(UNE) PESTICIDE DUMPING

The UK exported 8,500 tonnes of pesticides last year that are banned on British farms because of the dangers they pose to human health and nature, a new investigation by Unearthed and Public Eye has found.

The shipments, described by campaigners as “the ultimate hypocrisy”, included thousands of tonnes of a weedkiller prohibited in the UK because of the high risk it poses to people living near fields where it is sprayed.

They also included enough of the notorious banned bee-killing insecticide thiamethoxam to spray an area bigger than England. In response to the findings, politicians and experts called on the Labour government to follow the lead of some European countries and take action to stop these exports.

“It’s deeply shocking that UK-based companies are shipping these most dangerous and deadly pesticides overseas where they can do huge harm to people and the environment despite being, rightly, banned here,” said Siân Berry, Green Party MP for Brighton Pavillion. “And it is beyond belief that this is apparently happening lawfully.” She added: “Our government cannot continue to permit this kind of exploitation.”

Under British law, when a pesticide is banned, the ban does not extend to its production or export. This leaves companies free to keep manufacturing these products in the UK to be sold in countries with weaker regulations.

By far the main beneficiary of this freedom is a single company: the Swiss-headquartered, Chinese-owned agrochemical giant Syngenta. This multinational was responsible for 98% of the banned pesticides exported from Britain last year, documents obtained under freedom of information laws show.

Farmers in Brazil told Unearthed and Public Eye, a Swiss NGO, how they experienced symptoms including tremors, temporary paralysis, and permanent eye damage after being accidentally exposed to one of those pesticides – the Syngenta-produced weedkiller diquat, which became the UK’s biggest banned pesticide export for the first time last year. More of this article (UNEARTHED) - link - more like this (pesticides) - link - more like this (Brazil) - link

(GUF) THANKS TO COKE, MCDONALD'S, AMAZON & CHINA

It’s easy to point fingers. The world’s environmental challenges have long made household names like Coca-Cola, McDonald’s, Amazon, and China the go-to villains of the sustainability story. But maybe it’s time to take a step back, reassess, and offer something a little different: thanks.

Not uncritical thanks. Not blind admiration. But a genuine nod to progress because in an era of climate anxiety and packaging panic, positive change from those with real influence deserves to be acknowledged.

1. Coca-Cola

Coca-Cola doesn’t shy away from its impact and that’s a good starting point. With a global presence that reaches even the remotest corners, their choices matter. Their recent push toward 100% recycled PET bottles in several markets, investment in closed loop systems, and trials of refillable models aren’t just box ticking exercises, they represent real shifts in how beverage giants view their environmental legacy. 

Progress may be gradual, but when Coca-Cola acts, the ripples are global.

2. McDonald’s

McDonald’s has come a long way from the days of polystyrene clamshells and excess waste. Today, they’re experimenting with reusable packaging, adopting certified sustainable sourcing for beef, coffee, and fish, and making strides toward net zero emissions. Their ambition to make every Happy Meal a little less heavy on the planet is admirable and achievable.

McDonald's feed millions daily. Changing their systems sends signals far beyond the Golden Arches.

3. Amazon

Amazon’s impact on packaging and transport is vast but so is its capacity for innovation. From introducing fully recyclable packaging to aiming for net-zero carbon by 2040 under the Climate Pledge, Amazon is using its scale to drive systemic change. Electrifying their delivery fleet and investing in renewable energy show a commitment to more than just Prime speed. 

They’ve mastered efficiency. Now, they’re applying it to sustainability.

4. China

Often criticised for emissions, China is also home to the largest solar industry, the biggest electric vehicle market, and some of the most ambitious environmental policies on the planet. Urban waste sorting, bans on non-recyclable imports, and circular economy initiatives are laying the groundwork for transformative change. With scale comes complexity but also the power to lead.

These players may not be perfect, but perfection was never the point. Progress, accountability, and momentum; that’s what we should celebrate.

So thank you. For listening. For shifting. For showing that even the largest footprints can start to lighten. More like this (Coca-Cola) - link - more like this (McDonald’s) - link - more like this (Amazon) - link - more like this (China) - link

(GUF) MASS BALANCING

When you buy a bar of chocolate, do you look out for the Fairtrade or Rainforest Alliance logos to make sure you're getting quality but at a fair price where the farmers are paid a fair amount for their cocoa?

Sticker/logo Shocker: The Mass Balance Loophole in Ethical Sourcing

Welcome to the brown murky waters of mass balance; the supply chain equivalent of saying, “It’s the thought that counts.” Under this system, companies can mix (dilute) Fairtrade certified ingredients with non-certified ones, as long as the volumes sort of balance out over time. In practice, that can mean as little as 20% Fairtrade cocoa in your bar of chocolate, yet the whole thing gets stamped as a "Fairtrade" virtue laden masterpiece.

This isn't anything new, way back in 2012, Food Manufacture magazine reported that Fairtrade chocolate was “conning consumers into feeling better” by creating the illusion that their purchase directly supported ethical farming when in reality it was more about clever accounting than cocoa ethics (Food Manufacture, 2012). The system allows brands to legally stretch ethical claims, relying on mass balance rather than full traceability. Technically allowed. Ethically... debatable.

Here's how the dilution process works: A manufacturer might purchase 100 tonnes of Fairtrade-certified cocoa but mix it with another 400 tonnes of conventional cocoa during processing. The Fairtrade beans lose their identity in the blend; they’re processed, ground, and pooled with non-certified beans. There’s no physical trace left to follow. However, the manufacturer is still permitted to label 100 tonnes of their finished chocolate as Fairtrade.

Rainforest Alliance: Different Badge, Similar Sleight-of-Hand?

