ReLoop

ReLoop is a research initiative supporting Ireland’s transition to a circular economy by enabling scalable reusable packaging systems in the B2B food and beverage sector. The project focuses on reducing packaging waste by analysing existing packaging flows and identifying practical reuse solutions across supply chains.

Using advanced tools such as life cycle assessment, techno-economic evaluation, and scenario modelling, ReLoop develops sustainable and cost-effective alternatives to single-use packaging. The project engages closely with industry stakeholders to ensure real-world applicability.

ReLoop directly supports Ireland’s compliance with the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) and contributes to national circular economy and climate action goals.

This project is funded by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Ireland, under the EPA Research Programme 2021–2030. 

ReLoop is built around five key objectives:

• Understand how packaging currently moves through Ireland’s B2B food and beverage supply chains and identify where reuse is possible.
• Develop practical reusable packaging solutions that can work at scale across industry.
• Compare reuse and single-use systems in terms of environmental impact, cost, and overall performance.
• Work closely with businesses and stakeholders to understand real-world challenges and opportunities for adoption.
• Provide clear guidance and a roadmap to help industry and policymakers meet future EU reuse targets.

ReLoop is developing practical and scalable solutions to transform how packaging is used and reused in Ireland, including:

• Reusable packaging systems designed for B2B food and beverage supply chains, reducing reliance on single-use materials.
• Data-driven decision tools that help compare reuse and single-use packaging based on environmental impact, cost, and operational performance.
• Smart logistics approaches for collection, return, and redistribution of packaging within real supply chains.
• Policy-ready frameworks and guidance to support industry transition towards reuse in line with EU targets.

Led by TU Dublin, ReLoop brings together a multidisciplinary team with expertise in:

Circular economy and sustainability
Packaging systems and supply chains
Environmental modelling 
Economics and policy analysis
Logistics and systems design

Coordinator:
Dr. Swarna Jaiswal
Email: swarna.jaiswal@tudublin.ie  

Core Team Members:
Dr. Amit Jaiswal 
Prof. Jesus Frias
Dr. Lucia Morales
Dr. Nikolaos Kanellos
Mr. Fintan Moran

Research Team:
Postdoctoral Researcher (to be appointed)
Research Assistant (to be appointed)