Resource Stewardship 2025 research wrap-up

Program highlights

Optimising Organic Waste and Cultivating Circularity for Australian Agriculture 

ISF worked with the agricultural sector to unlock the potential of organic waste. Through collaborative workshops, we explored how resource recovery can reduce emissions and drive circularity. Our research also uncovered regulatory barriers that are limiting progress. Next, we’ll map these challenges and opportunities to give rural industries the tools they need for sustainable action.


Learn more about the project here

Shaping UTS’s Circular Economy Plan


ISF is developing UTS’s first Circular Economy Plan, to improve sustainability across campus and facilities. The Circular Economy Plan builds on existing waste and plastics strategies, and embeds circular principles into campus operations and supply chains. Our research is guiding systems change in alignment with the UTS Climate Positive goals and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Solving Plastic Waste CRC


The Solving Plastic Waste Cooperative was established in July 2024 as a 10-year cooperative research centre to assist in solving Australia’s plastic waste problem by enhancing end-user driven collaboration which addresses the current challenges across the entire plastics value chain. ISF leading Program 3 on “Implementing the Circular Economy for Plastics”. This year we kicked off three foundational projects with partners such as the NSW EPA, City of Gold Coast and Exchange for Change, for advance solutions and systems change to reduce plastic pollution and waste.


Explore the CRC

Impact and media 

Review of Oil Stewardship Scheme

The Fifth Independent Review of the Product Stewardship (Oil) Act 2000, completed by ISF, was tabled in Federal Parliament in October 2025. The review assesses how Australia’s levy-benefit scheme supports sustainable oil recovery, and future improvements.

Read the report

Events and engagement 

This year, ISF shared its expertise on the global stage:

• Zero Waste Forum, Turkey – alongside Professor Jeffrey Sachs and Australian Ambassador Sally-Anne Vincent.
• Sustainable Phosphorus Summit, Africa – driving conversations on nutrient sustainability.
• UNEP Global Partnership on Nutrient Management – shaping international strategies for circular nutrient use.