Before I pin all the disappointment on Fairtrade; a peek behind the leafy green curtain of Rainforest Alliance. Unlike Fairtrade, Rainforest Alliance doesn’t pretend your whole product is certified, however it too uses mass balance but with a slightly different flavour of accountability. Companies can use the frog logo even if only a portion of an ingredient (like cocoa or tea) is certified, provided they commit to increasing that percentage over time.

Called "shared responsibility", it's nothing less than creative ethics. While Rainforest Alliance does require continuous improvement plans, including farmer training and climate resilience, the logo alone doesn’t mean 100% certified content unless it explicitly says so (Rainforest Alliance Standards).

So whether it’s frogs or Fairtrade, mass balance often means less substance, more sticker and it’s up to us, the consumers and industry folk alike to ask whether these schemes are changing the world, or just changing the packaging.

Greenwashing: When Good Intentions Get a PR Team

In an era where sustainability sells, mass balance systems have become the cheat code for brands wanting the ethical halo without the heavy lifting. This is where greenwashing comes in; the corporate art of looking virtuous while doing the bare minimum. That 2012 article from Food Manufacture was ahead of its time, calling out how Fairtrade branding could mislead well-meaning buyers, simply by making assumption do the marketing.

And the problem hasn’t gone away. According to recent analysis, many consumers still believe certification logos mean 100% traceability, when in fact they often don’t (Which?, 2023). It’s a bit like calling a pint of shandy a craft ale; technically, there’s beer in there, but it’s not what you think you're buying.

If ethical labelling wants to regain credibility, it needs more than good branding, it needs radical transparency. Because trust, once lost, isn’t just hard to win back, it’s composting in the corner with yesterday’s broken promises.

In the end, ethical labels should be a promise, not a puzzle. If a certification needs a footnote, a flowchart, and a PR team to explain what it really means, then maybe it’s not doing its job. Mass balance might keep supply chains moving, but it also keeps consumers in the dark - nodding along to feel-good labels while unknowingly funding the status quo.

The challenge now isn’t just to clean up how we farm, source, and trade, it’s to clean up the story we’re telling about it. Because if sustainability is built on trust, and that trust is built on spin, then what we’ve really created isn’t a movement — it’s marketing.
Ethics can’t be measured in percentages, and they definitely shouldn’t come with an asterisk. Mass balancing explained - palm oil - link - mass balancing - Rainforest Alliance - link - more like this (chocolate) - link - more like this (palm oil) - link

(WEV) ABARTH 600E

The Abarth 600e, derived from Fiat's model of the same name, marks a significant step up from its cousin, the Abarth 500e. While both models share a foundation, the 600e aligns more closely with Abarth’s performance ethos, positioning it as a notable contender in the electric hatchback segment.

As you might expect, the small body of the 600e Abarth packs a 280hp motor, which will get you to 60mph in a little over 5.8 seconds – on to a top speed of 124mph. However, even with eco-tyres and alight foot in perfect conditions – you won't get more than 207 miles range (WLTP). And there's your only drawback.

The brand itself has a long and illustrious history. Carlo Abarth was born in Vienna, but fell in love with Italy at an early age and was naturalised. In 1927, he joined a coachwork company called Castagna – designing motorbike and bicycle chassis. At the same time, we started racing bikes and won his first race in 1928. 

While continuing to work as an engineer, he won the European Championship five times – until a serious accident forced him to retire. In 1933, he designed a sidecar for a motorbike and in 1934, created a bike package that could beat the Orient Express over an 810 mile journey. In order to set some of his speed records, Abarth became famous for losing 30kg on a ‘largely only eating apples' diet. More of this article (WhichEV ) - link - more like this (Fiat) - link - more like this (Italy) - link

(GUF) TOTAL GUFF

In today’s hyper connected, post-linear, stakeholder-driven ecosystem, the ability to engage across verticals is no longer a nice-to-have; it’s a strategic imperative. At Guff House, I’ve taken a deep dive into the synergies between legacy materials and future-forward waste strategies, and I'm excited to circle back with those looking to disrupt the refuse space with purpose, passion, and a PowerPoint.

I'm not just talking bins - I'm enabling social media binfluencers.

As I gear up to co-create holistic solutions that drive value through the waste stream (both literally and metaphorically), I'm actively onboarding like-minded thought-flushers who aren’t afraid to get granular with granulars. If you’re someone who’s passionate about synergising on waste-based KPIs while empowering end-of-life narratives, then let’s ideate.

I'm seeking collaborators who:

• Think outside the wheelie bin
• Drive impact across the kerbside
• Know their MRFs from their MBTs
• Don’t just recycle - reimagine recycularity
• Can say “circular economy” ten times without making eye contact

This is your chance to join a ‘best in class’ cohort of zero waste ninjas and purpose-activated stakeholders, all laser-focused on landfill disruption through data-driven storytelling and compostable touchpoints.

I’ve already hosted several high-level think and drink sessions where I’ve workshopped key levers for scalable binnovation. My roadmap? It’s dynamic, it’s resilient, and it aligns perfectly with key policy pain points, which I like to call wastehacks.

What’s Next?

Let’s synchronise diaries for a virtual cup of (ethically sourced, single-origin) compost tea. I’ll unpack your pain points, recalibrate your waste goals, and explore where our bin-flows intersect. We may even map a few micro-metrics while we’re at it.

Because in this post-carbon, PFAS-aware reality, it’s not just about waste; it’s about purposeful discardment at scale.

Let’s do more than recycle. Let’s recalibrate, realign, and rubbish differently.

#ReimaginingRefuse
#TrashformationTuesday
#LandfillLegacy
#DisruptTheDumpster
#CircularitySquad
#ThinkOutsideTheCaddy
#BinThereDoneThat

In case you're wondering, nothing about this post is supposed to make any sense at all. Talking rubbish - link - more like this (rubbish) - link - more like this (rubbish) - link

(GRI) LITHIUM AND THE LICKANANTAY PEOPLE

In the main square of Peine, a village of low houses and dirt streets in Chile’s northern Atacama Desert, there is barely any movement. It’s midday and the sun beats down from a cloudless sky. At this hour, the streets remain largely empty. Every now and then, a truck interrupts the silence of its steep and cracked streets. 

