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9f538ea4-0f34-457d-a6ea-86430a254ba7 CIRCULÉIRE MEMBER CASE STUDY COMPANY: MESH BIOPLASTICS WEBSITE: MESHBIOPLASTICS.COM SECTOR : ADVANCED-MATERIALS / SMART MANUFACTURING PUBLISHED: 06TH MAY 2026 TAGS: BIOPLASTICS, BIOPOLYMERS, CIRCULARMATERIALS, AI-MANUFACTURING, SMARTMANUFACTURING, DIGITALTWIN, MEDTECH The Challenge Global plastic consumption is accelerating at a pace the planet cannot absorb. Over 400 million tonnes of plastic are produced annually - half of it single use - equivalent in weight to 800 Burj Khalifa towers ( UN, 2025 ). The plastic lifecycle, from production to disposal, accounts for roughly 4% of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions ( UNFCCC, 2024 ). In the EU alone, plastic production generates 13.4 million tonnes of CO₂ yearly, making up 20% of the chemicals sector's total emissions ( EEA, 2024 ). The waste picture is equally stark. Every day, the equivalent of 2,000 garbage trucks' worth of plastic is discarded into oceans, rivers, and lakes ( UNEP, n.d. ). Eighty-five percent of marine litter is plastic, driving toxic leaching and habitat degradation across ecosystems ( EEA, 2023 ). The consequences extend beyond the environment - chemical exposure poses human health risks, disrupted fisheries threaten food security, and coastal communities face growing economic fragility. These pressures are set to intensify. Global annual plastic production is projected to double by 2050 ( EEA, 2024 ), yet global recycling rates remain stuck at just 9%, with incineration accounting for a further 12% ( Houssini et al, 2025 ; EEA, 2024 ). The scale of the problem demands solutions that go beyond recycling alone - rethinking the materials themselves and the processes used to make them. The Circular Solution Mesh Bioplastics , a participant of the 2025 CIRCULÉIRE Venture Accelerator, was founded to address the challenge that the materials used in demanding healthcare and industrial applications needed to meet strict performance requirements while also supporting sustainability and circularity. The company was co-founded by Shane Hannan, who brings over 15 years of experience across plastics manufacturing and regulated life sciences; Tony Hannan, with 30 years in manufacturing and operational scale-up; Dr. Annie Ibrahim, a specialist in artificial intelligence, data science, and scalable SaaS systems and Reinier Kobus, with 25 years in financial strategy and capital structuring for global conglomerates. Between them, the founding team spans the full range of problems Mesh is built to solve - materials science, manufacturing process control, and the digital intelligence to connect them. That combination of expertise is reflected in the company's two connected offerings. On the materials side, Mesh develops bioplastics for healthcare, pharmaceuticals, and manufacturing - sectors where performance cannot be compromised. Bioplastics are materials that are bio-based, biodegradable, or both - made wholly or partly from renewable biological sources such as corn, sugarcane, or cellulose, rather than from fossil fuels ( European Bioplastics, n.d. ). Mesh's biopolymer-based products are designed to match the performance of conventional petroleum-based plastics while significantly reducing environmental harm. On the manufacturing side, Mesh has developed VariControl - a proprietary AI platform that integrates directly with existing factory-floor equipment including injection moulding, extrusion, and thermoforming machines. Using proactive digital twin technology, VariControl builds a live model of each manufacturing process, continuously monitoring for drift and guiding corrective action before issues reach the production line - improving consistency, reducing waste, and supporting faster learning during manufacturing runs. The platform generates structured, audit-friendly process data designed to support validation-ready production in regulated environments such as healthcare. A short explainer on how the VariControl platform works VariControl is material-agnostic, operating equally with virgin polymers, recycled polymers, bioplastics, and recycled bioplastic blends. Its ability to learn and model material behaviour also makes it a powerful tool for bringing novel materials online - including emerging bio-based feedstocks derived from aquatic, agricultural, and waste sources - stabilising molecular drift as new materials are introduced and enabling manufacturers to increase recycled or bio-based content progressively, without sacrificing quality or throughput, and without requiring hardware modifications. Together, these two offerings address the plastic problem from both ends: replacing harmful materials at source and making the production of sustainable alternatives as efficient and commercially viable