Industry news

Industry news News in brief (14/07/2026) News in brief, including: new UK Packaging Pact chairs, Wychavon’s aluminium foil recycling campaign, Graeme Vickery’s charity cycle ride, Lincolnshire’s Environment Days, and a new children’s book on metals recycling. UK Packaging Pact appoints Industry Expert Group chairs The UK Packaging Pact has appointed five senior industry figures to chair its newly established Industry Expert … Read Mor… letsrecycle.com News · 14 Jul 2026 Industry news First waste arrives at Enfinium’s Kelvin Energy from Waste facility Enfinium’s Kelvin Energy from Waste (EfW) facility in Sandwell has received its first delivery of waste as the plant moves towards full operations. The £500 million facility this week accepted 100 tonnes of unrecyclable residual waste from Suez Recycling and Recovery UK. Once fully operational, Kelvin will process up to 395,000 tonnes of unrecyclable waste … Read More letsrecycle.com News · 14 Jul 2026 Industry news South Gloucestershire fines Suez over missed bin collections South Gloucestershire Council has issued a fine against Suez Recycling and Recovery UK after “significant” problems with waste and recycling collections. The council said the contractor, which it entered into a new contract in May, has failed to meet its obligations after residents experienced missed collections, delayed recovery services and difficulties with reporting issues. According … Read… letsrecycle.com News · 14 Jul 2026 Industry news Leadership change may mark the end of Circular Economy Growth Plan Industry experts have warned that the upcoming UK leadership change may mean that the Circular Economy Growth Plan (CEGP) may be “dead in the water”. This is despite Defra promising in June that the plan was to be released “soon”. The growth plan was due to be released last Autumn but was subsequently pushed back … Read More letsrecycle.com News · 14 Jul 2026 Industry news Waste and utilities provider secures £44m funding package County Durham-based utility and waste services provider Everflow has secured a £44 million funding package to support its next phase of growth. The investment comprises £22 million from growth capital investor BGF, alongside a £22 million funding package from OakNorth. Founded in 2015 as an intermediary between water wholesalers and commercial customers, Everflow has grown … Read More letsrecycle.com News · 13 Jul 2026 Industry news Surge in mini-fans sends more electricals into household waste bins Research from Material Focus has found that an estimated 4.3 million mini-fans could be thrown into household bins this year. Demand for the pocket-sized devices has risen dramatically during the summer heatwave, with new consumer research showing that 7.9 million mini-fans are expected to be purchased across the UK in 2026. Material Focus said that … Read More letsrecycle.com News · 13 Jul 2026 Industry news DEScycle opens first critical minerals recovery demonstration plant DEScycle has opened its first demonstration plant in Teeside, marking the first operational deployment of the company’s critical minerals processing technology. Initial operations will focus on processing printed circuit boards and other complex electronic waste supplied through DEScycle’s UK joint venture partner GAP Group. The plant is expected to be capable of processing between 50 … Read Mo… letsrecycle.com News · 13 Jul 2026 Industry news EA’s latest priority list shows 2.11m tonnes of potentially ‘rogue’ waste The Environment Agency has released its latest list of “high priority” waste sites, which total 2,112,406 tonnes of potentially rogue waste. Assuming that all of this is actually rogue tonnage, it could equal between £260 million and £276 million in lost landfill tax if all waste was charged at the upper rate of £130.75. Waste … Read More letsrecycle.com News · 13 Jul 2026 Industry news CIWM appoints Iain Gulland to Board of Trustees The Chartered Institution of Wastes Management (CIWM) has welcomed a new member to its Board of Trustees. Iain Gulland has joined the board following his departure from Zero Waste Scotland. He will serve on the board until the 2029 presidential inauguration. Dr Adam Read MBE has been re-appointed as a Trustee for a three-year term, … Read More letsrecycle.com News · 10 Jul 2026 Industry news UK stops processing cartons despite 89% of councils now collecting them The recent