But it’s not always this quiet. Although this small town has just over 300 residents, its population can quadruple after 6 p.m. when workers from across the country return from mining lithium — the mineral that has turned this remote village into a crucial link in the global energy transition.

Peine sits on the edge of the nearly 1,200-square-mile Atacama Salt Flat, or Salar de Atacama. Sitting beneath its surface, dissolved in underground saline waters called brine, is one of the largest, most concentrated reserves of lithium in the world.

The mineral is used in everything from air-conditioning, computers, ceramics, and mood-stabilizing medication to, most recently, electric vehicle batteries and renewable energy storage. As countries and industries around the globe race to adopt more climate-friendly technology, demand for lithium has spiked. The Atacama Salt Flat is an epicenter of this growth. The region contains an estimated 8.3 million tons of lithium and now supplies 30 percent of global demand annually. Chile has a national plan to increase production even more.

But this boom has reshaped the fragile Atacama ecosystem as well as the life of the 18 Indigenous settlements — which are home to the Lickanantay, or the Atacameño people — that surround the salt flat.

Trucks, heavy machinery, and pipelines now crisscross the desert landscape, transporting lithium-laden brine extracted from underground wells to a network of evaporation ponds. Under the blazing Atacama sun, water evaporates from the mixture, leaving behind piles of salt and lithium.

After evaporation, the lithium chloride from the Salar de Atacama is loaded on to trucks and carried across the desert, kicking up dust along the route to the Chilean coast. In the town of Antofagasta, the material is delivered to a chemical plant to be refined into lithium carbonate and lithium hydroxide. It is then bagged, sent 40 miles north to the Port of Angamos in Mejillones, and shipped off to destinations such as China, Korea, Japan, and the United States.

Peine — once a town of “peaceful and healthy living,” according to Sergio Cubillos, president of the community — has become a thoroughfare for contractors’ trucks and buses in the evening. Residents, newly concerned for their safety, have installed bars on their windows and gates around their patios. “There are truck thefts, and there’s drug and alcohol use. People tend to keep to themselves more,” Cubillos said. Black flags on the facades of some homes in Peine reflect the residents’ discontent. More of this article (Grist) - link - more like this (lithium) - link - more like this (Chile) - link

(ELE) EHANG BREAKTHROUGH

Chinese air taxi company EHang has established a new joint venture with JAC Motors to fund construction of a production facility for its eVTOL aircraft following the company’s first unmanned urban eVTOL flight test in Spain – the first such milestone in Europe.

The new joint venture (JV) between EHang, JAC Motors, and Guoxian Holdings will see the construction of a new construction compound in Hefei, the capital of Anhui, China. The JV hopes to integrate the city’s existing production supply chains new aircraft/eVTOL manufacturing technology, promote the standardization of key aircraft components, and establish unified industry standards in the growing air taxi space.

Founded in 1964, JAC Motors has a long history of large-scale vehicle manufacturing in China, and will bring that expertise to the new eVTOL-focused JV.

“As a comprehensive automotive enterprise group integrating the R&D, production, sales, and service of full series commercial and passenger vehicles, and covering a wide range of fields including automotive mobility and financial services, JAC Motors is strategically partnering with EHang and Guoxian Holdings to develop the low-altitude economy,” said Xingchu Xiang, Chairman, and General Manager of JAC Motors. “By leveraging Hefei’s high-quality resources, this collaboration aims to drive the high-quality growth of emerging industries.”

The company signed a strategic cooperation agreement with Hefei’ municipal government back in October of 2023, which led to the establishment of two eVTOL “vertiports” at Luogang Central Park in Hefei. Those facilities followed the construction of a similar, 5G-connected vertiport in Guangzhou, China in 2022, which, themselves, followed a $150 million funding round.

EHang received a flight license for commercial operation of its unmanned passenger air taxis the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) the following year. More of this article (electrek) - link - more like this (evtol) - link

(GAS) GUJARAT - GREEN ELECTRON CENTRAL

Electric power company Adani Energy Solutions, headquartered in Ahmedabad, has won a Rs2,800 Cr ($324m) transmission project to power a green hydrogen and green ammonia manufacturing facility in its home state of Gujarat.

The project, due to be delivered within three years, will supply green electrons for manufacturing both gases in Mundra. It involves upgrading the Navinal electrical substation by adding two large 765/400kV transformers and building a 75km 765kV double-circuit line to connect the substation to the Bhuj substation.

The project will add 150 circuit kilometres of transmission lines and 3,000 MVA of transformation capacity to the company’s portfolio. India is targeting 5 million tonnes of green hydrogen annually by 2030.

The Indian government recently awarded three-year subsidy payments to nine companies for green hydrogen production projects, with AM Green Ammonia and Waaree Clean Energy Solutions emerging as the biggest recipients.

India has allocated ₹22.39bn crores ($258.84m) to support 450,000 tonnes per year of green hydrogen production – the maximum allowable under the country’s Strategic Interventions for Green Hydrogen Transition (SIGHT) Programme. More of this article (gasworld) - link - more like this (green hydrogen) - link - more like this (green ammonia) - link - more like this (India) - link

(ICN) FRESH WATER MICROPLASTICS

At the John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge visitors center, a sculpture of a great blue heron made from recycled plastic bottles greets guests. Standing 12 feet tall, the bird draws attention to the problem of plastic pollution in the refuge and surrounding city.

