Victoria is now home to a new state-of-the-art plastics recycling plant in Melbourne's north that is set to process 70,000 tonnes of plastic each year.

Advanced Circular Polymers’ $20 million advanced plastics recycling facility in Somerton, which received a $500,000 funding boost from the Andrews Labor Government and will create 46 new jobs, was officially opened today.

Advanced Circular Polymers will be one of the most advanced plastics recycling facilities in Australia, transforming waste plastic into a valuable resource for use in both export and local markets for re‑manufacturing and new products.

The plant will contribute significantly to reducing plastic waste in Victoria, with the capacity to process more than 10 percent of all plastic waste generated across the state – addressing the challenges created by China’s import restrictions imposed in 2018.

The project is supported by the $25.3 million Resource Recovery Infrastructure Fund grants that invests in the development of infrastructure to improve collection and reprocessing of recycled materials.

The Victorian Budget 2019/20 is investing $35 million to strengthen and diversify Victoria’s waste and recycling industry.

This latest package builds on the $37 million Recycling Industry Strategic Plan – bringing the Labor Government’s investment in the waste and resource recovery industry to more than $135 million.

The Government is also making it easier for councils to improve their recycling contracts and increase collaboration by granting a state-wide exemption for local councils to remove administrative barriers to extend their recycling collection contracts to June 2021

Quotes attributable to Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio

“We’re proud to support ground-breaking projects like this one – marking a new era in plastics recycling for Victoria.”

“We’re investing in recycling infrastructure to create a more stable and productive recycling industry.”

Quote attributable to Minister for Local Government Adem Somyurek

“We’re helping councils work together to build a better recycling system for all Victorians.”

Quote attributable to Member for Yuroke Ros Spence

“It’s fantastic to have a state-of the-art facility like this one in Somerton – not only will it strengthen our recycling industry, it’s a great jobs boost for this community.”