Updates: Materials and Resources

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Week ending March 28, 2024

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.

03/21/25

Strategic Partnerships:

  • CATL and Ellen MacArthur Foundation Collaboration: Contemporary Amperex Technology Co., Limited (CATL), a leading battery manufacturer, announced a strategic partnership with the Ellen MacArthur Foundation to advance a circular economy for batteries. This collaboration aims to promote sustainable practices in battery production and recycling, aligning with global efforts to enhance resource efficiency.

Government Initiatives:

  • Canada’s Support for Electra Battery Materials: The Government of Canada welcomed a proposal from Electra Battery Materials to produce cobalt sulfate, a critical component for electric vehicle batteries. This initiative is part of Canada’s broader strategy to strengthen its critical minerals value chain, supporting the transition to a net-zero economy.
  • Brazil’s National Circular Economy Plan: Brazil initiated a public hearing for its National Circular Economy Plan, aiming to transition from a linear economic model to a more sustainable and competitive framework. This plan seeks to regulate and guide strategic actions to promote resource efficiency and environmental sustainability.

Industry Reports:

  • Advanced Recycling Market Projections: A global report highlighted the rapid expansion of the chemical recycling sector, driven by increasing plastic waste and sustainability mandates. The report forecasts that by 2030, advanced recycling will process 20-25 million tons of plastic waste annually, representing approximately 5-7% of global plastic production.

Corporate Sustainability Efforts:

  • BASF’s 2024 Report on Resource Use: BASF published its audited annual report for the business year 2024, detailing its environmental, social, and governance performance. The report emphasizes the company’s commitment to reducing the use of fossil raw materials and enhancing waste management practices to support a circular economy.

Innovative Recycling Practices:

  • Renew IT’s E-Waste Recycling: Renew IT introduced a process to recycle electronic waste into 3D printing filament, creating a circular economy where materials are reused continuously. This innovation not only addresses e-waste challenges but also contributes to sustainable manufacturing practices.

Trade Fair Focus:

  • interzum 2025 Emphasizes Sustainability: The international trade fair interzum announced that its 2025 event will focus on “Rethinking Resources: Circular and Biobased Solutions.” This theme underscores the growing importance of eco-conscious practices in the furniture and interior design industries.

03/19/25

Global Bottles Market Growth Amid Sustainability Trends

The global bottles market is projected to reach USD 200.9 billion by 2035, driven by increasing demand for sustainable packaging and smart packaging solutions. Manufacturers are shifting toward BPA-free and recyclable materials, aligning with consumer preferences and regulatory standards. This trend reflects a broader movement toward circularity in packaging, emphasizing the importance of keeping valuable materials in use and out of landfills.

Transforming “Mining” to reuse of building materials in Leuven, Belgium

In Leuven, Belgium, an ambitious urban mining project is underway to reduce waste and promote a circular economy. Led by deputy mayor Thomas Van Oppens, the initiative involves dismantling buildings to salvage reusable materials such as wood, metal, and bricks. The non-profit organization Materialenbank plays a central role in recovering and reselling building waste, fostering sustainable practices and aiding the long-term unemployed and immigrants. This effort aims to transform public perception toward reuse and sustainability, contributing to the city’s goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2050.

Advancements in Low-Carbon EPDM Production

Manufacturers are refining supply chains by incorporating renewable naphtha and circular feedstocks to produce low-carbon Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer (EPDM). These greener production technologies aim to reduce CO₂ footprints, particularly in the construction, automotive, and industrial sectors. Such initiatives demonstrate a commitment to circularity by optimizing resource use and minimizing environmental impact.

Niutech’s Tire Recycling Project Achieves ISCC EU/PLUS Certifications

Niutech’s tire recycling project has achieved international ISCC EU/PLUS dual certifications, highlighting its commitment to sustainable practices. This accomplishment underscores the project’s role in promoting circularity by converting waste tires into valuable resources, thereby reducing environmental pollution and conserving raw materials.

Global Recycling Day and the Role of Aluminum

In celebration of Global Recycling Day, attention is drawn to the power of aluminum in supporting a circular economy. Aluminum’s recyclability ensures that it can be continually reused, reducing the need for virgin materials and minimizing waste. Choosing aluminum products supports a circular system that keeps valuable materials in use and out of landfills, contributing to environmental sustainability.