In a recent study, scientists at Penn State University revealed the more insidious side of plastic pollution at the 1,000-acre refuge, an urban oasis known as a birders’ haven. After analyzing sediment samples taken at Heinz and three other watersheds across Pennsylvania, the study found increasing levels of microplastics from the 1950s to the 21st century, consistent with the boom in worldwide plastic production that continues today.

The data shows that freshwater sediment acts as a “sink” for microplastics to accumulate over time. Microplastics are small plastic particles, less than 5 millimeters across, that are manufactured for specific products or created when larger plastic products break down.

Lisa Emili, an associate professor of environmental studies at Penn State Altoona and a co-author of the study, said the results were surprising. Emili said she was not expecting to find microplastics in the samples taken from a reservoir in rural central Pennsylvania. More of this article (Inside Climate News) - link - more like this (Philadelphia) - link - more like this (microplastics) - link

(YNE) IRAN GOES DRY

As Iranians scrubbed their homes and hosed their gardens ahead of Persian New Year celebrations, they were told to slash their water use if the country was to avoid total "water bankruptcy". Water levels in dams around the capital have plunged and water rationing and power cuts are forecast for the summer as the rain-starved country wilts under a severe drought.

Lakes are disappearing, farmers are struggling and huge sinkholes have appeared in cities as water tables decline. Students worry about washing, kitchen taps run dry and showers are deemed a luxury.

The managing director of Tehran's Water and Sewage Department said last week that reserves in key dams supplying nearly all the city's drinking water have dropped to their lowest levels on record, just 5% of capacity.

Ahead of New Year festivities starting on March 20, Mohsen Ardakani urged residents to cut water usage by at least 20%. "This is no longer a choice or an option - it's a necessity to help get us through the difficult times," he said.

Local media have broadcast images of a near-empty Amir Kabir dam (6% full) and the Latian dam (10% full) in the Alborz mountains north of Tehran. Rainfall in the capital is down 17% from last year, and stands 42% below the long-term average.

"They are saying on TV that there may not be any water left for us tomorrow - I go to bed every night worrying about what this situation is doing to the mental and physical health of my loved ones," said a 43-year-old clothing designer from Tehran, who asked to remain anonymous for fear of official reprisal. More of this article (ynetnews) - link - more like this (Iran) - link

(GUF) TEXTILE RECYCLING - CASE STUDY

Innovative Spotlight: Kay Gee Enterprises; Weaving Sustainability into Every Thread

In the bustling lanes of Panipat, Kay Gee Enterprises stands out as a beacon of innovation and sustainability. Specialising in the recycling of all kinds of textiles, Kay Gee breathes new life into discarded fabrics from Australia and the Netherlands amongst others, turning them into recycled cotton yarns, fibres, and felts exporting back to high end users in Saudi Arabia (cotton yarn) and Porto De Leixoes in Portugal, known for its high quality cotton fabrics, to name but two.

A Commitment to Environmental Stewardship

Kay Gee Enterprises is deeply rooted in the principles of sustainable development, a recycling champion no less. By recycling pre-consumer and post-consumer textile waste, they not only divert significant amounts of fabric from landfills but also contribute to reducing the environmental footprint of the textile industry. Their operations showcase how industrial processes can harmoniously align with ecological consciousness.

Empowering Communities Through Employment

Beyond their environmental initiatives, Kay Gee Enterprises plays a pivotal role in community development. In 2023 alone, they provided approximately 120,000 hours of rural employment, offering livelihoods to many and strengthening the socio-economic fabric of the region.

Product Excellence and Diversity

The company's product range is a testament to their dedication to quality and innovation:

• Recycled Yarns: Crafted from meticulously processed textile waste, these yarns cater to various applications, ensuring durability and aesthetic appeal.
• Recycled Fibres: These fibres serve as foundational materials for diverse textile products, embodying both sustainability and versatility.
• Recycled Felts: Utilised in multiple industries, their felts exemplify how recycled materials can meet high-performance standards.

A Vision for a Greener Future

Kay Gee Enterprises envisions a future where recycling is integral to the textile industry's ethos. Their efforts not only conserve resources but also inspire other entities to adopt sustainable practices. By transforming waste into valuable products, they exemplify the potential of circular economies in fostering both environmental and economic benefits. More like this (textiles) - link - more like this (India) - link - more like this (Australia) - link

(WEV) AUTONOMOUS PUBLIC TRANSPORT

Renault Group, in collaboration with its partner WeRide, is making significant strides in the field of autonomous public transportation. The automotive giant aims to revolutionise the way we think about mobility, particularly in urban and peri-urban environments. This initiative aligns with growing interest from local authorities and mobility operators eager to adopt sustainable and efficient transport solutions.

In May 2024, Renault Group launched its first open-road experiment in Europe, showcasing two autonomous electric miniBuses during the international Roland-Garros tennis tournament. This initiative successfully transported nearly 700 passengers over 1,000 kilometres, affirming the practicality and readiness of the technology. These miniBuses, powered by advanced battery technology capable of covering significant distances on a single charge, represent a leap towards more sustainable city planning and carbon reduction efforts.

The positive response from this initial test has spurred further experiments across Europe, each tailored to the unique demands of their respective locales:

Barcelona, Spain (10-14 March): Renault and WeRide are testing two autonomous electric miniBuses on a 2.2-kilometre loop in central Barcelona. This test aims to address the challenges of dense urban environments and demonstrate the buses' ability to enhance city livability and accessibility.

Valence, France (10 March – 19 April): With a focus on peri-urban connectivity, this experiment involves a shuttle service linking the Valence TGV station to a local business park. The 3.3-kilometre route aims to serve the station, a long-term car park, and a catering hub, simplifying daily commutes for thousands of employees and visitors.

Zurich Airport, Switzerland: Since January 2025, autonomous shuttles have been facilitating employee travel between airport terminals. This setting tests the buses' capabilities in high-security areas and their potential to improve operational efficiency within constrained environments.

