The 2023 winners of the Irish Business Design Challenge show sustainability in action and highlight the growing value of the circular economy.

Farrell Furniture, winner of the medium category winner

Established in 1961 in Ardee, County Louth, Farrell Furniture is a specialist supplier of furniture and fit-out services to the commercial office, rental and residential sectors.

It won for its ‘Do more with less’ project, in which it partnered with the Office of Public Works (OPW) and Atlantic Technological University.

The project reimagined and refurbished the Arthur Edwards-designed Crannac chair, which has been widely used in public sector offices for over 40 years.

Westcountry Willows, winner of the micro category

Based in County Roscommon, this husband and wife-led business specialises in making handmade basket products using local naturally-grown and renewable willow.

In an innovative addition to its product range, Westcountry Willows has developed a new, hand-made coffin woven entirely from willow.

As well as being sustainable, the willow coffins are lightweight and easy to transport, lowering the environmental cost of transporting them. Each one is also handmade, with a unique and personal touch.

“All of our coffins are made with the utmost care and attention, meaning customers can be confident their loved ones will be laid to rest in a place of dignity and peace,” the company says.