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Energy innovation: Delivering the smart grid of the future, today
The mission is clear: we must accelerate the shift to zero-carbon energy systems in order to slash emissions and mitigate global warming. But this mission IS possible: renewable energy costs are tumbling and new approaches to energy management such as battery storage and demand response are offering new ways for organisations to operate more sustainably.
Wake up and smell the coffee: our shared responsibility to manage food and drink packaging waste
As edie's Resource Management month draws to a close, circular economy experts Libby Sandbrook (BITC) and Debbie Hitchen (Anthesis) explore the challenges and opportunities behind two of the most talked-about packaging waste issues of our generation: coffee cups and plastic bottles.
UK plastics recycling industry under investigation for fraud and corruption
The plastics recycling industry is facing an investigation into suspected widespread abuse and fraud within the export system amid warnings the world is about to close the door on UK packaging waste, the Guardian has learned.
Waitrose trials bio-based alternative to black plastic
Waitrose & Partners is set to trial innovative, fibre-based packaging across its range of Italian ready meals as part of the supermarket group's commitment to eliminate black plastics from its own-brand products by 2019.
PepsiCo to launch range of 100% recycled plastic packaging by 2020
PepsiCo has this week unveiled plans to purchase 100% recycled plastic for some of its packaging lines by 2020, after the company was named by Greenpeace as one of the largest corporate plastic polluters in the world.
Walkers to launch UK's first crisp packet recycling scheme
The UK's biggest crisp brand Walkers has unveiled plans to launch a nationwide crisp packet recycling scheme, following months of consumer protests against its hard-to-recycle packaging.
Plastic-fighting bubbles and AI-powered bins: The best green innovations of the week
A number of eye-catching and potentially transformational innovations have emerged that could help businesses and nations accelerate the transition to a low-carbon, resource-efficient economy. Here, edie rounds-up six of the best.
What we can learn from the BBC’s Drowning in Plastic documentary
This isn't a piece about plastics, or how businesses can and should be reducing their plastics footprint. But, the BBC's jaw-dropping and necessarily bleak investigation into the havoc that plastics are causing the environment does offer some potential learnings for a sustainability professional.
Why Co-op hasn't signed up to the UK Plastics Pact
EXCLUSIVE: The Co-op is one of the two major supermarkets yet to commit to WRAP's collaborative agreement to tackle single-use plastics, but the company's environment manager Iain Ferguson believes that an "enterprising" approach to innovation will enable the retailer to rethink approaches to packaging.
In numbers: the UK public's attitudes towards recycling
Last September, consultancy Britain Thinks surveyed more than 2,000 UK adults on attitudes across a spectrum of questions relating to packaging, recycling and the circular economy. With the survey results released on Friday (28 September), edie rounds-up the key findings.
Aldi continues phase-out of non-recyclable plastics
Discount supermarket Aldi is switching a range of its cooked meat from non-recyclable packaging to clear, recyclable alternatives in a move that is set to save more than 1,000 tonnes of plastic annually.
Tesco offers money for plastic bottles in reverse vending trials
Tesco has announced that it will trial in-store reverse vending machines for plastic bottles, as it calls on the UK Government to introduce a nation-wide approach to recycling.
Lucozade Ribena Suntory trials giant bottle-shaped bins to improve recycling
Soft drinks manufacturer Lucozade Ribena Suntory has announced a new partnership with facilities operator Sports and Leisure Management (SLM) to trial giant bottle-shaped recycling points at gyms and leisure centres in the UK.
Inside Unilever's plastics packaging strategy
EXCLUSIVE: Unilever's chief R&D officer David Blanchard has outlined the company's three-pillar approach to improving the recyclability of its product packaging, focusing on "less", "better" and "no plastics" solutions.
Co-op switches to compostable bags as it pledges to eliminate single-use plastics
The Co-op has revealed it will swap around 60 million plastic carrier bags with compostable alternatives that can be used as food waste caddy liners, as part of a wider goal to "remove" single-use plastics from its product offerings.
Lidl to stop using black plastic fruit and vegetable packaging
Lidl UK says it will remove black plastic from its entire fruit and vegetable range by the end of the month.
