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The week ending May 10, 2025
Policy & Industry Developments
Jefferson County Partners with ExxonMobil and Cyclyx
Jefferson County, Texas, is advancing toward implementing a countywide plastic recycling program through a new partnership with ExxonMobil and Cyclyx. On April 30, 2025, the Jefferson County Commissioners’ Court unanimously approved a memorandum of understanding to develop the initiative.
This collaboration is part of ExxonMobil’s broader $200 million investment strategy, announced in November 2024, to expand advanced recycling capabilities in Baytown and Beaumont, aiming to process over 1 billion pounds of plastic globally each year. The county-level plan includes forming a steering committee that will meet monthly to increase residential recycling and position Jefferson County as a regional recycling hub. Advanced recycling, unlike traditional methods, can break down plastics at the molecular level, enabling the reuse of materials previously considered non-recyclable.
ExxonMobil’s partnership with Cyclyx, a company focused on enhancing plastic recyclability, will support the initiative by managing feedstock and facilitating community projects. The effort underscores ExxonMobil’s commitment to developing technology, investing in infrastructure, and fostering collaboration to promote a circular economy and reduce plastic waste.
Critique of Advanced Recycling Practices
A report from the Center for Climate Integrity accuses the plastics industry of promoting “advanced recycling” technologies, despite internal acknowledgement of their economic and technical shortcomings. Advanced recycling, often referred to as chemical recycling, involves breaking down plastic waste into its molecular components and has been marketed as a breakthrough solution to plastic pollution. However, the report highlights that these processes are energy-intensive, costly, and often result in fuel rather than new plastic, contradicting the industry’s claims of a circular economy. Internal industry documents demonstrate awareness of limitations and environmental impacts, including significant carbon emissions. Despite these issues, companies like ExxonMobil and Shell publicly defend the technology’s potential.
Circular Fashion & Textiles
UK’s Circular Textiles Initiatives
The UK is working to position itself as a global leader in circular textiles amid rising awareness around sustainability and fashion waste. Key initiatives include the establishment of Project Re, the UK’s first commercial-scale post-consumer polyester recycling plant, and the Circular Fashion Innovation Network (CFIN), which seeks to build a national textile recycling infrastructure. Plans include creating automated sorting and chemical recycling plants to process significant volumes of textile waste. However, challenges such as limited infrastructure, slow government policy support, and lack of investment hinder progress. The industry is calling for the introduction of an Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) scheme that mandates textile producers to support recycling initiatives. While the Circular Economy Taskforce is reviewing relevant recommendations, stakeholders emphasize the need for government action to drive systemic change.
Events & Global Engagement
Circularity 2025 Conference in Denver
From April 29 to May 1, 2025, Denver hosted the Circularity 2025 conference, organized by Trellis (formerly GreenBiz). Over 1,500 professionals and industry leaders gathered to discuss strategies for change, new business models, and the importance of innovation in redesigning entire supply chains. The event emphasized the need for collaboration between sectors to accelerate the circular economy.
World Circular Economy Forum 2025 in São Paulo
The World Circular Economy Forum 2025 (WCEF2025) is set to take place at Ibirapuera Park in São Paulo from May 13 to 14, 2025. The forum will explore the potential of tropical solutions for sustainable growth, the power of the regenerative economy, and the strategies of a bioeconomy—alongside the indispensable role of the production sector in driving the transition toward a circular economy.
Circular Economy in the Food Industry
EBRD Supports Circular Economy in Western Balkans Fast Food Expansion
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is providing a loan of up to €9.9 million to support the expansion of KFC and Taco Bell restaurants in the Western Balkans, Croatia, and Slovenia. This investment represents a pioneering effort to embed circular economy principles within the franchising model, with 100% of the funds being used to support the transition to a green economy. The project aims to create new jobs and inclusion opportunities, especially for women and people with disabilities.
Urban Circularity Initiatives
Seville’s Feria de Abril Promotes Recycling
During the Feria de Abril de Sevilla, LIPASAM and Ecoembes are promoting a campaign to encourage the correct separation and recycling of packaging in the festival’s booths. The initiative aims to move beyond the “use and throw away” model by encouraging participants to recycle cans, cartons, and plastic containers. Special bags and yellow bins have been distributed to facilitate this task, and LIPASAM teams will collect the waste each morning for processing at a selection plant. The goal is to reuse recycled materials in new manufacturing processes, promoting a more sustainable fair and raising awareness about the importance of each gesture in the movement towards a circular economy.
The week ending May 3, 2025
Reuse Models Gain Momentum Over Traditional Recycling
A growing consensus highlights the limitations of recycling, with less than 9% of global plastic waste being successfully recycled. In contrast, reuse systems are demonstrating significant potential, reducing packaging production by up to 90% and emissions by 80%. Initiatives like PR3 are working on global reuse standards, while companies such as Reand r.World are scaling reuse programs in the U.S. Governments in Indonesia and California are also advancing supportive policies for reuse models.
