Resource Management
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Available to watch on-demand: edie's Earth Overshoot Day webinar
Readers interested in learning about the intersections between the green recovery, circular economy and net-zero transition are encouraged to retrospectively watch edie's Earth Overshoot Day webinar.
Lidl vows to remove two billion pieces of plastic packaging by the end of 2022
After removing more than one billion pieces of plastic from UK stores, Lidl GB has set new ambitions to reduce plastic packaging further.
P&G's Lenor to pilot 100,000 paper bottles in 2022
EXCLUSIVE: Procter & Gamble (P&G) has joined the Paper Bottle Company (Paboco) collaboration and will launch its first paper pulp-based bottles in European markets next year, the firm has announced this week.
McDonald's to trial deposit return scheme for coffee cups in Northampton
McDonald's has chosen six restaurants in Northampton to trial a £1 deposit on reusable coffee cups in a bid to cut back on waste.
Report: Circular economy could deliver 80% of UK's next carbon budget
By embedding circular economy principles in major policy frameworks, the UK could deliver 80% of the additional emissions cuts needed to meet its Fifth Carbon Budget, which covers 2028-2032.
Co-op set to expand flexible plastic recycling scheme to 1,500 stores this month
Following an initial trial in 50 stores last year, Co-op is rolling out an in-store collection system for plastic bags and flexible packaging to 1,500 stores by the end of July.
Current nature targets 'not enough': WWF calls for UK to cut global environmental footprint by 75%
If the UK is to properly address its climate impacts, it must reduce the environmental impact of products made domestically and imported by 75% this decade.
UK's 'right to repair' laws come into force, in bid to cut electrical waste
Manufacturers of goods including washing machines, TVs and fridges will be mandated to do more to help customers repair them for longer from this week, under new Government rules.
Report: 60% of sustainability claims by fashion giants are greenwashing
A study of the websites of 12 of the biggest British and European fashion brands, including Asos, H&M and Zara, has found that 60% of the environmental claims could be classed as "unsubstantiated" and "misleading".
FMCG giants unveil world's first plastic bottles recycled using enzymes
L'Oreal, Nestle Waters, PepsiCo and Suntory Beverage & Food Europe have unveiled plastic bottles made entirely from post-consumer waste recycled using enzymatic processes, in what they describe as a world first.
#SustyTalk: Canon's Andy Tomkins on preventing e-waste and creating a circular economy for plastics
edie's #SustyTalk interview series continues with an exclusive discussion with Canon's sustainability engagement manager for EMEA, Andy Tomkins.
Amazon accused of wasting and destroying mountains of unsold products in the UK
Online retail giant Amazon has been accused of destroying millions of unsold items every year by ITV, which sent journalists to film undercover at the Dunfermline warehouse.
Evian launches plastic-reducing refill device to UK market
Following a string of trials and a launch in France, water brand evian has launched a refillable home water dispenser in the UK.
WRAP: 2020 was record year for food redistribution by UK firms
More than 92,000 tonnes of surplus food was redistributed in the UK last year, marking a 45% year-on-year increase, partly caused by the response to Covid-19.
Beer giant Corona achieves 'net-zero plastic footprint'
Beer brand Corona, which is owned by Anheuser-Busch InBev (AB InBev), has announced that it is now recovering more plastic from the environment than it generates, describing the milestone as the delivery of 'net-zero plastic'.
World Oceans Day: Preserving the planet's life source for future generations
Nomad Foods' chief executive Stefan Descheemaeker issues a call to action for all of us to protect the precious resource that is the world's oceans.
Ballygowan targets 100% recycled plastic packaging as Lucozade adds on-bottle recycling labels
Britvic-owned Irish water brand Ballygowan Mineral Water has announced plans to switch to 100% recycled plastic bottles, in the same week that Lucozade's parent firm confirmed plans to add on-pack recycling prompts.
McCain commits to regenerative agriculture across all farms by 2030
The UK's largest manufacturer of frozen potato products, McCain, has today (7 June) committed to ensuring that every potato grown across its 370,000 acres worldwide is done so using regenerative agricultural practices by 2030.
Starbucks to launch reusable cup sharing programme in the UK this year
Starbucks has announced plans to launch a reusable cup 'sharing' initiative in all British, French and German stores in the coming months, ahead of a roll-out across Europe, the Middle East and Africa by 2025.
Amazon could be forced to disclose its plastic footprint
E-commerce giant Amazon's shareholders will vote this week on whether the firm should adopt a resolution requiring it to disclose how much plastic packaging it produces - and how much of this is likely to end up polluting the environment.
