EPISODE 10: Circular Economy
with Stephen McGurk
The circular economy isn’t just about recycling - it’s about rethinking how industries operate, transforming waste into resources, and creating industrial ecosystems where one company’s byproduct becomes another’s input.
This week on The Powerhouse Podcast, we sit down with Stephen McGurk, founding director of Circular Ecosystems, to talk about how WA’s industries can shift from wasteful, linear systems to interconnected, sustainable networks.
We explore:
• WESCEF & Gypsum Reuse – How a byproduct from one process became a valuable material in another, showcasing industrial symbiosis in action.
• The Three Key Principles of Circular Economy – Why sustainable infrastructure, research & innovation, and collaboration are crucial to making this work.
• From Silo to Synergy – Why industrial symbiosis is the future, moving beyond isolated businesses towards shared resources, data, and supply chains.
• Lessons from COP26 – How Dr. Chris Oughton, past Director of the KIC put WA on the global stage by being the first member (and Australian) joining the World Economic Forum’s Industrial Clusters network. (now numbering 33)
• The Role of Digital Platforms – Why we need better ways to connect industries, so businesses can find partners for resource-sharing rather than sending valuable materials to waste.
WA has a chance to lead the way in industrial transformation, but the question is: will we take it?
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Stephen McGurk
About Stephen,
Stephen McGurk is a transition broker, leading the shift from linear to circular industry. As the founding director of Circular Ecosystems, he’s spent years working with industrial hubs, businesses, and researchers to turn waste into value.
Stephen’s expertise spans digital transformation, green supply chains, and industrial symbiosis, and he’s worked with major global partners to develop smarter ways for industries to collaborate. His approach focuses on real-world solutions, not just theory - he’s actively developing digital tools and collaborative platforms to help WA industries reduce waste, share resources, and operate more efficiently.
If you’ve ever wondered how businesses can move beyond waste and start working together, this episode is for you.
IN THIS SHOW:
Episode Highlights: From Silo to Synergy
•The Three Key Principles of Circular Industry – Without sustainable infrastructure, collaboration, and innovation, we can’t make real progress.
• Industrial Symbiosis in Action – A real-world example of turning an industrial byproduct into a valuable resource rather than waste.
• Why WA Was Recognised at COP26 – when. they joined the World Economic Forum’s Industrial Clusters, putting WA on the map for global industrial collaboration.
• The Role of Digital Platforms – How an “eBay for waste” could revolutionise how businesses connect and share resources.
It’s not just about recycling—it’s about redesigning industry for a more sustainable and efficient future.
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