Latest news
Read the latest news from the Centre for Sustainable Materials Research and Technology
UNSW SMaRT Centre Director Prof Veena wase guest speaker at the Regional Circular Economy Summit on World Environment Day, as reported by the The Sentinel Times (see below).
Hosted by the Bass Coast Shire Council in Victoria, the Summit brought together a range of experts and leaders from government, industry and academia to explore practical and strategic applications of the Circular Economy as well as on-ground solutions for the region and beyond.
Veena shared her vision for a sustainable future, highlighting the importance of creating a circular economy and how using waste as a resource must be at the centre of our manufacturing future and innovative decarbonisation efforts, in collaboration between researchers and industry.
She highlighted that using innovations such as UNSW SMaRT Centre's recycling and MICROfactorieTM technologies that recover valuable materials from waste and reform them into new manufacturing feedstock and products through collaborators, are central to help achieve the sustainability needed for the future.
The Sentinel Times reported:
GONE are the days of make, take and dispose according to Bass Coast Shire Council.
The new buzz word for sustainable waste management is circular-economy.
Instead of a linear, straight-line product life where an item is designed, created, used and then thrown out, the circular economy is a system where materials aren’t wasted or thrown into landfill and are instead re-used for something else.
GONE are the days of make, take and dispose according to Bass Coast Shire Council.
The new buzz word for sustainable waste management is circular-economy.
Instead of a linear, straight-line product life where an item is designed, created, used and then thrown out, the circular economy is a system where materials aren’t wasted or thrown into landfill and are instead re-used for something else.
Six leading researchers on circular economy principles spoke at a Regional Circular Economy Summit at Berninneit in Cowes hosted by Bass Coast Shire Council last week.
“It’s a new approach,” said environment program coordinator for Bass Coast Shire Peter Maganov.
Practical on-ground solutions were provided at the summit for the implementation and integration of a circular economy within, across and beyond local organisations.
“The aim into the future is no landfill waste,” said Mr Maganov.
In a circular economy, we all want to ensure the product we have, can be used as material for another product according to Peter Maganov.
Globally recognised scientist, engineer, and inventor Professor Veena Sahajwalla from the UNSW SMaRT Centre emphasised the need for utilising waste as a resource with niche industry solutions for heavy metals and e-waste.
Dr Martin Geissdoerfer Associate Professor of Circular Economy Transitions at the Monash Sustainable Development Institute spoke about business model innovation and sustainable business strategies.
With his experience in natural resource management, agriculture and community engagement Andrew Taylor from the Bega Circularity Group explained how the Bega Valley dairy industry has adopted a more circular economy.
“Bega is committed to creating circular solutions for all their dairy waste,” said Mr Taylor.
Leading a team of researchers focused on the restoration of natural and artificial freshwater wetlands Dr Martino Malerba from RMIT explained how he has tested floating wetlands to improve farm dam management and reduce emissions.
Roelof Vogel a circular economy researcher at Monash Business School spent two years studying sustainable business practices including the close relationship between circular economy and local government.
“People are so used to wasting stuff and then having to dispose of it,” said Mr Maganov. “Instead, we should try to keep using it as much as we can.”
Agriculture is seen as a high priority for Bass Coast’s Circular Economy Framework.
“How we can assist farmers and landholders to reduce their waste and support its re-use for other industries is a future priority for Council,” said Mr Maganov. “The circular economy will turn the economy on its head.”
Bass Coast has enabled residents to separate food waste into green bins to create fertiliser and soil conditioners.
“This material previously went into landfill creating potent greenhouse gases,” said Mr Maganov. “Our food waste collection service for residents represents a strong example of circular economy.
Bass Coast is now a leader in regional Victoria for food waste recovery representing best practice for local government.”
Veena with Bass Coast Council Mayor, Cr. Rochelle Halstead.
Pre-event information:
Event website and registration
Bass Coast Shire Mayor, Cr Rochelle Halstead, said the summit provides an important opportunity for cross-sector collaboration on a challenge that affects every level of our economy.
“The transition to a circular economy is not only essential—it’s a game-changer,” said Cr Halstead. “Local governments and industry have a vital role to play in designing out waste, supporting circular systems, and driving the innovation needed to transform materials currently considered waste into new resources.”
The summit will bring together international and national thought leaders and practitioners, including:
- Professor Veena Sahajwalla, Hub leader and Director of SMaRT@UNSW
- Dr Martin Geissdoerfer, Monash Sustainable Business Institute
- Andrew Taylor, Bega Circularity Group
- Dr Martino Malerba, RMIT Centre for Positive Nature Solutions
- Chris Francis, Sustainability Victoria
Andrew Taylor from the Bega Circularity Group agreed with the Mayor stating, “Governments and organisations across the country are transitioning or exploring transition pathways from shortsighted ‘linear’ economy practices to operations that realise the opportunities to recover and re-generate previous waste items into resources for new products.”
“What makes this Summit especially valuable,” said Cr Halstead, “is the diversity of expertise—from manufacturing and materials science to community and business-led innovation. It’s about real solutions, not just theory.”
The Bass Coast Regional Circular Economy Summit aims to catalyse regional leadership and foster partnerships that deliver long-term economic, environmental and social value.
Event hosts say:
Setting the Circular Economy scene for decision-makers at the highest level. Providing practical on-ground solutions for the implementation and integration of Circular Economy within, across and beyond organisations.
Hear from national and international specialist presenters on the Circular Economy.
- Panelists, presentation and discussion in the morning
- Workshop table discussion in the afternoon
Who should attend?
- Decision-makers who want to know how to progress and implement CE within organisations
- Policy and strategy practitioners interested in the way forward in the implementation and integration of Circular Economy goals and principles
- Sustainability and Waste professionals needing to understand why the linear economy cannot continue along its current trajectory
Why should you attend?
- Update your knowledge and understanding of Circular Economy opportunities for your organisation and sector
- Hear from a range of global specialists, speakers and presenters on the Circular Economy
- Network and meet with positive and proactive individuals interested in progressing and integrating Circular Economy goals, outcomes across policy and strategy areas
- Identify potential opportunities for your organisation (ahead of electioneering or Productivity Commission findings) on Circular Economy
- Be part of the learning and prioritisation of practical solution-based Circular Economy outcomes.
What will you get out of attending?
Hear from experts with meaningful Circular Economy experience, opportunities and practice to influence, motivate and activate decision-makers and sustainability practitioners on the importance and integration of Circular Economy into all relevant policy and decision-making frameworks
- Understand and apply Circular Economy principles within your organisation
- Accelerate policy and strategy decisions to progress Circular Economy within and beyond organisations
- Integrate Circular Economy with Net Zero and Nature Positive pathways
- Practical Circular Economy solutions
- Defining the Circular Economy opportunities and options for your sector
- Learning the value of environmental, financial and social outcomes of on-ground Circular Economy developments and implementation