Grants of between $30,000 and up to $400,000 to support research institutes, recycling industry and businesses to develop and commercialise new uses for recycled materials.
The grant supports the development of innovative products and improving market confidence in recycled products.
Current status of program
CLOSED
To register your interest in future rounds or discuss alternative grant opportunities please contact us here.
What is the Recycling Victoria Markets Acceleration Fund?
The Recycling Victoria Markets Acceleration Fund is part of the Victorian Government’s Recycling Victoria policy and represents the Government’s plan to establish a recycling system Victorians can rely on, along with supporting investment in market development for recycled materials.
A key commitment (ref 8.1) of the policy is to increase the use of recycled materials. The $30.46 million Recycling Markets Acceleration Fund is being delivered under this commitment, in partnership between Sustainability Victoria, the EPA and the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning.
As part of this fund, Sustainability Victoria is delivering the Markets Acceleration Program to drive demand for recycled materials across the economy by supporting the development of innovative products and improving market confidence in recycled products.
The Recycling Victoria Markets Acceleration Fund (RVMAF) supports research institutes, industry and business to develop and commercialise new uses for recycled materials.
The RVMAF is distributed through two funding streams:
- Stream 1: Research, Development and Demonstration grants supporting projects that develop, demonstrate and validate new innovative uses for recycled materials.
- Stream 2: Commercialisation Support grants supporting activities directly related to the commercialisation of a novel product or process containing recycled materials.
What is the level of support of the Recycling Victoria Markets Acceleration Fund?
Level of support:
- Stream 1 – Grants of between $30,000 up to $400,000 per project,
- Stream 2 Grants of between $30,000 up to $300,000 per project
Cocontribution:
- Applicants must contribute at least $1 for every $1 funded.
- Co-contributions can be either financial (cash) or in-kind.
- Up to 100% of the co-contribution can be in-kind.
For research and development projects (Stream 1), an Industry Partner must contribute at least 20% to the co-contribution.
What are the important dates of the Recycling Victoria Markets Acceleration Fund?
- This program is currently closed
- Register your interest here with GrantHelper
What are the objectives and outcomes of the Recycling Victoria Markets Acceleration Fund?
The objectives of the grants are to:
- identify and develop new domestic uses for recyclable materials, including those that may otherwise go to landfill or be stockpiled
- commercialise innovative products and processes that contain recycled materials and meet end user needs
- improve confidence in, demand for and uptake of recycled products in Victoria
- boost Victoria’s economy through local circular economy initiatives, helping businesses to grow in new ways, and creating new jobs
What are the priority areas of the Recycling Victoria Markets Acceleration Fund?
The Fund will prioritise projects that address the materials subject to the national waste export bans (these are paper and cardboard, plastics, tyres and glass).
Projects proposing solutions to other arising materials streams such as e-waste and textiles will also be considered. Organics are not eligible.
How to get the Recycling Victoria Markets Acceleration funding?
Successful applicants will need to clearly explain why the material is a problem and how their project will effectively address this problem.
You should also read the relevant Stream 1 and/or Stream 2 guidelines in full.
You will also need to convince the assessment committee that you have a demonstrable need for funding, project management capability and expertise, and appropriate implementation resources to successfully delivery the project in its entirety within the proposed project implementation timeline.
You must be able to confirm a 1:1 co-contribution; either cash or in-kind. Note that for research and development projects (Stream 1), the Industry Partner must contribute at least 20% to the co-contribution.
Each application must have a Lead Applicant. For research and development projects (Stream 1) the applicant must be a Victoria-based Research Institute and have at least one Industry Partner as part of a Collaborative Partnership.
Check out our How to Prepare Before You Apply insight.
Most importantly, and before you start an application, you need to ensure your business is eligible for the funding. Organisations that do not meet all of the eligibility criteria outlined below will not be considered.
It is highly recommended you review the relevant information session recording that is available here.
Check out How to write a successful grant application to learn more about how to win government grants for your small business. Our in-depth eBook is the single most valuable resource you will find that helps small business owners to truly understand how to win government grants. Follow the link to get your copy of the Guide to Winning Grants.
