This series explores how investors and lenders can integrate circular economy principles into financial decision-making. It outlines practical tools and frameworks for assessing risks and opportunities linked to circularity, helping finance professionals align portfolios with sustainability objectives while supporting Australia’s transition to a regenerative, low-waste economy.

This report by Circular Australia and Arup identifies opportunities to build circular markets across five key Australian value chains—lithium batteries, PET bottles, green steel, low-carbon concrete, and textiles. It outlines current barriers, future pathways, and policy recommendations to improve resource efficiency, reduce emissions, and strengthen national economic resilience.

Cyan Ventures is an Australian investment firm focused on venture capital and private equity. It partners with early and growth-stage companies driving innovation and sustainability across industries. Cyan Ventures provides strategic guidance, funding, and long-term support to help businesses scale responsibly and achieve lasting impact in the Australian and global markets.

30 by 30 champions Australia’s commitment to protect 30 % of land and sea by 2030. Their campaign highlights the economic value of biodiversity, the urgency of habitat and species loss, and the need for government, business and communities to act. Explore resources, reports and ways to join the movement.

The report by Circular Australia and Aurecon outlines how place-based circular precincts can drive Australia’s transition to a circular economy by 2030. It presents frameworks, principles, and policy recommendations for governments, industry, and investors to create sustainable, resource-efficient, and collaborative precincts that support economic, environmental, and social outcomes.

Aurecon Group is an Asia-Pacific based design, engineering and advisory firm offering integrated services across infrastructure, water, energy, transport and property sectors. With a strong presence in Australia, New Zealand and Southeast Asia, Aurecon focuses on digital innovation, sustainability and full lifecycle asset solutions to help clients deliver high-performance projects.

Circular Australia is an independent not-for-profit organisation accelerating the shift to a circular economy across Australia by 2035. It supports businesses, government and researchers through data-driven reports, education programmes, taskforces and pilot projects to design out waste, keep materials in use and regenerate natural systems.

The report the Circular Advantage outlines how Australia can harness a circular economy to drive innovation, productivity, and progress towards net zero. It recommends a National Circular Economy Policy Framework, harmonised regulations, sustainable finance integration, and collaboration with First Nations peoples, industries, and communities to build resilience and long-term economic opportunities.

Circular Economy Ministerial Advisory Group (CEMAG) advises the Australian Government on accelerating the transition to a circular economy. Established in February 2023, it delivered a final report in December 2024 with 14 core and 12 sector-specific recommendations covering built environment, food, agriculture, resources and water.

KPMG Australia (KPMG) is a professional services firm delivering audit, tax and advisory solutions across sectors including government, mid-market, and private business in Australia. With over 10,000 people and more than 600 partners, KPMG combines integrity-led service with digital-driven expertise in strategy, consulting and risk management.

This 2022 report by the Responsible Investment Association Australasia and KPMG examines how investors in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand practise stewardship. It identifies proactive, strategic, and reactive approaches, analyses barriers such as capability and structural limitations, and highlights collaboration, engagement, and policy advocacy as key tools for advancing ESG outcomes.

This study investigates how diversity within corporate committees influences investment risk practices among ASX 300 firms (2018–2020). Using a composite index of gender, independence, and non-executive representation, the authors find that greater committee diversity enhances long-term strategic investment decisions and efficiency, improving governance and financial performance.

This report summarises guidance from the AASB and AUASB on applying AASB Practice Statement 2 to climate-related and other emerging risks. It explains how such risks may be material to financial statements, outlines related accounting and auditing considerations, and emphasises the need for transparent disclosure and investor-relevant information.

Australian Accounting Standards Board (AASB) is a government agency that develops, issues and maintains accounting and external reporting standards across Australia. It aligns Australian standards with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and contributes to global standard-setting.

Auditing and Assurance Standards Board (AUASB) is an independent statutory agency of the Australian Government, responsible for developing, issuing and maintaining high-quality auditing, assurance and sustainability assurance standards. Its standards are legally enforceable under Corporations Act 2001 for audits and reviews of financial reports in Australia.

ResponsibleReturns is a directory that enables users to find independently certified ethical, sustainable or responsible banking, superannuation and investment products.