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Circular economy

Ford focus

Andy Hobbs, the director of Ford’s environmental quality office tells Maxine Perella how the car-maker achieved zero waste to landfill at its famous Rouge plant in Detroit, not to mention at another 76 sites globally

BS 8001 - watershed in the development of circular economy standards

The release of BS 8001 - Framework for implementing the principles of the circular economy in organizations – Guide – (http://bit.ly/2eaXYNw) for public consultation signifies a watershed in national standards development. It represents the world’s first circular economy business-oriented standard, providing guidance to organisations on the steps they can take to transition from a linear, to a more sustainable and circular mode of operation.

Cradle of life

The Cradle to Cradle Products Innovation Institute’s president, Lewis Perkins, tells Geraldine Faulkner about the C2C Certified Product Standard, the history and mission of the group, and the work it is doing to make its philosophy as widespread as possible

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Brexit: a messy divorce or clean break for waste?

Following the EU referendum, and with concerns about local authority funding being withdrawn, along with circular economy ambitions, what are the implications for the UK’s waste and recycling sector? Matt Clay investigates

Scotland the Brave

The Scottish government is seeking to bring about “a more circular economy, where we make things last”. Turning that theory into reality won’t be easy, but economically, environmentally and socially it makes sense, argues David Burrows

Politically incorrect

SUEZ recycling and recovery UK CEO David Palmer-Jones lets rip on the danger of Brexit (as well as the problems the EU has created), the volatility of the commodity market – and the world at large – and uncertainty about how the sector will cope ‘post-landfill’. By Geraldine Faulkner

Going for gold

Warwickshire County Council’s David Whitehouse tells Geraldine Faulkner the story behind the local authority’s award-winning creative approach to the franchising of its HWRC re-use shops – and why its upcoming re-use shops tour is already ‘sold out’.

Zero hero

Tony Dunnage, Unilever’s group manufacturing sustainability director, takes Maxine Perella on a remarkable waste management journey, taking in the global company’s Sustainable Living Plan as it strives for zero waste to landfill, not just at home but in the far reaches of its network too

The devil will be in the detail

The legislative heart of Europe’s new circular economy package may be weaker, with some ambition making way for reality, but most respondents to a RWW survey believe it is a step in the right direction because of its wider outlook. David Burrows asks how CE2.0 will affect the UK industry

Going round in circles

Waste is unlikely to feature high up the agenda at climate change conference COP21 this month because its impact on greenhouse gas emissions is under-reported – which means the waste and resources industry has a bigger environmental role to play on the global stage than the UN’s data suggest, writes David Burrows

Wasted opportunity

The International Solid Waste Association’s recent report on the world’s biggest open dumpsites makes for grim reading, documenting both their environmental and human impacts. But, like similar studies, the report’s glimmer of hope lies in potential solutions – if the will can be found to action them. David Burrows reports

Fighting resource scarcity

As the various voices calling for the UK to get to grips with resource scarcity and security get louder, the prospect of an Office for Resource Management seems increasingly likely – and widely welcomed, writes freelance writer David Burrows

Sustainability Live unveils CPD seminars and workshops

Sustainability Live, the show which takes place on April 21-23 April at the NEC Birmingham, has unveiled its three-day programme of more than 35 free CPD-accredited workshops and seminars for sustainability and energy management professionals. Amanda Barnes reports.

Taking a leap of faith into a cleaner future

A great deal has been said and written about the circular economy with all its anticipated benefits. With waste management companies changing their focus from resource operators to manufacturing companies, the emphasis is now on clear policy to ensure its delivery. Freelance writer David Burrows reports.

What did the waste sector achieve in 2014?

This year ended much like the last: in disappointment. But despite the lack of interest shown in waste policy across Whitehall and, perhaps even Europe, the sector has carried on regardless. Freelance writer, David Burrows looks at the highs and lows of the UK waste management industry over the last 12 months.

Scotland: Standing on the cusp of change

There was an energised feel in the air at Glasgow last month, as industry leaders North of the border mapped out their future intentions for waste and resources policy at the annual Scottish Resources conference. Freelance writer Maxine Perella reports.

Hoovering up road dust, dirt and debris

With Autumn in full swing, local authority road sweepers are being kept busy with trees shedding their leaves along with the usual collection of debris on the roads. Freelance writer Claire Col takes a look at the road sweeping options available on the market and the recycling opportunities they offer.

A time for bold actions and political vision

Waste reduction and recycling schemes play crucial roles in reducing the impact of climate change, but while private individuals diligently sort out their recyclates what are world leaders doing to combat the rise in global temperatures? David Burrows reports on the recent UN climate summit.

Has energy from waste a role to play in the circular economy?

Where does energy from waste fit in when it comes to the circular economy? Will landfill bans fuel investment, or will improvements in product design and recycling infrastructure see the role for EfW diminish? Freelance writer, David Burrows investigates.

Whitehall's waste policy power shift

The government is expected to respond to calls from an influential House of Lords committee to install a ‘waste champion’ at ministerial level in the Department of Business, Innovation and Skills. Could this stimulate the bioeconomy, and what does it mean for Defra? David Burrows reports.

Encouraging growth in resource efficiency

An economy that is committed to achieving higher levels of resource efficiency is somewhat of a pipe dream right now for those trying to deliver intelligent-led waste solutions, but if an influential group of Conservative MPs get their way, this could soon become a reality. Maxine Perella, freelance journalist reports.