Australia's circular economy metrics and indicators

Abstract

This article presents a comprehensive economy-wide material flow analysis of the Australian economy in 2019, examining the domestic extraction, trade, end-of-life flows, and recycling for all materials. The results highlight Australia's role as a natural resource supplier, with metals and fossil fuels being primary contributors. Through material flow analysis, we found that in 2019 Australia extracted 2587 Mt of natural resources, exported a substantial fraction (1459 Mt), and used 917 Mt to fulfill domestic needs. The recycling flows and circularity metrics are also explored, with an end-of-life recycling rate of 51.1% and an overall circularity rate of 5.1%. An additional assessment of Australia's consumption-based material footprint highlights mobility and housing as the dominant material-using sectors. These results contribute to understanding Australia's material consumption patterns, indicating significant reliance on foreign semifinished and finished products, and provide insights into the potential for enhancing economic circularity.