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TerraCycle’s CEO and founder will talk about eliminating waste through circularity We are delighted to announce that Tom Szaky, CEO and founder of TerraCycle, is the key-note for CIRCULÉIRE's 2021 Circular Economy Lecture (virtual) on Monday, December 6th, 2021, from 4 - 5 pm (Irish Time). TerraCycle is a private US-based business headquartered in Trenton, New Jersey, that operates in 21 countries, turning non-recyclable pre-consumer and post-consumer waste into raw material to be used in new products. During this one-hour fireside chat we will explore some of the challenges TerraCycle has encountered on their journey to eliminate waste and how they have overcome them to scale circular economy models around the world - most notably with their rollout of Loop - an FMCG (fast-moving consumer goods) refillable packaging system. Join us to be inspired and learn from one of the leading global entrepreneurs of the circular economy and hear as Tom brings to life the vast array of recycling and redesign projects that TerraCycle & Loop Store has implemented over the last two decades. Register Here Terracycle TerraCycle works with some of the world’s largest brands, retailers, and manufacturers to create national platforms to recycle products and packaging that currently go to landfill or incineration. In May 2019, TerraCycle launched Loop, a circular reuse platform that enables consumers to purchase products in durable, reusable packaging. Loop is available in France, the UK, Canada, Japan and the 48 contiguous U.S. states, and is a key step in helping to end the epidemic of waste that is caused by 'single-use' consumption. In 2022, Loop will become available in Australia. Tom and TerraCycle have received hundreds of social, environmental, and business awards and recognition from a range of organizations including the United Nations, World Economic Forum, Schwab Foundation, Fortune Magazine, Time Magazine and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. 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.

Our conference reinforced how circular economy is a key tool in Ireland’s decarbonization strategy On the 24th of November 2021, CIRCULÉIRE held its annual conference “Accelerating the transition to a Circular Economy” as part of the National Manufacturing & Supply Chain Expo at RDS Simmonscourt, Dublin. The half-day event reinforced how circular economy is a key tool in Ireland’s decarbonisation strategy. CIRCULÉIRE’s strategic partners and network members shared insights into how they are embedding circular economy principles into policy-making and putting it into practice in their organizations. The conference was structured around three themes: The Circular Economy Policy Landscape post COP26; Industry Perspectives on Circular Drivers, Challenges and Opportunities and Circular Innovation Insights. Maurice O’Connell, Chief Operating Officer at Irish Manufacturing Research - CIRCULÉIRE’s secretariat - opened the event acknowledging the circular economy challenge and how CIRCULÉIRE’s network members are visionary for embracing this path: “Closing the circularity gap c. €2bn annual prize is easy to say but it needs coordination. CIRCULÉIRE is seeking to build knowledge and capacity as well as address circular economy implementation gaps, not just conversations but practical implementation”, said Maurice. “It is very easy to wait for legislation regulation, but our industry members are pioneers, and they are doing the hard job. These companies are actively trying to change their business not because they have to do it, but because they believe it is the right thing to do. We are delighted to work with them” - Maurice O’Connell, COO, IMR. Below are some highlights from the discussion from our conference and you can also watch the conference recording on IMR’s Youtube channel. https://youtu.be/qh10-qv4rPE Theme 1: The Circular Economy Policy Landscape post COP26 Leslie Carberry, Principle Officer who heads up the Circular Economy Unit in the Department for the Environment, Climate Action and Communications (DECC) opened up the discussion with his presentation on “Making Ireland’s Circular Economy transition happen” and highlighted the Government of Ireland’s commitment to this agenda: A Whole-of-Government Circular Economy Strategy (due to be published in the coming weeks) and is a key deliverable of the Waste Action Plan for a Circular Economy (2020) which will seek to set the trajectory for Ireland’s transition towards circularity and ambition to have circular economy embedded systemically in our economy by 2030. Moreover, the Circular Economy Bill which was announced earlier this year (2021) and is currently being drafted by the Department for Environment, Climate and Communications and going through pre-legislative scrutiny. The Circular Economy bill will a provide legislative basis for the circular economy strategy which is important because once the bill is enacted, the government will be under a legal obligation to have a circular economy policy in place. Leslie Carberry also highlighted that the transition to circularity has environmental, economic, and strategic