Minister for the Environment and Climate Action Lily D’Ambrosio today announced more than $8 million in funding will go to 45 new projects across Victoria to accelerate the state’s nation-leading transformation toward a circular economy.
Some of the 22 projects by research institutes and businesses supported by the Labor Government’s Circular Economy Markets Fund (Materials) fund include a new process to reuse glass from solar panels in construction and a recycled plastic solution for construction structures that significantly reduces the amount of concrete required.
A further nine projects will receive over $1.5 million to avoid waste and increase materials efficiency through the Circular Economy Business Support Fund, with one recipient introducing a new reusable wine keg service for events to replace wine bottles, significantly reducing waste.
The Circular Economy Markets Fund (Organics) will provide $1.87 million to 14 projects that remove barriers and accelerate the adoption of recycled organic products, including developing a market for compost suitable for use on sporting fields that can be blended with turf to nourish Melbourne’s sporting grounds and public open spaces.
These grants are part of the Government’s landmark $515 million investment to deliver the biggest transformation and reform of Victoria’s waste and recycling system in the state’s history, with the goal of diverting 80 per cent of waste from landfill by 2030.
Quotes attributable to Minister for the Environment and Climate Action Lily D’Ambrosio
“These grants will help support innovative ways to use recycled materials, getting value from our waste and helping to achieve our goal of diverting 80 per cent of waste from landfill by 2030.”
“Building a circular economy isn’t only about recycling. We’re supporting new business models that avoid waste, making products that last while creating new jobs and industries.”