closure of the cartons line at the Sonoco Stainland mill means that the UK is no longer processing its own cartons and is instead exporting them to Western Europe. It is estimated that 8% of cartons were processed domestically prior to the closure of the line, which is a pre-process to the main … Read More letsrecycle.com News · 10 Jul 2026 Industry news Waste firm fined as workers unable to wash hands after handling asbestos A North Wales waste and recycling company has been fined £36,000 after repeatedly failing to provide adequate welfare facilities for workers. World Care (Wales) pleaded guilty to breaching Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and was also ordered to pay £8,867 in costs at Llandudno Magistrates’ Court on 6 … Read More letsrecycle.com News · 10 Jul 2026 Industry news ESA publishes heatwave guidance for waste sector The Environmental Services Association (ESA) has published guidance to help waste and recycling operators protect frontline workers during the heatwave. The publication comes as the UK experiences increasingly frequent and intense temperatures, with this year recording the hottest June on record. Further periods of exceptionally high temperatures have been hit this week, reinforcing the need … … letsrecycle.com News · 9 Jul 2026 Industry news Climate analysis outlines vital council role in reuse and repair drive MRW Climate analysis outlines vital council role in reuse and repair drive Findings commissioned by UK climate watchdog expects authorities across England to help drive sustainable resource use through circular economy and vehicle electrification plans Climate analysis outlines vital council role in reuse and repair drive Neil Merrett MRW (Materials Recycling World) · 14 Jul 2026 Industry news WRAP appoints Chairs to lead on UK Packaging Pact priorities MRW WRAP appoints Chairs to lead on UK Packaging Pact priorities Appointments will steer the work of five cross-sector expert groups focused on driving circular practices through focuses around data, reuse and repair, as well as infrastructure planning WRAP appoints Chairs to lead on UK Packaging Pact priorities Neil Merrett MRW (Materials Recycling World) · 13 Jul 2026 Industry news Public inquiry launched into the death of Zane Gbangbola MRW Public inquiry launched into the death of Zane Gbangbola Legal expert Dr Sandie Okoro OBE is appointed as independent Chair of process to investigate the response to the death of a seven-year-old child linked to landfill-contaminated water Public inquiry launched into the death of Zane Gbangbola Neil Merrett MRW (Materials Recycling World) · 13 Jul 2026 Industry news EU reforms must not block circularity, say WEEE recyclers MRW EU reforms must not block circularity, say WEEE recyclers Coalition of trade associations calls on authorities to keep non-hazardous WEEE on ‘green list’ to protect recyclers EU reforms must not block circularity, say WEEE recyclers Daniel Bosley MRW (Materials Recycling World) · 13 Jul 2026 Industry news EA exceeds waste crime action targets, 2025/26 annual report shows MRW EA exceeds waste crime action targets, 2025/26 annual report shows Regulator says majority of targets achieved in 2025/26, although overall efforts to reduce operational carbon emissions continued to be off-track EA exceeds waste crime action targets, 2025/26 annual report shows Daniel Bosley MRW (Materials Recycling World) · 10 Jul 2026 Industry news Regulator agrees to extend waste wood storage exemptions MRW Regulator agrees to extend waste wood storage exemptions Relaxed rules for wood recyclers will continue into 2027 as trade association says unusually high volumes of materials persist on the market Regulator agrees to extend waste wood storage exemptions Daniel Bosley MRW (Materials Recycling World) · 10 Jul 2026 Industry news Tenders and contract wins round-up 10th July 2026 MRW Tenders and contract wins round-up 10th July 2026 Round-up includes award of Kerbside food waste treatment services contract. Tenders and contract wins round-up 10th July 2026 Joswin Corda MRW (Materials Recycling World) · 10 Jul 2026 Industry news News round-up July 2026 MRW News round-up July 2026 Wychavon residents urged to ‘foil in love’, Grangemouth workers secure pay deal, Wrap updates LA Portal and EA’s WasteCare suspension lifted News round-up July 2026 Daniel Bosley MRW (Materials Recycling World) · 10 Jul 2026 Industry