imperatives: “As we look towards the next decade and beyond that, one of the challenges for companies but also countries will be competition for an increasingly scarce amount of raw materials. So being able to adapt to the circular economy, being able to close material loops, relying on shorter, more sustainable supply chains is not just an environmental issue. It is not just an economic issue, but it is also a strategic issue. And those companies and businesses that can adopt a circular economy and will have a competitive advantage in the years to come” - Leslie Carberry, Principle Officer, DECC. Next up was Mary Frances Rochford, Programme Manager of Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) who presented an “Overview of the EPA’s Circular Economy Programme” where she highlighted the waste challenges Ireland has encountered over the last two decades and noted the shift from a focus on landfill, incineration and recycling as the dominant waste treatment processes to circular economy principles – emphasising waste prevention and the overall shift from waste management to resource management: “We will reconfigure the existing National Waste Prevention Programme to make it Ireland’s Circular Economy Programme, Led by the EPA, it will have a designated coordinating role to support the Department’s Circular Economy Unit in overseeing national, regional and local activities to improve coherence and alignment of national and local activities and ensure maximum impact” - Mary Frances Rochford, Programme Manager, EPA. The third keynote in this panel was Dr Andy Kerr, UK & Ireland Lead for EIT Climate-KIC who shared his experience from EIT Climate-KIC’s work across Europe to “Build the enabling conditions for the circular economy to thrive highlighting that a portfolio of interventions is needed to support the transition to circularity: “Our approach to this model for circular economy for materials is very much about using a portfolio of interventions across the globe of relevant levers of change for that particular system to drive change. And these then are thinking about how do we build new markets? How do we create the new business models, the new funding and finance models and create new industrial value chains, that localised value within Ireland, so that we can actually capture the economic benefits of doing this whole change? And at the same time on the social side, the just transition side, we are working on how to ensure that those people who are economically dependent on fossil fuel and fossil fuel supply chains are supported to transition away from that...” - Andy Kerr, UK & Ireland Lead, EIT Climate KIC. Theme 2: Circular Drivers, Challenges & Opportunities: Industry Perspectives CIRCULÉIRE’s Network Industry Members from the pharmaceutical (Hovione), food (Dawn Meats) and consumer electronics (WEEE Ireland and The Zeronet) reflected on the circular drivers, barriers, and opportunities they are encountering on their journey from linear to circular economy models. Austin Geraghty​, Global Health, Safety & Sustainability Snr Director of Hovione reflected on “Hovione’s Sustainability Journey and the Challenge of the Circular Economy”, the role of carbon foot printing and waste and carbon reduction target setting. Austin emphasised the complexities associated with implementing circularity in the pharmaceutical sector given the new capabilities for example to re-use solvents and associated regulatory and supply-chain challenges which need to be overcome: “Circular economy is complex. For Hovione, it is about processing markets and regulations. Embedding this requires internally and externally in alignments and that takes time” - Austin Geraghty​, Hovione. Brian Cloonan, General Manager, Western Proteins & By products recovery, Dawn Meats spoke about Sustainability and Circular Economy “Opportunities and Challenges” in the context Agri-Food sector and highlighted the need for proactive thinking to enable the better utilisation of resources to shift from linear models to circularity: “Dawn Meats joined CIRCULEIRE to help and participate in the structuring of a framework for Circular Manufacturing. We hope this model can inspire other companies to adopt circular economy to their business <…>. We all are aware of the commitment made during CO26 and this is the challenges we face together” - Brian Cloonan, General Manager, Dawn Meats. Brian Cloonan also briefly introduced Dawn Meats’ “SUCCESS” project (funded by the CIRCULÉIRE 2021 Innovation Fund) which recently kicked off with the aim to demonstrate a better and more constructive utilisation of waste animal by-products (to deliver the energy demands of the core business and enable trace element recovery) in collaboration with BHSL and the University of Limerick. Elizabeth O’Reilly​, Head of Environmental Compliance & Membership​, WEEE Ireland reflected on “Circular Opportunities in meeting the E-Waste challenge” and highlighted the fact that tackling the e-waste challenge requires an #allactorsapproach (a phrase coined by the WEEEForum) – ranging from producers, retailers, en-users, recyclers, producer responsibility organisations, local authorities, brokers, scrap