Ireland has unveiled a new national strategy aimed at transforming how the country produces, consumes and reuses materials, marking a significant shift towards a circular economy.
The plan, titled Accelerating Action, was launched by Climate and Environment Minister Darragh O’Brien and Minister of State for the Circular Economy Alan Dillon.
Minister O’Brien said every tonne of material recycled represents carbon emissions that were never released, describing circularity as a powerful climate tool.
Target: 12% circular material use by 2030
The strategy aims to increase Ireland’s circular material usage rate by two percentage points annually, reaching 12% by 2030.
Funding will be provided to local authorities to develop recycling, repair and reuse hubs nationwide.
Six priority sectors are targeted:
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Manufacturing
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Bioeconomy
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Retail
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Packaging
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Textiles
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Electronics
National Repair Voucher Scheme
A key measure is the introduction of a National Pilot Repair Voucher Scheme, designed to encourage people to repair faulty electronics and appliances rather than replace them.
The scheme will subsidise repair costs and operate until 2028, supported by the Circular Economy Fund. The broader aim is to reduce waste, extend product lifespans and cut emissions linked to manufacturing new goods.
Ireland will also transpose the EU Repair Directive into national law, strengthening consumers’ right to repair.
Digital Product Passport
The strategy introduces plans for a Digital Product Passport, providing consumers with information on sustainability, durability and regulatory compliance.
Initially, it will apply to:
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Textiles
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Furniture
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Tyres
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Mattresses
Cutting waste across sectors
Among the headline commitments:
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Food waste reduction of 50% by 2030
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A new national bioeconomy strategy
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Reusable container options in food retail from next year
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Implementation of EU Packaging and Packaging Waste rules
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5% reduction in packaging waste by 2030
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90% plastic bottle collection target by 2029
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Separate nationwide textile collection by 2030
A manufacturing circularity roadmap will also be published this year, alongside a partnership model between government and industry.
The message behind the strategy is clear: keep products in use for longer, reduce waste at source and rethink consumption — shifting Ireland from a throwaway culture to one built on repair, reuse and regeneration.