Recycling news: 2025

Industry news Waste sector lays out Autumn Budget wish list for the Chancellor As the Chancellor prepares to deliver the Autumn Budget tomorrow (26 November 2025), the waste and resources sector is stepping up its calls for clear commitments on infrastructure investment, funding stability and reform measures. With mounting pressures from cost increases, regulatory change and the need for long-term planning, industry voices say that this Budget must … Read More letsrecycle.com News · 25 Nov 2025 Industry news Man arrested over Kidlington illegal waste tipping A 39-year-old man has been was arrested as part of an investigation into the large-scale, illegal dumping of waste near Kidlington, Oxfordshire. Circular Online (CIWM) · 25 Nov 2025 Industry news OPINION: ‘Autumn Budget – Tweaks to the plastic tax would support green growth’ Ahead of the Autumn Budget tomorrow (26 November 2025), Jacob Hayler, Executive Director of the ESA, calls for amendments to the Plastic Packaging Tax to re-shore jobs; support green growth and contribute to a more circular economy. OPINION: While the Chancellor gears up to deliver a tricky Autumn Budget, the UK’s plastics recycling industry continues … Read More letsrecycle.com News · 25 Nov 2025 Industry news New sand battery planned for Finland Polar Night Energy has entered into an agreement with Lahti Energia to build an industrial-scale sand battery, which will integrate into Lahti Energia’s district heating network in Vääksy, Finland.The project will deliver the world’s largest sand-based thermal energy storage once completed, with a heating power of 2MW and a storage capacity of 250MWh.The Sand Battery… BEST Magazine (Batteries & Energy Storage Technology) · 25 Nov 2025 Industry news Tree planting may not be the best approach to reforesting New research suggests there may be more effective ways to restore Britain’s woodlands than purely focusing on new plantations. Led by Dr Elisa Fuentes-Montemayor, Senior Lecturer in Nature-Based Solutions at the University of Stirling’s Faculty of Natural Sciences, a number of ecological factors show ‘natural colonisation’ should one combined with mass tree planting to create […] Environment Journal · 25 Nov 2025 Industry news MARKET REPORT: Paper price index November 2025 Letsrecycle looks at the paper market for the month of November. The waste paper market continues to be hit by what one contact described as a “perfect storm” of market conditions, although many have reported that prices have not dropped as much as initially expected. In October, China announced that it would bring in a … Read More letsrecycle.com News · 25 Nov 2025 Industry news Pool table donation the cue for celebration at Teesside Youth Club A leading waste management specialist has chalked up a win for children in Teesside by donating a pool table to a local youth club. CSG, which has a base in Middlesbrough, has gifted the table to the youth club at the Corus Sports & Social Centre in Dormanstown, Redcar. The youth club is run by […] CSG (Cleansing Service Group) · 25 Nov 2025 Industry news Panasonic Energy powers Zoox robotaxi expansion Panasonic Energy has confirmed a multi-year supply agreement with Zoox, the Amazon-owned robotaxi company.Beginning in early 2026, Panasonic Energy will deliver its latest 2170 cylindrical lithium-ion battery cells to support Zoox’s expanding autonomous ride-hailing fleet.The 2170 cells will be central to powering Zoox’s purpose-built robotaxis. These cylindrical cells have already proven their… BEST Magazine (Batteries & Energy Storage Technology) · 25 Nov 2025 Industry news Ganfeng and EDF partner for 160MWh Kintore Project Ganfeng Lithium has entered into a partnership with EDF to optimise and operate the Kintore Project, its first large-scale energy storage development in the UK.The facility, designed to deliver 50MW/160MWh of capacity, is scheduled to begin commercial operations by 2026.Ganfeng Lithium will oversee construction and equipment supply in collaboration with local partner GV Renewable. EDF… BEST Magazine (Batteries & Energy Storage Technology) · 25 Nov 2025 Industry news Laser detailing helps bring Ringtons’ Christmas gifting range to life CORRUGATED packaging manufacturer Durham Box has helped create a laser-detailed seasonal gift box for Ringtons’ 2025 Christmas gifting range. The solution is said to demonstrate how digital print and advanced laser die-cutting can enhance retail packaging. The one-piece box with lid (300 × 200 × 80 mm) features a clay-coated outer liner and white kraft […] Packaging Scotland · 25 Nov 2025 Industry news N+P signs exclusive 10-year RDF deal for Port Clarence EfW plant N+P has signed a 10-year contract to supply Refuse Derived Fuel (RDF) to Vital Energi’s Energy from Waste (EfW) facility at Port Clarence. The agreement has made N+P the exclusive waste-fuel provider to the plant and marks a step in the company’s expansion across the Northeast. With the deal in place, N+P’s regional waste-treatment infrastructure … Read More letsrecycle.com News · 25 Nov 2025 Industry news Entries sought for 2026 FPA Awards ENTRIES are now open and tickets are on sale for the 2026 Foodservice Packaging Association (FPA) Awards. Winners will be announced at a ceremony in Brighton on March 5, hosted by actor and