In this theme, our researchers develop technologies to transform waste streams into valuable products, create efficient recycling processes for materials like plastics and electronics, and design sustainable materials that have minimal environmental footprints throughout their lifecycle.
By rethinking how we use and re-use resources, this work supports a transition from a throwaway model toward a circular economy, reducing pollution and conserving natural resources.
Our research spans four strengths across multidisciplinary research
The aim this research theme is to transform Australia’s growing waste problem into an opportunity for sustainable innovation. By applying whole-systems thinking and advanced chemical engineering, the research seeks to close the loop on resource use, minimising waste and maximising reuse, while transitioning from a linear economy to a circular one. This aligns with our strategic priorities in sustainability, environmental stewardship, and industry collaboration, contributing to long-term societal and ecological resilience.
We are developing technologies for efficient waste recovery and repurposing, including modular waste-processing plants, hydrothermal liquefaction for biofuel production, and green cement made from industrial by-products. Projects also focus on e-waste recovery, solar panel and battery reuse, and digital tools like the Waste Atlas to inform policy and improve transparency. These efforts are supported by interdisciplinary expertise in chemical engineering and project management, and partnerships with industry and government to deliver scalable, impactful solutions.
This research aims to improve recycling processes and circular economy systems with a focus on reducing waste and maximizing resource reuse, by developing innovative chemical engineering techniques and designing products for end-of-life repurposing.
This enables more efficient recycling and supports a shift away from the throwaway culture, helping everyday Australians experience cleaner environments, smarter packaging, and more sustainable products in their homes and communities.
Professor Ali Abbas, Professor Jennifer Whyte, Dr Neda Mohammadi
NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA), Licella, Waste Management Association of Australia.
This research theme aims to transform waste management by converting solid, liquid, and gaseous waste streams into valuable materials and products. This includes rethinking traditional production cycles to prioritise waste minimisation, reuse, recycling, and recovery. The research aligns with the Faculty of Engineering’s strategic priorities in sustainability and environmental stewardship, addressing one of today’s most pressing global challenges, waste management, through innovative, interdisciplinary approaches.
We are developing technologies to extract phytochemicals from waste, create carbon-based adsorbents from biomass, and recover valuable compounds from e-waste and mine tailings. Projects also include biohydropyrolysis for energy recovery and converting household, agricultural, and industrial waste into biofuels, fertilisers, and construction materials. These efforts are supported by chemical and civil engineering expertise and strong partnerships with industry and government, delivering scalable solutions that reduce landfill, pollution, and environmental impact.
Professor Ali Abbas, Professor Abbas El-Zein
Our research theme aims to address global challenges such as climate change, resource scarcity, and environmental degradation by developing advanced materials and construction technologies that are environmentally responsible throughout their entire lifecycle. This includes designing high-performance materials that support circular economy principles, from production to disposal, while reducing carbon emissions and waste. The research aligns with our strategic priorities in sustainability, interdisciplinary innovation, and real-world impact, contributing to the development of resilient infrastructure and low-impact manufacturing.
We are creating lightweight, multifunctional materials with properties such as photovoltaic capability and biocompatibility, and developing smart structures that adapt to environmental conditions. Key initiatives include bio-inspired engineered living materials for construction and waste management, and innovating in alternative materials and assesses their environmental impact. Projects also focus on converting waste into valuable construction products and applying advanced manufacturing technologies to minimise waste, supported by expertise in chemical, mechanical, and civil engineering.
This research aims to improve the lifecycle sustainability of construction and consumer materials, with a focus on reducing environmental impact and waste. By designing materials that are biodegradable, low-carbon, and recyclable, using a combination of chemical, mechanical, and civil engineering approaches, it enables products to be reused or safely returned to nature. This helps reduce landfill, lower emissions from buildings, and create everyday items like packaging and infrastructure that support a cleaner, more circular economy.
Professor Ali Abbas, Professor Yuan Chen, Professor Fariba Dehghani, Professor Jun Huang, Professor Marjorie Valix, Associate Professor Yixiang Gan, Dr Ali Hadigheh,
This research theme aims to develop sustainable and efficient methods for mineral processing and resource recovery, helping reduce environmental impacts such as greenhouse gas emissions and energy consumption.
By integrating chemical, mechanical, and civil engineering expertise, the research supports Australia’s transition to a low-carbon, resource-efficient economy. This aligns with our strategic priorities in sustainability, innovation, and interdisciplinary collaboration, addressing urgent challenges in the mining and minerals sector.
Researchers are designing and testing advanced processing technologies that optimise resource recovery while lowering energy use and emissions.
Key projects include developing low-impact extraction techniques, recovering critical minerals for clean energy technologies, and engineering systems for the reuse of tailings and mine by-products. The research also explores circular economy pathways, ensuring valuable resources are reintegrated into production cycles. Collaborative efforts across disciplines ensure solutions are technically viable, environmentally responsible, and scalable for industry adoption.
This research aims to improve sustainable mineral processing with a focus on reducing environmental impact and recovering critical minerals, by developing low-energy, low-emission extraction methods and circular reuse pathways for mine waste, which enhances resource efficiency and supports the shift to clean energy technologies, and helps everyday Australians by reducing the carbon footprint of mining, preserving natural landscapes, and ensuring access to essential materials for things like electric vehicles and renewable energy systems.
Professor Itai Einav, Professor Marjorie Valix, Associate Professor Yixiang Gan
