(GUF) SIMPLER RECYCLING - AEROSOLS

 

(TDR) MERCEDES-BENZ- SOLID-STATE- 1'000 KM RANGE

German automotive giant Mercedes-Benz announced says it has begun testing a “worlds first” solid-state battery-powered vehicle from a major OEM, which is expected to be capable of delivering up to 1,000 kilometres of electric driving range.

The milestone is the work of Mercedes-Benz engineers from its road and racetrack teams, working in collaboration with American solid-state battery start-up Factorial Energy.

A prototype solid-state battery with cells from Factorial was developed by engineers from the Mercedes-Benz Center of Competence for Battery Systems and Mercedes AMG High Performance Powertrains (HPP), the company that supplies Formula One engines to its eponymous racing team, as well as McLaren and Aston Martin.

This prototype battery was then integrated into a Mercedes-Benz EQS sedan which needed only slight modification to accommodate the solid-state battery and accompanying accessories needed to operate it.

The solid-state battery is expected to deliver up to 25 per cent more electric range compared to a conventional battery of the same weight and size that normally comes with the Mercedes-Benz EQS. Mercedes-Benz expects that testing will demonstrate the EQS with solid-state battery can achieve over 621 miles of range – or around 1,000 kilometres.

“Developing an automotive-scale solid-state battery underlines our commitment to innovation and sustainability,” said Markus Schäfer, Mercedes-Benz chief technology officer and a member of the board of management of Mercedes‑Benz Group AG responsible for development & procurement. “We’re therefore excited to announce that we’ve started road testing with a prototype vehicle equipped with this advanced technology. We will gain crucial insights into possible series integration of this cutting-edge battery technology.”

Solid-state batteries have emerged as the holy grail of battery technology in recent years, particularly for the electric mobility sector. Compared to the more traditional lithium-ion battery, solid-state batteries offer greater energy density, are lighter, and safer, being less prone to thermal runaway and fire hazards.

By using a solid electrolyte instead of liquid, a solid-state battery increases the cell safety while also allowing for the use of new anodes like lithium-metal, which are capable of significantly outperforming conventional lithium-ion cells and delivering what Mercedes-Benz describes as “next-level energy densities.”

Specifically, Mercedes-Benz predicts that solid-state battery technology will be able to increase the gravimetric energy density for vehicle batteries by up to as much as 450watt-hours per kilogram (Wh/kg).

For comparison, typical lithium-ion batteries in use today boast an energy density of around 200 to 300Wh/kg, though recent research has demonstrated the potential of much higher lithium-ion energy density levels in the lab. More of this article (The Driven) - link - more like this (Mercedes-Benz) - link - more like this (solid state batteries) - link

(RES) U.S. HITS 74 MILLION TONNES OF FOOD WASTE IN 2024

The ‘From Surplus to Solutions: 2025 U.S. Food Waste Report’ states that surplus food has rebounded to 73.9 million tonnes in 2025, following a brief decline during the Covid-19 pandemic. This represents 31 per cent of the nation’s food supply, valued at $382 billion or 1.4 per cent of the US GDP.

Using research conducted at Ohio State University, the report identifies the residential sector as the largest generator of waste, with consumers discarding nearly 25 million tonnes of food annually through uneaten groceries and restaurant plate waste, at an annual cost of $261 billion.

Meanwhile, food producers and businesses are responsible for generating 21.5 million tonnes of surplus food a year. Some momentum to address this waste is building, with 20 per cent of the top 65 food businesses across service, retail, and manufacturing now having specific food waste reduction targets.

"Despite record high food prices, and increased awareness of the food waste challenge, our analysis shows that surplus food remains high and we're still far off from meeting the 2030 reduction goal to halve wasted food," said Dana Gunders, president of ReFED. "But progress is being made, and our hope is that these bright spots demonstrate that change is possible—with the right combination of motivation, stakeholder alignment, and funding." More of this article (resource.co) - link - more like this (U.S.) - link - more like this (food waste) - link - more like this (Ohio) - link

(GUF 2.0) DIE ZUKUNFT DER ARESOLS - SIMPLER

 More like this (Simpler Recycling) - link

(GRE) LIDL TO INCREASE PLANT BASED FOOD SALES

German discount retailer Lidl will increase the share of plant-based food sales by 20% across all 31 countries it operates in by the end of the decade, with support from the WWF.

Extending its reputation as a food sustainability pioneer, Lidl International has committed to increasing the proportion of plant-based proteins, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains sold by 20% by 2030.

The retailer is the first to announce such a strategy across all 31 countries it operates in. It supports the Germany-headquartered company’s Conscious Nutrition strategy to offer a food range in line with the Planetary Health Diet, and applies not just to its private-label lineup, but also third-party brands, and standard and promotional ranges.

It’s also an extension of Lidl’s five-year partnership with the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), which was established last summer and namechecked sustainable diets as one of the pillars. In October, the conservation organisation introduced a methodology to help retailers align their sales with their climate goals, a tool Lidl is using as part of this move.

Lidl has been pushing to ramp up its sustainability efforts over the last year. It recently expanded its reduction targets for scope 3 emissions (which make up over 99% of its climate footprint) – it now aims to lower these by 35% over the next decade, and curb emissions from agriculture, forestry and land use by 42.4%.

Selling a greater amount of plant-based food to replace animal protein sales is the most effective way to do so, given that meat and dairy production alone makes up at least half of the retailer’s scope 3 emissions.

