Recycling news: 2026

Industry news ‘Plastic rain’ is falling indoors and outside, review finds A comprehensive scientific review has concluded that microplastics are now a ubiquitous component of the air we breathe, infiltrating human lungs from sources as varied as synthetic clothing, tyres, 3D printers and even spray paint. The report, Exploring Everyday Microplastic Exposures, commissioned by the Plastic Soup Foundation and written by Dr. Heather Leslie, synthesises over […] Air Quality News · 13 Apr 2026 Industry news Refractometers enable development of advanced ‘green hydrogen’ electrolyzers Instrumentation firm Vaisala explains how its refractometers have supported the development of electrolysers for the generation of hydrogen, highlighting their role in enabling accurate, real-time monitoring of electrolyte concentration in demanding alkaline electrolysis environments The generation of green hydrogen by water electrolysis represents an exciting decarbonisation opportunity. Howev… Envirotec Magazine · 13 Apr 2026 Industry news UK Partnership Delivers Advanced Grinding Solution to European Carbide Specialist RK International Machine Tools has supplied a new JAINNHER JHC-18S NC1 single-axis centreless grinding machine to a leading European carbide tooling supplier, in a project that showcases a powerful partnership between two established UK companies. The machine, part of the renowned JHC Series from Taiwanese manufacturer JAINNHER, was configured for precision through-feed grinding of carbide blan… MEM Magazine (Manufacturing & Engineering) · 13 Apr 2026 Industry news Cost now rivals ‘going green’ as top reason Brits want an EV For the first time, saving money is set to overtake environmental concerns as the main reason UK homeowners choose electric vehicles, a shift that could reshape the wider appeal of clean technology. According to new data from Electrify Research’s Homeowner Electrification Tracker Study (HETS), the percentage of homeowners citing financial and economic benefits of EV […] Air Quality News · 13 Apr 2026 Industry news Former ARIA exec joins Oxford Science Enterprises Antonia Jenkinson, a former executive at the Advanced Research and Invention Agency (ARIA), has been appointed as the new finance chief of Oxford Science Enterprises (OSE). The Oxford-based investment group has become one of the most prominent backers of science and technology ventures that emerge from research at the University of Oxford. At a period […] UKTN (UK Tech News) · 13 Apr 2026 Industry news Collapse of key ocean current may release billions of tonnes of carbon If the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation shut down, the knock-on effects could release hundreds of billions of tonnes of CO2, raising global temperatures even further New Scientist — Environment · 13 Apr 2026 Industry news Reclaimed timber supporting rehabilitation at HMP Maidstone Did you know that we are able to donate some of the wood we collect from our clients directly to other projects making an difference in the local community? Our Rochester-based wood recyclers, Roots Timber Reuse, have recently received a letter of thanks from HMP Maidstone for the impact their timber has made via [...] Community Wood Recycling · 13 Apr 2026 Industry news Altilium Secures DRIVE35 Grant for Recycled EV Battery Cells Altilium’s latest DRIVE35-backed project with JLR and WMG will produce and test EV battery cells using recovered cathode and anode materials from end-of-life batteries, advancing a more circular and resilient UK battery supply chain. ATF Professional · 13 Apr 2026 Industry news Suomen Autokierrätys links digital intake with physical EV battery recycling A digital intake system is reshaping EV battery recycling by connecting tracking, assessment and processing, enabling more efficient, compliant and traceable circular flows. Auto Recycling World · 13 Apr 2026 Industry news Spotlight: Ellen MacArthur Foundation This week we take a look at the Ellen MacArthur Foundation – founded in 2009 the foundation has around 1,000 […] Ecotextile News · 13 Apr 2026 Industry news DJH Completes Cross-Border Sale as IPEC Joins ABB’s Global Electrification Network A leading North West accounting and professional services group has completed its involvement in a high profile cross-border deal, which has seen IPEC Limited become part of a world leader in electrification and automation. DJH, which is based on Peter Street in Manchester, has provided corporate finance support and complex tax structuring advice to the owners of the Stockport-based firm during… MEM Magazine (Manufacturing & Engineering) · 13 Apr 2026 Industry news Abstract deadline nears for ISWA World Congress 2026 in UK MRW Abstract deadline nears for ISWA World Congress 2026 in UK Event co-ordinated by CIWM looking for case studies and research to help address event’s themes on societal benefit of circular policy and industry practices Abstract deadline nears for ISWA World Congress 2026 in UK Neil Merrett MRW (Materials Recycling World) · 13 Apr 2026 Industry news BEPA to host policy-focused battery