Renault Group is not merely focusing on current technologies but is also preparing for future advancements. By 2030, the company plans to introduce a roboticised electric miniBus platform that can integrate various automation solutions from specialised partners. This forward-looking approach ensures that Renault remains adaptable to evolving market conditions and regulatory landscapes. More of this article (WhichEV) - link - more like this (Harwell - doing it since 2021) - link - more like this (driverless) - link - more like this (Renault) - link

(DRI) TESLA'S BRAND CRISIS

One of the leading investors and supporters of Tesla has said that the EV giant faces a “moment of truth”, and has suggested that CEO Elon Musk may have to step down because of the time he spends on his right wing political campaigns, and the controversy that creates.

“It has turned into a brand crisis, a brand crisis tornado,” says Dan Ives, the head of Wedbush Securities, and one of the most bullish investors in Tesla. He still has a buy rating on the company, and a price target of $US550, two and a half times higher than its current price.

“A few weeks ago it felt contained,” Ives says. “Now it has turned into a brand crisis, a brand crisis tornado. The future of Tesla will really be determined by how Musk handles the next few months, it is that much of a white knuckle moment.”

The comments by Ives are significant, because many Tesla fans and shareholders have pushed back against the media for chronicling the slump in car sales and the share price, blaming some sort of conspiracy against the company. They say there should be no connection between Musk’s political views and the brand and its products, which are widely admired.

But the comments by Ives show that it does matter. Ives and other analysts from UBS, Morgan Stanley, Baird, and JP Morgan have all downgraded their sales forecasts because of the consumer backlash against Musk’s actions, and are now saying this is a problem that needs to be owned by Musk himself, rather than deflected back to the media.

There are two major issues – the amount of time that Musk is spending on his political campaigns, and not on Tesla and his other business interests, and the response to his far right political tropes, along with his attacks on government agencies, institutions, the justice system, and the media. More of this article (The Driven) - link - more like this (Tesla) - link - more like this (America) - link

(GRE) VYTAL GLOBAL SECURES FUNDING

Based in Cologne, Vytal Global has raised €14.2M ($15.5M) in growth funding to fuel the expansion of its reusable food packaging solutions.

German eco packaging startup Vytal Global has secured €14.2M ($15.5M) in investment to scale its operations across Europe and enter the US market.

The company has just secured €8M ($8.7M) from Inven Capital and NRW.Venture, adding to the €6.2M ($6.8M) it raised in a funding round last summer. It brings the company’s total venture capital raised to €26M, a sign of investors’ faith in its smart reusable packaging solutions that outperform single-use on cost.

“This new funding comes less than nine months after our last raise and reflects an incredibly successful 2024 for the Vytal team,” said Vytal co-founder and managing director Tim Breker. He added that Inven Capital’s expertise would allow the firm to scale up and “make tech-enabled reusable packaging the new standard in gastronomy, events, and entertainment globally”. More of this article (green queen) - link - more like this (reusable packaging) - link - more like his (Cologne) - link

(GUF) THIS IS OUR CIRCULAR ECONOMY

At a glance, I work in waste. But what I and my colleagues actually do is keep valuable materials moving, wherever possible, in loops. While the term circular economy might be splashed across PowerPoint slides and policy papers, we're living it, bin by bin, tonne by tonne.

Closed Loop Champions: The Materials We Keep Circulating

We don’t just collect, we close the loop, especially for the materials most likely to be lost in the system.

Polypropylene (PP)

Used in crates, packaging, and containers, PP often gets excluded from kerbside recycling. We collect it separately and send it to specialist recyclers, where it’s processed and returned to market as reusable PP - no downcycling, no shortcuts.

Expanded Polystyrene (EPS)

The “problem child” of plastics, EPS is bulky, light, and usually landfilled. Not with us. We compact it on-site at our facility, reducing volume by 90%, then send it for transformation into insulation, decorative mouldings, and new packaging. Yes, EPS can be recycled, if you know how.

Paper & Cardboard

We keep fibre clean and separate, sending it to UK paper mills for remanufacture. Your old cardboard box could be back on the shelf as a new one in weeks.

Glass

Collected separately and sent directly for remelt, not crushed and forgotten. Glass is infinitely recyclable, and we ensure every bottle, jar, and fragment finds its way back into the furnace, ready to start life anew.

Why Closed Loop Matters

Recycling isn’t about good intentions, it’s about outcomes. True circularity means:

• High-quality material recovery
• Domestic reprocessing
• No export, no greenwash
• Measurable reductions in emissions and virgin material use

From Food Waste to Electricity (and Fertility): Circular Fuel

Every tonne of food waste we collect is sent to anaerobic digestion, where it’s converted into clean energy and nutrient-rich digestate. On average, we generate 390 kWh of electricity per tonne, well above typical industry averages.

But the story doesn’t end there.

The digestate that remains is packed with nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K)—the essential nutrients for plant growth. It’s Soil Association approved and injected into farmland within five miles of the AD facility, closing the loop locally.

Even better, because it’s in liquid form, plants absorb nitrogen more effectively, giving farmers a natural, circular alternative to synthetic fertilisers.

Leftovers powering homes and feeding crops? Now that’s a full-circle success.

Fact: The energy generated from 1 tonne of waste food would power an electric car approximately 1,560 miles; for example from Wallingford, England, to Bodø, just north of the Arctic Circle in Norway.

Recycling with Purpose: Quality, Not Just Quantity

We work with FCC Environment’s Smallmead MRF (part of the re3 partnership) to process our mixed recycling, ensuring that materials like aluminium, plastics, paper, and more are separated, recovered, and sent to end-markets. With a commitment to keeping contamination low (target rejection rates of under 10%), the focus is on high-quality outputs, not just high tonnage.