In 2023, the company – which owns the own-label Vemondo range – committed to doubling the share of its plant-based meat and dairy sales by 2030. And over the next year, it marginally increased the proportion of vegan meat sales from 11.1% to 11.8%, and non-dairy products from 6.1% to 6.6%.

Now, it’s vowed to grow plant-based sales by 20% from a 2023 baseline. “For years, we have been developing our product range with a focus on conscious nutrition,” said Stefan Haensel, senior VP of quality and sustainability at Lidl International.

“In the past, we have created a strong foundation for a Conscious Nutrition strategy, which we can now build on to pursue our new, ambitious goals for the future,” he added.

To achieve this goal, Lidl will monitor and report the ratio of animal and plant protein sources to add more sustainable and healthy plant-based sources to its offering. It will rely on the WWF’s methodology, which provides retailers with a stepwise approach to drive the protein transition. More of this article (green queen) - link - more like this (food) - link - more like this (Germany) - link

(GUF) ARESOLS - NEW LEGISLATION

The Simpler Recycling legislation explicitly includes empty aerosols in the list of recyclable metal waste. 

However, the Hazardous Waste Regulations 2005 classify waste aerosols from businesses as hazardous waste, even if they appear empty, due to potential residual pressure, chemical traces, or previous contents.

This creates a clear regulatory conflict:

• Simpler Recycling → Says empty aerosols should be recycled as metal.
• Hazardous Waste Regulations → Says all waste aerosols from businesses are hazardous waste.

Key Issues with This Conflict

• No Clarity on Declassification: The Hazardous Waste Regulations do not provide guidance on when an aerosol ceases to be hazardous (i.e., whether ‘empty’ means safe).

• Enforcement Contradiction: If a business recycles empty aerosols, are they complying with Simpler Recycling but breaching Hazardous Waste Regulations?

• Quantity & Safety Risks: Large numbers of aerosols (e.g., 200+ cans) could still present fire/explosion risks, even if technically empty.

Potential Solutions

• DEFRA/Environment Agency Clarification Needed: DEFRA must explicitly address whether fully emptied aerosols from businesses should be treated as non-hazardous.

• Recycling Facilities’ Role: Waste contractors need clear, consistent guidance on whether they can lawfully accept aerosols in standard metal recycling.

• Industry Exemptions? The government may need to issue exemptions or guidance updates to prevent businesses from being caught in a compliance trap.

At present, this overlap/contradiction appears to be an oversight. Businesses should err on the side of caution and consult their waste contractor and local Environment Agency office before assuming aerosols can be freely recycled.

This is exactly the kind of regulatory tangle that fuels the Dunning-Kruger Effect in policy-making—someone, somewhere, likely made this decision without fully grasping the consequences. More like this (recycling) - link - more like this (DEFRA) - link

(ICN) 10 EV BATTERY FACTORIES OPENING IN U.S. IN 2025

Article by Dan Gearino - Reporter, Clean Energy

Ten new electric vehicle battery factories are on track to go online this year in the United States. This includes large plants from global battery giants such as Panasonic, Samsung and SK On, and automakers such as Ford, Honda, Hyundai, Stellantis and Toyota.

If they all open in 2025, the country’s EV battery manufacturing capacity is poised to grow to 421.5 gigawatt-hours per year, an increase of 90 percent from the end of 2024, according to Benchmark Mineral Intelligence, the United Kingdom-based research firm.

But this industry is seeing some storm clouds. The Trump administration is taking steps that would reduce demand for EVs. And two battery startups—Kore Power and Freyr—recently canceled plans for new U.S. factories.

I don’t blame anyone who looks at this landscape and wonders if a battery bust is coming. But I see a boom that’s still in its early stages—although the uncertainty is dialed up to uncomfortable levels. I spoke with analysts this week to get a sense of the significance of the growth and also what factors could undermine the success of the new plants. The great unknown is how far the Trump administration may go to change the laws and rules that provide tax incentives to the plants and support growth of EV market share.

Even if the government took action to undo tax credits for battery manufacturing, these plants are too far along in their development to be canceled, said Evan Hartley, a battery industry analyst for Benchmark.

“They’re already built,” he said. “You can’t stop it, and the momentum is there. And most of them are in Republican states. It’s difficult to take away many thousands of jobs promised to your key voter base.”

So, whether Trump likes it or not, he is about to preside over a banner year for the United States as a major player in EV batteries, thanks in large part to the policies of his predecessor, Joe Biden.

Each of the new plants is a major economic development story for its region. More of this article (Inside Climate News) - link - more like this (ev batteries) - link - more like this (Donald Trump) - link

(PVM) H2 VALLES PROGRAM

The Spanish government has published the provisional call for grants for large renewable hydrogen valleys in the country.

The government wants to allocate €1.2 billion ($1.24 billion) of NextGenEU funds to seven projects in Aragon, Andalusia, Castile and Leon, Catalonia, and Galicia.

“The seven beneficiaries of the H2 Valles program propose developments with a total electrolysis capacity of 2,278 MW for the production of renewable hydrogen in 11 separate facilities, as the terms of the call allow more than one site per cluster if the distance between them is less than 100 km,” explained the Ministry for Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge (Miteco). The majority of the funds will target Aragon and Andalusia. More of this article (pv magazine) - link - more like this (hydrogen) - link - more like this (Spain) - link

(INT) BYD PREDICT SOLID STATE EV WITHIN 2 YEARS

A leading Chinese EV maker that achieved several breakthroughs in solid-state battery tech has now confirmed to adopt it for large-scale EV manufacturing. BYD is in the process of launching its EV powered by all-solid-state batteries (SSBs). Such SSBs feature solid electrolytes instead of liquid electrolytes that are used in lithium-ion batteries.

