(WEV) ELECTRIC COMMERCIAL VEHICLE SALES UP

In March, the UK's light commercial vehicle (LCV) market experienced a decline, with registrations down by 3.2% compared to the same month last year. This marks the fourth consecutive monthly decrease, a trend influenced by ongoing economic uncertainty which has tempered business investment in new vehicles. 

The only good news was an increase in the sale of electric commercial vehicles. Market conditions means that the Government has felt it necessary to offer further encouragement to local EV production – especially in the face of the on-going tariff wars.

Overall, the UK is taking a leadership position in EVs. The UK was the largest EV market in Europe in 2024 and the third in the world with over 382,000 EVs sold – up a fifth on the previous year. There are now more than 75,000 public chargepoints in the UK – with a new one added every 29 minutes – ensuring that motorists are always a short drive from a socket. But that has not been reflected in the commercial vehicle market.

The decline in overall commercial vehicles sales was most pronounced in the largest van segment, which saw a 10% drop in registrations, totalling 32,025 units and representing 62.5% of the total market. Medium-sized vans and 4x4s also experienced declines of 8.5% and 18.9%, respectively. However, there was a notable increase in the registration of small vans, which grew by almost 61% to 1,585 units, now making up 3.1% of the market.

Amidst these broader market challenges, electric vehicles (EVs) in the LCV category are seeing significant growth. In March, battery electric vans up to 4.25 tonnes recorded a 40.3% increase in registrations, reaching a new monthly high of 4,215 units. This growth in electric uptake, now accounting for 8.3% of the market share in the first quarter of the year, is supported by the Plug-in Van Grant which remains a critical incentive for operators. Despite these positive developments, electric LCVs still only represent half of the 16% market share targeted for 2025, underscoring the need for further measures to boost the adoption of greener vehicles. More of this article (WhichEV) - link - more like this (electric vans) - link - more like this (ev general) - link

(GRE) THE HOLY GRAIL OF CULTIVATED MEAT

Researchers in Japan say they’ve reached a “breakthrough” in tissue engineering that could open up “transformative opportunities” for cultivated meat production.

To solve one of cultivated meat’s biggest challenges, scientists have resorted to the circulatory system.

The same way blood vessels carry nutrients and oxygen to cells to help animals grow, scientists from the University of Tokyo have devised a “breakthrough” method to deliver these nutrients to artificial tissue, making it possible to grow whole cuts of cultivated meat, the holy grail for the future food industry.

Currently, most production methods can only render tiny pieces of cultivated meat (akin to mince), which are then assembled into a larger product via edible scaffolds, or combined with plant-based binders and ingredients to form a whole piece.

The problem lies in the random distribution of hollow fibres, which prevents uniform nutrient delivery and hinders tissue quality. Shoji Takeuchi and his colleagues have come up with what they say is a “scalable, top-down strategy” for producing whole cuts of cultivated meat using a perfusable hollow fibre bioreactor.

The study, published in the Trends in Biotechnology journal, explained that getting enough oxygen and nutrients to the cells in the centre of thick tissues is a major hurdle. Diffusion alone can’t sustain cells across considerable distances.

To overcome that, the researchers developed a bioreactor equipped with an array of semi-permeable hollow fibres that function as artificial circulation systems, which ensured uniform nutrient distribution throughout the tissue.

“We’re using semipermeable hollow fibres, which mimic blood vessels in their ability to deliver nutrients to the tissues,” said Takeuchi.

“These fibres are already commonly used in household water filters and dialysis machines for patients with kidney disease. It’s exciting to discover that these tiny fibres can also effectively help create artificial tissues and, possibly, whole organs in the future,” he added.

“We overcame the challenge of achieving perfusion across thick tissues by arranging hollow fibres with microscale precision,” Takeuchi says.

Tissues without an integrated circular system have generally been limited to a thickness of less than 1mm, but this new method allowed the scientists to produce a 2cm thick piece of chicken muscle that was several centimetres long and wide. Made using chicken fibroblast cells, which make up connective tisuse, the meat weighed 11g, and was about the size of a chicken nugget. More of this article (green queen) - link - more like this (cultivated meat) - link - more like this (Japan) - link

(GUF) WEF EPR & EARTH

The World Economic Forum is ideally placed to facilitate standardisation dialogues across countries which is a key barrier in EPR systems which in turn are crucial to the future of recycling.

When it comes to EPR, this is vital because companies like Coca-Cola and Unilever aren’t waiting for the UN to tell them what to do but they do show up to Davos with talking points and open chequebooks. Uniquely, the WEF can push for harmonised reporting for EPR compliance and help develop private-sector ready digital traceability systems.

Through platforms like Scale360° and Circulars Accelerator, the WEF already supports startups and pilot projects in circular economy innovation which includes packaging, e-waste, textiles, and a whole lot more.

Scale360° in particular brings together stakeholders from various sectors to assess local challenges and design interventions that stimulate circular economy innovation within cities, countries, and regions.

By promoting cross-border EPR pilots, the WEF can test how multinational brands could report, fund, and adapt under different EPR regimes.