03/18/25

Global Recycling Day and Aluminum’s Role in the Circular Economy

In celebration of Global Recycling Day, industry leaders emphasized aluminum’s significant contribution to the circular economy. Recognized for its recyclability and durability, aluminum serves as a model for sustainable material use, aligning with global efforts to reduce waste and promote resource efficiency.

Archroma and Gradiant’s Zero Liquid Discharge Initiative in Thailand

Archroma, a global specialty chemicals company, in partnership with Gradiant, implemented an innovative Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) technology at its Mahachai plant in Thailand. This advancement enables the recovery of 90-95% of wastewater for reuse and the extraction of valuable minerals, exemplifying a commitment to water circularity and sustainable industrial practices.

NAPCOR’s White Paper on PET Thermoform Recycling

The National Association for PET Container Resources (NAPCOR) released a white paper titled “Increasing PET Thermoform Recycling,” focusing on strategies to enhance the recycling of PET thermoformed packaging. The report addresses policy recommendations and innovative approaches to improve circularity in PET materials, particularly in states like California.

RECO Collective 2025: Celebrating Circular Product Innovations

The RECO Collective 2025 event in Bangkok honored six small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that have successfully integrated circular economy principles into their products. Highlighted innovations include Mobella’s ‘ZERO’ collection, featuring zero-waste furniture made from 100% recycled PET materials, and Anew.Craft.Studio’s sustainable furniture utilizing traditional teak wood craftsmanship with minimal waste.

Global Impact Coalition’s Automotive Plastics Recycling Pilot

The Global Impact Coalition (GIC), comprising seven leading companies from the chemical and recycling industries, launched a pilot project in Europe to establish a supply chain for recycling plastics from end-of-life vehicles (ELVs). This initiative aims to develop large-scale closed-loop recycling systems for automotive plastics, addressing critical challenges in the EU’s ELV Directive and promoting sustainable resource management in the automotive sector.

03/17/25

Vietnam’s National Action Plan for Circular Economy by 2035

Vietnam has introduced its National Action Plan for Circular Economy, aiming to transition toward sustainable production and consumption models by 2035. The plan focuses on optimizing natural resource use, reducing waste, and enhancing environmental protection across sectors such as agriculture, energy, manufacturing, and waste management. Key targets include increasing renewable energy’s share to 47% of total primary energy and ensuring that 95% of urban solid waste is collected and treated.

RECO Collective 2025: Celebrating Circular Product Innovation

Indorama Ventures Public Company Limited hosted the RECO Collective 2025 event in Bangkok, celebrating six small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that have integrated circular economy principles into commercially viable products. This initiative underscores the role of SMEs in shaping a more sustainable future through innovative product design and resource efficiency.

UNECE Resource Management Week 2025: Advancing Sustainable Resource Governance

The United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) is organizing the Resource Management Week 2025, focusing on sustainable resource governance. The event will highlight advancements in secondary raw materials management, showcasing two years of research and innovation in the field.

Kering Generation Award X Japan Ceremony

Kering held the first Kering Generation Award X Japan ceremony in Tokyo, recognizing startups with a positive environmental and social impact in sustainable fashion and beauty. The award focuses on alternative raw materials, manufacturing processes, and consumer engagement, promoting circularity within the fashion industry.

Oregon’s Recycling Modernization Act Compliance Deadline

Producers, manufacturers, and importers of packaging, printing and writing paper, and food serviceware are reminded to register and report 2024 supply data by March 31, 2025, to comply with Oregon’s Recycling Modernization Act. This legislation represents a significant step toward enhancing recycling systems and promoting circularity in packaging.

03/14/25

Toyota Tsusho America’s Acquisition of Radius Recycling

Toyota Tsusho America, a subsidiary of Japan’s Toyota Tsusho Corp, announced an agreement to acquire Radius Recycling for $1.34 billion. This acquisition aims to leverage advanced recycling technologies to expand Radius’s presence in the automotive market, underscoring a commitment to sustainable practices and material circularity.

Advanced Recycling Conference 2025 Announced

The Advanced Recycling Conference (ARC) 2025 is scheduled for November 19-20 in Cologne, Germany. Recognized as a leading event in its field, ARC 2025 will focus on innovative recycling solutions and the latest research in advanced recycling technologies, providing a platform for industry leaders, researchers, and policymakers to explore practical solutions and visionary concepts in the circular economy.