webinar on Industrial Accelerator Act The Batteries European Partnership Association (BEPA) is set to host an online policy webinar examining the implications of Europe’s proposed Industrial Accelerator Act for the battery sector, as part of its ongoing “Policy Talks” series.The event, scheduled for 16-April 2026, will bring together stakeholders from across the European battery value chain to assess how emerging… BEST Magazine (Batteries & Energy Storage Technology) · 13 Apr 2026 Industry news Launch of Advanced Hydrogen Testing Facility The Materials Processing Institute (MPI) has announced the successful design, upgrade, and commissioning of a cutting-edge hydrogen testing facility, marking a significant milestone in hydrogen research and industrial decarbonisation. The new state-of-the-art test rig is capable of operating in a 100% hydrogen (H₂) environment at temperatures of up to 1650°C, providing a highly controlled and s… MEM Magazine (Manufacturing & Engineering) · 13 Apr 2026 Industry news CAG Devon: ten years of community-led sustainability in Devon 2026 marks ten years since Community Action Groups Devon (CAG Devon) was established to support community-led sustainability and grassroots climate action across Devon. Resource Futures · 13 Apr 2026 Industry news Primark updates circular fashion design standards Primark has updated its framework for encouraging product teams to design clothes which are more durable and easier to recycle, after just 5% of the clothing units sold in FY2024-25 aligned with the initial version. edie — Circular Economy tag · 13 Apr 2026 Industry news Scientists recycle plastic using sunlight and battery acid MRW Scientists recycle plastic using sunlight and battery acid Cambridge researchers develop solar-powered acid photoreforming that can convert plastic waste into hydrogen and valuable chemicals Scientists recycle plastic using sunlight and battery acid Daniel Bosley MRW (Materials Recycling World) · 13 Apr 2026 Industry news Community Wood Recycling publishes 2025 Annual Report Community Wood Recycling (CWR) has published its 2025 Annual Report, highlighting the impact its network has achieved over the past year with the support of its clients and partners. Wood Recyclers Association · 13 Apr 2026 Industry news EMMAs reflect sector’s continued growth The Environmental Monitoring & Measurement Achievement Awards (the EMMAs) are returning bigger than ever, reflecting the continued growth of AQE Expo and the air quality & emissions sector. The EMMAs will return to Birmingham in 2026, building on a record-breaking year and further cementing their position as the premier celebration of excellence across the environmental […] Air Quality News · 13 Apr 2026 Industry news Lead Acid Batteries - enva.com Enva · 13 Apr 2026 Industry news Finning roundtable addresses practical steps for efficiency Finning UK & Ireland hosted a roundtable featuring individuals from across the sector to discuss practical solutions to sustainability and efficiency. The event included representatives from across the waste sector: Aaron Wood, Biffa Craig Willshee, Willshee’s Edward Yendluri, LARAC Fred Stinchcombe, Suez Jonathan Davies, Finning UK & Ireland Richard Hudson, CIWM Tim Ballard, Finning UK … Read … letsrecycle.com News · 13 Apr 2026 Industry news Round raises £4.5m to build its finance automation platform AI-powered finance automation platform Round has secured £4.5m in a seed funding round led by Alstin Capital, with participation from BACKED VC and Love Ventures. As part of the fund, around 10% of Round’s existing customers invested alongside new angel investors like Paul Forster, co-founder of Indeed and existing investor Passion Capital – which was […] UKTN (UK Tech News) · 13 Apr 2026 Industry news Energy Consultancy of the Year Awarded to Advantage Utilities Advantage Utilities has been named Consultancy of the Year for Large Customers at the 2025 TELCA Awards, one of the UK energy sector’s leading awards programmes recognising excellence in consultancy, innovation and customer service. The award reflects Advantage Utilities’ continued work supporting large manufacturing organisations through rising energy costs, regulatory change and the transitio… MEM Magazine (Manufacturing & Engineering) · 13 Apr 2026 Industry news Challenger launches revitalisation service for LED luminaires Challenger Lighting has unveiled a streamlined revitalisation initiative upgrading its luminaires using like-for-like components on site rather than seeing them go into the waste […] Recolight · 13 Apr 2026 Industry news Thorlux downlight scores highest for circularity A new downlight from Thorlux has scored the highest for circularity in its product class. The G3 Evo achieves 2.9 […] Recolight · 13 Apr 2026 Industry news Alsico welcomes circular workwear recycling development MRW Alsico welcomes circular workwear recycling development Partnership with chemical recycling group has allowed development of process that successfully recovers reflective glass beads from workwear Alsico welcomes circular workwear recycling development