Whilst I'm sure most corporate executives don’t read DEFRA reports with a cup of tea, if the WEF frames EPR as a strategy, a consumer loyalty tool, or a license-to-operate issue, suddenly ears perk up in the C-suite. More like this (WEF) - link - more like this (EPR) - link

(GUF) CHARITY DOESN'T BEGIN AT HOME (EARTH)

There’s no shortage of money. Let’s kill that myth once and for all. There's only a shortage of will, imagination, or intelligence to spend it wisely. When a handful of men can each afford their own space programme, and yet children still go to bed hungry in cities glowing with wealth, we’re not dealing with scarcity, we’re dealing with stupidity.

Anyone with more than a few million; enough to live several lifetimes in comfort isn’t amassing wealth for security, they’re doing it for sport, status, or some sort of cosmic scoreboard and while the ultra-rich chase immortality through cryogenics, moon bases, and having their heads uploaded to the cloud, let’s ask a very real question:

What could the top five richest people actually achieve if they pooled their wealth?

Global housing Iinitiative - with just a fraction of their net worth, they could end homelessness in multiple countries. We're not talking pop-up tents; we’re talking proper, sustainable housing with integrated social support.

Universal clean water access - the UN estimates it would cost around $150 billion over five years to provide clean water and sanitation globally. That’s couch change to our billionaire friends.

Cure incentives and health acceleration - prize funds and open research grants could fast-track cures for neglected diseases, fund mental health reform, and make insulin and cancer treatment affordable globally.

Environmental restoration on a galactic scale - reforest the Amazon? Restore coral reefs? Transition entire nations to renewable energy? Possible. The only barrier is interest, not ability.

Education, not ego - They could bankroll free higher education, invest in failing schools, or create institutions where critical thinking is actually taught; not just shareholder capitalism 101.

If money is power, and they hoard most of it, then the world’s suffering isn’t being overlooked; it’s being engineered. It's not just a question of wealth, it’s a question of priorities and sadly, Wi-Fi on Mars seems to be winning. Afterthought - link - Regret - link - More like this (Amazon) - link - more like this (space) - link 

(GUF) READIPOP 2025

(GRE) PLANT BASED BY DEFAULT

French catering giant Sodexo is expanding its partnership with Greener by Default to roll out plant-forward menus at 400 hospitals in the US.

To help Americans stay healthier, spend less money, and be kinder to the planet, Sodexo is expanding its plant-heavy menus across all US hospitals it caters to. To do so, it’s diversifying its partnership with Greener by Default, a behavioural choice agency that advocates for menus that prioritise plant-based food over animal options.

The expansion builds on the success of their campaign with NYC Health + Hospitals, which rolled out its ‘plant-based by default’ scheme at all 11 public hospitals in the city to great success. That initiative has served over two million patients since its 2022 launch, with a 90% satisfaction rate. Sodexo’s menus position vegan meals as the default option for one meal per day at 131 hospitals already, but this will now be extended to an additional 200 hospitals this year, and bring the total to 400 by 2026.

“Our collaboration with Greener by Default is driven by our shared goal to advance and promote plant-based dining in hospitals across the US through effective choices,” said Molly Matthews, CEO of Sodexo’s healthcare and seniors divisions. More of his article (green queen) - link - more like this (hospital food) - link - more like this (America random) - link

(GUF) WHEN PPT MET EPR

In the world of packaging policy, two big acronyms are stealing the spotlight: PPT (Plastic Packaging Tax) and EPR (Extended Producer Responsibility). 

They’ve both arrived at the party to shake up the way packaging is produced, used, and disposed of but they’ve shown up with very different personalities and a slightly awkward working relationship.

Different Jobs, Same Goal

At a glance, they seem aligned; both aim to reduce waste, boost recycling, and move the UK towards a circular economy. But scratch the surface and it’s clear: they operate independently, with different levers of influence.

PPT is a tax hammer: if your plastic packaging contains less than 30% recycled content, you’ll be charged £223.69 per tonne (as of 2025). It’s all about pushing businesses to use more recycled polymers, especially rPET, by hitting them in the wallet if they don’t.

EPR, on the other hand, is a cost-shifting framework. It holds producers financially responsible for the entire lifecycle of packaging: from design to disposal. Under EPR, businesses must fund collection, sorting, and recycling systems based on how easy (or hard) their packaging is to recycle.

Two Systems, One Bill

Here’s the kicker: you can end up paying both.

If your packaging:

• Contains less than 30% recycled content → you pay the PPT
• Is hard to recycle, or uses unfriendly materials → you pay higher EPR fees

Think of it as a two-lane toll road: one lane charges for not using recycled content, the other for poor recyclability.

Modulation - Where the Magic Might Happen

The UK's new EPR regime introduces modulated fees where packaging that’s easier to recycle (and made from better materials) pays less. While PPT is currently flat-rate, EPR modulation could soon reward those who use recycled materials like rPET, creating a financial sweet spot where circular design meets lower costs.

In theory, this could mean:

• Design with recyclability in mind
• Use recycled content to avoid PPT
• Get a fee discount under EPR

It’s not seamless yet, but the direction of travel is clear.

A Bit of a Communication Breakdown

Right now, PPT and EPR don’t talk to each other. They require different data submissions, reporting systems, and compliance hoops. There’s no offsetting, no bundling, and certainly no shared application portal. In other words: they’re flatmates, not soulmates.

