In 2017 JRK Waste management introduced an intelligent data system (ECONIT) to reduce the high quantities of mixed municipal waste in Czechia. The programme asks residents to scan their rubbish with QR codes. Information on the quantity and types of waste produced is then used by the local waste management agencies to improve collection and recycling rates.
Splosh sells its range of products – from detergents and fabric softeners to shower gel and hand wash – in bottles that can be refilled from their concentrated refill pouches. Buying refills in these pouches cuts plastic waste by 95%.
Since 2010, Philips has been working on introducing recycled plastics into its product portfolio. The baseplate of Senseo Original coffee makers, the company’s most popular model, has been changed to 95% post-consumer recycled plastic.
The EPA is seeking proposals from the research community to help identify solutions to climate change and other emerging and complex environmental problems.The funding will be provided under the four EPA Research 2030 interconnected research hubs, including "Facilitating a green and circular economy".
The European Environment and Sustainable Development Advisory Councils Network brings together advisory bodies offering independent advice to national or regional governments and parliaments on climate change, environment and sustainable development.
The vast majority of EEAC members work in particular on the transition towards a circular economy model. With representatives from academia, civil society, the private sector and public bodies, the EEAC network brings together experts with years of experience producing analysis and recommendations that should enhance the shift to a circular economy at sub-national, national and EU level.
Complementing traditional mechanical recycling efforts, Plastic Energy has developed a patented Thermal Anaerobic Conversion (TAC) technology to convert end-of-life plastic waste into a new feedstock, called TACOIL, that can be used in the manufacturing of virgin-quality plastics suitable for food-grade packaging.
Romania’s recycling rate of 13% is one of the lowest in the EU with most waste going to landfill. The publication explains how the city of Sălacea, in the north-west of Romania, not only managed to quickly rise from almost no waste recycling to 40% in 3 months, but also how the community reduced its overall waste by 55%.
The case study also explains how political will, commitment from local waste operators and involvement of the community were key to the success of the strategy. The municipality introduced door-to-door household separate collection for 5 types of waste (paper and cardboard, plastic and metal, glass, bio-waste, residual waste) and implemented a four-week education programme with citizens before changing the collection infrastructure.
Precious Plastic was launched in the Netherlands in 2012. It brings together the solutions needed to tackle plastic waste, by boosting recycling, promoting new biodegradable materials or adopting zero waste lifestyles - whatever works.
In workspaces, waste plastic is transformed into valuable raw materials (Shredder, Extrusion, Sheetpress, Injection and Mix).
Collection Points gather plastic from neighbours, organisations and businesses to be processed by local Shredder Workspaces.
Community Points grow the local recycling network.
Machine Shops produce and build parts, machines and moulds for others in the local recycling network.
Members help with plastic collection and spreading the word.
The idea is to get everyone involved and playing their part.
Green Tech Valleyis a technology hotspot for climate protection and the circular economy. It has over 2300 scientists working on green solutions. It is home to over 600 green technologies and services for renewable energy and the circular economy, with an emphasis on recycling.
The Green Tech Valley Cluster drives the development of green innovation in the Green Tech Valley through match-making and knowledge transfer. It links up businesses with contacts in the green tech sector.
The platform has a directory of projects, which can be used to identify potential partners. The projects are categorised by theme, including Circular. It also has a section on courses for green skills.
