Europe’s Circular Transition: what Australia can learn from real-world implementation barriers

Circular economy ambition is accelerating across Europe — driven by regulation, investor pressure and shifting consumer expectations. Yet while targets are bold, implementation remains complex. Across supply chains, retail, packaging and procurement, organisations are confronting the operational, financial and behavioural barriers that sit between strategy and delivery.

This webinar explores what Australia can learn from Europe’s lived experience. From multinational retail systems to materials innovation and logistics, our speakers will examine how circular commitments translate into practice — where friction emerges, what has worked, and how businesses can navigate transition without compromising performance.

Through practical insights and case examples, the discussion will unpack the realities of scaling circular initiatives: aligning internal teams, managing supplier expectations, balancing cost pressures and ensuring measurable outcomes. Join us for a grounded conversation on moving beyond ambition toward durable, system-wide change.

Speakers

Karen Davids – ALDI SÜD Holding
Karen Davids works within ALDI SÜD’s international sustainability and circular economy initiatives, contributing to large-scale strategy development across a complex, multinational retail network. Her experience provides insight into the operational realities of embedding circular principles within procurement, packaging, private label development and supplier engagement.

Drawing on practical implementation across European markets, Karen will share reflections on regulatory shifts, internal alignment challenges and the structural changes required to transition from pilot programs to system-wide adoption.

Tim Lee – Utilitarian
Tim Lee is co-founder of Utilitarian, a company focused on eliminating single-use packaging through durable, reusable alternatives. Working at the intersection of product design, logistics and customer behaviour, Tim brings a practical perspective on the barriers to reuse adoption — from cost structures to operational complexity.

His experience highlights the importance of systems thinking, commercial viability and behavioural design in making circular models scalable beyond early adopters.

Max Higgins – Bearhug Pallet Wraps
Max Higgins is founder of Bearhug Pallet Wraps, a UK-based materials innovation company challenging conventional plastic pallet wrap with performance-led, lower-impact alternatives. His work sits at the frontline of supply chain transition, where procurement standards, price sensitivity and risk perception directly influence material change.

Max will explore the commercial and operational barriers faced when introducing alternative materials into established logistics systems — and what it takes to drive adoption at scale within competitive markets.

About Boomerang Labs
Boomerang Labs is Australia's first Circular Economy Accelerator. In addition to our hands-on programs for circular startups, Boomerang Labs is an Innovation Exchange; a hub connecting companies, government bodies and other organisations with founders and innovators to tackle challenges of design, resource use and resource recovery in their organisations and supply chains.