Science

Research from the University of Gothenburg shows that dirty waste disposal areas trigger feelings of disgust that make residents more likely to dispose of their waste incorrectly – with the effect strongest among people who are particularly sensitive to disgust.

The Hubs4Circularity Community of Practice has completed two Horizon Europe projects, leaving behind a network of more than 1,750 practitioners, a set of practical tools, and a knowledge platform that will continue under a new EU project.

The European Union’s seasonally adjusted greenhouse gas emissions reached an estimated 839 million tonnes of CO2-equivalents in the fourth quarter of 2025. Compared with the previous quarter, emissions increased by 0.9%, according to new data published by Eurostat.

The European Commission has selected Aimplas to coordinate the new HEFESTOS Hub. The European-funded initiative will support the transition from brominated flame retardants (BFRs) to safer and more sustainable alternatives across sectors including construction, automotive, cables and other polymer-intensive applications.

ReLoop has developed the first system that combines ready-made meals with the automated return of reusable, traceable packaging.

A consortium of industrial and technology companies has launched the Back2Back project to improve the reuse and recycling of used technical products. Partners include Grundfos, Danfoss and DSV, alongside further industry and research organisations. The initiative focuses on extending product lifecycles and reducing material losses through new recovery systems.

A new German-Austrian research project investigates the biodegradation of compostable plastic fragments in the soil under real conditions. The focus is on the question of how quickly fragments of certified compostable plastic films degrade when they enter the soil via the compost.

Aimplas has obtained ABA and JBPA recognition for biodegradation and compostability testing, enabling certification processes for plastic products intended for the Australian and Japanese markets.

Researchers from Tokyo University of Science have characterized a thermophilic cutinase enzyme to better understand how biocatalysts can operate under conditions relevant to polyethylene terephthalate (PET) recycling. The study examines how structural stability and local flexibility are balanced to maintain catalytic activity at elevated temperatures.

The European Union has reduced its greenhouse gas emissions by 40% compared with 1990 levels. Between 2023 and 2024, emissions declined by a further 3%, according to data submitted to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and analysed by the European Environment Agency. The greenhouse gas inventory was compiled and reported by the agency on behalf of the EU in April.

Aimplas is coordinating the VEGANCELIO project, which focuses on converting organic waste into higher-value materials for industrial applications.