# Case studies - Regenerate-approach in action
*Activity type: page*

##### Product-level regenerating:

![A bee on white fibre.](../../files/mod_page/content/0/blobid0-3.jpg)

href="https://www.deakin.edu.au/ifm" target="_blank" rel="noopener" (https://www.deakin.edu.au/ifm), located within Deakin University, is a world-leading research institute dedicated to redesigning functional material for a circular economy. In collaboration withhref="https://humblebee.co.nz/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" (https://humblebee.co.nz/), they are working to characterise a bee-inspired biopolymer suitable for the sustainable production of a bio-yarn. By replacing non-renewable synthetic yarns, such as polyester, with renewable biopolymer yarns, this project intends to remove toxic and problematic materials for textile production. This eliminates the shedding of microplastics, but also enables for this material to become biodegradable. Learn more about this project href="https://www.cebic.vic.gov.au/grants-funding-and-investment/funded-projects/funded-project-biofibres-for-sustainable-apparel-inspired-by-a-humble-bee" target="_blank" rel="noopener" (https://www.cebic.vic.gov.au/grants-funding-and-investment/funded-projects/funded-project-biofibres-for-sustainable-apparel-inspired-by-a-humble-bee) via the The Circular Economy Business Innovation Centre website.

The substitution of polluting, finite plastics with bio-based, renewable alternatives is a perfect example of the Regenerate approach in action at the product-level. It packs in a double-whammy by also enabling the loop to be closed on textile yarns, which is the Close approach in action as well.

##### Example of business model-level regenerating:

![Nutri-V packaged snacks](../../files/mod_page/content/0/blobid1-3.png)

As a Victorian-first, Fresh Select and Nutri V developed a food processing hub in the South Werribee growing district that upcycles surplus vegetables and by-products into value-added foods and ingredients such as powders and snacks. They are also helping local growers use 100% of their crop while minimising food waste on farms, in pack-houses, and during food manufacturing. Nutri V vegetable powders are now available at Coles supermarkets. Learn more abouthref="https://www.cebic.vic.gov.au/grants-funding-and-investment/funded-projects/zero-waste-vegetable-farming" target="_blank" rel="noopener" (https://www.cebic.vic.gov.au/grants-funding-and-investment/funded-projects/zero-waste-vegetable-farming) via the Circular Economy Business Innovation Centre website.

This is a great example the Regenerate approach in action on a business model-level, finding alternative uses for organic waste and making the most out of biological, renewable materials. At the same time, turning the waste products from farms, pack-houses and food manufacturing into a new product allows local growers to do more with the same crop. So, this is a great example of the Narrow approach as well, creating more value with the same amount of material.

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##### Ecosystem-level regenerating:

![Follow the Flowers regenerative farming initiative featured on ABC online – Outback Academy Australia](../../files/mod_page/content/0/blobid2-3.png)

 

href="https://outbackacademy.org.au/follow-the-flowers/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" (https://outbackacademy.org.au/follow-the-flowers/) is an initiative of Outback Academy Australia, being piloted in a network of farms across Victoria. The initiative is focused on boosting First Nations-led regenerative farming practices and realising business opportunities in the production of native products across the state. A primary purpose of the program is to provide a step towards reconciliation and self-determination for First Nations people, but another purpose is to heal Country by generating the land, restoring water and soil quality, and restoring biodiversity.

You can learn more about how the Victorian Government is supporting href="https://www.premier.vic.gov.au/following-flowers-first-nations-led-agriculture" target="_blank" rel="noopener" (https://www.premier.vic.gov.au/following-flowers-first-nations-led-agriculture) via the Premier of Victoria's website.

With the purpose of healing Country, the Follow the Flowers initiative is a wonderful example of the Regenerate approach on an ecosystem-level. Being First Nations-led, the initiative also supports reconciliation and self-determination, which is key to developing a sustainable and regenerative social ecosystem that is underpinned by Traditional Owner knowledge.
