Design

SUEZ outlines key principles for effective UK EPR regime
SUEZ outlines key principles for effective UK EPR regime

Waste management company SUEZ recycling and recovery UK has released a report detailing 10 fundamental principles for an effective extended producer responsibility (EPR) regime for the UK, including incentivising sustainable product design and providing a clear and simple system for both producers and consumers.

The Ocean Cleanup project begins final deployment
The Ocean Cleanup project begins final deployment

The Ocean Cleanup, after five years of research and testing, has launched its marine plastic extraction system in an attempt to cleanse the Great Pacific Garbage Patch.

Carlsberg launches new sustainable packaging design in UK
Carlsberg launches new sustainable packaging design in UK

Carlsberg has produced a new environmentally-friendly form of packaging with NMP Systems called Snap Pack, which is estimated to save up to 76 percent on plastics.

Researchers at Swansea University unlock plastic waste car fuel potential
Swansea University researchers unlock plastic waste car fuel potential
By
Kate Nicholson
| 6 September 2018 |
Scientists at the University of Swansea have discovered how to transform waste plastics into hydrogen, which could then be used to fuel hydrogen cars.
Second boat made from recycled plastic sets sail on the Thames
Second boat made from recycled plastic sets sail on the Thames
By
Kate Nicholson
| 4 September 2018 |
Environmental charity Hubbub launched a boat made from 99 per cent plastic waste last week to collect debris in the Thames.
Lucozade to trial edible packaging at sports events
Lucozade to trial edible packaging at sports events
By
Rob Cole
| 30 August 2018 |
Sports drinks giant Lucozade will trial a biodegradable form of packaging for its sports drinks and gels at a series of events from September as it seeks to move beyond plastic.
Reebok’s sustainable trainers made from plants
Reebok’s sustainable trainers made from plants
By
Kate Dickinson
| 22 August 2018 |
The sportswear brand has launched a new trainer made from bio-based materials as part of its Cotton + Corn initiative to develop more sustainable products.
Kraft Heinz announces aims for sustainable packaging by 2025
Kraft Heinz announces aims for sustainable packaging by 2025
By
Rob Cole
| 7 August 2018 |
The Kraft Heinz Company has announced an aim to ensure that 100 per cent of its packaging is recyclable, reusable or compostable by 2025 as it seeks to reduce its natural resource usage and overall environmental footprint.
Master Magnets to display eddy current separators at RWM
Master Magnets to display eddy current separators at RWM
By
Master Magnets
| 6 August 2018 |
Master Magnets to display total metal recovery solution at RWM 2018, demonstrating the potential of its range of Eddy Current Separators and Magnetic Separators.
All-electric waste collection vehicle tours UK
By
Gethin Roberts
| 31 July 2018 |
FCC Environment are promoting the benefits of electric refuse collection vehicles, which include energy savings of up to 60 per cent over conventional vehicles.
BBC criticised for coverage of oxo-biodegradable plastics
BBC criticised for coverage of oxo-biodegradable plastics
By
Rob Cole
| 26 July 2018 |
Critics have panned the BBC’s coverage of the controversial material, which the EU is in the process of restricting, with naturalist Chris Packham failing to declare his paid position as adviser with an oxo-plastics company during a televised discussion on the material.
Resource Association’s awards celebrate recycling achievements
By
Gethin Roberts
| 18 July 2018 |
The Quality Recognition Award winners were announced at the association’s Annual Lecture in London. 
Ministers meet to discuss UK-wide deposit return scheme
Ministers meet to discuss UK-wide deposit return scheme
By
Rob Cole
| 9 July 2018 |
Ministers from the UK, Welsh and Scottish Governments, as well as officials from Northern Ireland, met on 6 July to discuss plans for a collective deposit return scheme for drinks containers that would operate in all nations of the UK.
Scottish Government opens public consultation on deposit return
Scottish Government opens public consultation on deposit return
By
Rob Cole
| 2 July 2018 |
The Scottish Government has launched a public consultation on a deposit return scheme (DRS) for Scotland to gather stakeholder opinions on how such a scheme for Scotland should work.
Volvo to use 25 per cent recycled plastics in new cars from 2025
By
Gethin Roberts
| 26 June 2018 |
As well as promising 25 per cent recycled plastic in its own cars, Volvo has called on industry suppliers to collaborate for more sustainable practices.
Deposit return: A tried and tested solution for Scotland
Deposit return: A tried and tested solution for Scotland
By
Clarissa Morawski
| 22 June 2018 |
Clarissa Morawski, Managing Director of Reloop, makes the case for deposit return schemes in the fight against plastic waste.
MPs launch inquiry into sustainability of the fashion industry
MPs launch inquiry into sustainability of the fashion industry
By
Rob Cole
| 22 June 2018 |
Parliament’s cross-party Environmental Audit Committee (EAC) has launched a new inquiry into the sustainability of the fashion industry.
£20m government fund for plastics research and innovation
£20m government fund for plastics research and innovation
By
Kate Dickinson
| 21 June 2018 |
The government has announced a new £20-million Plastics Research and Innovation Fund to develop cutting-edge and circular approaches to plastics manufacturing in the UK.
EU proposes single-use plastic bans to combat marine litter
EU proposes single-use plastic bans to combat marine litter
By
Kate Dickinson
| 29 May 2018 |
The European Commission has proposed a full ban on some of the most commonly used and littered disposable plastic products in Europe, including single-use cutlery, plates, drinks stirrers, straws, cotton buds and sticks for balloons.
Is embarrassment contributing to plastic bottle waste?
Princes to use 51 per cent recycled plastic in bottles
By
Kate Dickinson
| 18 May 2018 |
One of the UK’s key plastic bottle producers is set to use 51 per cent recycled content in all its bottles by September and wants to move to 100 per cent.
Innovative bio-based materials up for award
Innovative bio-based materials up for award
By
Kate Dickinson
| 3 May 2018 |
Six innovative bio-based products using materials including cellulose, soy beans and watermelon sugars are on the shortlist for the 2018 Bio-based Material of the Year award.
Compostable alternative to plastic packaging uses wool as insulation
Compostable alternative to plastic packaging uses wool as insulation
By
Kate Dickinson
| 1 May 2018 |
Woolcool is a packaging innovation for the transport of temperature-sensitive items from the food and pharmaceutical sectors, using wool in place of polystyrene, bubble wrap, gel packs or other non-recyclable insulating materials. 
Applications open for 2018 Green Alley Award
By
Rob Cole
| 23 April 2018 |
The European award for circular economy startups and innovators has launched a call for applications for this year’s competition ahead of October’s Berlin final.