as possible. Climate Impact Under optimised conditions, bioplastics produced from lignocellulosic waste biomass (plant-based agricultural and forestry residues such as wheat straw, corn husks, and sawdust) can achieve carbon-negative lifecycle emissions, while food waste-derived bioplastics generate just 4.8 kg CO₂ eq. per kilogram produced - far below conventional fossil plastic benchmarks ( de Mello et al., 2025 ). VariControl delivers additional gains at the production stage. The company’s own pilot trials in plastics manufacturing have reported measurable sustainability improvements through real-time optimisation and waste minimisation: 20–25% average reduction in material waste through predictive fault detection and closed-loop process control. Up to 15% decrease in energy consumption production run due to dynamic cycle-time optimisation. Support for up to 50% recycled or bioplastic content without sacrificing quality or throughput, slashing virgin polymer reliance. 25–35% drop in process-related CO₂ emissions versus conventional virgin-material production. Beyond the environmental gains, VariControl reduces raw material costs and waste disposal fees - improving profit margins and making the transition to circular plastics production a commercially attractive proposition for manufacturers, not just a compliance exercise. Replicability The global medical plastics market - the primary target for Mesh's biopolymer-based devices - was valued at USD $61.35 billion in 2025 and is projected to reach USD $99.25 billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 6.0% ( Grand View Research, 2025 ). At the same time, the broader bioplastics sector is scaling rapidly. According to the European Bioplastics Association, global biobased plastics production capacity is forecast to double from 2.31 million tonnes in 2025 to approximately 4.69 million tonnes by 2030, driven by regulatory pressure, rising demand across packaging, automotive, and healthcare, and the emergence of more advanced applications ( European Bioplastics, 2025 ). EU regulation is tightening the conditions under which conventional plastics can be produced and placed on the market. The Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation and the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) are together mandating reductions in virgin material use and greater transparency around environmental performance - creating both pressure and opportunity for solutions like those Mesh Bioplastics offers. A number of organisations are developing comparable solutions in the bioplastics and circular plastics space: ReBioCycle is an EU-funded initiative scaling sorting and recycling infrastructure for bio-based plastics, improving recycled content and measuring environmental performance against fossil benchmarks. Sulapac (Finland) develops wood-based biocomposite materials for cosmetics packaging, achieving full biodegradability without compromising on design or performance. Corbion (Netherlands) produces lactic acid-based biopolymers used in medical applications including wound care, surgical sutures, and drug delivery systems, applying fermentation-based production processes and rigorous regulatory compliance to support sustainable healthcare materials. NatureWorks (USA) is one of the world's leading producers of Ingeo biopolymers, derived from renewable resources, with applications spanning packaging, medical devices, and industrial uses - demonstrating the commercial scalability of bio-based alternatives to conventional plastics. ALL CASE STUDIES

Case Studies Filter by Category ADVANCED-MATERIALS AGRICULTURE AQUACULTURE AUTOMOTIVE BUILT ENVIRONMENT CLEAN-TECHNOLOGY CONSTRUCTION ELECTRONICS ENERGY ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES FOOD & BEVERAGE MEDTECH PACKAGING PHARMACEUTICALS PLASTICS SMART MANUFACTURING TEXTILES WASTE

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

2dc12c74-05af-4598-8972-bdd48e032415 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

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. The Call for Applications is now closed. Please note 2026 submissions were accepted on Awards Force only. 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 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

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

