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The Irish Exporters Association (IEA) supports Irish industry to grow their exports to world markets. As part of their online webinar series on Green Supply Chains, Romain Couture, Circular Economy Researcher at IMR, discussed the importance of engaging in circular business models and capitalising on the opportunities that circularity represents for Ireland’s exporting businesses. Learn More

Irish Manufacturing Research (IMR) announced CIRCULÉIRE – The National Platform for Circular Manufacturing at the 2020 National Manufacturing & Supply Chain Conference & Exhibition at Citywest Convention Centre, Dublin which showcases cutting-edge industrial research and development and related technologies and solutions. IMR gave two key notes on the circular economy opportunity for Ireland: “Closing the Circular Innovation Gap in Ireland” on the Manufacturing Mainstage on 29/01/2010 , delivered Dr Geraldine Brennan, and on “The Circular Economy: Turning a manufacturing challenge into an opportunity” at the Sustainability Summit on 30/01/2020 delivered by Romain Couture. Learn More

Primary School from County Westmeath will visit IMR’s Lab in Mullingar and learn about Circular Economy Check the raffle recording: Congratulations to St. Oliver’s Plunkett BNS for winning the competition. Next week we will welcome Sinead White’s class into #IMRScienceWeek2022. The 5th-class students will learn about the circular economy and interact with cutting-edge technology being used in IMR’s Lab in Mullingar, like 3D printing, collaborative robots and virtual reality. Great news! As a thank you to all participants who entered this competition, IMR’s Outreach Team will run an online engineering challenge workshop on 17th of November called “Ship the Biscuit”. Teachers, check your inbox for more information. 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 .

Check out the details of our "Demonstrating Irish Circular Economy Innovation" conference held on 23/Nov/2022 Check the links below if you missed or want more information about our 2022 CIRCULÉIRE Virtual Conference: Demonstrating Irish Circular Economy Innovation. The event, held on 23rd November 2022, presented a line-up of speakers that showcased the impacts, insights and learnings from the cross-sectoral Innovation Pilots funded by CIRCULÉIRE in the construction, furniture, and medical devices, plastics, and textiles sectors. See the content available in our Circular Economy Knowledge Library: Introduction & Opening Address (Recording) +  Opening Remarks Slides Panel#1: Plastics - Built Environment & Labs (Recording) CE Power of Many Slides C-SUP Slides Panel#2: Furniture (Recording) +  Do More With Less Slides Panel#3: Agri-Food (Recording) +  SUCCESS Slides Panel#4: Medical Devices & WEEE (Recording) MEDAL Slides RoboCRM Slides Panel#5: CIRCULÉIRE Strategic Partner Reflections (Recording) Closing Remarks (Recording) Remember the speaker line-up: Neil Skeffington , CEO, Novelplast presenting on Circularising Single-Use Plastic (C-SUP), a circular lab plastics pilot. Kevin Cronin , COO, Freefoam Plastics presenting on Circular Economy & The Power of Many, a construction supply-chain pilot. Carl McAteer , Designer, Farrell Furniture presenting on Do More With Less, a B2B furniture tack-back scheme pilot. Richard Clinton , Group Commercial Director, Dawn Meats presenting on Sustainable Use of Carbon Contributes to Environmentally Sustainable Systems (SUCCESS). John Carr , Managing Director, Offerre presenting on MED Devices a New Life (MEDAL), a B2C medical devices take-back pilot. Paudy O’Brien , CEO, FPD Recycling presenting on RoboCRM - advanced robotics to capture critical raw materials in WEEE recycling. Les Carberry , Principle Officer, Circular Economy Unit, Department of Environment, Climate & Communications . Warren Phelan , Circular Economy Programme Manager, EPA . Dr Andy Kerr , Chief Strategy Officer, EIT Climate-KIC . Read more about the projects here. Minister Smyth's announcement On the occasion of our conference, on 23rd November 2022, Minister Smyth, who has responsibility for the Circular Economy and Communications, granted CIRCULÉIRE funding of €1.5million to continue its activities in 2023 to “foster and enhance circular economy knowledge, capacity building and implementation by Irish Industry”. Read more about the announcement 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 .