Novelis Produces Aluminum Coil from 100% Recycled Automotive Scrap

Novelis announced the production of its first aluminum coil made entirely from end-of-life automotive scrap. This development represents a significant step toward reducing reliance on virgin materials in the automotive sector and advancing a more circular economy by integrating recycled content into manufacturing processes.

RECO Collective 2025 Celebrates Circular Product Innovations

Indorama Ventures Public Company Limited concluded the RECO Collective 2025 event in Bangkok, celebrating six small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) brands that have successfully integrated circular economy principles into commercially viable products. This initiative highlights the role of SMEs in driving sustainability and material circularity within various industries.

ANDRITZ Enhances Recycling Capabilities at Buitex

International technology group ANDRITZ supplied and commissioned a reXline tearing system for Buitex, part of the Semin Group in France. This new production line enables Buitex to expand textile waste recycling for sustainable insulation production, contributing to increased material circularity in the textile industry.

03/13/25

 

Advancements in Rare Earth Metals Recycling

Researchers at Queen’s University Belfast’s QUILL (Queen’s University Ionic Liquid Laboratories) are pioneering sustainable solutions by focusing on the transition from a linear to a circular economy. Utilizing advanced ionic liquid technologies, they are developing methods to efficiently recycle rare earth metals, which are essential components in magnets for wind turbines and electric vehicles. This innovative approach minimizes the use of harsh acids and reduces environmental impact, ensuring high-purity recovery of these critical metals.

Innovations in Sustainable Iron and Steel Production

Sandeep Nijhawan, co-founder of Electra, is leading efforts to decarbonize the iron and steel industry, which accounts for approximately 7% of global carbon emissions. Electra has developed a novel electrochemical process that produces iron at significantly lower temperatures using renewable energy sources. This method promises to reduce emissions by 80% and cut costs by half compared to traditional techniques. The company has launched a pilot plant and secured over $2.8 million in funding from the U.S. Department of Energy.

Transforming Agricultural Waste into Sustainable Products

In Munich, the startup HopfON, founded by students from the Technical University of Munich, is addressing waste generated from Bavaria’s beer industry. The company repurposes inedible parts of hops into products such as acoustic panels and thermal insulation. This initiative aims to reduce agricultural waste and decrease reliance on finite resources, contributing to a more circular economy in the region.

Fashion Industry’s Shift Towards Circular Materials

Danish fashion brand Ganni has entered into a four-year agreement with Ambercycle, a Los Angeles-based startup, to utilize Cycora—a recycled polyester made from post-consumer textile waste. This commitment aligns with Ganni’s sustainability goals to reduce its carbon footprint and incorporate next-generation materials into its collections. The partnership exemplifies a proactive approach to fostering a circular fashion economy.

03/12/25

Colombian Architects Revitalize Indigenous Construction Methods

Fundación Organizmo, led by architect Ana María Gutiérrez, operates a 30-acre laboratory near Tenjo, Colombia, dedicated to integrating indigenous construction techniques with modern ecological practices. Challenging conventional sustainability approaches, Organizmo collaborates with local communities to promote resilience and ecological restoration. Notable initiatives include preserving traditional weaving methods with the Piaroa community and supporting indigenous researchers in Vaupés to document environmental challenges. These efforts exemplify a harmonious blend of ancestral knowledge and contemporary ecological design, fostering sustainable development at the local level.

Bioeconomy as a Strategy to Combat Amazon Deforestation

Experts and organizations emphasize the bioeconomy’s potential to halt Amazon deforestation by creating shorter, sustainable supply chains that retain value for producers. This approach advocates for the sustainable production of raw materials like cotton, coffee, and cocoa through agroforestry and regenerative methods. Luxury brands such as Armani and LVMH have initiated successful pilot projects, with prospects for expansion to fast-fashion brands like H&M and Zara. This model not only enhances environmental sustainability but also boosts financial and social benefits for local farmers and communities, preserving cultural heritage and preventing migration.

03/11/25

Investment in Circular Economy Initiatives

  • BG Planet Ark Circular Future Fund: Planet Ark and Boston Global have launched the BG Planet Ark Circular Future Fund, aiming to raise up to $1 billion by 2030 to support circular economy projects in Australia. The fund targets investments that reduce waste and carbon emissions, promoting recycling and sustainability. This initiative aligns with Australia’s Circular Economy Framework, which seeks to double the economy’s circularity by 2035, potentially adding $26 billion to the GDP annually.

