Day: August 6, 2021

Dr Anne Velenturf (Research Impact Fellow in Circular Economy and Offshore Wind at the University of Leeds) explores the findings of a recent workshop discussing new “circular” business opportunities in offshore wind.
The University of Leeds is running the project A Sustainable Circular Economy for Offshore Wind, which is co-funded by EPSRC, the Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult and the Department for International Trade. The project aims to start integrating circular economy practices into the design, operation and end-of-use management of offshore wind infrastructure. Dr Anne Velenturf (Research Impact Fellow in Circular Economy and Offshore Wind at the University of Leeds) explores the findings of a recent workshop discussing new “circular” business opportunities in offshore wind.
Read the full article at: www.circularonline.co.uk

Bulgaria-headquartered insect producer, Nasekomo, is looking to secure a niche function in the less capital intensive, upstream part of the insect protein value chain.
It has established a joint venture with French animal genetics experts, Groupe Grimaud, to create FlyGenetics, an alliance dedicated to increasing the performance of the Black Soldier Fly (BSF) as proficient transformers of waste biomass.
The JV will investigate different BSF strains, selecting those more efficient at converting several types of waste streams. “We will also look to shorten the life cycle of the BSF,” ​Xavier Marcenac, co-founder, Nasekomo, told us.
The Nasekomo team held discussions with Grimaud over 18 months on a potential collaboration. “We carried out some trials, the results of which were positive and led us to establish the JV.”
Read the full article at: www.feednavigator.com

A new initiative to support Latin America and the Caribbean in the transition to a circular economy as part of the COVID-19 recovery was launched today.
The Regional Coalition on Circular Economy was announced during a virtual side event at the XXII Meeting of the Forum of Ministers of Environment of the region, hosted by Barbados and the United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP).
The Coalition will support access to financing by governments and the private sector, with special emphasis on small and medium enterprises (SMEs), in order to promote resource mobilization for innovation and the implementation of specific projects in the region.
Coordinated by UNEP, the Coalition will be led by a steering committee composed of four high-level government representatives on a rotating basis, starting with Colombia, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic and Perú for the 2021-2022 period.
Read the full article at: www.unep.org

LOOP Mission reached the semi-final of the Government of Canada’s Food Waste Reduction Challenge and won $100,000.
More than a third of food worldwide is wasted, which accounts for eight percent of total global greenhouse gas emissions. Meanwhile, one in seven Canadians experience food insecurity. To accelerate and advance diverse and high-impact solutions to fight food waste, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada launched the Food Waste Reduction Challenge, a $20 million initiative under the Food Policy for Canada.
Read the full article at: www.freshplaza.com

A recent study by global consultant Frost & Sullivan finds that the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member nations’ aspirations for sustainability are driving the replacement of linear waste management models with circular models, creating a new wave of opportunities. The report titled  Circular Economy Redefining the GCC Waste Management Market, 2021, gives a detailed analysis of the growing opportunity in waste management in the region.  Population growth and accelerated economic development are increasing total waste generation in the region (including construction and demolition (C&D) waste, municipal solid waste (MSW), plastic waste, and lead-acid battery waste). If unchecked, this could result in an increase from 130.6 million metric tons in 2021 to 163.9 million metric tons by 2025. A transition toward circular models is already underway, as with the UAE’s Circular Economy Policy 2021-2031 and the KSA’s Circular Carbon Economy. The policies reflect the region’s commitment to meeting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) while enhancing the quality of life for residents.

The language used in the announcement from the Department of the Environment on Tuesday evening was not of the type that grabs headlines, with talk of a general scheme, a circular economy and a “whole-of-Government” approach.
However, the Circular Economy Bill 2021, after it becomes law and after it starts to be implemented, will change everything – from the way a product is made, used and reused, and to the way it can and must be recycled.
By 2030, if this works, the average member of the Irish public will pay homage to the circular economy routinely by buying products that last, that can be reused and repaired, and that leave no waste behind when they are finished.
Read the full article at: www.irishtimes.com