Manufacturer Responsibility in Construction and Demolition

The shift towards a circular economy in Australia requires a multi-faceted, cross industry collaborative approach. One of the many ways we will get there, in the construction and demolition industry in this instance, is by manufacturers, builders and architects, and all stakeholders, taking greater responsibility for the entire lifecycle of products.

To accelerate progress, three key areas of action stand out: embedding circular design principles, strengthening regulatory and voluntary frameworks, and improving end-of-life infrastructure.

1. Embedding Circular Design from the Start

A truly circular economy begins at the design stage. Many products, including building materials and construction components, are still manufactured with limited consideration for their end-of-life impact. Integrating circular design principles—such as material efficiency, durability, and recyclability—can significantly reduce waste and extend product lifespans.

Revert Group is addressing this challenge by embedding its 3R principles—Recycled, Redivert, and Revert—into commercial and refurbishment projects. Through our waste-to-product solutions, we ensure that materials are not just diverted from landfill but reintegrated into the industry, closing the loop on material use. By prioritising Greenstar and sustainable design outcomes, we contribute to a more resource-efficient built environment.

2. Regulatory and Voluntary Frameworks

While producer responsibility schemes exist in Australia, their effectiveness varies across industries. Strengthening regulatory mechanisms—such as extending mandatory product stewardship beyond e-waste and packaging—can provide consistency and accountability. However, voluntary industry-led programs also play a crucial role in accelerating best practices and fostering innovation.

Revert Group champions a proactive approach to circularity, demonstrating how industry-led initiatives can drive measurable outcomes. By collaborating with developers, contractors, and regulators, we help integrate responsible material management into project planning. Expanding similar models across construction and demolition (C&D) waste streams could enhance circularity in traditionally linear industries.

3. End-of-Life Infrastructure and Innovation

Effective producer responsibility also depends on robust collection, sorting, and processing infrastructure. Without efficient end-of-life pathways, even well-designed products can end up in landfill. Increasing investment in localised recycling and reprocessing facilities can help close material loops and reduce reliance on offshore waste solutions.

Revert Group has set a minimum recycling outcome of 90%, ensuring that materials from commercial and refurbishment projects are reintegrated into new developments rather than wasted. Innovations in material recovery, including advanced sorting and processing technologies, are crucial to achieving this target. By scaling up these efforts across the industry, Australia can take a major step towards a fully circular built environment.

What the future could look like

Transitioning to a circular economy requires collective effort. By embedding circularity into design, strengthening stewardship frameworks, and investing in end-of-life solutions, Australia can accelerate industry responsibility and build a more resilient and resource-efficient future. Revert Group remains committed to leading this change by demonstrating how waste-to-product solutions can transform the construction and demolition industry.

Paul Rosenberg Vella
Director
Revert Group