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The 2024 CIRCULÉIRE Annual Conference will take place in IMR Mullingar Lab on Wednesday 27th November 2024 and we are delighted to announce the first of our Key Speakers for the event. The key focus for this event are the Pathways to 2030 decarbonisation, Building Future Markets, and Showcasing Industrial Circularity. This conference will bring together leaders in climate innovation, policy, and government to discuss circular advancement in Ireland. To support an engaging and active conversation in these areas we are pleased to present the following speakers: Public registration for this conference is now open and we encourage early registration as places are limited. Click below to book your place today.

Autumn is when conference season really kicks off and the CIRUCLÉIRE team have been delighted to engage with key stakeholders in Ireland’s Circular Economy Ecosystem to promote the benefits of scaling circularity and showcasing our member’s circular innovation. EPA Circular Economy Conference – 25th September 2024 Members of IMR’s Circular Economy Team were on hand to talk all things circularity at our exhibition stand during the conference. At the conference we heard from keynote speaker William Neale from the EU Commission in relation to the latest CE Policy development, the shift from directives to regulation, the importance of product design and full product lifecycle impacts, the EU’s focus on stimulating demand to drive investment and competitiveness through circularity, and the forthcoming EU Circular Economy Act which will be a key priority during Ireland’s EU Presidency in 2026. On a practical level Anthony O'Dea from GreenIT gave a great overview of a recent circular public procurement contract which Circular Computing and Green IT won to deliver remanufactured laptops to the public sector. Over the next 4 years through this first of a kind procurement framework, 60,000 remanufactured laptops will be procured by the Government of Ireland saving 19mKg CO2e, 72mKg of earth minerals, 11m litres of water and all at a 15m euro cost saving. A key highlight of the conference was of course, Minister Ossian Smyth launching Ireland's Circularity Gap Report. Developed by Circle Economy, Ireland’s CGR report creates an important impact baseline of the country’s circularity performance, and when combined with CGR Northern Ireland, offers a valuable All-Island perspective, creating the potential for a strategic approach to public-private investment to drive circular innovation across the island. You can read more about the Circularity Gap Report here . Circular Economy Hotspot Cmyru - 7th – 9th October We were delighted to be invited to present at the Afternoon Breakout Sessions on the Main Conference Day of the Wales Circular Economy Hotspot. The session Circular Innovation in Business featured innovative case studies from businesses investing in driving the circular economy through innovation and partnership. Dr Geraldine Brennan joined fellow speakers; Jon Anderson (Polytag), Adam Crowe (WRAP), Simon Fleet (W. Howard Group), Rosalie McMillan (Smile Plastics), and Andrew Martin (AMRC Cymru) to share case study demonstrations of successfully embedding circular principles in everyday organisational practices. Geraldine presented on member success stories from Freefoam Building Products (CE Power of Many), Farrell Furniture (Do More With Less), Cirtex (Upcycled Insulation), and Offerre (MEDAL). WEEE Ireland Members Conference - 16th October CIRCULÉIRE team was pleased to exhibit at the WEEE Ireland Members Conference, an essential gathering for those driving Ireland’s circular economy. The event featured key industry insights, including a presentation from Leo Donovan, CEO of WEEE Ireland, on a more circular approach to Extended Producer Responsibility (ERP) and raw material recovery. Rosemary Gaul from the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications outlined new battery regulations, while Jan Vlak from Stichting Foundation highlighted the Netherlands’ successful single Producer Responsibility Organisation (PRO) model and called for increased collection efforts and ERP financing reform. Julie-Ann Adams, CEO of the European Electronics Recyclers Association (EERA), warned of challenges in e-waste reuse and recycling, emphasizing the need for regulation, safety improvements, and collaborative action to enable a circular economy. Environment Ireland Conference - 17th October At the Environment Ireland Conference in Croke Park, Dr. Geraldine Brennan emphasized the urgent need for a swift transition to the circular economy, underscoring its role in addressing climate and environmental challenges. Ossian Smyth, Minister of State for Communications and Circular Economy, highlighted the significant "time and political capital" required to support initiatives like the EU Nature Restoration Law and Ireland’s Climate Act. Julie Thompson, Deputy Secretary of DAERA in Northern Ireland, discussed their Environmental Improvement Plan (EIP) 2024, focusing on achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 and ensuring excellent air, water, and land quality. She emphasized the need for cross-border and cross-department collaboration to meet strategic goals. Aurel Ciobanu-Dordea, Director of Circular Economy at the European Commission, noted that business cycles are longer than political ones and stressed the importance of stable investment cycles to maintain progress toward the EU Green Deal and decarbonization efforts. Francesca Racioppi from the World Health Organization highlighted gaps in global health and sanitation, with 30% of EU citizens still lacking basic sanitation. She praised Ireland’s leadership in creating climate-resilient health systems. Imelda Hurley, CEO of Coillte, pointed to MEDITE SMARTPLY's innovative use of by-products from saw milling as an example of circular economy principles in action. CIRCULÉIRE were also proud sponsors of the Circular Economy Chapter within the Environment Ireland Yearbook. This yearbook is a comprehensive reference book for those interested in environmental issues in the Island of Ireland, and an excellent resource to anyone working in the environment sector. Techies Go Live Conference - 17th October 2024 CIRCULÉIRE Circular Economy Venture Lead Agnese Metitieri joined panelists Paul McSweeney (The ZeroNet), James Tombs (Vyta), and Francis O'Haire (Climb Channel Solutions) at the Techies Go Green conference in the Guinness Enterprise Centre to discuss ' How can we accelerate circular economy transformations for sustainable business success? ' The panel delved into the factors impeding the Circular Economy transition, highlighting a lack of consumer awareness and the limited capacity for organizations, specifically SMEs, to engage with regulatory changes. By showcasing innovative Irish initiatives - such as CIRCULÉIRE Accelerator Ventures - the panel highlighted the critical link between climate action and the Circular Economy, noting that designing out waste and extending the materials' lifecycle are essential for mitigating climate change and critical to implementing EU and Irish decarbonization strategy. To accelerate the transition to Circular Economy, the panel called for increased collaboration, piloting with small-scale projects that can demonstrate the viability of circular business and for leveraging the extensive grant funding landscape.

