A new era for reuse social enterprises in Ireland? The capacities required for achieving sustainability

The conventional linear relationship between production and consumption is no longer sustainable. A key component of the transition towards a more sustainable society is the continuation in use of products for longer and the development of a repair and reuse culture. Reuse social enterprises contribute to addressing a range of environmental, economic and social issues facing urban areas. This paper is concerned with, firstly, the motivations for citizens to establish reuse social enterprises in Ireland. Secondly, the paper examines the factors that contribute to reuse social enterprises in Ireland becoming sustainable. The research points to the necessity of reuse social enterprises possessing: individuals with both strategic and operational expertise, appropriate facilities and adequate funding to commence operations. The research highlights the crucial role that the manager of the enterprise performs in engaging with state agencies, the community and other stakeholders. The theoretical framework detailed in the paper needs to take into account the challenges associated with being located in urban areas which reuse social enterprises encounter. It is incumbent upon the Irish State to develop policies to assist individuals who are interested in establishing reuse social enterprises. These policy areas include procurement, the introduction of additional producer responsibility initiatives and the amendment of the tax system to encourage reuse.