Technology

World’s first used-plastic bicycle path launched in the Netherlands
World’s first used-plastic bicycle path launched in the Netherlands

The Netherlands is trialling a new way to reuse plastic waste with the launch of the world’s first reused plastic bicycle path.


The path is 100 feet long (30 metres), based in the 1,300 year old northern town of Zwolle, and is approximately two to three times more durable than the current asphalt paths in use.


Asphalt concrete alone creates approximately 1.5 million tonnes of CO2 emissions per year, which equates to up to two per cent of global road transport emissions. The new... More

Five of the best new products at RWM 2018
Five of the best new products at RWM 2018

RWM 2018 saw two days of exhibits and talks displaying some of the latest innovations in the waste and resources sector. Here are five of the best new products that piqued our interest.

Car battery recycling: Staying in charge
Car battery recycling: Staying in charge

Giles Kirkland examines what the changing automotive industry means for car battery recycling in the UK.

Ecosurety and Recycling Technologies announce deal to roll out new plastic waste technology
Ecosurety and Recycling Technologies announce deal to roll out new plastic waste technology
By
Rob Cole
| 13 September 2018 |
UK compliance scheme Ecosurety has announced a new deal with plastic waste chemical recycling specialists Recycling Technologies, which it hopes will accelerate the commercial roll-out of an innovative technology to improve the scope and capacity of plastic recycling in the UK.
The Ocean Cleanup project begins final deployment
The Ocean Cleanup project begins final deployment
By
Kate Nicholson
| 13 September 2018 |
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.
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.
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.
Compostable cups can now be composted in windrow facilities
By
Gethin Roberts
| 1 August 2018 |
The move, facilitated by compostable packaging company Vegware, means that both hot and cold certified compostable cups and lids are now allowed to be processed in any of the UK’s more than 100 windrow composting facilities
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.
Amur launches 24-hour AD feedstock test
Amur launches 24-hour AD feedstock test
By
Kate Dickinson
| 27 July 2018 |
A new rapid inhibition test for anaerobic digestion feedstocks has been unveiled by AD services provider Amur.
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. 
University of Northampton launches waste management postgraduate course
By
Gethin Roberts
| 10 July 2018 |
The new hands-on Master’s degree is aimed at those wanting to begin or progress their careers in the waste and resources management industry.
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.
£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.
New plastics recycling partnership launched as cost of Scotland’s packaging waste hits £11m
New plastics recycling partnership launched as cost of Scotland’s packaging waste hits £11m
By
Kate Dickinson
| 6 June 2018 |
A new £3-million plastics recycling partnership aims to tackle Scotland’s packaging waste, which was recently revealed to cost local authorities more than £11 million a year.
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.
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.
Barking to reduce bins by 98 per cent with underground waste system
By
Kate Dickinson
| 11 April 2018 |
Barking Riverside London, a new housing development on the River Thames, will soon boast an Envac automated underground bin system, the UK’s largest, when it launches in 2019.
Is embarrassment contributing to plastic bottle waste?
Unilever trials circular technique for PET plastic recycling
By
Kate Dickinson
| 4 April 2018 |
A new method of recycling PET plastic is being trialled by global consumer goods company Unilever, PET producer Indorama Ventures and Dutch startup Ioniqa, with the aim of eventually recycling all waste PET back into high grade food packaging.
The grass is greener: FIFA promotes recycling of artificial football pitches
The grass is greener: FIFA promotes recycling of artificial football pitches
By
Kate Dickinson
| 23 March 2018 |
FIFA is taking steps to make football more sustainable, starting with the pitches: the organisation has recently recycled the artificial turf at its Zurich headquarters and hopes that others will follow suit.
Tactile expiry labels could prevent food waste
Tactile expiry labels could prevent food waste
By
Kate Dickinson
| 21 March 2018 |
Mimica Touch, a tactile label that shows when food is no longer safe to eat, is going to be trialled by the UK arm of Arla, which owns Cravendale, Anchor and Skyr.
New Dutch facility to turn waste into chemicals
New Dutch facility to turn waste into chemicals
By
Kate Dickinson
| 7 March 2018 |
Plans for a groundbreaking ‘waste-to-chemistry’ facility in Rotterdam to recycle waste into methanol are moving forwards after the project received £8 million of funding.
SUEZ streamlines with integrated data platform
SUEZ streamlines with integrated data platform
By Resource |
2 March 2018 |
SUEZ recycling & recovery UK has begun utilising a new data platform, bringing together information from across the entire organisation to better facilitate moves towards increased circularity.