EU launches mandatory Repairability Index for electronics
- EU Council approves final implementation framework for Right to Repair legislation.
- Impact: Repairability now a market requirement—circularity becomes economic policy.
- Course correction: Must close loopholes on firmware locks + parts pairing abuse.
India bans additional 50 single-use plastics
- Government expands 2022 ban to include multi-layer sachets + disposable cutlery + wrappers.
- Impact: One of the largest population-level material transitions underway.
- Course correction: Provide SMEs with reuse/refill support to prevent informal black markets.
U.S. launches Critical Materials Recycling Initiative
- Focus on rare earth metals, lithium, cobalt, nickel recovered from e-waste.
- Impact: Recycling now tied to national security + supply chain resilience.
- Course correction: Add design-for-disassembly laws, not just recycling incentives.
Kenya launches community-owned textile circular hub in Nairobi
- Impact: Local ownership model solves fast fashion dumping + job creation.
- Course correction: Pair with producer responsibility fees from foreign fashion brands.
Hitachi, Mitsubishi form Circular Electronics Alliance
- Major Japanese manufacturers will standardize modular components for repair.
- Impact: Industrial circularity goes mainstream beyond consumer tech.
- Course correction: Publish open modular standards to avoid corporate lock-in.
Global food waste upcycling market hits $9.6B
- Growth driven by citrus fiber, brewer’s spent grain, coffee oils, fruit sugar extracts.
- Impact: Waste-to-value now profitable—circular bioeconomy emerges fast.
- Course correction: Build regional upcycling hubs to reduce energy + transport emissions.
Chile releases National Circular Mining Roadmap
- Impact: Heavy industry begins circular shift—potential global template.
- Course correction: Require community supervision + Indigenous consent to prevent extractive greenwashing.
Author: Mobilized News
Mobilized is the International Network for a world in transition. Everyday, our international team oversees a plethora of stories dedicated to improving the quality of life for all life.