The event is taking place via Zoom on 26/Jan. Click and register! 💻🔴🔗Click here to check the recording of this webinar The year has officially begun, and we are excited about all the activities and plans for the year ahead. First on our list is the Remanufacturing Intro Webinar, a partnership between CIRCULÉIRE, I-FORM and TU DELF. The event is taking place virtually, from 11 am to 12:30 pm, on Thursday, 26th of January 2023. Join us to learn about: Drivers of Remanufacturing Business Models Addressing product design considerations for remanufacturing Cross-sectoral remanufacturing case studies Breakout Session: “Is remanufacturing suitable for my business? One of the key approaches to the circular economy is remanufacturing. This involves the rebuilding of a product to the specifications of the original manufactured product, using a combination of reused, repaired and new parts. End users should obtain the same or better performance, from the remanufactured product. The approach offers a range of potential benefits to the manufacturer, including the revenue generated through the sale of lower-priced remanufactured products, lower exposure to raw material/component supply problems, in addition to enhanced brand value through environmental performance. This introductory webinar will highlight as to how remanufacturing, which is already widely applied within the automotive and aerospace sectors, can be used to help to minimise waste and improve productivity. The webinar will include examples of companies who have successfully established remanufactured product lines, which in many cases have higher earning margins, compared with that obtained from existing product lines. This interactive 90min webinar targeting the Irish industry will be delivered as part of a European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) – Manufacturing sponsored project called Lean Remanufacturing in collaboration with CIRCULÉIRE – Ireland’s National Platform for Circular Manufacturing and I-FORM , the Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre. Lean Remanufacturing is a TU Delft led project focused on informing companies about the potential benefits of remanufacturing, as well as assisting them in adopting this approach. This webinar is on our event page. Click here to check CIRCULÉIRE's calendar and get information about other relevant events happening in the following weeks and months. 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 .

Sustainable Circular Economy Systems Expert, Dr Ilka Weissbrod, is joining CIRCULÉIRE on secondment from Indeed Innovation to develop CIRCULÉIRE’s 2022 Strategic Roadmap. We’re very excited to announce that Dr Ilka Weissbrod will be spinning into the CIRCULÉIRE team as Sustainable Circular Economy Systems Expert to assist in developing the strategic roadmap for a National Centre of Excellence for Circular Innovation. As part of the Department for the Environment, Climate & Communications commitment to the development of circular economy in Ireland, they have commissioned Irish Manufacturing Research (IMR) to develop a strategic roadmap for a National Centre of Excellence to explore what the next stage of CIRCULÉIRE would look like. As Ireland’s National Platform for Circular Economy, CIRCULÉIRE aims to continue scaling industry-led circular innovation while leveraging existing expertise and activity within the national circular innovation ecosystem. Ilka is the Director of Sustainable Circularity with Indeed Innovation , the innovation firm for a Circular Economy and seconding into IMR to take part in the CIRCULÉIRE roadmap development project as a Sustainable Circular Economy Systems Expert. In addition to her Director of Sustainable Circularity role with Indeed Innovation, Ilka is a Strategic Research Partner with TU Dresden and her research focus is on innovation processes in business with a view to operationalizing corporate sustainability with the goal of a Circular Economy. “It is so rare to be able to take a content deep-dive at the intersection of circular innovation theory and practice – I am truly thrilled to learn and work with the CIRCULÉIRE team on this strategic project .” Dr Ilka Weissbrod, Director Sustainable Circularity, Indeed Innovation. Dr Geraldine Brennan Head of Circular Economy, and Sophie Reynolds Policy & Innovation Lead at the EU Circular Economy Stakeholder Conference In February this year, CIRCULÉIRE team members Dr Geraldine Brennan, Sophie Reynolds and Dr Ilka Weissbrod (on secondment from Indeed Innovation) attended the 2023 EU Circular Economy Stakeholder Platform Conference. This was not only an excellent opportunity to keep our fingers on the pulse of circular innovation across Europe, but also provided an unmissable opportunity for the first in-person meeting of the leading members of the roadmap development team. "We are really excited to have Ilka spinning into the CIRCULÉIRE team and to be able to leverage her insights from decades of working in sustainable and circular innovation AND developing cutting-edge research in systems thinking and experimentation" Dr Geraldine Brennan, Head of CE, IMR & CIRCULÉIRE Lead To inform the development of the roadmap, CIRCULÉIRE will be doing nationwide multi-sectoral stakeholder events over April and May 2023 to hear from actors across the circular economy innovation ecosystem. To stay up-to-date with these events keep an eye on our CIRCULÉIRE events page , our LinkedIn and Twitter pages, and our industry newsletter. 