Australia’s Circular Economy: Interim report by Productivity Commission calls for urgent reforms

The Productivity Commission’s interim report, Australia’s Circular Economy: Unlocking the opportunities, calls for urgent reforms to accelerate our transition toward a more sustainable economic model.

Commissioner Joanne Chong highlights barriers holding businesses back including outdated and inconsistent regulation, limited access to finance and insurance, and gaps in sector-specific information.

The report focuses on six sectors with major circular economy potential:

  • Food and agriculture
  • Built environment
  • Textiles and clothing
  • Mining
  • Vehicles
  • Electronics

Opportunities across each sector are identified, along with targeted policy interventions designed to drive progress. If adopted, these recommendations could shape future regulations and investment, making now the time for industry to engage

Shaping the future of business sustainability in Australia

Key suggestions include strengthening product stewardship for high-impact waste streams – to ensure businesses take greater responsibility for the lifecycle impacts of their products – and introducing more robust labelling around product durability and repairability

The Commission is now inviting feedback before finalising its recommendations. This is a critical chance for business to shape the future of sustainability in Australia.

Sustainable planning for Australian businesses

At Zooss Consulting, we help organisations embed environmental and social sustainability into business planning and reporting. We call this Sustainable Business Planning – and it has the power to deliver better outcomes for business, people, and our planet.

Find out more:

Better Planning. Better Planet.