On Tuesday, 30 January 2024, the Institute of International and European Affairs (IIEA) and Coca-Cola Ireland hosted a private roundtable discussion on the subject of ‘Closing the Loop: Advancing the Circular Economy for Packaging’ which brought together over two dozen experts from civil society, government, academia, NGOs, and industry. The discussion focused on Ireland's Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) for plastic bottles and aluminium cans which was launched at the beginning of February 2024.

Discussions focused on ways to enhance the prospects for the Circular Economy in Ireland and the EU and considered factors including prospects for greater EU engagement, greater emphasis on a sectoral approach to the Circular economy, and the very practical challenges and opportunities that exist in reducing, reusing, and recycling packaging materials. 

This report sets out a summary of these discussions and some recommendations that the IIEA has drawn from this engagement. Among others, recommendations relate to the possibility of strengthening international partnerships, improved information sharing, and the identification and promotion of the many opportunities that an enhanced Circular Economy and sustainable packaging solutions can afford.