Ireland’s Circularity Gap Report was launched by Minister Ossian Smyth at the EPA Circular Economy Conference on Wednesday, 25th of September.   Developed by Circle Economy , Ireland’s CGR report creates an important impact baseline of the country’s circularity performance, and when combined with CGR Northern Ireland, offers a valuable All-Island perspective, creating the potential for a strategic approach to public-private investment to drive circular innovation across the island.   The report outlines specific pathways to reduce material consumption by 29% and cut carbon emissions by 32%, while tripling the country’s circularity rate from 2.7% to 8.4%.   The Circularity Gap Report highlights five key pathways to closing the Circularity Gap: Build a Circular Built Environment: Material Footprint is reduced by 12.6%; Carbon Footprint is reduced by 17.3% Shape a Circular Food System: Material Footprint is reduced by 2.9%; Carbon Footprint is reduced by 1.65% Advance Circular Manufacturing: Material Footprint is reduced by 0.8%; Carbon Footprint is reduced by 0.8% Redesign Transport and Mobility: Material Footprint is reduced by 10%; Carbon Footprint is reduced by 14% Embrace Circular Consumer Goods: Material Footprint is reduced by 8.9%; Carbon Footprint is reduced by 5% We look forward to continuing to drive industry-oriented scale-up of circularity in collaboration with our members, who over the last 5 years, have been pioneers in the transition towards circularity, and who are committed to collectively accelerating a circular future for Ireland.   You can review Sectoral Guides showcasing Circular Best Practices in Construction & Built Environment, Food & Drinks, and Transport here  You can review the full Circularity Gap Report here

