Are you a farmer or agricultural business with a sustainability or materials challenge? We would be delighted to hear from you and explore whether research and collaboration could help develop a solution.

The Centre for Polymer Sustainability (CPS) at Technological University of the Shannon (TUS) was delighted to take part in the 2026 National Ploughing Championships, held from 15–17 September in Screggan, Tullamore, Co. Offaly. The event brought together the farming community, industry, businesses and the wider public for three days celebrating Irish agriculture, rural life, enterprise and innovation.

As part of the wider TUS presence at the event, researchers showcased how TUS research and innovation can support agricultural, industrial and educational communities. Across the three days, visitors had the opportunity to explore topics ranging from sustainable soil, circular fashion and rural diversification to rethinking plastics, Minecraft and collaborative research.

For CPS, one of the key aims of attending the National Ploughing Championships was to connect directly with farmers and the wider agricultural community. Rather than simply presenting our research, we wanted to hear first-hand about the challenges farmers face and explore where research and new technologies could provide practical solutions.

Many of the sustainability challenges being addressed by CPS are closely connected to agriculture. Plastics are widely used across the sector, from packaging and containers to films and other agricultural materials. At the same time, agricultural residues and other biological resources have potential to become valuable raw materials for developing new, more sustainable products.

Throughout the event, the CPS team shared examples of research into plastic recycling, bioplastics, bio-based materials and circular approaches to resources, demonstrating how materials traditionally considered waste can potentially be recovered, transformed and given a new life.

The National Ploughing Championships provided an ideal environment for these conversations. As one of Ireland’s major gatherings for agriculture and rural life, the event combines farming with business, education and innovation, creating opportunities for researchers and the agricultural community to exchange ideas.

We would like to thank everyone who visited the TUS stand at Stand 209, Block 4, Row 11, spoke with our researchers and shared their experiences and ideas.

For CPS, these conversations do not end with the event. We are keen to continue building connections with farmers, agricultural businesses and organisations and to explore how collaborative research can help address practical challenges in plastics, materials, waste and sustainability.