Is my business eligible for the Recycling Victoria Markets Acceleration Fund?
Eligible Lead Applicants for each stream includes:
| Stream 1 | Stream 2 |
| – Research Institutes (see Section 9: Definitions in the guidelines) – For-profit businesses – Not-for-Profits – Social Enterprises – State government entities – Incorporated associations – Industry association or peak bodies. | – For profit businesses – Not-for-Profits – Social Enterprises. |
All applications require a Lead Applicant, who will be the responsible Contracting Party.
A Research Institute can submit more than one application under Stream 1 and is eligible to collaborate with other research institutes (both within Victoria and in other states). For projects involving lab-based research, or those proposing to develop a standard or specification, privately owned research facilities must provide evidence of accreditation.
Applicants for both streams must:
- have a current Australian Business Number (ABN). Project partners must also have a current ABN.
- have operations in Victoria
- complete the project within 18 months of signing the funding agreement with Sustainability Victoria
- agree to comply with the Terms of Participation in Grant Programs
- agree to comply with the funding terms and conditions:
- for grants $50,000 per the Short-form grant funding agreement
- for grants more than $50,000 per the General grant funding agreement.
Applicants and/or Project Partners with less than two years’ operating history are eligible to apply and are encouraged to secure established project partners or identify appropriate external expertise where appropriate.
Stream 1 applicants that include a research and development component must nominate a Victoria-based Research Institute as Lead Applicant and have at least one Industry Partner as part of a Collaborative Partnership. If the project has more than one Industry Partner, the Lead Application must nominate a Lead Industry Partner.
Stream 2 applicants may apply as either individual businesses or as a Collaborative Partnership.
Applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations are encouraged.
Sustainability Victoria manages several grants and although you can apply for more than one grant for a project, you can only receive one grant per project. If you’ve already applied for a Sustainability Victoria grant and now find this grant is more relevant or suitable for your project you can withdraw your application by email.
The following organisations cannot apply for funding as Lead Applicant:
Stream 1
For projects that include a research and development component:
- Sole traders
- Government (federal, state and/or local), Incorporated Association, Industry Association, Industry peak body, Commercial/for-profit business, not-for profit or a social enterprise.
For demonstration and validation only projects:
- Sole traders
- Local governments.
Stream 2
- Federal, state or local government, including water corporations
- Research Institutions including schools, universities and TAFEs
- Sole traders.
What projects are eligible for Recycling Victoria Markets Acceleration funding?
Stream 1 funding is available to support the technical development of new or existing products and/or processes using recycled materials. While activities funded under Stream 1 are focused on the research, development and demonstration of new or existing products and/or processes, applicants will also be asked to demonstrate the commercial pathway and end market opportunity as part of their funding application.
Stream 2 funding is available to support the commercial development of new or existing products and/or processes using recycled materials. Applicants must demonstrate an existing prototype or proof-of-concept as part of their application.
Funding for both streams will prioritise projects that address the materials subject to the national waste export bans (paper and cardboard, plastics, tyres and glass).
Projects proposing solutions to other arising materials streams such as e-waste and textiles will also be considered. Organics are not eligible.
Projects for both streams must:
- focus on developing projects to be implemented in Victoria
- be completed by 30 April 2024.
Pojects for Stream 1 must also:
- use credible research or evidence validating a proof of concept
- include a clear testing methodology either in the lab or in the field (i.e. testing schedule to meet ISO or AU standard).
Projects for Stream 2 must also demonstrate an existing prototype or proof-of-concept as part of the application.
Multiple applications can be submitted under each scheme. Each application must be for a different project and not be for multiple projects. Applicants can apply for funding under both streams provided each application is for a different project.
What additional requirements ensure my eligibility for Recycling Victoria Markets Acceleration funding?
Eligible projects
A risk-based approach will be used for each stream to assess the applicant’s social, economic and environmental risks in relation to the project. This assessment will include the Applicant’s Related Entities and may include Project Partners (see Section 9: Definitions in the guidelines).
