CIRCULÉIRE member CIRTEX welcomed Min. Ossian Smyth Minister of State with responsibility for the Circular Economy to its Circular upcycling plant .
In Ireland, there are an estimated 500,000 used mattresses sent discarded every year.
CIRTEX, (co-founded by Rick Earley and David Garland) were the successful recipients of grant funding through the 2022 CIRCULÉIRE Innovation Fund call. This funding from The Department of Environment Climate and Communications enabled CIRTEX to conduct new product development aimed at preventing the incineration of the estimated 500,000 mattresses discarded every year. The outcome is the creation of a product range that uses previously unrecycled materials from the discarded mattress to make new products, which in turn can be upcycled multiple times. The innovative upcycled products created by this project makes CIRTEX Irelands only upcycling textile company of its kind, meeting all regulatory and industry standards, with the capability to upcycle soft cushioning material, foam, fibre, shoddy, and coverings which were previously either incinerated or landfilled. CIRTEX also won the National Enterprise Green Sustainability Award.
“This was a great example of the power of partnership” says Co-Founder, MD David Garland.” It was a collaboration between CIRTEX, with manufacturing equipment, expertise in new product development, and extensive experience in the bedding and furniture recycling industry; combined with Interior Creations trading as Caffrey’s Furniture Ireland (a mattress manufacturer and retailer that also provides a take-back scheme and was a buyer for the new products being developed); Tipperary County Council (who operate municipal recycling centres), and Textile Recycling Limited (TRL trading as Clothes POD) the largest operator of clothing bins in Ireland. They were greater active collaborators in this important innovative project proving that you can develop a smart business model that has a positive environmental impact.”
Speaking on the potential to scale this business, CIRTEX co-founder and CEO Rick Earley commented:
“Through the Demonstration Project, CIRTEX has developed a green business model, proving that sustainability practices are more effective and efficient and make good business sense while helping to improve the state of our planet. Our experience combined with our innovative unique processes make us Ireland’s only upcycling textile manufacturer. We are proud that after just two years of operation, over 250,000 people are sleeping on mattresses with CIRTEX products. As we scale, we have the potential and capability to divert up to 10,000 tonnes of waste mattresses from landfill and incineration, reducing Ireland’s carbon footprint and conserving natural resources. But accessing a sustainable supply of these thousands of discarded mattresses is crucial for us to sustain this circular mode “.
Speaking on the impacts of this pilot Dr Geraldine Brennan Head of Circular Economy Irish Manufacturing Research and CIRCULÉIRE Project Lead said:
“The CIRTEX upcycled Insulation project demo project has successfully validated the company’s technology, business model, and market potential. With its strong financials, growing customer base, and sustainable practices, CIRTEX is well-positioned to scale up operations and become a leading provider of recycled components for the mattress and furniture industries. The company’s contributions to the circular economy are demonstrable and it’s scaling up will undoubtedly have a positive impact on the environment and the Irish economy.”
Commenting on the visit minister Smyth commented:
“As Minister for Circular Economy, it is great to see that CIRTEX is putting the material from discarded mattresses to good use, making new products from old and keeping valuable materials out of the waste stream’.
ENDS
Contact: Lucy.campbell@imr.ie : 0872521092
Photography: Roger Kenny RK Media
ABOUT CIRTEX
Based in Co. Longford, CIRTEX is one of Irelands leading upcycling companies and a member of CIRCULEIRE the first cross-sectoral industry led network committed to accelerating the net-zero carbon circular economy in Ireland.
CIRTEX manufacture an extensive range of technical non-woven wool, fibre, and foam mix products for multiple applications by upcycling textiles. One of the many benefits of upcycling is that it reduces harmful greenhouse gas emissions while also boosting Irelands local industries and businesses. www.cirtex.ie
