2dc12c74-05af-4598-8972-bdd48e032415 Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Copy link CIRCULÉIRE NON-MEMBER CASE STUDY COMPANY : MONAGHAN MUSHROOMS WEBSITE: MONAGHAN.EU SECTOR : FOOD PUBLISHED : 21 OCTOBER 2025 TAGS: FOODWASTE, SUSTAINABLEAGRICULTURE, MUSHROOMS, PEATFREE, CIRCULARAGRI, INDUSTRIALSYMBIOSIS, AGRIFOOD, RESOURCEEFFICIENCY, SUSTAINABILITY, ZEROWASTE The Challenge The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation estimates that around one-third of all food produced globally is lost or wasted each year ( FAO, 2013 ). About 13% of food is lost in the supply chain from harvest to retail, with a further 19% wasted at the consumer, retail, and food service stages ( FAO 2022 ). In Ireland, approximately 835,000 tonnes of food waste were generated in 2023 ( EPA, 2023 ) Reducing food waste is critical, especially given that between 638 and 720 million people faced hunger in 2024. ( FAO, 2025) . Food waste not only represents wasted food but it also contributes significantly to resource depletion and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, generating 8–10% of GHGs globally ( UNEP 2024 ). If food waste were counted as a country, it would be the third-largest emitter in the world ( EDGAR 2024 ). A Circular Solution Monaghan Mushrooms, a family-owned Irish business with over 40 years’ experience, is one of the largest mushroom producers worldwide. The company operates farms, packhouses, substrate production sites, and offices across Ireland, the UK, the Netherlands, Germany and Canada. Monaghan addresses food waste and resource efficiency through a comprehensive circular economy approach. They produce their own mushroom substrate (the growth medium in which mushrooms grow) from materials like straw, horse manure, poultry manure, and gypsum. These are by-products from other agri-industries such as cereal crop production, poultry production and the horse stable industry ( Monaghan, 2024 ). After harvest, the spent substrate is reused as a soil conditioner, closing the loop sustainably. Notably, Monaghan is the first UK and Ireland producer to cultivate peat-free mushrooms, eliminating virgin peat from their substrate mix, switching instead to fully recycled natural materials. Peat extraction for mushroom substrate damages peatlands, which are crucial natural carbon sinks and reservoirs of biodiversity. This innovative change reduces carbon footprint and improves product quality with firmer, longer-lasting mushrooms ( Monaghan, 2024 ). The company employs state-of-the-art environmental control systems to optimize growing conditions while maximizing energy and water efficiency. Their Irish sites purchase green electricity, with the Tyholland farm installing solar panels to further reduce reliance on the national grid ( Monaghan, 2024 ). Rainwater capture systems help alleviate pressure on water resources, and biodiversity is promoted with initiatives like insect hotels and wildflower areas integrated into farm lands ( Monaghan, 2024 ). Packaging innovations include a transition to recycled PET plastics, sustainable cardboard trays, removal of colourants to aid recyclability, and phasing out PVC films in favour of polyethylene alternatives ( Monaghan, 2024 ). Climate Impact Monaghan has achieved a 17% reduction in energy use per tonne of mushroom produced, aiming for further cuts in the upcoming years ( BIOrescue Consortium, 2019) . Over the past year, the company exceeded its energy-reduction target by 13% across its Irish sites by installing LED lighting and innovating cooling technologies that use fresh air rather than mechanical cooling ( Monaghan Mushrooms, 2024 ). These improvements contributed to an 8% decrease in direct carbon emissions. Through solar PV adoption and green power purchasing, Monaghan decreases its demand on carbon-intensive energy grids further supporting decarbonisation ( Monaghan Mushrooms, 2024 ). Alongside environmental gains, Monaghan’s partnership with UK food redistribution charity FareShare has provided over 1.3 million meals to people in need since 2017, preventing food waste and associated emissions, while reinforcing social impact ( Monaghan, 2024 ). Replicability The global mushroom market was valued at USD 54.9 billion in 2022 and is expected to surpass USD 115.8 billion by 2030 ( Kerry Group, 2023 ). Mushrooms require minimal space, energy, and water, making them well-suited to sustainable intensification in food production. Rich in vitamins, proteins, and antioxidants, mushrooms now serve growing consumer demand in health, wellness, pharmaceutical, and personal care sectors ( Kerry Group, 2023 ). Monaghan’s circular model—combining sustainable substrate production, resource-efficient farming, innovative packaging, and community engagement—offers a replicable blueprint for agricultural industries seeking to transition to circularity. Its reliance on agro-industrial by-products and smart energy systems demonstrates industrial symbiosis in practice. Additionally, Monaghan’s innovation division, mBio , exemplifies circular innovation by leveraging mushroom mycelium to develop bio-based materials and nutraceuticals, expanding mushroom-derived products beyond food into construction, packaging, and health supplements ( mBio, 2024 ) This diversification highlights the potential for circular research and development to create new economic and environmental value streams within agri-food ecosystems. Other companies tackling food waste include: Meade Farm (Ireland) valorises surplus and “non-table grade" potatoes by converting them into premium food-grade starch, significantly reducing food waste and creating a new revenue stream. Well Spent Grain (Ireland) divert brewers spent grain from landfill and turn it into ‘Honest, Delicious, Sustainable Snacks.’ Toast Ale (UK) produces beer brewed with leftover bread from bakeries to reduce food waste while fostering social enterprises. Winnow Solutions (Global) offers smart kitchen technology to monitor and reduce food waste in commercial kitchens by providing real-time data analytics. Renewal Mill (USA) recovers nutrient-rich by-products from food manufacturing, like okara from tofu production, and repurposes them into flour and baking ingredients. Full Harvest (USA) operates a platform to sell surplus and imperfect fruits and vegetables to food and beverage companies, reducing farm-level food waste. These companies demonstrate diverse approaches—waste valorization, ingredient upcycling, technological innovation, and marketplace solutions—showing the breadth of circular economy practice in food. They offer useful analogies and potential partners for Irish food and agri-business stakeholders aiming to scale circular solutions. A Note on By-Products & End of Waste A by-product is a residue left over from the production of another product. In Ireland, Regulation 27 of the Waste Directive sets out the circumstances in which a material can be considered a by-product and not a waste. It is essential you notify the EPA to determine if your material satisfies the criteria of a by-product. The EPA will confirm if it can be catogorised as a by-product or if it must be categorised as a waste. If the substance is classified as a waste then it may need to achieve End-of-Waste status via Article 28 of the Waste Directive to be kept in use as a resource. ALL CASE STUDIES

