A project led by Deakin University has been awarded almost $150,000 to support research into the development of bio-based yarns and fabrics based on nest fibres of Australian native bees.
The funding was secured as part of a grants program targeting businesses in Victoria.
Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio confirmed five recipients of the $2.9 million Recycling Victoria Innovation Fund.
The five successful projects will share in $630,000 to help develop new uses for recycled materials.
The grants are part of the Labor Government’s Circular Economy Business Innovation Centre (CEBIC) and are funding projects developing circular solutions for the textiles industry.
A University of Melbourne-led project has received $100,000 to explore ways to safely reuse disposable hospital gowns.
Funding of $150,000 will help outdoor clothing manufacturer Kathmandu to explore renewal and resale of damaged or unwanted clothing.
In addition, $85,000 will help local fashion label A.BCH develop a system to avoid textiles waste by redistributing surplus fabrics to businesses and consumers via an online platform.
"By accelerating businesses take-up of circular economy opportunities, we’re creating jobs and cutting costs to Victorians – and keeping our communities and the environment flourishing by reducing waste," D’Ambrosio said.
“These projects will save 660 tonnes of waste a year, create over 40 jobs, and have an exponential impact on Victorian construction and manufacturing, which will cut costs for Victorians.”
The Government established CEBIC in 2020 with $7 million funding over four years, part of the $515 million investment to reform the waste and recycling industry in Victoria.