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Michael Gove backs comprehensive 'all-in' deposit return system for plastics
Environment Secretary Michael Gove has publicly backed a deposit return system for plastic containers, irrespective of size, while also warning that time is running out to avert the climate emergency.
Tesco and AB Sugar confirmed for edie's Earth Overshoot webinar
edie's next webinar (Monday 29 July) will see sustainability experts from Tesco, AB Sugar and the Global Footprint Network discuss how business can champion the circular economy to push back Earth Overshoot Day - the day that humanity uses up all of the planet's natural resources for the year.
From waste to wealth: Creating a circular electronics industry
As our use of electronic devices and equipment has boomed in recent years, it has brought opportunities to create new jobs, tackle climate change and other environmental challenges, deliver health care and expand education.
Coca-Cola and Merlin Entertainments extend on-the-go plastic recycling initiative
Coca-Cola Great Britain has announced it has extended a project to place onsite reverse vending machines for plastic bottles at major UK attractions including Alton Towers Resort, Thorpe Park, and Legoland Windsor, after a trial collected more than 26,000 bottles last year.
MPs call on business to help tackle pollutants and microplastics from road vehicles
Environment Minister Thérèse Coffey and Transport Minister Michael Ellis have called on businesses to assist the Government in tackling particulate and microplastic pollution from vehicles by helping create a new international standard.
Deposit return system for plastics could generate £2bn for UK economy
An "all-in" deposit return system that accounted for all types of drinks cans and bottles in the UK could generate up to £2bn for the economy over a 10-year period, compared to £250m for an "on-the-go" system that collected less.
A crust above: Tesco to use waste bread in new products
The UK's largest supermarket has launched a new initiative aimed at repurposing surplus French bread from its in-store bakeries and reducing food waste.
edie's Earth Overshoot webinar: How business can #MoveTheDate through a circular economy
edie's next webinar, hosted in association with Centrica Business Solutions, will focus on how businesses can champion the circular economy and low-carbon innovation to help push back Earth Overshoot Day - the day that humanity uses up all of the planet's natural resources for the year.
Can sustainable businesses ride the new waves of consumerism in Asia?
The way people consume information and make purchases in Asia is changing, providing an opportunity for businesses to introduce experiences, services and products that have sustainable principles built into them from the start.
Aldi to remove plastic packaging from toilet roll packs
Aldi could save more than 900 tonnes of plastic each year, after announcing trials to remove plastic packaging from toilet roll packs at 174 stores across the UK.
Glastonbury 2019: Waste management key priority for majority of festival attendees
As Glastonbury opens today (26 June), a new survey has shown that sustainability and waste management is a key priority for festival goers this year.
Businesses commit to phase-out eight 'problem plastics' by 2020
Companies signed up to the UK Plastic Pact have committed to removing eight "problem plastics" by 2020, including cutlery, cotton buds and polystyrene packaging, but the decision has sparked calls that self-regulated efforts won't be sufficient enough to avert plastics pollution.
Seven things sustainability professionals can learn from Hugh and Anita's War on Plastic
The BBC's docuseries exploring how the public, government officials and corporates are fuelling an unsustainable demand for plastics concluded on Monday (24 June). Here, edie highlights seven key lessons that the series can teach sustainability professionals.
BBC War on Plastic: How Happy Meal toys and pellet production are piling on to the waste mountain
The final instalment of the BBC's War On Plastic tonight (24 June) will highlight just how broken the linear economy is, as Anita focuses on the mountain of free plastic toys from places such as fast food restaurants, while Hugh learns how the plastic industry plans to increase production by 50%
Naked vegetables: Aldi extends plastic-free fresh produce trial to England
Aldi UK is extending a trial of removing plastic packaging from fresh vegetable lines to parts of England, after a pilot programme in Scotland reduced more than three tonnes of plastic.
Google's new circular economy strategy to 'maximise reuse' across its operations
Tech giant Google has launched a new circular economy initiative aimed at addressing an "inherently unsustainable" demand for resources and products by leveraging the transformational potential of technology.
