Northern Ireland circular economy could add 13,000 jobs

U.K.-based WRAP, the Waste & Resources Action Programme, has released a report indicating that more than 13,000 jobs could be created if Northern Ireland moved to a circular economy. Produced by the Belfast-based ReNEW network, in conjunction with charity WRAP, the report was to be launched 30 September 2015 in Belfast.

The report, titled “Job Creation in the Circular Economy – Increasing Resource Efficiency in Northern Ireland,” says jobs could be created at various skill levels across Northern Ireland and within a number of sectors, including food and drink, biorefining and the bioeconomy. The role of renewable energy and smart energy grids in enabling development of manufacturing is also a key factor for achieving greater traction in realizing job growth potential, according to the report.

WRAP says the report aims to encourage wider understanding of the potential of the circular economy for jobs growth, stimulating action to create the means by which the circular economy can support the economic aims for Northern Ireland.

The £5 million ReNEW project (Resource innovation Network for European Waste), brings together researchers, public authorities and businesses in North West Europe to explore ways to extract resources such as metal, nutrients and chemicals from households and industrial waste.

Commenting on the report, Environment Minister Mark Durkan says, “Building a circular economy is a win-win for the economy and the environment. It makes sense to keep our natural resources in use for as long as possible through recovery, reuse, repair, remanufacturing and recycling.

“This benefits the environment and can also drive economic growth by unlocking millions of pounds worth of value from materials used in key sectors in Northern Ireland which can drive economic growth. By departing from our traditional economic model of ‘make, use and dispose,’ we will be less vulnerable to dwindling natural resources, and increased price instability and energy costs.”

Durkan also says government, business and the community must work together to access the opportunities offered by a circular economy.