Circular Economy Market Development Grants

Grants for  councils, industry associations, not-for-profit organisations, research institutes, and businesses that design, apply and scale-up innovative circular economy business models and practices or produce, manufacture, sell or promote South Australian recycled materials and recycled-content products.

How much money is available?

Up to $100,000 (GST exclusive) per applicant. 

Who can apply?

Local councils, industry associations, not-for-profit organisations, research institutes and businesses that design, apply and scale-up innovative circular economy business models and practices or produce, manufacture, sell or promote South Australian recycled materials and/or recycled-content products.

Consultancy businesses are not eligible but If you’re a consultant with a project that aligns with the Circular Economy Market Development guidelines, you need to partner with an eligible business/organisation to apply for funding.

What will we fund?

Projects targeting one or more priority waste materials including plastics, paper and cardboard, glass, scrap metals, textiles, e-waste, batteries (excluding used lead acid batteries), tyres, organics and emerging and/or problematic waste materials (such as solar PV panels and wind turbines, and so on). 

• Projects that identify, design, apply or scale-up innovative circular economy business models and practices such as: 
  • design-led changes to achieve circular outcomes
  • implementation, trial, demonstration and scale up of circular economy business models and practices
  • business case, feasibility studies, market research and analysis on achieving circular outcomes
  • supporting circular economy projects in an industry sector and/or across supply chains
  • support collaboration and capacity building activities.

• Projects that validate and improve the quality and performance of local recycled materials or recycled-content products such as:
  • product quality testing with accredited testing organisations
  • development of new or amended product technical specifications or product standards
  • the associated certification or accreditation processes linked to the product standards or specifications
  • development of environmental declarations (e.g. EPDs) or labels based on Australian (preferred) / international standards and independent verification
  • laboratory testing and field trials for product mixes and/or performance etc that validate products ensuring that they meet market requirements
  • implementation of national framework for recycled-content traceability
  • the associated education, training and awareness raising activities.
• Projects that develop or expand markets with activities such as:
  • communication and promotion that increases awareness and knowledge/understanding of the performance and benefits of the recycled-content products
  • market analysis, market development and implementation plans
  • engagement activities that will connect suppliers with potential markets
  • development of sustainable procurement strategies, policies, targets, specifications, model practices, reporting and systems that increases and improve market demand for the use of recycled materials and/or recycled-content products, including across supply chains
  • market research identifying specific industry and/or market development barriers and opportunities for emerging waste streams.

What WON’T we fund?

• projects that are not consistent with the objectives of the South Australia’s Waste Strategy 2020-2025 and this grant program
• retrospective activities i.e. projects which have been completed in the past or are already taking place without the grant
• general organisational administration or operation costs
• projects that have received full funding for the same activities from other sources
• focus primarily on water and energy (these may be co-benefits)
• staff wages/salaries and on-costs that are not directly related to the project
• travel expenses
• equipment purchase or leasing unless it is for product development, testing and verification
• lease or purchase of land
• infrastructure projects
• early-stage research prior to product development
• standards testing for packaging including alternatives to single-use plastics

When does it close?