Report
Final Industry Report Project 1.95 - Using Recycled and Recyclable Products: Influencing Stakeholders through Circular Economy Practices
Sustainable Built Environment National Research Centre (SBEnrc)
2025
Abstract
The construction industry has been hesitant to use products with recycled content (PwRC) in building and construction projects more extensively. It is important to gain stakeholders’ confidence and adequately inform them to consider using products with recycled and recyclable content by developing a range of adequate strategies, guidelines and policies. This research project identified strategies to enhance the economic and environmental performance of projects using PwRC. It also explored how Australian organisations operating in the building and construction sector can integrate circular economy principles into their business. The Material Circularity Indicator analysis reveals that BGC Australia’s (BGC) brick products, Maxibrick (0.5) and face brick (0.44), are performing on par with European circularity performances, positioning BGC as a potential leader in Australia's transition towards sustainable brick production and providing a critical benchmark for the country's brick industry. The project also developed a training package targeting the design and architecture community to foster uptake of these resources in construction projects. The training package was delivered to both an industry partner and a government partner. Lastly, the study investigated how national and state policy interventions may optimise the use of PwRC in the building and construction sector. This investigation included a survey assessing 60 key stakeholders' perceptions of the impact of 17 different circular economy policies on the use of PwRC in construction projects. This report presents the key findings related to the four objectives outlined in the research. These findings provide insights that lay the foundation for further advancements in the industry, ensuring that stakeholders not only recognise the value of PwRC, but also harness its potential to create lasting organisational benefits. Some of the findings can be the source of inspiration within the Australian context, offering valuable perspectives for the Research and Development (R&D) sector to align its research activities with the pressing needs of industry, government and academia. The report also offers a comprehensive list of actionable strategies for four key sectors in Australia: building and construction, government, waste recovery and R&D.
Details
- Title
- Final Industry Report Project 1.95 - Using Recycled and Recyclable Products: Influencing Stakeholders through Circular Economy Practices
- Authors
- Peter SP Wong - RMIT UniversitySalman Shooshtarian - RMIT UniversityTim Ryley - Griffith UniversityAtiq Zaman - Curtin UniversitySavindi Caldera - University of the Sunshine CoastTayyab Maqsood - RMIT UniversityAna Maria Caceres Ruiz - Curtin UniversityChamari Jayarathna - Griffith University
- Publication details
- 28 pages
- Publisher
- Sustainable Built Environment National Research Centre (SBEnrc)
- Date published
- 2025
- Grant note
- Sustainable Built Environment National Research Centre.
- Organisation Unit
- School of Science, Technology and Engineering
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 991119282702621
- Output Type
- Report
Metrics
33 Record Views