Circular Economy Doesn't Start with Waste

Circular economy starts before operations begin

In the resources sector, circular economy is often framed as waste reduction or end-of-life solutions. But RCOE’s work continues to show the greatest impact happens much earlier, during planning, design, and collaboration stages.

When circular principles are embedded before a project is approved, opportunities open up across shared infrastructure, by-product utilisation, and cross-industry partnerships. Decisions made at this stage can influence decades of operational efficiency, emissions reduction, and regional value creation.

Rather than asking “how do we reuse waste?”, the smarter question is “how do we design systems so waste never exists in isolation?”

This approach shifts circular economy from a compliance exercise to a competitive advantage, unlocking innovation across supply chains, technology providers, and adjacent industries.

At RCOE, circularity is not an add-on. It is a systems mindset that connects people, projects, and problems early to deliver long-term value for industry and communities.

Key takeaway:
The most powerful circular economy outcomes in resources are designed in, not retrofitted.