THE CIRCULARITY 2023 CONFERENCE PROGRAM

Begin the day by paying our respects and acknowledging the Traditional Owners of the land.

Thane Garvey-Gannaway

Wurundjeri

Dr. Nicole Garofano, head of circular economy development, extends a warm welcome to Circularity 2023 and shares the importance of this year's conference theme.

Nicole Garofano

Planet Ark and the ACE Hub

Minister of Environment, Steve Dimopoulos delivers a keynote to open the 2023 conference, marking Circularity's first time taking place in the state of Victoria.

Steve Dimopoulos

Victoria Government

Following the announcement made at Circularity 2022 regarding the formation of the Federal Government's Circular Economy Ministerial Advisory Group, Minister Plibersek delivers a message to the 2023 Circularity audience.

Tanya Plibersek MP

Australian Goverment

Lead by John Thwaites, this opening session will delve into the developments and insights gained since the inception of the Circular Economy Ministerial Advisory Group in February 2023. Hear the latest updates from the group and understand the strategies shaping the future of sustainable circular economies in Australia.

Samantha Read

Chemistry Australia

Paul Klymenko

Planet Ark

Dominique Hes

Greenfleet And CE MAC

John Thwaites AM

Circular Economy Ministerial Advisory Group

Your opportunity to network with fellow delegates, speakers and sponsors whilst enjoying refreshments and discussing insights from the day. Don't forget to visit our exhibitors and CEV Innovation Zone in the Central Hub, and make use of the Global GreenTag International Networking Lounge.

This conference session provides a comprehensive overview of circular economy policies and governance in Australia's states and territories, with a focus on updates from Victoria, New South Wales and South Australia. Attendees will gain insights into evolving strategies and collaborative efforts to advance sustainability in these regions.

Justine Severin

Department of Environment and Science

Matt Genever

Sustainability Victoria

Florian Van Den Corput

Sustainability Victoria

Ian Overton

Green Industries SA

Amanda Kane

NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA)

The findings of the ACE Hub’s Circularity in Australian Business report series provide Australia's only longitudinal research to date that captures the sentiment of Australian businesses in their circular economy journey. Join us as we launch the ACE Hub's latest report which investigates current business perceptions, knowledge and implementation of the circular economy and provides targeted engagement strategies that appeal to the drivers of different business archetypes.

Nicole Garofano

Planet Ark and the ACE Hub

Claire Laws

Planet Ark & the ACE Hub

Ryan Collins

Planet Ark & the ACE Hub

Teslin Taylor

Country Road Group

An engaging session posing the provocative question of what life could really be like if we all lived and operated in a circular way.

Hayley Jarick

Supply Chain Sustainability School

Your opportunity to network with fellow delegates, speakers and sponsors whilst enjoying refreshments and discussing insights from the day. Don't forget to visit our exhibitors and CEV's Innovation Zone in the Central Hub, and hear about Global GreenTag's NaturePositive+ Standard in the Global GreenTag International Networking Lounge.

Hear about Global GreenTag's new standard for product assessment and certification where manufacturers can be guided by in the development and improvement of their products. The NaturePositive+ Standard is a pathway toward a NaturePositive+ profile for products.

David Baggs

Global GreenTag

Regeneration can be interpreted in various ways – as the act of something being grown, or grown again, while also being the act of improving a place or system, especially by making it more active or successful. In a circular economy, the underlying principle is to regenerate nature or at least keep things in balance with nature throughout our daily actions. This session includes examples of how things are being grown again, made better and how we can engage with nature to learn from and assimilate these learning into our economy.

Isabel Axio

RMCG

Amanda Sturgeon

The Biomimicry Institute

Eija Hietavuo

Tetra Pak

Jennifer Lauber-Patterson

Frontier Impact Group

Justin Pilgrim

Cobram Estate Olives Limited

Katy Barfield

Yume

Pauna Truong

Carbon Neutral

In this presentation, we introduce The Edge Impact Circular Economy, Procurement, and Scope 3 (CEP3) Rapid Diagnostic Tool. Designed by our team of experts, it enables organisations to transition from inertia to action within their decarbonisation and circular economy journey.

The CEP3 Tool harnesses best practices from ISO20400 Procurement, GHG Protocols Decarbonisation, and Circular Economy Principles to quickly assess opportunities within an organisation. It takes a practical approach that considers circular economy and decarbonisation in the context of supply chain and procurement.