cdf1704c-4fcc-4821-a744-b50daba372fe CIRCULÉIRE MEMBER CASE STUDY COMPANY: BEAN AROUND WEBSITE: BEANAROUND.IE SECTOR : COSMETICS PUBLISHED: 2 ND MARCH 2026 TAGS: WASTE TO VALUE, UPCYCLED INGREDIENTS, COFFEE WASTE VALORISATION, CIRCULAR COSMETICS, BIO BASED SOLUTIONS, MATERIAL EFFICIENCY, LOCAL CLOSED LOOPS, RESOURCE RECOVERY, SUSTAINABLE BEAUTY, EMISSIONS REDUCTION The Problem Coffee is one of the most widely consumed beverages in the world and ranks among the most traded commodities ( FAO, 2025 ). In 2023, an estimated 11 billion kilograms of raw coffee were produced, requiring around 12 million hectares of land ( FAO, n.d.), or nearly twice the area of Ireland 1 . During brewing, only 18–22% of coffee’s mass is extracted by water, leaving behind spent coffee grounds (SCGs) as waste ( Corrochano et al, 2025 ). These residues still contain valuable compounds such as proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, phenolics and caffeine ( Sidło and Latosińska, 2024 ). These components provide useful functional properties, including antioxidant activity, dietary fibre, stimulation of collagen production in the skin, and protection against UV radiation ( Sidło and Latosińska, 2024 ). Despite this, coffee grounds are a burden for cafes, workplaces and homes across the country. If sent to landfill, every tonne of coffee grounds would produce 525 kilograms of carbon dioxide emissions ( Schmidt Rivera et al., 2025 ). Coffee grounds are a food waste, and therefore, Irish businesses are required under the Waste Management (Food Waste)(Amendment) Regulations 2024 to segregate coffee grounds from other waste streams. This waste is typically composted or anaerobically digested ( EPA, n.d. ). Composting one tonne of spent coffee grounds produces approximately 30.7 kg of CO₂ emissions, whereas processing the same amount through anaerobic digestion can avoid about 6.2 kg of CO₂ by capturing gases that would otherwise escape into the atmosphere and by substituting fossil-derived gas. ( Schmidt Rivera et al., 2025 ). However, both of these solutions still treat the material as waste. Under the 10 R-strategies framework for the circular economy , which sets out different ways to reduce waste and keep materials in use for longer, using spent coffee grounds for new products is considered a more circular option than simply treating them as waste. This is because it extends the life of the material, reduces the need for virgin resources, and can lower greenhouse gas emissions compared with disposal. Coffee grounds are segregated at source, providing a clean and consistent feedstock that can be redirected into new value chains. Spent grounds have been used to produce reusable coffee cups , insulation for buildings , stronger concrete , and even alcohol . Moreover, individual components such as caffeine, coffee oil, chlorogenic acid, and phenolics can be extracted for use in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and biofuels ( Sidło and Latosińska, 2024 ). Despite these efforts, spent coffee grounds remain an underutilised resource with significant potential for higher value uses. Unlocking this potential calls for solutions that transform this abundant “waste” into circular products. The Circular Solution Bean Around produces exfoliating soap made from used coffee grounds collected from local cafés and workplaces. It was founded by sisters Sadhbh and Aisling Wood, after Sadhbh used their father’s home psoriasis remedy of used coffee grounds to remove fake tan ( Bean Around, n.d. ). They have since expanded nationwide, demonstrating how everyday waste can be transformed into value-added consumer products. Coffee grounds serve as a natural exfoliant, replacing synthetic or resource-intensive materials such as plastic microbeads ( which were banned in 2019 ), sugar, or salt. By incorporating this by-product into skincare formulations, Bean Around valorises a waste material while reducing the need for virgin ingredients. Many of their soaps are sold in the same cafés that supply the grounds, creating a local closed loop ( SustainabilityOnline, 2025 ). The packaging is made from recycled and recyclable materials, further enhancing the company’s circular model. To secure a supply of coffee grounds, Bean Around partners with both large corporate clients, including Google Ireland, KPMG, and EY, and independent coffee shops in Dún Laoghaire and nearby areas. This localised collection network minimises transport emissions and ensures access to fresh coffee grounds. Bringing a cosmetic product to market requires a Cosmetic Product Safety Assessment . This involves strict checks to prevent contamination and bacterial growth. Several laboratories refused to even test Bean Around’s products because they contained waste-derived ingredients. Eventually, they found a suitable testing partner, and the products passed all safety standards. This shows a wider problem. Products made from recycled or waste materials often face additional soft barriers (non-regulatory obstacles), even when they meet all required safety standards. Through collaborations with national retailers such as Lidl, SuperValu, and Java Republic, Bean Around achieved a 300% increase in sales in 2024 ( Business Post, 2025 ). This success reflects growing consumer demand for clean and sustainable beauty products, particularly