comedian Matt Lucas. The awards bring together organisations and individuals from across the foodservice packaging industry, with 15 categories this year. “We […] Packaging Scotland · 25 Nov 2025 Industry news Four-can presentation pack is a ‘piece of art in itself’ CARTON manufacturer Falconer Print & Packaging has teamed up with emerging drinks brand Toby&Co to create a four-can presentation pack for the brand’s inaugural expression. The pack is said to represent a step change from the standard 2×2 carriers typically used in the sector. Crafted to feel ‘rigid, substantial and gift-worthy’, the box was produced […] Packaging Scotland · 25 Nov 2025 Industry news Bespoke bagging system beds in successfully for manufacturer YORKSHIRE Packaging Systems (YPS) has revealed details of its work with a manufacturer of bedding items to develop a bagging system suited to its products. At the heart of the new system is a Hugo Beck Flexo 700 E-com, featuring several adaptations from the standard model. The cross-seal has been extended to a width of […] Packaging Scotland · 25 Nov 2025 Industry news BCI Foundation opens 2026-2027 scholarship applications Battery Council International (BCI) has launched the application process for its annual BCI Foundation scholarships, with awards of up to $5,000 available for students in the 2026-2027 academic year.The scheme is open to full-time undergraduate and graduate students, with applications due by 31 March 2026 via this link.Two distinct awards will be offered. The BCI… BEST Magazine (Batteries & Energy Storage Technology) · 25 Nov 2025 Industry news Volcanic bubbles offer insight into coral reefs decline in acidic seas Volcanic CO2 seeps in Papua New Guinea have acted as a 'time machine,' allowing scientists to predict the fate of coral reefs. Research shows that by 2100, global reefs will be less complex, recover slowly, and be dominated by fleshy algae due to ocean acidification. Open Access Government — Environment · 25 Nov 2025 Industry news AI and smart innovation can help tackle the food waste crisis Shelves that gather data on stock at risk of spoiling, the Green Digital Action Hub and Artificial Intelligence Institute. We run an urgent update on how AI and automation are reducing commercial and contract catering footprints. Technology and automation emerged as key themes in global sustainability discussions at this year’s UN Climate Summit. COP30 saw […] Environment Journal · 25 Nov 2025 Industry news Veolia reopens Sheffield MRF after battery fire forces months-long closure Veolia has reopened its Beighton Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) in Sheffield, following a reconstruction project prompted by a fire earlier this year. The site, which handles around 25,000 tonnes of kerbside paper and card annually, was forced to shut down in January 2025 after a battery ignited within the facility after being incorrectly discarded in … Read More letsrecycle.com News · 25 Nov 2025 Industry news UK’s new Critical Minerals Strategy sets out recycling ambitions The UK Government’s new Critical Minerals Strategy sets out the ambition to produce 10% of the UK’s mineral needs domestically and 20% through recycling by 2035. Circular Online (CIWM) · 25 Nov 2025 Industry news Directors & Managers | BRC Learning – Strategic Retail Leadership - British Retail Consortium British Retail Consortium news · 25 Nov 2025 Industry news Gore opens Shanghai Battery Lab W. L. Gore & Associates has opened its new Battery Lab in Shanghai, China, strengthening its global R&D network to accelerate advanced battery materials development.The facility focuses on the design, characterisation and testing of critical components for battery cells and packs, including membranes, venting solutions, condensation and moisture management, explosion and thermal runaway mitigat… BEST Magazine (Batteries & Energy Storage Technology) · 25 Nov 2025 Industry news KFC hides stats on slower-growing birds Progress on higher welfare chicken production has been painfully slow. So slow that companies are now keeping the figures secret. By David Burrows. KFC is a business that has been at the sharp end of NGO pressure relating to the welfare of chickens. Some may feel the fast food chain has been unfairly singled out […] Footprint Media (foodservice sustainability) · 25 Nov 2025 Industry news Company fined £1m for running illegal catalytic converter operation A Lincolnshire waste company has been fined £1 million for buying and selling catalytic converters without an environmental permit. Recorder John Hardy KC imposed the order on Platinum Group Metals Recycling Ltd at Lincoln Crown Court. In his sentencing remarks, Recorder Hardy said a fine of this level was necessary to reflect the ‘gravity […] Circular Online (CIWM) · 25 Nov 2025 Industry news Serious pollution in waste sector rises by 57%, Environment Agency finds Serious pollution incidents from permitted and exempt waste management activities rose by 57% in the past year, the Environment Agency Chief Regulator’s report finds. Circular Online (CIWM) · 25 Nov 2025 Industry news The Des Collins interview: part two This is the second part of Emily Whitehouse’s interview with Des Collins. Des is best known for leading the Corby toxic waste case, a legal battle which was the first time