news Weekly Prices Update for 10 July 2026 MRW Weekly Prices Update for 10 July 2026 MRW’s regular reporting of movements in the markets for secondary materials Weekly Prices Update for 10 July 2026 Joswin Corda MRW (Materials Recycling World) · 10 Jul 2026 Industry news CIWM to launch competency scheme for waste carrier reforms MRW CIWM to launch competency scheme for waste carrier reforms Membership organisation will work with EA to develop framework enabling those managing waste to meet requirements of new permit regime CIWM to launch competency scheme for waste carrier reforms Daniel Bosley MRW (Materials Recycling World) · 9 Jul 2026 Industry news Grid congestion driving shift towards smarter renewable operations The Netherlands’ worsening grid congestion is providing one glimpse of how renewable operators across Europe may be forced to manage increasingly complex portfolios of distributed assets. Businesses and energy projects in several regions of the country face lengthy waits for new or expanded grid connections as transmission and distribution infrastructure struggles to keep pace with […] Envirotec Magazine · 14 Jul 2026 Industry news UK growth “out of reach” without cheaper electricity, warn CBI and energy experts Britain’s ambitions for stronger economic growth and industrial electrification will remain out of reach unless business energy costs are brought down, according to a new report from the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) and Energy UK.1 Persistently high electricity prices have evolved from an energy sector issue into a wider economic problem, undermining investment, productivity […] Envirotec Magazine · 14 Jul 2026 Industry news Solar becomes EU’s largest power source as June output hits record high Solar power supplied a quarter of the European Union’s electricity in June for the first time ever, overtaking nuclear (21%), gas (15%), wind (14%)hydro (12%), and coal (8%). Analysis published by energy think tank Ember reports that solar generated a record 52 TWh of electricity across the EU in June 2026, accounting for 25% of […] Envirotec Magazine · 14 Jul 2026 Industry news Sizewell B wins 20-year reprieve The UK government has approved a 20-year extension to the operating life of the Sizewell B nuclear power station in Suffolk, allowing the plant to continue generating electricity until 2055 and reinforcing the role of nuclear power within the country’s long-term decarbonisation strategy.1 Energy Secretary Ed Miliband announced government backing for the lifetime extension, which […] Envirotec Magazine · 9 Jul 2026 Industry news Scotland weighs data centre moratorium as concerns grow over AI energy demand The Scottish Government is considering a temporary moratorium on new hyperscale data centre developments, amid growing concern over their potential impact on energy demand, climate targets and local communities.1 The move follows a decision by the SNP National Council to support a pause on new AI data centre applications while ministers examine how the rapid […] Envirotec Magazine · 9 Jul 2026 Industry news Dual-bubble process removes over 90% of wastewater microplastics Researchers at Australia’s RMIT University say they have demonstrated a way to remove more than 90% of microplastics from wastewater by combining microscopic and nanoscopic air bubbles within a widely used treatment process. The work centres on an enhanced version of dissolved air flotation (DAF), a technology already employed in many water and wastewater treatment […] Envirotec Magazine · 9 Jul 2026 Industry news New maintenance award joins 2027 Pump Industry Awards Entries have opened for the 2027 Pump Industry Awards, one of the UK’s longest-running pump industry recognition programmes, with nominations sought from companies, organisations and individuals in the sector. A new addition is an award celebrating prowess in pump maintenance and repair. Organised with the support of the British Pump Manufacturers Association (BPMA), the awards […] Envirotec Magazine · 8 Jul 2026 Industry news England launches biggest-ever crayfish recovery effort A major new programme to restore and protect England’s rare, white-clawed crayfish is now underway, says conservation charity The Wildlife Trusts, which is leading the initiative, bringing together conservation organisations, researchers and environmental agencies in the largest coordinated