Innovations in Sustainable Fashion

  • Textile Exchange’s “Reimagining Growth” Report: The non-profit organization Textile Exchange has released a report titled “Reimagining Growth,” challenging the fashion industry’s traditional growth models that often overlook sustainability. The report advocates for a cultural and systemic shift towards circular business models, such as repair, resale, and rental, and emphasizes phasing out virgin fossil-based synthetic materials in favor of renewable and recycled alternatives. It also highlights the importance of involving policymakers and the finance sector in driving systemic changes to achieve sustainability goals.
  • Brazilian Recycling Cooperatives Transforming Plastic Waste: In Brazil, cooperatives known as Catadores are collaborating with the sustainable brand Veja to convert plastic waste into shoes. This initiative ensures transparency and supports workers’ livelihoods by offering fair prices, significantly higher than standard market rates. The process involves transforming PET plastic bottles into fabric for shoe linings, addressing both environmental sustainability and socio-economic improvement for waste workers.

Agricultural Waste Repurposing

  • HopfON’s Utilization of Hops Waste: In Munich, the startup HopfON, founded by two Technical University of Munich students, is repurposing hops waste from Bavaria’s beer industry into products like acoustic panels and thermal insulation. This initiative aims to reduce waste and decrease reliance on finite resources, incorporating a circular model for recycling products. Concurrently, the Society of Hop Research in Bavaria is developing new hop varieties that produce less waste, addressing environmental concerns associated with traditional hops harvesting.

Advancements in Steel Recycling

  • CELSA Group’s Circular Steel Production: CELSA Group, a multinational steel company headquartered in Spain, has achieved a significant milestone in circular steel production. Currently, 97% of its final products are made from recycled steel, and the company has a recovery rate of 95.1% for production process waste. By utilizing electric arc furnaces, CELSA Group produces steel with nine times less CO₂ emissions compared to traditional blast furnace systems, contributing to substantial environmental benefits.

03/10/25

Innovations in Bio-Based Building Materials

The construction industry is increasingly adopting bio-based materials derived from post-consumer waste, aligning with circular economy principles. Innovative applications include:

  • Food Waste: Materials such as olive pruning, almond skins, coffee beans, and pea pods are being transformed into acoustic and thermal insulating panels.
  • Paper and Cardboard Waste: Recycled cellulose fibers from paper and cardboard have been utilized to create bio-composite panels with thermal conductivities comparable to traditional materials.
  • Textile Waste: Initiatives like the RECYdress project (2022) and MATE.ria tessile (2023) have explored the use of textile waste in building applications. Companies such as Inno-Therm and Le Relais have developed insulation products from recycled textiles, including industrial cotton and denim.

CELSA Group’s Commitment to Circular Steel Production

CELSA Group, a prominent European steel manufacturer, has reinforced its dedication to circular economy practices:

  • Recycling: The company produces 97% of its final products using recycled steel, with all products being fully recyclable.
  • Waste Recovery: Achieving a 95.1% recovery rate for production process waste, CELSA Group recovers approximately 80,000 tons of non-ferrous materials and 432 tons of plastics annually.
  • Environmental Impact: Utilizing electric arc furnaces, the company emits nine times less CO₂ compared to traditional blast furnace methods, preventing the release of 10 million tons of CO₂ in 2022 alone.

 

03/07/25

Balcones Recycling Expands Services in Phoenix

Balcones Recycling, a Circular Services company, has extended its commercial recycling services to businesses in the greater Phoenix area. This initiative aims to help local businesses maximize material diversion, recover valuable resources, and support Phoenix’s zero-waste goals. Balcones brings 30 years of industry experience to this expansion, reinforcing its commitment to advancing circular solutions and strengthening local recycling programs.

Kaldewei Achieves Cradle to Cradle Certification for Bathroom Products

Bathroom manufacturer Kaldewei has obtained Cradle to Cradle Certified® Silver status for its bathtubs, shower trays, and washbasins. This certification underscores Kaldewei’s dedication to sustainability and the circular economy, as their products are made from steel and glass, allowing for 100% material recyclability at the end of their lifecycle. The company views this certification as a strategic step toward a more sustainable future in the construction industry.