But as reporting requirements tighten and data becomes more central to compliance, expect smart companies to start joining the dots, integrating packaging design, procurement, compliance, and finance teams to handle both schemes in tandem.

Conclusion: A Promising But Clumsy Couple

PPT and EPR may not be a love story yet—but together, they form a powerful duo. One penalises virgin plastic; the other rewards responsible design.

(NAT) BYD DENZA LAUNCHES IN EUROPE

 

Last year, BYD sold over 4.2 million cars worldwide, with over 90% of those sales occurring in China. And it doesn’t look like the company is resting on its laurels, for it has just launched its high-end Denza brand in Europe.

BYD has its eyes set on competing with luxury German carmakers like BMW and Mercedes, in addition to bolstering its presence outside of Asia. Ironic considering Denza was a 50:50 joint venture with Mercedes at one point.

But now that the premium brand is fully owned by BYD, it has officially debuted in Europe at the Brera Design Week in Milan, which is being held between April 7 and 13. At the moment, BYD controls three different brands: Yangwang, Fang Cheng Bao, and Denza – and under the lattermost, the business plans to combine all of its high-end offerings in Europe.

Alfredo Altavilla, the group's special adviser for Europe, stated that Denza would lead the group's technological prowess in the years ahead despite making up just over 3% of its overall sales. "It will anticipate tech features that will later appear on BYD brand cars," he stated following the Milan Design Week unveiling.

As for the car sales, the company is expected to kick off its European journey with the battery electric version of its 1,000 horsepower Z9 GT sport wagon by the end of the year.

The Z9 GT is available in China in two different pricing points: a plug-in hybrid version that starts at RMB 334,800 (about US$45,633) and an all-electric model that starts at RMB 354,800 (about US$48,360). I can clearly see parallels being drawn with the Porsche Panamera when the sporty Denza eventually makes its way to Europe.

Although BYD intends to begin production at its first European plant, in Hungary, from October, the early Denza models will be made and shipped from China. In March 2026, a second BYD site in Turkey is anticipated to go operational, which will be able to produce 500,000 cars annually. More of this article (New Atlas) - link - more like this (BYD) - link - more like this (China) - link - more like this (Milan) - link

(GUF) POLYTAG WAITROSE & BIFFA

 

With the Ecotrace system's capability to provide granular, barcode-level data on plastic packaging recycling, transparency is no longer just a buzzword - it's a reality.

Current MRFs Integrated with Polytag's Ecotrace Programme:

Polytag has been actively deploying its Plastic Detection Units (PDUs) across the UK. As of now, the following Materials Recovery Facilities (MRFs) are equipped with this technology:

• Biffa MRF – Edmonton, North London
• Biffa MRF – Teesside, Northeast England
• Re-Gen MRF – Newry, Northern Ireland
• Conwy MRF – Wales
• Gwynedd MRF – Wales
• Pembrokeshire MRF – Wales
• Anglesey MRF – Wales

Polytag plans to expand its network to include more MRFs, aiming for over 12 sites within a year to enhance the traceability of plastic packaging . This expansion is crucial for retailers like Waitrose to ensure comprehensive coverage across their operations.

Polytag's plans to achieve over 90% coverage of the UK's domestic recycling throughput by deploying UV-tag detection equipment across more than 40 sites .

Inclusion of Incinerators in the Polytag System:

Currently, Polytag's Ecotrace Programme focuses on MRFs, where the detection of UV-tagged packaging occurs during the sorting and recycling process. There's no public information indicating that incinerators or Energy-from-Waste (EfW) facilities are integrated into the Polytag system at this time.

Implications for Biffa:

With Waitrose joining the Ecotrace Programme, Biffa's operations will be under increased scrutiny. The real-time data provided by Polytag's system will offer unprecedented insights into the recycling rates of packaging materials, making it imperative for waste contractors to ensure high efficiency and transparency in their recycling processes.

Clearly, the Polytag Ecotrace Programme only works where the tech is deployed, and right now, that’s still a very small pool of MRFs. So for Waitrose, it’s only a game changer in locations where Biffa or their subcontracted MRF is tagged-in.

This raises a few strategic points:

• Biffa’s vertically integrated model is both a strength and a bottleneck. Where they control the MRF (e.g. Teesside, Edmonton), data will flow beautifully. But in areas where they rely on third-party processors the packaging’s digital footprint vanishes.

• Waitrose’s brand value hinges on consistency, and Ecotrace, ironically, highlights inconsistencies across the UK. If the packaging's UV tag can be traced in Newry but not in Norwich, the consumer impact is blunted.

• Incineration sites not being on the Ecotrace radar further limits the vision. Since EfW remains a significant “disposal” method, it creates a black hole for accountability precisely where it’s needed most.

Next move for Waitrose (if they're serious):

• Demand a rollout of Ecotrace-compatible PDUs in all key regions, especially where Biffa uses third-party disposal.
• Use their position as a major retailer to push for MRF data transparency, whether through Polytag or a parallel system.
• Consider offering incentives or partnership support for local authorities or processors willing to install Ecotrace PDUs.

Credit where credit's due. 

In an industry that often gets painted with a broad brush dipped in cynicism, Biffa stepping up to integrate with Polytag is genuinely impressive. They didn’t have to do this, especially when the tech can shine a big UV light (literally and metaphorically) on where things fall short.

