Sustainability

Australian businesses can learn about circularity from Europe’s new product eco-design rules

Ross Thompson, Greenbox In the face of climate change, governments and businesses are either pushing or being inevitably pulled to reset their strategies, practices and systems from linear to circular. Legislation and regulations, along with certifications, are a key lever for this mega trend. Mandatory climate-related financial disclosure for big business in Australia and other jurisdictions are just the start of changing times. Keeping household and business products and materials in use is one part of the circular picture, and countries at the forefront of circularity are creating regulatory frameworks that design waste and pollution out of the system. Europe is at the leading edge of this seismic shift. The region provides an indication of what Australian companies might expect ahead and indeed will soon be impacted by when exporting. Let’s consider some notable features and implications of Europe’s new product eco-design rules, which came into force in July 2024: Sustainable products becoming the rule, not the exception The Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulations (ESPR) are a framework for setting ecodesign requirements on specific product groups (almost all physical products) – implemented gradually over time based on prioritisation. Priority products range from steel and textiles to tyres, detergents and ICT products and other electronics. These rules will be developed based on scientific evidence, economic analysis and stakeholder consultation. The aim is to improve circularity, energy performance and other sustainability aspects of products placed on the EU market. This regulation brings in rules for a broader range of products and more expansive rules as appropriate. Towards a circular economy, it’s about better durability, reusability, upgradability, reparability, recycling, resource efficiency, carbon footprint and information transparency. Scanning products for sustainability, stop destroying unsold products, and ‘Green Public Procurement’ Novel measures in the ESPR are a ‘Digital Product Passport’, rules to address the destruction […]

Tech Council welcomes Federal Government’s review of Australia’s R&D system

The Tech Council of Australia (TCA) has welcomed the Federal Government’s strategic review of research and development (R&D) in Australia, which will examine how it can bolster productivity and economic growth. Minister for Industry and Science the Hon Ed Husic MP has announced that Tech Council Board Chair Robyn Denholm will Chair an independent panel that will deliver recommendations to strengthen Australia’s R&D system. Tech Council CEO Damian Kassabgi said the review was an opportunity for Australia to better harness the economic and productivity benefits of R&D. “A strategic approach to R&D will increase competition, attract investment and contribute to a more productive and resilient economy,” he said. “The decline in productivity is one of Australia’s biggest economic challenges. To continue enjoying our standard of living, which is among the highest in the world, Australia needs to focus on improving productivity growth. “Lifting investment in R&D can help us turn this around. To maximise the economic and productivity gains, we need a strong R&D system that encourages innovation and supports companies to transform world-class research into commercial success. “While other countries are consistently increasing their investment in technology, Australia isn’t keeping up and our spending on tech investment is actually forecast to fall if we don’t act,” Mr Kassabgi said. Research released by the Tech Council in November showed that lifting investment in R&D and tech adoption could contribute up to $167 billion in GDP by 2035 in productivity gains. Ms Denholm said she was honoured to be appointed Chair of the review. “On behalf of the Tech Council of Australia (TCA), I commend the Government for initiating this independent review to enhance Australia’s R&D framework,” Ms Denholm said. “A robust and forward-looking R&D ecosystem is vital to driving innovation, fostering economic growth, and establishing Australia as a global […]

Sense and Landis+Gyr partner for flexible energy transition in Australia and New Zealand

