RECOUP said year-on-year, despite increases in material being recycled in the UK, quantities of plastic waste exported for recycling from England have increased by more than 10% to just over 600,000 tonnes. Of this, more than 25% was sent to Turkey, 25,000 tonnes more than in 2022. This also means that just short of 1 million tonnes of plastic has been sent to Turkey for recycling since 2017.

A new law to ensure that batteries are collected, reused and recycled in Europe is entering into force. This will support the shift to a circular economy, increase security of supply for raw materials and energy, and enhance the EU’s strategic autonomy.

The European Council adopted a new regulation that strengthens sustainability rules for batteries and waste batteries. The regulation will regulate the entire life cycle of batteries – from production to reuse and recycling – and ensure that they are safe, sustainable and competitive.

Packaging system “Einfach Mehrweg” (“Simply Reusable”) ​ offers takeaway food and beverage providers a sustainable alternative to single-use containers .Germany’s Sykell (Berlin) said it has secured EUR 4.5 mn in additional growth capital for its system for refillable cups and trays. Sykell’s system is based on the pay-per-use principle. Partners only pay for containers that are brought into circulation. Cleaning and logistics are already included in the price.