among young people ( Statistica, 2025 ). While Bean Around demonstrates how circular innovation can succeed, the use of waste-derived materials in cosmetics also faces regulatory and practical hurdles. Addressing these challenges will be essential for scaling such models across the wider beauty industry. Bean Around's founders featured on RTÉ News, discussing their sustainable, coffee-ground skincare business. Climate Impact To date, Bean Around has repurposed more than 1,000 kilograms of spent coffee grounds into high-value skincare products. By valorising this material rather than sending it to compost or landfill, the company transforms a common waste into a source of economic and environmental value. If the same quantity were landfilled, it would generate over 525 kilograms of CO₂ equivalent emission ( Schmidt Rivera et al., 2025 ). That is comparable to driving 4,600 kilometres², or driving from Cork to Belfast and back five times³. Replicability UpCircle is a circular skincare company that makes face and body scrubs from upcycled coffee grounds, as well as other upcycled ingredients from the food industry. Frank Body is an Australian company that produces coffee-based exfoliating scrubs, although they don’t claim to be made from used coffee. Ecobean produces a range of chemicals extracted from spent coffee, including coffee oil, antioxidants, and protein additives for industrial and consumer applications Kaffe Bueno is a Danish biotech company that extracts products from spent coffee grounds for human nutrition, personal care, and agrochemical industries. See the CIRCULÉIRE case study on Kaffe Bueno here . Footnotes The land area of the Republic of Ireland is 6.9 million hectares. 12 million hectares is 1.77 times the area of Ireland. Based on 0.114 kg CO2e emissions per kilometre ( SEAI, n.d. ) Based on the return trip from Cork to Belfast being equal to 830km. ALL CASE STUDIES

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

CIRCULÉIRE is Ireland’s first national circular innovation network, supporting industry and manufacturing to develop and deliver circular business models driving the circular economy transition. CIRCULÉIRE The National Platform for Circular Innovation BECOME A MEMBER CIRCULÉIRE is Ireland's First Circular Innovation Network. Our mission is to demystify, derisk, and deliver circular business model innovation by unlocking the value that resides in an Irish circular economy. CIRCULÉIRE, the National Platform for Circular Innovation, is a multi-million euro cross-sectoral, industry-led public-private partnership that provides Industry with the necessary supports and expertise to drive their systems-level circular innovation. Irish Manufacturing Research (IMR) (Secretariat) in conjunction with three public sector Strategic Partners (Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications (DECC); the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA); and EIT Climate-KIC ), and 25 Founding Industry Members (MNCs and SMEs alike) soft-launched the programme in January 202O as a pilot initiative. Building on the impacts achieved by the pilot initiative from 2020 to 2022, the Department of Environment, Climate, and Communications became the primary public funder of CIRCULÉIRE in 2023. This support enables the continued scaling of industry-led circular innovation while leveraging existing expertise and activities within the national circular innovation ecosystem. We work across multiple Industry sectors and are stewarding over 50 organisations and their supply-chains on a journey from linear to circular business models. €1.5m Invested in 10 Circular Innovation Pilot Demonstrations €130k Invested in supporting 26 Circular New Ventures to date 50+ Active Members VIEW MEMBERS 19 Circularity Action Plans and Assessments Delivered 10 Thematic Working Groups delivered for Collaborative Knowledge Sharing READ ABOUT CIRCULÉIRE WHAT IS CIRCULAR ECONOMY? Circular Business Supports We accelerate organisations’ Circular Transformation to meet ESG and net-zero goals. More Knowledge Exchange & Policy Engagements We facilitate learning and capacity building and demystify policy and regulation to drive circular innovation. More Ecosystem Collaboration We are a dynamic Cross-Sectoral Industry Network committed to scaling circularity. More Highlights Circular Skills Insights Report (2025) The CIRCULÉIRE Circular Skills Insights Report 2025 explores circular economy skills, jobs, leadership, and innovation in Irish industry, bridging the gap between strategy and operational delivery through research and training. Click the image to know more. Innovation Sprints 2026 Led by Karl Crowley, Senior Programme Manager for R, D & I (CIRCULÉIRE/IMR), the programme will include both online and in‑person sessions focused on identifying and developing