The Solving Plastic Waste CRC (SPW CRC) brought together its Partners from across Australia for its inaugural Annual Partners Event, held in Melbourne from 21–23 October 2025. The three-day program connected industry, government, not-for-profit and research Partners, marking the first major gathering since SPW CRC’s establishment and launch event in 2024.

On 21 October, the event series began with the Industry Researcher Development Day, where SPW CRC PhD and post-doctoral researchers built their skills in communication, leadership and innovation management. Facilitated by Associate Professor Brian McIntosh, Deb Friel, and industry experts, the day focused on strengthening connections among SPW CRC’s next generation of industry researchers.

On 22 October, more than 90 attendees joined the Annual Partners Conference at CSIRO Clayton to learn about research initiatives within SPW CRC’s four research programs and what’s next. The day opened with a Welcome from Dr Leonie Walsh, Chair of the SPW CRC Board, followed by Dr Ian Dagley, CEO, outlining SPW CRC’s progress to date, and Distinguished Professor Chengrong Chen, Research Director, providing an overview of the four research programs, their projects, and the Education & Training Program.

The Research Program Leaders then introduced their areas of focus, inviting Project Leaders and Partners to share their project goals and early-stage work. Each research program also featured a lively panel discussion and Q&A, with audience members actively engaging and sharing perspectives from across the plastics value chain.

Just 15 months into SPW CRC’s journey, the day offered a valuable opportunity to showcase the breadth of projects underway and strengthen connections across the network. The energy in the room reflected the enthusiasm and collaboration at the heart of SPW CRC.

The keynote presentation by Dr Deborah Lau, Research Director, Industry Environments, CSIRO, titled Plastic Waste in Australia: Current Landscape and Future Research Directions, reinforced the importance of cross-sector partnerships in accelerating solutions to plastic waste.

The SPW CRC Education & Training Program was also presented, highlighting the organisation’s commitment to building capability through its hands-on Industry Doctoral Program and the first Microcredential Program of its kind within a CRC.

The day concluded with the Annual Partners Dinner, where Dr Ian Christensen, CEO of iMove CRC, delivered a keynote address titled ‘Off and Running’ – Some Things to Think About When Establishing a New CRC. The evening provided an opportunity for all attendees to connect, share experiences and build momentum for the collaborative work ahead.

The event closed on 23 October with specialised workshops on IP, Patents and Commercialisation, delivered by experts from Davies Collison Cave and Elementary Law. These sessions explored the patent landscape in polymer recycling, the value of IP protection for early-stage ventures and practical approaches to commercialising SPW CRC research outcomes.

We extend our warmest thanks to all Partners and attendees for being part of our first Annual Partners Event. We look forward to reconnecting at upcoming networking events and to reconvening at next year’s event to share progress, strengthen collaboration and continue building a lasting legacy for Australia’s circular economy for plastics.