The Circular View

A Message from Prof. Ali Abbas, Chief Circular Engineer of Australia

Prof. Ali Abbas

Australia is on the cusp of one of its most critical transitions: a full-scale transformation of how we design, build, use, and reuse the materials that underpin our economy. After years of fragmented momentum, the opportunity—and responsibility—to lead with engineering precision has never been clearer.

At the Australian Circular Economy Forum on August 12, I announced the inaugural white paper in the Chief Circular Engineer series. This work, commissioned by Circular Australia, outlines a national engineering-led strategy to transform the waste and construction sectors into engines of circularity by 2040.

This paper does not simply offer policy recommendations. It offers a roadmap - a call to action - framed by five strategic pillars and grounded in the systems thinking that engineers bring to real-world implementation. The white paper speaks to the kind of transformation that requires more than ambition. It demands infrastructure. It demands coordination. And most importantly, it demands innovation.

As a co-founder of Scimita, I’ve long held the view that innovation is not optional - it is foundational. Without it, circular policy becomes paperwork. But with it, we can design and build systems that close loops, create jobs, reduce emissions, and rethink value in every resource.

This is why I’m proud that Scimita is already helping lead this transition. Through our Consulting, Deep Tech, and Advisoryarms, we’re supporting universities, governments, and industry partners to:

  • Design commercialisation strategies

  • Define minimum viable products and scalable pathways

  • Deliver technoeconomic models that validate value

  • Forge cross-sector partnerships that de-risk scale

  • Accelerate circular technologies from TRL 2/3 through to TRL 8 and beyond

In the months ahead, I’ll explore what this transition really means for sectors like construction, infrastructure, manufacturing, and regional development - and how engineering and innovation must sit at the heart of policy if we are to achieve the vision of full circularity by 2040.

This is not just a sustainability agenda - it’s a nation-building opportunity.

Watch this space.

Prof. Ali Abbas

Chief Circular Engineer of Australia

Co-founder, Scimita

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