Final Countdown: Ecologiq 2025 Brings Circular Economy To Infrastructure 

26 September 2025

With just weeks to go until Australia’s premier sustainable infrastructure event, the ecologiQ Greener Infrastructure Conference is set to deliver practical insights, powerful connections, and real world solutions.  

Co-located with Waste Expo Australia on 29 - 30 October at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, the conference connects waste and resource recovery leaders with Victoria’s Big Build program showing how recycled materials are being transformed into construction resources across transport projects.

This year's ecologiQ conference agenda reflects the industry's shift from theoretical concepts to practical implementation. Sessions showcase real-world applications and measurable outcomes across diverse project types, right from the first keynote on Day 1 by visionary entrepreneur, CXO of Videopro and former founder of Circonomy, Yas Grigaliunas.

"The circular economy isn't just an environmental imperative - it's a massive economic opportunity waiting to be unlocked. In construction, we're sitting on billions of dollars’ worth of 'waste' that can become valuable resources. The key is shifting our mindset from disposal to design. When we embed circularity from the start, we create jobs, reduce costs, and build resilience into our projects. Australia has all the ingredients to lead this transformation globally."

The ecologiQ conference program also features several practical case studies, ranging from Build to Rent sustainability integration to the Victorian-first use of hydromulch made from recycled materials in alpine road remediation. These projects demonstrate how circular economy principles are being embedded into standard practice – and attendees will hear first-hand from John Thwaites, Chair of the Circular Economy Ministerial Advisory Group, on how they can make circular practices a reality.

"The Circular Economy Framework gives industry clear targets to work toward: reduce material footprint by 10%, lift material productivity by 30%, and recover 80% of resources,” said Mr Thwaites. “These are achievable benchmarks that require coordinated action across government, industry, and innovators. Success depends on making circular practices standard business practice, not just pilot projects. We need systemic change, and that starts with connecting the right people with the right solutions."

The ecologiQ conference comes amongst growing recognition that sustainable infrastructure requires robust resource recovery systems. As material costs rise and environmental pressures intensify, recycled content integration has evolved from an innovative approach to a business imperative. The timing aligns with Australia's substantial infrastructure pipeline. Billions of dollars in transport, energy, and social infrastructure projects are driving unprecedented demand for sustainable materials and circular economy solutions.

The event benefits from strong industry support. BMD's lanyard sponsorship reflects the construction sector's commitment, while silver sponsors Fulton Hogan and Tyre Stewardship demonstrate how established players are advancing circular economy principles across infrastructure delivery.

"The partnerships that support ecologiQ perfectly align with our mission to make sustainable materials business-as-usual in infrastructure delivery," says Lauren Rowett, Manager Industry and Engagement at ecologiQ. "It's exactly the kind of cross-sector collaboration we need to achieve our goals."

Then there’s the recognition of the social impact that greener infrastructure can have. The Social Value Showcase at ecologiQ, proudly sponsored by Arup, highlights certified social enterprises and First Nations owned businesses making real impact across the infrastructure sector. This dedicated space features Green Collect, ASPIRE, Re4orm, SOS (Societal Outcome Solutions), Sustainative, and Dreamtime Flooring - organisations creating jobs, supporting communities and embedding sustainability into their operations. It's a powerful demonstration of how procurement choices drive positive change and an excellent opportunity to connect with organisations leading the way.

Together, ecologiQ and Waste Expo Australia deliver Australia’s most comprehensive sustainability and infrastructure gathering. For waste and resource recovery professionals, the combined event offers practical insights into infrastructure procurement processes, technical specifications, and emerging market opportunities. Understanding how major infrastructure projects integrate recycled materials provides competitive advantages in an expanding sector.

Secure your place at Australia's premier infrastructure and resource recovery event by visiting https://www.wasteexpoaustralia.com.au/.