Organic Waste to Vegan Leather
Organic waste represents around half of municipal waste in Spain, while established treatment routes such as composting or anaerobic digestion often generate limited economic returns. VEGANCELIO addresses this gap by developing processes aligned with circular economy and bioeconomy principles.
Portugal Deposit Return System Launches
Portugal Deposit Return System launches on 10 April 2026, supported by Sensoneo technology, covering beverage containers nationwide.
Post-consumer textile feedstock for recycling
Currently, only a limited share of post-consumer textiles is processed into new fibres. Most materials are downcycled, incinerated or landfilled. Export markets for secondhand textiles are under pressure due to declining material quality, regulatory restrictions and reduced demand in destination countries. As a result, unsold volumes accumulate and are often disposed of without further recovery.
CO₂-reduced wind turbine installed offshore
RWE installs a CO₂-reduced offshore wind turbine at Denmark's Thor project, combining low-carbon steel towers with recyclable rotor blades to reduce lifecycle emissions.
AI sorting for battery detection
At the centre of the collaboration is the AI-based system X.Sort, developed by WeSort.AI. The application enables early detection of lithium-ion batteries in material streams and supports fire prevention in recycling plants. Through Sesotec's international sales and service network, the system is now available worldwide. The deployment of AI battery detection recycling solutions is intended to reduce operational risks and improve plant availability.
Liebherr expands recycling technology portfolio
The solutions reflect current requirements in the recycling sector, where processes are becoming increasingly specialised and technology-driven.
Environmental economy employment grows in EU
Compared with 2022, employment rose by 4.2%, up from 5.6 million full-time equivalents./h
Sliding Scale Methodology Under Criticism
BIR criticises the sliding scale methodology for green steel, citing inconsistencies in emissions accounting and risks for recycling markets and policy credibility.
Steinert sorting solutions at IFAT 2026
Steinert presents sorting solutions at IFAT 2026, including LIBS upgrades, AI-based PET separation and technologies for metal, glass and construction waste recycling.
Sliding scale in green steel debate
Recycling Europe questions the sliding scale green steel methodology and its impact on emissions accounting, circularity and EU steel policy.