Sustainable Business Covered podcast: Snap packs, green dry-cleaning and SDG cities
Episode 49 of the Sustainable Business Covered podcast sees edie discuss plastic-free packaging with Carlsberg, Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) with Canary Wharf Group and features a whistle-stop tour of a new and ultra-green dry-cleaning facility in Watford.
UK Parliament to replace single-use plastic items with compostable alternatives
The UK Parliament will replace single-use plastic cutlery, coffee cups and lids, drinking straws and containers with compostable alternatives that will be treated at a specialist waste facility.
Report: Consumer demand for recycled packaging outpacing corporate action
More than half (55%) of the UK population believe that all plastic bottles should contain at least 50% recycled content, while the average proportion used by corporates currently stands at just 15%.
Lord Deben: Businesses must avoid 'knee-jerk' plastic phase-outs
Committee on Climate Change (CCC) chairman Lord Deben has urged companies to avoid making "knee-jerk" decisions on plastics packaging, warning that "reactionary" choices to consumer demands could lead to unintended environmental consequences.
Meet the Sustainability Leader: Sustainability Innovation: Standards, Systems & Software - HH Global
With entries for edie's revamped 2019 Sustainability Leaders Awards closing TODAY, this new feature series will showcase the achievements of the 2018 winners, revealing their secrets to success. Up next: our 2018 Sustainability Innovation: Standards, Systems & Software winner - HH Global.
Meet the Sustainability Leader: TerraCycle, P&G and SUEZ - Sustainable Supply Chains
With entries closing this week for edie's revamped 2019 Sustainability Leaders Awards, this new feature series will showcase the achievements of the 2018 winners, revealing their secrets to success. Up next: our 2018 Sustainable Supply Chains winners, TerraCycle, P&G and SUEZ.
Iceland ditches plastic for pre-packed bananas
Frozen food retailer Iceland is switching the packaging for its pre-packed bananas from plastic to a paper band that is 100% recyclable and made from recycled paper, in a move that will save 10 million plastic bags from being used by the company annually.
World's largest windfarm and women in boardrooms: The sustainability success stories of the week
As part of our Mission Possible campaign, edie brings you this weekly round-up of five of the best sustainability success stories of the week from across the globe.
Henkel bolsters its sustainable packaging strategy
German chemical and consumer goods firm Henkel has joined the corporate war on waste with a pledge to ensure consumers can recycle, reuse or compost its packaging by 2025.
Seaweed-based bottles and food-saving filters: The best green innovations for Zero Waste Week
To mark Zero Waste Week (3-7 September), edie has rounded up some of the ground-breaking innovations being explored by companies across the globe as the focus on waste among consumers, politicians and the business community reaches a fever pitch.
Drinks giants back calls to eliminate plastic packaging waste by 2030
Soft drinks firms such as Danone Waters and Lucozade Ribena Suntory have thrown their weight behind a study which calls for a zero-waste-to-landfill plastic packaging value chain by 2030.
'Snap Packs' and greener ink: Carlsberg unveils new packaging solutions designed to reduce waste
Danish brewer Carlsberg is set to reduce its global packaging waste by more than 1,200 tonnes annually, after launching new Snap Pack multi-packs for branded beers alongside a host of other closed-loop packaging renovations.
Dyson's EV hub and Unilever's solar partnership: The sustainability success stories of the week
As part of our Mission Possible campaign, edie brings you this weekly round-up of five of the best sustainability success stories of the week from across the globe.
Lucozade to trial edible drinks sachets to reduce single-use plastic at sports events
Beverage giant Lucozade Ribena Suntory is set to trial edible drinks sachets made from seaweed at two sports events next month, in an effort to gauge the consumer appetite for plastic-free alternatives to single-use bottles and pouches.
Meet the Sustainability Leader: The Coal Authority - Recycling and Resources
With entries soon closing for edie's revamped 2019 Sustainability Leaders Awards, this new feature series will showcase the achievements of the 2018 winners, revealing their secrets to success. Up next: our 2018 Recycling and Resources winners, The Coal Authority.
Aldi begins black plastics phase-out as part of packaging overhaul
Discount chain Aldi is switching a range of its fresh produce packaging from hard-to-recycle black plastic to clear, recyclable alternatives, in a move that is set to save around 265 tonnes of plastic a year.