Sense, a leader in embedded intelligence that transforms the relationship between people, homes and the grid, and Landis+Gyr, a leading global provider of integrated energy management solutions have announced an Asia Pacific regional partnership. The partnership will initially focus on the fast developing Australian and New Zealand markets to support the energy transition to consumer energy resources (CER) systems. Landis+Gyr will extend Sense’s software into the company’s Grid Edge ready smart meters in Australia and New Zealand, leveraging Landis+Gyr’s proven and leading-edge deployments in North America with Sense to provide unprecedented, real-time analytics by utilising high resolution waveform sensing capabilities for utilities and consumers to manage energy more proactively. “The future of the grid is flexible, decarbonised, integrated, and powered by machine learning. With Australia leading the world in the uptake of rooftop solar and more than 80 per cent of New Zealand’s electricity generated by renewables, our partnership with Sense positions Landis+Gyr well to support distribution networks, retailers, metering services providers, and consumers to unlock more benefits from the future flexible grid with real-time insights,” explains David Maclean, Senior Vice President of Asia Pacific, Landis+Gyr. With Sense’s machine learning software integrated in Landis+Gyr’s Grid Edge ready smart meters, utilities will have improved visibility on the grid to identify fault conditions, predict peak demand and provide proactive safety alerts that ultimately support the growth and integration of consumer energy resources – areas where utilities need most visibility in the energy transition. For consumers, this will deliver real-time information through the identification of different household devices while integrating with other smart devices such as solar, batteries and EVs, enabling them to monitor, control, and track their energy usage.

Climate smarts:The role of Australian companies in addressing climate change through technology

by Ross Thompson CEO, Greenbox Manufacturers across the Asia Pacific region – from Singapore to Sydney, Adelaide to Auckland – are central to decarbonisation. If Australia and its business ecosystem doesn’t ride the opportunity winds to its 2050 net zero target, don’t expect too much wealth and health to flow through the Australian economy in the years ahead. Current events and latest polls tell us that Federal and State Policies have taken too long to implement. Meanwhile, a majority in our households and the workplace are thinking ‘just get on with it.’ As the presidential election approaches in the US, should the Democratic Party keep its control, it is likely that significant investment into cleantech will continue off the back of President Biden’s administration signing into law the largest clean energy investments in America’s history. Add to this that the globally agreed target limit of 1.5C to avoid damaging climate change impacts was recently breached across an entire year for the first time, according to the European Union’s climate service, and it seems clear we need to take action – and soon. How we create and use technology is the biggest lever to manage climate change. The International Energy Agency estimates that 35% of the emissions cuts needed to meet 2050 climate goals will have to come from technologies not yet available. The window will close as governments and firms jostle for gamechanger tech in this great clean energy economy. Given the enormity of the task at hand to decarbonise Australia, there will always be pressing trade-offs as Australia looks to leverage its abundance of gas reserves as the transitional fuel towards its 2050 net zero targets (latest policy, backing gas until ‘2050 and beyond’). Aussie smarts should and must supply the inexorable demand created by the global transition to […]

Bioplastics-Innovation-Hub-1-credit-CSIRO AUS MN

CSIRO and Murdoch University launch Bioplastics Innovation Hub to end plastic waste

CSIRO, Australia’s national science agency, and Murdoch University have launched The Bioplastics Innovation Hub, an $8 million collaboration that will work with industry partners to develop a new generation of 100 per cent compostable plastic. The Bioplastics Innovation Hub aims to revolutionise plastic packaging by developing biologically derived plastic that can break down in compost, land, or water. Dr Andy Whiteley, CSIRO Research Program Director, said the Hub aims to bring together experts in microbiology, molecular genetics, synthetic biology, biochemical engineering, advanced manufacturing and circular economy by translating advancements in bioplastics research to real-world applications. “Our primary focus is the development of 100 per cent compostable, bio-derived packaging for use as sprays, films, bottles, caps and wrappers which are engineered to fully break down in compost, land and in aquatic environments,” said Dr Whiteley. With global concerns over plastic pollution and fossil fuel depletion driving an increased demand for compostable bioplastics, the Hub will equip the plastics industry with the tools and expertise required to manufacture materials and continue to drive a plastic waste green economy. The first key focus area will be a co-investment with WA-based biotechnology company Ecopha Biotech Pty Ltd, to develop a new process for water bottle production using compostable bioplastics derived from waste products from the food industry. Murdoch University Deputy Vice Chancellor Research & Innovation Professor Peter Eastwood said managing the growing plastic waste crisis required innovative technological solutions, including bioplastics. “Together with CSIRO, Murdoch University will fast-track the production of novel compostable bioplastic and introduce a green plastic to the market which will significantly minimise the requirement for non-sustainable plastic production,” Professor Eastwood said. “We also aim to assist industry in establishing an advanced biomanufacturing sector, to commercialise compostable bioplastics that meet the manufacturing […]

