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Project title

System Design and Policy Roadmap for B2B and Trade Packaging in Ireland

Primary Funding Agency

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

Co-Funding Organisation(s)

n/a

Lead Organisation

Technological University Dublin (TU Dublin)

Lead Applicant

Swarna Jaiswal

Project Abstract

The proposed project “ReLoop” aims to support Irelands transition to a circular economy by designing scalable, policy-aligned reusable packaging systems for business-to-business (B2B) and trade sectors. In line with the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), which mandates 40% reusable transport packaging by 2030 and 70% by 2040, the project seeks to reduce Ireland’s reliance on single-use packaging and enhance compliance with emerging EU legislation. Despite notable progress in recycling, Ireland’s current plastic packaging recycling rate stands at only 32%, well below EU averages, resulting in an estimated €187 million in Plastics Own Resource (POR) contributions to the EU budget. At present, Ireland lacks coordinated reuse systems in non-HORECA distribution sectors, particularly in areas such as import/export packaging, logistics, and industrial transport packaging. To address this gap, ReLoop will develop reuse system models and policy tools that are economically feasible, environmentally effective, and tailored to Ireland’s geographical and infrastructural realities. The project will focus on the food and beverage distribution sector, secondary and transport packaging generator such as crates, drums, and pallets. ReLoop adopts an integrated system design approach, combining packaging flow mapping, international benchmarking, and advanced scenario modelling using Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) and Techno-Economic Assessment (TEA). These models will be informed by stakeholder engagement across micro, meso, and macro levels to ensure practical alignment and adoption readiness. Stakeholders will include national packaging compliance schemes (e.g., Repak), logistics providers, food and beverage retailers, wholesalers, manufacturers, relevant industries, and policymakers. ReLoop’s work plan includes the following key components: (i) a comprehensive assessment of Ireland’s B2B and trade packaging landscape, with emphasis on food and beverage logistics, (ii) international case study benchmarking from four to five high-performing EU contexts, (iii) stakeholder interviews and readiness assessments to identify enablers and barriers to reuse system adoption, (iv) the development of two to three scenario models with MCDA and TEA frameworks, and (v) the design of a national Reusable Packaging Implementation Toolkit and strategic roadmap aligned with the EU PPWR targets. The roadmap will outline short-, medium-, and long-term actions for achieving scalable reuse practices, supported by practical guidelines, tracking metrics, and eco-design standards. By the end of the project, ReLoop will deliver a suite of evidence-based outputs, including a final EPA research report, one targeted policy briefs, and one open-access academic publication. Data outputs such as packaging flow maps, anonymised stakeholder insights, and scenario modelling results will be archived and made publicly available via the EPA Research Data Archive and TU Dublin’s ARROW repository. Dissemination activities will include a public webinar and targeted policy engagement with key regulators and compliance bodies to ensure visibility, relevance, and post-project impact. ReLoop directly contributes to Ireland’s Circular Economy Act 2022, the Waste Action Plan for a Circular Economy, and the UN SDGs (9, 12, and 13). The project offers a scalable national model for packaging reuse that can serve as a blueprint for broader European and global applications. Furthermore, ReLoop will accelerate Ireland’s shift to reusable packaging and support its leadership in circular economy innovation.

Grant Approved

€164,852.13

Research Hub

Facilitating a Green and Circular Economy

Research Theme

n/a

Start Date

01/03/2026

Initial Projected Completion Date

31/08/2028