Circular economy stories
A new Australian process could cut tyre waste and supply low-sulphur oil, carbon and steel for refining and manufacturing.
Even an ideal recycling system would cut plastics-sector emissions by only 14% by 2050, leaving major producers still far from net zero.
Lockdowns have boosted support for digital tools, wastewater monitoring and investment as utilities grapple with falling revenues and rising demand.
Global cooperation and heavy state intervention would favour low-carbon infrastructure, while fossil-fuel projects and greenfield builds are marginalised.
Experts say the $50 billion COVID-19 recovery plan will lift jobs and infrastructure, but warn it leaves big tax and housing gaps.
Recognition of waste-to-energy plants as essential has sharpened focus on their role in safely treating infectious rubbish during the pandemic.
The new plant will treat 40,000 tonnes of hazardous waste a year, helping Shanghai industry meet stricter emissions standards.
A waxworm’s gut microbes could help scientists devise ways to break down polyethylene, offering a possible route to curb mounting plastic pollution.
Youth, immigrants and urban Maori are most at risk as planners warn New Zealand must better reflect its diverse communities.
Recycling plants are cutting contamination and costs as nearly 100 AI-powered machines take over the tedious sorting humans often get wrong.
Environmental pressure is forcing China to curb single-use plastics, with major cities set to lose plastic bags by year-end.
Investors may pour more money into low-carbon projects this year, but election outcomes and climate shocks could still slow decarbonisation.
Demand for high-quality recycled plastics is rising as Borealis turns waste into branded consumer goods through key partnerships.
Mass timber is opening up faster, cheaper projects across Australia, with new code changes and local supply widening its use beyond niche builds.
Britain could cut aviation emissions and landfill use as a planned waste-to-fuels plant near Immingham seeks approval, creating 130 jobs.
Rural farms could cut power bills and earn extra income as a new on-site biogas and solar system turns waste into electricity and fertiliser.
Without a national framework, Australian energy-from-waste projects risk stranded investment and misallocated feedstock in the circular economy.
Insect bioconversion could turn millions of tonnes of food waste into animal feed, biodiesel and packaging materials, while cutting emissions.
Government procurement may soon favour firms able to prove their contribution to wellbeing, putting traditional industries under pressure to adapt.
Pragmatic solutions are needed to cut waste, trim compliance costs and keep safety goals intact as prescriptive rules prove too rigid.