Residual Waste: Turning Waste into Power

Not all waste can be recycled, but that doesn’t mean it’s wasted. Our residual, non-recyclable waste is taken to a waste-to-energy (WTE) facility, where it's converted into electricity. We average 598 kWh per tonne; comfortably at the high end of global benchmarks for WTE, and far beyond what ends up in landfill. It's not zero-waste, but it’s smart, efficient resource recovery.

This Is Our Circular Economy

It’s not perfect, but it’s working. Every vehicle we run, every bin we empty, every loop we close brings us closer to a system where nothing is wasted; not time, not materials and never an opportunity.

(EUN) NH1 - THE BENEFITS OF ETS

One of France's first commercial-scale tidal energy pilot projects, NH1 is due to supply thousands of locals with clean electricity.

A tidal farm featuring the world’s most powerful underwater turbines is being built off the coast of Normandy after winning EU funding. The NH1 tidal project from Normandie Hydroliennes will use four turbines to turn the Raz Blanchard tidal flow - Europe’s strongest tidal stream - into a source of renewable energy.

It is one of dozens of decarbonisation projects that have received a total €4.8 billion in the EU’s Innovation Fund’s latest round of grants. This coffer for clean technologies is filled by revenues from the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS), which requires polluters to pay for their greenhouse gas emissions.

“Being selected by the Innovation Fund is a major recognition of our work and the impact that our technological system, the innovative Proteus AR3000 horizontal axis turbine, can have on decarbonisation and the energy mix,” says Katia Gautier, director of Normandie Hydroliennes (NH). The Channel sea current of Raz Blanchard is one of the most powerful in the world, NH states. With a development potential of around 5 to 6 gigawatts (GW), it could produce 15 to 18 terawatt hours (TWh), supplying electricity to 8 million people.

Currently under construction in the port town of Cherbourg, the underwater turbines will have a rotor diameter of 24 metres and a capacity of 3 megawatts (MW) each. This 12MW foursome will supply 34 GWh of energy a year - enough to meet the needs of 15,000 local residents. More of this article (Euro News) - link - more like this (tidal turbines) - link - more like this (France) - link - more link this (random) - link

(GUF) FRANCE - LEADING THE WAY IN TEXTILES RECYCLING

picture - a typical French man - link

As Europe marches toward a circular economy, textiles are finally under the spotlight. The EU’s Circular Economy Action Plan (CEAP) wants your jeans to last longer, be easier to recycle, and not end their life incinerated in a far-off land. One of the centrepieces of this textile transformation is Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) - making producers financially responsible for the full lifecycle of what they sell.

France has been well ahead of the curve with a national EPR scheme for textiles in place since 2007. While the EU is still ironing out its harmonised model, France is already collecting, sorting, and assigning eco-modulated fees based on how “circular” a product is. 

Under the French system, companies placing textiles, footwear, or household linens on the market must:

• Register with Refashion, the national eco-organisation
• Pay eco-contributions based on product type and volume
• See their fees adjusted (eco-modulated) based on design - the more recyclable, the less the fee

Refashion then funds a national network of collection points, sorting centres, and recycling or reuse initiatives. Unlike the UK’s PRN/PERN system, where producers purchase tradable compliance notes, France’s model is centralised and fee-based; significantly simpler and arguably a lot smarter than the UK's scheme.

Regrettably, like the UK's PERN waste export Issue, out of sight still counts as out of system with a large chunk of collected textiles in France ending up being exported for reuse, often to African, Asian, or Eastern European markets. While it’s technically reuse, in reality, many items are unsellable and are dumped or burned. Further downsides of mass export are:-

• Local industries in importing countries are undercut by free or near-free foreign textiles.
• Domestic recycling and repair infrastructure in France is underfunded or underused.
• Circularity becomes geographically outsourced, with little visibility on the end-of-life outcome.

In the UK, under the packaging compliance system, a tonne recycled is worth a similar amount in compliance terms as one exported to a developing nation. That parity has led to widespread criticism, market distortion, and mass greenwashed nonsense.

In France however, the approach is different. All tonnes are currently counted, but there’s a strong policy push to favour domestic treatment, increasing scrutiny of export flows and early signals that future subsidies or incentives may be weighted to support local recycling more than exports so while exported tonnes still "count" in France, the political and environmental narrative is shifting to local is best, traceability matters, and not all reuse is created equal.

If we want a genuinely circular textile economy, then simply shuffling our waste off to other countries isn’t going to cut it. France’s EPR scheme is leading the way, but it’s clear that the EU and the UK, (should it ever get round to implementing a proper textile EPR) needs to grapple with some uncomfortable truths:

• Transparency over where waste really ends up
• Accountability for exported materials
• Real investment in local recycling innovation and jobs

The bottom line is; not all tonnes are created equal and if the goal is circularity, we need to stop treating the world like one giant laundry basket for our unwanted clothes. More like this (textiles) - link - more like this (France) - link - more like this (EPR) - link

(NAT) BYD - 250 MILE CHARGE IN 5 MINUTES

China is back with another engineering marvel. This time, in the form of BYD’s new battery system which is reportedly capable of charging an electric car in just five minutes – roughly the same amount of time as refueling a combustion vehicle.

The industry has long aimed to accomplish this feat, one that is often seen as the last hurdle against EV adoption. BYD's system is termed the "Super e-platform" and is claimed to be capable of adding one mile of range every second when charging.

This results in roughly 250 miles (400 km) of range in five minutes. That’s quicker than going to your nearest gas station for a quick refill. BYD's new 1-megawatt flash chargers will officially roll out in China first, with 4,000 new fast charging stations to be built across the country.

