Circular Economy Research and Development Fund: Materials
Prior to 1 July 2022, this fund was named the Recycling Victoria Research and Development Fund: Materials.
The fund aims to accelerate markets, confidence and demand for recycled products in Victoria.
Grants focus on projects that:
- support research institutes and industry to collaborate on innovative solutions that increase use of recycled materials
- identify and develop new domestic markets for recycled materials
- diversify products and processes using recycled priority materials – both existing and emerging
- improve confidence and demand for recycled priority materials
- support Victoria’s transition to a circular economy.
These grants are part of the Recycling Victoria policy funding.
Guidelines
See the Guidelines.
Information bulletin
For our responses to questions not addressed on this page or in the guidelines, see the Information bulletin.
$1:$1
Eligible applicants
To apply, you must:
- be a Victorian based Research Institute
- have a current Australian Business Number (ABN)
- have been operating for a minimum of two years at the time of the application closing date
- have at least one industry partner (Lead Industry Partner) who must have an ABN and operations in Victoria
- co-contribute $1:$1 at a minimum
- agree to comply with the Terms and Conditions and Terms of Participation in Grant Programs (see section Application process).
Eligible projects
To apply, you must investigate at least one of the following recycled priority materials:
- glass
- paper and cardboard
- plastics
- tyres.
Projects must deliver one or more of the following:
- research and develop new or existing products and/or processes
- investigate the feasibility of innovative technology
- improve and develop product standards and specifications
- improve market confidence and demand.
Projects must meet the following requirements:
- Projects activities must largely (more than 50%) take place in Victoria.
- Projects must be completed within 2 years of signing the funding agreement.
Co-Contribution
$1: $1 co-contribution is required.
Funding limits
Between $75,000 and $300,000 is available.
The lead industry partner must provide a minimum of 20% co-contribution. The remaining co-contribution can be split between the lead applicant and industry partners.
Application process
- You must read the program guidelines, which contain the assessment criteria and other important information.
- Read and accept the Materials Research and Development - General Funding Agreement Terms and Conditions (PDF, 281kB).
- Read and understand the Terms of Participation in Grant Programs.
- To apply you’ll need to register an account with Smarty Grants. Once you’re logged in, click on Recycling Victoria Research and Development Fund – Materials to apply.
Timeline
Applications open: 22 February 2021
Applications close: 3:00 pm, 19 April 2021
Notification of outcome: July 2021
Funded project completion: Within 2 years of signing the funding agreement.
Background
Transitioning to a circular economy
Recycling Victoria is a 10-year action plan to transform how our economy uses materials.
The policy will overhaul the waste and recycling sector, creating 3,900 jobs and reducing waste going to landfill.
It will provide industry access to:
- funding opportunities
- increased waste data and intelligence
- infrastructure planning
- safe and adequate management waste infrastructure.
This will create value for Victorians through:
- increased access to circular economy products and services
- new local jobs
- increased circular economy skills in the workforce.
To support this transformation there needs to be strong markets for the materials collected and recovered. To drive this we are leading the delivery of the Markets Acceleration Program (MAP). To increase demand for recycled material across the economy we will support the development of innovative products and processes that will transform sectors such as manufacturing and construction in Victoria.
This fund focuses on the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) export ban materials:
- plastic
- paper and cardboard
- glass
- tyres.
The Markets Acceleration Program contributes to achieving the goals set out in the Recycling Victoria policy by investing in research, industry capability uplift and market development activities. The program aims to increase Victoria’s capacity to produce and supply recycled materials for re-use domestically, whilst simultaneously working to improve end user confidence in recycled products.
How we’re supporting innovation and improving market confidence
We have supported research and development of new products made from recycled materials through our Research, Development and Demonstration program.
The program has supported businesses and governments to partner with research institutes to develop and create products and processes; increasing market confidence and the demand for recycled materials and products.
Read more about projects funded by Research, Development and Demonstration grants
Related links
- Sustainable Infrastructure Fund
- Projects that have been funded through the Research, Development and Demonstration program
- Sustainable procurement
- Buy Recycled Directory
Contact us
Monday to Friday, 10:00 am to 4:00 pm.
We cannot review drafts or feedback.
In the email subject line, use the grant name 'Recycling Victoria Research and Development Fund – Materials'.