These cells could be safer than lithium ones for EV operations, and by changing electrolytes from liquid to solid, batteries can achieve a variety of outstanding characteristics.

The company plans to use sulfide-based solid-state batteries that will mainly be used in higher-end vehicles.

Sun Huajun, the CTO of BYD’s battery business (Shenzen BYD Lithium Battery Co), revealed that BYD expects its first EVs with all-solid-state batteries to arrive within two years. Sun also highlighted that the first two years will serve as a demonstration phase with limited production.

In the next five years, the company expects that the new battery tech could be adopted on a large scale. BYD claimed that the sulfide electrolytes can last longer, offer faster charging, and have more stable functions for EVs.

The company’s executives expect the cost of solid-state ternary batteries to become comparable to liquid ternary batteries, though reaching volume production is expected to take at least a few years. Solid-state EV batteries are expected to have substantially increased energy density, ultimately offering better driving range along with faster charging times, according to a report.

Currently, BYD is the world’s second-largest battery maker behind Contemporary Amperex Technology Co., which is also based in China. Last year, BYD installed a total battery capacity of 153.7 GWh across its products for a 17.2 percent global market share, following CATL, which held about 37.9 percent of the market.

CATL is also planning to begin producing all-solid-state EV batteries in 2027 but in small volumes at first. More of this article (Interesting Engineering) - link - more like this (solid state batteries) - link - more like this (BYD) - link

(GUF) FUELLING THE PLASTIC REVOLUTION

With countries setting net-zero targets and pushing for cleaner energy, we're seeing the rise of electric vehicles, renewable energy and efficiency regulations resulting in less demand for petrol and diesel.

With fuel demand stagnating/shrinking, oil companies are betting big on plastic as their next profit engine. The more we rely on plastic, the more we ensure oil remains a dominant industry even as the world shifts away from fossil fuels.

At present, the vast majority of plastics come from petrochemicals derived from crude oil and natural gas - ethylene, propylene, benzene, and other key plastic feedstocks come directly from oil refining and gas processing.

By 2040, nearly 20% of global oil consumption is expected to be for plastics, up from around 8-10% today; the biggest growth in packaging, textiles and consumer goods, especially in developing economies. Plastic production is expected to triple by 2050, meaning more crude oil will be used for plastic instead of fuel.

Oil companies are currently investing heavily in new plastic production plants, particularly in Asia, the U.S. and the Middle East. Their business model relies on more plastic, not less.

In reality most plastics are not recycled; they're burned, buried or landfilled which keeps demand high and allows companies to sell more virgin product. We, the public are told that if we sort our waste correctly, the plastic will be recycled, however, unfortunately, the reality is that only around 9% of all plastic ever produced to date has been recycled making plastic recycling effectively a convenient myth, perpetuated not for environmental reasons but to serve big business and political interests.

Plastic Recycling: the big illusion – whilst high-quality PET and HDPE get recycled (to an extent), most other plastics are currently either too contaminated or too expensive to process - we need change.

At present, we are to a large degree exporting our problem. Investing in UK-based recycling infrastructure is expensive; dumping the problem on other countries remains the easier (and cheaper) option, regrettably, often to countries with weak processing infrastructure. Officially, once the material leaves our shores, it's classified as “recycled” but in reality, much of it ends up Illegally dumped, burned in the open or polluting rivers and oceans.

Simpler Recycling won’t fix the core issue – If there’s no demand for a material, it won’t be recycled, no matter how neatly people sort it. The UK badly needs our own reprocessing facilities – without local infrastructure, we’ll forever be at the mercy of export markets.

All of this considered, Simpler Recycling is a much needed first step. We (the human race) have two choices with regards to waste plastic, we burn it or we recycle it and for this reason we must do more, get better and be more honest about how crap we currently are at recycling.

With the implementation of EPR, hopefully, the funding will start flowing from the producers to the UK waste industry within which we have many brilliant people and companies. More like this (best exporters of crap) - link - more like this (oil) - link

(NAT) 21ST CENTURY NIGHT SOIL

A decade after it was first revealed, London's "super sewer" is now finally complete. The £5 billion (US$6.3 billion) project is expected to revolutionize the handling of human waste in the British capital.

The Thames Tideway Tunnel connects to London's existing Victorian-era sewer system at 21 different points, boosting its capacity. The original 150-year-old sewer system was severely overwhelmed, having been designed to serve a maximum of four million people but required to handle over double that, resulting in human waste and stormwater runoff being regularly dumped in the Thames, a major river in the area.

The super sewer has a length of 25 km (15.5 miles). Its main tunnel is 7.2 m in diameter (23.7 ft), the equivalent of three London double decker buses, while its connection tunnels are either 5 m (16.4 ft) in diameter or 2 m (6.6 ft) in diameter. It has a capacity of 1.6 million cubic m (roughly 56.5 million cubic ft), which is a whole lot of sewage.

Construction on the project began in earnest in 2016 at 24 sites around London. Over 20 deep shafts – some as wide as the dome of St Paul's Cathedral – were constructed across the city. Six tunneling machines were used in all and were named in honor of inspirational women from the local area, including women's rights campaigners, a charitable doctor and a female scientist.

Thanks to the new system, the equivalent of 2,200 Olympic-sized swimming pools of sewage has been prevented from entering the river, to date. There's still work to do, however, and the team will be monitoring its performance during heavy rainfall.