BYD’s claimed charging speeds are more than twice that of current EV manufacturers including Tesla. At a high-voltage Supercharger, Tesla's best charging rate can boost range by 170 miles (273.5 km) in 15 minutes. In the US, the majority of fast chargers on the market range between 200-350 kW, so in practice, it's double the standard. More of this article (New Atlas) - link - more like this (BYD) - link - more like this (Tesla) - link

(GUF) CEAP - EPR & TEXTILES

The European Union's Circular Economy Action Plan (CEAP) specifically addresses the textile sector. Recognising textiles as one of the most resource-intensive industries, the CEAP introduces initiatives aimed at promoting sustainable product design, establishing circular economy practices, and reducing waste generation within the textile industry.

To achieve the goals of the Green Deal and the CEAP, the EU has developed a sector-specific strategy, the EU Strategy for Sustainable and Circular Textiles. This strategy is a set of actions addressing sustainability throughout the entire production chain.

The Strategy for Sustainable and Circular Textiles covers the entire lifecycle of textile products, supporting the industry's transition to green and digital practices.

Key measures under this strategy include:

• Design Requirements: Establishing ecodesign requirements to ensure textiles are durable, repairable, recyclable, and contain recycled fibres.
• Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR): Implementing EPR schemes to hold producers accountable for the collection, sorting, and recycling of textile waste.
• Waste Reduction: Mandating separate collection of textile waste by EU Member States by January 1, 2025, to enhance recycling and reuse efforts.

These initiatives reflect the EU's commitment to transforming the textile sector towards sustainability and circularity.

The UK has demonstrated a commitment to fostering a circular economy, aligning with principles akin to the EU's plan. In 2020, the UK government published its Circular Economy Package policy statement, outlining a revised legislative framework aimed at waste reduction and establishing a long-term path for waste management and recycling.

This strategy emphasises keeping resources in use for as long as possible, extracting maximum value, minimising waste, and promoting resource efficiency.

The Waste & Resources Action Programme (WRAP), the UK-based charity, collaborates with businesses, individuals, and communities to achieve these circular economy goals by helping them reduce waste, develop sustainable products, and use resources efficiently.

Additionally, the UK government has introduced measures such as the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) initiative, which shifts recycling costs from local councils to companies. This initiative is expected to increase product prices for items like drinks, kitchenware, and small appliances, as companies adapt to cover the costs associated with recycling and waste management.

These initiatives reflect the UK's dedication to implementing legislation and strategies that mirror the objectives of the EU's Circular Economy Action Plan, tailored to the UK's specific context and policy environment.

The European Union is advancing its sustainability agenda by introducing mandatory and harmonised Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) schemes for textiles across all Member States. On July 5, 2023, the European Commission adopted a proposal to revise the Waste Framework Directive, aiming to hold textile producers accountable for the entire lifecycle of their products, from design to disposal.

While the proposal has been adopted by the Commission, it is currently under consideration by the European Parliament and the Council. The exact timeline for the implementation of these EPR schemes will depend on the legislative process and subsequent transposition into national laws by Member States. However, the EU has set a deadline requiring Member States to establish systems for the separate collection of textile waste by January 1, 2025.

In anticipation of these regulations, some countries are proactively initiating measures. For instance, Spain's leading fashion retailers, including Inditex (owner of Zara), H&M, Decathlon, Ikea, and Primark, are launching a voluntary pilot scheme in April 2025 to collect discarded clothing. This initiative aims to manage textile waste ahead of the expected EU regulations coming into force in 2026, which will mandate the separation of textiles from other waste streams.

Therefore, while the precise start date for the EU-wide EPR schemes for textiles is contingent upon the ongoing legislative process, Member States are actively preparing for their implementation, with full enforcement anticipated around 2026. More like this (GUF) - link - more like this (clothing) - link - more like this (EU) - link - more like this (EPR) - link

(GRE) JBS BUYS THE VEGETARIAN BUTCHER

Unilever has agreed to sell The Vegetarian Butcher to fellow plant-based meat business Vivera, with the deal expected to be completed by Q3 2025.

Four months after it first emerged that Unilever was planning to offload The Vegetarian Butcher as part of its portfolio shakeup, it has accepted a non-binding offer to sell the business to fellow Dutch meat-free company Vivera.

The latter – itself owned by the world’s largest meat company, JBS – submitted a binding offer for an undisclosed sum to acquire The Vegetarian Butcher. The deal is subject to the usual closing conditions, regulatory requirements, and consultation processes, and expected to be completed by Q3 this year.

Unilever, which bought The Vegetarian Butcher in 2018, said the brand no longer aligned with the requirements of its wider portfolio, and the divergence made a sale the best option. It enlisted Piper Sandler to handle the transaction.

The wider picture, though, is that this is part of the CPG giant’s Growth Action Plan 2030 (GAP2030). It intends to clear out brands collectively worth around £1B in annual sales, sharpening its focus on its 30 ‘power brands’ – like Hellmann’s, Dove, Knorr, and Surf – which represent over three-quarters of its turnover.

“I believe that The Vegetarian Butcher is poised for even greater success in the next phase of its journey under new ownership that is dedicated to plant-based meat replacements,” said Unilever Foods president Heiko Schipper. “This focused expertise will support the brand in its ambitious goal to become the ‘Biggest Butcher of the World’.”

One of the world’s leading plant-based meat makers, The Vegetarian Butcher was established in 2007 by Jaap Korteweg – a ninth-generation livestock farmer – and politician Niko Koffeman. In 2016, it co-produced a line of vegetarian meatballs with Unilever under the Unox soup brand, and was purchased by the CPG behemoth two years later as it looked to capitalise on the boom in meat-free eating.

The Vegetarian Butcher’s products are available in 55 countries and over 40,000 retail locations, as well as restaurants and chains like Burger King and Subway. According to Unilever – which spent over £8M on a marketing push for the brand in 2019 – the plant-based meat maker has delivered “strong double-digit growth on average” since the acquisition, although Reuters reported that it only records around €50M in annual sales and is loss-making. More of this article (green queen) - link - more like this (green queen) - link - more like this (Vegetarian Butcher) - link - more like this (Unilever) - link

(ECN) AMMONIA ICE

The compound NH3 is a combination of nitrogen elements with hydrogen structural units. Scientists have historically applied ammonia in agricultural fields as a fertilizer, but researchers now identify this compound as a sustainable power source. The University of Michigan leads scientific research investigating ammonia applications for internal combustion engines and other use cases.