Meet edie's 30 Under 30 Class of 2019: Jonathan Davies, Marston's
This new series profiles the members of edie's 30 Under 30 - a nomination-based community of 30 hugely talented young sustainability and energy professionals who have already achieved great things or are showing fantastic promise. Next up: Jonathan Davies, waste & recycling co-ordinator at Marston's.
Manufacturer 3M joins Ellen MacArthur Foundation's CE100 initiative
Multinational consumer goods, healthcare and industry manufacturer 3M has pledged to champion the circular economy and make the best use of the planet's resources by joining the Ellen MacArthur Foundation's CE100 initiative.
War on Plastic with Hugh and Anita: 'Hidden' plastics placed in the spotlight
Episode two of the BBC's War on Plastic series on Tuesday night (17 June) saw presenters Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall and Anita Rani take a deeper delve into the UK's plastics addiction, exposing invisible plastic particles from unexpected sources. Could this be the start of a war on microplastics?
War on Plastic with Hugh and Anita: How are companies tackling plastics in the bathroom?
Tonight's (17 June) episode of the BBC's War On Plastic will focus on single-use plastics in the bathroom, covering the stark environmental impacts of the packaging used for (and in) our toiletries and cosmetics. Here, edie explores what actions companies within those industries have taken to help solve the plastics puzzle.
G20 launch new framework for combating marine plastic pollution
Environment ministers representing the G20 block of nations have agreed to a new framework tackling ocean plastic waste.
Costa joins Government-led pledge to halve food waste by 2030
Coffee chain Costa has become the latest company to sign the Department for Food, Environment and Rural Affairs' (Defra) 'Step up to the Plate' pledge, which commits signatories to halving their food waste output by 2030.
Sustainable Business Covered podcast: Net-zero announcements and plastic-free communities
Episode 65 of the Sustainable Business Covered podcast sees edie's content editor Matt Mace and reporter Sarah George discuss net-zero legislation before introducing three exclusive interviews focused on resource efficiency with Canary Wharf Group, the Eden Project and the London Waste and Recycling Board (LWARB).
War on Plastic with Hugh and Anita: Supermarkets brace for further backlash on packaging
During the first episode of the BBC's much-anticipated War on Plastic last night (10 June), presenters Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall and Anita Rani shed fresh light on the UK's plastics waste problem - placing the so-called "Big Seven" supermarkets under increased scrutiny over their approach to packaging.
Business giants launch plastics 'credit' scheme to tackle pollution
Danone, Veolia, Nestlé and Tetra Pak have jointly launched a global initiative aimed at standardising and accelerating corporate action on plastics, in a bid to help businesses align plastic reductions with economic and social sustainability.
Canary Wharf becomes world's first plastic-free commercial centre
London's Canary Wharf has today (5 June) become the first commercial centre in the world to be awarded Plastic Free Community status by marine charity Surfers Against Sewage, one year after its managing body Canary Wharf Group launched its flagship plastic reduction scheme.
The Big Business Plastics Debate (Part Two): How can we create a 'ripple effect' of change?
In the second of our two-part feature from the Big Plastics Debate at edie Live 2019, we move the conversation on to explore how businesses and policymakers can harness the momentum of environmental campaigns and protests to drive a new 'social norm' around plastics.
The Big Business Plastics Debate (Part One): Are we throwing the baby out with the bathwater?
Over two days at edie Live 2019, sustainability and resource efficiency experts from across the country gathered for the Big Plastics Debate - a live, on-stage panel discussion about the drivers, challenges and opportunities behind eliminating single-use plastics. Here, we summarise the first part of what was a highly provocative discussion.
Achieving a circular economy: New business guide launched by edie
Organisations looking to accelerate the transition to a circular economy now have access to a comprehensive 'edie explains' guide which breaks down everything there is to know about achieving a zero-waste world.
Talking plastics and behaviour change with Michelle Norman, Brendan Rouse & Marcel Arsand
edie's Mission Possible sofa chat show returns for 2019. In the fourth episode, edie discusses resource efficiency with Michelle Norman, corporate affairs and sustainability director at Lucozade Ribena Suntory, Marcel Arsand, chairman at Can Makers and Brendan Rouse, sustainability manager at Landsec.
One year on: How has WRAP's UK Plastics Pact changed corporate approaches to single-use plastic?