121bac0e-7611-436c-9e08-8ecda0e35c88 Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Copy link CIRCULÉIRE NON-MEMBER CASE STUDY COMPANY: ETH ZURICH WEBSITE: ETHZ.CH SECTOR : BUILT ENVIRONMENT PUBLISHED: 18 SEPTEMBER 2025 TAGS: SUSTAINABLECONSTRUCTION, GREENCONCRETE, CIVILENGINEERING, MATERIALINNOVATION, CEMENT, CONSTRUCTIONTECH, RECYCLEDAGGREGATES The Challenge Concrete manufacturing is a major contributor to global greenhouse gas emissions, accounting for approximately 6–8% of worldwide CO2 emissions. This stems largely from the energy-intensive process of heating limestone at very high temperatures during cement production, a key ingredient in concrete ( IEA, 2023 ). With ongoing urbanisation and industrial growth, demand for concrete is expected to rise, intensifying its environmental impact. Energy consumed during the day-to-day functioning and maintenance of buildings represents about 30% of global energy consumption. This increases to 34% when including the energy used to produce of cement, steel and aluminium in their construction ( IEA, 2023 ). The construction sector also requires huge amounts of resources and accounts for about 50% of all extracted material ( European Commission, 2018 ). These figures underscore the critical need for circular approaches that reduce resource use and emissions in construction. The Circular Opportunity Zurich’s Ultra Green Concrete (UGC) project, led by ETH Zurich, offers an innovative model for sustainable concrete production. Cement production typically involves using around 95% clinker mixed with a small proportion of gypsum. The clinker is created by heating limestone and clay in kilns at roughly 1,450 °C, a process that inherently generates carbon dioxide through the breakdown of limestone ( Ethz.ch , 2023 ). The UGC project reduces reliance on clinker - the most carbon-intensive components in cement - by substituting it with alternative minerals such as calcined clay and limestone. This lowers the overall cement content and cuts CO 2 emissions in the concrete manufacturing process ( Ethz.ch , 2023 ). In parallel, the ETH Zurich ‘Airlements’ project utilises recyclable mineral foam to create 3D-printed formwork components, which further reduces the volume of concrete needed on site. The foam is made from recycled industrial waste formed together with foam and finished with a cement-free protective plaster which can be assembled into a two-meter-tall system for non-structural walls ( Designboom, 2023 ). This combination of material innovation and smart construction techniques improves both resource efficiency and sustainability in building processes. ETH Zurich’s approach also focuses on recycling demolition waste as input for fresh concrete production. By reusing up to 98% of recycled concrete in new builds, exemplified by and extension to Zurich’s main art gallery Kunsthaus Zurich, this approach avoids landfill disposal and conserves virgin raw materials ( Bloomberg, 2021 ). Climate and Resource Impact These circular methods have yielded measurable emissions reductions. The UGC project has achieved nearly a 40% reduction in CO 2 emissions compared to traditional concrete mixes. Depending on the application, the project’s concrete can emit as little as 80–100 kg of CO 2 per cubic metre, compared with approximately 300 kg/m³ for conventional mixtures ( ETH Zurich, 2023 ). Additionally, by employing recyclable mineral foam formwork, UGC reduces concrete usage by up to 70%, further amplifying the environmental benefits ( 3D Printing Industry, 2025 ). The project has also saved an estimated 17,000 m³ of virgin materials and significantly reduced landfill requirements, aligning with circular economy principles of waste minimisation and resource conservation. Replicability and Industry Innovation Zurich’s success has inspired a growing movement among companies and cities worldwide to adopt circular concrete technologies. The UGC project aims to make high-performance, low-carbon concrete more accessible to the broader construction sector ( ETH Zurich, 2023 ). The UGC project serves as a practical model for sustainable manufacturing of construction materials. Ireland’s own manufacturing and construction industries can draw valuable lessons to support circularity, reduce emissions, and meet net-zero commitments through innovation in recycled concrete technologies and material efficiency. Examples of emerging sustainable concrete innovations include: CarbonCure Technologies injects recycled CO 2 into fresh concrete, permanently mineralising the gas and lowering the carbon footprint while maintaining performance. Biomason uses microorganisms to ‘grow’ biocement, dramatically cutting emissions from cement production and producing certified biocement products in commercial-scale factories. Neustark captures carbon dioxide from industrial biogas plants, storing it safely within recycled concrete aggregates to create a long-lasting carbon sink and producing certified carbon credits. These innovations demonstrate significant progress in transforming concrete from a major CO 2 emitter into a material aligned with circular economy and climate goals. ALL CASE STUDIES

e1794df3-6a49-43c5-86c3-4113d41dac6c Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Copy link CIRCULÉIRE NON-MEMBER CASE STUDY COMPANY: HEWLETT PACKARD ENTERPRISE FINANCIAL SERVICES WEBSITE: HPE.COM SECTOR : ELECTRONICS PUBLISHED: 1st JULY 2026 TAGS: EWASTE, ITAD, ASSETUPCYCLING, REMANUFACTURING, SUSTAINABILITY, CIRCULARPROCUREMENT, TECHNOLOGYRENEWAL, PRODUCTASASERVICE, GREENIT, WEEE, SCOTLANDCIRCULARECONOMY, HPE, KNOWLEDGETRANSFER, ZEROWASTESCOTLAND In the second week of September 2025, a delegation of CIRCULÉIRE members and staff was invited to Glasgow, Scotland, by Zero Waste Scotland to meet Circular Economy Industry Pioneers and Stakeholders from the Scottish Ecosystem. On Tuesday, September 9 th , our delegation visited HPE Financial Services’ Technology Renewal Centre in Erskine, Scotland. End-of-life IT equipment is taken here to be inspected and remarketed back to customers. This case study is part of a special series to transfer knowledge and learnings to Circular Economy Pioneers in the Irish Ecosystem. The Challenge Electronics power nearly everything we use today, from toothbrushes to cars to the screens we watch. They've driven decades of economic growth, but they also create a mounting problem: electronic waste, or e-waste. In 2022, the world generated a record 62 million tonnes of e-waste - enough to fill 1.55 million 40-tonne trucks, roughly forming a bumper-to-bumper line encircling the equator ( ITU and UNITAR, 2024 ). This is up 82% since 2010, and by 2030 the figure is expected to reach 82 million tonnes ( ITU and UNITAR, 2024 ). Screens and small IT equipment together account for around 14.6% of e-waste by weight, only a fraction of which is properly recycled at end of life ( ITU and UNITAR, 2024 ). When e-waste is not recycled, it releases harmful substances such as lead and mercury, which can pollute ecosystems and threaten human health ( Forti et al., The Lancet Planetary Health, 2021 ). On a business-as-usual path, e-waste is projected to cost the global economy $40 billion a year by 2030. If collection and recycling rates reach 60%, e-waste could instead generate $38 billion in net economic benefit ( ITU and UNITAR, 2024 ). Closing that gap depends on building a circular system for IT equipment - one centred on recovery, life-extension, and recycling. A Circular Solution Hewlett Packard Enterprise Financial Services (HPE FS) leases IT equipment such as laptops and servers, rather than selling it outright. This allows HPE FS to take back used equipment at the end of the lease term, typically after three years. Of HPE FS's total leased asset base, roughly 40% is returned to its Technology Renewal Centres at end of lease; the remaining 60% is extended or bought out by the customer. Returned laptops, small IT devices, and enterprise equipment such as servers are securely sanitised, inspected, and resold for a second life, mostly to corporate clients, under quality standards intended to ensure each device performs as a like-new product for its next user. Through its Asset Upcycling Services , customers can also send end-of-life equipment directly to HPE FS, sharing in the revenue generated from its resale. At the Erskine Technology Renewal Centre, HPE