"This is another significant step forward – with this final connection complete, the super sewer is fully up and running and protecting the Thames," says Tideway CEO Andy Mitchell said. "Our next step is to test it in storm conditions – which is why we are keeping a close eye on the weather – and we will do this over the coming months. We are at the start of a new chapter for London and its river. Our mission has always been about creating not just a tunnel, but a healthier, thriving environment for the river and its inhabitants. We look forward to seeing a real impact in the years to come and sharing everything we learn about the positive changes." More of this article (New Atlas) - link - more like this (turd power) - link - more like this (green London) - link

(UOR) WAR INCREASES EMISSIONS

Global aviation carbon dioxide emissions increased by 1% in 2023 because planes had to fly longer routes to avoid Russian airspace, according to a new study.

After Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, Western airlines were banned from flying over Russia. This forced them to take much longer routes between Europe or North America and East Asia, burning more fuel in the process.

Published today (Wednesday, 12 February) in Communications Earth & Environment, the study found that detours caused by the Ukraine war led to planes using 13% more fuel on average compared to their original routes. The impact was even greater for flights between Europe and Asia, which saw a 14.8% increase in fuel consumption. Flights between North America and Asia experienced a smaller but still significant 9.8% increase.

Professor Nicolas Bellouin, currently seconded to the Institut Pierre-Simon Laplace (Sorbonne University/École Polytechnique/UVSQ),co-authored the research from the University of Reading. He said: “After the invasion of Ukraine, there was a drop in flights between Western countries and East Asia as airlines adjusted their routes. Over time, flights resumed but had to take significant detours, either flying south of Russia or over the Arctic.

“The affected flights make up about 1,100 flights per day, but the extra distance they must fly has a notable impact on aviation's overall carbon footprint. These detours added 8.2 million tonnes of CO2 to global aviation emissions in 2023.”

The research team used flight tracking data and sophisticated computer models to calculate how much extra fuel planes use on their new routes. Their analysis took into account factors like wind patterns, which can significantly affect fuel consumption.

Airspace restrictions over Libya, Syria, and Yemen were also considered by the research team. They found conflicts in each country affect between 60 and 100 flights per day. Planes avoiding Libyan airspace used 2.7% more fuel on average, while those avoiding Syria saw a 2.9% increase. The detours around Yemen had a slightly bigger impact, with planes using 4.3% more fuel. However, because these restrictions affect relatively few flights and require shorter detours, their impact on global aviation emissions was less than 0.2%. More of this article (aviation) - link - more like this (UOR) - link - more like this (war) - link

(GUF) OVERBLOWN RECYCLING

"Simpler Recycling" is being hyped up like it's the second coming of waste management but for most businesses already doing things properly, it’s a mild tweak at best; not earth shattering, not a full-scale revolution.

Some businesses will certainly need to add a food waste bin or finally get around to proper recycling (where have you been?) but if you're already working with a decent waste service provider, you’re probably already ahead of the game and wondering why some waste companies are acting like a recycling meteorite is about to hit - it really isn’t.

In truth, the marketing teams spinning this as an "urgent, game-changing" shift when, in reality, it's mostly common sense repackaged are doing nobody any favours and are possibly making their own companies look a bit, well, simple! More like this (recycling) - link - more like this (rubbish) - link

(WEV) BEHOLD THE BLACK BADGE SPECTRE

Rolls-Royce has introduced the Black Badge Spectre, an enhanced version of its all-electric Spectre coupe, claiming the title of the most powerful car in the company’s history. Designed to appeal to clients who seek a more dynamic edge alongside traditional Rolls-Royce luxury, the Black Badge Spectre delivers increased performance, revised handling, and a distinctive aesthetic.

The standout feature of the Black Badge Spectre is its powertrain, delivering 485 kW (659 hp) and an impressive 1075 Nm of torque. This output allows the luxury coupe to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.1 seconds, a remarkable feat for a vehicle of its size and class. Two new driving modes—Infinity Mode and Spirited Mode—enhance the driving experience, offering bursts of power reminiscent of the historic Rolls-Royce Merlin aircraft engines.

Infinity Mode, activated via a dedicated button on the steering wheel, unleashes the full power output – adding in an additional 73bhp – while sharpening throttle response. This feature comes from something that Rolls Royce included in the Spitfire fighter planes in World War II, in order to help pilots escape from tricky situations.

Spirited Mode takes things further, allowing drivers to engage maximum torque from a standstill by simultaneously pressing the brake and accelerator until the system signals readiness. This mode ensures an immediate surge of power for overtaking or spirited driving. This will get you to 60mph in 4 seconds. More of this article (Which EV) - link - more like this (electric cars) - link - more like this (Rolls-Royce) - link

(NAT) BLADES TO ROADS

As much as wind turbines are great for producing clean energy, disposing of them when the time comes can be challenging. Researchers in China have hit upon a clever way to use discarded blades to build long-lasting roads – a method that could come in handy as we erect and decommission more turbines over time.

While most parts from old wind turbines can be recycled or reused, including the shell, nacelle, and metallic internal components, the long blades are typically made from fiberglass. That's especially true of blades that are reaching the end of their lifespan now, after having been in use for the last couple of decades.

In 2023, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) in Denver, Colorado, estimated that between 3,000 and 9,000 turbine blades will be retired each year for the next 5 years in the US alone; that figure would then increase to between 10,000 and 20,000 until 2040.

Now consider how big the problem could be across Europe and China, which have the world's largest wind turbines. The largest turbine we know of, a 26-MW-generating behemoth set to be completed in China by Dongfang, has a blade diameter of 1,107 ft (310 m).