dealers, reuse organisations, repair organisations, enforcement authorities and to Environmental Protection Agencies. “The challenge we face dealing with industry e-waste is immense, so we cannot do it alone. WEEE Ireland, industry members, importers and supply-chain need to work together, it is our responsibility. As a member of CIRCULÉIRE, we need to show what we are doing to reduce our carbon footprint” - Elizabeth O’Reilly​, Head of Environmental Compliance & Membership​, WEEE Ireland. Elizabeth O’Reilly also provided an overview of the support from CIRCULÉIRE to develop WEEE Ireland’s circular economy vision and strategy and how they are transitioning from a recycling EPR Scheme to a Circular Economy Scheme. Paul McSweeney​, Founder & CEO​ of The ZeroNet​​ spoke about how “The circular economy needs a whole new operating system” and introduced The ZeroNet. Paul highlighted that circular logistics are different to reverse logistics and the ZeroNet’s USP is about enabling convenient take-back from household doorsteps which enables greater re-use, repair, and higher quality recycling. “From our perspective, there is no such thing as waste, only ‘scattered inventory’. The ZeroNet is the first holistically designed circular logistics operating system dedicated to the creation, deployment and scaling of zero-wate and ultimately circular forms of consumption” - Paul McSweeney​, Founder & CEO, The ZeroNet. Theme 3: Circular Innovation Insights from the CIRCULÉIRE Delivery Team in IMR CIRCULÉIRE’s team and IMR’s specialists shared circular innovation insights from CIRCULÉIRE’s own work as well as how we leverage opportunities from complementary research & innovation projects. Sophie Reynolds​, Circular Economy Technologist​, IMR, reflected on “Circular Innovation Opportunities & Sectoral Best Practice” emerging from CIRCULÉIRE’s 2021 Thematic Working Groups on Circular Packaging & Reusables, Circular Plastics and Circular Design as well providing a sneak preview of the insights from CIRCULÉIRE’s forthcoming sectoral guide series – ranging from circular business models to circular processes and circular materials – which will be kicking off with a focus on the Construction Sector and followed by guides related to the Food and Drinks; Agri-Food and Circular Bioeconomy; Fashion and Textiles; Electronics and Circular ICT. Dr Mohamed Abokersh​, Senior Circular Economy Researcher, IMR, introduced “CIRCULÉIRE’s Circular Maturity Toolkit” which an online self-assessment tool developed by IMR for industry to help companies understand the steps and internal capabilities required to transition from a linear to a circular business model. CIRCULÉIRE’s Maturity Assessment is a simple but powerful online tool that enables businesses to explore 5 key capabilities (Strategy, Culture, Collaboration, Innovation & Circularity) necessary to transition to a circular business model and provides insights into how to improve your circular economy performance. Key benefits of the tool highlighted were: creating a baseline of circular maturity, benchmarking performance, gaining recommendations for improving circularity and developing a shared language and dialogue around what circular economy means for your business. This online toolkit was launched to market during the 2021 Manufacturing & Supply-Chain Expo which took place over the 23rd-24th November 2021. Dr Damian Coughlan​, Senior Circular Economy Researcher, IMR, spoke about “CircThread: Building the digital thread for the Circular Economy” which is a Horizon 2020 funded project with the aim of developing an open-source digital platform that makes it possible for manufacturing companies to collect, utilize and securely share data about the different phases of a product’s full life cycle focused on the White Goods sector.The CircThread consortium encompasses 31 partners from 12 European countries with €9M in funding over 4 years. The CircThread project will develop 3 pilot programs in Slovenia, Spain, and Italy. Wrapping up the conference, Dr Geraldine Brennan, CIRCULÉIRE’s Lead and Head of Circular Economy at IMR provided an overview of the keyways CIRCULÉIRE supports industry to transition to a net-zero circular economy – namely through Awareness Raising, Knowledge Sharing (Annual Thematic Working Groups) & Policy Engagement (Townhalls on Public Consultations like the All of Government Circular Economy Strategy and support to engage with Sectoral Roadmap Implementation), Capacity Building, Demonstrators & New Ventures (ring-fenced Innovation Fund), Ecosystem Collaboration (DECC Waste Advisory Group; NSAI/ISO Circular Economy Working Groups, OECD Policy Dialogues and as Ireland’s first dedicated EU Circular Economy Hotspot). If you want to know more about CIRCULÉIRE and how we can support your organisation capture circular advantage, please contact us: circuleire@imr.ie. In case you missed it, you still have the chance to watch the recording of CIRCULÉIRE’s 2021 Circular Economy Conference here. About CIRCULÉIRE CIRCULÉIRE is Ireland's first dedicated EU Hotspot for the circular economy part of the Holland Circular Hotspot global network and 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.