FS reports a remarketing rate of 94% for PCs and 86% for server assets - figures corroborated by HPE's own published Circular Economy Report and Living Progress Report . The biggest challenge is customer perception. David Connell, Global Engineering Manager at the Erskine site, has described how many organisations want to recover value from their own retired equipment but remain hesitant to purchase secondary products themselves. HPE is addressing this throu gh rigorous quality certification, demonstrating that refurbished equipment can perform as well as new. Climate Impact Over the past three years, HPE FS has processed 9.5 million IT assets worldwide and returned $1 billion to customer budgets ( HPE, Living Progress Report 2024 ). In FY2024 alone, HPE's Circular Economy Reports - issued to customers using its Asset Upcycling and lease-return services - recorded aggregate savings of approximately 298,000 tonnes of CO₂e, 27 million kWh of energy, and 7,760 tonnes of waste diverted from landfill ( HPE, Living Progress Report 2024 ). HPE's own equivalency for the CO₂ figure is roughly 740,000 people flying from New York to Los Angeles. HPE FS's work to extend the life of IT equipment r eflects a broader shift toward circularity in the technology sector. Replicability GreenIT , an Irish SME and CIRCULÉIRE member, remanufactures laptops to a like-new standard through a BSI Kitemark-certified process, restoring and testing hardware and software components. Every GreenIT remanufactured laptop comes with a 3–5 year extended warranty and costs up to 40% less than an equivalent new laptop ( GreenIT, 2024 ). IQUTECH , headquartered in Limerick and a CIRCULÉIRE member, is a returns-management company providing refurbishment, repair, and remarketing services for major electronics manufacturers including Dell, HP, Acer, Lenovo, and Apple. Refurbed , headquartered in Vienna, Austria, offers refurbished consumer electronics - including smartphones, laptops, and tablets - through its Irish storefront, with savings of up to 40% versus new, a 30-day free trial, and a minimum 12-month warranty; it also runs a trade-in scheme for end-of-life devices. SK tes , a global IT asset disposition (ITAD) company with owned facilities in over 20 countries, including a site in Shannon, Co. Clare, prioritises refurbishment and remarketing of end-of-life IT equipment alongside certified data destruction and battery recycling. Circular Computing , based in the UK, remanufactures HP, Dell, and Lenovo laptops to "as good as new" condition through its BSI Kitemark-certified Circular Remanufacturing Proces s, offering up to 40% cost savings compared to new devices, alongside carbon-neutral certification. ALL CASE STUDIES

a07b0cfe-6da8-4cbf-9ea5-b5b19b22683e Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Copy link CIRCULÉIRE NON-MEMBER CASE STUDY COMPANY: HEALTH BEACON WEBSITE: HEALTHBEACON.COM SECTOR : HEALTHCARE, MEDTECH, PHARMACEUTICALS PUBLISHED: 14 JULY 2025 TAGS: REUSE, RECYCLING, MEDTECH, PHARMACEUTICALS, MEDICAL WASTE, HAZARDOUS WASTE The Challenge Approximately 16 billion injections are administered globally eac h year ( WHO, 2024 ). Unfortunately, not all needles and syringes are properly disposed of ( WHO, 2024 ), posing a danger of injury and infection as well as potential reuse of an unste rilised product. Single-use products, such as injection needles and syringes, are popular due to the risk of transferable / infectious diseases plus the high cost and time-consuming process of sterilisation ( Collier, 2011 ). However, massive amounts of plastic packaging, single-use tools, and diagnostic devices emit greenhouse gases (GHG) when incinerated or while decomposing in landfills and oceans ( Greene, Skolnik & Merritt, 2022 ). In fact, healthcare systems are responsible for 4%–5% of the emissions of GHGs worldwide ( Rodríguez‐Jiménez et al., 2023 ). The Circular Opportunity Single-use medical supplies account for roughly 80% of the industry’s carbon footprint in terms of production, transport, usage, and disposal ( Greene et al., 2022 ). Medical supplies, like many other common household items, were made of reusable metal, fabric, and glass in the past, with little to no plastic used in their production or packaging ( Johns Hopkins, 2023 ). Currently, almost all medical supplies, including surgical masks, syringes, and surgical tools, are wrapped in or made of plastic ( Johns Hopkins, 2023 ). As a matter of fact, 85% of global medical waste is comprised of discarded materials that are disposable rather than reusable, despite only 15% of it being hazardous ( Greene et al., 2022 ). A sustainable healthcare system is one in which products are developed for longevity and circularity while also ensuring device reliability and patient safety. The Circular Solution in Practice HealthBeacon is an Irish digital therapeutics company that develops products for patients to manage injectable medications at home. The HealthBeacon Injection Care Management System monitors medication adherence and persistence by providing medication management reminders, safe and sustainable sharps disposal devices, educational resources, and artificial intelligence (AI) operated data analytics. The company is presently operating in 17 countries, primarily across Europe, North America, and the United Kingdom. Peer reviewed evidence published in the International Journal of Clinical Pharmacy revealed that patients using this technology improved injectable medication adherence by up to 26% (Glynn, 2020) . HealthBeacon and Novartis Ireland are collaborating to use the HealthBeacon Green Labs to develop a platform that will offer quick and easy innovative sustainability solutions for Novartis patients ( Novartis Ireland, 2022 ). The first step of this partnership is supplying reusable sharps bins to rheumatology, dermatology, and neurology patients. Smart technology reminds patients to take their medication and alerts them when their sharps bin is almost full. The full sharps bin is then collected from the patient’s home, sanitised, and returned to the patient for reuse, ensuring an environmentally friendly and safe service for patients ( Novartis Ireland, 2022 ). Replicability According to a report by Grand View Research, Inc., the global home healthcare market is estimated to reach USD 747.b billion by 2030 ( GVR, 202 4 ). From 2022 to 2030, the market is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.21% ( GVR, 2022 ). The increase of chronic illnesses such as respiratory diseases, kidney disorders, and diabetes is driving up demand for home therapeutic devices. HealthBeacon has an excellent opportunity to capitalise on this thriving market and expand its business. The collection and sustainable disposal of injectable sharps is a significant step towards tackling the global challenge of sustainably managing medical waste and assisting pharmaceutical companies in adopting more sustainable waste management practises. A few initiatives worth noting in the circular medical devices sphere include: Tympany Medical, a CIRCULÉIRE new venture, is a Galway-based medical technology company that produces reusable endoscopes. The ReMed project, a collaboration between Loughborough University and the University of Leeds, aims to identify the barriers to the circular use of medical devices and develop sustainable solutions. ALL CASE STUDIES

d64ee546-b73f-4f6b-9567-fb831907b904 Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Copy link 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