circular innovation opportunities. CIRCULEIRE Accelerator Programme 2026 The CIRCULÉIRE Accelerator, now six years strong, is scaling industry‑led circular solutions across Ireland with continued DECC support. More than 50 organisations are already transforming their value chains. Click the image to know more. National Policy Statement & Roadmap on Circular Textiles Following DCEE’s Circular Textiles roadmap launch, IMR/CIRCULÉIRE will lead cross‑sector collaboration supporting innovation, skills, funding access, and SME EPR engagement. Click the image to read the document. BioDirect 2.0 Manufacturing Roundtable Industry, academia, and government leaders came together at the BioDirect 2.0 Manufacturing Roundtable to explore opportunities for circular bio-based innovation. Click the image to read LinkedIn post. CIRCULÉIRE & Zero Waste Scotland Innovation Exchange Trip Highlights Organised by CIRCULÉIRE/IMR in partnership with Zero Waste Scotland, the Innovation Knowledge Exchange Trip took place on 9–10 September 2025, bringing members to five leading innovation and sustainability centres across Scotland. Click the image to watch the video. Circular Skills Insights Report (2025) The CIRCULÉIRE Circular Skills Insights Report 2025 explores circular economy skills, jobs, leadership, and innovation in Irish industry, bridging the gap between strategy and operational delivery through research and training. Click the image to know more. Innovation Sprints 2026 Led by Karl Crowley, Senior Programme Manager for R, D & I (CIRCULÉIRE/IMR), the programme will include both online and in‑person sessions focused on identifying and developing circular innovation opportunities. CIRCULEIRE Accelerator Programme 2026 The CIRCULÉIRE Accelerator, now six years strong, is scaling industry‑led circular solutions across Ireland with continued DECC support. More than 50 organisations are already transforming their value chains. Click the image to know more. National Policy Statement & Roadmap on Circular Textiles Following DCEE’s Circular Textiles roadmap launch, IMR/CIRCULÉIRE will lead cross‑sector collaboration supporting innovation, skills, funding access, and SME EPR engagement. Click the image to read the document. BioDirect 2.0 Manufacturing Roundtable Industry, academia, and government leaders came together at the BioDirect 2.0 Manufacturing Roundtable to explore opportunities for circular bio-based innovation. Click the image to read LinkedIn post. CIRCULÉIRE & Zero Waste Scotland Innovation Exchange Trip Highlights Organised by CIRCULÉIRE/IMR in partnership with Zero Waste Scotland, the Innovation Knowledge Exchange Trip took place on 9–10 September 2025, bringing members to five leading innovation and sustainability centres across Scotland. Click the image to watch the video. Circular Skills Insights Report (2025) The CIRCULÉIRE Circular Skills Insights Report 2025 explores circular economy skills, jobs, leadership, and innovation in Irish industry, bridging the gap between strategy and operational delivery through research and training. Click the image to know more. Innovation Sprints 2026 Led by Karl Crowley, Senior Programme Manager for R, D & I (CIRCULÉIRE/IMR), the programme will include both online and in‑person sessions focused on identifying and developing circular innovation opportunities. CIRCULEIRE Accelerator Programme 2026 The CIRCULÉIRE Accelerator, now six years strong, is scaling industry‑led circular solutions across Ireland with continued DECC support. More than 50 organisations are already transforming their value chains. Click the image to know more. National Policy Statement & Roadmap on Circular Textiles Following DCEE’s Circular Textiles roadmap launch, IMR/CIRCULÉIRE will lead cross‑sector collaboration supporting innovation, skills, funding access, and SME EPR engagement. Click the image to read the document. BioDirect 2.0 Manufacturing Roundtable Industry, academia, and government leaders came together at the BioDirect 2.0 Manufacturing Roundtable to explore opportunities for circular bio-based innovation. Click the image to read LinkedIn post. CIRCULÉIRE & Zero Waste Scotland Innovation Exchange Trip Highlights Organised by CIRCULÉIRE/IMR in partnership with Zero Waste Scotland, the Innovation Knowledge Exchange Trip took place on 9–10 September 2025, bringing members to five leading innovation and sustainability centres across Scotland. Click the image to watch the video. Circular Skills Insights Report (2025) The CIRCULÉIRE Circular Skills Insights Report 2025 explores circular economy skills, jobs, leadership, and innovation in Irish industry, bridging the gap between strategy and operational delivery through research and training. Click the image to know more. Innovation Sprints 2026 Led by Karl Crowley, Senior Programme Manager for R, D & I (CIRCULÉIRE/IMR), the