Engineers Australia’s Submission: Advancing Industrial Symbiosis for Place-Based Circular Transitions

Circular Ecosystems was proud to contribute to Engineers Australia’s submission to the Productivity Commission Inquiry into Opportunities in the Circular Economy. Our focus: the quantifiable, systemic value of industrial symbiosis as a foundation for place-based circularity and economic resilience.

Bridging Data, Industry, and Policy for Practical Circular Outcomes

Australia’s industrial sectors are facing real barriers: siloed supply chains, fragmented data, policy inconsistencies, and risk-averse procurement. Circular Ecosystems provides a proven pathway to address these, offering digital circular intelligence platforms that enable real-time tracking and management of materials, water, and energy across precincts.

We showcased practical success through our partnership with the Kwinana Industry Council, a globally significant example where cross-industry resource exchanges and shared infrastructure are digitally mapped and optimised, yielding measurable increases in resource efficiency, reduced landfill, and stronger local economies.

Why Industrial Symbiosis Matters for Place-Based Transitions

Our submission supported Engineers Australia’s call to embed systems thinking in policy and procurement. Industrial symbiosis operationalises this through:

•  Cross-sector resource loops: Turning waste from one industry into input for another, closing local supply chains and increasing resilience.

  
  

•  Measurable impact: Data-driven insights support decision-makers in benchmarking, compliance, and investment.

  
  

•  Scalability: Digital tools allow precincts—from heavy industry to mixed-use developments—to map flows and unlock collaborative value, not just theory.

Recommendations Highlighted

• Harmonise national data standards and reporting so circular metrics are transparent and actionable for all stakeholders.

  
  

• Incentivise cross-sector collaboration with targeted, precinct-scale support moving from pilot projects to mainstream industrial practice.

  
  

• Use real precinct case studies, like Kwinana, as templates for replication elsewhere in Australia.

The Role of Engineers Australia

Engineers Australia is key in advancing the circular economy within the engineering community. Their focus on integrating circular principles across engineering disciplines allows for improved project results and sustainability.

The organization emphasizes the importance of considering the entire lifecycle of projects. This perspective encourages engineers to design infrastructure that adapts to changing community needs, from transportation systems to water management projects. For example, cities that engage in integrated waste management practices can see resource recovery rates increase by 20% within a few years, showcasing how engineers can lead this transition.

Engineers Australia provides resources like case studies and training to help create an informed workforce that prioritizes sustainability. Their commitment results not only in environmental benefits but also supports Australia’s broader climate goals.

Insights from the Productivity Commission

The Productivity Commission offers vital insights on circular infrastructure and recognises its potential for driving productivity and improving environmental outcomes. Their research shows that adopting circular economy principles can directly impact the economy.

One key finding is that reducing waste in construction can yield up to $6 billion in cost savings annually across Australia. Furthermore, utilizing recycled materials instead of new ones can increase resource efficiency, helping both the economy and the environment.

The Commission also highlights the need for government incentives to encourage the transition to circular infrastructure. Financial support for innovative technologies and research can speed up the adoption of circular practices in sectors like construction and manufacturing.

Building Australia's Circular Ecosystems

Circular Ecosystems is demonstrating that industrial symbiosis is not a theoretical concept but an operational strategy that delivers tangible results. By connecting data, businesses, and government with real-world platforms, we’re providing the infrastructure for scalable, place-based circular transitions across Australia.

As Australia continues on this path, sustained dialogue and action will be essential to turning the vision of circular infrastructure into tangible results. The journey toward sustainability is not solely about technology and policy; it’s about a shared commitment to the health of the planet and improving the quality of life for future generations.

Ports as circular ecosystems.