On Tuesday 16th of July 2024, the 5th year of the CIRCULÉIRE Circular New Venture Accelerator Programme launched with 5 participating organisations. The programme will provide the cohort of participants with key knowledge and tools to help their circular solutions make a systemic impact on both economic and social level and drive Irelands transition to net-zero carbon circular economy. After a competitive evaluation process we are welcoming Blade Bridge, Finline Furniture, HaPPE Earth, Rezero, and Shareclub to the CIRCULÉIRE Network. Each organisation will receive an equity-free grant of €5,000 and guidance and mentoring from a select panel of international experts to grow and develop their circular businesses. BladeBridge BladeBridge repurposes retired wind turbine blades into sustainable infrastructure such as bridges and e-bike charging hubs.  Wind blades are made from a composite material which is incredibly strong and durable and can be used to substitute raw materials such as steel and concrete for lower carbon & lower maintenance products. “ As three engineering founders with little marketing experience, we feel we’re NOT capturing the full value of our circular product offering across all stakeholders.   We’re excited to have access to other circular entrepreneurs and mentors through the CIRCULEIRE New Venture Programme to help us realise our market value .” – Dr. Angie Nagle CEO BladeBridge Finline Furniture Revive by Finline Furniture is an initiative that not only promotes circularity but also supports social causes and customer loyalty. This take back scheme gives old furniture a second life. We restore and resell it, reducing waste and promoting sustainability thereby making a positive impact on the environment and society as a whole. “ We want to understand how best to market The Revive by Finline Programme to our stakeholders. Gaining best in class knowledge from experts in the circular field will help us to achieve our goals of promoting this as a new business model. Being part of a network of peers that have similar objectives is important to us. ” – Kilian Finane Finline Furniture HaPPE Earth HaPPE Earth have created bio-digestible (compostable) Personal Protective Equipment, such as single use splash aprons, using sustainably sourced bio-resin. The PPE is used as before but this time, the value is recovered by using our HaPPE onsite medical bio-digester creating a pathogen safe, nutrient rich fertiliser, resin recapture or biofuel potential. “ We believe that this programme and network access from CIRCULÉIRE Circular Venture programme will help us to build a streamlined educational programme for staff to segregate healthcare waste with minimal disruption to current practice. Securing buy-in from all levels of healthcare staffing, promoting appreciation of environmental and financial targets and gains will be critical in securing a sustainable market growth for our business venture. ” – Dr Mary O’Riordan Co-Founder HaPPE Earth Rezero Rezero eliminates waste by preventing millions of unused cigarettes from being incinerated annually, addressing a global issue. By isolating cellulose acetate from the cigarette filters, Rezero manufactures sustainable products like buttons and eyewear frames, reducing reliance on virgin materials and supporting the circular economy in the fashion industry and beyond. “ We applied to this Programme to scale our capacity to recycle cigarette filters and to scale production of high-quality recycled material and products that will replace harmful alternatives in the fashion industry. We aim to be at the forefront of sustainable manufacturing in Ireland and inspire innovation in the circular economy ” – Johnnie Bell CFO Rezero Shareclub Shareclub offers innovative circular packaging solutions for events, workplaces, and takeaway services, designed to cut costs and minimise waste. Utilising QR-enabled reusables, shareclub tracks usage and impact, providing event hosts and corporate partners with quantifiable insights on their reduction of disposable items and CO2 emissions, enhancing sustainability reporting. “ We applied to the CIRCULÉIRE Circular Ventures Accelerator Programme to leverage their network and mentorship for validating our impact measurement tools and aligning with regulations. Our goal is to enhance the value of our solutions, help clients meet waste reduction targets, and contribute to Ireland’s transition towards a net-zero carbon circular economy. ” – Sarah Fliessbach Founder shareclub

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 .

Design & Crafts Council Ireland, also a CIRCULÉIRE Member, is running the 3rd edition of the challenge – open for public vote now! 🗳️ Public vote is live now: click here and access DCCI’s Irish Business Challenge Page CIRCULÉIRE Members Farrell Furniture and ReFunk Upcycling have proceeded to the public vote in the Irish Business Design Challenge (IBDC) , a competition run by Design & Crafts Council Ireland (DCCI) , also a CIRCULÉIRE Member. The challenge involves micro, small and medium enterprises in Ireland that have designed sustainable products, services, or strategies that have benefitted their customers, communities and the environment at large.  This is the third year of the Irish Business Design Challenge. It has always highlighted the resilience, ingenuity, and creativity of Ireland’s MSMEs and it is a privilege to shine a light on these businesses. This year’s entries clearly show how a greener outlook and design thinking can come together to ensure a more sustainable outcome for businesses and their customers. Farrell Furniture and 'Do More With Less' project In 2022, Farrel Furniture was granted the CIRCULÉIRE’s Innovation Fund to run the pilot project ‘Do More With Less’, a collaborative furniture take-back and remanufacturing scheme that moves Government from green procurement to circular procurement. Farrell realised certain furniture was reaching end of life prematurely due to office trends. They brought the idea of remanufacturing furniture forward to their staff, a research institution - GMIT Letterfrack (now ATU - Atlantic Technological University) and their client - The Office of the Public Works (OPW) to jointly form a project to extend the life-cycle and honour examples of Irish furniture design. “Our aim was to set an example that circular procurement is not just achievable but it is a viable business model. And so our 'Do More With Less' project was born”, stated the company. Learn more about Do More With Less here and read Farrell Furniture’s submission to Irish Business Design Challenge here . ReFunk Upcycling ReFunk joined CIRCULÉIRE in 2022’s cohort for the Circular Venture Innovation and Mentoring Programme . They are a one-stop eCommerce platform that facilitates the buying, selling and commissioning of pre-loved and upcycled furniture through their marketplace. Their entry to the Irish Business Design Challenge states that 7 out of 8 furniture upcyclers want to scale up their business but find it difficult as there is no one platform for upcycling to enable them to do so with ease. The ReFunk platform purpose is to solve the furniture upcyclers’ problem of scaling their creative passion into a business and empowers consumers to extend the lifetime of their furniture without compromising on design, all while addressing the shocking statistic that 10 million tonnes of furniture is discarded annually in the EU.  “At ReFunk, we believe the return to local craft and the prioritisation of refurbishment of existing materials is a necessary element in the journey to decelerate climate change. Our mission is to empower consumers and craftspeople, by connecting them and facilitating the accessibility of artisan trade, for the Earth.”, stated the company. Read ReFunk Upcycling’s submission to Irish Business Design Challenge here. DCCI’s Irish Business Design Challenge Design & Crafts Council Ireland’s Irish Business Design Challenge will grant a prize fund of €15,000 each plus free publicity and promotion (winner); €2,000 each plus free publicity and promotion (runner up); and Business Mentoring plus free publicity and promotion (highly commended). CIRCULÉIRE wishes the best of luck for all competitors in this challenge. Learn more information about the challenge 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 .