Last April, a coalition of 42 businesses jointly committed to make unnecessary single-use plastic packaging "a thing of the past". Here, edie rounds up the impact that this commitment, made as part of WRAP's Plastic Pact, has had on resource management.
Governments and businesses urged to collaboratively support recycling in developing nations
Amid what Sir David Attenborough has dubbed an "unfolding catastrophe" of plastic pollution in developing nations, urgent calls have been made for governments and finance firms to make collective and "significant investment" in circular economy systems across Africa, Asia and Latin America.
SEAT to double down on waste reduction efforts
Spanish car manufacturer SEAT has announced new plans to boost its efficiency in reducing waste at all key facilities, with select initiatives set to nearly double waste reduction levels by 2025.
Unilever unveils 'detectable and recyclable' black plastic packaging
Consumer goods giant Unilever has today (17 May) unveiled a new pigment which makes black plastics detectable by recycling equipment, as it strives to boost the recyclability of its packaging portfolio.
Tesco slashes food waste by 17% in one year
Supermarket giant Tesco has published its annual food waste figures, revealing that it wasted 17% less food by weight during 2018-19 than during the previous 12-month period.
Business giants join new WWF-led scheme to boost plastics action
Starbucks, The Coca-Cola Company and McDonald's are among a coalition of corporates to have joined a new scheme aimed at helping businesses to translate their plastic reduction pledges into measurable impacts.
Inside P&G's plastics packaging strategy
EXCLUSIVE: Procter & Gamble's principal scientist and packaging technologist, Gian De Belder, has outlined the company's five-pillar approach to improving the recyclability of its packaging through science-based studies and "Holy Grail" collaborative projects.
The Body Shop launches in-store take-back scheme for plastic packaging
Health and beauty retailer The Body Shop has launched a multinational take-back scheme for its plastic packaging, after consumers voiced concerns that not all of the brand's packaging is accepted by local authorities under kerbside recycling schemes.
Report: Mismanaged waste 'kills up to a million people a year globally'
Mismanaged waste is causing hundreds of thousands of people to die each year in the developing world from easily preventable causes, and plastic waste is adding a new and dangerous dimension to the problem, a report has found.
Business giants sign new government-led pledge to halve food waste by 2030
A coalition of big-name businesses from across the food and drink sector, including Nestle and Waitrose & Partners, have today (13 May) made a joint commitment to halve their food waste outputs by 2030, in line with the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Nearly all countries agree to stem flow of plastic waste into poor nations
Almost all the world's countries have agreed on a deal aimed at restricting shipments of hard-to-recycle plastic waste to poorer countries, the United Nations (UN) announced on Friday.
Hubbub to roll out 'on-the-go' recycling scheme to Scotland and Wales
Environmental charity Hubbub is planning to launch its behaviour change scheme for recycling 'on-the-go' food and drinks packaging, backed by companies such as Coca-Cola GB, Costa Coffee and McDonald's, in Wales and Scotland this year, following success in Leeds.
Scottish Government unveils 20p deposit return scheme for plastic bottles
The Scottish Government has revealed the results of its consultation on implementing a national deposit return scheme for drinks packaging, confirming that it will introduce a 20p deposit fee for all PET and glass bottles as well as aluminium and steel cans.
edie Explains: The circular economy
This new and updated edie Explains guide breaks down everything there is to know about achieving a circular economy for your business.
Beverage giants to help scale up world's first enzyme-based plastics recycling technology
Soft drinks giants PepsiCo, Nestle Waters and Lucozade Ribena Suntory's (LRS) parent brand Suntory Beverage & Food Europe have thrown their support behind a new plastics recycling technology which uses enzymes to process waste.
In numbers: How businesses and consumers are adapting to the war on plastic
Plastics is a sustainability topic that rarely dies down and the past few weeks were no different. Here, edie rounds up the key findings of several new surveys on attitudes to plastics, capturing the changing opinions of businesses and consumers alike.
French football league partners with WWF to drive sustainable behaviour change among fans
France's governing body for professional football, the Lique de Football Professionnel (LFP), has partnered with WWF in a bid to make its operations more environmentally friendly and engage its audiences with sustainability issues.
