As 2025 gathers momentum, the environmental sector is already buzzing with challenges and opportunities.

From waste reduction initiatives to groundbreaking innovations in packaging and energy, the past month has seen exciting developments that are helping to shape the future of our industry.

Here are some of the key stories that have caught our eye in the first few weeks of the year…

 

Veolia’s alternative fuel innovation slashes carbon emissions

Veolia has unveiled an alternative fuel at its solvent recovery facility in Garston, Liverpool, which is set to save 2,500 tonnes of carbon emissions annually.

This newly developed ‘distillate product’ replaces natural gas in an industrial steam plant, cutting gas consumption by 12GWh per year — the equivalent of the energy used by 1,000 homes.

The facility — which processes solvents from industries including pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals — is also targeted to run on green hydrogen in the future.

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Currys and Deloitte join forces to combat e-waste

Electronics retailer Currys has partnered with Deloitte to launch the ‘Recycle for Good’ initiative, encouraging Deloitte’s 25,000 employees to recycle unwanted tech.

Through Currys’ ‘Cash for Trash’ and trade-in programs, old devices will either be refurbished for donation or responsibly recycled. This builds on an existing scheme that has already seen over 17,500 laptops donated to charities and schools. 32

With e-waste being a mounting global concern, initiatives like this play a crucial role in reducing electronic landfill waste and improving digital inclusion for individuals and communities.

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A call for tax reforms to boost the circular economy

Industry leaders are urging UK authorities to introduce tax and policy reforms to encourage the reuse and repair of consumer goods. Recommendations include reducing VAT on second-hand and refurbished items, extending Right to Repair legislation, and improving skills training for repair services.

Research commissioned by Suez suggests that increased reuse could reduce the demand for new products by 20%, cutting waste significantly.

The findings also highlight changing consumer attitudes, with financial concerns driving more people to consider second-hand purchases. However, quality and potential scams remain barriers that must be addressed.

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Tackling textile waste

A coalition of retailers, charities, and recycling organisations, including Tesco, M&S, and the Salvation Army Trading Company, have launched initiatives to combat textile waste.

The ACT UK project has proven successful, with increased clothing donations at collection points and the introduction of postal take-back schemes. M&S reported a 46% increase in clothing donations through its collaboration with Oxfam, while Tesco saw a 25% rise in contributions at select store locations.

This highlights the public’s willingness to recycle worn-out textiles, reinforcing the need for clear communication and convenient collection systems, nationwide.

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Pulpex secures government funding for fibre-based bottles

Sustainable packaging company Pulpex has secured £62 million in funding to build its first commercial-scale manufacturing facility near Glasgow.

This investment, backed by the National Wealth Fund and the Scottish National Investment Bank, will enable the production of 50 million fibre-based bottles per year.

Pulpex’s technology, developed in collaboration with Diageo, provides a recyclable and biodegradable alternative to plastic and glass, with major brands such as Unilever and PepsiCo already exploring its applications. With 38.5 million plastic bottles used daily in the UK, this strategy offers a promising step in reducing plastic waste.

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Reimagining Valentine’s day packaging

Research from BusinessWaste.co.uk has highlighted the waste generated by Valentine’s bouquets, with an estimated 500,000 square meters of packaging material used annually in the UK.

Much of this volume consists of polypropylene film, which, while technically recyclable, is often rejected by household collection services. The study calls for retailers to adopt paper or compostable packaging and explore take-back schemes for difficult-to-process materials.

Additionally, alternatives such as string or ribbon could replace rubber bands, which take up to 50 years to biodegrade.

 

As these stories show, businesses, governments, and individuals are finding new ways to drive sustainability forward. Whether through packaging innovations, textile recycling, alternative fuels, or circular economy policies, there’s plenty of momentum building.

Keep an eye on our LinkedIn channel, for more environmental news and views…