Vattenfall Repurposes Wind Turbine Blades for Ski Manufacturing

Energy company Vattenfall has launched a project to repurpose decommissioned wind turbine blades into materials for ski manufacturing. This initiative exemplifies the shift from a linear to a circular economy by recycling materials and reducing waste. Vattenfall hopes this project will inspire further innovations in sustainable material reuse.

ABB Partners with Molg to Enhance Circular Economy in Drive Design

ABB has invested in a strategic partnership with U.S. start-up Molg to transform drive design and accelerate its contribution to the circular economy. This collaboration strengthens ABB’s position as a key enabler of circular practices by focusing on reusing, repurposing, and recycling components, thereby promoting sustainability in industrial applications.

Yale Center Hosts Workshop on Circular Procurement

The Yale Center for Business and the Environment hosted a workshop titled “The Hunt | Charting the Path to Your Next Career Move,” focusing on circular procurement strategies. The event aimed to shift mindsets beyond compliance-driven approaches and embed circular thinking into procurement strategies, highlighting the importance of training and mindset shifts in achieving sustainability goals

03/06/25

Materials Science

  • Northwestern University’s MRSEC Annual Meeting: The Materials Research Science and Engineering Center (MRSEC) at Northwestern University is hosting its 2025 annual meeting and poster session today. This event brings together researchers to discuss advancements in materials science and engineering.
  • Innovations in Artificial Photosynthesis: Recent studies have made significant progress in artificial photosynthesis, moving closer to efficient green hydrogen production. These advancements could lead to sustainable energy solutions by mimicking natural processes to convert sunlight into chemical energy.

Resource Management

  • Global Water Resources Conference Call: Global Water Resources, Inc. is conducting a conference call today to discuss its fourth-quarter financial results for 2024. The discussion will likely cover the company’s strategies and developments in water resource management.
  • Permian Basin Water in Energy Conference: The annual Permian Basin Water in Energy Conference is concluding today in Midland, Texas. The event has addressed critical challenges in water management within the energy sector, focusing on produced-water recycling and reducing freshwater usage in oil and gas operations.
  • Ricoh’s Recognition in Carbon Clean200: Ricoh has been ranked 39th in the Carbon Clean200™, a list of 200 publicly traded companies leading in sustainable practices. This recognition highlights Ricoh’s commitment to environmental responsibility and resource efficiency.

 

03/05/2025

European Union Initiatives

  • 03/05/25 EU Clean Industrial Deal: The European Commission has proposed a €100 billion investment under the EU Clean Industrial Deal to support domestic clean manufacturing and reduce energy costs. Key initiatives include a €500 million pilot plan with the European Investment Bank for long-term renewable power agreements, €1.5 billion for power grid components, and simplified state aid rules. The plan also introduces a Circular Economy Act aimed at reducing feedstock costs and promoting recycling, with sectoral action plans for industries such as automotive, steel, metals, chemicals, and sustainable transport to be introduced throughout 2025.
  • 03/05/25  Battery Waste Classification: The European Commission has updated the List of Waste to classify ‘black mass’—a material derived from battery recycling—as hazardous waste. This change aims to enhance the circular management of batteries and their critical raw materials, ensuring better control of shipments and promoting recycling within the European economy.

Industry Developments

  • 03/05/25  Fiber-Reinforced Plastic (FRP) Recycling: The global FRP recycling market is projected to reach approximately $1.22 billion by 2035, reflecting a robust compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.0% from 2025 to 2035. This growth is driven by stringent environmental regulations, industrial adoption of recycled materials, and advancements in recycling technologies, particularly in North America.
  • 03/05/25  Circular Nautical Construction: An industrial alliance has unveiled a circular model for nautical construction, enabling boats to be built using recycled materials. This pioneering collaboration in Western France offers a model for composite sustainability in the maritime industry.
  • 03/05/25  Aluminum Recycling: Novelis Inc. has highlighted the role of aluminum in a circular economy, emphasizing that recycling aluminum strengthens supply chain security, generates jobs, and fosters sustainable economic growth. By designing recyclable products and investing in advanced recycling infrastructure, the company aims to maximize resource efficiency and reduce waste.

