Recycling news: 2026

Research & science Could glass be dethroned as wine's top packaging? Researchers unbox consumer perceptions of wine packaging With nearly 400 years under its cork, glass is still the top choice for consumers when it comes to packaging preferences for wine, but sustainability concerns may open the way to other container types, a study by food science and economics researchers has found. Phys.org — 'plastic recycling' search feed · 23 Apr 2026 Research & science Scientists find perfect fossils in rust beneath Australian farmland Beneath the dry farmland of New South Wales lies a hidden window into a lost rainforest teeming with life from 11-16 million years ago. At McGraths Flat, scientists have uncovered fossils preserved in astonishing detail—not in typical rock like shale or sandstone, but in iron-rich sediment once thought incapable of such preservation. Tiny iron particles filled and captured entire cells, preserv… ScienceDaily — Recycling and Waste · 23 Apr 2026 Research & science Cosmetics from waste? Microbial discovery unlocks greener route to high-value chemical products Researchers at University of Toronto's Department of Chemical Engineering & Applied Chemistry have made a key discovery about how certain bacterial strains produce a set of economically valuable chemicals—opening the door to new, more sustainable production methods. The finding, published in Nature Microbiology, shows how a family of molecules used in everything from cleaning products to cosmet… Phys.org — 'e-waste' search feed · 22 Apr 2026 Research & science Catalyst reveals temperature-driven shape shifts behind methanol production efficiency With the aim to precisely understand its function, researchers from the Inorganic Chemistry Department and Interface Science Department of the Fritz Haber Institute, together with colleagues from the Max Planck Institute for Chemical Energy Conversion, investigated the Cu/ZnO/Al₂O₃ catalyst system used for industrial methanol production during reaction conditions. They found that the dynamic, t… Phys.org — 'plastic recycling' search feed · 22 Apr 2026 Research & science Discovery of new polymer class provides compostable alternative to conventional thermoplastics Researchers at the University of Bayreuth have discovered a new class of polymers as part of the work carried out within the Collaborative Research Center (CRC) 1357 Microplastics. These polymers are characterized by biodegradable and recyclable properties and can also be processed in a more sustainable way. The researchers report their findings in the journal Small. Phys.org — 'plastic recycling' search feed · 22 Apr 2026 Research & science Global push for reuse stalls as fragmented policies hold back progress of tackling plastic pollution Reuse systems, as a model to reduce plastic pollution, are beginning to emerge across the world but remain constrained by fragmented policies, weak financial incentives, and gaps in infrastructure, according to a trio of new reports released today. Phys.org — 'circular economy' search feed · 22 Apr 2026 Research & science Middle East conflict: how the US and Iran could step back from the brink The was appears to be at a dangerous stalemate. But there are ways for both sides to find an off-ramp. University of Bath — The Conversation institution feed · 22 Apr 2026 Research & science Mandelson vetting scandal: why Whitehall is the worst of all worlds when it comes to accountability Behind speculation around Starmer’s future stands a deeper set of constitutional questions regarding accountability and standards in public life. University of Manchester — The Conversation institution feed · 22 Apr 2026 Research & science Gendered Practices at Work: (Un)intended Consequences Across Organizations and Markets - Wiley Online Library Journal of Industrial Ecology (Wiley) · 22 Apr 2026 Research & science Assessment and development of greenhouse gas emissions management for non-technical academic faculties in Thai higher educational institutions using Monte Carlo-based uncertainty analysis Volume 17, Issue 1, December 2026 . Carbon Management (Taylor & Francis) · 22 Apr 2026 Research & science Fining hospitals for medical misogyny won’t help women – it will hurt them Wes Streeting wants to dock hospital budgets to fix NHS misogyny. The cure may be worse than the disease. University of Glasgow — The Conversation institution feed · 21 Apr 2026 Research & science Our Freedom: Then and Now explores what freedom means to Brits, 80 years after the second world war This touring exhibition offers an alternative perspective to the idea that the UK is a nation divided. University of Nottingham — The Conversation institution feed · 21 Apr 2026 Research & science Dan Dare is blasting off again: why, as a scientist, I’m excited for the comics’ return The comic’s accuracy has inspired fans like Stephen