It would’ve been easy to cherry-pick; only showcasing high-performing regions, leaning into controlled environments, and leaving the rest to the black hole of EfW or mystery MRFs but Biffa’s move here suggests a willingness to be held accountable, and that’s a rare and valuable trait in the waste sector.

This partnership with Waitrose could set a blueprint for how retailers and contractors can work transparently across the whole supply chain, not just in PR-friendly postcode lotteries. It’s the kind of move that could nudge the industry away from the old “data-free, trust-us” model, More like this (Biffa) - link - more like this (Waitrose) - link - supporting detail (Polytag) - link

(CIR) WAITROSE - TRACKING THEIR WASTE (CONTRACTOR)

Waitrose has joined Polytag’s Ecotrace Programme to track and recycle its single-use plastic packaging.

The Ecotrace Programme was launched in 2024 to optimise the identification and recycling of plastic packaging waste. It does this by installing Polytag Plastic Detection Units (PDUs) at leading MRFs. These units are retrofitted to conveyors and detect packaging that has been ‘marked’ with Polytag’s invisible UV Tags, which were applied at speed using fluorescent ink.

Polytag says the programme allows brands to accurately identify how much of their packaging has been recycled post-consumption for the first time. With its partners, Polytag is deploying the invisible UV Tag detection technology in 12 Materials Recovery Facilities (MRFs).

Commenting on the announcement, Alice Rackley, CEO of Polytag, said: “Waitrose joins us at a pivotal moment as we approach our goal of installing PDUs at 12 sites within the first year of our Ecotrace Programme. “This is an incredible achievement that will empower Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) brands, retailers and waste management companies by providing invaluable access to granular barcode-level data on 50% of the UK’s waste recycling stream.”

As an Ecotrace member, Waitrose will gain access to the Polytag dashboard – an online hub which displays live barcode-level lifecycle data on plastic packaging materials as they enter the recycling stream. Denise Mathieson, Head of Packaging Design & Delivery at Waitrose, said the supermarket is committed to reducing its impact on the environment.

“Joining Polytag’s Ecotrace Programme is a significant step forward in enhancing our ability to track and understand the journey of our plastic packaging post-consumption,” Mathieson said.

“This initiative aligns with our ongoing sustainability efforts and reinforces our dedication to reducing single-use plastic waste. More of this article (Circular) - link - more like this (Waitrose) - link - more like this (Biffa) - link - more like this (waste tracking) - link

(ABC) WORLD CLASS DEFORESTATION

JAKARTA - Indonesia plans to clear forests about the size of Belgium to produce sugarcane-derived bioethanol, rice and other food crops, potentially displacing Indigenous groups who rely on the land to survive.

Local communities say they’re already experiencing harm from the government-backed project, which environmental watchdogs say is the largest current planned deforestation operation in the world. A vast tropical archipelago stretching across the equator, Indonesia is home to the world’s third-largest rainforest, home to many endangered species of wildlife and plants, including orangutans, elephants and giant forest flowers. Some live nowhere else.

Indonesia has been building food estates, massive plantations designed to improve the country's food security for decades, with varying level of success. The concept was revived by former President Joko Widodo during his 2014- 2024 administration.

The current president, Prabowo Subianto, has expanded such projects to include crops to produce bioethanol, a renewable fuel made from plants like sugar cane or corn, in pursuit of Indonesia's ambition to improve its energy mix and develop more renewable sources.

“I am confident that within four to five years at the latest, we will achieve food self-sufficiency,” Prabowo said in October 2024. “We must be self-sufficient in energy and we have the capacity to achieve this."

Biofuels, such as bioethanol, play an important role in decarbonizing transport by providing a low-carbon solution for sectors that heavily rely on fossil fuels such as trucking, shipping and aviation, according to the International Energy Agency. But the agency also cautions expansion of biofuel should have minimal impact on land-use, food and other environmental factors in order to be developed sustainably.

That's of particular concern in Indonesia, where more than 74 million hectares (285,715 square miles) of Indonesian rainforest — an area twice the size of Germany — have been logged, burned or degraded for development of palm oil, paper and rubber plantations, nickel mining and other commodities since 1950, according to Global Forest Watch.

Indonesia has vast potential for bioethanol production due to its extensive agricultural land but currently lacks sustainable feedstocks, like sugarcane and cassava. A previous attempt to introduce bioethanol-blended fuel in 2007 was discontinued a few years later due to a lack of feedstock supply.

Since then, the government has accelerated work on its food and energy estate mega-project, which spans 4.3 million hectares (about 10.6 million acres) on the islands of Papua and Kalimantan. Experts say the combined size of the numerous project sites makes the mega-project the largest current deforestation project in the world. The largest site, called the Merauke Integrated Food and Energy Estate, will cover more than 3 million hectares (7.4 million acres) in the far-eastern region of Papua, according to the international environmental organization Mighty Earth.