ACE UK partners with Cornwall Council to boost beverage carton recycling rates
The Alliance for Beverage Cartons and the Environment (ACE UK) has partnered with Cornwall Council to open a set of new recycling banks for food and drink cartons and paper coffee cups across the region, in a bid to boost recycling rates for the items.
Ball Corporation commits to science-based targets tackling supply chain emissions
Global packaging firm Ball Corporation has set new science-based targets within the company's direct operations and across its supply chain to reduce its emissions intensity by 58% by 2030.
Tesco becomes first supermarket to stock cans of water
In the latest move to cut back on the number of plastic products entering circulation, Tesco has become the first supermarket to stock and offer cans of water.
Collection and content: How can councils address the 'smorgasbord' of plastics to boost recycling?
Councils have urged manufacturers to scrap a "smorgasbord" of plastics used for food packaging in order to increase recycling rates, although the industry has suggested that the lack of consistency of council recycling collection systems also needs addressing.
Crunch time for Walkers over non-recyclable crisp packets
The UK's biggest crisp brand, Walkers, will come under pressure this week to explain why it is helping to fuel the plastic waste littering the streets and seas by producing more than 7,000 non-recyclable crisp packets every minute.
Unilever launches toiletry range with 100% recycled packaging in UK
Consumer goods giant Unilever has launched a range of beauty products housed in 100% post-consumer recycled (PCR) plastic bottles in the UK, following the success of the "eco-beauty" line in the US.
Kraft Heinz unveils new circular packaging strategy in plastic reduction drive
After surpassing its 2020 packaging reduction aims two years early, consumer goods giant Kraft Heinz has committed to ensuring all its packaging is either recyclable, reusable or compostable by 2025 as it strives to become more circular.
Iceland launches plastic-free chewing gum in UK first
Frozen food giant Iceland has today (August 1) launched a range of plastic-free chewing gum, making it the first supermarket in the UK to offer a biodegradable alternative.
edie Explains: Onsite solar
What is onsite solar and how could it work for a business? What are the business benefits from installing onsite solar? And what considerations and funding opportunities need to be examined to build the business case? This free edie Explains guide gives you everything you need to know.
Canary Wharf Group commits to becoming world's first plastic-free commercial centre
Canary Wharf Group (CWG) has pledged to become a plastic-free community across its 16.5 million sq. ft London real estate, in a bid to help businesses and the wider community reduce the amount of single-use plastics in circulation.
Coca-Cola offers 50% discounts at major UK theme parks in exchange for plastic bottles
Coca-Cola Great Britain is offering 50% discounts to UK attractions such as Thorpe Park, Alton Towers and Legoland in exchange for used plastic drinks bottles, in a bid to change consumer attitudes towards recycling.
Just Eat trials seaweed sachets as alternative to single-use plastics
Online food ordering firm Just Eat has commenced a trial of compostable sachets made from seaweed, as part of an effort to reduce the amount of plastic used by its UK restaurant partners.
EY to remove 7.7 million single-use plastic items from its UK offices
Financial services provider EY has outlined plans to reduce its consumption of single-use plastic items by more than 7.7 million pieces, by offering all staff reusable cups and bottles for personal use.
UK's plastic waste may be dumped overseas instead of recycled
Millions of tons of waste plastic from British businesses and homes may be ending up in landfill sites across the world, the government's spending watchdog has warned.
McDonald's joins Starbucks to fund new coffee cup innovations
McDonald's has committed £3.8m ($5m) to help research, develop and commercialise recyclable and compostable coffee cups, joining Starbucks as a founding member of the NextGen Cup Consortium and Challenge.
How Coca-Cola is engaging policymakers and the public to combat plastics pollution
EXCLUSIVE: The head of sustainability at the world's largest independent Coca-Cola bottler believes the next 12 months are a "great opportunity" to influence policy to reform Producer Responsibility Obligations and implement an effective, nationwide deposit return system for plastics.
Morrisons trials in-store deposit return system for plastic bottles
Supermarket giant Morrisons has launched a trial of an in-store deposit return scheme for plastic bottles, in a bid to minimise its plastic output and encourage customers to recycle.
