadSheet Template attached. Applications will be assessed against relevant knowledge and experience, and proposed approach to delivering the activities. This work has a maximum allowable budget of €20,000.00 ex. VAT. Indicative dates on the Call for Proposal: Open questions from submitting parties closed midnight Tuesday, 12th of July . Deadline for RFP submission to  circuleire@imr.ie : midnight, 18th of July (with completed Excel Sheet using the subject heading ‘Expert Facilitator application – ‘Industry 5.0 and the Circular Economy’) Interviews with shortlisted applicants: Circa 22nd of July Communication of successful candidate: 25th of July Internal kick-Off Meeting to Agree Timeline: W/C 28th of July TWG commences: W/C 8th of August IMR Contact Person: Sophie Reynolds, Circular Economy Technologist ( sophie.reynolds@imr.ie ). About CIRCULÉIRE CIRCULÉIRE is a public-private partnership co-created by Irish Manufacturing Research (IMR) and three strategic partners: the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications (DECC) , the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and EIT Climate-KIC . Together with industry partners, CIRCULÉIRE aims to assist manufacturers and their supply chains to switch from linear to circular business models. Read more about CIRCULÉIRE here .

We want to hear from Irish industry about their journeys toward a circular economy model. Click to participate! Click here to go to the survey See the full survey in pdf format We would like to hear from Irish industry - new ventures, micro-enterprise, SMEs and large enterprises alike - about your journeys’ toward a circular economy model: including key challenges/barriers, your circular economy best practice and key areas of support you might need over the next 3-5 years. The survey has 14 questions and takes approx. 5-10 min. to be completed. All submissions are confidential and your participation will help inform how CIRCULÉIRE can be made more impactful in the future. About CIRCULÉIRE CIRCULÉIRE is a public-private partnership co-created by Irish Manufacturing Research (IMR) and three strategic partners: the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications (DECC) , the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and EIT Climate-KIC . Together with industry partners, CIRCULÉIRE aims to assist manufacturers and their supply chains to switch from linear to circular business models. Read more about CIRCULÉIRE here .

The first of a report series aimed at supporting industry players in high-impact Irish sectors to transition to a circular economy Check here the full report See the executive summary CIRCULÉIRE has just made the Circular Construction & Built Environment Good Practice Sectoral Guide publicly available. The Guide is intended for those involved in the construction industry, including economic operators in the value chain, as well as policymakers. It profiles the sector in Ireland, outlines the economic and environmental impact of the sector, and describes some of the key policy drivers influencing circularity in the sector. It profiles 14 industry-led circular innovations, that are shaping the construction and built environment sector in Ireland and beyond. It draws our key lesson and recommendations on some of key opportunities to circularise the sector in Ireland. This Guide is the first of a series of forthcoming reports targeted at Irish industry players in sectors deemed strategically important to supporting Ireland’s transition to a circular economy. For further discussions about this report, get in touch with Sophie Reynolds , Circular Economy Senior Researcher. About CIRCULÉIRE CIRCULÉIRE is a public-private partnership co-created by Irish Manufacturing Research (IMR) and three strategic partners: the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications (DECC) , the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and EIT Climate-KIC . Together with industry partners, CIRCULÉIRE aims to assist manufacturers and their supply chains to switch from linear to circular business models. Read more about CIRCULÉIRE here .