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 for our upcoming Stakeholder Engagement sessions where we will be engaging with Irish Industry, business representatives, and key stakeholders from research and academia in a series of workshops to gather insights on how a future Centre of Excellence for Circular Innovation can accelerate Ireland's circular transition. This work is being supported by the Department for the Environment, Climate and Communications, who in 2023 commissioned Irish Manufacturing Research (IMR) to develop a strategic roadmap for a Centre of Excellence for Circular Innovation. Industry Stakeholder Consultation Workshops, April - May 2023 Throughout April and May, Irish Manufacturing Research (IMR) and CIRCULÉIRE are running a series of day-long consultation workshops in different regional locations including Belfast, Limerick, and Dublin, aimed at industry operators in high-impact sectors and value chains. During these interactive consultation workshops, business and policy representatives will be invited to share their perspectives on what’s needed to accelerate their wider sectors’ circular transition between now and 2030, and how a Centre of Excellence can best support their needs. We are calling for key representatives across all sectors to join us at one of our stakeholder workshops to have your say in shaping Irelands circular transformation by 2030. Specific aims of the workshops include: Creating a platform for industry and multi-sectoral stakeholders to reflect and communicate on the key needs, challenges, opportunities, and action planning needed for their sector to transition to a net-zero carbon economy by 2030. Identifying opportunities for strategic collaboration for industry around circular economy priority actions and explore future areas for government-industry-research partnerships and supports to achieve shared circularity goals. Networking and knowledge exchange with value chain partners who are embarking on circularising their businesses and value chain. Industry Workshop 1: Belfast Workshop - 25th April - Crowne Plaza Belfast Date and Time : 9.45am (Registration) 10.30am - 5.30pm (Workshop), Tuesday 25th April 2023 Location : Crowne Plaza Belfast, 117 Milltown Rd, Belfast BT8 7XP, United Kingdom Speakers Include: Sophie Reynolds and Dr Geraldine Brennan (IMR/CIRCULÉIRE) Catherine Higgins, Department for Environment, Climate and Communications Circular ICT and EEE industry representative: Ben Craig , Acting Director, International Synergies (Northern Ireland) Limited Circular Textiles expert: Gwen Cunningham, Sustainability and Circular Economy Lead, NCAD (IE)/Circle Economy (NL) Target audience: Textiles and Fashion, and EEE and ICE businesses, industry representatives, and policymakers Register for Belfast Industry Workshop 2: Limerick Workshop - 10th May - Raddison Blu Hotel & Spa Limerick Date and Time : 9.30am (Registration) 10am - 5.30pm (Workshop), Wednesday 10th May 2023 Location : Raddison Blu Hotel & Spa Limerick, Ennis Road, Limerick, V94 YA2R Speakers Include: Sophie Reynolds and Dr Geraldine Brennan (IMR/CIRCULÉIRE) Leslie Carberry, Department for Environment, Climate and Communications Food & Drinks Sustainability Expert : Martin Hofler, Sustainable Partnership & Development Manager, Origin Green (Bord Bia) Circular ICT and EEE industry representative: Elizabeth O’Reilly Head of Environmental Compliance & Membership (WEEE Ireland) Construction & Built Environment : Janet Lynch, Circular Economy & Resource Efficiency Lead (Arup Europe) Register for Limerick Dublin Workshop - 23rd May - RDS Industries Hall Date and Time : 9.30am (Registration) 10am - 5.30pm (Workshop), Tuesday 23rd May 2023 Location : RDS Industries Hall (Dodders A & B), Anglesea Rd, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4, D04 AK83 Speakers Include: Sophie Reynolds and Dr Geraldine Brennan (IMR/CIRCULÉIRE) Leslie Carberry, Department for Environment, Climate and Communications Register for Dublin Academia/Research Virtual Workshop - June 7th Are you an Irish-based researcher with an interest in circular economy? On June 7th, we will be running a virtual workshop with key stakeholders representing Irish HEIs, Universities and RPOs to explore models of collaboration between a future Centre of Excellence for Circular Innovation around Industry-Government-Research priority action areas. More details to be announced. Register for Academics Workshop 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. In November 2022, DECC announced €1.5m continuation funding for CIRCULÉIRE in 2023. Read more about CIRCULÉIRE here .