As turbines and wind farms with multiple turbines get bigger and bigger, both onshore and offshore, it'll be increasingly important to figure out what to do with all those blades. The properties that make these blades light, strong, and weather-resistant also make them hard to recycle.

A team from the Lanzhou Institute of Chemical Physics at the Chinese Academy of Sciences, has devised a process of crushing and chemically treating old blades so they can be combined into asphalt mixtures and cement concrete for constructing roads.

The researchers actually figured this out in 2024, and trailed it with a construction company last September. Five months after creating the asphalt mixture and laying a section of the Qingfu Highway in the northwest Chinese city of Lanzhou, the road has reportedly not developed any cracks or rutting. More of this article (New Atlas) - link - more like this (wind turbines) - link - more like this (China) - link

(GUF) PLA - MAGICAL OR MYTHICAL

Polylactic Acid (PLA) is often marketed as a compostable alternative to traditional plastics, but the reality in the UK waste industry is a bit more complicated. PLA is certified compostable to EN13432, however............

Is PLA Compostable?

Technically, yes - under industrial composting conditions. PLA requires high temperatures (above 55°C), moisture, and microbial activity to break down effectively. However:

• It won't degrade in home compost bins.
• It won't break down in landfill.
• It won't decompose if littered in the environment like organic waste.

Does the UK Waste Industry Accept PLA?

Mostly no, and here's why:

• Limited Industrial Composting Facilities 

While a handful of composting sites in the UK can process PLA, the majority don't because it takes longer to break down than food and garden waste. Many facilities reject it outright.

• Contamination Issues

PLA looks like conventional plastic, so it often gets mixed with recyclables, contaminating plastic recycling streams.

• Lack of Clear Collection Infrastructure 

There isn’t a widespread, standardised system for collecting and processing PLA separately.

Where Does PLA Actually End Up?

• Best Case: If disposed of in a specialist industrial composting facility (IVC) e.g., via some food waste bins in certain areas, it can break down.

• Worst Case: If put in general waste, it goes to landfill or incineration, which defeats the whole point of using PLA as an "eco-friendly" option.

The Verdict?

PLA isn't truly compostable in a way that aligns with the UK's current waste infrastructure. Until collection and processing systems improve, it’s often just another form of waste that doesn’t live up to its green reputation. If you're looking for genuinely sustainable alternatives, reusable solutions or materials like paper-based compostable packaging (which breaks down much more easily) might be better. More like this (PLA) - link - more like this (random) - link

(GUF) DESIGNED OUT RECYCLING

Extended Producer Responsibility: - the food/packaging industries have had decades to self-regulate and what have we got? Compostable plastics that don’t compost, ‘recyclable’ materials that no MRF wants to touch, and an ever-growing pile of greenwashed crap.

Legislation with real consequences is the only way to fix this mess.

Strict bans or taxes on non-recyclable materials 

If it can't be economically and practically recycled at scale, it shouldn't be on the market. Simple.

A mandatory limited set of polymers 

Standardise packaging to PET, HDPE, and maybe one or two others. No more Frankenstein blends.

Prove recyclability BEFORE market entry

Manufacturers should have to demonstrate that their packaging is actually being recycled, not just theoretically recyclable.

Enforceable producer responsibility

If a company floods the market with waste, they should be the ones paying to deal with it.

The technology to sort and recycle is always improving but we can’t sort our way out of bad design. Until governments actually get serious and start penalising manufacturers for creating waste that can’t be processed, the burden will keep falling on the waste industry and ultimately, the taxpayer. More like this (recycling) - link - more like this (packaging) - link

(GUF) FROM EFW TO RDF VIA CBAM

The export of Refuse Derived Fuel (RDF) from Britain is set to surge in 2025, driven by a combination of rising landfill taxes, increasing EfW gate fees, and fluctuating domestic capacity. Here’s why RDF exports are about to boom:

1. The Landfill Tax Sledgehammer

With landfill tax jumping over 20% to £126.15 per tonne in April 2025, burying waste in the UK is becoming prohibitively expensive. Businesses looking for cheaper disposal routes will turn to RDF exports as a cost-effective alternative.

2. Domestic EfW Constraints

While some new EfW plants are coming online, rising carbon taxes and gate fees (expected to top £100 per tonne) mean that sending waste abroad may be more economical. The UK’s Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) could push operators to seek cheaper, less regulated markets for their waste.

3. Europe’s Appetite for RDF

Countries like the Netherlands, Germany, and Sweden have well-established EfW infrastructure and rely on RDF imports to feed their plants. Some European EfW facilities can offer lower gate fees compared to rising UK prices. Scandinavian countries, Poland, and even parts of Asia are also becoming increasingly interested in RDF imports.

4. Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) & Future Restrictions

There is growing discussion about a Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) to level the playing field between domestic treatment and exports. If such a mechanism is introduced, the financial benefits of RDF exports could shrink—but until then, exporters will take full advantage of cost differentials. What is CBAM - link

5. Risks of "Waste Tourism" & Regulatory Scrutiny

The UK government is aware that without proper controls, waste tourism could undermine carbon reduction goals. Expect tighter regulations and more scrutiny on RDF exports to ensure waste is treated properly and not dumped illegally.

What’s the Bottom Line?

1. 2025 will see a record-breaking surge in RDF exports as businesses look for the cheapest waste disposal options.
2. European EfW plants will be the main beneficiaries, though opportunities in Asia and other regions may grow.

3. The UK government could introduce regulatory barriers or financial penalties to curb excessive exports.

4. In the long run, balancing domestic EfW capacity, carbon costs, and international trade regulations will be key to managing RDF flows sustainably.

