Design

Recycled Glass
Recycled glass identified as cement substitute in compressed earth blocks

Researchers have found that adding recycled waste glass particles (RWGP) and lime to compressed earth blocks (CEB) improves their quality as a building material.

TOMRA reuse collection point
TOMRA unveils reverse vending machines for reusable food packaging

Reuse Collection Point (RCPs) will accept QR-coded containers and provide instant deposit refunds, with rollout planned for Q1 2026

Futamura teriyaki sauce sachet
Compostable packaging solution developed for condiment sachets

Collaboration creates bio-degradable alternative for hard-to-recycle liquid pouches used for food, sauces, and personal care creams

An image of a DS Smith hygienic box
DS Smith develops hygienic boxes for essential deliveries
By
Olivia Rutherford
| 30 March 2020 |
Fibre-based packaging company DS Smith has developed hygienic boxes to provide essential provisions and vital medications to those practicing social distancing or self-isolating during the Covid-19 outbreak.
Cassava waste.
UK-India group develops compostable film to extend the life of fruit and vegetables
By
Becky Goodall
| 27 March 2020 |
A consortium of UK and Indian businesses and organisations has developed a new compostable film designed to reduce food and plastic waste backed by Innovate UK and coordinated by the Newton Fund.
An image of green glass bottles
European container glass industry to reduce emissions with green furnace
By
Imogen Benson
| 16 March 2020 |
European container glass federation FEVE has announced an industry-wide project to build the first large-scale hybrid electric furnace that will run on 80 per cent renewable energy.
A screenshot from the EU's Circular Economy Action Plan document
EU unveils Circular Economy Action Plan
By
Imogen Benson
| 11 March 2020 |
The European Commission has today (11 March) published its new Circular Economy Action Plan, outlining measures to ensure that products are designed to last longer and are easier to reuse, repair and recycle. 
Repairing an electronic item
Repair Café Conference to launch new Carbon Calculator
By
Imogen Benson
| 5 March 2020 |
A ‘Repair Café Carbon Calculator’ is set to be previewed at the UK’s first Repair Café Conference on 12 March in Farnham, Surrey.
3D printing machine.
New project to turn waste plastic into 3D printing additives
By
Becky Goodall
| 4 March 2020 |
Manchester Metropolitan University will lead on a new EU-funded project to turn single-use plastic waste back into valuable new plastic products.
A packet of Andrex Washlets
Andrex wet wipes receive ‘Fine to Flush’ certification
By
Imogen Benson
| 2 March 2020 |
Toiletries company Andrex has received Water UK’s ‘Fine to Flush’ accreditation for its range of washlet wet wipes, with the certification logo set to be rolled out across all products from spring 2020.
Novamont's new Mater-Bi cling film
Novamont launches Mater-Bi cling film
By
Imogen Benson
| 12 February 2020 |
Italian compostable bioplastics manufacturer Novamont has developed a new cling film made from its Mater-Bi bioplastic. 
Bristol's bio-methane powered buses
Bio-methane buses rolled out across Bristol
By
Imogen Benson
| 11 February 2020 |
First West of England is launching a fleet of 77 bio-methane powered buses in Bristol, drawing fuel from a new £2-million gas filling station at the company’s Lawrence Hill depot. 
A volunteer fixing an item at a repair café
UK repair cafés to take part in nationwide Big Fix event
By
Imogen Benson
| 11 February 2020 |
75 repair cafés around the country will be running simultaneous community events as part of the UK’s largest nationwide repair project this Saturday.  
Vegware's compostable coffee cups
WRAP publishes compostable packaging guidance
By
Imogen Benson
| 6 February 2020 |
The Waste and Resources Action Programme (WRAP) has published new guidance to address confusion around compostable packaging. 
South Africa has joined the Plastics Pact network
South Africa joins Plastics Pact network
By
Imogen Benson
| 4 February 2020 |
A South African Plastics Pact was launched on Thursday (30 January) in Cape Town, with support from the Waste and Resources Action Programme (WRAP).
OPRL's 'Recycle' and 'Don't Recycle' labels
OPRL launches new labelling rules
By
Imogen Benson
| 29 January 2020 |
Following a comprehensive review process, the On-Pack Recycling Label (OPRL) has launched its new recycling label rules, moving the majority of packaging into a binary labelling system. 
Hubbub's paper cup art installation on London's Southbank
London art installation marks launch of Hubbub paper cup recycling projects
By
Imogen Benson
| 21 January 2020 |
Behavioural change charity Hubbub has constructed an immersive art installation on London’s Southbank to promote the launch of five new paper cup recycling schemes across London, financed by The Cup Fund. 
Circle Economy's Circularity Gap Report
Global resource consumption hits 100 billion tonnes
By
Imogen Benson
| 21 January 2020 |
A new report from Dutch social enterprise Circle Economy has revealed that the global economy is consuming a record 100 billion tonnes of materials a year, while the reuse of resources has gone into reverse.
Colgate's new recyclable toothpaste tube
Colgate launches first recyclable toothpaste tube
By
Imogen Benson
| 14 January 2020 |
Colgate’s ‘industry-first’ recyclable toothpaste tube is made from High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) and is widely recycled across the UK. 
The planned Protos Energy Park in Ellesmere Port, Cheshire, the first site to be announced by PowerHouse Energy
UK’s first waste-to-hydrogen plant secures next stage funding
By
Becky Goodall
| 2 January 2020 |
The UK’s first waste-to-hydrogen plant using technology developed by Powerhouse Energy Group has secured funding for the next stage of its development at its site in Ellesmere Port, Cheshire.
An image of a laptop
Buyers' guide: Software
By Resource |
12 December 2019 |
Software can greatly enhance your company’s offering and customer experience, so it’s crucial that you find the right platform for your business needs. The Resource Buyers’ Guide presents some of the best software providers on the market
Bulk Handling Systems’ Max-AI AQC-C uses robotic sorters and a visual identification system to sort waste
MRFs look to the future
By
Becky Goodall
| 11 December 2019 |
Significant changes are underway in the resources and waste sector that will have a deep impact on material recycling facilities (MRFs). Rob Cole reports.
Waste Aid's roof tiling project in The Gambia
From the ground up
By
Zoë Lenkiewicz
| 11 December 2019 |
Zoë Lenkiewicz, Head of Programmes and Engagement at WasteAid, explains how the charity is providing economic opportunities and cleaning up the environment by turning low-density polyethylene into roofing tiles in The Gambia.