DrMonique Retamal

Dr Monique Retamal is an Associate Professor and Research Director - Circular Economy at the Institute for Sustainable Futures, University of Technology, Sydney. She has expertise in circular economy transitions, particularly focusing on circular economy governance and business models in the Asia-Pacific region.

Monique has a background in environmental engineering and social science and 20 years’ experience undertaking research on sustainability transitions for water, sanitation, plastics and other resources. Recent and ongoing research projects have focused on circular economy governance and business models in India, Southeast Asia, Australia and Fiji.  Monique is an experienced project leader and facilitator, liaising with partners, funders and stakeholders nationally and internationally.

Monique’s interdisciplinary PhD examined the institutional barriers and enablers for businesses operating product-service business models in Southeast Asian cities – Hanoi, Bangkok and Manila. During 2020-2023 Monique was UTS lead for an international research collaboration between India and Australia to identify pathways for a circular economy for plastics in India, with a focus on policy frameworks, circular business models and community initiatives.

Monique has undertaken numerous projects to support the development and review of circular economy policy in Australia, including for circular public procurement and product stewardship (plastic packaging, oil). She also led a research project for the Australian Government investigating the impact of the international trade in waste plastics on marine plastic pollution in the Asia-Pacific region, with recommendations for environmentally responsible trade.

Monique is a Board Member of the Asia Pacific Roundtable on Sustainable Consumption and Production (APRSCP).