Circular Economy Business Support Fund – Funded projects

The Circular Economy Business Support Fund grants are funded through the Victorian Government’s circular economy policy, Recycling Victoria: a new economy.

Two streams are included in Round 1 and 2 of this fund:

• Stream 1: Identification supports businesses, industry groups and associations to develop circular economy business models or practices with the potential to avoid waste in Victoria.
• Stream 2: Implementation supports businesses, industry groups and associations to implement circular economy business models or practices that will directly avoid waste in Victoria.

These projects will support Victorian businesses to reduce waste and extend the life and value of products and materials currently wasted. They are the next step in establishing a true circular economy in Victoria. The innovative business models will improve materials efficiency and deliver triple bottom line benefits to our environment, society and economy.

Round 3 aims to support projects that enhance the capability and capacity of Victorian industry to identify, implement, commercialise, and scale circular solutions. These projects prevent, minimise, or eradicate waste and pollution, while prolonging the use of products and materials at their highest value. Projects must improve the environmental outcomes of products, services, industries, supply chains, or systems, and contribute to Victoria's transition to a circular economy.

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Round 3 fund recipients

Announcement date: 17 November 2023.

All projects to be completed by: 15 December 2024.

Bettercup

Bettercup will utilise funding to double its manufacturing and cleaning capacity for reusable cups, with the aim of further reducing the use of single-use plastics at events. The funding will enable Bettercup to meet the demands of large-scale events and venues, including major sporting events, festivals, and stadium shows. Bettercup will offer event organisers a circular economy solution through support services like washing, drying, and redistribution. The funding will allow Bettercup to collaborate with event organisers in reducing the costs associated with implementing a reusable cup system, by providing rental options.

Funding: $446,851.

Cross Laminated Offsite Solutions Pty Ltd (CLOS)

The project aims to expand the construction facility at the old Ford factory near Geelong. The upgraded plant will use advanced manufacturing technology and timber to construct high-quality and affordable homes. The purpose of the funding is to develop a 'closed panel system' that allows for the completion of finished wall and floor panels on a conveyor line. The new facility will increase capacity by 10 times while keeping operational costs only 3 times higher. The CLOS project will promote circular economy principles in the Victorian construction industry, aiming to reduce material intensity, carbon emissions, and costs.

Funding: $878,000.

Dairy Australia Limited

Following the successful delivery of the Dairy Sector Food Waste Action Plan in early 2023, this project aims to unite key industry groups – Fight Food Waste Limited, Australian Dairy Products Federation, and Geoffrey Gardiner Dairy Foundation Limited – to implement the key actions identified. These actions include monitoring dairy food waste across the supply chain, establishing an industry working group, and implementing practices to prevent dairy process waste.

Funding: $125,000

Green Collect

The project was initiated in response to increased client demand for long-term integration of circular economy practices in the office. The project aims to develop, implement, and commercialise a Circular Capabilities Package. This package is designed to help service sector organisations take action through a structured capability-building programme consisting of 3 stages: Circular Transition Assessment, Getting Started, and Circular Behaviour Building. During the pilot phase, the Package will be tested with 10 to 12 organisations. The project's circular strategies include increasing circular procurement, extending the product life, and maximising the end-of-life value of office items.

Funding: $241,250.

Reece Limited

The project aims to collaborate with key stakeholders in Reece Group's supply chain, customers, and operations. The goal is to identify and evaluate various circular economy opportunities and then prioritise the top three most promising ones for further development. For each opportunity, a business case and implementation plan will be created. This project will allow Reece to expand and expedite the transition from linear to circular products for use throughout Victoria.

Funding: $140,380.

Reground

The Circular Economy Exchange (CEE) is a comprehensive digital platform for procurement, investment, and reporting. It aims to connect linear corporations with circular businesses, bridging the gap between the two. This industry-to-industry solution was developed by circular economy operators who possess firsthand knowledge of market gaps and opportunities.

Funding: $145,000.

Remote Equipment Repairs

There is an increasing demand for Remote Repairs services from consumers and over 40 global brands, all aspiring to meet sustainability goals. This project aims to divert 8.2 tonnes of textile waste per year by expanding circular 'R4' renewal solutions: Repurpose, Repair, Recycle, and Restore. The funding will be used to increase manufacturing capability and reduce energy consumption through the acquisition of new equipment.

Funding: $52,130.

STREAT

STREAT will expand the Open Sauce initiative to Queen Victoria Market (QVM), Victoria's largest food destination. Attracting 10 million visitors annually, QVM generates more than 960 tonnes of organic waste on-site each year. The project aims to create new circular products and services by utilising the waste generated at QVM and surrounding organisations. The project also aims to create production and retail spaces for social enterprises. This will not only generate job opportunities but also help build skills and capacity within these enterprises. The project also aims to engage the public, market visitors, and consumers in the concept of circularity.

Funding: $370,000.

Round 2 fund recipients

Announcement date: 19 October 2022.

Stream 1: Identification – 6 recommended projects received a total of $737,235.

Stream 2: Implementation – 2 recommended projects received a total of $545,027.

Round 1 fund recipients

Announcement date: 15 July 2021.

Stream 1: Identification –10 recommended projects received a total of $1.29 million.

Stream 2: Implementation – 5 recommended projects received a total of $2.35 million.