Global Circular Economy Initiatives
- World Circular Economy Forum (WCEF) 2025: Held in Helsinki, the forum addressed rising material scarcity and emphasized the need for circular solutions to refine growth targets and sustainability agreements.
- Canadian Circular Economy Summit (CCES) 2025: In Montréal, the summit showcased Canada’s progress in circular economy practices, highlighting initiatives in waste auditing and the development of circular economy education and engagement resources.
Advancements in Recycling Technologies
Mechanical recycling is being recognized as a key solution for transforming mixed plastic waste into valuable products, supporting a circular economy. Innovations in this area are helping to overcome challenges associated with recycling complex plastic materials. (
Sustainable Manufacturing and Resource Recovery
Efforts are underway to enhance resource recovery through improved policies, circular economy infrastructure, and innovative business models. These initiatives aim to maximize the reuse of materials and reduce environmental impacts associated with waste.
France’s Anti-Waste and Circular Economy Law
France continues to implement its comprehensive Anti-Waste and Circular Economy Law, which includes measures such as banning certain single-use plastics, introducing repairability indexes for electronic products, and enforcing producer responsibility for waste management.
The week ending April 25, 2025
Dell Advances Sustainable Tech with Modular Designs and Recycled Materials
Dell has intensified its commitment to sustainability by incorporating over 95 million pounds of recycled or renewable materials into its products in 2024, including low-emission aluminum, bio-based plastics, and recycled cobalt. The company has also redesigned hardware for improved repairability, featuring modular USB-C ports and accessible battery systems. These initiatives support Dell’s broader goal to reuse or recycle an amount of technology equivalent to what it sells annually by 2030.
Circular Materials Joins the Circular Plastics Taskforce
On April 16, 2025, Circular Materials announced its membership in the Circular Plastics Taskforce (CPT), a Canadian initiative aimed at improving post-consumer plastics management. This collaboration seeks to enhance recycling systems and advance the circular economy across Canada.
Yukon Approves Extended Producer Responsibility Plan
The Government of Yukon approved the Yukon Stewardship Plan for Packaging, Paper, and Single-Use Products on February 1, 2025, marking a significant milestone in the territory’s transition to full extended producer responsibility (EPR). The program is set to launch on November 1, 2025, aiming to improve recycling and waste management.
University of Houston Hosts Plastics Circularity Symposium
The University of Houston held its annual Energy Symposium focusing on plastics circularity, bringing together industry professionals to address the challenges of plastic waste and explore opportunities for sustainable solutions. The event emphasized Houston’s role in innovating plastic use and waste management.
Amazon Invests in Cyclic Materials’ Recycling Technologies
Amazon’s Climate Pledge Fund invested in Cyclic Materials’ Series B funding round to support the expansion of innovative recycling technologies for rare earth elements and other critical materials. This investment aims to strengthen the circular supply chain for critical materials used in data centers and other industries.
The week ending April 18, 2025
Laboratory Waste Reduction
Polycarbin and Grenova’s Closed-Loop Partnership
Polycarbin and Grenova have partnered to advance circular economy practices in laboratories. Their collaboration focuses on reprocessing single-use lab plastics, aiming to reduce waste and promote sustainability in scientific research environments.
Alberta’s Extended Producer Responsibility Program
On April 1, Alberta launched Phase 1 of its Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) program for packaging and paper products. This initiative shifts recycling responsibilities to producers, enhancing recycling systems and promoting circularity in the province.
Advancements in Fashion Industry Circularity
The fashion industry is making strides in textile-to-textile recycling. Notable developments include:
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Reju’s partnership with Goodwill and WM to recycle polyester garments.
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Syre’s plan to open a polyester recycling plant in North Carolina by mid-2025.
Technological Enhancements in Material Recovery
Advancements in AI and robotics are improving material recognition and sorting in recycling facilities. These technologies enhance efficiency and accuracy, supporting the scalability of circular economy practices.
China: National Strategies for Waste-to-Wealth Transformation
China is expanding its circular economy initiatives, aiming to build a comprehensive circular industrial system by the end of 2025. This includes plans to convert waste into valuable resources, supporting sustainable economic growth.
https://arxiv.org/abs/2504.06782
Researchers have developed a probabilistic grading and classification system to assess the reusability of end-of-life building components. This system supports decision-making in construction, promoting the reuse of materials and reducing waste.
World Circular Economy Forum 2025
The World Circular Economy Forum 2025 is scheduled to take place in South America. The forum will explore tropical solutions for sustainable growth, bioeconomy strategies, and the role of production sectors in driving circular economy transitions. Circular
Week ending April 11, 2025
Technological Innovations Enhancing Circularity
- Advancements in AI for Material Recovery: Recent reports highlight the emergence of AI-based robotic systems designed for advanced material recognition and sorting. These technologies aim to boost sustainability, improve resource circularity, and optimize operations at recycling and material recovery facilities.