CIRCULÉIRE is thrilled to have been part of the successful bid to host the 2023 circular economy innovation hotspot event in Dublin. The consortia was led by the The Rediscovery Centre in collaboration with Dublin City Council, the Eastern Midlands Waste Management Region and CIRCULÉIRE with support from over thirty organizations from government department and agencies to industry, academia and the not for profit sector alike. For the first time ever, there will be an event in Latin America, in Africa and in Europe; each one fine-tuned to suit its region dynamics. The jury noticed that there is a specific and rather unique momentum for CE in every continent and on November 17th, at the Catalonia Circular Hotspot Event 2021, they announced the 2023 CE Hotspot event will take place in Nigeria, Ireland, and Chile. Dublin circular hotspot 2023 is going to be epic! Read more about the announcement here. About CIRCULÉIRE CIRCULÉIRE is Ireland's first dedicated EU Hotspot for the circular economy part of the Holland Circular Hotspot global network and 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.

Ireland’s first dedicated late-stage accelerator for circular economy ventures CIRCULÉIRE is delighted to introduce the 2021 New Venture Cohort. The new venture programme is the first of its kind in Ireland (established in 2020) to target late-stage ventures who are demonstrating or enabling circular business models and is delivered in collaboration with Tangent, Trinity’s Ideas Space. Following a competitive selection process, we are pleased to announce the following 5 awardees who will receive a grant of €5k each and participate in our New Venture Innovation & Mentoring Programme over October 2021 to March 2022. Check our great 5 New Ventures: Harley & Marley- Planet Loving Pets is a new super-premium range of fish-based pet treats made from sustainable and nutritious ingredients in Ireland. The company’s range is made by Origin Green Gold Members Atlantis Seafood of Kilmore Quay, Wexford and the first range features four products. Their treats are made of locally caught fish, under BIM/Bord Iascaigh Mhara's FIP/Fisheries Improvement Project, meaning it is all sustainably fished and traceable. “I am hoping to gain the expertise and advice of the highly qualified panel in CIRCULÉIRE, in particular in relation to linking with appropriate partners across Europe that may be able to help us gain market entry in their territories; with regard to streamlining manufacturing processes, increasing volumes and reducing labour costs, thus tightening up and improving upon our P+L; as well as examining alternative sustainable packaging solutions at keen prices”, Portia Quinn, founder. IFF Plastics Ltd. - turns waste plastic (farm, industrial and ocean plastic) into top quality fence posts using a closed loop recycling service. Their goal is to increase recycling volumes by 150 tonnes annually. They partner with farmers, business, and customers to deliver value in our circular business model. “We applied to CIRCULÉIRE's 2021 New Venture Programme because it is a fantastic opportunity to promote and grow our business. We value the opportunity to get mentoring and share lessons learned on our recycling, reuse, and business growth. I hope to gain networks with similar SMEs to create more closed-loop recycling systems in Ireland”, Sharon Barring. Niskus Biotec Ltd - is focused on the provision of innovative products and services to the agri-food and biotech sectors in fungal large-scale solid-state fermentation. The company works with customers to select the most suitable fungal strains for their process and growing media and to develop and scale-up new fungal derived high-value products such as proteins, enzymes, and intermediates. Sensi - Cleantech company Sensi has developed the world’s first Smart RVM (Reverse Vending Machine) using Visual AI. Sensi’s products incorporate advanced visual recognition technology and digital rewards, enabling deposit return schemes (private and regulated) for several recyclable materials and reusable products, in each case ensuring collection of a virtually uncontaminated stream of material. “We expect our collaboration with CIRCULÉIRE will assist us in our goal of providing the new technology products to kick start deposit return schemes for both recyclable and reusable products, thereby driving Ireland’s transition to a net-zero carbon circular economy”, Nathan Misischi, co-founder. Verifact –The Verifact cloud-based sustainability platform enables supply chain information to be captured and stored securely. This data is then used to validate the supply chain claims including circular economy related claims. The story of the product can be brought to consumer level through the use of on-pack QR Codes. “Verifact is a newcomer to Circular Economy space and is delighted to join the CIRCULÉIRE 2021 New Venture Programme. Verifact plans to utilise the programme to develop a sustainable business model providing services to Circular Economy participants”, Frank Fleming, CEO. Read about the 2020 New Venture Cohort 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.

