Circular Economy Labs – Accelerating Circular Economy Transitions and Behaviour Change

As the global shift toward sustainability accelerates, the circular economy emerges as a crucial strategy for reducing waste, improving resource efficiency, and mitigating climate impacts.

Monash Sustainable Development Institute (MSDI) is at the forefront of this movement in Australia and the Asia-Pacific region, driving transformative change through innovative research, industry engagement, and strategic leadership.

At Circularity 2024, Associate Professor. Martin Geissdoerfer and Senior Research Fellow Jennifer Macklin will highlight the work of Monash Sustainable Development Institute’s Circular Economy Labs and delve into the systemic and behavioural shifts required to achieve a circular future. This pivotal session will explore strategies to scale circular economy practices and share real-world examples of successful transitions. 

“Circular Economy Labs are more than a research centre—they aim to be a transition broker for circularity in Australia and the region. By fostering collaborations between policymakers, industries, and academics, we aim to scale solutions and de-risk investments in ‘going circular’.” 

Australia faces unique challenges and opportunities in its transition to a circular economy.  

For businesses, governments, and consumers, the transition to circular practices is a pathway to increased competitiveness, resource independence, and resilience in the face of tightening regulations and volatile supply chains. It also positions Australia as a potential leader in the Asia-Pacific, catalysing sustainable practices across a region central to global production. 

Transitioning to a circular economy requires more than technological innovations; it demands a profound shift in behaviour across all sectors of society. Jennifer Macklin, who leads the Lab’s behaviour-oriented work brings 15 years of experience in applied behaviour change research, emphasises the need for collective action: 

“Circularity isn’t just about consumer choices. It’s about how businesses, governments, and individuals work together to create systems that support sustainable practices. Behaviour change needs to be embedded across procurement policies, industry practices, and individual habits.”

For example, initiatives like the shift from disposable to reusable shopping bags demonstrate the power of coordinated efforts. Success came from aligning public awareness campaigns, government regulations, and industry practices—a model that can be adapted for broader circular economy goals.

What to expect at Circularity 2024 

The MSDI session, Circular Economy Labs: Accelerating Circular Economy Transitions and Behaviour Change, is a must-attend for anyone interested in driving the next wave of sustainable innovation. Highlights include: 

• Keynote presentation: Associate Professor Martin Geissdoerfer will introduce CELs and outline how they enable Australia’s circular transition through cutting-edge research and practical tools. 
• Expert panel discussion: Featuring Martin, Jennifer and industry pioneers Lachlan Feggans, Senior Director for Sustainability and Regeneration, Brambles, and Courtney Holms, Founder & CEO, Circular Sourcing. The panel will explore strategies for scaling circular practices and the role of behaviour change within this. 
• Interactive Q&A: Attendees will have the opportunity to engage with the speakers, pose questions, and contribute to the conversation about Australia’s circular future. 

This dynamic session promises to provide actionable insights for businesses, policymakers, and researchers aiming to accelerate circular transitions. 

Join us at Circularity 2024 to be part of Australia’s journey toward a more sustainable future. Discover how you can contribute to scaling circular practices in your organisation, community, or sector.