UK braced for tougher e-waste policies as impacts on human food chains revealed
Industry body techUK has called on the UK Government to implement tighter regulation of e-waste exports under its Resources and Waste Strategy, after a landmark study into the impacts of Europe's e-waste crimes on human food chains in Africa.
Apple to launch material recovery lab after ramping up circular economy drive
Technology giant Apple is set to open a new research and development lab focused on cl osed-loop solutions this year, after diverting more than 48,000 metric tonnes of electronic waste from landfill during 2018.
Costa joins Hull redistribution scheme to combat food waste and hunger
Coffee chain Costa has joined a collaborative, business-led initiative which uses a food sharing app to help tackle food waste and food poverty issues in Hull.
The Big Brexit Questions: edie analyses green impact of EU exit with series of mini-podcasts
With MPs having failed to agree on a Withdrawal Agreement ahead of the 29 March deadline, the UK's green economy is continuing to ask questions about when and how we will exit the EU, and what impact this will have on business. edie has therefore launched a new series of podcast episodes exploring what Brexit will really mean for key environmental areas, in under 15 minutes.
Evian unveils refillable device in bid to slash plastic waste
French bottled water company Evian is set to begin trials of a new refillable in-home water appliance next month, in a bid to gauge consumer appetite for lower-plastic alternatives to single-use bottles.
McDonald's boosts biofuel generation with grease recovery partnership
Fast food giant McDonald's UK has inked a deal with commercial laundry and dishwashing appliances manufacturer Miele which will see it recover more of its used grease for recycling into biofuels.
Diageo to remove plastic packaging from Guinness and beer multipacks
Beverage giant Diageo has today (15 April) revealed that it is investing £16m in an initiative which will see all plastic packaging removed from its Guinness, Smithwicks and Harp multipacks.
Three-course meal: How addressing food waste can deliver a triple win for sustainable business
Following the revelation that food banks around the world helped mitigate more than 10.5 million tonnes of carbon emissions while reducing food costs, edie explores whether the conversation on food waste needs to change to capture heightened calls for action on climate change.
Plans to build UK's first plastic-to-hydrogen recycling plant unveiled
Energy-from-waste firm Waste2Tricity has revealed plans to develop the UK's first industrial-scale facility capable of converting waste plastics into hydrogen in Cheshire.
Pushing back on plastic pollution: Six steps to tackling one of sustainability’s biggest issues
When it comes to tackling the global plastics crisis, we are only just scratching the surface. However, ambitious change initiatives are emerging and plastics is firmly in the public eye.
Starbucks and Hubbub launch joint fund championing coffee cup recycling programmes
Environmental charity Hubbub has today (11 April) launched a new funding initiative aimed at helping local authorities and other organisations launch or scale-up coffee cup recycling schemes, after receiving funding to launch the scheme from Starbucks.
Jaguar Land Rover updates closed-loop aluminium initiative
Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) is developing the next phase of its aluminium recycling strategy, having processed more than 300,000 tonnes of scrap back into vehicles over the last six years.
Asda, TerraCycle and Ella's Kitchen launch baby food pouch recycling scheme
Recycling firm TerraCycle and baby food brand Ella's Kitchen have a launched a six-month trial partnership with Asda to increase the recyclability of baby food pouches.
Unilever launches 100% recycled and recyclable washing up liquid bottle
Unilever has launched a fully recyclable plastic bottle made from 100% recycled content under its soap brand Sunlight, marking a first for the consumer goods firm's South African arm.
Tesco to trial plastic-to-oil innovation which makes all packaging 'recyclable'
Supermarket giant Tesco has inked a deal with Swindon-based recycling firm Recycling Technologies, which will see the retailer trial an innovative system that converts soft plastics back into oil.
Ribena bottles to be redesigned in bid to boost recycling rates
Beverage giant Lucozade Ribena Suntory (LRS) has unveiled plans to redesign its range of Ribena bottles so that they can be easily recycled within the UK's existing waste management facilities.
European parliament votes to ban single-use plastics
The European parliament has voted to ban single-use plastic cutlery, cotton buds, straws and stirrers as part of a sweeping law against plastic waste that despoils beaches and pollutes oceans.