Circular Economy Hotspot Dublin 2023 Launches Programme at Mansion House Embassy ambassadors, Industry leaders and Public Representatives gathered at the Mansion House Dublin on Thursday 6th April for the official launch of a major international four day event on circular economies. Launched by the steering committee for the 2023 Circular economy Hotspot Dublin 2023, this event will set the tone for the prestigious opportunity for Dublin to showcase, promote and celebrate ground-breaking Circular economy initiatives from across the globe. Speaking at the launch, Lord Mayor of Dublin, Caroline Conroy, said: " Circular Economy Hotspot Dublin 2023 aims to showcase how we can make Dublin a more vibrant place by adopting circular practices, inspiring individuals, businesses, and policymakers to take action towards a more sustainable future ." Commenting on the upcoming event, Dr. Sarah Miller, Chief Executive at The Rediscovery Centre said: "We are thrilled to be hosting this flagship event in Ireland for the first time. Circular Economy Hotspot Dublin 2023 presents a unique opportunity for businesses in Ireland, Europe, and beyond to learn from, connect with, and be inspired by the very best. Today as we bring together Embassies and industry leaders it is an opportunity to highlight the importance of this event and its place in international policy. The programme launch marks a crucial first step in promoting the event and building excitement for the opportunities it will provide. CIRCULÉIRE's Head of Circular Economy Dr Geraldine Brennan outlined just some of the the highlights from the packed event schedule including a matching making event to be held on May 30th in Croke park that will allow delegates to connect and forge relevant collaborative relationships to further their CE aims, deep dive workshops facilitated by top CE Experts across Europe on May 31st and a series of tours demonstrating CE in action on June 1st at the OPW, The Rediscovery Centre and Cloughjordan Ireland's first eco village. Circular Economy Hotspot Dublin 2023 will showcase, promote and celebrate ground-breaking circular economic initiatives, best practices and innovations that Dublin and Ireland have to offer. Attendees will learn about practical steps and resources to mobilise action within their respective countries, network with international stakeholders and engage in inspiring discussions. The event will revolve around three key themes: Policy in Practice, Citizen Engagement, and Innovation & Collaboration. These themes will be explored with four innovative focus areas: Social Enterprise, Design & Manufacturing, Built Environment, and Food Systems & the Bioeconomy For more information on Circular Economy Hotspot Dublin 2023, visit the website at https://www.dublincirculareconomyhotspot.com or e-mail hello@dublincirculareconomyhotspot.com About Us: The Steering Committee for Circular Economy Hotspot Dublin 2023 is a collaboration of leading organisations in the fields of circular economy and waste management, chaired by The Rediscovery Centre. The committee comprises representatives from Dublin City Council, the Eastern & Midlands Regional Waste Management Planning Office, CIRCULÉIRE and the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications. These experts have united to host the Circular Economy Hotspot 2023 in Dublin, with exciting events spanning over four days to raise awareness of Dublin's commitment to the circular economy. About CIRCULÉIRE Irish Manufacturing Research (IMR) is the secretariat of CIRCULÉIRE – The National Platform for Circular Manufacturing which is funded by the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications (DECC), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and EIT Climate-KIC . In November 2022, DECC announced €1.5m continuation funding for CIRCULÉIRE in 2023.

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 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 .

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 .