Carlow businesses and social enterprises urged to enter 2026 RDS Circular Economy Awards

Now in the third year, the RDS Circular Economy Awards serve as a key platform for accelerating and supporting Ireland’s transition to a regenerative economic model.

By recognising and rewarding businesses that champion resource efficiency and regeneration, the programme directly contributes to the National Circular Economy Programme, led by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), unlocking significant economic opportunities and creating green jobs.

Speaking at the Awards launch Minister of State for Small Business and Retail & Circular Economy Alan Dillon said:

‘The circular economy is more than just an environmental ambition. It is an economic and social opportunity, essential for Ireland’s future. These Awards play a critical role by showcasing the enterprises that are turning this vision into a reality, creating tangible value and inspiring others. I strongly encourage businesses, innovators and now for the first time, social enterprises to put forward their initiatives. The Government is committed to supporting this transition, and the RDS Awards provide a vital spotlight on the pioneers driving change’.

The core purpose of the awards is to:

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• Recognise and reward outstanding circular economy initiatives across sectors.
• Promote awareness of circular practices in Ireland and beyond.
• Encourage collaboration between business, policy and community sectors.
• Support innovation that reduces waste, reuses materials and regenerates resources.
• Encourages learning and development through bursaries for Trinity Executive education courses and Alumni education days.

For 2026, the RDS is proud to announce a brand-new category – Social Enterprise Award which reflects the commitment to recognising everyone who makes a difference from pioneering companies to vital non-profit and community groups.

Past RDS Circular Economy Award winners include:

• HaPPE Earth (2025 Emerging Winner) – a start-up replacing conventional single use plastic PPE with medically approved compostable alternatives for healthcare.
• IQUTECH (2025 SME Winner) – a global circular economy leader in technology repair, refurbishment and lifecycle management.
• Harp Renewables Limited (2024 SME Winner) – Global leader in thermophilic aerobic digestion, transforming organic waste into nutrient rich bio-fertiliser.
• Change Clothes Dublin (2024 Emerging Winner) – a non-profit community based textile reuse hub tackling fast fashion through Swap Shops and Repair Cafes.

The Awards offer valuable financial prizes and career development opportunities for the winner and runner-up in each category, including:

1st Prize - €2,000 and a scholarship to a short course delivered by Trinity Executive Education and a RDS Circular Economy Awards trophy

Runner Up - €1,000 and an RDS Certificate of Merit.

The deadline for applications is Saturday 6th December 2025.Further details on categories, entry criteria and the application process is available at www.rds.ie/rds-foundation/enterprise/circular-economy-programme