Chats for the Goals: Circular Economy
Description
The circular economy is a system where products and materials are kept in circulation through processes such as maintenance, reuse, refurbishment, remanufacture, recycling, and composting. The circular economy tackles climate change and other global challenges, like biodiversity loss, waste, and pollution, by decoupling economic activity from the consumption of finite resources. Unlike the traditional linear economy, which follows a "take, make, dispose" model, the circular economy model creates a closed-loop system.
In this presentation, UTS experts Melita Jazbec and Nick Florin will discuss the circular economy, and the ways that we can enact climate action for a circular future.
If you’re interested in getting involved in the circular economy, sign up for our additional Circular Economy Workshop later in the month!
This event is part of UTS Global Goals Month 2026. Explore more of the Global Goals Month program here.
About the Presenters
Dr Melita Jazbec
Melita specialises in resource, energy and water futures with a strong focus on circular economy transitions and sustainable waste management. Her background in chemical engineering and a PhD in chemical kinetics and computational modelling underpin her technical expertise in assessing resource flows, designing circular systems, and developing evidence‑based strategies for government, industry and precinct‑scale developments. She has extensive experience leading multi‑disciplinary projects across organics and anaerobic digestion, waste and resource recovery, carbon and emissions analysis, and precinct‑scale planning. Melita currently leads the development of UTS’s Circular Economy Plan and recently delivered a national circular economy framework and toolkit for Australian agriculture, fisheries and forestry. She contributes to national advisory bodies including Circular Australia’s Infrastructure Taskforce, the MECLA Evaluation Working Group and the NABERS Waste Rating Development Taskforce.
Dr Nick Florin
Associate Professor Nick Florin is a Research Director at the Institute for Sustainable Futures (ISF), University of Technology Sydney. He is also a Director of the Product Stewardship Centre of Excellence. Nick leads and undertakes collaborative research projects with industry and government partners advancing resource and product stewardship, circular economy transitions and supply chain sustainability. His research spans policy options analysis, material flow assessment, technology and infrastructure appraisal, and stakeholder engagement to improve policy relevance. Recently, Nick has advised the NSW Government on the establishment of reuse and recycling infrastructure for photovoltaic (PV) panels and batteries. Nick also collaborates with the Australian Packaging Covenant Organisation, supporting strategy for achieving the 2025 National Packaging Targets and transition to a circular packaging economy.
Tickets for good, not greed Humanitix dedicates 100% of profits from booking fees to charity
Register
This event has passedRegister
This event has passed
More events from this host
