New fund and market report reflect momentum of circular economy in Australia
Planet Ark and Boston Global's Circular Future Fund aims to transform resource management; while a new report from Circular Australia outlines missed opportunities in circular markets.
Planet Ark, in partnership with Boston Global, has launched the Circular Future Fund (CFF), Australia's first investment fund focused entirely on advancing the circular economy. The fund aims to tackle environmental challenges by prioritising projects that eliminate waste, keep materials in circulation, and support the regeneration of natural systems.
The CFF was announced at Circularity 2024 in Sydney today, in front of almost 300 circularity enthusiasts from government, business, industry, research, education and consulting who gathered to drive Australia's circular economy transition.
The fund is open to innovators and investors looking to combine environmental benefits with financial returns. With a long-term goal of reaching $1 billion under management within five years, the fund will focus on high-impact areas, including:
- Recycling and waste management: Improving existing systems and advancing recycling technology.
- Product design: Promoting longer-lasting, repairable, and recyclable product designs.
- Renewable resources: Scaling sustainable, bio-based materials and renewable energy solutions.
Leigh Higgins, Chairperson of Boston Global’s funds management business, said the CFF would help Australian businesses embrace these opportunities. "By investing in circular innovations, we are advancing a sustainable and prosperous future while enabling the business sector to harness the opportunities the circular economy presents," he said
Also new this week, a report released by Circular Australia and Arup.
Unlocking Circular Markets in Australia identifies areas where Australia is falling short in adopting circular principles. The study explores opportunities in industries such as consumer goods, textiles, and construction, demonstrating how circular approaches can recapture billions of dollars' worth of materials while creating new jobs and products.
The report includes input from companies like Woolworths, Coca-Cola, and Liberty Steel, and highlights the scale of material waste and ways to bring these resources back into use. Circular Australia encourages businesses to share the findings widely to accelerate the transition to a circular economy.
Both initiatives reflect growing momentum in the circular economy, with the CFF providing critical investment and the report offering a roadmap for change. Together, they mark a step forward in addressing climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution.
