Circular Economy

Tools for Solidarity

Discover more about the Circular Economy

A circular economy is an alternative to a traditional linear economy where products are made, used and then disposed.

Moving to a Circular Economy ensures resources are kept in use for as long as possible,  the maximum value extracted from them whilst in use, and then products and materials are recovered and regenerated at the end of each service life.

The Circularity Gap Report 2020 finds that the world is now only 8.6% circular. This report highlights that switching to a Circular Economy could reduce greenhouse emissions by 39% – a key contributor to global warming.

Moving to a Circular Economy would be good for Northern Ireland. An estimated £474 million of annual economic opportunities have been identified for Northern Ireland from moving to a circular economy and more than 13,000 jobs could be created according to the ReNew report into the Circular Economy in NI.m

Circularity Gap Report

Great opportunities and strategies for developing the circular economy

Job Creation in the Circular Economy

ReNEW report into the Circular Economy in NI

Learn more about NIRNs role in the Circular Economy

Circular Economy Graphic

Climate Change and the Circular Economy

Northern Ireland Resources Network (NIRN) Position Paper - February 2021

By developing the Circular Economy, Northern Ireland can take positive action on reducing its emissions, whilst also supporting waste reduction, economic growth, job creation and social good. With the increasing focus on environmental issues including climate change, limited and scarce virgin raw materials and disposal of waste, NIRN and its members have published a position paper highlighting the connections between climate change and circular economy, driving awareness and recommendations to combat these challenges in Northern Ireland