Circular economy: Arc'teryx launches resale, care and repair services
Outdoor clothing and equipment brant Arc'teryx has launched a new programme enabling consumers to resell, repair, upcycle and extend the life of their products.
Fighting food waste: Co-op and Hubbub partner to launch 100 new community fridges
Supermarket the Co-op has partnered with environmental charity Hubbub to launch a network of 100 'community fridges', which will enable food redistribution.
Beyond retail: Banks and fossil fuel giants urged to face role in plastic pollution crisis
Just 20 businesses are responsible for half of the world's single-use plastic waste, with fossil fuel majors including ExxonMobil and Total among the worst offenders, a new study has revealed.
COP26 Primer: Clean Energy
edie’s COP26 Primer Reports are about seizing the green opportunity. Produced in the run-up to the official talks, this mini-series of reports are based on the five key themes of COP26: Clean Energy, Clean Transport, Climate Resilience, Nature-Based Solutions, and Climate Finance.
PlayBack: Mattel launches toy recycling scheme
Mattel, the toy giant behind Barbie, has launched a new take-back and recycling scheme for used toys.
Tesco removes plastic rings from beer and cider packs
In what it claims is a first among UK supermarkets, Tesco is scrapping flexible plastic rings on all beer and cider multipacks.
Ikea launches buy-back service in all UK stores
Following a string of Covid-19-related delays, Ikea has launched its long-awaited buy-back scheme for furniture across its UK stores.
Shampoo bars and sustainable shoes: Rounding up the big Earth Day product announcements
A string of big-name brands, including SC Johnson and Vans, have bolstered commitments on resource use or launched products with circular economy principles to mark Earth Day 2021. Here, edie rounds up the announcements.
Nike Refurbished: Shoe giant launches new service to help combat waste
Nike has launched a new service whereby shoes can be refurbished and resold, thereby extending their lifespan.
Retailers including Morrisons and Superdry roll-out recycling solution for plastic fashion packaging
A string of big-name UK retailers have started rolling out recycled polythene packaging for garments and accessories, ahead of a new tax on plastic packaging with less than 30% recycled content.
Report: 6 in 10 plastic packaging companies have no environmental policies
An analysis of 83 of the world's biggest publicly traded plastic packaging firms has found that almost two-thirds report no policies on sustainability-related topics like waste or carbon.
Bio-recycling and water bottle refills: Waitrose invests £1m to tackle plastic waste
Two years ago, Waitrose & Partners pledged £1m from the sale of carrier bags to innovators working to solve the plastic pollution crisis. Now, it has revealed the successes of the projects it has supported.
Mars Petcare debuts insect-based cat food and packaging with less plastic
Mars Petcare has announced plans to launch what it claims is the UK's first fully insect-based cat food, after releasing new packaging formats that contain less plastic.
Report: UK must halve resource consumption to tackle climate change and nature loss
If the UK set a legally binding target to halve resource consumption by 2050, it could put itself on track to meet domestic nature and climate targets while also driving progress abroad.
Servitisation and the circular economy: How can businesses encourage shoppers to consume less?
Often, when businesses make resource efficiency commitments, they stop short of committing to shifting to business models that will see them selling fewer products. But why - and which businesses have overcome this challenge?
#SustyTalk: Kao Corporation's Dave Muenz on plastic packaging innovation
edie's #SustyTalk interview series continues with an exclusive discussion with Kao Corporation's senior vice president for ESG, Dave Muenz, hosted as part of our Circular Economy Week.
In charts: How big is the UK's waste mountain - and what are we recycling?
As part of edie's Circular Economy Week campaign, we take a look at the official facts and stats regarding some of the UK's biggest waste streams, outlining how much is generated and what proportions are recycled.
EVs: Renault launches battery recycling scheme as UK grant changes draw controversy
It's been a busy week for electric vehicle (EV) news, with the UK Government facing criticism over grant packages and charging infrastructure and Groupe Renault launching a new battery recycling scheme.
Climate and waste: HelloFresh and Superdrug make new sustainability commitments
Meal-kit giant HelloFresh has pledged to halve food waste by 2022, in the same week that Superdrug's parent company, A.S. Watson Group, committed to eliminate unnecessary packaging.
Recycled materials and CCS: Aluminium industry plots pathways to net-zero
The association representing more than 60% of the world's aluminium production has published new climate pathways for the sector, outlining how recycled materials, electrification and emerging technologies could cut emissions at scale.
Circular economy models reduce costs and boost sales for major fashion brands
Outerwear brand FW and fashion platform Farfetch have revealed the results of two-year pilots of circular economy models, pledging to expand them following positive financial results.
