CRNI Annual Conference 2025. A Circular 360: Evaluating Our Circular Impact

CRNI recently brought together members, partners and stakeholders from across Ireland for our Annual Conference under the theme “A Circular 360: Evaluating Our Circular Impact.”

The day offered a space to reflect not only on progress across the circular economy, but on the real social, environmental and economic impact being delivered in communities nationwide. Members shared practical examples of reuse and repair in action, showing how their work creates local jobs, reduces waste, builds green skills and strengthens community resilience.

The conference centred around three interactive workshops. Workshop 1: Circular Markets looked at strengthening demand, visibility and market access for reuse and repair organisations. Workshop 2: Sharing Our Skills explored how members have incorporated training delivery, community engagement, and knowledge exchange into their circular business models as well as the skills and the supports needed to build a resilient workforce. Workshop 3: The Collective Challenge created space for members and stakeholders to share feedback and insights on CRNI’s role, future direction and advocacy priorities.

Across the discussions, common themes emerged such as the need for clearer recognition of the sector’s contribution, better access to supports, and more stable, long-term funding to help ensure job security and organisational sustainability.

Most of all, the day reinforced the value of coming together as a network,  to share openly, learn from one another, and better understand both the challenges and opportunities ahead for Ireland’s circular economy.

Thank you to everyone who joined us and contributed to such an engaged and thoughtful day.

• February 19, 2026