Circular economy stories
Poor maintenance is costing firms billions through outages, water failures and transport disruptions, the G20 says in a new policy agenda.
Record spending is exposing poor productivity, rising insolvencies and risk in Australia’s construction sector, industry leaders warn.
Food makers could cut energy use and recycling headaches with a one-step natural coating made from wood waste or shrimp shells.
New recycling methods could cut EV battery costs by 60% and ease reliance on cobalt, nickel and China, researchers say.
The Government has until 31 December to decide whether to adopt a plan that could cut GDP by 1.2% in 2050, or do less.
Facial recognition and reward points are being trialled to lift China’s recycling rate as waste volumes outpace the US by 2030.
Waste from cartons and soft plastics will soon be turned into low-carbon building boards in New Zealand, diverting 4,000 tonnes from landfill a year.
Digital twin tools could help cut costly delays and emissions, as 90% of infrastructure projects are still late or over budget.
Wastewater plants could cut costs and emissions by generating surplus heat and power, as Copenhagen and Turku already show.
Plastic waste could cost EU taxpayers or shoppers more as Brussels moves to levy EUR €0.80 per kilogramme on unrecycled packaging.
Sustainability, modular builds and antimicrobial coatings are expected to reshape the sector as pandemic-era demand and supply shifts persist.
Kenya’s building sector could cut landfill and emissions as Nzambi Matee turns non-recyclable plastic into bricks stronger than concrete.
RMIT researchers say lobster-shell patterns and recycled waste could make 3D printed concrete stronger, faster-setting and greener.
The system won a global innovation prize after promising onsite treatment that could cut costly sewer networks and tanker transport in Lebanon.
A global push to cut plastic pollution would need at least one billion volunteers just for clean-ups, researchers warn.
A new Australian process could cut tyre waste and supply low-sulphur oil, carbon and steel for refining and manufacturing.
Even an ideal recycling system would cut plastics-sector emissions by only 14% by 2050, leaving major producers still far from net zero.
Lockdowns have boosted support for digital tools, wastewater monitoring and investment as utilities grapple with falling revenues and rising demand.
Careful planning can cut construction waste, saving money, reducing accidents and lowering carbon emissions across a project.
Global cooperation and heavy state intervention would favour low-carbon infrastructure, while fossil-fuel projects and greenfield builds are marginalised.