Overlapping with the Trans-Fly ecoregion, it's home to critically endangered and endemic mammals, birds and turtles and to several Indigenous groups who rely on traditional ways of living. “Imagine every piece of vegetation in that area being completely cleared ... having all the trees and the wildlife erased from the landscape and replaced with a monoculture,” said Glenn Horowitz, CEO of Mighty Earth. “It’s creating a zone of death in one of the most vibrant spots on Earth.” More of this article (abc NEWS) - link - more like this (Indonesia) - link - more like this (deforestation) - link - more like this (bioethanol) - link

(NAT) SIEMENS HIT 21.5 MW

In the ever-shifting winds of "who-did-it-bigger?" China has just taken a back seat to European wind company Siemens Gamesa. The firm recently planted a colossal, world-record-setting turbine in the Østerild test field in Denmark.

Though it wasn't by much, it still counts ... the Siemens SG DD-276 turbine stretches a ridiculous 905 ft (276 meters) from blade tip to blade tip. It's rated at a monstrous 21.5 MW capacity – which could generate enough electricity to power 70,000 Danish homes per year. Over its lifetime, it's expected to erase about 55,454 tons of CO2 emissions from power that would be otherwise created by fossil fuels.

This record-breaking machine came with a significant cost. The European Union backed Siemens Gamesa's Highly Innovative Prototype of the most Powerful Offshore Wind (HIPPOW, you read that right) initiative by throwing €30 million (about US$33 million) at Siemens Gamesa from its political union innovation fund to partially fund the giant turbine. There's no word yet as to the Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE) for this beast, however, Denmark's offshore wind figures back in 2018 were around €46 per megawatt-hour (MWh).

Siemens Gamesa has been installing wind turbines since 1991, including having planted 11 turbines into the world's very first offshore wind farm at Vindeby, Denmark. The SG DD-276 marks the 5,000th turbine the company has erected across 14 countries, exceeding a total capacity of 27 GW.

China's Mingyang Smart Energy MySE18.X 20 MW previously had the record for about seven months, after having taken it from Dongfang Electric Corporation's 18 MW offshore wind turbine. In the fast-moving winds of change, these records are often short-lived.

Speaking of, Dongfang has already announced its completion of a 26 MW turbine that has yet to be installed. Mingyang has also already announced plans to build its own next-gen 22 MW turbines. When either of these go live, Siemens will be left in the dust. More of this article (New Atlas) - link - more like this (turbines) - link - more like this (Siemens) - link - more like this (Denmark) - link

(GUF) CIRCUIT WASTE MANAGEMENT

 

CIRCUIT: The Smart (hypothetical) System That Makes Waste Work (and Crime Hurt)

Imagine a world where waste is tracked like a high-value asset, illegal dumping is instantly flagged in real-time, and every bin, bag, and bottle is part of a fully accountable, intelligent loop. 

Welcome to CIRCUIT: Circular Intelligence & Regulatory Compliance Unified IT; the UK’s blueprint for a waste system that’s built for the future, and equipped to end the rubbish loopholes of the past.

We’re not talking tweaks. We’re talking total transformation.

The Foundations of CIRCUIT

CIRCUIT fuses the best global systems into one cohesive, tech-powered framework:

• CEAP The EU's (Circular Economy Action Plan) - link

• EPR (Extended Producer Responsibility) – Based on the French model - link

Producers pay and play fairly from the start of a product’s life.
• DRS (Deposit Return Scheme) – Norwegian precision and public participation - link
Capture quality, return incentives, and consumer engagement.
• Allbaro (Digital Waste Tracking) – Inspired by South Korea
Track everything, in real-time, from cradle to grave - link
• ADR-Enforced Compliance – Modelled on European hazardous goods transport standards - Tech-equipped environmental enforcement that acts fast, smart, and hard - link

Design for Circularity – Starting at the Drawing Board

CIRCUIT embeds recyclability as a non-negotiable design rule:

• Recyclability Index Scoring: Every product is scored based on local infrastructure compatibility
• Eco-Modulated EPR Fees: Bad design? Pay more. Clean loops? Pay less.
• Traffic-Light Labelling: Red for unrecyclable, Green for ready-to-recycle - link
• Best Practice Library: Updated with new tech, materials, and standards

If it can’t be recycled, it can’t be designed. Full stop. Real-Time Responsibility: You Can’t Outsource Blame

1. The Producer or Householder Is Always Responsible

From the second waste is created until it’s officially treated or recycled, legal liability stays with the producer.

CIRCUIT sends:

• Automatic reminders
• Digital acknowledgements
• Clear warnings on transfer notes

2. Pre-Registered Waste Collections

• Every collection logged before it happens
• Tracked by postcode, carrier registration, EWC code, and vehicle registration
• No registration = instant red flag

3. Live Route Monitoring (Allbaro-Style)

• Waste carriers must submit route plans
• CIRCUIT links vehicle reg with load data
• Enforcement teams & ANPR get real-time updates
• Deviations, unauthorised detours, or suspicious activity - flagged instantly; intervened immediately - link

This is waste surveillance with teeth. Smashing fly-tipping with precision and pain. Fly-tipping is more than a nuisance, it’s organised crime at ground level. CIRCUIT stops it cold.

• AI prediction tools identify hotspots before dumping happens
• Illegal tipping fines = 5 x the cost of legitimate disposal
• Repeat offenders? Vehicle seized. Licence revoked. Publicly named.