31da2f4e-f753-4082-ad5b-8ecbe46e946f Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Copy link CIRCULÉIRE MEMBER CASE STUDY COMPANY: SHARECLUB WEBSITE: WEARESHARECLUB.COM SECTOR : CLEAN-TECHNOLOGY, PACKAGING PUBLISHED: 29 AUGUST 2025 TAGS: REUSEREVOLUTION, SINGLEUSEPLASTIC , PACKAGINGASASERVICE , ESGDATA , CSRD , ZEROWASTEEVENTS , SUSTAINABLEBUSINESS , WASTEREDUCTION The Challenge In 2021, Ireland produced the most plastic packaging waste in the EU at 73 kg per person ( Research Matters, 2024 ). Within that mix of waste, we discard approximately 22,000 disposable takeaway cups every hour. That’s 528,000 a day or an estimated 200 million annually, translating to 3,700 tonnes of single-use cup waste generated every year ( Recycling List Ireland, 2018 ). Most of these cups are made from paper lined with polyethylene (PE) to make them waterproof ( Repak, 2018 ). PE is the world’s most commonly produced plastic ( Science Direct, n.d ). While it is technically possible to recycle the cups, most paper mills do not have the capability to do so ( Repak, 2018 ). As a result, most cups end up in landfill or are sent to incineration ( Smyth, 2024 ). Disposable cups are also among the top 5 items found as litter along our coastline (Clean Coasts, 2024) where they break down into harmful microplastics that damage marine life, coastal ecosystems and ultimately end up in the human food chain ( Department of Health, Western Australia 2021 ). Microplastics have been found in virtually every part of the human body including the brain, lungs, placenta, bone marrow, as well as in blood, urine and breast milk ( Yale Environment 360, 2024 ). The Circular Opportunity Shareclub is a multi-award winning Irish company, and CIRCULÉIRE member, offering smart reusable solutions to help their clients reduce their environmental impacts. Founded with a mission to embed reuse into everyday operations, Shareclub helps offices, canteens, events and cafes replace disposable cups and bowls with reusable alternatives, supporting organisations to meet their sustainability goals. Shareclub provides businesses with reusable hot drink cups, reusable cold drink pint cups and reusable bowls for regular use in their workplace canteens or cafés, as well as for corporate events, conferences, and festivals. Shareclub offers their clients a borrowing system to suits their needs, such as RFID tags which are ideal for canteens or cafés, or a borrow & return app which is more suited to campuses and workplaces. They also offer branded options for customers who wish to buy their cups outright. Shareclub’s technology tracks borrowed items, providing clients with customised impact dashboards and measurable data—such as CO₂ savings and waste reduction metrics—for their sustainability reporting. Shareclub helps businesses integrate sustainable practices into their day-to-day operations and backs it up with real reportable data. By offering a digital borrowing model for reusable cups at events, workplaces, cafés, and take-away services, Shareclub ensures high return rates and significant waste reduction. Their services include impact dashboards and reporting tools that help businesses manage reusable stock and access sustainability insights. Shareclub’s digital system keeps track of usage and return rates, providing precise data on waste reduction and environmental footprint—all crucial to Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) reporting ( Shareclub, 2025 ). How Shareclub's RFID Technology System Works (Shareclub, 2025) Climate Impact Shareclub has already made a notable impact by saving over 15,000 disposable cups and preventing more than 5,700 kg of CO₂e emissions ( Shareclub, 2025 ). Their digital-enabled reuse system produces 90% less waste and cuts procurement and waste expenses by approximately 65% ( Shareclub, 2025 ). Shareclub intends to expand their network to more than 200 partners within the next four years with a focus on waste reduction, community engagement, and behavioural change through consumer education. Their digital-enabled reuse system has reported a 98% return rate, contributing to a more circular system and a reduction in future plastic production. Client testimonials from the Dublin Coffee Festival, Guinness Enterprise Centre, and Dublin City Council demonstrate the effectiveness and positive reception Shareclub’s solution has received ( Shareclub, 2025 ). Replicability Other examples of reusable system providers include: 2GoCup is an Irish deposit-and-return scheme for reusable cups and food containers, operating across cafes and businesses in Ireland. RECUP is Germany’s largest reusable deposit system for coffee-to-go cups and takeaway bowls, with over 20,000 partner locations. Vytal is a digital, deposit-free reusable packaging system for takeaway meals and drinks, using QR codes and a mobile app to track containers. Again is a UK based company creating a network of cleaning facilities ("CleanCells") to enable the large-scale, cost-effective cleaning and redistribution of reusable packaging for brands. Loop is a global reuse platform that partners with brands to offer products in durable, returnable packaging, which is collected, professionally cleaned, and refilled. ALL CASE STUDIES

19feae94-bf87-492b-9672-8eea545fb81b Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Copy link CIRCULÉIRE NON-MEMBER CASE STUDY COMPANY: RUBI LABORATORIES WEBSITE: RUBI.EARTH SECTOR: TEXTILES & APPAREL MANUFACTURING / INDUSTRIAL BIOTECHNOLOGY PUBLISHED: 11 th SEPTEMBER 2026 TAGS: CIRCULAR MANUFACTURING, BIO-BASED MATERIALS, CELLULOSIC FIBRES, ENZYMATIC BIOCATALYSIS, RAW MATERIAL SUBSTITUTION, DECARBONISATION, TEXTILE INNOVATION, RESOURCE EFFICIENCY, SUPPLY CHAIN RESILIENCE The Challenge The textile industry is one of the most resource-intensive sectors globally, contributing to environmental degradation and labour rights violations across its supply chain ( Brown and Börkey, 2024 ; Keßler, Matlin and Kümmerer, 2021 ). Within the EU, textile consumption ranks as the fifth largest contributor to greenhouse gas emissions and the fourth largest in raw materials use from a global life-cycle perspective ( European Commission, 2020 ), placing it among the highest-impact product categories assessed ( Long, Lee-Simion and Connock, 2022 ). This impact is a function of scale. Global fibre production reached a record 124 million tonnes in 2023, more than double the volume produced in 2000, and is projected to reach 160 million tonnes by 2030 on current trends ( Textile Exchange, 2024 ). Synthetic fibres, now the dominant feedstock, carry a disproportionate emissions burden due to their fossil origin and energy-intensive production ( Duhoux et al., 2025 ). Natural fibres present a related constraint: cotton alone is cultivated on 2.5% of the world's arable land ( FAO, 2023 ), and producing a single cotton t-shirt requires 2,700 litres of fresh water ( EU Parliament, 2025 ). Regardless of feedstock, the raw materials stage carries the heaviest footprint: land conversion, deforestation, chemical use and irrigation energy make fibre production one of the most environmentally significant points in the value chain ( OECD, 2022 ), and manufacturing alone involves more than 15,000 different chemicals ( Niinimäki et al., 2020 ). Processing compounds this further, with dyeing accounting for roughly 20% of global industrial water pollution ( EU Parliament, 2025 ). Global manmade cellulosic fibre (MMCF) production rose from 7.4 million tonnes in 2022 to 7.9 million tonnes in 2023 ( Textile Exchange, 2024 ). These pressures culminate at the point of consumption, EU textile use generated 355 kg of CO 2 per capita in 2022 ( EU Parliament, 2025 ), underscoring that any credible circular solution must intervene furthest upstream, at fibre production itself. A Circular Solution Founded in 2021, Rubi Laboratories addresses the raw-materials bottleneck identified above by removing agricultural cultivation from fibre production altogether. Rather than growing and pulping trees or plants for cellulose, Rubi's process begins with flue gas, the CO 2 -laden waste stream from manufacturing facilities. This gas is diverted into a bioreactor system before it can reach the