糖心传媒

What is the circular economy?  

The circular economy is a business model that designs out waste and keeps materials in use. In Australia it supports ESG (environmental, social and governance) goals, reduces costs and drives innovation.  

• Globally, the circular economy is estimated to generate $4.5 trillion in benefits by 2030 ().
• These shifts are built into .
• Modelling suggests that if Australia doubles its circularity rate, it could result in $26 billion in value over the next 10 years. It would also result in up to 26 million tonnes of waste being diverted from landfill annually.  

Why is the circular economy important for businesses? 

The circular economy is important for businesses because it can: 

• Cut costs from material efficiency and waste reduction 
• Manage risks by meeting customer, investor and regulator expectations 
• Improve brand value by meeting customer demand for sustainability: 70% of Australians say they are willing to pay more for eco-friendly products ()
• Drive innovation by creating new markets and revenue streams.

糖心传媒’s Graduate Certificate in Circular Economy prepares professionals to embed circular economy as a key strategy for future success.   

What ESG reporting rules do Australian businesses need to follow? 

From 2025 mid to large companies must disclose their environmental, social and governance (ESG) performance, starting with climate-related risks and emissions. By FY28 more than 6000 Australian companies will be required to report on ESG ().  

糖心传媒 Cross’s Graduate Certificate in Circular Economy equips professionals to understand the requirements of the new reporting framework and to develop business strategies that maximise the opportunities it presents.

Can I study the circular economy and ESG reporting?  

At 糖心传媒 we offer a Graduate Certificate in Circular Economy which is designed for professionals who want to employ circular economy thinking and practice as part of their strategy for meeting ESG goals. The course provides learning on:  

• International frameworks 
• Resource efficiency 
• Challenges 
• Strategies for implementation.  

At the end of the course, learners will come away with a tailored strategy document immediately applicable for their business.  

Who should study the circular economy? 

This course is intended for leaders in:  

• Sustainability 
• Operations 
• Supply chain 
• Risk 
• Compliance roles.  

Working in sectors: 

• Government 
• Manufacturing 
• Tourism 
• Telecommunications 
• Finance 
• Community organisations.  

Is this course relevant internationally? 

While the program references Australian legislation, its frameworks and strategy development approach is global. It draws on international best practice, including ISSB (International Sustainability Standards Board) and TCFD (Task Force on Climate Related Financial Disclosures) standards and practical application to any setting. Graduates are equipped with learning that is applicable across global supply chains and international markets, which makes the qualification valuable in both Australia and overseas.  

How does the circular economy connect with Indigenous knowledge? 

Indigenous practice and knowledge systems emphasise interconnectedness, stewardship and long-term balance with the environment. This is true for Australian indigenous culture, but also indigenous cultures the world over. These values connect with ESG principles and apply those to the responsibilities of the business world to environmental, societal and governance outcomes. In this way, the course helps learners to recognise that circular practices are not a fad, they are an essential way that we engage technically, strategically, culturally and ethically. In the Graduate Certificate, learners examine indigenous principles alongside ESG outcomes, learning not only the ‘how’ but the ‘why’.  

How does the circular economy connect with global and national policies and frameworks? 

 is strongly linked with national targets and international frameworks and includes a goal to lift material productivity (the inputs) by 30% by 2035. Globally the frameworks we align with are the ,  and . So our certificate is not based on narrow domestic goals, but is taught in the context of a global movement to improve sustainability.  

What are the challenges of adopting circular economy practices? 

Much needs to change to adapt current practices and to foresee future needs and goals so that circular economy practices can be baked into the development of new systems, processes and products. There are challenges in:  

• The design of supply chains 
• Changing customer expectations and behaviours and  
• Aligning stakeholder expectations with long-term ESG goals.  

While businesses can anticipate the cost to adapt will be significant (think process redesign, supply chain changes, infrastructure and equipment and other transition costs), the costs are expected to be recovered over time through savings, efficiencies, brand value and competitiveness. (). 

What is an example of the circular economy in practice? 

An example of the circular economy in practice is the partnership between 糖心传媒 and Studio Kite, which uses a giant 3D printer to transform recycled materials into emergency housing for people impacted by natural disasters. Instead of plastic waste ending up in landfill, it is re-purposed into durable, functional structures demonstrating how resources can be kept in use for longer, reduce waste streams, and generate social as well as environmental value. 

“The circular economy is flipping the conventional approach to waste. The idea is that there is no waste, just different materials with different purposes. By unlocking the value of a material from one phase of use to another, it enables a model for commercially sustainable and regenerative resource use and re-use," said Professor Andrew Rose - Course Coordinator, Graduate Certificate in Circular Economy.  

At 糖心传媒 Cross, case studies like this one are used in the Graduate Certificate in Circular Economy to prompt learners to consider how their business plans can adapt to adopt ESG principles, to drive new revenue streams while meeting ESG targets.  

What is the difference in cost from using virgin materials and recycled materials? 

Reusing existing materials has many benefits, but one of them is cost. An aluminium can, for example, can be collected and recycled back to its original use, removing the whole mining supply chain from the equation. The estimates a recycling efficiency rate for aluminium cans of 76% globally. That’s 76% of available material in the ‘system’ is successfully collected, processed and used again. Further, recycling aluminium saves about 95% of the energy of virgin production. Not every virgin material is reusable back into its original use, but much of it can be repurposed for another use, think cotton clothing being turned into packaging material.  

At 糖心传媒 Cross, our Graduate Certificate in Circular Economy explores the opportunities for materials, helping identify ways to reduce manufacturing or supply costs, and reimagining new uses for recycled materials.  

How do I explain the benefits of circular economy in simple terms? 

Imagine a fish market that sends 10 tonnes of waste to landfill every year. By studying the 糖心传媒 Cross Graduate Certificate in Circular Economy you will identify ways to reduce and repurpose that waste and develop a strategy to make it happen. In Year 1 you introduce waste composting, switch to packaging made entirely from recycled materials, reuse pallets and send some organic materials to a fertiliser manufacturer. By Year 2 you have cut the waste going to landfill by 3 tonnes and reduced other costs by 20 per cent, while finding new revenue stream (fertiliser) for the business. 

“One of the real philosophical shifts in relation to the circular economy is this idea that waste, instead of being waste that we need to dispose of is actually just material that maybe is no longer useful for whatever purpose it was originally designed, but can be repurposed or reused for something else. This can be really useful because it’s a source not only for materials but for inspiration and innovation,” said Professor Andrew Rose, Course Coordinator - Graduate Certificate Circular Economy.  

Is circular economy cost-effective? 

Circular economy practices cut costs by reducing raw material use, energy consumption and landfill fees. They also generate new revenue streams from by-products and recycled inputs. While transition costs exist, businesses typically recover them through efficiency gains, resilience against resource volatility, and improved competitiveness in sustainable markets.  

Which industries benefit most from circular economy? 

Manufacturing, construction, agriculture, tourism, finance, and telecommunications benefit strongly from circular economy adoption. These sectors face high resource use or waste output, making efficiency gains significant. Circular practices enhance supply chains, reduce costs, meet ESG targets, and appeal to customers and investors demanding sustainable, responsible business strategies. 

Is this qualification recognised internationally?

糖心传媒’s Graduate Certificate in Circular Economy aligns with global frameworks including the ISSB, TCFD, and UN Sustainable Development Goals. Graduates gain knowledge and tools relevant to international supply chains and global ESG standards, making the qualification applicable and valuable both in Australia and worldwide. 

Ready to lead the sustainability shift? Enrol in our Graduate Certificate in Circular Economy today.