York University · Faculty of Environmental and Urban Change
Rethinking waste. Designing for a circular future.
The Circular Innovation Hub is a living lab within York University that develops evidence-based solutions for sustainable waste management and advances the principles of circularity across industries, communities, and ecosystems.
Our mission
To transform how society views waste — not as an end, but as a valuable resource. Through groundbreaking research, collaboration, and education, we aim to inspire a shift from linear models of consumption to circular systems that regenerate, reuse, and recycle materials for the benefit of our planet and future generations.
What we do
Research, collaboration, and education for a circular economy
01
Pioneering research
Our interdisciplinary team examines the full lifecycle of products and materials, from designing for reuse to new recycling approaches, and works with industry, policymakers, and communities so the findings make a real-world difference.
02
Collaborative innovation
We bring together expertise from environmental science, engineering, economics, and the social sciences, and work with partners across sectors to design, test, and scale new approaches to circularity.
03
Education and engagement
Through public events, workshops, and educational programs, we give students, professionals, and the wider community the knowledge and skills to support sustainable practices.
Research focus
Where our work is concentrated
Extended producer responsibility
How EPR programs perform, and how fees can be eco-modulated to reward genuine environmental improvement.
Reuse and refill systems
Why consumer reuse and refill systems succeed or break down in practice.
Life cycle assessment
Applying LCA to packaging, coatings, and other materials to move beyond waste-only measures of performance.
Open data and knowledge resources
Open-access tools such as the Federal Open Data Standard for Plastics, the Packaging EPR Library, and the Packaging Label Atlas.
Explore the Hub
Find out more about our work
Current projects
Our active research on EPR, reuse, life cycle assessment, open data, and community programs.
Living Lab
A hands-on space where students, researchers, and partners develop and test circular economy solutions on campus.
Join us on our journey
Whether you are a student, researcher, industry professional, or simply passionate about sustainability, we welcome you to explore our projects, take part in our events, or collaborate with us. Together, we can rethink waste and build a world where nothing goes to waste.