Save the date: Circular Economy Training for SMEs

*Dates of individual sessions to be confirmed soon*

Interested in exploring emerging opportunities in the circular economy? In gaining practical training and advise in how to apply circular opportunities to your business? Then this is the course for you.

Enterprise Europe Network and the Sustainable Cork Programme at Cork Chamber have teamed up with MODOS, a joint initiative of Dublin City Council and the Waste Management Plan Lead Authority (WMPLA) to deliver a circular economy training programme to micro, small and medium sized enterprises. The programme will run on dates in February and March 2021, with early registration strongly advised as participant numbers are limited (this is to ensure the opportunity for bespoke business advise throughout). For more info on Modules click here.

The programme will be delivered virtually by expert trainers and each interactive session will be a mix of presentations, best practice case studies, exercises and discussion to help participants apply the learning to your business. With the European Union introducing new policy and regulation for a low-carbon economy and the Irish government bringing in new Green Procurement standards, Irish businesses need to understand and adapt to the transition from a linear to a circular economy. Doing so will help to future proof your business.

What is the circular economy?

Our current economic model is based on a linear ‘take-make-waste’ approach, which is costly for businesses and bad for the environment. By contrast, a circular economy is efficient and environmentally sustainable. In a circular economy, products, components and materials are kept in use for as long as possible. The principles of a circular economy and circular production models can be instrumental in exploring the opportunities to transform for example what might once have been considered as a waste material into a secondary raw material, an approach that can increase efficiencies and even develop new secondary by-products and market opportunities. Supply and production chains essentially operate in ‘closed-loops’ making them less wasteful and more resilient.

How does the circular economy benefit businesses?

Adopting circular economy principles can help your business:

• Save money, reduce waste and increase resilience

• Boost competitive advantage and brand reputation

• Unlock new business opportunities that also help the environment

This training is suitable for all businesses though is particularly relevant for those from the following sectors: construction and the built environment, food, retail, manufacturing, textiles and fashion, electronics, plastics and packaging.