Research

Our circular economy research is helping to embed circular principles across a range of research areas and sectors. Our partnerships and innovation will help Australia transition towards circularity for environmental and economic benefit.

Research on markets, policy, products, technology, metrics and accreditation is critical to support circular industries and sustainable materials management across a range of sectors (e.g., minerals, agriculture, and waste and resource recovery). Procurement strategies and regional circular transformations will also maximise the benefits of a circular economy.

At the edge of town, where urban meets rural. View of housing and farms in Griffith NSW

Supporting Communities and Regions to Transition to a Low Carbon and Circular Economy

Australia’s journey toward net-zero emissions and a circular economy demands innovative approaches, especially at the local and regional levels. Councils […]

Modelling Circular Economy Transition Targets

The challenge Australia has an aim to achieve an 80 per cent resource recovery rate from all waste streams. However, […]

Offshore oil and gas decommissioning and resource recovery

CSIRO has investigated the challenges, regional opportunities and social acceptability for the multi-billion-dollar decommissioning of obsolete offshore oil and gas infrastructure in Australia.

Driving Australia’s Transition to a Circular Economy

New article published in Circular Economy and Sustainability The Circular Economy Research and Industry Collaboration has published an article in […]

Circular economy standards for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation region

We have produced a report on standards to accelerate the circular economy transition in the Asia-Pacific Economic Co-operation (APEC) region.

Australia’s circular economy comparative and competitive advantages

We have produced a report identifying key areas of strength, priority sectors and international partnerships for Australia’s circular economy transition

Plastic material flow analysis towards a zero plastic waste economy in Australia

We’re conducting a material flow analysis of plastics across their whole life cycle to inform policy options for reducing plastic waste.

plastic cup on a beach with the city skyline in the background

Global Resources Outlook 2024

Australian research plays a key role in shaping the United Nations Environment Programme’s International Resource Panel’s Flagship Report: The Global Resources Outlook 2024.

Abstract Aerial View of Red Tailing Ponds With Roads and Canals (licenced from Shutterstock, image ID 478239298)

Building global capacity for material flows accounting

We are developing systems for countries to produce and report on their production, trade, and consumption of natural resources, using standardised Material Flows Accounting (MFA).

circular pattern with sky in the background

Material flow analysis to progress to a circular economy

Our report details Australia’s material use, highlighting opportunities to transition to a more circular and sustainable economy.

Circular Economy Roadmap for Reducing Plastic Waste in India

The Circular Economy Roadmap for Reducing Plastic Waste in India highlights future pathways to increase the repair, re-use and recycling of India’s plastic waste.