Policy and Strategic Initiatives
- UK’s Upcoming Circular Economy Strategy: The UK government announced plans to publish a new Circular Economy Strategy in autumn 2025. This strategy will focus on reducing waste and promoting the reuse of materials across key sectors such as construction, textiles, and plastics, building upon measures from the 2018 Resources and Waste Strategy.
Industry and Organizational Efforts
- B Lab’s Enhanced Standards for Environmental Stewardship: B Lab introduced new standards emphasizing the hierarchy of circular actions. Companies are encouraged to prioritize the use of renewable, reused, or recycled materials over virgin ones and to eliminate single-use products and packaging, aiming to reduce pressure on natural resources and promote continuous improvement in circular practices.
FLUID: 3D-printed open-source robot offers accessible solution for materials synthesis
A team of researchers led by Professor Keisuke Takahashi at the Faculty of Science, Hokkaido University, have created FLUID (Flowing Liquid Utilizing Interactive Device), an open-source robotic system constructed using a 3D printer and off-the-shelf electronic components.
University of Oregon chemists are bringing a greener way to make iron metal for steel production closer to reality, a step towards cleaning up an industry that’s one of the biggest contributors to carbon emissions worldwide. The research was published in ACS Energy Letters.
Computer simulations suggest CO₂ can be stored underground indefinitely.
We have to stop emitting carbon dioxide (CO2) if we want to save the climate—there is no doubt about that. But that alone will not be enough. In addition, it will also be necessary to capture CO2 that is already present in the atmosphere, and store it permanently, for example, by pumping it deep into the ground.
Simultaneously burying broadband and electricity could save small towns big money
When it comes to upgrading electrical and broadband infrastructure, new research from the University of Massachusetts Amherst shows that a “dig once” approach is nearly 40% more cost effective than replacing them separately.
Week ending March 28, 2024
When it comes to upgrading electrical and broadband infrastructure, new research from the University of Massachusetts Amherst shows that a “dig once” approach is nearly 40% more cost effective than replacing them separately.
Santander Launches Global Challenge for Circular Economy Solutions
Banco Santander introduced the “Santander X Global Challenge | Circular Economy Revolution,” targeting startups and scaleups across 11 countries. This initiative, in collaboration with the Norrsken and Oxentia foundations, seeks innovative solutions in recycling, new materials, and circular business models to promote sustainability.
European Union Advances Circular Economy Initiatives
The European Commission reported progress on new circular economy advancements aimed at sustainable resource use and waste reduction across member states. These efforts underscore the EU’s commitment to transitioning towards a more sustainable and resource-efficient economy.
UK Environment Secretary Outlines Support for Circular Economy Transition
UK Environment Secretary Steve Reed delivered a speech detailing governmental support for the nation’s shift to a circular economy. The address emphasized policy clarity and targeted interventions to facilitate business planning and innovation in resource efficiency. Industry leaders responded positively, highlighting the importance of regulatory reforms and market stimulation for secondary raw materials.
Circular Materials Project Recognized as Strategic by European Commission
An Italian initiative focused on the sustainable recovery of critical raw materials from waste was designated as a strategic project by the European Commission. This recognition highlights the project’s potential to contribute significantly to Europe’s circular economy goals by promoting resource efficiency and reducing environmental impact.
Industry Insights:
- Advocacy for Circular Economy in Global Trade: Rana Hajirasouli, PhD, founder of The Surpluss, emphasized the necessity of adopting the circular economy as the default model for global trade. She highlighted that redefining resources is crucial for achieving a sustainable and profitable future.
Research and Technological Advancements:
- Enhancing Polypropylene Recycling: Recent research has identified opportunities to improve polypropylene recycling, demonstrating the potential for advanced technology to enhance transparency in the recycling system and increase high-quality material recovery.
- Recycling Critical Materials from E-Waste: Studies have underscored the importance of recycling critical materials from electronic waste, noting that such practices can minimize environmental impact and reduce the demand for raw materials.
Policy and Economic Developments:
- India’s Recycling Industry Growth Projection: A senior official from India’s Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change projected that the country’s recycling industry could reach a valuation of $3 trillion within the next two decades, highlighting the economic potential of shifting towards a circular economy.
Collaborative Initiatives:
- Strategic Partnership for Battery Circular Economy: Contemporary Amperex Technology Co., Limited (CATL) and the Ellen MacArthur Foundation established a strategic partnership aimed at advancing a circular economy within the battery industry.
- UNECE Resource Management Week 2025: The United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) announced the upcoming Resource Management Week 2025, focusing on advancing sustainable resource governance. The event will feature dialogues on mineral and metal resources, with an emphasis on circular economy practices.