Tetra Pak half way to sourcing 100% renewable electricity
Packaging giant Tetra Pak has this week revealed that it now sources half of the electricity needed to power its global operations from renewables, putting it on track to meet its target of sourcing 100% green electricity by 2030.
Solving the plastics problem: 10 industry gamechangers for the planet
This insight report, produced in partnership with waste management specialist Helistrat, outlines the game-changing developments that are empowering businesses to eliminate all avoidable plastics waste.
Plastic waste: edie report explores 10 gamechangers tackling the issue
With Britain's plastics revolution continuing to gather pace, edie has today (27 June) published a new insight report which investigates some of the game-changing developments and sustainable solutions to the global plastics problem.
Food and drink giants collaborate to improve 'on-the-go' recycling in Leeds
A string of 18 corporations from the food and drink and packaging sectors, including Asda, Co-op and Marks and Spencer (M&S), have teamed up to launch a scheme aimed at boosting recycling rates for "on-the-go "packaging.
Why is single use plastic a problem and what can be done about it?
The UK Government is now trying to catch up with what businesses have been doing for years to tackle single use items. It seems that every day we hear something new about what we can do to tackle the never-ending problem of single use plastics.
Recycled plastic could supply three-quarters of UK demand, report finds
Plastic recycled in the UK could supply nearly three-quarters of domestic demand for products and packaging if the government took action to build the industry, a new report said on Thursday.
Businesses team with UN to plot course for 'healthy' oceans
Oil and gas firm Total, insurance giant Gard AS and Norwegian maritime conference Nor-Shipping are among the six corporations which will lead a new United Nations (UN) initiative to help the private sector tackle ocean issues including overfishing, marine litter and acidification.
Breaking the plastics habit: The changing role of business in achieving a circular economy
Between increasing consumer pressures and sluggish policy changes, corporates are being stretched to their limits to tackle the plastics problem - but it is critical that this sudden step-change in awareness of the issue does not lead to unintended consequences, as edie's Matt Mace investigates.
Burger King unveils plan to phase-out plastic straws
Burger King has announced that it will roll out compostable straws in its UK restaurants this year as it works to make all its packaging recyclable, biodegradable or compostable by 2025.
Unlocking the Fourth Industrial Revolution for the planet
Back in 1970, at the dawn of the modern environmental movement, American Futurist Alvin Toffler coined the term 'Future Shock'. Toffler highlighted that the late-20th Century was experiencing a phenomenon unique in human history in which technology was changing faster than people. This in turn led to widespread discomfort and confusion as well as frequent social and economic upheaval.
Quorn moves to eliminate black plastics from packaging supply chain
Vegetarian food brand Quorn Foods is switching almost 300 tonnes of hard-to-recycle black plastic packaging to clear, recyclable alternatives, at a cost to the company, to reduce the amount of plastic waste it produces.
Powering ahead: Learning from the leaders in onsite energy generation
Energy costs are rising, clean technology costs are tumbling, and new off-grid opportunities are becoming more viable – NOW is the time to upgrade your organisation’s sustainability strategy through onsite energy solutions, and this webinar will show you the way.
'Stimulating and inspiring': How P&G made sustainability business critical
EXCLUSIVE: Procter & Gamble's (P&G) vice president of global sustainability Virginie Helias believes that internal behaviour change helped the company transform a sustainability strategy into an "unstoppable" and holistic ethos.
European Commission plots ban on single-use plastics
The European Commission presented its long-awaited marine-litter-busting proposal on single-use plastics on Monday (28 May). The first legislative proposal from the Plastics Strategy aims to help the EU clean up the continent's beaches and waterways.
Tesco calls for recycling reform as it strives for 100% closed-loop packaging
Supermarket giant Tesco has strengthened its ambitions to make all its packaging across its UK operations closed-loop and is now calling on the Government to support the chain's aim by reforming the nation's recycling infrastructure.
On the Mission Possible sofa with Surfdome's Adam Hall and A Plastic Planet's Henri Allen
The first of a brand new sustainable business chat show devised by edie sees outdoor wear retailer Surfdome's head of sustainability Adam Hall joined by campaign group A Plastic Planet's head of operations Henri Allen to discuss how businesses can collectively solve the plastics problem.