During this session, we will explore how the CEP3 Tool can:
• Rapidly move organisations from strategy to action
• Identify high-impact areas for immediate improvement
• Address supply chain and scope 3 challenges with practical solutions
• Gain a competitive edge by staying ahead of future reporting regulations
• Streamline procurement processes with embedded sustainability

Christian Keel

Edge Impact

Introducing the inaugural Innovations Pitch Fest at Circularity 2023. The Innovations Pitch Fest provides a showcase opportunity for the trailblazers of innovation, driving the transition to a thriving circular economy in Australia.

Our Pitchers will present some of the latest innovative solutions and systems in circular economy. This is your chance as a visitor to be privy to these new influential circular initiatives directly from the individuals and companies leading them.

Directly after the pitches, our judges will provide instant feedback on a number of criteria, including consumer need, innovation, point of difference and go-to market strategy.

Cameron Kaufman

Coreo

Annie Jiang

GoCircular

Dirk Ullrich

ISPT

Gauri Shah

GOODSERCLE

Ian Wong

Circular Economy Victoria

Lucan Creamer

No Offence Wines

Lucy Best

Evitat

Marty Rowell

Circulise

Sasha Titchkosky

Koskela Pty Ltd

Srikanth Kondaparthy

Evitat

Your opportunity to network with fellow delegates, speakers and sponsors whilst enjoying refreshments and discussing insights from the day. Don't forget to visit our exhibitors and CEV Innovation Zone in the Central Hub, and make use of the Global GreenTag International Networking Lounge.

While the concept of the 'circular economy' is a relatively recent term, it has been an integral part of life for countless generations among our First Nations and Indigenous communities worldwide. This session delves into the deep insights of Australian Indigenous Knowledge and their long-standing circular worldview. Delegates will delve into the interwoven connection between country, culture, and community, gaining valuable insights into how these perspectives inform modern practices, from circular business models to sustainable resource management, trade, and community-based solutions.

Racquel Kerr

GHD

Damien Melotte

Good Human

Hayden Heta

WAMARRA PTY LTD

Liz Allen

Liz Allen Consultancy

Paul Paton

Federation Of Victorian Traditional Owner Corporations

We know from the International Resource Panel’s - IRP work that extraction and processing of materials drives all aspects of the triple planetary crisis of climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution. Decoupling growth from resource use and environmental impacts is a must.

Circular economy should be seen as an instrument for delivering decoupling of economic growth from resource use and environmental impacts in practice, as well as a part of the bigger picture of economic, societal and cultural transformation needed to deliver the SDGs.

In the next Global Resource Outlook 2024, IRP will follow the wellbeing logic and redefine sectors as systems. Instead of optimising economic output, we will redefine sectors as systems that provide a societal function, human needs (nutrition, mobility, shelter, essential consumer goods, and their supporting systems such as water and energy). This will allow cross-sector innovation and shifts to a more future-fit business models.

Janez Potocnik

UNEP Environment International Resource Panel

Join us for a recap of day one at the 2023 Circularity Conference, where we invite you to engage and share the highlights of the day before our networking session commences.

Nicole Garofano

Planet Ark and the ACE Hub

Wrapping up day one of the Circularity conference, stay around for the networking drinks located right outside the conference room doors. An opportunity to unwind, reflect on the day's learnings, share insights, and elevate your experience at Circularity with meaningful conversations and newfound connections.

The ACE Awards recognises and celebrates those who are driving Australia’s transition to a circular economy while also aiming to create awareness, inspire others and work towards integrating new and innovative circular economy practices as the norm in Australia and the Asia Pacific.

Join us on this evening to recognise the 2023 ACE Award nominees and winners at a special celebratory cocktail reception. Enjoy an evening of delicious food and drinks; engage in lively conversation and honour innovation and the great work being done within the circular economy.

Join us for an exclusive networking style breakfast event where innovation meets circularity. Discover 5 visionary companies as they present their innovative products and how they are developing solutions that could revolutionise the circular economy transition. Be inspired by cutting edge solutions design out waste, keep products and materials in use for longer and regenerate nature – sounds like circular solutions to us! Limited tickets are available for this exclusive event, so don't miss out. Be a part of the change.

Adam Culley

Planet Ark

Andrew Hanratty

Mint Innovation

Andy Hill

Planet Price

Laurissa Mirabelli

Polestar

Nicole Garofano

Planet Ark and the ACE Hub

Steve Morriss

Close the Loop

Tim Lee

Utilitarian

Launching into day two of Circularity 2023, join us as we build on the many insights from day one of the conference. Gear up for a full and exciting program for continued learning, collaboration, and impactful discussions to equip us with the tools for actual implementation of the circular economy.

