Circular Business

Circular economy practices and improvements in sustainability can result in real benefits for business and enterprise.

Circularity means using our resources carefully. It means getting the design right – using and producing things that are durable, products that can be repaired and reused, and that after a long life can be dismantled and recycled into equally valuable products.

The role and the leadership of the business community in achieving sustainability and reaching our climate targets is key.

Circular Economy for Businesses

• Circular Economy Innovation Grant Scheme - The multi-annual scheme directly supports the growth of the circular economy in Ireland and provides high-profile examples of best practice to inspire others. In 2021, 10 projects shared a total fund of €500,000, with maximum funding available to each project of €50,000. In 2022, 13 projects shared a total fund of €650,000 - this was a 30% increase in total funding compared to the first call in 2021, and maximum funding to each project was increased to €100,000.

• Green Public Procurement (GPP) commits to objectives such as mandating the inclusion of green criteria in all procurements using public funds. An updated Green Public Procurement Strategy and Action Plan will progress this commitment and set out actions in relation to Green Public Procurement implementation.

• Climate Toolkit 4 Business - While many businesses have already grasped the opportunities of a decarbonised economy, for some it can be a big challenge. The Toolkit provides a clear and accessible starting point for any business, signposting them to useful climate action resources. Promoting the economic and environmental sustainability of our enterprise base supports our climate targets while continuing to sustain high-quality employment, entrepreneurship and investment in Ireland.

• Circuléire - Circuléire is a public-private partnership co-created by Irish Manufacturing Research, DECC, EPA and EIT Climate–KIC. It aims to test, finance and scale circular manufacturing solutions to deliver significant reductions in both CO2 emissions and waste across its 30 plus members. Over €2.5 million has been made available to Circuléire over 2023 and 2024 to continue to support the development of innovation and demonstration projects, which are designed to support the transition from a linear to a circular economy.

• Commercial Waste Toolkit - The Commercial Waste Toolkit is a suite of materials or assets that provide guidance on effective waste management in commercial settings such as businesses, workplaces and institutions. The materials include posters and bin labels as well as step-by-step guides and engaging training videos. The printed materials are available free for order or download from www.mywaste.ie/business and come in English, Irish & Bilingual formats.

• The EPA’s Circular Economy Programme implements actions that build knowledge and evidence to inform circular economy development in Ireland. It supports new business models and promotes resource efficiency. The EPA’s Circular Economy Conference is an annual event where circular businesses, researchers and policy makers come together to champion best practice in circularity and to showcase developments and innovations.

• MODOS Training - A joint initiative of the Waste Management Plan Lead Authority (WMPLA) and Dublin City Council (DCC), MODOS will equip SMEs to apply circular economy principles in their business, helping them reduce waste and carbon emissions while creating opportunities to save money, increase resilience and boost competitive advantage. This innovative circular economy training programme for micro, small and medium size enterprises will help businesses across Ireland build sustainability into the future.