For now, RDF exporters are in for a bumper year—but how long this trend lasts will depend on future policies and market forces. More like this (ETS) - link - more like this (waste) - link

(WEV) BEHOLD - THE RENAULT FILANTE RECORD 2025

Renault has unveiled its groundbreaking Filante Record 2025, an electric demo car designed to push the boundaries of energy efficiency and set new records for power consumption and range. 

Unveiled ahead of its public debut at the Rétromobile show in Paris (5-9 February 2025), the single-seater vehicle, with its striking design and innovative technologies, promises to be a significant step forward in electric vehicle development.

The Filante Record 2025, sporting an 87 kWh battery – the same capacity as the Renault Scenic E-Tech electric – aims to demonstrate what's possible in the pursuit of sustainable mobility. Its streamlined form, measuring 5.12 metres long and just 1.19 metres tall, coupled with a remarkably low weight of 1,000 kg, is a testament to Renault's focus on aerodynamic efficiency.

This isn't just a show car; it's a “laboratory on wheels,” according to Renault, designed to test new technologies, materials, and innovations. Unique friction-reducing tyres, along with steer-by-wire and brake-by-wire systems, are just some of the features being explored. The car draws inspiration from Renault's rich history of record-breaking vehicles, including the 40 CV des Records (1925) and the Étoile Filante (1956), both of which set historic records for the brand.

Sandeep Bhambra, Director of Advanced Design at Renault and Ampere, described the vehicle as a “sculpture in motion,” drawing parallels with fighter planes and 19th-century speed records. The design emphasizes both performance and timeless elegance, with every surface crafted to capture light and showcase the car's flowing lines. The distinctive Ultraviolet Blue colour, reminiscent of the 40 CV des Records, further underscores the connection to Renault's heritage.

The Filante Record 2025's design also incorporates elements inspired by the world of aeronautics. The protective aerodynamic bubble of the cabin evokes the cockpit of a fighter jet, while the meticulously optimised bodywork minimizes drag. The front and rear wheel fairings not only contribute to the vehicle's striking aesthetic but also play a crucial role in its aerodynamic performance. More of this article (WhichEV) - link - more like this (ev) - link - more like this (Renault) - link

(ICN) NO RIGHT TO WATER - REALLY

CHESTNUT, Alabama - For Valentino Thames, it’s become a routine. Just another part of everyday life.......

At least once a week, he makes a trip of more than 25 miles to the nearest Walmart, located in the county seat of Monroeville, to buy gallons and gallons of water—enough for him and his wife Linda to drink, cook and wash themselves until the next week, when they’ll have to do it all again.

He’s one of dozens in Chestnut, a small, majority-Black community in south-central Alabama, that lack access to public water. Like Thames, many residents are forced to travel dozens of miles to access or buy water for everything from drinking to personal hygiene, a result of private wells that are deteriorating or have in some cases fallen into complete disrepair. For years, they’ve pressured public officials without success to extend water infrastructure to Chestnut.

“I don’t understand it,” Thames said. “It seems like they come up with reason after reason to keep us from getting water. We’re trying as hard as we know how.”

Across Alabama, around 800,000 people—about 20 percent of the state’s population—rely on private water supplies, like wells, for drinking water, according to state estimates. That reality often has socioeconomic and racial implications, too.

In some places, such as Athens, just under 100 miles north of Birmingham, and Prichard, just north of Mobile, most whites have reliable municipal water and sewer service while many Black residents suffer from deteriorated or nonexistent water infrastructure.

Across the state, money and power can often determine where the water flows, experts say. And there are other risks, as a rapidly warming climate brings heat waves and drought, extreme weather and flooding. Summers, too, are simply getting hotter. As many as one-fifth of the world’s wells are at risk of drying up in the near-term, researchers have concluded.

Among public officials, Chestnut’s situation is no secret. It’s an inconvenient truth.

On Monday, residents of Chestnut attended a meeting of the town council of Beatrice, the nearest community with a municipal water supply. They hoped to get a commitment that if grant money were found for the project, Beatrice leaders would allow for a water connection and sell Chestnut residents water as they do their own citizens.

Billy Ghee represents the area on the Monroe County Commission, which is the governing body for unincorporated parts of the county like the Chestnut community. He pitched residents’ request to Beatrice town officials, who refused to allow Chestnut residents to speak. Both towns are predominantly Black. More of this article (Inside Climate News) - link - no right to water - link - more like this (drinking water) - link - more like this (Alabama) - link

(NAT) PIPISTREL NUUVA V300 - MAJOR MILESTONE

Hybrid-electric aircraft maker Pipistrel just pushed its Nuuva V300 electric vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) craft through a major milestone. In the video below you can see it break the chains of gravity and hover midair in a first for the vehicle.

Most of the work that's been done in the development of VTOL craft has been in the passenger and personal flight sector. With the first fully certified eVTOL cleared for commercial air taxi work, the announcement that Pivotal Helix was set to begin shipping its single-seat electric VTOL last summer, and CycloTech announcing that it plans to test a new electric VTOL propulsion system this year in its BlackBird flying car, it won't be much longer before eVTOLs can whisk us Jetson-like from work to home or holiday.

Meanwhile, since winning NASA's Green Flight Challenge way back in 2011, Slovenian aircraft maker Pipstrel has been steadily developing hybrid and electric craft. In 2022, the company's Velis Electro became the world's first electric plane to be awarded type certification by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency. And now, the company has reached another milestone as its Nuuva V300 hybrid-electric VTOL has successfully completed its first hover test, as you can see in the following video.

