CEBIC awards nearly $1 million to boost Circular Economy capabilities in Victoria

Published: 26 July 2024
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Sustainability Victoria is investing almost $1 million in Victorian research institutes, industry, and businesses to think smarter, innovate and ‘go circular’. This investment aims to enhance understanding of the circular economy and encourage the adoption of circular business models.

In partnership with the Victorian Government, the Circular Economy Innovation Fund: Round 4 – Capability Building supports recipients in strengthening circular outcomes across products, services, industries, supply chains, and systems, to contribute to Victoria's transition towards a circular economy.

Worn Gundidj Nursery, a native plant nursery, will launch a training program for 50 Victorian nurseries and gardens. The program will promote circular economy principles to reduce waste, improve product value retention, and enhance ecosystem regeneration.

Bass Coast Shire Council will target 20 local businesses through its Circular Economy Business Accelerator Program, aiding their transition to sustainable, circular economy models.

The Federation of Victorian Traditional Owner Corporations will develop prototype circular economy products and services for the Gunaikurnai Land and Waters Aboriginal Corporation. These will include initiatives for the Bush Cafe, events, and tourism facilities.

The Gippsland Climate Change Network will bolster circular economy practices among Gippsland's small and medium-sized enterprises. This will be achieved through a dedicated project officer, workshops, web resources, and training programs.

Social enterprise Reground will deliver circular economy skills development training for shopping center administration. This training aims to improve waste management and identify ways to keep materials in circulation longer.

Collectively, it is anticipated that these projects will strengthen the circular capability of over 600 businesses and individuals.

To date, the Circular Economy Innovation Fund has supported 32 projects with a total of $4.3 million in funding. These initiatives have focused on boosting circular innovation and identifying, commercialising, and scaling up circular solutions.

To learn more about how Sustainability Victoria is stopping waste before it starts, read the full details of the grant recipients and the funding.