EPA announces €600,000 circular economy innovation fund

Circular businesses reduce costs by reusing and recycling materials already in use. The EPA’s ‘Green Enterprise: Innovation for a Circular Economy’ programme supports organisations to develop and demonstrate new circular economy approaches.

 “We are at a pivotal point for our economy and the recovery steps we take now will shape Ireland for the next decade,” said EPA director general Laura Burke. “Moving to put circular principles at the core of our economic model offers the opportunity to rebuild our economy, generate new jobs and respond to climate change. As we emerge from national lockdown, a green recovery stimulus provides a unique opportunity to generate lasting economic activity that does not over-burden the environment and waste our limited resources."

The ‘Green Enterprise: Innovation for a Circular Economy programme’ provides funding to companies and other organisations that want to stimulate and implement circular economy practices in Ireland.

Applications are invited from businesses within the food, construction and demolition, plastics and resources and raw materials sectors for projects that aim to increase the efficiency of materials, and avail of opportunities for reuse and recycling to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

A ‘circular’ economy reduces waste throughout the economic cycle, and ensures that materials are used efficiently. The EPA said that the transition to a circular economy will create opportunities for innovative organisations to build new businesses based on avoiding use of disposable items, extending product lifetimes, and finding new uses for by-products.

‘Green Enterprise: Innovation for a Circular Economy’ is a flagship initiative of Ireland’s National Waste Prevention Programme. More details of the funding call are available on the EPA website.