Applicants (and their Related Entities and, if applicable, their Project Partners) must:
- have had no Environmental, Safety or Workplace Breaches in the last five years or, if there was a breach, Sustainability Victoria may assess that the Applicant’s breach poses a satisfactory level of risk
- have not been the subject of an enforceable undertaking or successful litigation by the Fair Work Ombudsman for a breach of the Fair Work Act 2009 or a fair work instrument within the last five years
- demonstrate financial capability to undertake the project
- have adequate insurance as outlined in the funding agreement such as:
- Public liability $10M minimum
- Professional indemnity $5M minimum
- WorkCover
- have not failed to satisfactorily progress or complete previous projects funded by Sustainability Victoria within funding program timelines and without sufficient reason; and
- manage any conflicts of interest adequately.
What activities are eligible for Recycling Victoria Markets Acceleration funding?
Eligible activities for each stream are as follows:
| Stream 1 | Stream 2 |
| Projects that undertake one or more of: – research and development, demonstrating and/or validating new or existing products and/or processes using eligible recycled materials – investigating the feasibility of innovative manufacturing technology to increase and accelerate the use of recycled materials in products – improving and/or developing product standards and specifications to include eligible recycled materials – demonstrating how product/process meets existing standards and specifications or supports development of new ones – demonstrating new products and/or processes using priority recycled materials in a real-world application – demonstrating technologies that enables increased use of priority recycled materials by increasing performance and consistency, lowering costs of production or testing automated systems to produce recycled products – providing product information or validation to increase procurement and end market development for recycled materials, including environmental product declaration, life cycle analysis – investigating end of life recovery opportunities for new or existing recycled product/s. | Projects that: – seek to commercialise new or existing products or processes incorporating recycled materials for trade – focus on developing the business model and/or capability of a business to take new products or processes incorporating recycled materials to market – demonstrate commercial viability of a product containing recycled material – provide product information to increase procurement and end market development for recycled materials. Examples include but are not limited to: developing a commercial feasibility study or business case – conducting market and product financial and non-financial assessments, including cost comparison tools – business planning, business advisory services and support – market development, research and analysis activities – intellectual property protection – establishing commercial partnerships – investment attraction and/or establishing commercial partnerships – permit/licence applications – marketing and promotional planning and activities (e.g. developing and implementing a marketing strategy and plan). |
Funding will not be provided for projects that:
- focus on organics and waste to energy.
- are funded under the alternate Stream i.e. Stream 1 applications already funded by Stream 2 – Commercialisation support and Stream 2 applications already funded by Stream 1 – Research, Development and Demonstration
- focus on products or processes that have already been fully commercialised (See Section 9: Definitions in the guidelines)
- undertake research addressing separation, collection or sorting of waste for recycling (Stream 1)
- use native forestry materials and wastes as a feedstock
- do not clearly demonstrate a need for government support
- do not demonstrate good value for money
- have received funding or support for the same activities from other sources
- make requests for retrospective funding, where the activities that you are seeking funding for have commenced or are completed prior to signing a funding agreement with Sustainability Victoria
- are being undertaken to comply with regulation or a regulatory notice or order
- do not meet regulatory or planning requirements (Stream 2).
What expenditure is eligible for support from the Recycling Victoria Markets Acceleration Fund?