Under precise temperature and pressure conditions, the Haber-Bosch procedure turns air nitrogen and hydrogen into ammonia. However, this process is energy-intensive. The scientific community concentrates on developing superior catalysts to generate sustainable ammonia that is accessible to all.

The primary advantage of using ammonia as fuel derives from its production of zero carbon emissions. The chemical breakdown of ammonia through fuel combustion generates water vapor together with nitrogen releases for a green operational fuel substitute for traditional fossil resources. Using ammonia as an environmental solution to fight climate change has numerous advantages because it creates emissions that do not produce carbon dioxide.

Because of its limited physical space, ammonia contains high amounts of stored fuel energy. Because of this feature, its applications include transportation and power generation. Research conducted at the University of Michigan has proven that ammonia works effectively in internal combustion engines, which opens doors for its implementation in vehicles and other technological devices.

Despite its promising nature, multiple obstacles interfere with applying ammonia as fuel. The main hurdle to ammonia fuel implementation is its flammability problems during storage and handling processes. The scientific community continues developing procedures to maintain ammonia storage safety and shipping security.

Remarkable amounts of energy are required for ammonia manufacturing when utilizing Haber-Bosch production methods. Researchers from the University of Michigan examine innovative processes to develop sustainable production methods with optimized ammonia synthetic catalysis. The research group works on plasma-based production methods to decrease environmental effects and obtain sustainable replacements for current fuels.

According to current research findings, multiple industrial sectors predict that ammonia fuel consumption will expand within the upcoming years. The application of ammonia delivers an alternative fuel option that propels cars, trucks, and ships through several advantages, such as reduced fossil fuel dependence and reduced environmental carbon output. The research at the University of Michigan showed that ammonia operates successfully inside internal combustion engines after scientists studied ethanol and gasoline compounds mixed with ammonia fuel. More of this article (EcoNews) - link - more like this (ammonia) - link - more like this (Michigan) - link

(RES) UK FOOD WASTE ON THE RISE

Self-reported levels of food waste are on the rise, according to the Waste and Resources Action Programme (WRAP)’s Food Management Survey, which found the amount increased from 20.2 per cent in 2023 to 21 per cent in June 2024.

Results from a total of 4,740 interviews suggested that fresh produce, such as potatoes, broccoli, carrots, bananas, apples, and onions, is more likely to be wasted than other foods, with Senior Campaign Manager of Love Food Hate Waste, Jackie Baily, labelling it “the real kitchen victim when it comes to food waste.”

The survey found potatoes topped the list with an average waste level of 22.6 per cent, followed by bread at 21.3 per cent and broccoli at 21 per cent. Other commonly wasted items included carrots (19.9 per cent), bananas (20.1 per cent), and apples (19.3 per cent).

One key reason for the high levels of fresh produce waste is the over-packaging of these items. According to the report, only 19 per cent of fresh produce in the UK is sold loose by larger retailers.

"Because most fruit and veg is sold packaged, we have to buy what we're given not what we need, and that means a lot goes to waste," explained Baily. "As a result, our bins have a diet that most nutritionists would envy. And we're a long way from breaking our food waste habit because of this packaging."

Better access to loose produce, the introduction of smaller pack sizes at comparable prices, and curbing in-store promotions that encourage over-purchasing for perishables are some of the recommendations for retailers offered by WRAP.

The non-governmental organisation is also calling for a consultation for a potential ban on packaging for 21 products in the fresh produce aisles, estimating that 60,000 tonnes of food waste could be prevented if all apples, potatoes, and bananas were sold loose.

A recent study from environmental charity, Hubbub, supports these recommendations, with 86 per cent of respondents favouring increased availability of loose fruit and vegetables. More of this article (resource.co) - link - more like this (food waste) - link -more like this (Hubbub) - link

(GUF) GLOBAL RECYCLING DAY

If all that happens on 'Global Recycling Day' is an endless flood of LinkedIn posts with stock photos of clean, colourful recycling bins and vague commitments to a "greener future," then the day is nothing more than a corporate virtue signalling stunt.

Recycling isn’t a belief system; it’s a mindset; a mechanical process, and if the process isn’t improving, what’s the point of celebrating it?

If companies aren’t increasing their recycling rates, investing in better waste management infrastructure or addressing the reality that much of what they claim is “recyclable” never actually gets recycled, then the day is just a hollow shout out to the boys.

We're better than this. There are areas of improvement and real technical advancement within the waste industry truly worth celebrating but let’s do it by benchmarking rather than twee self back-patting alerts about a day nobody actually bothers to find out 'who says' it's Global Recycling Day? It’s the equivalent of a fast-food chain tweeting about “eating healthy” once a year while continuing to push oversized, ultra-processed gut busting stodge for the other 264 days.

If Global Recycling Day had real impact, it would:

• Force companies to publicly disclose their actual recycling rates and waste reduction progress.
• Demand accountability from businesses still peddling non-recyclable packaging.
• Call out the fact that plastic recycling is mostly a myth - especially given that less than 10% of all plastic ever made has been recycled.
• Focus on reducing waste at the source, rather than pretending recycling is the solution to overconsumption.

But no, instead, we get companies throwing up a post with a hashtag, a few vague commitments, and absolutely no change in behavior. So is GRD totally pointless? Possibly, unless, of course, you work in a PR department and need a feel-good moment to break up the usual corporate monotony. More like this (bandwagons) - link - more like this (recycling) - link