CIRCUIT knows who tipped what, when, and where. And it bites back. Beyond Enforcement – Fuelling Circular Innovation

CIRCUIT doesn’t just punish bad behaviour; it rewards the right kind:

• Marketplace matching for reusable materials - link
• Circular economy leader boards
• Grants, tax benefits, and green credentials for top performers - link
• Data that informs smarter policy, faster responses, and more accurate national reporting

The future of waste isn’t about bins and vehicles, it’s about data, design, and digital intelligence.

CIRCUIT tracks everything, holds everyone accountable, and makes sure that waste either goes in a loop or leads to a courtroom. No more mislabelled skips. No more back-alley dumps. No more blind spots. Just a smart, fair, fully enforced system designed on the principle that there's no such thing as waste, just matter in the wrong place. More like this (Allbaro) - link

(GUF) ALLBARO - WASTE TRACKING EXCELLENCE

Allbaro: The South Korean Waste Tracking System the UK Should Aspire To

The UK has a structured waste code system, known as the European Waste Catalogue (EWC); Introduced in the UK in 2001 following the adoption of EU Decision 2000/532/EC, it provides a unified language for categorising waste types across Europe.

By 2005, the EWC was fully embedded in UK law under the List of Wastes (England) Regulations, giving us the six-digit codes we still use today to classify everything from textiles (20 01 11) to halogenated still bottoms and reaction residues (07 02 07*). Despite Brexit, the UK continues to use these codes, now just referred to as LoW (List of Waste) codes.

A Brief Look at Our Own Waste Code Roots

We have the language, but now, we need the technology. That’s where South Korea’s Allbaro system comes in.

If waste had a passport, South Korea’s Allbaro system would be its immigration control, customs, and CCTV all rolled into one. Since 2001, Allbaro has been the envy of the global waste community offering a gold standard in digital waste tracking. As the UK gears up to launch its own mandatory digital waste tracking system in 2026, we would do well to take notes from a country that’s been doing it right for over two decades.

Launched by the Korea Environment Corporation (KECO), Allbaro (literally meaning “correctly” in Korean) is South Korea’s cradle-to-grave tracking system for industrial waste; fully digitised, mandatory, and uncompromising in its detail - every time waste is produced, moved, or treated, it’s logged into a central platform in real time. 

How It Works - who is obligated:-

• Waste Generators: Businesses that produce industrial waste.

• Transporters: Licensed carriers tracked via GPS.

• Treatment Facilities: Sites that receive, process, and dispose of waste, digitally confirming receipt and final treatment.

Key features include:

• Real-time digital manifests for every waste movement.

• Waste classification codes, similar in spirit to our EWC codes.

• Vehicle tracking, RFID, and CCTV integration for high-risk transfers.

• A regulatory dashboard allowing authorities to catch illegal movements before the waste even arrives.

Over 17 million waste transfers are recorded annually, Illegal dumping has plummeted since the system launched.

Transparency is built-in, businesses and regulators see the same data - Allbaro has been cited as best practice by the OECD and World Bank.

The UK's Digital Waste Tracking Plans

The UK’s Environment Act mandates the rollout of a mandatory digital waste tracking service by 2026 and aims to unify fragmented systems, improve enforcement, and help shift toward a more circular economy.

So far, the plans are promising: EWC (LoW) code integration, mandatory reporting, and a digital platform for all waste movements. But being honest, promise is the easy bit, delivery is where things usually get sticky.

Why the UK Should Look to Allbaro?

• Proof it Works: Allbaro’s long track record shows that digital waste tracking isn’t some utopian fantasy. It’s operational, enforceable, and effective.

• Built-In Compliance: By embedding checks at every stage, Allbaro reduces the need for costly enforcement actions after the fact.

• Smart Tech: The UK mustn’t be shy about integrating GPS, RFID, and real-time alerts. These aren't gimmicks, they’re game-changers. Systems like C-Trace have proved this.

• Data is Power: Two decades of Allbaro data informs South Korea’s environmental policies. The UK must see data not as a burden, but as fuel for smarter decisions.

As we inch toward 2026, the UK has a golden opportunity to leapfrog years of inefficiency by learning from South Korea’s Allbaro. It’s not about copying homework, it’s about realising that good ideas travel well, even when waste doesn’t, so let’s stop managing waste like it’s still 1995, let’s manage it like it’s Allbaro. Digital waste tracking - link - Section 58 - link - Allbaro - link - more like this - (waste) - link - more like this (South Korea) - link 

(GWP) EPR - 2027

When is EPR happening? - Reporting and data collection

The government, through Defra, is introducing the Extended Producer Responsibilities for Packaging in a phased approach. The plan is for full implementation by 2027. link

(GUF) SIMPLER RECYCLING RUBBISH

“Simpler Recycling” was pitched as the silver bullet for household confusion: a single, unified list of materials that every household in England could chuck into their bins without needing a PhD in local council policy. Paper, card, plastics, metal, glass, food waste; the same across the board, no matter your postcode. It was supposed to make recycling, “simpler”.

But along the line, the government message morphed. The original concept; (Collection of dry recyclable materials from households and non-household municipal premises) which was written around and concentrated on domestic recycling was muddied by a late-stage legislative remix that now threw businesses into the fold and rather than crafting a parallel or business-friendly framework, the government opted for a knee jerk, dim-witted, clunky bolt-on approach.