Nicole Garofano

Planet Ark and the ACE Hub

Tina Perfrement

City Of Greater Geelong

With Circularity taking place for the first time in Melbourne this year, we start the day hearing from Lord Mayor of the City of Melbourne, Sally Capp, who will set the scene on the priorities of supporting a thriving city economy and ensuring the city’s place as a global leader in environmental sustainability.

Sally Capp AO

City of Melbourne

PACE (Platform for Accelerating the Circular Economy) is an active network of committed changemakers; its purpose is to accelerate the adoption of circularity at specific, scientifically-determined leverage points across global systems. During this conversational style session, Dr Nicole Garofano, Head of Circular Economy Development at Planet Ark will sit down with Ramona Liberoff, Executive Director, PACE to discuss the main focus of her work within the World Resources Institute and reflect on the last year which has encompassed the development of new theories of change through leveraging research. Hear examples of inspiring circular implementation, and her view on the key actions that are needed to further a circular economy.

Ramona Liberoff

Platform for Accelerating the Circular Economy

Australia is making strides in the circular economy, yet there's much ground to cover. Discover valuable lessons from neighboring nations in this session, offering insights, inspiration, and networking opportunities for civic leaders and entrepreneurs looking to advance their circular economy initiatives.

Freek van Eijk

Holland Circular Hotspot (HCH)

Tomas Kåberger

Chalmers University of Technology and Renewable Energy Institute

Anne Vasara

Ministry for Foreign Affairs, Finland

Linda Godfrey

Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)

Scott Valentine

University Of Brunei Darussalam

Your opportunity to network with fellow delegates, speakers and sponsors whilst enjoying refreshments and discussing insights from the day. Don't forget to visit our exhibitors and CEV Innovation Zone in the Central Hub, and make use of the Global GreenTag International Networking Lounge.

Research collaborations are pivotal in driving circular economy policy and practice. Join leaders in education and research and CERN-APac (Circular Economy Research Network for the Asia-Pacific) leaders as they unveil the network's mission, uniting over 200 researchers across the Asia-Pacific region. Explore the breadth of circular economy research contributions and uncover pathways for initiating collaborative efforts in this sphere. Leave with the tools to engage local educational communities and cultivate practical circular learning experiences.

Usha Iyer-Raniga

RMIT University

Glen Croy

Monash University

Roelof Vogel

Monash Business School

Tom Linnell

Tenison Woods College

Veena Sahajwalla

Centre for Sustainable Materials Research & Technology, UNSW

Circular design and systems thinking are crucial strategies that must be implemented to create holistic approaches and resilient business solutions.
Learn from Australian practitioners from diverse backgrounds as they discuss transitioning from B2C to C2B mindsets, local manufacturing, circular supply chain integration, customer engagement, and competitive advantages. Discover risk management, collaboration strategies, and the broader circular community's support for both startups and established businesses.

Caitlyn Touzell

Boomerang Labs

David Clancy

Bingo Industries

Matthew Askeland

ADE Consulting Group

Rocio Rutter

Bivio Consulting

Sasha Titchkosky

Koskela Pty Ltd

We all rely on textiles for our daily life – from clothing, to linens, to manufacturing uses. However, designing textiles for circularity is critical to reducing virgin resource consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. This session explores how circular design principles and business models are being implemented in Australia’s fashion industry and the influence of policy in shifting to greater recovery.

Alice Payne

RMIT School of Fashion and Textiles

Aleasha McCallion

Monash Sustainable Development Institute

Danielle Kent

Australian Fashion Council

Matt Davis

Salvos Stores

Tiziana Ferrero-regis

Queensland University Of Technology

A low carbon, or carbon neutral future is arguably impacted by three things – decisions made to reduce resource consumption by individuals or organisations; the availability of fossil-fuel free alternatives for energy; and the transition to an electrified future. In this session, we will discuss the latter two, uncover examples, local and international, of mineral extraction using circular principles thus providing insights for Australia’s carbon neutral future.

Sally-Anne Kasner

thinkstep-anz

Philippa Sjoquist

Westpac Institutional Bank

Jill Riseley

Deloitte

Heinz Schandl

Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO)

Ross Lambie

Minerals Council Of Australia

Oliver Maennicke

GHD

Your opportunity to network with fellow delegates, speakers and sponsors whilst enjoying refreshments and discussing insights from the day. Don't forget to visit our exhibitors and CEV Innovation Zone in the Central Hub, and make use of the Global GreenTag International Networking Lounge.

