Overview

Circular Australia is an independent not-for-profit organisation dedicated to accelerating Australia’s transition to a circular economy by 2035. Originating from a research and innovation network under the Office of the Chief Scientist & Engineer (NSW) at UNSW Sydney, it has developed into a national body focused on designing out waste, keeping materials in use and regenerating natural systems.

Mission and focus areas

Circular Australia’s mission encompasses partnering with business, government, research and community to deliver trusted data, insights and practical action that support the circular economy transition. Its core focus areas include new circular markets, infrastructure and services, and financial activation—particularly how circular economy principles can support sustainable finance, ESG integration and long-term value creation. For example, one of its reports addresses how investors and lenders can incorporate circular economy risks and opportunities in portfolios.

Structure and governance

The organisation operates via a leadership team with background across policy, industry, research and innovation. It convenes a series of taskforces—covering sectors such as finance, infrastructure, industry and water—bringing together partners from government, industry, research and investment to co-design action. The structure emphasises collaboration over hierarchy, functioning through partnerships, industry networks and project frameworks rather than a traditional corporate divisional model.

Programs and offerings

Circular Australia offers a diverse mix of outputs: research reports, policy frameworks, educational programmes, accelerators and industry-taskforces. Its research includes market-activation and infrastructure studies that provide data and guidance for decision-makers. Its accelerators and workshops help practitioners embed circular economy practices, covering topics from finance and investment to precinct planning. The taskforce membership offers access to networks, early-insight reports and opportunities to influence policy. The combination of evidence-based research, practical training and strategic networks makes it of interest to finance professionals and sustainability practitioners seeking to integrate circular economy rationale into strategy, investment and operations.

Our Mission

We connect industry, government, and communities to fast-track the transition to a circular economy by 2035. Through partnerships, research, education and on-the-ground action, we help businesses, governments and communities progress circular economy practices to design out waste, keep materials in use and regenerate natural systems for a resilient future.

Circular Australia leads and inspires others to implement circular actions that accelerate the shift to a circular economy. We:

• Build partnerships across business, government, research and community
• Deliver trusted data and insights to guide decision-making
• Educate and activate through masterclasses, workshops and accelerators
• Translate research into real-world pilots and precincts
• Support the creation of new markets, supply chains and infrastructure