programme will include both online and in‑person sessions focused on identifying and developing circular innovation opportunities. CIRCULEIRE Accelerator Programme 2026 The CIRCULÉIRE Accelerator, now six years strong, is scaling industry‑led circular solutions across Ireland with continued DECC support. More than 50 organisations are already transforming their value chains. Click the image to know more. National Policy Statement & Roadmap on Circular Textiles Following DCEE’s Circular Textiles roadmap launch, IMR/CIRCULÉIRE will lead cross‑sector collaboration supporting innovation, skills, funding access, and SME EPR engagement. Click the image to read the document. BioDirect 2.0 Manufacturing Roundtable Industry, academia, and government leaders came together at the BioDirect 2.0 Manufacturing Roundtable to explore opportunities for circular bio-based innovation. Click the image to read LinkedIn post. CIRCULÉIRE & Zero Waste Scotland Innovation Exchange Trip Highlights Organised by CIRCULÉIRE/IMR in partnership with Zero Waste Scotland, the Innovation Knowledge Exchange Trip took place on 9–10 September 2025, bringing members to five leading innovation and sustainability centres across Scotland. Click the image to watch the video. Circular Skills Insights Report (2025) The CIRCULÉIRE Circular Skills Insights Report 2025 explores circular economy skills, jobs, leadership, and innovation in Irish industry, bridging the gap between strategy and operational delivery through research and training. Click the image to know more. Innovation Sprints 2026 Led by Karl Crowley, Senior Programme Manager for R, D & I (CIRCULÉIRE/IMR), the programme will include both online and in‑person sessions focused on identifying and developing circular innovation opportunities. CIRCULEIRE Accelerator Programme 2026 The CIRCULÉIRE Accelerator, now six years strong, is scaling industry‑led circular solutions across Ireland with continued DECC support. More than 50 organisations are already transforming their value chains. Click the image to know more. National Policy Statement & Roadmap on Circular Textiles Following DCEE’s Circular Textiles roadmap launch, IMR/CIRCULÉIRE will lead cross‑sector collaboration supporting innovation, skills, funding access, and SME EPR engagement. Click the image to read the document. BioDirect 2.0 Manufacturing Roundtable Industry, academia, and government leaders came together at the BioDirect 2.0 Manufacturing Roundtable to explore opportunities for circular bio-based innovation. Click the image to read LinkedIn post. CIRCULÉIRE & Zero Waste Scotland Innovation Exchange Trip Highlights Organised by CIRCULÉIRE/IMR in partnership with Zero Waste Scotland, the Innovation Knowledge Exchange Trip took place on 9–10 September 2025, bringing members to five leading innovation and sustainability centres across Scotland. Click the image to watch the video. Featured Case Studies VIEW ALL Featured News A New Chapter for Circular Business: Ireland's Circular Economy Strategy 2026–2028 Illustrative image — Whole of Government Circular Economy Strategy 2026–2028: Accelerating Action. Ireland's second Whole of Government Circular Economy Strategy 2026-2028. Accelerating Action has arrived — and it is the most ambitious and concrete national commitment to circularity the country has seen. Launched in February 2026 by Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment (DCEE) Darragh O'Brien and Minister of State Alan Dillon, the Whole of Government Circular Econo Apr 9 5 min read CIRCULÉIRE Q1 Network Meeting 2025 - A Discussion on PPWR with Repak On Wednesday 26th of March 2025 CIRCULÉIRE and Repak collaborated to deep dive into PPWR Regulations as a driver for circular innovation Mar 31, 2025 2 min read CIRCULÉIRE 2025 CIRCULAR VENTURES ACCELERATOR - CALL FOR APPLICATIONS EXTENDED CIRCULÉIRE's 2025 Circular Venture Accelerator Programme is now open for applications. Calling on mid-stage circular innovators to join! Mar 27, 2025 4 min read Ireland's Circular Economy Strategy 2026–2028: What It Means for You Apr 9 Circular Bioeconomy & Packaging in Action Mar 31 Subscribe to our Newsletter for insights and updates Upcoming Events National Manufacturing & Supply Chain - Conference & Exhibition Wed, 27 May RDS Simmonscourt More info Details CIRCULÉIRE's Q2 Network Meeting - Members Only Thu, 11 Jun Irish Manufacturing Research, IMR More info Details

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