Project costs must be directly related to the project. This expenditure can include:
| Stream 1 | Stream 2 |
| – new or additional staff costs incurred specifically to undertake the project (including project management and research)Research and Development (R&D) activities including product design and development, laboratory testing and altering existing processing approaches – procurement of materials and services supporting R&D and demonstration – costs that support development of specification and standards – prototype development including any costs associated with manufacture – leasing of equipment for product testing and validation – capital purchases (e.g. infrastructure or equipment) essential to achieving the stated research, demonstration and/or product validation outcome – installation costs (for example machinery hire, additional external labour resources)consultancy or contract work, including outsourcing testing to an accredited laboratory (NATA or equivalent)product testing and validation to ensure environmental and human health performance – testing against an Australian (AS) or International (ISO) standard – undertaking a life cycle analysis, environmental product declaration, product certification and/or accreditation. | – new or additional FTE incurred specifically to support the project delivery (including project management)consultancy or contract work (including contracted staff delivering the project)marketing, advertising, promotion – market research and surveys – venue and equipment hire – legal costs (such as costs to obtain IP)printing – design and copywriting – leasing assets (excluding vehicles)costs associated with undertaking a life cycle analysis, environmental production declaration, product certification and/or accreditation – other project execution costs not listed in the table below. |
The following expenditure is ineligible for funding:
| Stream 1 | Stream 2 |
| – capital purchases (e.g. infrastructure or equipment) used to sort recycling material inputs – marketing, advertising and promotional costs – lease or purchase of land – permit, licensing and approval costs – routine or cyclical maintenance works – repair of facilities damaged by vandalism, fire or other natural disasters where the damage should be covered by insurance – operating costs such as, but not limited to salaries, electricity, water and other utilities (including the salaries of existing FTE dedicated to the project, which can be included as a co-contribution)purchasing of vehicles (e.g. front-end loaders, forklifts)business case development and feasibility studies – pre-construction (site preparation) such as site clearing, earthworks or site accessibility works – travel, conferences and other educational activities – contingency costs. | – existing FTE – infrastructure or equipment used to scale production and/or manufacturing – travel, conferences, and other educational activities – lease or purchase of vehicles and/or land – operating costs such as, but not limited to, salaries, electricity, rent, website hosting (including the salaries of existing FTE dedicated to the project, which can be included as a co-contribution)regular maintenance and repair costs – routine or cyclical maintenance works – repair of facilities damaged by vandalism, fire or other natural disasters where damage should be covered by insurance – construction activities, including pre-construction (site preparation) such as site clearing, earthworks or site accessibility works – lease or purchase of equipment – contingency costs. |
How do you apply for the Recycling Victoria Markets Acceleration Fund?
All applications are via the online grant application system SmartyGrants.
What information do I need to prepare for registration to the Recycling Victoria Markets Acceleration Fund?
For full details of requirements see the Stream 1 Assessment process and Application Form and the Stream 2 Assessment process and Application Form.
Stream 1
- Project description
- Product and materials description and identification of problem
- Evidence validating a proof of concept
- A clear testing methodology either in the lab or in the field
- Evidence of accreditation of privately owned research facilities for projects involving lab-based research or those proposing to develop a standard or specification
- Lead Applicant and Partner details, including:
- experience, capabilities and expertise
- formal relationship/agreement
- stakeholder engagement
- Project plan, including:
- activities, milestones, deliverables
- budget
- risk management
- IP management
- monitoring/evaluation
- Statement on the impact of funding, value for money and strategy for commercialisation and market uptake
- Projected job creation and environmental, economic and other benefits
Quotes relevant to third party providers and construction costs.
Stream 2
- Project description
- Product and materials description and market application
- Prior research, demonstration and/or validation and commercialisation activities undertaken that demonstrate that the product or process is technically and/or commercially viable
- IP strategy
- Commercialisation activities and strategy
- Lead Applicant and Partner details, including:
- experience, capabilities and capacity
- stakeholder engagement
- Project plan, including:
- activities, milestones, deliverables
- budget
- risk management
- monitoring/evaluation
- Statement on the impact of funding, value for money and end market and/or business growth opportunity
- Projected job creation and environmental, economic and other benefits
- Quotes relevant to third party providers and construction costs.
Applicants will also undertake a Risk Management Assessment as part of the application process.
What is the assessment criteria and process of the Recycling Victoria Markets Acceleration Fund?
Applications will be assessed against the following Assessment Criteria for both streams:
| Ref | Criteria | Weighting |
| 1 | Alignment with Fund objectives | 30% |
| 2 | Viability to successfully deliver the project | 30% |
| 3 | Demonstrable need for funding | 20% |
| 4 | Lead Applicant and Partner(s) capability and capacity | 20% |
Do you need assistance applying for the Recycling Victoria Markets Acceleration Fund?
Is your business eligible for the Recycling Victoria Markets Acceleration Fund opportunity?
Or maybe you aren’t sure and want to know more?
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