tExtended enters phase two in the development of a blueprint for optimised recovery, reuse and recycling of discarded textiles. The EU-funded tExtended project is launching the second phase of its plan to optimise textile flows and ensure materials retain their value in a safe and sustainable way. Its innovations are helping to meet the need […]
Commission approves International Paper’s acquisition of DS Smith subject to conditions*
The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the proposed acquisition of DS Smith Plc (‘DS Smith’)by International Paper Company (‘InternationalPaper’). The approval is conditional upon full compliance with the commitments offered by the parties. The Commission’s investigation International Paper and DS Smith are two vertically integrated paper and packaging companies. The Commission’s […]
Solar panel recycling the affordable, sustainable way
PHOTORAMA receives recognition for its innovative work in photovoltaic panel recycling and raw material recovery. The EU-funded PHOTORAMA project’s efforts to improve photovoltaic (PV) panel recycling and raw material recovery has earned it the prestigious 2024 European Sustainable Energy Week (EUSEW) Innovation Award. The award recognises outstanding EU-funded projects whose innovations contribute towards Europe’s clean […]
Spain: EIB and Otua sign €40 million loan to back the construction of a waste recycling plant in the Basque Country
The European Investment Bank (EIB) and Basque Country-based Otua Group have signed a €40 million loan to finance the construction of a new plant for recycling plastics from automotive waste and to upgrade existing facilities for processing metal waste. The EIB loan promotes the transition to circular economy – in which industrial materials get reused rather […]
Plastic packaging waste: 38% recycled in 2020
In 2020, each person living in the EU generated 34.6 kg of plastic packaging waste on average. Out of these, 13.0 kg were recycled. This information comes from data on packaging waste published by Eurostat on 20 October. The article presents a handful of findings from the more detailed Statistics Explained article. Between 2010 and 2020, the volume of plastic packaging […]
HORIZON EUROPE: Recycling end of life PV modules
Expected Outcome Photovoltaic power generation is pivotal in the transition to a clean energy system and the achievement of the zero-emissions target. To that end, it is important to enhance its sustainability while creating wealth and additional employment opportunities in Europe. Consequently, project results are expected to contribute to all of the following outcomes: Demonstrate […]
Waste and recycling: Commission seeks views on revision of the Waste Framework Directive
The Commission is launching a public consultation on the revision of the Waste Framework Directive (WFD), including setting of EU food waste reduction targets. The revision aims to improve the overall environmental outcome of waste management in line with the waste hierarchy and the implementation of the polluter pays principle. The public consultation is open for […]
Plastic waste and recycling in the EU: facts and figures
Nearly a third of plastic waste in Europe is recycled. Find out more facts and figures on plastic waste and its recycling in the EU with our infographic. The production of plastic has grown exponentially in just a few decades – from 1.5 million tonnes in 1950 to 359 million tonnes in 2018 worldwide – […]