Ireland Launches Ambitious Circular Economy Strategy with Repair Vouchers and Digital Passports
Ireland’s government today, , launched a new Circular Economy Strategy 2026-2028, outlining a national plan to shift away from a “take-make-waste” model and embrace a more sustainable, resource-efficient economy. The strategy, unveiled by Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment Darragh O’Brien and Minister of State with responsibility for the Circular Economy Alan Dillon, includes a National Pilot Repair Voucher scheme and the introduction of Digital Product Passports.
The strategy aims to increase Ireland’s Circular Material Use Rate by 2 percentage points annually, targeting a 12% rate by 2030. This transition is envisioned to strengthen the country’s economic competitiveness, environmental sustainability, and social wellbeing.
Repair Voucher Scheme to Boost Repair Culture
A key component of the new strategy is the National Pilot Repair Voucher Scheme, designed to reduce the cost of repairs and increase the perceived value of used goods. The scheme, which will be supported by the Circular Economy Fund and rolled out next year, is based on research indicating that repair costs are a significant factor in consumers’ decisions about whether to repair or replace products.
Digital Product Passports to Empower Consumers
To promote informed consumer choices, the government will introduce Digital Product Passports (DPPs). Initially focusing on textiles, furniture, tyres, and mattresses, these passports will provide consumers with information about a product’s sustainability, circularity, and regulatory compliance. The aim is to empower consumers to make more environmentally conscious purchasing decisions.
Sector-Specific Targets and Action Plans
The Circular Economy Strategy identifies six key sectors for priority action: construction, bioeconomy, retail, packaging, textiles, and electronics. A ‘Circularity Roadmap for the Construction Sector’ will be published this year, alongside a sectoral compact partnership between the government and the construction industry to accelerate circular practices.
A new National Bioeconomy Strategy and Food Waste Prevention Roadmap are also planned for release this year, with a goal of cutting food waste by 50% by 2030. For the retail sector, the strategy promises increased support for repair, reuse, and waste prevention, including the introduction of Bring Your Own container options in food services starting next year.
EU Regulations and Textile Waste
The government also committed to implementing the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation, aiming for a 5% reduction in packaging waste by 2030 and 90% plastic bottle collection by 2029. A National Policy Statement and Roadmap on Circular Textiles will be launched this year, with a goal of achieving full and enhanced separate textile collection nationwide by 2030.
the EU Right to Repair Directive will be transposed into Irish law, and the government pledged to support the expansion of Ireland’s repair and remanufacturing sector.
Economic and Environmental Benefits
Minister O’Brien emphasized the climate benefits of a circular economy, stating, “Every tonne of material that’s reused, every product that’s repaired rather than replaced, represents carbon that never needs to be emitted. That is the power of the circular economy.” He added that the strategy sets out how Ireland will harness this power through innovation, investment, and collaboration.
Minister Dillon highlighted the broader economic and social benefits, saying, “This second Circular Economy Strategy places innovation, enterprise, and people at the heart of climate action – cutting waste, creating jobs, and reducing costs for households and businesses.” He concluded, “Implementation of this strategy will show that circularity is not an abstract idea but a practical, economic, and achievable way forward – one that helps families and businesses get better value, while strengthening Ireland’s competitiveness and resilience.”
The strategy also recognizes the potential for local authorities to play a key role, with support provided to develop reuse, repair, and recycling hubs nationwide.