atmosphere, where cell-free enzymes convert the captured CO 2 directly into pure cellulose pulp, driving the same chemical transformation plants use to build cellulose, only without cultivating a single plant. Rubi calls this "symbiotic manufacturing", a cyclical rather than linear process, built on capturing existing waste streams rather than extracting new resources ( Rubi Laboratories, n.d.a. ). Crucially, the resulting cellulose is chemically the same material used in viscose and lyocell, so it doesn't require textile manufacturers to change their equipment, it can be dissolved, extruded into fibre, spun into yarn, and woven or knitted through the industry's existing production lines ( Rubi Laboratories, n.d.a. ). This directly answers the land- and water-intensity problem raised, with the company reporting virtually zero water and zero land use compared with cultivated fibres ( Rubi Laboratories, n.d.b. ). At end of life, the pure cellulosic textile is fully biodegradable, returning captured carbon to the natural cycle rather than persisting as waste. Rubi also describes its production units as modular and deployable at or near existing manufacturing sites rather than requiring large, centralised, land-intensive facilities ( World Economic Forum, n.d. ). Environmental, Social and Economic Impact Each garment made with Rubi's cellulose is estimated by the company to avoid and capture the equivalent of around 20 bathtubs of CO 2 per pair of jeans, roughly 18 avoided and 2 directly captured from industrial flue gas, alongside virtually zero water and zero land use compared with cultivated fibres, and full biodegradability at end of life ( Rubi Laboratories, n.d.b. ). The technology offers a renewable, forest-free alternative to wood pulp. According to Rubi's NSF Phase II award abstract, at pilot scale and measured against wood-pulp cellulose, their technology delivers around 50% lower CO₂e emissions, 60% less water use and 98% less land use ( America’s Seed Fund by NSF, n.d. ). Conventional cellulose and cotton processing exposes workers to heavy agrochemical and industrial chemical use, links to respiratory illness and other health effects ( Niinimäki et al., 2020 ); replacing field cultivation and chemical pulping with enzymatic conversion would, by removing those inputs, plausibly reduce this category of occupational exposure. Beyond the factory floor, the platform is expected to generate new employment and strengthen domestic manufacturing capacity, tapping into a serviceable obtainable market estimated at $2 billion in the United States ( America’s Seed Fund by NSF, n.d. ). [PW1] Economically, the technology has drawn both public and private validation. Rubi was awarded a $969,961 Small Business Innovation Research Phase II grant from the U.S. National Science Foundation to scale its carbon-to-cellulose platform, following a completed Phase I award ( America’s Seed Fund by NSF, n.d. ). It was also named to Forbes' Under 30 list for Manufacturing & Industry, with reporting noting $4.5 million raised and pilot agreements underway with clothing brands ( Feldman, Ohnsman and Brier, 2022 ). Commercially, cell-free enzymatic conversion is reported to cut energy and capital costs by up to a factor of ten, moving cellulose toward cost parity with conventional fibres and drawing engagement from Walmart, H&M, Patagonia and Stella McCartney ( World Economic Forum, n.d. ). Replicability Rubi is not alone in treating carbon emissions as a feedstock rather than a waste. A handful of companies are converting captured or waste carbon into usable materials, by different routes: Fairbrics (France) - has built a chemical process, pairing catalysis with electrochemistry, that captures CO 2 from industrial sources and turns it into the organic building blocks used in plastics manufacturing. Its first commercial application replaces fossil-derived inputs in polyester production with this captured carbon, and the company is working toward a version of the material that is fully carbon-negative. LanzaTech (USA) - captures waste industrial gases and converts them into usable raw materials through a recycling process. One commercial result of this is CO2Renu , a fleece line developed with outdoor brand Craghoppers that is built from carbon LanzaTech has diverted from industrial emissions rather than drawn from virgin fossil sources. Newlight (USA) - operates Eagle 3, the world's first fully integrated commercial-scale production system converting air and greenhouse gas into a biomaterial called AirCarbon. Using naturally occurring microorganisms discovered in California that convert air and dissolved greenhouse gas into PHB, the technology produces decarbonised, compostable materials now used in foodware and packaging. ALL CASE STUDIES

The Circular Venture Accelerator 2026 supports late‑stage circular start-ups with expert-led guidance, industry integration, and hands-on commercial scaling support. Over six months, ventures work with circularity specialists and IMR experts to strengthen business models, advance technology, adopt circular metrics, and prepare for investment. The programme offers funding, industry engagement, prototyping access, and tailored mentoring to accelerate growth and build market‑ready solutions. EXPLORE THE PROGRAMME Circular Venture Accelerator 2026 Scaling-up circular innovation. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA & APPLICATION About the Programme The Circular Venture Accelerator is designed and delivered by Irish Manufacturing Research and funded by the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment as part of CIRCULÉIRE - Ireland's first cross-sectoral industry-led innovation network established in 2020. Built specifically for late-stage start-ups and scaling innovators, the Circular Venture Accelerator 2026 is a high-impact, industry-embedded programme that helps ambitious circular ventures prepare for commercial scaling, enterprise adoption, and investment readiness. Ventures accepted to this six-month programme will work closely with leading circularity experts, Irish Manufacturing Research specialists, and experienced industry members. They will strengthen their business model, accelerate product and technology development, adopt circular metrics, anticipate and align with policy shifts, and become investment and partnership-ready.  Designed for late-stage circular ventures to sharpen strategy, scale operations, prove economics, and prepare for partnerships or funding rounds. Deep Industry Integration provides access to the largest circular economy industry network in Ireland and the Industry Members Advisory Group (IMAG). Commercial scaling at its core , enabling ventures to quantify metrics that matter and turn compliance into a competitive advantage. Expert-led thematic modules on commercial positioning, enterprise growth, circular business models, regulatory alignment, impact metrics, storytelling, and pitching. Two immersive, residential bootcamps focused on strategy, execution, and investor preparation. One-to-one mentoring and peer-to-peer sessions , events and forums. What Ventures Can Expect Ventures will experience a targeted, industry-embedded scale-up journey designed to accelerate commercial growth, strengthen strategic clarity, and build investor readiness.  Benefits include: € 5,000 Equity-Free Funding. Free CIRCULÉIRE Membership for 2026 , unlocking ecosystem access, networking, and wide-ranging circularity resources and supports. Direct industry engagement  through IMAG's real-world insights, validation, and collaboration opportunities. Access to IMR’s prototyping, testing, and technology development facilities  to support product and manufacturing advancement. Hands on funding support , including RD&I pathways, grant identification, and funding readiness preparation.  ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA & APPLICATION Selected Ventures IMR is proud to announce the Circular Venture Accelerator 2026 Cohort and to welcome them to CIRCULÉIRE . Ábhar Materials Ltd Ábhar Materials provides an off-take route for the waste offcuts and sawdust generated by workshops and joineries. This stream is commonly burnt, landfilled or sold as low-value animal bedding. Their patent-pending Grow-then-Lock™ bio-based process converts it into structural composite panels with no added formaldehyde, displacing virgin wood and petrochemical resin imports. About Bounce Back Recycling (BBR) Bounce Back Recycling (BBR) is one of Ireland's leading mattress recycling operators. From its Galway City facility, BBR processes 60,000+ mattresses annually for retailers, local authorities and consumers across 13 counties, recovering steel, polyurethane foam, textiles  and timber for return to the circular economy and upcycling other bulky waste. About Celestine Materials & Innovation Celestine Materials & Innovation is designed to systemically innovate the valorisation of waste streams as raw material feedstock, transformed into smart material solutions. Working within industry and manufacturing systems, they reapply proven technologies to create accessible, low-carbon products that offer replacements to synthetic inputs and support Ireland’s transition to a circular, resilient economy. About Ecokinly EcoKinly is a challenger hygiene brand enabling the circular economy by empowering consumers to replace single-use linear hygiene products, such as nappies, wipes and period pads, with durable, reusable alternatives. Ecokinly supports consumer waste reduction within the household and supports sustainable reuse habits. About About Nothing New CMT Studio Nothing New, by Change Clothes CLG, is a circular Cut-Make-Trim production studio transforming reclaimed textiles into commercially viable products through small-batch manufacturing and zero-waste production systems. By connecting textile recovery, local manufacturing, and paid graduate employment pathways, they are rebuilding circular textile production capability in Ireland while reducing waste and extending material lifecycles. About Neg8 Carbon NEG8 Carbon develops electrostatic Direct Air Capture technology that removes CO₂ from ambient air for circular use. Its circular application is best demonstrated in SAF (Sustainable Aviation Fuel), where captured atmospheric CO₂ is combined with green hydrogen to produce aviation fuel in a closed carbon loop. About Sampla Sampla is the Irish word for example. Their footwear aims to set an example by crafting shoes ethically, while using apples and other innovative, animal-friendly materials. About Techstuff Techstuff.ie is Ireland's circular tech platform enabling the full device lifecycle resell, repair, reuse and recycle. Our marketplace, verified repair shop directory, recycling centre directory and TechStuff4Schools community collection programme keep devices in closed loop circulation, generating valuable consumer-level circular economy data across the full device lifecycle. About External Coaching Team Ron Immink Ron Immink is a strategist, positive futurist, author and advisor who helps CEOs build future-fit organisations. He works with leadership teams to make sense of AI, disruption and culture, turning uncertainty into clear narratives, sharper strategy and practical action. Ron has read over 10,000 books on strategy, innovation, leadership, technology and the future, written more than 20 books, and advised thousands of businesses across Europe and beyond. Clients describe him as a maverick-in-residence, an innovation grenade and a positive futurologist. Brian O'Connell Brian O’Connell has held director positions in sales and marketing with both Dell and Oracle; and has worked in a consultancy capacity with companies such as Apple, Digiweb, StockByte, Schneider Electric, Cora Systems and J2 Global. Brian’s experience also includes work with growth orientated companies such as Snapfix RaiseYourIQ, Smart flow, N-pro where he helped define sales strategies and sales channels, new market entrance, product strategy, sales team development, marketing strategy, channel marketing plus implementing “Go to Market” programs/tactics. His passion is helping people and companies succeed. Meghann Scully Meghann Scully is a multimedia presenter working across digital media, TV and radio. She can be seen on RTÉ, Virgin Media and TG4 as well as being heard on Off The Ball, Newstalk and several podcasts. She has been working across the media industry for over two decades in Ireland and the UK in areas such as sport, sustainability, entertainment and lifestyle. Her workshop will bring all her expertise together to create an engaging, informative and enjoyable session with some key tips for businesses and brands to elevate their content and presentation skills. IMR’s Coaching Team Salmine Sassi Salmine builds the frameworks that turn technical research into scalable commercial assets. With over a decade of experience in venture building and strategic innovation across Europe, MENA, and the US, she specializes in killing "Innovation Theater" and validating market demand before teams burn capital on unvetted concepts. Within IMR, her mandate is to work directly with our engineering and research teams to stress-test ideas, map market unit economics, and architect high-velocity pathways for spin-ins and spin-outs. Valentina Rangel Leon Valentina Rangel is the Circular Economy Policy Specialist at IMR, working primarily on the flagship project CIRCULÉIRE, she supports industry engagement in national and EU circular economy regulatory frameworks. Her role at IMR also involves enhancing the Irish Industry’s understanding of the key regulatory drivers for circularity, as well as key regulatory obligations, and facilitating meaningful dialogue between industry and national policymakers. Valentina Tarasco Valentina, Circularity Assessment & Metrics Lead, joined IMR in October 2024, She develops circularity performance metrics and Circular Economy Action Plans that are practical and measurable, using data to guide strategic planning and embed circular thinking into business practices. She has over 17 years' experience in IT leasing, disposition and refurbishment, two core circular economy strategies. Daniel Whelan Daniel, Circularity Assessment & Metrics Technologist, contributes to the development of Circular Economy Action Plans and performance metrics that support organisations in advancing their circularity goals. He collaborates with cross-functional teams to deliver data-driven strategies that are practical, measurable, and aligned with regulatory requirements and industry standards. With experience across diverse sectors, Daniel supports the implementation of circular practices, conducts carbon footprint assessments, and facilitates the integration of sustainability into core business operations. His work enables organisations to translate circular economy principles into actionable outcomes. Paul McCormack Cooney Paul McCormack Cooney is the Circular Economy Best Practice & Toolkits Lead in IMR. Paul leverages his expertise in communications, graphic design, and business to lead the development of CIRCULÉIRE's thought leadership and practical toolkits. As Best Practice & Toolkits Lead, he is responsible for creating key resources for Irish industry, including case studies, sectoral guides, and the Circular Maturity Tool. Drawing on a decade of experience in B2B2C financial communications, Paul excels at translating complex circular economy concepts into accessible and actionable insights that bridge the gap between research and business application. Karl Crowley Karl Crowley is the Senior Programme Manager for Circularity for RD&I at IMR. In this role, he is responsible for assisting Irish Industry to develop ideas into fully realised and fundable proposals and identifying suitable national and EU-wide funding opportunities. In a career spanning over 20 years, Karl has worked in diverse research settings including a UK-based start-up (SmartKem), an MNC Research Centre (Kingspan IKON), and an EI Technology Gateway (MiCRA). In these settings, he has worked across a range of sectors including circular materials development, construction waste valorisation, digital product passport deployment, flexible & printed electronics, and medical devices. MEDIA & NEWS Media News Circular accelerator offers €5k equity-free funding READ MORE THINK BUSINESS, 08 APR 2026 Circuléire makes fresh call for 2026 accelerator applicants READ MORE SILICON REPUBLIC, 08 APR 2026 NEG8 Carbon Selected for CIRCULÉIRE “Circular Venture Accelerator 2026” READ MORE NEG8 CARBON, 12 JUN 2026