Iceland becomes first supermarket to trial in-store deposit-return system
Frozen food retailer Iceland has become the UK's first supermarket to trial an in-store deposit-return scheme in support of the Government's recently announced intention to launch a nationwide rollout of the scheme.
Packaging industry calls for policy reform to boost plastics recycling
A host of UK packaging organisations have called for more recycling collection points, tax reliefs for recycled content and a universal list of acceptable materials as part of a desired regulation reform to make it easier for consumers to recycle packaging waste.
Princes commits to make bottles with 50% recycled plastic
Consumer goods giant Princes has pledged to increase the proportion of post-consumer recycled (PCR) content in its plastic soft drink and oil bottles to more than 50% within four months, as part of an ongoing goal of using 100% PCR plastic in all its packaging.
Final places remaining for free Mission Possible Workshops at edie Live
Sustainability and energy professionals have just a few days left to pre-book their place for a series of free 'co-creation' workshops taking place at edie Live on 22-23 May.
Colder washes can quadruple life of clothes, claims P&G
Procter & Gamble (P&G) has claimed that consumers could quadruple the longevity of their clothes and deliver huge carbon and water savings by switching to colder and quicker wash cycles.
Parliament vows to 'eliminate' single-use plastics from operations by 2019
Parliament has today announced its goal to "virtually eliminate" single-use plastics from its internal operations by 2019, by taking measures such as phasing out sauce sachets, banning the sale of single-use water bottles and introducing a "latte levy" on disposable coffee cups.
Investment drive sees Smurfit Kappa reach carbon goal three years early
EXCLUSIVE: Paper-based packaging company Smurfit Kappa has surpassed a target to reduce emissions by a quarter three years ahead of schedule, with the company's vice president of development outlining how investment cycles helped accelerate progress.
Co-op to trial reverse vending for plastic bottles at UK festivals
Co-op will become the first retailer in the UK to use reverse vending machines as part of a deposit return scheme from plastic containers, with trials set to take place at pop-up stores across UK festivals this summer.
Taking action for a sustainable future
Ensuring packaging is as sustainable as possible is a priority for businesses across the globe. The Governments' newly announced £60m initiative backing the cause demonstrates the scale of this ambition. It's time to bring this conversation to the forefront and tackle the issue together.
UK businesses make world-first pact to slash plastic packaging
Major firms including Nestlé, Marks & Spencer (M&S) and Unilever have today (26 April) made joint commitments to make unnecessary single-use plastic packaging "a thing of the past".
Unilever joins On-Pack Recycling Label scheme to boost plastics recycling
Unilever has joined the On-Pack Recycling Label (OPRL) scheme to promote the recyclability of its products to consumers, while a six-month trial of clean-cold technology in the company's ice cream transportation trucks has delivered cost-effective environmental benefits.
AB Sugar targets water, carbon and plastics under new sustainability commitment
Global sugar company AB Sugar has launched its first ever group-wide sustainability report, outlining bold new commitments to cut carbon emissions and water use by 30% and ensure all plastic packaging is reusable, recyclable or bio-degradable by 2030.
Costa aims to lead industry transformation with pledge to recycle half a billion coffee cups
EXCLUSIVE: Costa Coffee's energy & environment manager Oliver Rosevear has said the retailer wants to drive cross-industry collaboration on coffee cup recycling, as it today (18 April) makes a bold commitment to recycle the equivalent of its entire annual sales of takeaway cups – at a financial cost to the business.
Sky and National Geographic join forces in fight against marine plastic pollution
Global broadcasters Sky and National Geographic have teamed up to drive a global media campaign to reduce plastic litter in the ocean.
Intelligent highways and underground bins: the best green innovations of the week
A number of eye-catching and potentially transformational innovations have emerged that could help businesses and nations deliver on resource efficiency, low-carbon transitions and combat climate change. Here, edie rounds-up six of the best.
Pret launches reusable bottle range to slash consumer plastics waste
Pret A Manger has unveiled a new range of reusable bottles to help reduce the amount of plastic used by customers.
Nestlé aims to make all packaging recyclable or reusable by 2025
Nestlé has become the latest firm to step up its action on plastic waste, with a pledge to make all of its packaging recyclable or reusable by 2025.