Regional Initiatives

  • 03/05/25  Pacific Circular Waste Economies: The Asia-Pacific region is set to discuss and agree on a new voluntary 3R (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) and Circular Economy Declaration covering the period 2025 to 2034. This framework aims to achieve resource-efficient, clean, resilient, and low-carbon societies by integrating sustainable consumption and production practices into national policies.

Construction Sector

  • 03/05/25  Material Passports in Construction: The construction industry is exploring the use of digital material passports to advance the circular economy. These passports could transform how materials are managed in construction, helping to reduce waste and improve material reuse, thereby addressing the industry’s significant carbon emissions.

 

03/04/25  China Seeks Public Input on Battery Waste and Recycled Steel Imports

China’s Ministry of Ecology and Environment has released draft regulations seeking public opinion on the importation of battery waste and recycled steel. This initiative aims to enhance resource utilization and support the country’s circular economy goals by establishing clear guidelines for importing recyclable materials.

03/04/25  Launch of the BG Planet Ark Circular Future Fund

Planet Ark, in collaboration with Boston Global, has announced the BG Planet Ark Circular Future Fund, targeting to raise $1 billion by 2030. The fund aims to invest in businesses that promote sustainability, reduce carbon emissions, and enhance the circular economy, aligning with Australia’s Circular Economy Framework.

03/04/25  EU Proposes Circular Economy Act

The European Commission has proposed a Circular Economy Act as part of its EU Clean Industrial Deal. This legislation aims to reduce feedstock costs and promote recycling, supporting the bloc’s transition to a sustainable and circular economic model.

03/04/25  VII International Circular Economy Meeting in Gipuzkoa

Gipuzkoa is hosting the VII International Circular Economy Meeting, bringing together over 40 experts to discuss challenges and opportunities in this economic model. The event highlights the region’s significant growth in the recycling sector, now representing 6% of its GDP and generating 6,500 jobs.

03/04/25  Pacific Delegates at the 12th Regional 3R and Circular Economy Forum

Pacific delegates are participating in the 12th Regional 3R and Circular Economy Forum in Jaipur, India, from March 3-5, 2025. The event focuses on charting pathways and opportunities for circular and zero-waste societies in the Asia-Pacific region.

03/04/25  Go Circular 2025 Conference in Rotterdam

The Go Circular 2025 conference is taking place from March 4-6 in Rotterdam. The event gathers stakeholders to discuss advancements and strategies in implementing circular economy practices across Europe.

These developments underscore a global commitment to advancing circular economy principles, reflecting efforts to enhance sustainability, resource efficiency, and economic resilience.

03/03/25   European Union’s Clean Industrial Deal

The European Commission has proposed a €100 billion investment under the EU Clean Industrial Deal to bolster domestic clean manufacturing and reduce energy costs. A key component of this initiative is the forthcoming Circular Economy Act, aimed at reducing feedstock costs and promoting recycling. This Act underscores the EU’s commitment to minimizing reliance on virgin materials by enhancing resource efficiency and supporting circular economy processes.

03/03/25   BG Planet Ark Circular Future Fund

Planet Ark and Boston Global have partnered to launch the BG Planet Ark Circular Future Fund, with an ambitious goal of raising $1 billion by 2030. This fund targets investments in businesses that deliver strong financial returns while promoting sustainability, reducing carbon emissions, and enhancing the circular economy. The initiative aims to support projects that focus on waste reduction and the efficient use of resources, thereby decreasing the need for new material extraction.

03/03/25   Brother Industries’ Revised Environmental Vision

Brother Industries has updated its Environmental Vision 2050, setting a target to reduce the use of virgin materials in products by 25% by fiscal year 2030 compared to the fiscal year 2022 levels. This goal is to be achieved through the expansion of circular-economy-based businesses and materials recycling, reflecting a strategic move towards sustainable manufacturing practices that prioritize resource conservation.

03/03/25   Advancements in Rare Earth Metals Recycling

Researchers at Queen’s University Belfast, particularly within the Queen’s University Ionic Liquid Laboratories (QUILL), have developed innovative methods to recycle rare earth metals from end-of-life magnets using ionic liquids. This technology enables the recovery of high-purity rare earth elements, reducing the need for new extraction and supporting the development of a circular economy. The establishment of Ionic Technologies aims to scale up this recycling process both in the UK and globally.