Research by Circular Australia and its members confirms a circular economy:
- is inevitable given the inherent risks in linear business models and the opportunity in circular solutions
- addresses multiple risks at once by supporting more positive economic and risk/return outcomes – reducing both financed emissions by tackling embodied carbon and reducing dependencies and impacts on nature
- is now possible and practical to implement within investor and lender processes with qualitative and quantitative inputs and various portfolio actions
- Activates new markets for currently wasted resources including lithium, PET plastics, green steel, low carbon cement and textiles.
Circular Australia’s priorities for 2026 on behalf of its members are to help:
- Deliver a new Circular Economy Act with an integrated regulatory framework
- Resource and expand Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) schemes
- Activate regional circular economies through precincts and place-based circularity
- Educate and build skills for new circular economy jobs and outcomes
- Provide funding for innovation and research
- Integrate circular economy outcomes into Australia’s net zero decarbonisation plans
- Establish rules and national standards for product repairability, durability and circularity
- Expand procurement rules to build circular businesses and markets
A circular economy reframes how growth is created, prioritising long-term social and economic value. Decoupling economic activity from the consumption of finite resources, and designing waste out of the system, it is based on three principles:
- Design out waste and pollution;
- Keep products and materials in use;
- Regenerate natural systems
Media Enquiries: Emma Lundaahl contact@circularaustralia.com.au