Neil Merrett MRW (Materials Recycling World) · 13 Apr 2026 Industry news TRT cuts material in Facet bulkhead by 50% TRT Lighting has relaunched its Facet bulkhead as Facet Zero, a redesigned amenity luminaire with 50 per cent less metal […] Recolight · 13 Apr 2026 Industry news Britons want government to act to support UK aluminium recycling, poll shows A poll published today (13 April) also revealed some 58% are concerned the UK is losing too much aluminium as a critical resource essential for growing the economy. Packaging News (UK) · 13 Apr 2026 Industry news Kärcher UK Appoints Gareth Prosser as Managing Director Kärcher UK, the leading cleaning solutions brand, is pleased to announce the appointment of Gareth Prosser as Managing Director for Kärcher UK. Bringing extensive leadership experience and a strong customer-centric mindset, Gareth will lead the business through its next phase of growth and innovation. Gareth joins Kärcher UK from Hilti, a global leader in construction tools and technology, wher… MEM Magazine (Manufacturing & Engineering) · 13 Apr 2026 Industry news ALDI LAUNCHES SUPERMARKET FIRST CHOCOLATE ICE CREAM TREATS WITH PRICES STARTING FROM £1.79 A chocolate snack that turns into an ice cream-style treat? Aldi is set to shake up the confectionery aisle this spring with its latest must-try launch. Available in stores now, the NEW Choceur Freeze Me Bites (£2.29, 140g) are a supermarket first hybrid, combining chocolate indulgence with a creamy, ice cream-inspired centre. The indulgent treats can be enjoyed straight from the […] Aldi UK Press Centre · 13 Apr 2026 Industry news 6 Things To Know About the New B Corp Standards Diving into what the B Corp Standards mean and what your organization should know about them. Anthesis Group · 13 Apr 2026 Industry news Steel River Quay Secures Top UK Ports Innovation Award Steel River Quay has been recognised as one of the UK’s leading port operators after securing the prestigious UK Ports Innovation Award 2026, celebrating excellence in smarter, safer and more sustainable operations. The award was presented at a high-profile industry ceremony hosted by UK Ports on 19th March at the Hilton Newcastle Gateshead, bringing together senior leaders, innovators and stak… MEM Magazine (Manufacturing & Engineering) · 13 Apr 2026 Industry news Valpak launches new platform to help firms manage packaging obligations VALPAK by Reconomy has announced the launch of its Global Data Insights Platform. The platform is designed to provide ‘rapid’ analysis of large data volumes, helping brands and retailers to manage packaging obligations, recyclability and EPR costs across multiple countries. It references over 60 million SKUs to validate data. Valpak said many of the UK’s […] Packaging Scotland · 13 Apr 2026 Industry news OpenAI secures first permanent London office OpenAI has secured its first permanent office in London, marking a significant expansion of its presence in the UK. The company has signed an 88,500 square foot space at Regent Quarter in King’s Cross, spanning Jahn Court and the Brassworks Building. The office, developed by Endurance Land, will have capacity for up to 544 team […] UKTN (UK Tech News) · 13 Apr 2026 Industry news ‘King of the birds’ set to return to England’s skies Golden eagles could soon be reintroduced to England, but the birds might arrive under their own steam first Positive News · 13 Apr 2026 Industry news Primark details new circular design criteria The discount retailer tightens criteria on durability, materials and recyclability as it revises its circular product standard for high‑volume clothing […] Ecotextile News · 13 Apr 2026 Industry news Coveris invests in European production facilities FLEXIBLE packaging manufacturer Coveris has announced it is strengthening its production capabilities in central and eastern Europe through investments of €1.8 million in its two Polish manufacturing plants. The purchase of new machinery and technology is designed to expand capacity, increase production speed, and enhance consumer functionality across its packaging portfolio for food, pet food […] Packaging Scotland · 13 Apr 2026 Industry news HYB launches new toner cartridge series HYB announced the release of its latest toner solution developed for use in Kyocera 358ci/458ci series devices. The Recycler (imaging consumables recycling) · 13 Apr 2026 Industry news Print Scotland welcomes 22 new associate members as sector strengthens voice PRINT Scotland, the trade body representing the print, packaging and graphics sector, has announced the addition of 22 new associate members, bringing total membership to 64 organisations. The latest additions include major names such as Kodak Limited, Ricoh, and Bank of Scotland, which Print Scotland believes reflects continued confidence in the sector and its future. […] Packaging Scotland · 13 Apr 2026 Industry news WRAP launches circular economy and recycling adverts on Sky TV New TV adverts from WRAP are set to begin across Sky channels as part of its new ‘Rescue Me, Recycle’ campaign. Circular Online (CIWM) · 13 Apr 2026