Encirc outlines BioNet circular economy vision to Minister Muir

May 2026

Picture of three men, two in suits, one with a dickie bow outside a business reception. The sun is shining.

The Minister for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, Andrew Muir (centre) is pictured with Encirc’s Martin Doherty, Director of Energy Transition and Fiacre O’Donnell, Sustainability Director.

Encirc has set out the scope of its ambitious BioNet project during a visit to Fermanagh by the Minister for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, Andrew Muir MLA.

The company outlined plans for the initiative alongside key stakeholders and delivery partners.

BioNet is an innovative, flagship circular bioeconomy initiative designed to support agriculture, protect the environment and strengthen Northern Ireland’s energy security.

BioNet will play a pivotal role in Encirc’s transition away from fossil fuels in its energy-intensive glass manufacturing process, reinforcing glass as the only packaging material truly suited to a circular economy.

During the discussions, Encirc and its partners highlighted how the project aligns directly with DAERA priorities, including greenhouse gas reduction, ammonia reduction, improved water quality and more efficient nutrient use, while also supporting the long-term resilience of our local farming sector.

Encirc representatives emphasised that BioNet demonstrates how environmental protection and a thriving agri-food sector can go hand in hand.

By improving slurry and digestate management and reducing nutrient runoff, the project supports better land and water quality. At the same time, it builds on initiatives such as the Sustainable Use of Livestock Slurry (SULS) scheme, helping farmers improve nutrient efficiency and secure more resilient and sustainable farm incomes.

The project supports climate action and air quality by reducing methane and ammonia emissions, displacing fossil fuels with indigenous renewable gas, and capturing carbon through soil improvement and biochar use thereby helping to meet Northern Ireland’s climate targets while reducing reliance on imported energy.

From a rural economy perspective, BioNet has the potential to safeguard existing jobs while creating new opportunities across anaerobic digestion, clean energy and green technology supply chains, helping to attract investment into rural areas and support long-term economic resilience.

Minister Muir said: “I was hugely inspired to hear from Encirc and their project partners BioNet about the potential in enabling Encirc to reduce reliance upon the use of fossil fuels in its energy-intensive glass manufacturing process.

“This innovative technological development offers significant potential environmental and economic benefits, supporting good green jobs in our rural community. I am keen collaborative engagement on the initiative continues alongside wider action to drive green growth, build resilience and reduce emissions through the draft Green Growth Strategy, recently published NI Climate Change Adaption Plan, Northern Ireland draft Climate Action Plan and establishment of a Just Transition Commission”

Martin Doherty, Director for Energy Transition at Encirc said: “BioNet demonstrates how a circular economy can be delivered in practice, turning waste streams into valuable resources while supporting agriculture, protecting the environment and strengthening energy security. With the right policy and regulatory frameworks, this model can be replicated across Northern Ireland to deliver real benefits for farmers, communities and the environment.”

Encirc believes BioNet offers a blueprint for how Northern Ireland can move from policy ambition to delivery, placing farmers, rural communities and environmental outcomes at the heart of the transition to a low-carbon, circular economy.