Clarks and UGG unveil sustainable shoe innovations
Clarks has launched what it claims is its 'most sustainable sneaker yet', while UGG is debuting shoes made using responsibly sourced, plant-based materials.
Next wave of speakers confirmed for edie's circular economy online event
Experts from the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, Ikea, Innovate UK and The Body Shop have been confirmed among the first wave of speakers for The Circular Economy Inspiration Sessions – an afternoon of live, interactive presentations and discussions taking place virtually on Thursday 25 March.
P&G launches refillable shampoo bottles in the UK
Procter & Gamble (P&G) has launched a refill format that uses 60% less plastic across several of its most popular shampoo brands in the UK.
WRAP: Two-thirds of Brits don't see link between food waste and climate change
Better education on the links between food waste and climate change could encourage UK families to reduce the 6.6 million tonnes of food they bin at home every year.
Burger King to ditch all single-use plastic in the UK
Burger King UK has made a new commitment to phase out all single-use plastic by 2025, replacing packaging with reusables and with recycled or certified plastic-free alternatives.
Survey: Circular economy businesses outperform those that take, make and dispose
Companies using circular economy models like refill, resale and repair generate have seen sharper revenue upticks than their traditional competitors, new market research has found.
Michelin unveils plans to ditch unsustainable tyre materials
Michelin has committed to switching to 100% renewable, recycled and bio-based materials for its tyres by 2050.
Sainsbury's rolls out flexible plastic take-back and recycling scheme
Sainsbury's has begun collecting hard-to-recycle flexible plastic film at 63 of its stores and will use the material to trial an innovative new recycling process.
eBay: Shoppers increasingly looking for 'eco' and 'sustainable' homewares during lockdown
eBay has revealed that searches for 'eco furniture' and 'sustainable furniture' have more than doubled year-on-year, suggesting that shoppers are increasingly looking for pre-owned and refurbished products due to lockdown.
Asda and Aldi expand plastic-free packaging efforts
Aldi has revealed designs for plastic-free Easter egg packaging, in the same week that Asda made a commitment to replace one million plastic shelf-edge labels (SELs) with more sustainable alternatives.
Packaging giant Mondi targets 100% reusable, recyclable or compostable products by 2025
As part of a new sustainability strategy which it claims is aligned with the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), one of the world's biggest packaging and paper companies has pledged to phase-out products that can't be recycled, reused or composted.
Governments urged to accelerate circular economy transition through green recovery plans
As nations continue to deliver their strategies for the economic recovery from Covid-19, they must better embed measures to improve resource efficiency, recycling, reuse and nature restoration, according to a major new policy briefing.
Paper or plastic? How to make the most sustainable packaging choices
The EU tax on plastic packaging waste, implemented on 1 January 2021, has again brought to the fore the debate about what is the most sustainable packaging material.
Exeter to play host to UK's first national circular economy 'hub'
UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) is investing £3.5m to create a new circular economy hub at the University of Exeter, which will be used to coordinate research and development across the country.
Banks urged to set time-bound targets to tackle deforestation
A new report has outlined how banks can take proactive steps to improve traceability and accountability of contributions to deforestation, as part of a first step to accelerating action towards a forest-restorative economy.
Banks 'have provided $1.7trn of unconditional support to plastic polluters since 2015'
Global banks have been accused of collectively providing more than $1.7trn to businesses across the plastics value chain between 2015 and 2019, largely without attaching environmental conditions to support packages.
#SustyTalk: London Waste and Recycling Board's Wayne Hubbard on the circular economy during Covid-19
edie's #SustyTalk interview series continues with an exclusive interview with the London Waste and Recycling Board's chief execiutive Wayne Hubbard.
Tesco removes one billion pieces of plastic packaging
In 2019, Tesco pledged to remove one billion pieces of plastic packaging from its UK business by the end of 2020. The UK's biggest supermarket has now revealed it has met the lofty target by working closely with suppliers and own-brand design teams.
Plastic-free festive food and re-planted trees: How are businesses working to make Christmas more sustainable?
Retailers and delivery firms have faced challenge after challenge in 2020, having to re-adjust ways of working to get essential goods to those in need amid lockdown restrictions. Yet many have also managed to ensure that Christmas won't be the most wasteful - or emissions-intense - time of the year.
In numbers: What is the environmental impact of Christmas?
Christmas is said to be the most wonderful time of the year - but it's also the most wasteful. With less than a week left until the big day, edie rounds up some of the most shocking environmental statistics for the season.