The CIRCULÉIRE Network is your gateway to a thriving community of experts and innovators. Join us today! MEMBERSHIP TESTIMONIALS OUR MEMBERS BECOME A MEMBER The future of business is circular. By adopting a circular economy model, you can unlock a wealth of benefits, including: Reducing waste and driving innovation. Improving efficiency and profitability. Prioritizing resource efficiency and responsible practices, to create a more transparent value chain, fostering trust with investors, regulators, and customers. Understanding policy developments and meeting regulatory requirements. Working together we aim to accelerate the transition to a circular economy in Ireland and to close the circular innovation gap through cross-sectoral and interdisciplinary collaboration between Industry, government & public bodies and research organisations. Membership Opportunities The CIRCULÉIRE Network is your gateway to a thriving community of experts and innovators. Join us and Contribute to unlocking the value that resides in an Irish circular economy. Gain a competitive edge. Benefit from first-mover advantage in resource efficiency and innovative revenue models. Expand your knowledge and network. Connect with experts and peers, broadening your perspective on circularity. Simplify ESG and CSRD reporting. CIRCULÉIRE helps you communicate your emissions reduction efforts transparently. Benefit from a range of funded business supports CIRCULÉIRE Member Services 01 Baseline Estimation INCLUDED WITH MEMBERSHIP Establish a baseline hotspot estimation for your overall emissions –Scope 1 to Scope 3 Yearly estimation & impact analysis Starting point on your journey to a full GHG assessment Government subsidized – market value of 10k - 20k+ ESRS E1 Climate Change 02 Circular Maturity Assessment INCLUDED WITH MEMBERSHIP Annual self-assessment Stimulate internal dialogue around circularity and your business Understand circular capabilities Establish baseline and benchmark circular performance Gain recommendations to improve Circular Performance Government subsidized – market value of approx. 5k CSRD Relevance ESRS E5 Resource use & Circular Economy 03 Circularity Action Planning ADDITIONAL COST Understand circular capabilities Visualise how resources are used in your value chain(s) Identify where structural waste is occurring Identify circular oriented innovation opportunities to reduce costs, improve supply-chain resilience and create new value propositions ESRS E5 Resource use & Circular Economy Best Practice and Insights Resources: Insight into National and European circular innovation funding opportunities. Policy & regulation updates to help you understand and prepare for regulations that will impact your operations. Access to our Circular Economy Knowledge Library containing a range of support resources and thought leadership such as policy documents, case studies, webinars and much more. Access to CIRCULÉIRE’s Good Practice Sectoral Guides highlight the best Circular Economy practices in a variety of sectors. Networking and Collaboration: Invites to a yearly calendar of interactive networking events. Share and gain knowledge with over 50 innovative companies working on their circular transition and business model innovation across multiple sectors. Meet Circularity Experts through participating in CIRCULÉIRE Thematic Working Group Sessions, and expert lead information webinars. Opportunities to host quarterly network meetings at your site. Regular communications and check ins to support your circular transition and innovation ambitions. By joining CIRCULÉIRE your organisation is signaling commitment to circular economy transition and knowledge sharing within and outside the network. We encourage members to make a voluntary commitment to contribute towards a collective goal of Co2 and waste reduction. Fees are based on company size and number of employees in your organisation. Next Steps Please submit your Member Participation enquiry through the form below with detail on where you are on your circular transition journey and your specific needs. Our member engagement team will set up a 30 minute introductory call to give you an overview of CIRCULÉIRE and our fee structure according to your company size. We will refer you to the relevant team leads to and start the onboarding process and determine your circular transition pathway. You will be added to the network communications list and will be contacted in relation to our calendar of events and have full access to the Members Only Knowledge Library. Our Engagement Lead will schedule regular check ins to ensure that you are maximising your membership. 2024 CIRCULÉIRE Circular Venture Accelerator Cohort IMR Circular Economy Team - 2024 CIRCULÉIRE Conference 2024 CIRCULÉIRE Circular Venture Accelerator Cohort 1/12 Testimonials "The participation with CIRCULÉIRE helped the organization start the journey of understand the principles of Circular economy and the importance of the transition from linear to circular model." Camila Batista, Sustainability Leader. Masonite Our Members AGRI FOOD & DRINK AUTOMOTIVE BIO PHARMA CHEM BUILT ENVIRONMENT CONSUMER GOODS FINANCIAL SERVICES GOVERNMENT ICT/WEEE MEDICAL DEVICES PLASTICS SECOND LIFE ENABLERS TEXTILES & FASHION Contact Us to Discuss Membership

