Mapping the Circular Economy Ecosystem of Victoria : Milestone report submitted to Sustainability Victoria

The aim of the research presented in this paper is to understand the current Circular Economy (CE) landscape in Victoria. Objectives arising were to identify the opportunities and gaps to be nurtured over the short term to support CE transition in the State of Victoria. This report represents a milestone point of the ecosystem mapping.The research was underpinned by three main research steps: a desktop review, interviews with key stakeholders and a survey aimed at SMEs in Victoria. The desktop review highlighted that the socio-political tendency to measure policy outcomes, including a narrow set of waste related targets can have a negative influence on a systemic transition required to achieve circularity. The current focus on waste needs to be revisited to bring in step-change for systemic transition for CE. The existing policy targets also influence why CE is perceived to be a recycling strategy among non-experts.Interviews showed that the focus is on recovery and recycling strategies with the primary consideration of waste resolution. A regulatory environment that is holistic in the approach to CE is critical. Businesses pay particular attention to financial sustainability in their R-frameworks, with recycling being the most commonly used R-prionciple. Alignment is vital between government, businesses, and the community to optimise CE interactions. Collaboration supports cross sectoral interconnections and nurtures the development of an ecosystem for circularity, when combined with knowledge, awareness, and education. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are well aligned to deliver on CE as some of the SDGs focus on resource efficiency, production and consumption practices, and associated environmental impacts.The key insights from this research emphasise that currently Victoria has some CE engagement, but this is sporadic, and set in a largely linear economic system. There was no consistent understanding of CE among the stakeholders involved in this research. Focus is on end of pipe waste management focusing on recycling, rather than embracing a systemic approach and transition to CE paying attention to re-design, re-purpose and other such higher order R-principles. Some sectors of the state such as infrastructure are using recyclates, showcasing government as a good exemplar that can also influence private industry. Businesses are driven to proactively engage in CE/sustainability for ethical/moral underpinnings, however, financial sustainability is a necessary driver for both private and not for profit businesses. Bringing the technical, financial and social elements to formulate holistic CE solutions are needed, not just focusing on the technical. Clear CE metrics are needed, so policy, business and community share the same goals and can all be fully engaged