Building a Fair and Circular Future for Ireland's Food & Fashion Sectors
A four-year research initiative funded by the EPA Research Programme 2030, exploring how resource recovery can be scaled while ensuring social equity, inclusion and a just transition.
WHAT IS THE
JUSTICE PROJECT?
Ireland currently has one of the lowest circular material use rates in Europe. Food waste alone contributes to 8–10% of global greenhouse gas emissions, while over 92 million tonnes of textiles are discarded annually worldwide.
The JUSTICE Project aims to address this challenge by examining how Ireland’s food and fashion sectors can reduce waste, recover resources, and transition toward circular models, without compromising workers, communities, or vulnerable groups who are often overlooked in these industries.
Key Focus Areas
Circular Economy &
Resource Recovery
Exploring pathways to reduce waste and improve material reuse.
Food Waste &
Emissions Reduction
Identifying scalable solutions for Ireland's food sector.
Textile & Fashion
Waste Reduction
Investigating sustainable practices across the garment lifestyle.
Just & Inclusive
Transition
Ensuring environmental progress aligns with social fairness and employement rights.
Areas of Impact
Food Sector
Ireland continues to face significant food waste challenges across the supply chain. The project examines solutions across production, retail, community initiatives, and household behaviour.
Fashion Sector
Fast fashion and textile waste create major environmental pressures. This project investigates reuse, repair, recycling models, and labour practices across the industry.
Our Approach
A mixed-method research design combining:
Quantitative mapping and resource flow analysis.
Qualitative interviews and stakeholder engagement.
Case studies across food and fashion sectors.
Co-design workshops to develop practical recommendations.
The findings will help policymakers, businesses, communities, and civil society organisations make informed, equitable decisions about Ireland’s circular future.
Featured Resources
Resources including reports, policy briefs, and case studies will be added throughout the duration of the project. Check back soon.
Case Study Spotlight
Coming soon.
Our case studies will showcase real-world examples from Irish organisations leading circular innovation in the food and fashion sectors.
Collaboration & Engagement
The JUSTICE Project is rooted in stakeholder collaboration.
We welcome organisations, community groups, policymakers, and individuals working in sustainability, resource recovery, social justice, or circular economy to engage with the research.
Our Partners
This project is funded under the EPA Research Programme 2030 and carried out by