The North Face recycles old tents into new designer bag range
Outdoor clothing brand The North Face has partnered with British eco-fashion designer RÆBURN to create a second life for old tents by recycling them into a new accessory range.
Big-name corporates collaborate to spur plastics recycling progress in Africa
A group of four multinational corporations – Unilever, Nestle, Diageo and The Coca-Cola Company – have launched a joint initiative aimed at expanding the plastics recycling economy in Africa's Sub-Saharan region.
Tesco trials plastic-free fruit and veg selection
Supermarket Tesco is trialling packaging-free fresh produce at two stores in Watford and Swindon, in a bid to monitor whether the remove of plastic packaging for select products will impact levels of food waste.
Food banks help reduce emissions by 10 million tonnes, report finds
Food banks around the world have helped mitigate more than 10.5 million tonnes of carbon emissions by preventing almost 2.7 million metric tonnes of edible food being wasted, a new report has found.
George at Asda to use recycled plastic bottles in clothing and homeware ranges
Asda's fashion and homeware brand, George, will incorporate recycled plastic bottles in its products, as part of a commitment to only use polyester made from recycled materials by 2025.
It’s time to turn off the tap
Greenpeace recently tweeted, 'If your bath was overflowing you wouldn't immediately reach for the mop - you'd turn off the tap'. In this instance, they were referring to the spiralling impact of single-use plastics but in truth, this statement holds true for pretty much any type of waste, as Richard Gillies explains.
Progress to tackle fishing 'ghost gear' missing best-practice leadership, report claims
Progress has been made on discarded and abandoned fishing gear in the world's oceans, but more needs to be done on the issue, a new report has been suggested.
UK's first nationwide recycling scheme for plastic six pack rings unveiled
Plastic six pack ring producer Hi-Cone has partnered with recycling firm TerraCycle to launch the UK's first national recycling scheme for the packaging.
Leon and Veolia partner to launch reverse-vending scheme in London
Restaurant chain Leon and waste management firm Veolia have collaborated to install a reverse vending machine at London King's Cross Estate, in a bid to encourage consumers to recycle.
Walkers collects 500,000 crisp packets in recycling scheme
Walkers has posted the first update on its nationwide crisp packet recycling scheme, revealing that more than 500,000 packets have been collected since its launch in December 2018.
Europe's largest Coca-Cola bottler reveals progress on plastic reduction
Europe's largest independent Coca-Cola bottler used 27.6% recycled content in its plastic bottles last year - more than ten times the beverage sector's global average proportion of 2-3%.
Business giants unveil new plastics pledges after joining global Ellen MacArthur Foundation commitment
A coalition of more than 150 businesses has revealed new pledges to reduce their plastics use and waste, after joining the Ellen MacArthur Foundation's new Global Commitment, which was launched late last year.
Asda removes 6,500 tonnes of plastic from own-brand packaging
UK supermarket Asda has removed 6,500 tonnes of plastic from its own brand packaging over the last 12 months, the equivalent weight of around 600 million empty plastic bottles.
Brewer Anheuser-Busch agrees sustainable rice deal
American brewer Anheuser-Busch has partnered with a firm to enable sustainable rice production for use in its beverages.
UK doubles aid support for plastic recycling in developing nations
The UK has doubled the amount of financial aid it will send to developing nations to help combat plastic pollution and boost plastic recycling rates overseas.
Lidl to trial removal of all plastic bags at Welsh stores
Plans have been announced by supermarket retailer Lidl to remove all 9p plastic bags from its stores in Wales.
Corporates yet to take responsibility for role in the plastics crisis, report warns
Despite a fresh wave of commitments from corporates to reduce their plastic footprint or ban certain single-use items, the wider business community is still failing to accept responsibility for the plastic pollution it produces by placing the onus on consumers.
Sky partners with Ambienta to spur corporate funding for projects tackling ocean plastic
Broadcaster Sky's Ocean Ventures arm has forged a partnership with European investment fund Ambienta to help drive investment into projects targeting plastic pollution across all levels of the value chain.
Landsec launches textile take-back scheme to combat fast-fashion
Property developer Landsec is launching a fashion take-back scheme at one of the UK's largest shopping centres in a bid to encourage consumers to divert used textiles from landfill.