Ahead of our upcoming hybrid 2021 Circular Economy Conference at National Manufacturing & Supply-Chain Expo this Wednesday, 24th November 2021 - meet our growing network of cross-sectoral members who are on the journey to transition from a linear to circular business models with support from CIRCULEIRE. Check out the Network Members: Associate Members Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine Automotive Decotek Built Environment Farrell Furniture Freefoam Plastics Masonite Novum Food and Drinks Aryzta Ballina Beverages / Coca-Cola Biowave Dairy Gold Dawn Meats Kerry Group The Culinary Food Group Wyeth Nutrition Medical Devices Boston Scientific DePuy Synthes J&J Vision Care ICT/WEEE Digital Array Control Systems (DACS) European Recycling Platform FPD Recycling IQuTech Optel Group The Zero Net WEEE Ireland Wisetek Solutions Limited Packaging Automatic Plastics Limited Pharmaceutical & Chemical Brockley Group Ltd. Hovione Pfizer Second-Life Enablers Avoca Seafood Dowmann Front Row Engineering Gannon Eco Novelplast Offerre P. Carney Ltd Repak Textiles & Fashion Cirtex Design & Crafts Council Ireland V I am not Virgin Join our hybrid event: In person at 2021 National Manufacturing & Supply Chain Expo: Register Here Or virtually through Irish Manufacturing Research’s YouTube Channel: Join Virtually Here Please note if attending in person, while the event is free to attend, it will take place under COVID-19 public health guidelines – all visitors will be required to provide a vaccination certificate on arrival, valid identification and also to wear a mask for the duration of the event. 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 Innovation Insights From c.12:30 to 1:30pm on Wednesday, 24th November 2021, hear from CIRCULEIRE’s team and IMR’s specialists about circular innovation insights. Sophie Reynolds​, Circular Economy Technologist​, IMR, will be reflecting on “Circular Innovation Opportunities & Sectoral Best Practice” Dr Mohamed Abokersh​, Senior Circular Economy Researcher, IMR, will introduce “CIRCULÉIRE's Circular Maturity Toolkit” Dr Damian Coughlan​, Senior Circular Economy Researcher, IMR, will be speaking about “CircThread: Building the digital thread for the Circular Economy” Dr Geraldine Brennan, Head of Circular Economy, IMR, will be reflecting on “CIRCULÉIRE in 2022 and beyond...” Join our hybrid event: In person at 2021 National Manufacturing & Supply Chain Expo: Register Here Or virtually through Irish Manufacturing Research’s YouTube Channel: Join Virtually Here Please note if attending in person, while the event is free to attend, it will take place under COVID-19 public health guidelines – all visitors will be required to provide a vaccination certificate on arrival, valid identification and also to wear a mask for the duration of the event. 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.

Industry Perspectives From c.11am to c.12:30pm as part of CIRCULEIRE’ “Accelerating the transition to a Circular Economy” Conference on Wednesday 24th November 2021 hear from CIRCULEIRE’s Network Industry Members as they reflect on the circular drivers, barriers, and opportunities they are encountering in the pharmaceutical, food, and consumer electronics sectors respectively. Austin Geraghty​, Global Health, Safety & Sustainability Snr Director, Hovione will be reflecting on “Hovione’s Sustainability Journey and the Challenge of the Circular Economy” Brian Cloonan, General Manager, Western Proteins & By products recovery, Dawn Meats will be speaking about “Opportunities and Challenges” Elizabeth O’Reilly​, Head of Environmental Compliance & Membership​, WEEE Ireland will be reflecting on “Circular Opportunities in meeting the E-Waste challenge” Paul McSweeney​, CEO​, The ZeroNet​​ will be speaking about how “The circular economy needs a whole new operating system and introducing the ZeroNet” Join our hybrid event: In person at 2021 National Manufacturing & Supply Chain Expo: Register Here Or virtually through Irish Manufacturing Research’s YouTube Channel: Join Virtually Here Please note if attending in person, while the event is free to attend, it will take place under COVID-19 public health guidelines – all visitors will be required to provide a vaccination certificate on arrival, valid identification and also to wear a mask for the duration of the event. 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 Circular Economy Policy Landscape post COP26 From 10:10 am to 11:30 am on Wednesday, 24th November 2021, hear from CIRCULEIRE’s three Strategic Partners as they reflect on Ireland’s evolving circular economy landscape post COP26 and what it means for Irish industry and society. Leslie Carberry, Principle Officer, Department for the Environment, Climate Action and Communications (DECC) will be speaking about “Making Ireland's Circular Economy transition happen” Mary Frances Rochford, Programme Manager, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will be providing an “Overview of the EPA’s Circular Economy Programme” Dr Andy Kerr, UK and Ireland Lead, EIT Climate-KIC will be speaking about how to “Build the enabling conditions for the circular economy to thrive: EU experiences” Do you want to join us? Join our hybrid event: In person at 2021 National Manufacturing & Supply Chain Expo: Register Here Or virtually through Irish Manufacturing Research’s YouTube Channel: Join Virtually Here Please note if attending in person, while the event is free to attend, it will take place under COVID-19 public health guidelines – all visitors will be required to provide a vaccination certificate on arrival, valid identification and also to wear a mask for the duration of the event. 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.