Air-Met Scientific buys DustCanary

Air-Met Scientific, a leading provider of environmental monitoring solutions, is pleased to announce the acquisition of DustCanary, a prominent UK company specialising in advanced dust monitoring technology. This strategic acquisition represents a significant step in the company\’s ongoing expansion within the environmental industry. Enhancing Environmental Product Portfolio in Australia The acquisition of DustCanary is a pivotal move for Air-Met Scientific, enhancing its product offerings in the realm of real-time dust monitoring. DustCanary is renowned for its innovative technologies, including the DustCanary Trend 420, a personal dust monitor designed to protect workers from hazardous dust exposure including respirable dust by providing immediate feedback and alerts. This product is particularly effective in industrial settings such as construction, mining, and manufacturing, where air quality and worker safety are critical concerns. Commitment to Workplace Safety and Environmental Health “Acquiring DustCanary underscores our commitment to advancing workplace safety and environmental health through innovative monitoring solutions,” said Simon Meers, Managing Director of Air-Met Scientific. “The addition of the DustCanary brand complements our existing portfolio and enhances our ability to provide comprehensive, reliable, and effective solutions for dust monitoring and control.” Founded in 1984, Air-Met Scientific is a leading supplier of occupational health, safety and environmental monitoring solutions specialising in air quality, gas detection, and dust monitoring. With offices conveniently located in major cities across Australia and a commitment to innovation, Air-Met Scientific provides industry-leading products and services designed to enhance worker and environmental safety and compliance.

Rio Tinto to develop BioIron R&D facility in WA to test low-carbon steelmaking

Rio Tinto will invest US$143 million (A$215 million) to develop a research and development facility in Western Australia to further assess the effectiveness of its low-carbon ironmaking process, BioIronTM, to support decarbonising the global steel value chain. The development of the BioIron Research and Development Facility in the Rockingham Strategic Industrial Area, south of Perth, follows successful trials of the innovative ironmaking process in a small-scale pilot plant in Germany. BioIron uses raw biomass and microwave energy instead of coal to convert Pilbara iron ore to metallic iron in the steelmaking process. When combined with the use of renewable energy and carbon-circulation by fast-growing biomass, BioIron has the potential to reduce carbon emissions by up to 95% compared with the current blast furnace method. The BioIron facility will include a pilot plant that will be ten times bigger than its predecessor in Germany. It will also be the first time the innovative steelmaking process has been tested at a semi-industrial scale, capable of producing one tonne of direct reduced iron per hour. It will provide the required data to assess further scaling of the technology to a larger demonstration plant. The plant has been designed in collaboration with University of Nottingham, Metso Corporation and Western Australian engineering company Sedgman Onyx. Fabrication of the equipment will begin this year, with commissioning expected in 2026. These works are expected to support up to 60 construction jobs. The research and development facility will employ around 30 full-time employees and include space for equipment testing to support further scaling up of the BioIron technology, while developing a workforce highly skilled in steel decarbonisation and supporting WA universities and research organisations. Rio Tinto Iron Ore Chief Executive Simon Trott said, “The world needs low-carbon steel to reach net zero, and we are working to make […]