World's deepest waters becoming 'ultimate sink' for plastic waste
The world's deepest ocean trenches are becoming "the ultimate sink" for plastic waste, according to a study that reveals contamination of animals even in these dark, remote regions of the planet.
Circular roundtable: How can businesses accelerate the resource revolution?
Sustainability and corporate responsibility managers from a range of businesses recently gathered in London for an exclusive roundtable hosted by edie and EDF Energy, to discuss how organisations are stepping up efforts to accelerate a circular economy.
Closed-loop solution for black plastics receives £800,000 Government backing
A project aimed at creating a solution for hard-to-recycle black plastic that places recycled content into food-grade packaging has been awarded £800,000 under the UK Government's Innovate UK grant scheme, in order to bring the technology to market.
Iceland removes plastic packaging from fresh produce lines in 'greengrocer' scheme
Supermarket Iceland is trialing the removal of plastic packaging from its fruit and vegetable lines at one of its largest UK stores, in a bid to gauge whether consumers are willing to buy loose produce.
Cross-party MPs back call for nationwide ban on single-use plastics by 2025
A group of MPs from across the political spectrum have given their backing to a new draft bill on plastic pollution, which calls for all "non-essential" single-use plastics to be banned across the UK by 2025.
Business giants team up to combat plastic pollution 'leaks'
Adidas, Dow Chemical Company and McDonald's are among the 18 big-name businesses to have co-founded a new alliance aimed at creating frameworks to measure, map and reduce plastic and microplastic pollution across the globe.
Lidl's community food redistribution scheme surpasses 58,000 meals in Manchester
Since moving to donate surplus food directly from its stores to local community causes last February, Lidl has provided more than 58,000 meals to those in need in Manchester, the supermarket has revealed.
Big-name supermarkets to use innovative blast freezers in fight against food waste
Sainsbury's, Aldi and Marks and Spencer (M&S) are among a group of big-name supermarkets to back an innovative new 'blast freeze' technology which enables surplus stock to be frozen rapidly, ready for redistribution.
Hovis launches nationwide bread bag recycling scheme
British bread brand Hovis has announced a new partnership with recycling specialist TerraCycle to make it easier for its fully recyclable plastic bread bags to be correctly disposed of by households.
Government turns to blockchain to boost waste management transparency
The UK Government has unveiled plans to invest in startups which are using digital technologies like blockchain and machine learning to solve the nation's most pressing waste management issues.
Aldi launches new regional redistribution scheme in bid to slash food waste
Discount supermarket chain Aldi is set to directly donate surplus food from 24 of its UK stores to local charities after partnering with product redistribution platform Neighbourly.
Tax fashion brands to fund circular economy for garments, MPs urge
A group of MPs is calling on the UK Government to introduce policies which would see fashion brands pay a producer responsibility charge of 1p for every garment they produce, in addition to lower rates of tax for companies minimising the environmental footprint of their products.
All in or on-the-go?: Green economy reacts to Defra's deposit return scheme vision
The consultation on the UK's waste management process has sparked new debates on standardised waste collections and the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) regime. But the green economy wants to go "all in" on deposit return systems.
Government unveils deposit return scheme blueprints as part of waste management revamp
The UK Government has launched a 12-week consultation to explore how a "world-leading" tax on plastic packaging, standardised waste collections across the country and varying deposit return schemes for single-use items could overhaul and modernise the national waste management system.
Investing in food waste prevention can provide financial boost for restaurants, study finds
Restaurants that actively invest in measures to reduce food waste can unlock new economic revenue streams, as a new report from a coalition of major organisations reveals that for every $1 spent on food loss prevention, restaurants can save $7 in operating costs.
Asics to host fashion recycling schemes at large-scale sporting events
Asics is set to run a garment recycling scheme across eight of the largest European running events that it sponsors, in a bid to slash its carbon footprint and encourage consumer behaviour change.
Lord Deben: Closed-loop plastic system 'perfectly possible' with revamped policy
Measures outlined in the Resources and Waste Strategy (RWS) could spur progress towards a “completely circular economy” for plastics by forcing businesses to reexamine "vested interests" and financial incentives, the Committee on Climate Change Chairman Lord Deben has argued.
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