Apply by 5pm 9th June 2023 - Funding targets late-stage circular economy ventures and provides €5K in equity-free grant among other benefits. Now in its 4th edition, CIRCULÉIRE’s Circular New Venture Innovation & Mentoring Programme is the first of its’ kind in Ireland targeting late-stage circular ventures seeking to scale. CIRCULÉIRE’s is looking for start-ups and businesses that are revenue-generating and scaling circular solutions. The ventures must be enabling or demonstrating circular economy business models and have a high technology readiness level between 6 and 8. Through the programme, CIRCULÉIRE helps entrepreneurs to impact Ireland’s consumer behaviour, the economy, and accelerate the national transition to a net-zero carbon circular economy. The short application process includes reviewing the “2023 Call for Late-Stage Circular Ventures” call for applicants document and filling a short (maximum 6 page) form with general information, venture description, and references, for example. Applicants must submit their completed application by 5pm on Friday, 9th June via circuleire@imr.ie . Unsure if this is for you ? Register here for our Information Webinar on Thursday 18th May at 11am 2023-Application-Form- Download 2023-Call-Document- Download Important Call Dates to Note: Timeline Contact : Lucy.Campbell@imr.ie or GOSSB@tcd.ie CIRCULÉIRE is Ireland’s first cross-sectoral industry-led innovation network dedicated to accelerating the net-zero carbon circular economy. Past Alumni of the Circular Accelerator include Ashleigh Environmental; ReFunk, Avoca Seafood; DACS; IANAV; The ZeroNet; Harley & Marley; IFF Plastics; Niskus Biotec; Sensi and Verifact ( https://circuleire.ie/circuleires-venture-innovation-mentoring-programme-2022-cohort-kicks-off/ ) About CIRCULÉIRE Read more about CIRCULÉIRE here .

Join us in this business-to-business side event on the second day of Circular Economy Hotspot Dublin 2023 Register to attend this event (free of charge) by clicking here. As part of this relevant momentum of #circulareconomy in Ireland, CIRCULÉIRE and Dublin Chamber will host the Circular Matchmaking Event . This is a business-to-business side event on the second day of Circular Economy Hotspot Dublin 2023 . After the Circular Economy Hotspot Dublin 2023, to be hosted at Dublin's Croke Park Stadium, industry representatives, entrepreneurs, business professionals and conference delegates can meet up in a laid-back environment and join a fun dynamic where the goal is to talk, connect and unlock the benefits of circularity for Irish, European and global business. This event is supported by Irish Manufacturing Research , CIRCULÉIRE's Secretariat, and Enterprise Europe Network . About CIRCULÉIRE CIRCULÉIRE is a public-private partnership co-created by its secretariat 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. In November 2022, DECC announced €1.5m continuation funding for CIRCULÉIRE in 2023. Read more about CIRCULÉIRE  here .

