Global Climate News

UK-based Cellcycle, part of The SER Group, developed a new direct recycling process for lithium-ion batteries using green solvents. This process recovers over 95% of cathode active material at temperatures below 80 degrees, reducing carbon emissions and eliminating the need for hydrometallurgy and pyrometallurgy. Cellcycle also partnered with CL Refurbishments Ltd for a recycling solution for lithium thionyl chloride batteries.

The UK government published guidance on landfill and deposit for recovery: aftercare and permit surrender. The guidance helps operators understand aftercare procedures and permit surrender applications. Updates were made on January 13, 2025, and March 30, 2022, to improve clarity and address specific landfill types.

German scientists at the Leibniz Institute for Agricultural Engineering and Bioeconomy (ATB) have developed a hydrothermal process to produce artificial humic substances from agricultural waste. This process, which mimics natural humification but is faster and more controlled, creates a product that improves soil health, reduces the need for fertilizers and water, and sequesters carbon. The ATB is exploring applications in agriculture and other areas, including enhancing biogas production and creating new types of micro-fertilizers.

Taiwan has implemented initiatives to turn incinerator ash into useful products in central Taiwan County, and is working to save native frogs and toads from invasive species through volunteer efforts. An archeological site is providing insights into prehistoric Taiwan.

Paptic, a company developing sustainable packaging solutions, highlights the use of recyclable wood-fibre based materials in feminine hygiene products. The Confederation of European Paper Industries (CEPI) emphasizes the importance of designing recyclable packaging and aims to increase recycling rates of fibre-based packaging to 90% by 2030 through the 4evergreen alliance. Paptic's material combines paper, plastic, and textile benefits, reducing plastic waste and supporting a circular economy.

Taiwan's Environmental Protection Administration (EPA) and the Junior Chamber International (JCI) signed a memorandum of understanding to reduce cigarette butt litter. The initiative will involve public awareness campaigns, encouraging businesses to install cigarette butt collection facilities, and promoting environmental responsibility. The goal is to improve public spaces and align with UN Sustainable Development Goals 11 and 14.

The UK Environment Agency has provided low risk waste positions (LRWPs) for landspreading waste operations, allowing certain activities without environmental permits if conditions are met. LRWPs may be reviewed or withdrawn; the agency replaced LRWP 13 (zoo manure) with RPS 313 and added waste type 03 01 05 to LRWP 61.

The European Investment Bank (EIB) provided a €4.7 million loan to Lviv, Ukraine, to reclaim the Hrybovychi landfill. This is part of the EIB’s Ukraine Solidarity Urgent Response package and the Ukraine Municipal Infrastructure Programme (UMIP). The project will improve waste management, minimize ecological impact, and transform the landfill into a green zone and park. Earlier phases received €6.04 million from EIB and co-financing from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD).

The UK Environment Agency published a regulatory position statement (RPS 247) on using unbound incinerator bottom ash aggregate (IBAA) in construction, extending its validity to September 30, 2025. The RPS clarifies that while an environmental permit is legally required, enforcement action will not normally be taken if requirements are met.

Taiwan's Environmental Protection Administration (EPA) has pledged to eliminate all visible illegal dumping of garbage by the end of 2026. The plan includes central and local government cooperation, digital management, waste reduction, and recycling initiatives. The government will invest \\$120 million over three years to support this effort.

Taiwan's National Museum of History (NMH) launched RENEW, a series of sustainable products made from recycled materials from the museum's renovation. The NMH collaborated with Dianjing Design and Ganwen Studio to create these items, which include coasters, incense diffusers, and keychains. This initiative demonstrates NMH’s commitment to environmental sustainability and cultural preservation.

Japan-based Green Science Alliance has developed a sustainable method to produce Metal Organic Framework (MOF) from waste PET bottles. The company used terephthalic acid from recycled PET and a solid-state synthesis procedure to reduce production costs. This sustainable MOF will be used in rechargeable batteries, fuel cells, and CO2 capture.

Oregon DEQ awarded $1.2 million in Reduce, Reuse, Reimagine grant funds to 14 recipients across 11 counties. The grants support waste prevention projects focusing on reusable foodware, construction material reuse, deconstruction programs, and reusable goods markets. The program aims to reduce environmental and human health impacts of materials throughout their lifecycle.

Sweden-based Alfa Laval is investing in a new Food Innovation Centre in Copenhagen, Denmark, to be completed in 2027. The center will focus on developing sustainable food production technologies, including plant-based and fermentation-based foods, aiming to reduce the environmental impact of food production. Initial focus will be on protein processing to improve efficiency and reduce resource consumption.

Finland-based Sitra and Nordea have highlighted the importance of circular economy business models for sustainable development. They emphasized cost efficiency, reduced waste, and the development of new customer engagement models as key aspects. Sitra, a Finnish innovation fund, has been a driver in accelerating societal change towards a circular economy since 2016.

US-based NRDC supported over 20 cities diverting over 35,750 tons of food waste, preventing nearly 62,000 metric tons of emissions. $11.5 million in USDA grants funded 38 composting projects. California banned confusing food date labels. Illinois mandated organic waste collection at large events. Michigan aims to halve food waste by 2030. The National Strategy for Reducing Food Loss and Waste was released. The Zero Food Waste Coalition grew to over 250 members. EPA invested $39 million in a national campaign.

The Environment Agency in England has issued an environmental permit (EPR/FP3090SZ/V011) to The Maltings Organic Treatment Limited for their facility in South Milford. The permit and decision documents are available online.

UK’s Environment Agency is consulting the public on Fortis IBA Limited’s environmental permit application for the Hillhouse IBA Facility in Preston, concerning waste and mining waste operations, installations, water discharge, and combustion plant.

Norwegian Invertapro, with support from Nordea, produces larvae for sustainable protein sources, aiming for 70 tonnes per week by 2025. Larvae require significantly less feed, water, and land, and produce far less CO2 than traditional protein sources like beef. The company focuses on aquaculture, aiming to increase Norway's food security.

Finnish company Tracegrow has developed a technology to produce agricultural fertilizer from battery waste. In 2021, Taaleri invested €1.5 million. The company's technology is scalable and aims for global expansion, aligning with EU circular economy goals.