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How will we meet our needs for food, housing, energy and mobility in 2050? What major disruptions—from global unrest to climate breakdown or digital collapse—could reshape them? And how can we future-proof these vital production and consumption systems against disruptions? These are the questions explored in an EEA report released today.

StadlerAnlagenbau has completed the design and installation of the new Republic Services Polymer Center in Indianapolis, Indiana. This marks the second facility developed for Republic Services, following the launch of the Las Vegas Polymer Center in late 2023.

On February 1, 2024, Ireland became the 16th European country to introduce the Deposit Return System (DRS) for single-use beverage packaging. Just over a year later, the 1 billionth packaging container was returned at Lidl Ireland Kilcarbery, Dublin, on Tuesday, February 4, 2025.

Sopsa plans to expand across Romania. The company wants to bring its sorting and recycling-friendly systems to more Romanian cities, following a successful collaboration in Bucharest. Sopsa entered the Romanian market in 2023.

If all plastic packaging in Stockholm households were sorted correctly, residents could reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 40,000 tonnes per year. This corresponds to half of the fossil emissions generated by household waste. Now, an innovative project in Hammarby Sjöstad is showing how this can become a reality.

Foxway has reached a major milestone with the launch of its advanced automated warehouse system at its largest processing center in Tartu, Estonia.

The Steinert Group is expanding its centre of excellence for near-infrared (NIR) technology at its site in Zittau, Germany. Steinert UniSort GmbH, a subsidiary specialising in NIR sensor sorting systems, has recently moved into significantly bigger premises, completing the next stage of expansion.

The European Commission has fined 15 major car manufacturers and the European Automobiles Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA) a total of around €458 million for participating in a long-lasting cartel concerning end-of-life vehicle recycling. Mercedes-Benz was not fined, as it revealed the cartel to the Commission under the leniency programme. All companies admitted their involvement in the cartel and agreed to settle the case.

As demand for electric vehicles soars, the environmental impact of battery production and disposal is under increasing scrutiny. The 2023 EU Battery Regulation imposes stricter sustainability targets, requiring 50% lithium recovery by 2027 and 80% by 2031. By 2031, minimum recycled content levels must reach 16% for cobalt, 85% for lead, and 6% for lithium and nickel. These regulations drive manufacturers to enhance recycling efficiency and adapt to evolving sustainability standards.

Ecobat has announced the successful commissioning of three lithium-ion battery recycling facilities within just one year. Located in Hettstedt, Germany; Casa Grande, Arizona; and Darlaston, England, these facilities are now fully operational. Together, the three plants are capable of processing up to 10,000 tons of lithium-ion batteries annually, with plans to scale capacity to 25,000 tons.

Steel is vital to modern society, with diverse alloys serving critical applications. Buildings, infrastructure, machinery, and vehicles constitute 75% of global steel usage, with global demand projected to increase. However, the industry generates 7-9% of global CO2 emissions, making it a challenging but essential sector for decarbonization efforts.

By 19 April, the European Commission will adopt its first Working Plan to implement the new EU Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR). It will confirm which products will be addressed first before developing performance requirements to improve their environmental sustainability – including measures on durability and repair. The Working Plan will supplement other ongoing work on ESPR implementation, such as a ban on the destruction of unsold goods. What can we expect and when?