Join the Circular Matchmaking Event hosted by CIRCULÉIRE & Dublin Chamber on the 30th of May 🔗 Register for the Circular Matchmaking Event (free of charge) by clicking here. 🔗 Tickets & registeration for the Circular Economy Hotspot Dublin 2023 here. CIRCULÉIRE is thrilled to partner in the Circular Economy Hotspot Dublin 2023 , an event featuring ground-breaking circular economic initiatives, best practices and innovation. Taking place in Dublin from May 29th to June 1st, the programme is full of attractions, including a Circular Matchmaking Event hosted by CIRCULÉIRE and Dublin Chamber on May 30th. 30th of May (Tuesday) Innovation & Collaboration | 📍 Croke Park ⏰ 2 pm This panel session will explore acceleration opportunities for circular innovation and collaboration across all sectors of the economy. Key experts will discuss systemic approaches to delivering circular solutions and business models and the factors that drive sustainability and efficiency within a circular economy. Geraldine Brennan, Lead of CIRCULÉIRE and Head of Circular Economy at Irish Manufacturing Research , will speak alongside Prof. Andre Martinuzzi and Anna Brussa, EIT CKIC’s Industrial Value Chain Lead. Click here to check the full programme. Circular Matchmaking Event hosted by CIRCULÉIRE & Dublin Chamber | 📍 Croke Park, ⏰ 5:30-7:30 pm CIRCULÉIRE and Dublin Chamber will host the Circular Matchmaking Event . This is a business-to-business side event on the second day of Circular Economy Hotspot Dublin 2023 . We are inviting industry representatives, entrepreneurs, business professionals and conference delegates can meet up in a laid-back environment and join a fun dynamic where the goal is to talk, connect and unlock the benefits of circularity for Irish, European and global business. This event is supported by Irish Manufacturing Research , CIRCULÉIRE's Secretariat, and Enterprise Europe Network . Click here to check the full programme. CIRCULÉIRE Members Showcase | 📍 Croke Park ⏰ All Day During the whole day, you can find CIRCULÉIRE members and partners Design & Crafts Council Ireland , Offerre , Novelplast , WEEE Ireland and FIT exhibiting in the event. Take a moment to learn about the Innovation Demonstration Projects awarded funding from CIRCULÉIRE to deliver reductions in CO2 emissions and waste. 31st of May (Wednesday) Deep Dive Design & Manufacturing | 📍 Guinness Enterprise Centre ⏰2 pm This cross-sectoral deep dive will explore the role of circular business models (CBMs) in transformational net-zero strategies, driving significant reductions in carbon emissions while creating long-term value. This session will be moderated by Mike Townsend, CEO, Earthshine Group & Dr Geraldine Brennan, Lead of CIRCULÉIRE and Head of Circular Economy at Irish Manufacturing Research , and include contributions from: Richard Brennan, MD, Revolve Fleet (Automotive); Marion Briggs, Sustainability Manager, HealthBeacon (MedTech); Peter Corcoran, CEO, MBio (Agri-Food); Kevin Cronin, COO, Freefoam Building Products (Plastics); Jean Skjelbred, CEO, Norsk Ombruk (White Goods); Gwen Cunningham, NCAD + Circle Economy (Textiles); Donal Healion, NCAD (Med Tech); Mick Morris, AMBER (Materials) and Frank O’Connor, Anois (Systems Design). The Design & Manufacturing Deep Dive will also include a preview of the new Earthshine white paper sponsored by AIB and Aviva on Delivering Net Zero Transformations, highlighting the pivotal role of effective CBMs. Click here to check the full programme. 1st of June (Thursday) Tour OPW, Farrell Furniture & ATU | 📍 OPW Furniture Division, Kilmainham ⏰ 10am To mark the final day of Dublin Circular Economy Hotspot, attendees have the opportunity to explore in person Ireland’s finest circular economy innovations and initiatives. These engaging and immersive tours are designed to showcase leading sites that exemplify the best circular economy practices and demonstrate the resulting societal benefits. OPW , Farrell Furniture & ATU Connemara tour will showcase “Do More With Less”, a pilot from CIRCULÉIRE Innovation Fund that aimed to create a collaborative furniture take-back and remanufacturing scheme characterised by a series of small-scale demonstrations of circularity as well as contributing to the shift from green to circular procurement. One aspect of the pilot was obsolete office furniture, manufactured by Farrell in the mid 2000’s was taken back from the OPW and repaired or remanufactured, and then redistributed throughout the public sector. Another stream of the demonstration project was led by ATU Connemara, who reverse-engineered a series of classic chairs that are no longer manufactured to facilitate the Crannac Chair’s repair and reuse, keeping this classic price of Irish Design in use for many years to come. Interested? Come to this tour and learn more here . Click here to check the full programme. Circular Economy Hotspot Dublin 2023 The event is led by the Rediscovery Centre in collaboration with CIRCULÉIRE , Dublin City Council and the Eastern & Midlands Regional Waste Planning Office and funded by the Department of the Environment, Climate, & Communications . The full agenda includes flagship conferences, deep-dive workshops, and tours focusing on various sectors, including Food & the Bioeconomy, Social Enterprise, Design & Manufacturing, and the Built Environment. It is a great opportunity to network and learn about the best circular practices and innovations. Click here to check the full programme. Tickets available here. Don't miss this chance to join this historical celebration of the circular economy! Ensure your attendance by securing a ticket and stay tuned for updates on the exciting line-up. For more information, visit www.dublincirculareconomyhotspot.com About CIRCULÉIRE CIRCULÉIRE is a public-private partnership co-created by its secretariat 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. In November 2022, DECC announced €1.5m continuation funding for CIRCULÉIRE in 2023. Read more about CIRCULÉIRE here .

