- Posted on 16 Dec 2025
- 5-min read
This year, we worked with industry and government.
Advancing circular economy and product stewardship across sectors such as agriculture, organic wastes and plastics.
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.
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.
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.
We are proud to have partnered with key stakeholders to drive multi-faceted change and impact towards circular systems and governance, evidenced by our work in sectors such as plastics, agriculture and the bioeconomy.
Coming Up in 2026…
We’ll deliver practical resources for rural industries, deepen research on systemic solutions for plastics, and help UTS implement its Circular Economy Plan. Stay tuned for updates on these transformative projects.
Webpage
How research into simple home upgrades transformed lives, cut energy bills and reshaped government policy.
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Research funded by JMI and Boundless to address the urgent need to involve and support NSW Aboriginal communities in participating and leading the energy transition.
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ISF Secures $1.29M Grant to Lead NSW Hub of National Water Security Centre
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Leading up to COP30, the UTS Institute for Sustainable Futures (ISF) has identified six priority research areas to support the global transition to net zero
Webpage
How research into simple home upgrades transformed lives, cut energy bills and reshaped government policy.
Webpage
Research funded by JMI and Boundless to address the urgent need to involve and support NSW Aboriginal communities in participating and leading the energy transition.
News
ISF Secures $1.29M Grant to Lead NSW Hub of National Water Security Centre
News
Leading up to COP30, the UTS Institute for Sustainable Futures (ISF) has identified six priority research areas to support the global transition to net zero