The Budget 2024: Comment and Feedback on Energy Policies

Attributed to Jack Curtis, co-founder of Neara Cost of living/bill relief p“The Albanese government’s $3.5 billion energy bill relief scheme will alleviate pressure on households and small business owners across Australia struggling to manage rising electricity prices. Yet despite the short-term financial support, concerns are rising around the growing cost of the energy transition. The clean energy transition is crucial to Australia’s future. But years of rising energy costs and reduced reliability as we transition from fossil generation to renewables are becoming harder to justify for many. The $300 energy bill relief package for home owners is a great initiative, but it’s not enough. The cost of the clean energy transition could easily blow out within the next six years and continue to increase financial pressure on consumers. Equal focus and investment must be applied to the underlying drivers of rising energy costs, particularly those related to the energy transition, and what can be done differently to mitigate them. To offset costs and stabilise energy prices, the government must source the most efficient, cost-effective pathway to 82% clean energy by 2030. This means embracing a holistic strategy encompassing all generation and network capacity sources whilst leveraging new technology that can optimise both. Put simply, more money needs to go further. Australia doesn’t have the same depth of funds as our overseas counterparts, specifically compared with the United States Inflation Reduction Act. Federal and state governments need to work closely on the strategic deployment of funds by stress-testing each proposed pillar of the energy transition and its potential cost before rolling out the initiative. The renewable energy infrastructure toolkit we’ve been relying on is essential, but it’s expensive, time-extensive, and continues to face increasing headwinds. Australia has alternative solutions to stress-test costs and bring renewable energy online faster. We must actively explore […]

How automation is paving the way for greener manufacturing in Australia

By: Lee Hawksley, President, Asia Pacific and Japan, UiPath Australia’s manufacturing industry is a key pillar of economic growth and innovation for the nation, and at the forefront of Industry 5.0. While technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT) and 5G dominated Industry 4.0, the next industrial revolution is focused more on how humans and technology will work together to deliver broader societal benefits. According to McKinsey, automation and AI technologies present an enormous opportunity for national and personal income growth and could add up to $4 trillion to Australia’s economy. This substantial impact is driving the manufacturing industry to seize new opportunities with automation tools to reduce labour costs, achieve high levels of productivity, and with today’s context, help them comply with new regulatory obligations that include creating a more sustainable approach to manufacturing. Understanding going green The manufacturing industry is a leading consumer of natural resources and a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. While modern industrial practices have allowed manufacturers to improve efficiencies in how they produce and deliver products to market, many current processes still heavily rely on resources that impact the environment. This is why state and federal government agencies are now investing in green manufacturing, which goes beyond compliance and being environmentally responsible to a whole new approach to manufacturing that aims to preserve the environment while, at the same time, delivering significant benefits to manufacturers in the form of cost savings, improved operational efficiencies, and enhanced brand reputation. By adopting green manufacturing practices, manufacturers can contribute to environmental conservation efforts while improving their bottom line. How AI-powered automation supports a greener future As society focuses its efforts on a greener future, automation is emerging as an invaluable tool in achieving sustainability goals. Some examples of how automation enables green manufacturing include: ESG […]

State of the art electrical upgrades boost mine uptime

Sustainability, employee protection and operational insights are the drivers of a cutting-edge electrification upgrade at BHP BMA’s Goonyella Riverside Mine in Queensland. At the BHP-Mitsubishi Alliance (BMA) conjoined metallurgical coal mines Goonyella and Riverside in Queensland’s Bowen Basin, Subra Nedunuri is responsible for delivering capital electrical projects without compromising environment, safety, quality, or mining schedules. When a 43-year-old section of Goonyella Riverside’s power infrastructure became unreliable, Nedunuri began designing an upgrade with ABB state-of-the-art capabilities which protect employees, equipment and the environment, and enables predictive maintenance of 16 pumps critical to the mine’s operation. Subra brings a wealth of business and engineering qualifications to the role of Senior Project Manager at Goonyella Riverside Mines (GRM). He says these are complex projects as their complexity and value to the mines are disproportionate to their cost of implementation compared to other projects. “A rehabilitation project to move earth from one side of the mine to the other may cost $20 million, but in contrast this $3 million electrical upgrade can save lives and hundreds of millions of dollars in downtime.” To power the coal wash treatment plant, pumps are used to direct water for reuse or into tailing dams, without them the plant can’t operate. In the past, the now obsolete electrical system communicated only three states of condition for the pumps operation – “On”, “Off” or “Fault”. The system had no protection against arc flash incidents (explosive releases of energy when an electrical arc travels through ionized air to ground or another part of the electrical system), which endanger the lives of service technicians and nearby workers. For the upgrade, BMA had a wishlist of not only the safest switchgear to protect its employees, but a human-machine interface (HMI) that would enable remote and onsite monitoring and control of the electrical […]

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