The decisions made today will determine whether Irish businesses have the skills required to thrive in a circular economy. Complete the survey and help shape future talent development, workforce planning and training priorities across Ireland. CE Skills Survey COMPLETE THE SURVEY Help shape Ireland's circular economy skills future. ABOUT WHO CAN PARTICIPATE? WHY PARTICIPATE TAKE SURVEY 2025 FINDINGS RESOURCES About The transition to a circular economy is creating new opportunities for innovation, competitiveness, and sustainability across Ireland. However, organisations need the right capabilities, knowledge, and workforce skills to make that transition successful. The Circular Economy Skills Survey 2026 aims to build a clearer national picture of current skills strengths, gaps, and future needs across industries and regions. Your feedback will help inform future training programmes, business supports, and skills development initiatives that enable organisations to thrive in a circular economy. Who Can Participate? Anyone can participate. We welcome responses from organisations of all sizes, sectors, and regions across Ireland, whether you are actively implementing circular economy initiatives or just beginning your journey. Business Leaders Sustainability Teams Innovation & Operations Teams Anyone can participate HR & Learning Professionals SMEs & Large Enterprises Public & Support Organisations Any other professional actively implementing circular economy initiatives Why take part? Last year's survey provided valuable baseline insights into circular economy skills needs across Ireland. In 2026, we are seeking broader participation from organisations across every county to create a more representative understanding of Ireland's circular economy capability landscape. Help us work towards the goal of building a national picture of circular economy skills needs across Irish business Ensure your region, sector, and business experience are represented Help identify priority skills gaps and training requirements Inform the development of future circular economy supports and initiatives Take the Survey Share your organisation's experience and help identify the skills, capabilities, and workforce supports needed to accelerate Ireland's circular transition. Don't miss out. The survey closes at 23:59 (Irish Time) on 23 October 2026. Days Hours Min Until survey closes Take the 10-Minute Survey CE SKILLS SURVEY 2025 Findings Resources Download

The Innovation Fund empowers organisations across Ireland to develop innovative circular economy solutions through collaboration. By supporting partnerships, the fund helps deliver projects that reduce waste, extend product lifecycles, improve resource efficiency, and create sustainable economic and environmental benefits. Innovation Fund 2026 FIND OUT MORE Powering circularity through collaboration. About the Fund The CIRCULÉIRE Innovation Fund 2026 supports collaborative circular economy demonstration projects that help Irish industry test, demonstrate and scale practical circular solutions. The Fund is designed to help organisations de-risk innovation, build cross-sector partnerships and generate learning that can support wider adoption across the CIRCULÉIRE network and the wider circular economy ecosystem. The Innovation Fund is not intended to support one-off pilots in isolation. Our goal is to identify and back the most promising circular innovations—projects capable of delivering tangible environmental, social and economic benefits while helping to accelerate Ireland’s transition to a circular economy Successful applicants will clearly articulate both the short-term and longer-term impacts their project seeks to achieve and how these will be measured. Projects should generate practical learning, evidence and transferable insights that can benefit the wider CIRCULÉIRE network and the broader circular economy ecosystem. Supporting Industry-Led Circular Transformation We are particularly seeking projects that demonstrate: Funding Impactful Projects with Potential to Scale Applications must be led by a CIRCULÉIRE member and involve collaboration between at least two organisations. We are particularly seeking projects that demonstrate: A clear circular economy opportunity or challenge Strong collaboration between industry, research and/or value chain partners A credible and measurable pathway to impact Alignment with CIRCULÉIRE's circular economy impact priorities High potential for replication, scale-up and wider market adoption. Supporting Industry-Led Circular Transformation Irish Manufacturing Research (IMR) welcomes the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment's support for the relaunch of the CIRCULÉIRE Innovation Fund. The Fund provides a vital opportunity for organisations to access RD&I funding dedicated to collaborative circular economy innovation. We encourage all CIRCULÉIRE members to build ambitious, high-potential consortia and bring forward the ideas, technologies and partnerships that will help shape Ireland's circular future. Ready to Apply? Explore the Application Guide , eligibility criteria and supporting resources to start building your consortium and shaping a high-impact circular innovation project. READ GUIDE FOR APPLICANTS Funding Range The CIRCULÉIRE Innovation Fund 2026 will support projects across three indicative funding bands: Small scale projects: up to €50,000 grant requested Medium scale projects: up to €150,000 grant requested Large scale projects: up to €250,000 grant requested The maximum grant requested must not exceed €250,000 per project. The grant requested is not the same as the total project cost. The total project cost may be higher where partner contribution is required. Projects may be 6 or 12 months in duration. Further information about co-funding rates (etc.) can be found in the Guide for Applicants document . Deadline & Countdown The deadline for full proposal submissions is 31st August 2026 at 23:59 Irish time. Applications must be submitted through the CIRCULÉIRE Innovation Fund 2026 online submission platform, hosted on AwardForce. Applicants should allow sufficient time to complete all online fields, upload all required documents and check that the information entered in the platform matches the uploaded Application Form and Project Budget Application Workbook. Days Hours Min Until applications close APPLY NOW Please cross-check the Application Checklist (Section 7 of the Application Form) to ensure all required documentation has been uploaded. Late applications will not be considered. Please ensure the email used to register on Awards Force is the same as that used in the application form . Past Funded Projects From 2020 to 2022, CIRCULÉIRE actively supported the development of a circular economy in Ireland through a dedicated Innovation Pilot Project Fund. Backed by our strategic partners —DCEE, EPA, and EIT Climate-KIC— the Innovation Pilot Project financed 10 large-scale, system-wide innovation projects within the CIRCULÉIRE network.  