Expanding cleaner and greener practices across public and private sectors
Government and private industries are increasingly turning toward new technological innovations to improve circular economy practices and reduce GHG emissions. While there are important positive changes, progress is still slow and there are also risks for over-reliance on particular resources and changes to waste streams.
Changes we are seeing
The Electric Vehicle (EV) market is increasing and influencing change in global transport.
- Estimates of electric and internal combustion engine vehicle price parity by 20251.
- Changes in global transport with increasing net zero commitments for shipping, trucking and aviation, including decarbonization of supply chains.
- Increasing electrification of off-road fleet (such as mining and on-farm machinery).
Accelerating commitment and innovation is driving cleaner and greener industries and practices.
- Global net-zero commitments and improvements for steel, aluminium and cement
There is growing demand for industrial transformation toward low carbon futures.
- 73% of Gen Z consumers willing to pay more for sustainable products2.
Increasing impact on resources that enable green and smart technologies as well as possible new waste streams.
- Lithium-ion battery waste in Australia is projected to grow from 3,300 tonnes in 2016 to up to 187,984 tonnes by 2036; less than 2% of batteries are currently recovered3 and 4.
- There is an increasing pressure on minerals that enable smart and renewable tech such as nickel, cobalt and lithium.
- Plastic-alternatives and ‘biodegradable’ polymers and their (often poorly tested and regulated) chemical properties are creating potential risks for ocean ecological health.