Google and AMP Robotics expand biochar carbon removal in waste management, targeting methane reduction and circular use of municipal solid waste.

The circular economy is at the core of the European sustainability framework. In view of current crises such as the pandemic and energy shortages, this transition is becoming even more important. Previous research has mostly focused on individual drivers such as recycling or resource efficiency. The role of digitalization and the influence of external shocks on circular processes, on the other hand, have been investigated only to a limited extent. The study "Economic, technological and environmental drivers of the circular economy in the European Union: a panel data analysis" by researchers from Romania and Spain attempts to determine the effect of economic, ecological and technological factors on the use of circular materials. The study was published in "Environmental Sciences Europe".

Ireland's DRS was designed as a fully digital system from the outset. The end-to-end IT solution provided by Sensoneo supports scheme operator Re-turn by managing product registration, container validation, transaction processing and clearing. Centralised data management enables consistent system oversight, accurate deposit handling and scalability as participation increases.

Austria's deposit return scheme (DRS) is approaching the end of its first year with stable operational performance and high return volumes. By the end of November 2025, more than 1.2 billion PET bottles and aluminium cans had been collected.

Capacity and operational profileRG Group has been active since 2019 and generated a turnover of around EUR 20 million in 2025. The company employs approximately 50 people. Its facilities currently process more than 20,000 tonnes per year of LDPE film, with the potential to increase capacity to over 35,000 tonnes annually. The acquisition strengthens GreenDot's position in the recycling of commercial and industrial polyethylene films.

Despite this planned expansion, implementation timelines indicate a concentration of activity close to the regulatory deadline. Around two thirds of authorities expect to launch services in early 2027. Nearly half of them aiming for the final deadline date. At the same time, more than one fifth report that they do not expect to have kerbside plastic film recycling in place by the required date.

Austropresses are designed for continuous industrial use. They process heterogeneous material flows into dimensionally stable bales with high density. The technical design is based on resilient mechanical components, high pressing forces and automated control systems that enable stable plant availability./h