ABC feature on plastics funding initiative

The ABC has published a radio podcast featuring Prof Veena dealing with an Australian Government announcement on boosting funding for plastics recycling.

The funding announcement to help with the transformation of the waste and recycling sector in Australia builds on existing innovations including at the UNSW SMaRT Centre and the work commencing on the new Sustainable Communities and Waste Hub, led by Veena.

In making the plastics announcement, Minister for the Environment Sussan Ley said the new round of funding "will fast-track access to new innovative waste technology, supporting a pipeline of plastic products ReMade in Australia", a campaign supported by SMaRT.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the Government is "committed to stopping harmful plastics from entering our oceans, choking up our waterways and destroying our marine life". SMaRT recently published a report on plastic marine waste commissioned by the Government.

The plastics recycling funding boost comes hot on the heels of a new UN agreement to phase out waste plastic which Australia has just signed up to.

Listen to the ABC Radio podcast

Read the Government's UN EA-5.2 plastics commitment announcement

UN Plastics Statement