The new rules apply to what’s now being called “non-household municipal waste.” That means schools, hospitals, care homes and businesses. Businesses are now expected to separate and present their waste just like households which sounds reasonable in principle, but in practice it's a logistical spaghetti bowl. Different site sizes/containers/scale; infrastructure and waste profiles were never accounted for in the domestic-first design.

Then, to add insult to injury from a private waste management viewpoint: the Compliance Notice clause. Under the updated legislation, not only can producers (businesses) be held to account, but waste collectors can also now be slapped with compliance notices if we fail to toe the line. Except, and here’s the punchline - Waste Collection Authorities (WCAs) for whom the legislation was originally aimed at - are exempt – of course they are.

Essentially, if private waste collectors trying to navigate this labyrinth happen to miss a step, we can face penalties, however if a local authority fails to adhere - no such worry; they're basically wearing the legislative equivalent of an invisibility cloak which, if nothing else creates a wildly uneven playing field. It punishes innovation, stifles private-sector investment, and makes a mockery of the idea that everyone’s pulling in the same direction on sustainability. It's also a sharp reminder that, in waste policy, style often wins out over substance and “simpler” usually just means “simpler to explain in a press release.”

We’re left with legislation that tries to be everything to everyone but ends up being not very clear for anyone instead. This isn't good enough - link - more like this (Simpler Recycling) - link - more like this (rubbish) link

(SIM) AIRLINES GREENWASHING - SHOCKER

The European Commission (EC), an executive part of the European Union (EU), has issued a statement that it sent a letter to 20 European airlines, identifying misleading claims about their sustainability practices. The carriers were given 30 days to respond and amend their practices.

The EC and the EU’s consumer authorities, namely the Network of Consumer Protection Cooperation (CPC), focused on claims made by airlines that their CO2 emissions could be offset by climate projects or through the usage of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), which consumers also have to pay extra for.

According to the Commission, the CPC was led by the Belgian Directorate General for Economic Inspection, the Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets, the Norwegian Consumer Authority, and the Spanish Directorate General of Consumer Affairs. While not part of the EU, Norway is part of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA).

Nevertheless, the CPC claimed that the practices can be considered misleading, which is prohibited under three different articles of the Unfair Commercial Practises Directive of the EU. The statement added that the airlines have not clarified whether their claims can be based on scientific evidence.

The CPC identified at least six potentially misleading practices by the 20 airlines, including the incorrect impression that paying an additional fee to finance climate projects or using SAF can reduce or counterbalance CO2 emissions. Furthermore, the CPC raised an issue with the term SAF, claiming that the 20 airlines have not justified the impact of the alternative fuel.

Airlines have also allegedly misused several sustainability-linked terms, such as ‘green,’ ‘sustainable,’ and others, using them in absolute terms to imply that their practices are environmentally friendly. In addition, the CPC noted that some airlines have claimed that they are moving toward net-zero emissions without any “clear and verifiable commitments, targets and an independent monitoring system.” More of this article (Simple Flying) - link - more like this (aviation greenwashing) - link - more like this (SAF) - link

(VOG) US ACKNOWLEDGES TEXTILE WASTE

In December last year, the US published its first federal report on textile waste, marking the first time the government has acknowledged  and proposed solutions to one of the biggest issues facing the fashion industry.

Led by the Government Accountability Office (GAO), the report found that textile waste volume in the US increased by more than 50 per cent between 2000 and 2018, largely owing to the rise of fast fashion and the lack of coordinated efforts to collect and sort used textiles. It also found that waste is leaching contaminants and microplastics into soil and water as it slowly sits and decomposes in landfills.

The report also made seven recommendations for interventions aimed at curbing textile waste, including advancing textile recycling, reducing textile waste and identifying funding opportunities at the state, local government and federal level.

The GAO also suggested that six government agencies — Environmental Protection Agency, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Office of Science and Technology Policy, Department of State, Department of Energy, and National Science Foundation — form an interagency mechanism to foster collaboration and help achieve these goals faster. The agencies in question were quick to push back on this, but the GAO says it stands by the recommendation.

This all came about because of Representative Chellie Pingree, a Democrat from Maine who founded the congressional Slow Fashion Caucus in June to curb fast fashion pollution through policy, as Teen Vogue reported. Pingree requested the GAO report to kick-start proceedings. But does it actually achieve anything? 

“The most significant thing about the GAO report isn’t necessarily what it says, it’s that it exists at all. The report reinforces what many in the industry already know, but does so in a coordinated way, directed at the federal government,” says Rachel Kibbe, founder and CEO of Circular Services Group, and CEO of American Circular Textiles. “It formally calls for action, agency coordination and the deployment of federal power to address textile waste and circularity in a focused manner.”

It’s significant that a government agency would acknowledge such a problem, change is unlikely without the proper infrastructure to support it. “While the report does a solid job of laying the groundwork by recommending interagency collaboration and a future national textile recycling strategy, it’s critical that — as this strategy evolves over the next five to 10 years — the focus remains on aligning infrastructure development with a deep understanding of consumer behaviour,” says Brittany Sierra, founder and CEO of the Sustainable Fashion Forum and host of the ‘Green Behavior’ podcast.