Global investments are being directed towards organisations that can prove their circular credentials. At the World Circular Economy Forum in Helsinki in 2023, the might of the world’s multilateral development banks presented their multi-billion dollar/Euro investments over the recent years and plans to expand this in the future. De-risking innovation is an important driver for these investments, but so too is policy. This session will
focus on the financial sector's critical role in bolstering business and innovation in a future circular economy and the use of financial metrics to influence change.

Andrew Hinchliff

Commonwealth Bank of Australia

Christina Tonkin

Anz Banking Group Ltd

Debbie O’Byrne

Co-Founder, Planet Price, BECA, Circular Economy Principal

Geri McMahon

KPMG Australia

Michael Puli

ING Bank Australia Ltd.

Tim Mumford

Beca

At Circularity 2022, the session on metrics was a standing-room only, confirming that without metrics, we are not able to see our progress. What is our baseline, what are we measuring, how are we measuring, and against whom or what are we measuring? These questions will be answered by presenters offering case studies of measurements towards a circular economy framework.

Louise Nash

Circularity

Irina Mccreadie

Kilara Capital

Jess Braun

Edge Impact

Sophie Hollingsworth

Kpmg Australia

Contributing to around 9% of Australia’s GDP, the architecture, engineering and construction industries offer great opportunities to adopt circular business models and reduce the 40% of materials going to landfill every year. Examples from Europe are a clear depiction of how policy, design, investment and collaboration can create long term benefits. This session highlights both local and overseas examples, showcasing implementation across the built environment – buildings and infrastructure.

Alexis Davison

Major Road Projects Victoria

Lucy Marsland

Atelier Ten

Rebecca Dracup

Stantec

Sophie Green

Aurecon Group

Valentina Petrone

WSP

Valentina Petrone

WSP

The time to demonstrate collective leadership in circular practices is now, and we must collaborate to make it happen. Discover the potential of actual circular implementation through active community collaboration, by hearing real examples of impact and education across a range of local regions in Australia. Opening with an exploration of circular cities, we emphasise the value beyond efficiency, renewable energy, innovative design, urban connections. Our panel will then share the scope of possibilities for implementation right here in Austalia, such as the significance of place-based network governance in regional and remote areas, journeys in holistic resource recovery, product-as-a-service systems, and procurement approaches.

Tuba Kocaturk

Deakin University

Caitlin Phillips-peddlesden

RMIT Activator (Victorian Circular Activator)

Emma Avery

EA Sustainability

George Osborne

Hume City Council

Guy Walsh

Living Edge

Marcus Geisler

Eastern Metropolitan Regional Council (EMRC)

Stefan Kaufman

BehaviourWorks Australia at the Monash Sustainable Development Institute

Your opportunity to network with fellow delegates, speakers and sponsors whilst enjoying refreshments and discussing insights from the day. Don't forget to visit our exhibitors and CEV Innovation Zone in the Central Hub, and make use of the Global GreenTag International Networking Lounge.

Perhaps one of the most complex parts of transitioning to a circular economy is collective behaviour change. In this interactive session, understand the key steps of a 'behavioural science approach' in achieving a circular economy, alongside a number of different case studies and successful examples. From community education and engagement programs, to working closely with stakeholders to explore design solutions and optimise resource efficiency, learn how you can normalise circular systems and behaviours in your setting. Identify and takeaway key tools to apply to policy and program interventions to achieve behaviour change for individuals, and across businesses, industries and even governments. The time for implementation and widespread change is now, and we are all part of this transformative movement.

Jennifer Macklin

BehaviourWorks Australia, Monash University

Annette Brodie

The Reconnect Project

Brooke Donnelly

Coles Group

Danielle Munro

Circmed

Sam Oakden

Stop Food Waste Australia

An interactive conclusion to Circularity 2023 drawing on the key takeaways, tools for implementation and important insights from the conference.

Julie Boulton

Julie Boulton Strategy and Sustainability Pty Ltd.

Mayuri Wijayasundara

ANVARTA

Nicole Garofano

Planet Ark and the ACE Hub

Closing remarks from Planet Ark's Head of Circular Economy Development, Dr. Nicole Garofano, with a look forward to 2024.

Nicole Garofano

Planet Ark and the ACE Hub