Digital Business Ireland welcomes publication of Circular Economy Bill

Digital Business Ireland, the country’s leading representative body for digital, eCommerce and online businesses has welcomed the publication of the Circular Economy Bill while continuing to call for the need to foster the greater trust in refurbished products. In a recent submission to Government on the ‘Right to Repair’ EU legislative proposal, the organisation noted the need for Ireland to lead the charge in establishing a legal framework for second-hand goods – one which places the rights of consumers and the requirements of businesses at its core.

The Circular Economy Bill

The Circular Economy Bill, due to be debated in the Dail on Wednesday, provides a national framework for helping to achieve a circular economy and introduces a series of measures to support Ireland’s ambitions. The commencement of the Bill is indicative of Ireland’s desire to transition away from a linear economy and places this commitment on a statutory footing. The Bill includes the following provisions;

—  Legal targets for re-used and repaired products and materials

—  Establishment of a Circular Economy Fund

—  Provisions for a levy on certain single-use items

—  Ban on the supply of certain single-use items

In a recent submission to the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications, Digital Business Ireland called on Government to work in tandem with its EU partners, in establishing a common market for refurbished products as part of the ‘Right to Repair’ EU legislative proposal. Such a framework should include definitions, quality standards and related contractual rights for consumers and businesses.

The representative body asserts that this action is necessary to foster the greater trust in refurbished products. As part of its submission, Digital Business Ireland also issued several recommendations to Government, on establishing an efficient Irish market for repairs and replacement parts. These include the implementation of stronger design rules, as well as the introduction of an obligation for brands to provide spare parts and/or technical documentation for independent sellers.

Chairperson of Digital Business Ireland

Speaking today, Chairperson of Digital Business Ireland, Ashley McDonnell, said: “We welcome the publication of the Circular Economy Bill and acknowledge the proactive steps taken by Government in establishing a clear roadmap for helping Ireland to transition away from a linear economy. The measures announced today solidify our nation’s sustainability ambitions and demonstrate our determination to build an economy where no product, part or package goes to waste unnecessarily”.

“It is imperative, therefore, that Ireland works in collaboration with its EU partners in establishing a robust legal framework on refurbished goods, as part of the ‘Right to Repair’legislative proposal. In a recent submission to Government, Digital Business Ireland outlined its recommendations to help develop greater transparency on second-hand products, including establishing stringent design rules, obligating brands to provide spare parts and/or technical documentation, and encouraging the emergence and growth of independent repairs networks”.

“Key to creating a vibrant, sustainable circular economy is fostering greater trust of refurbished products among consumers. The publication of the Circular Economy Bill is the first step towards that goal. Digital Business Ireland and our 8,000 members remain committed to implementing measures which help to reduce Ireland’s circularity gap and nurture our circular economy, and we look forward to working with stakeholders across industry, to make this possible”.