Register to join us on 24th Nov, at the Main Stage of the 2021 National Manufacturing & Supply-Chain Expo CIRCULÉIRE and IMR in collaboration with our Strategic Partners, Department of the Environment, Climate, and Communications (DECC), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), EIT Climate-KIC and our Industry Members are pleased to announce the full line-up of speakers for our 2021 @CIRCULÉIRE Conference taking place as part of the 2021 National Manufacturing & Supply-Chain Expo at the RDS Simmons Court, Dublin, next Wednesday, 24th November 2021. Check out the complete-line-up of speakers: Leslie Carberry, Principle Officer, Department for the Environment, Climate Action and Communications (DECC) Mary Frances Rochford, Programme Manager, EPA Dr Andy Kerr, UK and Ireland Lead, Climate KIC Austin Geraghty, Global Health, Safety & Sustainability, Snr Director, Hovione Brian Cloonan, General Manager, Western Proteins & By products recovery, Dawn Meats Elizabeth O’Reilly, Head of Environmental Compliance & Membership, WEEE Ireland Paul McSweeney, CEO, The ZeroNet Maurice O’Connell, Chief Operating Officer, IMR Geraldine Brennan, Head of Circular Economy, IMR Sophie Reynolds, Circular Economy Technologist, IMR Dr Damian Coughlan, Senior Circular Economy Researcher, IMR Dr Mohamed Abokersh, Senior Circular Economy Researcher, IMR Join our hybrid event: In person at 2021 National Manufacturing & Supply Chain Expo – register here: Register Here Or virtually through Irish Manufacturing Research’s YouTube Channel: Join Virtually Here Please note if attending in person, while the event is free to attend, it will take place under COVID-19 public health guidelines – all visitors will be required to provide a vaccination certificate on arrival, valid identification and also to wear a mask for the duration of the event. 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.

Transition Year students had the opportunity to visit IMR’s Lab in Mullingar and see how circular economy and cutting-edge technologies are being used in manufacturing in Ireland Circular economy was the topic of discussion for post-primary students (c.15-16 years old) at Christ King Girls' School last Wednesday, 10th November 2021. They visited Irish Manufacturing Research (IMR)’s Mullingar Lab in the National Science Park and had the opportunity to learn about CIRCULÉIRE, Ireland’s first industry-led circular economy innovation network; how to practically apply circular principles to products and were introduced to cutting-edge technologies that are being used in manufacturing such as 3D printing, collaborative robots, and artificial intelligence. “I am interested in Science and can imagine myself working with STAM (Science and Technology of Advanced Materials). After hearing about circular economy, I can see that the field can help lower our carbon footprint…”, said one of the students, Marlene Liebendoerfer, 14 years old. The initiative was part of Science Week 2021, and the IMR’s Outreach team in collaboration with CIRCULÉIRE promoted a campaign where teachers registered their classes and received a short introduction to circular economy. Students were then invited to submit a video recording answering the question “How could circular economy be implemented in your school?". Students from Christ King Girls' School visited IMR’s Lab in Mullingar on 10th November “It is very special to see what they learn in the class can be applied in real life”, commented the teacher, Claudia O’Donoghue. But the take-outs were not just for the students, Maria O'Callaghan, junior science teacher, considered: “There is so much we can do when it is about circular economy. I think we all will reflect about our own habits back home”. Two schools were selected as winners of the Science Week campaign. Christ King Girls' School students acheived first place and had the opportunity to visit IMR’s Lab in November 2021. Another group of students, from Clonaslee College, came second place and will get an opportunity at a future date to visit IMR’s Lab in Mullingar when COVID-19 restrictions permit. Keep tuned for more news! 