Without that infrastructure development, customers can’t be expected to change their behaviours. “Expecting consumers to navigate unclear or inconsistent recycling pathways isn’t just unrealistic — it risks undermining the system’s success,” Sierra says. “Faced with decision fatigue, many default to the simplest option: tossing textiles in the trash. That’s why the design of the recycling system matters just as much as the education campaigns that support it. Systems must make sustainable actions so simple, intuitive and accessible that they become second nature, requiring minimal thought or effort.” More of this article (Vogue Business) - link - more like this (textiles) - link - more like this (USA) - link

(GUF) SIMPLETON RECYCLING

As from 1st April 2025 under the new pile of old pants Simpler Recycling legislation – legally – a waste collector should not collect any residual (general) waste that is contaminated with food.

Legal requirement for waste collectors

Waste collectors have a legal duty to make sure that dry recyclable materials (plastic, metal, glass, paper and card) and food waste are collected separately from residual waste (unless the piece of food waste was placed there by someone who works for a company that collectively employs less than ten people).

Under the bold new vision of Simpler Recycling, anyone with a set of balls big enough to bin a crust of toast must now attach a signed affidavit confirming they work for a company with fewer than 10 employees, written in biodegradable ink on recycled unicorn parchment made by the love child of an indigenous settler under a full moon. 

If no note is found, the food waste will be catapulted back to your office window, accompanied by a sternly worded haiku from DEFRA.

What about the aerosols? 

The aerosols that wrote this stupid legislation forgot that these are hazardous waste when from businesses - ignore this for a while - they'll change the wording in a few places when nobody's looking.

Paper and card must be collected separately from plastic, metal and glass. However, if this is not technically or economically practicable, or has no significant environmental benefit, the waste collector can complete a written co-collection assessment.

Compliance notices can also be issued against a waste collector (excluding a Waste Collection Authority) that is not complying with the rules. Govt - link - more like this (Simpler Recycling) - link

(ENJ) WAITROSE - NET ZERO FARM FUND

The British supermarket chain wants to support agricultural businesses transition to more sustainable, low-carbon practices.

Farming For Nature is Waitrose & Partners established environmental programme, the new net zero farm fund will offer financial support to deliver a range of projects on the ground.

Grants will be available to farmers and growers which supply the retailer and are looking to reduce their environmental footprint. Applications will soon be invited for funding to begin projects that reduce carbon and other emissions which are directly linked to products sold in stores.

‘This is a fantastic announcement from Waitrose. It really highlights the partnership relationship that we have with them; whenever they are backing British farming and supporting my farm, they become more efficient and lower our carbon footprint to support us on our net zero journey,’ said Harry Thompson, Waitrose chicken farmer at Pilgrim’s Europe.

‘This is important at a time when farmers are having a lot thrown at them; all support is greatly appreciated, and it really strengthens the farm to fork connection. Ultimately, moves like this are important, that we are collectively going forward with a strong vision as a strong partnership,’ he continued.

The scheme will contribute to decarbonising the Waitrose supply chain. It is also hoped climate resilience and mitigation efforts will also be improved through the initiative. Small and large scale projects will be considered, from rainwater capture tanks to sustainable fertilisers, low carbon heating to soil friendly machinery. Prior to the announcement, Waitrose had already invested £1million to its Farming For Nature programme.

‘With our commitment to our UK farming supply base reaching net zero by 2035, it’s key that we work closely with our suppliers and farmers and go on this journey with them, by supporting them to reduce the carbon footprint associated with the products they supply to Waitrose,’ said Marija Rompani, Director of Ethics & Sustainability at John Lewis Partnership. ‘We’re proud to work with fantastic British suppliers and farmers and look forward to supporting them through this fund to innovate, scale and deliver the low carbon products our customers want.’ More of this article (environment journal) - link - more like this (supermarkets) - link - more like this (British farms) - link

(GRP) FAVOURITE FOREIGN DESTINATIONS

The UK was the largest exporter of waste to Turkey in 2023, with 140,907 tonnes sent to the nation across the year compared to 87,900 the previous year. Turkey has been the leading destination for plastic waste exports from European countries for the past five years with the UK being the largest contributor for all but one of these years. 

The revelation comes as nations prepare for the final round of negotiations for the Global Plastics Treaty in Busan, South Korea at the end of November. Campaigners hope this treaty will back rules to cut plastic production globally, reducing the amount of plastic waste nations produce.

The scandal of waste exports to Turkey rose to prominence in the UK following a Greenpeace report in 2021 which revealed plastic bags and packaging from the UK being dumped and burned across southern Turkey. Exports from the UK had declined from a peak of 2020 to a low of 87,900 tonnes in 2022. But the rapid increase in 2023 suggests this was a temporary blip, with figures for the first five months of 2024 already showing an acceleration in waste exports..

The rise in plastic waste exports to Turkey began in January 2018, when China banned plastic waste imports. As other countries like Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam imposed similar restrictions, Turkey saw an uncontrolled increase in waste shipments. Greenpeace Türkiye is urging the UK and other European nations to stop sending their plastic waste to Turkey and is calling on Turkey’s Ministry of Environment, Urbanisation, and Climate Change, as well as all relevant authorities, to take urgent action for a robust Global Plastics Treaty More like this (Greenpeace article) - link - more like this (Turkey) - link - more like this (Greenpeace) - link