The Solving Plastic Waste Cooperative Research Centre (CRC), a consortium involving eleven Australian universities and more than 33 industry partners, has received AUD 140 million (around €85 million) to fund its establishment from July 2024. The funding includes AUD 40 million from the Australian federal government.
The bid was led by Brisbane-based Griffith University and brings together industry, government, and the research sector. It will focus on four programmes: material design to reduce products’ environmental impact; maximisation of the recovery and value of end-of-life plastics; implementation of a plastics circular economy; and mitigation of microplastics risk in agricultural soils.
The first programme aims to provide Australian companies with design guidelines, and to develop bio-based packaging materials meeting municipal end-of-life collection and composting standards, amongst others.
The second programme targets improved efficiency of a pyrolysis facility, alongside the establishment of remote recycling facilities using waste collected from remote and First Nations communities.
The third programme will provide intelligence for initiatives accelerating circular economy business development.
Finally, the fourth programme will develop a database mapping soil microplastic hotspots around Australia.
“The plastics value chain is fundamental to advanced manufacturing, packaging, food and groceries, as well as the waste and resource recovery sector,“ said Griffith University Vice Chancellor and President Professor Carolyn Evans. “Through its activities, the CRC will contribute to the global competitiveness, productivity, and sustainability of Australian industry. It will deliver new technology, skills and regional solutions to grow sustainable businesses and new markets, creating a valuable circular economy and a cleaner and safer environment,“ she explained.
In 2021 Australians used 3.8 million tonnes of plastics, equivalent to 152 kg per person. Over 40% were single-use plastics, whilst only 12% of end-of-life plastics were recycled with 84% being sent to landfill.