Dr Geraldine Brennan caught up with Giorgio Kaldor of Renewable Matters magazine at the recent Dublin Circular Economy Hotspot, where they discussed what needs to happen for the circular transition in Ireland, the need for investment and support for a "test the waters" approach. "I n the Irish context, some of the main barriers to circularity are the fact that, of course, cost savings can be achieved by implementing circular strategies in the production process, for example by changing packaging, but if you really want to incorporate the circular economy into your business model, you need to change it radically. This requires internal investment. So, for companies making the transition, ROI is not always immediate,............This does not mean that there are no savings and opportunities if you start from scratch in the design of the circular economy, but if it is a transition, the costs depend on the system in which you have already invested. We must therefore undertake a process of transformation that takes time. Some companies have set up risk funds for research and development. Others have to justify the fact that they are taking money from part of the company to try to change. So, I think it’s about supporting businesses, and that’s why government funds are so important because they help people 'test the waters' and create the circular economy" Read the full article here F rom vision to reality: here is Ireland’s circular transition Materia Rinnovabile | Renewable Matter

In November 2022, CIRCULÉIRE, in collaboration with its secretariat Irish Manufacturing Research (IMR), was granted funding and entrusted with the task of developing a proposal for a Center for Excellence for Circular Innovation. As Ireland’s National Platform for Circular Economy, CIRCULÉIRE aims to continue scaling industry-led circular innovation while leveraging existing expertise and activity within the national circular innovation ecosystem. This significant announcement was made by Ossian Smyth TD , the Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Climate, and Communications. " Since its establishment in 2020, CIRCULÉIRE and its esteemed members have been at the forefront of circular innovation, actively supporting manufacturers and their supply chains in embracing the principles of the circular economy ," highlighted Minister Ossian Smyth. " By facilitating the transition to a circular economy, CIRCULÉIRE is playing a crucial role in helping Ireland meet its greenhouse gas reduction targets by 2030. " In pursuit of this mandate, the dedicated team at CIRCULÉIRE has spent the initial six months of 2023 engaging with renowned sustainability experts, including Dr. Ilka Weisbrod , who joined IMR on secondment from Indeed Innovation. Between April and June this year, CIRCULÉIRE has hosted three industry-led consultation workshops in Belfast , Limerick , and Dublin , and virtual discussions with a panel of international experts, and meetings with leading academics in Ireland. Each of these engagements has provided us with invaluable feedback, shaping the formation of our proposal. We extend our sincerest gratitude to all participants for their active involvement and contribution to this vital endeavor. As we move forward, guided by the expertise and collaborative efforts of our stakeholders, CIRCULÉIRE is confident that our proposal for a Centre for Excellence for Circular Innovation will pave the way for groundbreaking advancements in sustainable practices, foster greater circularity, and create a more resilient and prosperous future. On the 31st of July 2023 CIRCULÉIRE will submit their Centre for Excellence proposal to the Department of the Environment, Climate, and Communications, stay tuned for further updates on our progress as we work towards realizing this ambitious vision. 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. In November 2022, DECC announced €1.5m continuation funding for CIRCULÉIRE in 2023. Read more about CIRCULÉIRE here .