First announced in 2020, the Nuuva V300 steps away from the passenger VTOL, into the realm of long-distance cargo carrying. According to Pipistrel, the craft is designed to carry payloads of 600 lb (272 kg) up to distances of 300 nautical miles (555.6 km) using its combo electric/gas powertrain. Its cargo can be loaded through the lift-up nose and can be distributed over about 100 cubic feet (2.8 cubic meters) of storage area inside. The craft operates autonomously, although it is overseen by a ground-control operator. More of this article (New Atlas) - link - more like this (evtol) - link - more like this (NASA) - link

(INT) SRI LANKANS GO BANANAS OVER POWERCUT

Sri Lanka experienced a nationwide power outage on Sunday after a monkey interfered with an electrical grid in a Colombo suburb. The power failure began at approximately 11:00 local time (05:30 GMT), plunging the island nation into darkness.

Authorities worked to restore power in some areas, but the full duration of the outage remained unclear. Energy Minister Kumara Jayakody confirmed that the incident caused an imbalance in the system.

“A monkey has come in contact with our grid transformer, causing an imbalance in the system,” Energy Minister Kumara Jayakody said, as per reports. The incident occurred in the southern part of Colombo, and engineers were working to restore power as quickly as possible.

By late Sunday, some areas had their electricity back, though it remained unclear how long it would take to stabilize the grid fully. The Ceylon Electricity Board confirmed the power disruption originated from an emergency at a substation but did not provide additional details.

Past power struggles resurface

The blackout reminded Sri Lankans of the severe power cuts they endured during the economic crisis of 2022. That year, the country faced months of electricity shortages as fuel supplies dwindled.

With fuel stations running out of petrol and diesel, thermal power plants were forced to ration electricity, leaving residents without power for up to 13 hours per day. The latest outage, though caused by an unexpected animal encounter, highlighted the fragility of the country’s power infrastructure. More of this article (Interesting Engineering) - link - more like this (Sri Lanka) - link - more like this (failure) - link - more like this (grid) - link

(EDI) STARMER BACKS NUCLEAR

As part of the Labour-led Government’s plans to decarbonise the UK’s power grid by 2030 and increase infrastructure investment, Prime Minister Keir Starmer will today (6 February) unveil a string of proposed changes to planning rules for nuclear power plants. These will be open to consultation until midday on 3 April.

Currently, nuclear development is restricted to eight sites across England and Wales. Ministers will seek to put an end to this, with particular consideration to the potential for SMRs to be developed in locations unsuitable for large power plants.

Ministers foresee the UK’s first SMRs coming online in the early 2030s. Some developers are aiming to have them operational a few years earlier if possible.

The Government has stated that developers of SMRs may well want to co-locate them with energy-intensive sites such as industrial clusters or data centres that support artificial intelligence (AI). Should its proposals be implemented, developers would be required to specify sites as soon as possible in the pre-application stage in the planning process.

Restrictions for nuclear development will still apply near densely populated areas and military sites.

Starmer said: “This country hasn’t built a nuclear power station in decades. we’ve been let down, and left behind. Our energy security has been hostage to Putin for too long, with British prices skyrocketing at his whims. I’m putting an end to it.”

He emphasised that other markets including China and the EU have outpaced the UK in nuclear development in recent years and continue to do so. More of this article (edie) - link - more like this (nuclear) - link - more like this (Stamer) - link - more like this (nuclear greenwashing) - link

(GRE) VEGAN DOG FOOD?

The founders of London-based startup Omni – which makes plant-based pet food – bagged £75,000 from two investors on Dragons’ Den UK last night. Plant-based food continues to succeed on the small screen, with dog food maker Omni becoming the latest vegan company to win over investors on TV.

Guy Sandelowsky and Shiv Sivakumar, who founded the pet nutrition startup in 2020, appeared on the UK edition of Dragons’ Den on Thursday night and struck a joint deal with Deborah Meaden and Steven Bartlett.

The famous investors agreed to pour £75,000 into the startup in exchange for a collective 2.5% equity stake, valuing the vegan dog food business at £3M.

“I had already been looking for a healthy, balanced alternative to processed-meat dog food, so when Guy and Shiv presented Omni and its credentials as a highly nutritional, vet-formulated choice, I was bound to invest. Trust in a product is hugely important to dog owners,” said Meaden.

“The big test came, though, after the den, when I offered the food and treats to my pack of dogs, and they literally woofed them down – that certainly sealed the deal,” she added.

Omni sells a range of vet-formulated foods and supplements for dogs, such as No-Chicken Pot Pie, No-Beef Casserole, breath supplements, and Training Treats for physical and mental health. The products are catered to pets with sensitivities, allergies, anxiety, and gut issues, among others.

Sandelowsky and Sivakumar began thier pitch asking for £75,000 for a 1% stake in Omni. “I’m a small-animal vet that’s been in practice for just shy of 10 years, and I’ve seen a number of nutrition-related diseases in our pets,” Sandelowsky explained.

“At Omni, we believe that novel proteins – like those derived from yeast, pules, algae, and soon lab-grown meat – can be healthy and as delicious as traditional meat-based diets,” he added.

The company generated over £2.5M in sales in 2022 and 2023, and 80% of its 30,000-strong customer base are subscribers. It has delivered more than five million meals to pets globally. 

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I can't help thinking that owning a dog and making it eat vegetables simply doesn't compute in terms of vegan idelogy - clearly I'm wrong?

