The projects include but are not limited to scaling up the recycled content of products . By gaining an understanding of the broader circular economy through the workshops , the group was able to identify projects that develop the business ’ capacity across other areas of the circular economy . This approach supported pilot projects that include shifting manufacturing capacity , working more closely with customers , and exploring product stewardship in greater depth . These projects will introduce or develop new skills and expertise in the business , and involve key circular economy concepts such as greater collaboration and a focus on local ‘ loops ’ of economic activity .
CITY OF MARION , EDWARDSTOWN AND CIRCULAR ECONOMY The City of Marion is a local government area in the southern and western suburbs of Adelaide , South Australia . The City is undertaking a revitalisation project in the Edwardstown Employment Precinct . This precinct is home to over 1800 businesses and according to the Australian Industrial Transformation Institute is one of the most diversified regions in Australia , with an industrial comparative advantage in 41 industries . It is a significant contributor to the local economy , with 37 % of regional output produced by the manufacturing sector , compared to the state ’ s output of 18 %.
Much of this advantage derives from the area ’ s past role supporting the automotive manufacturing industry . The resulting diversity , investment and expertise is an excellent launching point for circular initiatives , which require collaboration and integration across a business community , and rely on a broad range of skills , expertise and maturity in business to succeed . Edwardstown Precinct project objectives include :
• foster local commercial activity and business prosperity
• present increasing employment opportunities for all local residents
• promote environmental responsibility through low-carbon initiatives and sustainable business practices
• promote environmental responsibility through low-carbon initiatives and sustainable business practices
• support economic recovery .
The manufacturing strengths of the region are a legacy of the diverse business ecosystem that grew to support the Mitsubishi Motors factory at Clovelly Park ( now Tonsley Innovation District , also part of the City of Marion ). The local vibrant network of small , medium and large enterprises was dealt a shock with the cessation of car manufacturing in Australia . In Adelaide , this was represented by the closure of the Mitsubishi factory in 2008 ( at Tonsley in Adelaide ’ s south ) and Holden ’ s withdrawal in 2017 ( from the city ’ s north ). This structural shift has been seen in manufacturing across the nation .
Unlike global automotive manufacturers , for many local businesses it was not a matter of ‘ closing up shop ’ as car production declined . The path ahead for successful and resilient local business has been to build on their strong expertise and skill sets to develop new products and services and reach new customers as the economy transforms . The circular economy offers yet another opportunity to chart a path to prosperity for regions faced with declining industries and transformational shifts .
WHAT IS A CIRCULAR BUSINESS ? A circular business is primed to maximise and reuse resources and materials through methods such as designing for longevity , recycling , leasing , maintenance and repair .
Such a business will continue to improve the ‘ circularity ’ of its activities over time . The business may begin by including more recycled content in its packaging and products , then continue the push toward circular approaches by , for example , ensuring its recycled product is itself recyclable , or can be responsibly managed , at ‘ end of life ’, or by implementing a leasing model . Such
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