Evidence review and synthesis
Whenever you want to do something differently, you need good quality information to ensure that you’re making the best, informed decision. We help our partners explore the specific questions that they need answered to enable the transition to a circular economy. Then we look for evidence, decide what’s relevant and credible, and pull it all together to draw conclusions and make recommendations to support evidence-based decision making and action.
Business barriers to circular economy approaches
Business innovation is necessary for transforming our current linear economy system (take, make, waste) into a circular economy. We explored research, policies and practices around the world to understand the potential barriers to business adoption of circular economy models and interventions that may increase uptake.
Circular economy product labelling schemes
Transitioning to a circular economy depends on transforming the behaviour of both businesses and consumers. We explored the international literature for evidence on whether eco-labels have positive impacts on consumers, businesses and the environment, in order to inform Australian public policy.
Graduate Research (MSDI PhD Program)
The MSDI PhD program enables you to undertake a substantial, rigorous and theory-informed research project with a practical or policy focus on real-world problems. Research can deeply explore an issue relating to circular economy in a stimulating, supportive and professional environment alongside others looking at climate change, sustainable cities, inclusion and other sustainability facing society today.
Current and recent circular PhDs have focused on avoiding food waste, reducing single-use plastics, increasing repair of electronic products, improving both household and hospital recycling and materials flows in urban sustainability transformations.
Single use plastics interventions
In 2021, the Australian state of Victoria announced intentions to ban multiple single-use plastics. Through a rapid literature review and practice review we sought to understand the types and effectiveness of behavioural interventions that have been implemented to reduce consumption of single-use plastics among individuals, to assist with effective implementation of the ban.