Sustainable Infrastructure & Materials Innovation Group
Pioneering circular economy in construction: a translational research journey from lab to industry and startup
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Research Institute
24 •
Challenge
Road and construction industries face rising costs, performance risks and environmental pressures from waste accumulation and carbon emissions. The group tackles this by converting problematic wastes – plastics, tyres, glass, soils – into durable construction materials. Benefits include circular, low-carbon solutions that deliver cost savings, regulatory compliance and sustainable outcomes.
Solution
The group applies a co-creation model with industry, combining advanced lab testing, field trials and regulatory engagement to convert wastes into reliable construction products. It delivers solutions like PAKPAVE, a recycled coffee cup additive now commercialised in asphalt. Its methods integrate easily into existing systems, lowering costs and emissions. Long-term partnerships with industry and regulators, together with startups like SONIA Green Technology, ensure sustainability and smooth implementation, translating research into circular-economy impact at scale.
Target customers / end-users
• road construction companies and asphalt manufacturers adopting sustainable additives
• government agencies and regulators seeking low-carbon, circular economy solutions
• waste management and recycling industries creating new markets for difficult wastes.
Progress
• secured AU $ 6.9m translation funding and AU $ 600k startup investment
• achieved PAKPAVE commercialisation and geopolymer concrete trials
• SONIA Green Technology ranked among global top 10 road innovators.
10 active collaborations
Industry advisory board
Multidisciplinary team
Advanced Manufacturing, Materials & Design
This team transforms complex waste materials into sustainable asphalt and concrete solutions, and works closely with industry to bridge lab research and realworld needs. This approach led to the creation of SONIA Green Technology, a startup co-founded with PhD students. SONIA is globally recognised as a top road construction innovator.