atmospheric pollution had been linked to birth defects. In 2009, after 10 years, the council were found to be negligent in transporting toxic waste […] Air Quality News · 25 Nov 2025 Industry news UK budget could save billions through energy independence A white paper proposes a major rethink for Britain and EU members, incentivising longer term energy storage to free up finances. According to the Hydrostor and research by the Energy Storage Europe Association, Brussels could realise around €103billion in savings within the next 25 years through strategic investment in long duration energy storage (LDES). Meanwhile, […] Environment Journal · 25 Nov 2025 Industry news The Des Collins interview: part one Des Collins is best known for leading the Corby toxic waste case, a legal battle which was the first time atmospheric pollution had been linked to birth defects. In 2009, after 10 years, the council were found to be negligent in transporting toxic waste through the town in open lorries. A finding that delivered long-awaited […] Air Quality News · 25 Nov 2025 Industry news UK Paper Mills part of project that wins a prestigious environmental award at COP 30 in Brazil - Confederation of Paper Industries Confederation of Paper Industries · 25 Nov 2025 Industry news Danone achieves B Corp™ certification worldwide INCPEN (Industry Council for Packaging and the Environment) · 25 Nov 2025 Industry news ’Tis the season to be resourceful. How to cut waste this Christmas Across the UK, people are swapping consumerism for community and creativity, proving that Christmas needn’t mean more waste Positive News · 25 Nov 2025 Industry news HGV Driver - riverridge.co.uk RiverRidge · 25 Nov 2025 Industry news More Than a Roof: How Emmaus helped Rhys rebuild his life At Christmas, most of us look forward to warmth, comfort, and time with the people we love. But for people experiencing homelessness, Christmas can be the hardest day of the... Emmaus UK · 24 Nov 2025 Industry news UK sets 2035 targets to cut reliance on imported critical minerals The UK Government has published a new Critical Minerals Strategy that sets out plans to meet a greater share of the country’s mineral needs through domestic production and recycling by 2035. edie — Circular Economy tag · 24 Nov 2025 Industry news Fidra at the 30th European Biosolids Conference: Making the Case for Cleaner Agricultural Soils This month, our Sewage Free Soils team at Fidra attended the 30th European Biosolids and Bioresources Conference in Manchester, where we joined water industry professionals, consultants, and academics to discuss the future of biosolids management. Fidra · 24 Nov 2025 Industry news Glass Focus Awards 2025 – Celebrating excellence in glass - British Glass British Glass news · 24 Nov 2025 Industry news Patents: The power of the injunction In this article, Ben Lincoln covers how Tulip Innovation’s patent action against Sunwoda Group illustrate the growing role of intellectual property strategy in the competitive landscape of EV battery manufacturing.Tulip Innovation is the operator of a patent licensing scheme, set up in 2024, that allows for licensing of over 5,000 patents related to lithium-ion battery… BEST Magazine (Batteries & Energy Storage Technology) · 24 Nov 2025 Industry news Unimetals files for liquidation amid investor collapse Unimetals Recycling has filed a petition for compulsory liquidation after efforts to secure new investment or complete a sale of the business were unsuccessful. The company has faced escalating liquidity challenges throughout 2025, prompting a search for new financing. Earlier this year, Unimetals launched an accelerated mergers and acquisitions process in an attempt to bring … Read More The po… letsrecycle.com News · 24 Nov 2025 Industry news Veolia acquires U.S. hazardous waste company Clean Earth for €2.6bn French water management, waste management and energy services group Veolia has acquired the U.S.-based hazardous waste company Clean Earth for €2.6bn. In what it called its biggest acquisition since its merger with waste management company SUEZ, Veolia has entered into an agreement with Enviri to acquire Clean Earth. Veolia’s Chief Executive Officer Estelle Brachlianoff […] Circular Online (CIWM) · 24 Nov 2025 Industry news Lead unveils solid-state battery stacking and cutting machine Lead Intelligent Equipment Co (Lead) has announced the launch of a new integrated solid‑state battery stacking and cutting machine in Wuxi, China.The development represents a major advance in overcoming one of the most critical challenges in next‑generation cell manufacturing: precision stacking at the solid‑solid interface.Solid‑state batteries replace the liquid electrolyte and separator of c… BEST Magazine (Batteries & Energy Storage Technology) · 24 Nov 2025 Industry news Antarctic nunataks could help boost carbon absorption as ice sheets thin New research led by scientists at Northumbria University suggests that changes occurring in Antarctica could play a surprising role in supporting Earth’s natural ability to absorb carbon dioxide As ice sheets in East Antarctica thin due to climate warming, newly exposed mountain peaks are revealing nutrient-rich rocks that may enhance the Southern Ocean’s capacity to […] Open Access Government — Environment · 24 Nov 2025