Waitrose to remove disposable coffee cups from stores by autumn
Waitrose has ramped up its efforts to tackle plastic waste with a pledge to remove all disposable coffee cups from its shops before the end of 2018.
Unilever to develop closed-loop supply for food packaging plastics
In the latest corporate commitment to target plastic waste, Unilever has agreed a new partnership to develop technology capable of converting PET plastic waste into virgin-grade materials available for use in food packaging.
Waitrose builds on plastics pledge by switching to paper straws in cafes
Waitrose has revealed it will build on a commitment to stop selling packs of single-use plastics straws later this year, by replacing all plastic straws used in its onsite cafes with Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified paper alternatives.
Supply chain roundtable: Going 'beyond audit' to drive sustainability action
Sustainability and procurement professionals from some of the world's largest businesses recently came together for an exclusive roundtable hosted by edie and DNV GL to discuss the strategic steps required to take supply chain sustainability onto the next level.
Co-op unveils 50% recycled plastic bottles for own-brand water
The Cop-op has announced that all of its own-brand water bottles will be switched to contain 50% recycled plastic, as part of a plan to "test the water" on how shoppers will react to a change in design.
McDonald's unveils plan to phase-out plastic straws
McDonald's will start phasing out plastic straws from UK restaurants from May, with the fast food giant ready to trial paper and biodegradable alternatives in response to consumer demand.
Plastic packaging a 'policy failure', claims Sainsbury's boss
Sainsbury's chief executive Mike Coupe says Britain's plastic waste crisis has been exacerbated by a "failure of public policy" and is calling for a more unified approach to recycling.
Are businesses thinking about the SDGs when targeting plastics?
The recent wave of pledges against single-use plastic could lead to unintended consequences due to a lack of cross-sector alignment that is failing to examine the role of packaging in delivering the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Financial incentives for recyclability the way forward, says Co-op
A fiscal system that rewards recyclability and labelling, coupled with reducing the range of polymers available for use, would enable retailers and waste management firms to better tackle the rise of plastics pollution, according to the Co-op's environment manager Iain Ferguson.
Spring Statement: Chancellor unveils consultation on plastic tax
Phillip Hammond has launched a public consultation on a tax system for single-use plastics, vowing to tackle the “threat to our oceans" in his inaugural Spring Statement.
Mondi Group sets science-based targets through WWF's Climate Savers
Global packaging firm Mondi Group has set new science-based targets to reduce carbon emissions across the company's operations and indirect activities, after signing up to the WWF's Climate Savers initiative for low-carbon business aspirations.
'Warm words, no action': Government rejects 25p 'latte levy' proposal
MPs have criticised the Government's refusal to introduce a 25p levy on all disposable cups, with ministers accused of providing "warm words but no real action".
Lidl UK exploring deposit return scheme as part of plastic waste commitment
Lidl UK has today (9 March) unveiled a package of new commitments to reduce plastic waste, including plans to remove all single-use plastic bags, reduce the quantity of plastic packaging by one-fifth and consider a deposit return scheme for plastic containers.
Aldi unveils sweeping measures to slash plastics waste
Discount chain Aldi will scrap 5p carrier bags by the end of this year and ensure all packaging on its own-label is reusable, recyclable or compostable before 2022.
Sustainable Business Covered podcast: Sustainable packaging and the plastics problem
edie travels to the Museum of Brands to discuss solutions to plastic waste and wider resource efficiency issues with business representatives from Iceland, Tetra Pak and James Cropper.
Report: UK overestimates plastics recycling by one-third
The UK is significantly underestimating the amount of plastics packaging waste produced across the country, according to new research.
The big plastics debate: Industry must be fearless in zero-waste pursuit, Iceland claims
Iceland said it would not be afraid to make mistakes when tackling the issue of plastics waste, during a unique panel debate also featuring Co-op, Marks and Spencer (M&S) and Coca-Cola.
Online food delivery services commit to plastics takeaway
The war on plastics has entered the rapidly growing online food delivery sector, with industry competitors Deliveroo and Just Eat both making pledges today (1 March) to cut down the amount of plastic packaging used by customers.
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