Ferrero unveils fresh commitments to sustainable packaging ahead of Christmas
After being criticised by green groups last year for producing heavy and hard-to-recycle plastic packaging, Fererro has joined new industry commitments aimed at reducing plastic use and improving recyclability.
New report details how businesses can help achieve SDG 12: Responsible Production and Consumption
edie has launched its latest SDG Spotlight report, looking at how businesses can transform to help achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) post-lockdown, with the latest focusing on Goal 12: Responsible Production and Consumption.
What makes a sustainability leader? Meet waste management champions Marston's and UKWSL
With the 2021 Sustainability Leaders Awards approaching, this new feature series showcases the achievements of the 2020 winners and reveals their secrets to success. Up next: The winners of the Waste and Resource Management Project of the Year Award, Marston's and UKWSL.
SDG Spotlight: How Businesses Can Achieve Goal 12; Responsible Production and Consumption
edie's latest SDG Spotlight report, produced in association with Rio, looks at how businesses can transform operations, services, supply chains and strategies to help deliver Goal 12: Responsible Production and Consumption.
M&S expands plastic-free refill offering as UK lockdown lifts
Marks and Spencer (M&S) has launched its packaging-free refill offering for dried, ambient and frozen foods in a third store due to growing customer demand.
Huggies launches biodegradable baby wipes in step towards plastic-free goal
Kimberly-Clark owned brand Huggies has launched its first biodegradable product - baby wipes which break down in landfill conditions within 15 days.
PepsiCo targets 100% recycled plastic bottles in Europe
Food and beverage giant PepsiCo has set a new goal to reach 100% recycled content in plastic Pepsi bottles sold in its nine biggest European markets by 2022.
Government 'must hold businesses like Apple and Amazon to account over e-waste'
Electronics brands and online retailers have been "dodging responsibility" for their e-waste impacts - and new laws could help stop them from producing tech that is hard to repair or recycle.
City to Sea: 8 in 10 food-to-go giants failing to tackle single-use plastic
A survey of 20 of the UK's largest food-to-go outlets has found that more than eight in ten have introduced no policies on removing single-use plastic from consumer-facing operations this year.
Unilever on the circular economy and the net-positive debate: What happened on Day Three of Net-Zero Live 2020?
The third and final day of edie's Net-Zero Live 2020 saw hundreds of sustainability and resource experts gathering with the shared aim of accelerating ambition and action. Here, we round up the key takeaways.
Ribena redesigns plastic labels in bid for 'bottle-to-bottle' recycling
Soft drinks giant Ribena has redesigned the sleeves on its plastic bottles, in a move it claims will improve recycling rates and prevent downcycling.
WRAP: UK food sector 'needs to pick up the pace' on waste
UK businesses diverted £300m worth of food from waste this year, but the sector needs to accelerate action if it is to meet the Courtauld Commitment's environmental targets for 2025.
Boris Johnson urged to prevent e-waste mountain in Brexit planning
Poorly-made and hard-to-recycle electronics could "flood" the UK market after Brexit, resulting in an e-waste mountain, unless ministers act now to protect standards. That is according to a new report from Green Alliance.
Ellen MacArthur Foundation: Refillable packaging still accounts for just 2% of the market
Despite a swathe of successful pilot projects for plastic-free, refillable products, just 2% of the products sold by the world's biggest consumer goods firms this year came in reusable packaging.
Google launches phones and thermostats with recycled plastics
Google has achieved one of its plastics targets ahead of schedule, revealing that all new Pixel phones and Nest thermostats include recycled content.
HP extends cartridge recycling scheme to 68 countries
Printing and technology giant HP has extended its recycling scheme to 68 countries and territories after collecting more than 875,000 used printer ink cartridges.
Burger King teams up with TerraCycle for reusable packaging pilot
Burger King will bring reusable coffee cups, soft drinks cups and burger boxes to restaurants in the US and Japan early next year as part of a partnership with TerraCycle.
Supermarket and packaging giants call for UK-wide ban on degradable plastics
Representatives from the likes of Tesco, Waitrose, Aldi and the Co-op have signed an open letter to Ministers calling for a ban on plastics which are only degradable in industrial conditions with chemical additives.
What makes a sustainability leader? Meet consumer engagement champions City to Sea
With the 2021 Sustainability Leaders Awards entry deadline approaching, this new feature series showcases the achievements of the 2020 winners and reveals their secrets to success. Up next: The winner of our Consumer Engagement Campaign of the Year: City to Sea.
P&G to launch refillable shampoo bottles in 2021
Procter & Gamble (P&G) will launch a refill format which uses 60%less plastic across several of its most popular shampoo lines in Europe next year.
