Applied research
We collaborate within and outside academia, developing and refining new methods and integrated approaches to enable us to solve complex problems and transform systems. Our research aims to generate interdisciplinary and practical knowledge to help industry, policymakers and communities shift towards circular economies locally and internationally.
Our approach combines rigour with relevance, centring on deep collaborations and real-world application, working in close partnership with government, industry and communities to amplify impact.
National framework for waste prevention in a circular economy
As part of the National Waste Policy, Australia aims to reduce the total amount of waste generated in the country by 10% per person by 2030.
In consultation with over 100 of Australia’s circular economy experts, we produced a National Framework for Understanding, Measuring and Communicating Waste Prevention in the context of a circular economy. The Framework sets out an agreed framework for understanding waste prevention activity, and methods for measuring waste prevention activity and outcomes at national, state and more local scales.
Circular economy textiles
We examine how the Australian fashion and textiles industry can transition to a circular mode of production and consumption where there is no waste.
We’re working with fashion designers, manufacturers, retailers, recyclers and governments to identify and help make a series of changes to the system. This includes ensuring clothing and textiles are made from renewable and regenerative materials and keeping them in use at their highest value for the longest period of time.
Citarum Action Research Program (CARP)
The Citarum River in West Java, Indonesia, is the most polluted river on the planet while providing water and energy to more than 25 million people.
This collaborative project creates new knowledge and capacity to transform the Citarum River corridor into a clean, healthy, and productive place that nurtures the communities that rely on the river for their survival. It brings our Monash expertise together with Universitas Indonesia, the Indonesian Government, local communities, local NGOs, and the global research community.
Circular economy governance in regional and remote Australia
A part of the Sustainable Community and Waste Hub of the National Environmental Science Program, this project explores the material circular economy challenges faced by regional and remote Australia, what innovations are emerging in response, and what capabilities and partnerships local governments are using to be effective circular economy transitions brokers in their region.
The results will help the Australian Circular Economy Hub (ACE Hub) form a community of practice to help facilitate peer to peer learning and collaboration.
Reducing food waste
One of Australia’s leading food rescue organisations, OzHarvest, teamed up with BehaviourWorks Australia's Dr Mark Boulet to conduct research and develop a behaviour change program to fight household food waste.
Applying a full behavioural science method, Mark prioritised relevant food waste avoidance behaviours, identified key barriers and drivers and explored potential interventions, which led to the development of the innovative ‘Use-It-Up™ tape’, which helped reduce food waste by 40% in pilot households.
Circular t-shirt guide
We believe that many producers, retailers, marketers and consumers in Australia are faced with a knowledge gap about how to take up an alternate, better way to make, shop and use clothing and textiles.
We therefore formed the Circular Stories Working Group, a collective of designers, distributors, re-users, recyclers and researchers committed to raising awareness of what a circular textiles approach means in the Australian context. Together we produced the Guide to set out clear and practical principles and steps at each phase of the clothing lifecycle to guide action towards a circular fashion industry.