A functional Circular Economy is a complex, interdependent eco-system in which societies, economies and industries must reset their approach to production and consumption.
It demands radical collaboration; re-organised business models based on shared value; and is considered fundamental to economies meeting the goals of the Paris Agreement.
Circular Economy: Decoupling economic activity from the Make-Take-Waste Model
The pursuit of net zero goals is crucial in our fight against climate change, and the concept of the circular economy is a key part of this journey. It is a transformative approach that redefines growth by gradually decoupling economic activity from the consumption of finite resources and designing waste out of the system.
In 2023, the Climate Leaders Coalition initiated a collaborative exploration and analysis into the circular economy to investigate its potential and the collective efforts needed to shift our business paradigms.
The publication “Towards a Circular Australia” is a product of this journey, emerging from the shared understanding that the ’take-make-waste’ model is unsustainable for both our environment and economy.
This guide is the result of combining the knowledge, experiences, and dedication of CLC industry leaders who are championing the move towards a circular economy in Australia.
As we present this playbook, we aspire for it to act as a beacon for transformation. Aimed at business executives, policymakers, or anyone with a keen interest in sustainability, this document provides both the motivation and the means to embark on meaningful steps towards forging a more circular and sustainable future for Australia.