The Irish Government published The Circular Economy Bill, guiding the country to a circular model of doing business. Currently, many businesses in Ireland are engaging in a “take-make-waste” linear model of production and consumption. Guaranteed Irish welcome the launch of the Bill as it will encourage Irish businesses to minimise waste which will significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
The Bill has a range of actions, one of which is a 20c levy on single-use disposable products. Over time, it is expected that single-use products will be completely phased out of production. This is one step in the Government’s ambition for Ireland to become the first country in the world to eliminate disposable coffee cups. The levy will be in place over the coming months and will be similar to the existing Plastic Bag Levy.
The levy will impact all businesses, especially those in hospitality. The aim of the levy is to incentivise the use of reusable and recyclable alternatives to a range of wasteful single-use disposable packaging. The levy will be implemented to increase behaviour change and encourage sustainable business practice. Unfortunately, receiving a discount on our coffee for using a keep cup is not enough. The levy, although stricter, is more effective in changing our habits. With the launch of the Bill, we now have an opportunity to reflect on our buying habits and the associated waste with each purchase.
Guaranteed Irish members have an opportunity to adopt a sustainable, future-focused business model, creating local jobs and benefitting the local economy. The circular economy requires materials to be reused, repaired, remanufactured, and recycled, extending the value of the products. With each step in the circular model, businesses will create new jobs to ensure they are producing high quality, sustainable goods. This circular model will mean waste is minimised, and eventually designed out of the production process.
By implementing a circular business model, businesses will create wider collaboration within our communities, as one businesses waste is another business’ raw materials. The Guaranteed Irish community of over 1,900 members, promotes the use of shorter supply chains and provides a national platform for businesses to come together and collaborate on ways to reduce carbon emissions.
Earlier this year, the Guaranteed Irish team launched a Sustainability Guide to provide members with support funding for sustainability projects, which includes funding to adapt to a circular business model. The guide is free to access for all Guaranteed Irish members, who represent a wide range of industries including construction, food, hospitality, pharma and retail. With the announcement of this Bill, Guaranteed Irish support the Government’s decision to define the Circular Economy for the first time in Irish domestic law.
To join the Guaranteed Irish community, visit our website here: https://www.guaranteedirish.ie/