Visit the CIRCULÉIRE website for an overview of the successful projects, case studies and other useful resources The 2022 Innovation Fund brought together Farrell Furniture and ATU Connemara to collaborate on the project Do More with Less, advancing furniture remanufacturing and design preservation. Guidance for Applicants Applicants should review the Guide for Applicants and cross-check the Submission Checklist before preparing a submission. The Guide explains the fund objectives, eligibility requirements, funding rates, budget rules, selection criteria, evaluation process, communication outputs, De Minimis requirements and award conditions. Applicants should also review the Application Form, Project Budget Application Workbook, De Minimis Aid & UiD Declaration Form, FAQs and Terms and Conditions before submitting. Application Form Download De Minimis Aid & UiD Declaration Form Download Project Budget Application Workbook Download FAQs The FAQs document provides practical answers to common applicant questions, covering everything from how to submit through Awards Force, what documents must be uploaded, who can lead or participate in project, how funding rates apply, how De Minimis works, what budget rules apply, and what communication outputs are expected from funded projects. Applicants are encouraged to review the FAQs document before contacting the CIRCULÉIRE team, as many common eligibility, budget and submission questions are addressed there. READ FAQs Terms & Conditions Applicants should review the CIRCULÉIRE Innovation Fund 2026 Terms & Conditions before submitting an application. The Terms & Conditions set out the obligations that apply to funded projects, including use of funding, eligible costs, reporting and monitoring, payment arrangements, project changes, completion requirements, De Minimis and State Aid compliance, data protection, audit access and other grant management responsibilities. If a project is approved for funding, the Lead Partner and relevant Project Partners will be required to comply with the Terms & Conditions, the Letter of Offer, the Guide for Applicants, the approved Application Form and the Project Budget Application Workbook. READ TERMS & CONDITIONS Call for Evaluators Irish Manufacturing Research (IMR) is establishing a pool of international expert evaluators to assess applications for the CIRCULÉIRE Innovation Fund 2026 . We welcome applications from independent evaluators who can assess the quality of the Innovation Fund 2026 entries in September 2026 READ MORE Other Resources Watch our recap information session below Watch our Website & AwardForce Application Tutorial Website and awardforce application tutorial Read Application Clinic Presentation presentation application clinic innovation fund Watch our Application Clinic Session video application clinic innovation fund Strategic Partners Page Menu Close All-Island Venture Award 2026 CE Skills Survey About the Fund Application Guide Funding Range Deadline and Countdown Past Funded Projects Documents for Application FAQ Terms and Conditions Call for Evaluators Resources and media Strategic Partners

Discover key insights into advancing a circular economy within Ireland’s MedTech sector. This page introduces CIRCULÉIRE’s “Unpacking the Circular Innovation Opportunities for Ireland’s MedTech Sector” guide, designed for industry leaders, policymakers, funders, and innovators seeking best‑practice strategies to drive sustainability and circularity in medical technology. Learn how circular design, resource efficiency, and innovation can shape the future of MedTech in Ireland. Button Button Button

This page outlines the eligibility criteria for ventures seeking to apply to initiatives jointly offered by CIRCULÉIRE and Irish Manufacturing Research (IMR). It provides guidance on the types of ventures that qualify, the requirements applicants must meet, and the standards used to assess suitability. The information supports prospective applicants in determining whether their venture aligns with the objectives of CIRCULÉIRE and IMR before beginning the application process. Circular Venture Accelerator 2026 Scaling-up circular innovation. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA & APPLICATION CIRCULÉIRE and Irish Manufacturing Research welcome applications from ventures that meet the following eligibility criteria:  Who Should Apply   The Accelerator is designed for late-stage circular ventures  that are already on the market (or about to launch) and preparing to scale their technology, operations, or commercial activity . Ideal applicants are companies that:  Operate in manufacturing, materials, reuse systems, repair/refurbishment, resource recovery, industrial symbiosis, circular textiles, construction, energy‑resource loops, or related circular sectors. Have moved beyond early‑stage validation (TRL 6+) and can demonstrate early revenue, pilot deployments, or enterprise traction. The enterprise should be incorporated in Ireland for a minimum of 2 years. Are seeking support to scale production, expand commercial revenue, or raise investment. Need guidance on impact metrics, product or technology development, regulatory alignment, or funding pathways. Want deeper industry connections, collaboration opportunities, and expert‑driven strategic support. Have ambition to scale into Irish, EU, or global markets. How It Works In this six-month programme, ventures will experience a targeted, industry‑embedded scale‑up journey designed to accelerate commercial growth, strengthen strategic clarity, and build investor readiness. It includes: Thematic core modules on vision and commercial proposition, regulatory and policy landscape, enterprise growth and commercial scaling, circular business models and revenue innovation, circular metrics and impact measurement, funding opportunities for RD&I, public speaking and storytelling, investor readiness and pitching. Two immersive, residential bootcamps focused on strategy, execution, and investor preparation. One-to-one mentoring sessions and peer-to-peer calls, events and forums. Circular Venture Accelerator 2026 Key Dates 31.03.2026 Call for Applications Launch 20.04.2026 Zoom Information Session 07.05.2026 Deadline for Applications w/c 11.05.2026 Pitches for Shortlisted Applicants (Online) & Notification to Awardees w/c 18.05.2026 Acceptance & Contract Signing w/c 18.05.2026 Circular Venture Accelerator 2026 Kick-Off Evaluation Criteria Applications will be evaluated with the below criteria in mind: Alignment with CIRCULÉIRE’s objectives. Track record of business performance over the previous 3 years, including evidence of circular economy implementation. Evidence of founders’ commitment to the Accelerator and the ideals of Circular Economy practices. Leadership team strength and track record of skills/capabilities to make the venture succeed. Strong value proposition/s encapsulated in a well-designed business model which will deliver growth and profitability through circular economy principles. Strong prospect of generating defensible IP. Evidence of understanding target market/s and marketing strategy. The financial strength to fund and sustain the circular venture through the scale-up phase. Ability to commit 1 day/week for the duration of the Accelerator. The venture must be incorporated in the Republic of Ireland. Application Process Please note the Call for Applications is now closed (2026 submissions were accepted through Awards Force only). If you missed the Zoom information session, you can watch back here for guidance on the application process and additional insights about the programme. Alternatively, you can download the info session slide deck here . For any queries, please do not hesitate to contact Circular Ventures Lead Agnese Metitieri (agnese.metitieri@imr.ie ). Return to the Circular Venture Accelerator 2026 Page