(MON) FROM STORE TO SOURCE

The Arctic region has shifted from storing carbon dioxide to releasing it into the atmosphere, according to the 2024 Arctic Report Card released by the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

The report, authored by 97 scientists from 11 countries, documents widespread changes across the Arctic, from declining caribou populations to record-breaking temperatures. Scientists say this rapid warming is reshaping the region’s environmental and human systems.

“It’s not particularly surprising, although it’s still really sobering,” Twila Moon, deputy lead scientist at the National Snow and Ice Data Center at the University of Colorado Boulder and an editor of this year’s report, told Mongabay.

The Arctic is Earth’s northernmost region, centered around the Arctic Ocean and surrounded by the lands of North America, Europe and Asia. The treeless tundra that rings the Arctic Ocean covers an area nearly twice the size of Alaska.

This region has historically served as Earth’s freezer. Its permanently frozen ground, called permafrost, stores more than half of all the carbon stored in the Earth’s soil, which has accumulated over thousands of years. More of this article (Mongabay) - link - more like this (Arctic) - link - more like this (CO2) - link

(WMW) IFAT HEADING TO SAUDI ARABIA

In an ambitious move to bring cutting-edge environmental technologies to the Middle East, Messe München has announced its first trade fair in Saudi Arabia. 

The globally renowned organizer of trade exhibitions is partnering with Saudi Arabia’s National Center for Waste Management (MWAN) to introduce IFAT, the world’s premier trade fair for environmental solutions, to Riyadh in 2026.

The formal agreement was sealed on January 27, 2025, during a ceremony in Riyadh. Stefan Rummel, CEO of Messe München, and Dr. Abdullah Al Sebaei, CEO of MWAN, signed a Memorandum of Understanding in the presence of Saudi Minister of Economy, Water, and Agriculture, His Excellency Abdurrahman bin Abdul Mohsen Al-Fadhli. This landmark partnership signifies a critical step forward in advancing environmental solutions in one of the world’s fastest-developing regions.

Unlocking potential in Saudi Arabia

The addition of Saudi Arabia to IFAT’s global network—already comprising 12 successful trade fairs across seven countries—highlights the region's increasing focus on sustainable development. Scheduled for January 26-28, 2026, at the Riyadh Front Exhibition & Conference Center, the event aims to unite key players in the fields of waste management, water conservation, and environmental technologies across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA).

"Saudi Arabia represents tremendous untapped potential for environmental technologies," said Rummel. "Through this partnership, we are confident that IFAT will play a pivotal role in shaping the region's sustainable future while also enhancing Munich’s own trade fair ecosystem."

MWAN’s CEO, Dr. Abdullah Al Sebaei, echoed this enthusiasm, noting the strides Saudi Arabia has made in revolutionizing its waste management sector. “We are embarking on a transformative journey to embed circular economy principles into our regulatory and planning frameworks,” he said. “Our partnership with Messe München will attract local and international investors to help build a modern and advanced waste infrastructure that reflects Saudi Arabia’s ambitions for the coming decade.” More of this article (Waste Management World) - link - more like this (Riyadh) - link - more like this (Saudia Arabia) - link

(GUF) WHEN LIFE GIVES YOU LEMONS

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(GUF) 18 UNTIL YOU PASS A MIRROR

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(BUR) BANKING ON OIL

Less than a hundred miles from where world leaders were discussing how to meet their climate pledges at Cop29, BP was drilling for gas.

The Shafag-Asiman project, a sprawling gas field off the Azerbaijani coast, could inject more than 1 billion tonnes of carbon into the atmosphere. That is more than the UK would emit over three years, striking a major blow to efforts to slow down global warming.

BP has said it intends to invest heavily in new oil and gas fields in the coming years. But it would be unable to pursue these dirty projects without billions in support from big banks. NatWest, for one, helped BP raise almost $500m last year in an apparent breach of its climate commitments.

Banks will be in focus at Cop29, currently underway in Baku, Azerbaijan, as world leaders discuss how to raise trillions of dollars for countries suffering the effects of climate change. Although talks are unlikely to address their continued support for dirty energy, more than 140 banks worldwide have pledged to cut emissions associated with their lending and investments to almost zero by 2050.

In May 2021, the IEA, the global body coordinating countries’ energy policies, sounded the alarm. Any new oil and gas developments would make it inevitable that temperatures would rise by more than 1.5 degrees. In other words, they would devastate the planet.

Meanwhile, at BP’s Shafag-Asiman field, engineers were celebrating after finding fossil gas several thousand metres under the seabed – a new discovery that could significantly increase its output from the region. And the bankers were preparing to raise billions more for BP. That’s not all. Since May 2021, global banks that have committed to net zero have poured almost $1 trillion into companies pursuing expansion of oil and gas projects that would push the world beyond its survivable limits. Taken together these projects would produce almost seven times the annual emissions of the US.

“It’s indefensible,” said John Lang, founder of the Net Zero Tracker, which evaluates big companies’ green plans. “There’s no way we can meet the temperature goals of the Paris Agreement if we continue financing the exploration of oil and gas.”

He said banks with net zero commitments covering direct and indirect emissions could not fund oil and gas expansion. “It’s greenwashing, plain and simple.”

NatWest said it could not comment on specific customers. It said it had conducted a review into its relationships with a number of oil and gas companies “to ensure they had a credible transition plan aligned with the 2015 Paris Agreement”. It refuted the suggestion it had not met its public commitments.

BP said it is aiming to be a net zero company by 2050 or sooner and believes its strategy is consistent with the goals of the Paris Agreement. 

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