In 2023, 1.3 billion tons of food went to waste, while over 122 million faced hunger. This colossal food waste issue not only affects the environment but also represents a massive economic burden. Recycling food waste through composting and anaerobic digestion can mitigate these issues, but infrastructure and mindset hurdles need to be overcome for widespread adoption.
Large quantities of microplastics have been found in remote marine protected areas, challenging previous assumptions about their distribution. Marine bioplastics, derived from marine organisms, offer a promising solution to plastic pollution. While challenges remain, policies and consumer awareness are vital in driving the widespread adoption of marine bioplastics and creating a more sustainable and circular economy.
The first large-scale solar panel recycling plant in North America has opened in Yuma, Arizona, addressing the growing issue of end-of-life solar panel waste. The plant can process up to 7,500 panels per day, recovering high-value materials for reuse. This initiative is crucial as solar waste is set to increase substantially by 2050.
A French company has developed a revolutionary enzymatic recycling method, utilizing PET hydrolase to break down all forms of PET plastic waste and textiles at the molecular level. The resulting new polymers maintain quality through multiple recycling cycles, offering a sustainable solution to the global waste problem. Plans for a commercial-scale operation are underway.
Germany's recycling industry transforms waste into raw materials and fuels to drive the economy and save the environment. The country's largest recycling centre in Hamburg handles 1,500 customers daily, processing diverse materials like electronic scrap and packaging waste. Through sorting, dismantling, and shredding, valuable resources are recovered and energy is generated, making recycling a lucrative endeavour.
The Trash Economy 