recovery effort ever undertaken for the species. (Words: The Wildlife Trusts). The programme will unite a… Envirotec Magazine · 8 Jul 2026 Industry news Metal sorting moves beyond aluminium alloys Sensor-based sorting specialist TOMRA Recycling has expanded the capabilities of its AUTOSORT™ PULSE system, enabling its Dynamic LIBS technology to separate a wider range of recyclable materials, including stainless steel, heavy metals, magnesium and incinerator bottom ash (IBA), in addition to aluminium alloys. Introduced in 2023, AUTOSORT™ PULSE uses Dynamic LIBS (Laser Induced Breakdown Spe… Envirotec Magazine · 7 Jul 2026 Industry news Future leaders in Scotland’s renewable energy industry recognised by shortlist More than 30 young professionals have been shortlisted for this year’s Scottish Renewables Young Professionals Green Energy Awards, which celebrate emerging talent across Scotland’s renewable energy industry. The annual awards, organised by Scottish Renewables, recognise those working in the sector “who have demonstrated passion, innovation and a relentless ambition to drive forward Scotland’s … Envirotec Magazine · 7 Jul 2026 Industry news Defra: 9 in 10 packaging producers use unsustainable materials Data from the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) has found that 89% of the UK's packaging producers still supply non-recyclable, hard-to-recycle or mixed-rating packaging. edie — Circular Economy tag · 13 Jul 2026 Industry news Iceland Foods’ solar project and Deliveroo’s sustainable packaging challenge: The sustainability success stories of the week As part of our Mission Possible campaign, edie delivers this member-exclusive weekly round-up of five of the best sustainable business success stories of the week. In this week's edition, Iceland Foods’ solar project, and much more. edie — Circular Economy tag · 12 Jul 2026 Industry news EU’s circular economy rules for cars and Zest’s public EV charging milestone: The sustainability success stories of the week As part of our Mission Possible campaign, edie delivers this member-exclusive weekly round-up of five of the best sustainable business success stories of the week. In this week's edition, the EU’s new rules to make vehicles easier to recycle and reuse, and much more. edie — Circular Economy tag · 5 Jul 2026 Industry news EU Parliament backs new rules to make vehicles easier to recycle and reuse The European Parliament has approved its position on new EU rules aimed at making vehicles more circular throughout their entire lifecycle, from design and production to end-of-life treatment and recycling. edie — Circular Economy tag · 2 Jul 2026 Industry news Masterclass: Closing the accommodation carbon gap: How to measure and reduce workforce travel emissions This 45-minute masterclass, hosted in partnership with Roomex, will explore the importance of bringing workforce accommodation into carbon reporting and net-zero planning; how businesses can make smarter accommodation decisions across cost, location, welfare and carbon impact; and the data and tools that can help organisations measure, manage and reduce emissions from recurring workforce stays. edie — Circular Economy tag · 30 Jun 2026 Industry news Bio-based materials in action: Developing lower-carbon, higher-performing buildings This webinar explores the use of biobased materials to achieve sustainability and carbon-reduction targets, exploring how businesses can utilise innovative materials to reduce whole-life carbon and improve thermal performance within their buildings. edie — Circular Economy tag · 29 Jun 2026 Industry news Amazon’s wind power deal and Wimbledon’s deposit return scheme trial: The sustainability success stories of the week As part of our Mission Possible campaign, edie delivers this member-exclusive weekly round-up of five of the best sustainable business success stories of the week. In this week's edition, Amazon's record German wind power deal, and much more. edie — Circular Economy tag · 22 Jun 2026 Industry news Deposit Return Scheme: Small retailers eligible for exemptions under new plans Thousands more retailers could be exempt from operating Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) return points under new criteria agreed between the official DRS operator, Exchange For Change, and regulators across England, Scotland and Northern Ireland. edie — Circular Economy tag · 11 Jun 2026