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 conference will take place on November 24th at the RDS Simonscourt, Dublin Are you one of those people trying to figure out how to make your business more circular and sustainable? Save the 24th of November in your diary! CIRCULÉIRE’s Annual Conference will be a half-day event (10am - 1:30 pm) and will take place in hybrid format as part of the National Manufacturing & Supply Chain Expo at RDS Simmonscourt, Dublin. The Climate Act 2021 commits Ireland to legally binding targets to reduce overall greenhouse gas emissions across the economy by 51% between 2021 and 2030 and achieve net zero emissions no later than 2050. The Accelerating the transition to a Circular Economy conference will take place at the National Manufacturing & Supply Chain Expo Main Stage and will shine a spotlight on the circular economy, a key tool in Ireland’s decarbonisation strategy. As we digest the outcomes of COP26, the 26th United Nations Climate Change conference, that is taking place in Glasgow between 31st October and 12th November 2021, CIRCULÉIRE’s Strategic Partners and Network Members will talk about how they are putting circular economy in practice in Ireland. Join us to: Gain insights into the evolving circular economy policy landscape in Ireland from CIRCULÉIRE's Strategic Partners – hear from DECC, EPA and EIT Climate-KIC Hear from CIRCULÉIRE's Industry Members about how they are putting circular economy into practice Join our hybrid event: In person at 2021 National Manufacturing & Supply Chain Expo: Register Here Or virtually through Irish Manufacturing Research’s YouTube Channel: Join Virtually Here Please note if attending in person, while the event is free to attend, it will take place under COVID-19 public health guidelines – all visitors will be required to provide a vaccination certificate on arrival, valid identification and also to wear a mask for the duration of the event. 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 Joint Committee on Environment and Climate Action resume pre-legislative scrutiny General Scheme of Circular Economy Bill The Joint Committee on Environment and Climate Action met on Thursday, 21 October, in Committee Room 2 of Leinster House to resume pre-legislative scrutiny of the General Scheme of the Circular Economy Bill. They heard from Dr. Geraldine Brennan, CIRCULÉIRE lead and Head of Circular Economy at Irish Manufacturing Research (IMR). “The Government’s ambition to transition to a circular economy and ambition to become a leader in Europe by 2030 is matched by the willingness of industry to engage in the transformation journey. Our members in CIRCULÉIRE welcome the development of a supportive and enabling environment to accelerate the transition to a circular economy in Ireland”, highlighted Dr. Geraldine Brennan during the session. Committee Cathaoirleach Deputy Brian Leddin said: “This is our third meeting as part of our pre-legislative scrutiny of the Circular Economy Bill 2021, which proposes the necessary legislative basis for the transition an alternative to the existing economic model of production and consumption, which is economically and environmentally unsustainable. The Joint Committee on Environment and Climate Action has 14 Members, nine from the Dáil and five from the Seanad. Watch the Committee proceedings. Below are an overview of key points made by Dr Geraldine Brennan, on behalf of CIRCULÉIRE Industry Members to the Oireachtas committee. CIRCULÉIRE’s members welcome the placing of the Circular Economy Strategy on a statutory footing through the Circular Economy Bill and the evolution of the Environment Fund into a Circular Economy Fund. The Government’s ambition to transition to a circular economy and ambition to become a leader in Europe by 2030 is matched by the willingness of industry to engage in the transformation journey – illustrated by CIRCULÉIRE’s network of cross-sectoral manufacturing companies and second-life enablers (EPR Schemes; material re-processors, reverse logistics and solution providers) including micro-enterprise, SMEs and MNCs alike. CIRCULÉIRE’s members welcome the development of a supportive and enabling environment to accelerate the transition to a circular economy in Ireland which includes: More “hands-on” regulatory approach with flexibility for research, development and piloting within existing regulatory frameworks. Greater regulatory certainty via clearer regulatory frameworks (citing the success of EPR Schemes for WEEE as replicable for other sectors). Supports to create marketplaces for circular products and services. Embedding circular economy criteria into existing public funding calls and developing capital expenditure funds for strategic infrastructure. Members welcomed more forums for ongoing dialogue between public bodies, the third sector, industry, and citizens. 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.