We propose encouraging policy makers to take a positive view of product lifetimes, by promoting longevity instead of penalising obsolescence.
Read MoreWe have to move away from thinking of waste as a problem to realising that it is a resource. This requires cooperation between the waste industry and circular economy enterprises, engaged citizens and integrated infrastructure at all levels from local to EU-wide. This report examines five waste streams identified in the EU’s Circular Economy Action Plan: municipal, packaging, food, bio- and critical raw material wastes.
Read MoreOur report for Defra estimates potential savings to the UK economy from corporate resource efficiency interventions. Updating previous studies, we quantified savings of £5.7-7.2 billion for the UK economy from efficiency improvements related to water, energy, raw material consumption and waste generation. There is still work to be done for other sectors to ensure the challenge and ambition of possible savings are properly quantified. For companies, the message is that resource efficiency savings are still there to be made.
Read MoreAn overview of the surface coatings sector in the UK.
Read MoreIn our 2006 report for Keele University, we assess the viability of bio-resins from rapeseed oil in the primary application of formaldehyde resins, research the likely production costs of a large-scale resin plant, find agents to test resin manufacture at one tonne scale, and review the prospects for a variety of market applications.
Read MoreWe led this study which added six more critical raw materials to the 14 listed by the EU in 2010.
Read MoreFor the SE of England, we examine the applications for the EU's list of 14 critical materials, review current recovery methods, and identify the end markets where better recovery would have greatest impact.
Read MoreThe RESYNTEX project will build a pilot plant to extract proteins, glucose, polyamide oligomers and PET monomers from residual textile waste. Our market study identified 9.35MT of textile waste being landfilled or incinerated in the EU and recommended the residual waste textiles most suited to the plant's input needs.
Read MoreThis study analysed existing food and drink labels and assessed the feasibility of developing EU Ecolabel criteria covering the whole life cycle of products in this sector. It recommended product groups which might be suitable for introduction, considering potential benefits and associated risks. We engaged producers, retailers, NGOs, policy makers and trade associations through multi-national on-line surveys, structured interviews and workshops to determine the response to various labels.
Read MoreWe took part in a FCO-sponsored mission to China in May 2016. The agenda included a Sino-UK Remanufacturing workshop, presenting to the World Remanufacturing Summit 2016 and meetings with senior Chinese Government officials.
Read MoreOur 2016 report for the NBF updates our 2014 report on the state of mattress recycling/re-use in the UK. It identifies why recent increases in recycling may not be sustained, and makes recommendations to promote and develop the sector.
Read MoreThis technical report looks at the uptake of environmental footprinting methods by over 80 UK businesses to see which - and how many - of the different methods they use, and to assess the costs and benefits of using them. It informs Defra policy at UK and European level.
Read MoreUK businesses find environmental footprinting useful, but our study finds scant evidence for the claimed benefits for cross-border trade. It's doubtful whether using a single method across the EC would cause greater resource efficiency than is already achieved. See also our technical report.
Read MoreThis preliminary report gathers data on remanufacturing across nine key sectors to calculate the current level of reman activity in EU member states in terms of economic value, numbers employed and approximate carbon benefits.
Read MoreThis in-depth analysis identifies factors affecting the European Parliament’s key priorities for the Horizon 2020 programme, as well as implementation bottlenecks. We recommend how better to implement existing measures.
Read MoreOur report finds that 30% more mattresses were recycled in 2013 than in 2012. It investigates the lifecycle of mattresses and options for them at end of life. We shed light on this complex area, including where the constituent parts end up once a mattress is dismantled.
Read MoreOur report is a tool for the food & beverage sector to improve companies' environmental performance. We detail market leaders' proven and practical strategies, which if more widely adopted, could result in exceptional environmental performance.
Read MoreIn 2011, the EC established criteria by which scrap from iron & steel and aluminium & its alloys could cease to be regulated as waste. We examine the impacts of Regulation 333/2011, gathering evidence from ca. 250 companies, 15 industry associations & 25 Competent Authorities.
Read MoreExtending product shelf life by a single day could save £600m and prevent 0.23 million tonnes of household waste. We looked at how changes in the supply chain could prevent waste without compromising product safety or quality.
Read MoreUsing 2D barcodes to tag textiles through to the end of life could add value at all stages of the life cycle of textiles. We highlight some of the key benefits of such labelling for all stakeholders along the supply chain.
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