Challenge:

Australia faced a pressing need to eliminate plastic pollution and transition to a circular, climate-neutral economy for plastics. The Solving Plastic Waste Cooperative Research Centre was conceived to transform the way plastic products are designed, manufactured, used, recovered, and recycled, while addressing microplastic soil pollution. Coordinating industry, government, and research partners across the plastics value chain required a compelling bid that could secure long-term funding and demonstrate national impact.

Approach

CIS supported the consortium from inception through to Stage 2 interviews in Round 24 of the CRC Program. Our role included:

• Comprehensive project management across all bid stages.

• Tailored assistance with Stage 1 and Stage 2 submissions, interview preparation, and establishment planning.

• Development of detailed budgets and impact modelling.

• Supporting partner engagement and coordination.

• Supporting the development of a high-quality bid that met the grant requirements and stood out in a competitive funding environment.

Outcome

The Solving Plastic Waste CRC was awarded $40 million in CRC grant funding, contributing towards the consortium’s total resources of $141 million. The ten-year CRC, which was established in July 2024, is now positioned to accelerate Australia’s progress towards eliminating plastic pollution, advancing sustainable manufacturing, and building a competitive circular and climate neutral economy for plastics.