Hawking to pursue a career in science. University of Warwick — The Conversation institution feed · 21 Apr 2026 Research & science E-commerce warehouse data offers insight into worker behavior In an e-commerce warehouse, worker performance is influenced by the performance of those around them, despite a system that discourages interaction, according to research from Caitlin Ray, ILR assistant professor in the Human Resource Studies Department. Phys.org — 'e-waste' search feed · 20 Apr 2026 Research & science Workfunction of Al-Doped ZnO Films Deposited by Atomic Layer Deposition - ChemRxiv ChemRxiv preprints · 20 Apr 2026 Research & science Hot spring microbiomes could transform industrial carbon dioxide waste into valuable products Researchers at The University of Manchester have shown that microbial communities from terrestrial hot springs could be harnessed to convert industrial CO2 emissions into useful products, offering new routes toward a circular, low-carbon economy. Phys.org — 'circular economy' search feed · 20 Apr 2026 Research & science Acordando às 3 da manhã todas as noites? Veja o que pode estar acontecendo Breves despertares são parte normal do sono, mas estresse, álcool, cafeína e rotinas irregulares podem dificultar a recuperação após esses despertares University of Warwick — The Conversation institution feed · 20 Apr 2026 Research & science Institutional and systemic barriers: Towards a sustainable transformation of soybean contract farming in Northwestern Ethiopia by Getahun Abreham, Zemen Ayalew, Essa Chanie Mussa, Mammo Muchie, Marelign Adugna Soybean contract farming is increasingly encouraged for agricultural sustainability and transformation, and improved smallholder welfare in Ethiopia. Despite the contemporary significance and economic advantages of soybeans for farmers, current yields consistently fall short of their potential, and local sources … PLOS Sustainability and Transformation · 20 Apr 2026 Research & science There is something wrong with the asylum process for LGBTQ+ people – but it’s not fake claimants A new investigation is likely to cast suspicion over LGBTQ+ claims more broadly. University of Warwick — The Conversation institution feed · 20 Apr 2026 Research & science Additional Protocol Exercise (APEX) - joint-research-centre.ec.europa.eu EU Joint Research Centre (JRC) news · 20 Apr 2026 Research & science After 27 years in power, Welsh Labour’s dominance may soon be over Polls point to historic losses as internal divisions, voter fatigue and new rivals threaten Labour’s grip on Wales. Cardiff University — The Conversation institution feed · 20 Apr 2026 Research & science This common plant could clean microplastics from your drinking water Scientists have discovered that moringa seeds can help pull microplastics out of water, rivaling standard chemical treatments. The plant-based extract causes plastic particles to clump together, making them easier to filter away. In some conditions, it even outperformed conventional chemicals. This low-cost, natural solution could be a game-changer for cleaner drinking water, especially in smal… ScienceDaily — Recycling and Waste · 20 Apr 2026 Research & science Hundreds of millions at risk as river deltas sink faster than rising seas Many of the world’s largest river deltas—home to hundreds of millions of people—are sinking faster than rising seas, according to a sweeping global study. Using high-resolution satellite radar maps, researchers found that human activities like groundwater pumping, reduced sediment flow, and rapid urban growth are driving widespread land subsidence across 40 major deltas. ScienceDaily — Recycling and Waste · 20 Apr 2026 Research & science Library guides and databases: Explore: Finding books, journals and more: What is Explore? - UCL | University College London UCL News · 20 Apr 2026 Research & science Scientists develop dirt-powered fuel cell that could replace batteries Scientists have developed a fuel cell that uses microbes in soil to produce electricity. The device can power underground sensors for tasks like monitoring moisture or detecting touch, without needing batteries or solar panels. It works in both dry and wet conditions and even lasts longer than similar technologies. This could pave the way for sustainable, low-maintenance sensors in farming and … ScienceDaily — Sustainability · 19 Apr 2026 Research & science Common cleaning sponge found to release trillions of microplastic fibers That “magic” sponge under your sink may be hiding an environmental downside. While melamine sponges are famous for effortlessly scrubbing away stubborn stains, they slowly break down as you use them—shedding tiny plastic fibers that wash into water systems. Researchers estimate that globally, these sponges could release over a trillion microplastic fibers every month, potentially entering the f… ScienceDaily — Recycling