The Community Resources Network Ireland (CRNI), with support from the Regional Waste Authorities is delighted to invite you to the launch of our Virtual Green + Social Procurement Trade Fair.

This new virtual platform will be open 24/7 and give visitors the opportunity to explore procurement opportunities across the following categories:

Food & drink
Creative textiles
Paint
Bicycles
ICT & asset management
Furniture sales & refurbishment
Events, training and education
Specialist recycling
What’s in it for you?

This event will give public sector employees working in procurement (or anyone interested in procurement) the opportunity to:

Meet with and learn more about CRNI members working in community based reuse, repair and recycling
Learn more and discuss green + social procurement opportunities
Discover our Virtual Green + Social Procurement Trade Fair and the opportunities it presents as a resource for the public sector
What do we mean by green + social?

Green: CRNI members work is at the heart of driving the circular economy. They work in communities across Ireland on reuse, repair and recycling initiatives, with the aim of creating a world where the word waste doesn’t exist.
Social: CRNI members strive to facilitate social inclusion by providing employment opportunities in repair, reuse and recycling to people traditionally excluded from the jobs market. They also provide goods and services at affordable prices, or at no cost at all, so that everyone can have access.
Why are we doing this?

According to recent EPA research, the percentage of green public purchasing in 2020 was just 17%. We hope to greatly increase this percentage in line with Whole of Government Circular Economy Strategy 2022-2023 which which seeks to promote the incorporation of social, innovative and environmental considerations in public procurement.

Draft event agenda

11.00am-11.30am: Arrival/exhibition of CRNI members goods and services

11.30am-12.30pm: Launch of virtual exhibition/speeches

12.30pm-2.00pm: Lunch and networking/thematic discussions (CRNI members & public sector actors/general public)

Please register for this event if you would like to attend, as places are very limited. If you have any questions or queries, feel free to reach out to mary@crni.ie.

This event is kindly funded by the Regional Waste Authorities.

Learn more about the work of CRNI at www.crni.ie.