Agribusiness Connect is proud to announce that six innovative projects have been awarded funding to develop and implement new solutions aimed at addressing sustainability problems and reducing waste in Queensland.
These grants are funded under the Queensland Government’s Circular Economy (Industry-Research) Program managed by the Department of Environment, Science, and Innovation.
Agribusiness Connect (ABC) in Toowoomba is one of three regional centres involved in this pilot program intended to encourage the development of new circular economy solutions in different regions of Queensland.
An impressive number of applications were received by ABC, which highlights the significant level of interest and activity in Queensland businesses to adopt sustainable practices that promote a circular economy.
Following a careful selection process, the participants chosen to receive funding and join the Program are:
- EcoShield: transforming agricultural waste into active coatings that enhance the preservation of bananas and avocados, reducing perishability and providing an alternative to traditional packaging and preservation methods.
- ReclaimFoods: transforming surplus fruit, starting with bananas, into high-value functional foods, minimising waste, and supporting farmers through advanced processing.
- Zest Element: collaborating with fruit growers to transform B-grade fruit, typically destined for waste, into nutritious, long-lasting products.
- Waste Transition Focus: addressing food waste in the agrifood and retail sectors by repurposing surplus bread products, fruit peel and pulp into valuable products.
- Ella May Fishing: developing an innovative onboard catch processing technology and business model that prioritises the survivorship of bycatch, converts discarded bycatch into valuable byproducts, and promotes sustainable, eco-efficient fishing practices.
- La Foundary: developing a scalable, patent-pending process that converts agricultural waste into a sustainable, compostable material, offering competitive properties to expanded polystyrene (EPS).
These projects stood out for their potential to significantly impact waste diversion and reuse, ultimately reducing waste destined for Queensland landfill sites. The selected participants will receive a combined total of $250,000, plus mentoring and support by ABC to advance their projects and bring their innovative solutions to life.
“It’s inspiring to see the level of innovation and dedication that these six projects bring to the table through the Queensland Circular Economy Program,” AgriBusiness Connect CEO Thomas Hall said.
“Each of these innovators has demonstrated a commitment to not only reducing waste but also creating value from what would otherwise be discarded. Their solutions explemplify transformative potential of circular economy principles in driving sustainability and economic growth in Queensland.”
Quotes Attributable to Minister for the Environment and the Great Barrier Reef and Minister for Science and Innovation, Leanne Linard:
“The Miles Government is committed to fostering innovation that drives the transition to a circular economy, and the Circular Economy (Industry-Research) Grants are an essential part of this mission, empowering local businesses, researchers and communities to develop practical solutions that reduce waste and benefit our environment.
“The innovative solutions proposed by these participants clearly show the principles of the circular economy, and we are excited to see their positive impact on our community and environment.”
The Queensland Circular Economy (Industry-Research) Program emphasises collaboration, and each funded project includes contributions and involvement from multiple stakeholders. This approach hopefully ensures a more effective and longer-term implementation of circular economy principles.
More information about the Program and the recipients can be found at: agribusinessconnect.com.au/ce-program