Nestle outlines plans to bring UK's first commercial scale chemical plastic recycling plant online
Nestle has partnered with a chemical plastic recycling company with two commercial-scale facilities online in Spain, in the hopes of developing a similar plant in the UK.
Iceland trials plastic-free bread and potato packaging as Subway debuts cardboard salad boxes
Supermarket giant Iceland has begun trialling plastic-free packaging on products including potatoes and loaves of bread, in the same week that Subway confirmed plans to phase-out plastic salad bowls.
Bacardi to launch biodegradable spirits bottles by 2023
Alcoholic beverage giant Bacardi has said it will be ready to launch a plastic-free, bio-based spirits bottle that degrades outside of industrial conditions by 2023.
Britvic to switch to 100% recycled plastic bottles by 2022
The owner of Tango, Fruit Shoot and J2O has pledged to only sell plastic bottles made using 100% recycled content in the UK by the end of 2022.
Unilever's former chief sustainability officer to chair plant-based plastic venture
Unilever's former chief sustainability officer Jeff Seabright has been appointed as chair of a Cambridge-based scale-up that creates plant-protein-based alternatives to single-use plastic.
Asda opens 'sustainability store' with refill stations and plastic-free groceries
Asda has installed refill stations, reverse vending machines and a vintage clothing aisle to one of its busiest stores, to gauge consumer attitudes and logistical considerations to more sustainable offerings.
#SustyTalk: Cranswick's Jim Brisby on food waste prevention during Covid-19
edie's #SustyTalk interview series continues with Cranswick's commercial director Jim Brisby discussing how the company was able to exceed its food waste reduction targets - even faced with the challenges of lockdown.
What makes a sustainability leader? Meet award-winning brewer Toast Ale
With the 2021 Sustainability Leaders Awards entry deadline approaching, this new feature series showcases the achievements of the 2020 winners and reveals their secrets to success. Up next: The winner of our SME of the Year, Toast Ale.
It's a shoe-in: Adidas unveils recyclable trainers as UGG reveals new climate and materials commitments
Adidas has started fresh pilots for a recyclable mono-material shoe made using recycled plastic, in the same week that UGG launched new social and environmental sustainability commitments.
Ikea unveils national buy-back scheme for used furniture in drive to become 'fully circular'
Ikea will start buying back customers' used furniture at stores across the UK and Ireland next month, in an effort to discourage "excessive consumption" and become a "fully circular" business by 2030.
Aldi to remove single-use plastic bags from fruit and veg aisles
Aldi UK & Ireland will remove single-use plastic bags from the produce aisles in all of its stores by the end of the year, the supermarket announced today (2 October).
edie launches new explains guide to creating a circular economy for electronics
Organisations looking to understand the benefits and opportunities of reusing and recycling used electronics can now access a free 'edie Explains' guide breaking down everything they need to know about preventing e-waste.
edie explains: Electronics and the circular economy
How can businesses create a circular economy for electronics of all kinds? What are the challenges and benefits of doing so? And how are policies affecting the e-waste changing? This free edie explains guide answers all these questions and more.
Blackrock's circular economy fund has raised $900m in its first year
BlackRock has revealed that its investment fund dedicated to accelerating the global development of a circular economy has raised more than $900m in its first year, growing from just $20m of seed funding from the asset management giant itself.
Tesco and Cranswick surpass food waste reduction targets
Supermarket Tesco and major premium food supplier Cranswick have both published new food waste data this week, revealing that they have exceeded their 2030 reduction targets ahead of schedule.
'Hypocrisy': Consumer goods giants accused of covert lobbying against stronger plastics legislation
Coca-Cola, PepsiCo and Danone are among ten major food & beverage and consumer goods firms facing accusations of covertly lobbying against stronger plastics-related legislation, in spite of their public commitments to tackle plastics pollution.
Tesco partners with food sharing app Olio to tackle waste from stores
Surplus food from every Tesco store in the UK will soon be listed on food sharing app Olio, in a drive to reduce waste and help those in need.
Lego unveils $400m investment to drive low-carbon transition and single-use plastic phase-out
Toymaker Lego Group has unveiled a swathe of new sustainability commitments around plastics, waste, emissions and the circular economy, backed up with a $400m (£310m) investment package.
Asda trials reusable fruit & veg bags as Aldi rolls out plastic-free packaging
Asda has unveiled plans to remove single-use plastic bags for fruit and vegetables from stores, in favour of reusable alternatives made from recycled material, in the same week that Aldi confirmed a roll-out of cardboard meat trays.
