A WEST CORK initiative has won a top award for its innovative approach to sustainable business.

The Toy Library in Carrigaline took the Emerging Category title in the Circular Economy Awards at the RDS in Dublin.

Its founder Giorgia Anile accepted the accolade at the RDS Foundation Awards where Cork’s Glenbrook Farm was also a winner.

The ceremony took place at the RDS Concert Hall last Thursday April 16th as part of the Finding Common Ground festival.

The Toy Library, based in Carrigaline, connects families who wish to pass on toys with those who can give them a new life, creating a solution of circulation reducing the need for new production.

Their work spans two streams, a digital platform where families can share toys between themselves, and in-person swap and play events delivered in partnership with local authorities and conscious corporations across Ireland.

Their mission is simple: keep toys in play, reduce waste, and make circular habits easy and joyful for every family in Ireland.

The Toy Library faced stiff competition in their category with Shareclub Dublin, a tech-based reusable cup and bowl system for workplaces, campuses and events, was also nominated.

Other nominees included Lurra Bio, a Tipperary start-up, West to West Pictures, a production company delivering sustainable film and TV projects, and EcoKinly, Wexford, a reusable nappy and family product brand.

Sarah Keating, sustainability and innovation programme manager at the RDS, said: ‘The finalists are perfect examples of the ‘Common Ground’ we are seeking to highlight.

‘They are doing the work on the ground – showing us that the transition to a sustainable future is not just a theory, it’s a practical reality that strengthens our local communities and economies.’