abb2e18b-2e79-4162-97eb-7d22fb6375b8 CIRCULÉIRE NON-MEMBER CASE STUDY COMPANY: AHREND WEBSITE: AHREND.COM SECTOR : BUILT ENVIRONMENT PUBLISHED: 27 JUNE 2025 TAGS: BUILT ENVIRONMENT, FURNITURE, CIRCULAR BUSINESS MODELS, CIRCULAR DESIGN, REUSE About Ahrend Furniture Ahrend , established in 1896, is an international leader in office furniture and space solutions, committed to delivering vitalising workspaces. Ahrend furniture is designed to optimise employee’s experiences with the focus on stimulating health, wellbeing, and productivity in workspaces. The Challenge As educational levels improve and the service industry expands, so will the number of individuals with formal office positions, causing a growth in office space and furnishings ( Ellen McArthur Foundation, 2021 ). Although this benefits people’s livelihoods, it has a negative influence on the environment by increasing waste. In Europe, 10.78 million tonnes of furniture waste is discarded yearly ( Forrest et al., 2017 ), which is the approximate weight of 53,900 adult blue whales. Only 10% of that furniture is recycled, while 80% - 90% is incinerated or ends up in landfills ( Forrest et al., 2017 ). Producing the average piece of furniture emits 47 kilogrammes of CO2, which is comparable to burning nearly 20 litres of petrol ( Lai, 2023 ). The Circular Solution In the 1990s, Ahrend was involved in the development of Ecodesign, the European guideline for environmentally-friendly product design. Since then their new products are designed to be modular, sustainable, repairable and parts are designed to be easily separated for reuse or recycling. In 1994, Ahrend designed the A220 office chair which was was one of the first Ecodesign products in the world. In 2011, they became the first and only Cradle to Cradle company in the furniture industry. Cradle to Cradle is a global certification system which scores brands for their commitment to the circular economy, the reduction of waste and hazardous chemicals, more efficient uses of resources and the reuse of materials, energy efficiency, and social responsibility ( Good On You, 2023 ). Ahrend now offers their customers a “Furniture as a Service” (FaaS) option, in which they rent their office furniture for a fee, based on the length of time that they require it. Ahrend provides maintenance, storage, and insurance for all products in use during this time. When a customer no longer requires the furniture, it is returned to Ahrend and refurbished, thereby prolonging its life and decreasing virgin material use. This business model has several advantages. As Ahrend maintains ownership of their product throughout its lifetime they are incentivised to design it for durability and to be easily repairable and remanufactuarable in the future. This in turn reduces waste, CO2 emissions and the need for additional virgin resources. The FaaS business model also ensures the end-of-life of a product is considered right from the early design stages and influences the materials chosen for production, assessing them on their recyclability and lack of toxicity. Climate Impact Ahrend lowers CO2 emissions by up to 40% each year by redeploying materials and products. The FaaS model also cuts costs. Consider a new working environment with a total investment value of €45,000 over a time frame of 60 months. If the FaaS model is opted for versus buying, a €6000 savings could be achieved on the end cost ( Ahrend, 2023 ). FaaS makes more financial sense once you consider the savings from maintaining a work environment such as logistics, interest, storage, and maintenance expenses. Furthermore, Ahrend’s manufacturing process is CO2 neutral, using 100% renewable energy and closed water and energy circuits with heat pumps to reduce its CO2 footprint. Replicability Under the Product as a Service (PaaS) business model companies offer their physical product as a service. This model incentivises companies to consider longevity, maintenance, reuse, re-manufacture, and recycling in their product design. All this is done in close collaboration with customers, who become “users” of a service instead of “consumers” of a product. The PaaS model has already been applied to cars, bikes, smartphones, clothes, printers, solar panels, tires, etc. For example... Amsterdam’s Schipol Airport, pays Philips and Cofely for ‘light as a service ’. They save on maintenance costs and extend the service life of the light fittings by 75%. It further limits raw material consumption, because every component can be recycled or re-used at the end of its service life ( EU, 2023 ). Homie , in the Netherlands, offers a pay-per-use washing machine subscription where customers pay less for wasing at lower temperatures ( CEF, 2023 ). ALL CASE STUDIES