Due to ongoing Covid19 restrictions in Ireland, this learning event took place online was open to all SinCE-AFC Project Partners, their stakeholders, all 31 Local Enterprise Offices in Ireland and SMEs who have an interest in the area of the circular economy.
The event was moderated by Mary Cronin, UpThink a CE and sustainability expert. Attendees were welcomed by John McLaughlin, Chief Executive of Donegal County Council. The opening address was given by the Irish Minister for Agriculture, Food & the Marine (DAFM), Charlie McConalogue TD.
The aim of this event was to present and dissect circular economy good practices in the agri-food sector, from Ireland and other SinCE-AFC partner regions.
At the outset, Patrick Barrett from the DAFM gave an overview of circular economy (CE) policy implementation in Ireland and discussed critical factors, drivers, challenges, and potential opportunities of the CE in our country. He also delved into the business case for the CE and the future of it.
Michael Tunney, PP6 Project Manager and Head of Enterprise, Local Enterprise Office, Donegal gave a comprehensive presentation regarding PP6’s Action Plan and thereafter a discussion took place regarding the key actions, policy drivers and next steps.
Subsequently, Good Practices were presented in the following order:-
1. Hexafly – Alternative protein production – Alvan Hunt, CEO & Co-Founder gave an overview of this innovative business as well as the challenges and opportunities of working in the CE.
2. Staramaki – Eco-friendly wheat straws – Stefanos Kamperis outlined details of this revolutionary social enterprise in Greece and discussed success criteria of working in the CE.
3. Frylite – repurposing of used cooking oils as biofuel – Sally O’Kane, outlined the Frylite sustainability story and how they have successfully transitioned from the linear to the CE over the years. She then discussed policy drivers, transitioning to the CE and the changing environment.
The event concluded with a panel discussion with all participants.
