The ARA has submitted a response to the Productivity Commission’s request for information on opportunities for the circular economy in Australia. The submission was prepared with participation and feedback from the ARA’s Circular Economy Working Group. Comprised of procurement and sustainability specialists from a range of ARA member organisations, representing passenger operations, suppliers, consultants, and track owners, the Circular Economy Working Group provided the case studies and feedback which informed the submission.  

The submission case studies highlighted a range of examples where the rail industry is already forging ahead with circular economy principles. The inherent long lifespan of rollingstock and associated infrastructure contribute to waste reduction and maximising asset use. Additionally, recent efforts in innovation have increased the amount of recycled material utilised in a range of contexts across the industry, from ballast and sleepers to platforms and supporting station infrastructure. Case studies from Yarra Trams and the Level Crossings Removal Project outlined the range of opportunities to repurpose end-of-life rail products into new uses, both in the rail sector and beyond. Another case study highlighted the ARA’s Project iTRACE, a barcoding system to improve material data management.  

Several barriers to the circular economy were also identified, including the high cost of some circular products making them less competitive than their non-recycled counterparts, and a general lack of supporting businesses and infrastructure enabling recycling. The inefficiencies associated with non-harmonised type approvals was also a notable barrier. Currently, new technologies and products must pass through each Rail Infrastructure Manager’s specific approval process prior to being rolled out, regardless of whether the technology or product is in use elsewhere. This limits the capacity for suppliers of circular products to maximise economies of scale, and increases the price for customers interested in adopting new, more circular innovations.   

A range of policy, regulatory, funding and education recommendations were included in the submission, for actions government can take to better support the implementation of a circular economy in Australia. These included harmonisation of standards, the adoption of a national local content policy, funding for trials, and implementation guidance for industry.   

An interim report is due in February next year.