and Waste · 18 Apr 2026 Research & science Out of sight, but not out of trouble: Groundwater contamination in NZ reveals a legacy of human pressure The latest official stocktake of the state of New Zealand's freshwater carries many of the headline messages we have come to expect. Phys.org — 'e-waste' search feed · 17 Apr 2026 Research & science Iran’s AI memes are reaching people who don’t follow the news – and winning the propaganda war In an online environment which blurs news and entertainment, Iran’s AI propaganda videos are reaching a huge audience globally. University of Manchester — The Conversation institution feed · 17 Apr 2026 Research & science How accelerating evolution could help corals survive future heatwaves – new study Scientists and reef managers are calling for ‘assisted evolution’ to help accelerate coral reef adaptation in the face of global warming. Newcastle University — The Conversation institution feed · 17 Apr 2026 Research & science As modern crops turn 'lazy' underground, old sorghum may hold key to future food security A greater focus on roots during plant breeding could ensure staple grain crops continue to feed the world as recycled nutrients substitute conventional fertilizers in the future, a University of Queensland study published in npj Sustainable Agriculture has found. Phys.org — 'circular economy' search feed · 17 Apr 2026 Research & science The best books about being a teenager – according to our experts Battling raging hormones and learning to navigate the worlds they live in, these literary teens reflect real life. Newcastle University — The Conversation institution feed · 17 Apr 2026 Research & science Limited scrutiny of party claims in early Welsh election coverage – new analysis Broadcasters are covering the Senedd campaign, but new analysis suggests many party claims are going largely unchallenged. Cardiff University — The Conversation institution feed · 16 Apr 2026 Research & science Voici les secrets sur le vieillissement que révèle le microbiome de la personne la plus âgée au monde Yogourts, microbes et une espérance de vie de 117 ans : l’histoire du microbiome intestinal extraordinaire de María Branyas Morera. University of Nottingham — The Conversation institution feed · 16 Apr 2026 Research & science Designing, implementing and embedding transformation-focused evaluation: A framework and insights from a regional food system change initiative by Sam J. Buckton, Ruth Everson, Ioan Fazey, Peter Ball, Sarah Bridle, Angela Crossland, Jenny Thompson, Paul Haslam, Tom Hind, Simon Mair, Amber L. Reed, Eleanor Whittaker, Leo Beacroft, Richard Beason, Jennifer Cassarly, Juan Pablo Cordero, Stefan Cousquer, Alan Graver, Rebecca Newman, Nicola Nixon, Susan Symonds, Ferne Edwards, Lee Eyre, Declan Jackson, Claire Lawrence, Nicola Sumpter, David… PLOS Sustainability and Transformation · 16 Apr 2026 Research & science MIT scientists just found a hidden problem slowing the ozone comeback The ozone layer has been on track to recover thanks to the Montreal Protocol—but a loophole may be holding it back. Chemicals still permitted for industrial use are leaking into the atmosphere at higher rates than expected. Scientists now estimate this could delay ozone recovery by up to seven years. Closing this gap could speed up healing and reduce harmful UV exposure worldwide. ScienceDaily — Pollution · 16 Apr 2026 Research & science Fool’s gold isn’t so foolish: Scientists find hidden treasure in pyrite Researchers have discovered lithium hidden in pyrite within ancient shale rocks—an unexpected find that could reshape how we source this critical battery material. It raises the possibility of extracting lithium from existing waste, reducing the need for new mining. ScienceDaily — Hazardous Waste · 16 Apr 2026 Research & science Orbán’s downfall is a positive for EU-Hungary relations – but the reset will not be smooth Magyar wants to restore a friendly relationship with the EU, but the reset will face sizeable tests over the years ahead. University of Glasgow — The Conversation institution feed · 16 Apr 2026 Research & science National Car Parks is in administration – some big companies are so dependent on debt that they can’t adjust to change NCP ended up with little room for manoeuvre. Newcastle University — The Conversation institution feed · 15 Apr 2026 Research & science Taskmaster returns: five lessons in creativity from TV’s most absurd challenges One of the biggest myths of creativity is that constraints limit our imagination. University of Warwick — The Conversation institution feed · 15 Apr 2026 Research & science Waking at 3am every night? Here’s what may be going on Brief awakenings are a normal part of sleep, but stress, alcohol, caffeine and irregular routines can make them harder to recover from. University of Warwick — The Conversation institution feed · 15 Apr 2026