ReGen Expo 2025 has officially wrapped, marking the first-ever unification of AWRE and Circularity into a single national platform for Australia’s circular economy.
Held at ICC Sydney on 23–24 July, the event, Australia’s only national platform connecting the full circular resource supply chain, welcomed thousands of attendees and brought together the full circular resource supply chain, from design to recovery to second life. With NSW EPA proudly supporting as a Major Partner, the turnout proved the power of this new evolution, the strongest endorsement yet for ReGen’s exciting new direction.
The success of the inaugural year of ReGen was a milestone moment for Australia’s circular economy calendar, those on the show floor experiencing a new era in circular collaboration.
Leaders from government, industry, education, and innovation converged alongside 120 exhibitors, over 80 expert speakers, and free sessions across two themed stages with the goal of accelerating Australia’s transition to a more circular future. The event offered an insight into the progress being made across sustainable product design, packaging, resource recovery, and systems transformation.
Event Director Ali Lawes reflected on the success of this year’s program, “ReGen 2025 brought together a uniquely powerful mix of local councils, C-suite leaders, sustainability managers, waste and recycling professionals, and circular economy innovators. That breadth is exactly what ReGen was designed to do. Our transformation from AWRE and Circularity into ReGen was driven by a clear need for cross-sector collaboration — to stop solving problems in silos and start looking at the entire supply chain, as Alexandra Geddes so rightly said. What we saw this year was just the beginning. The momentum, the partnerships, and the collective energy in the room point to an industry ready to move forward — together.”
Event Highlights Included:
- The Resource Stage, sponsored by NSW EPA, spotlighting regulatory progress, organics reform, and policy alignment
- The Circularity Stage, exploring circular design, procurement, and innovation
- The inaugural Sustainable Exhibitor Awards, in partnership with ICC, Harry the Hirer and The CN Agency, recognised standout initiatives that prioritise sustainability, circularity, and waste innovation on the show floor. Taking out first place for 2025 was Resource Marketplace, whose practical, action-driven approach to closing the loop earned high praise from the judging panel. Other winners included Caterpillar, TOMRA, and CEMAC Technologies.
- Innovation Pitch Fest, sponsored by Coles, showcasing six standout circular startups
Backed by Coles, the Innovation Pitch Fest is one of ReGen Expo’s most anticipated program features, functioning as a platform for emerging circular startups to present their breakthrough solutions to a national audience of industry leaders, investors, and changemakers. This year’s finalists were an exciting example of practical circularity in action, and how big ideas and big change can often start with small businesses.
Finalists ranged from smart-bin pioneers Batt Bin to AI-enabled sensor specialists SmartEnds, with each pitch demonstrating the next era of circular economy action.
Taking out the top prize was Planet Protector Packaging, whose winning pitch showcased WOOLPACK, a sustainable alternative to polystyrene made from waste wool and recycled textiles.
ReGen Expo 2025 also brought together some of the most respected voices across policy, industry, and innovation to lead important conversations on Australia’s circular transition.
From state-level decision makers to leaders in packaging, textiles, procurement, and systems, the speaker program highlighted the expertise and collaboration needed to drive national impact.
Notable speakers included Alexandra Geddes, Executive Director of Programs & Innovation at NSW EPA; Dr. Heinz Schandl from CSIRO; Patricia O’Callaghan, Director-General of the Queensland Government; and Jennifer Macklin from the Monash Sustainable Development Institute. From circular product design to policy reform, the sessions offered a wide range of perspectives on how to accelerate Australia’s circular economy goals.
ReGen is set to return to ICC Sydney on 22–23 July 2026, continuing to provide a platform to support Australia’s mission to double circularity by 2035.
To get involved in ReGen 2026, contact the team today via [email protected].