- Ecosurety and UWE launch “zero-barrier” reusable cup trial;
- Fleetclear has launched a new AI platform which it claims turns fleets into “mobile intelligence networks”;
- New Look, M&S, Sainsbury’s and Oxfam have partnered with Circle-8 to create a textile innovation programme;
- IPL Brightgreen has announced an enhanced comprehensive buy-back scheme.
Ecosurety and UWE Bristol collaborate on groundbreaking reusable cup scheme
Ecosurety and the University of the West of England (UWE) have launched a first-of-its-kind year-long reusable cup scheme across the university’s Frenchay Campus.
The programme is designed to test whether removing the friction usually associated with reuse systems can drive higher participation rates and provide a scalable alternative to single-use cups.
The “Lendable” scheme will have no deposits, no apps and will require no other additional steps.
Students and staff will also have the opportunity to win prizes of up to £250 per month, linked to cup return rates across campus, to encourage widespread participation.
Jo Dainton, Head of Circular Economy at UWE Bristol, said: “This is more than a waste reduction project.
“Lendable gives us a unique opportunity to test and evaluate circular economy solutions in a real-world environment while creating valuable learning, research and skills-development opportunities for our students and staff.
“It demonstrates how universities can play a leading role in accelerating the transition to a more sustainable future.”
The scheme has also received support from Suez, Re-uz and Hubbub.
Fleetclear launches AI-powered ‘StreetVision’ platform
Fleetclear has launched a new AI platform which it claims turns fleets into “mobile intelligence networks”.
“StreetVision” analyses vehicle imagery and converts it into data for use in operational decision-making.
It utilises artificial intelligence, computer vision and large-scale image analysis.
Fleetclear Chief Technology Officer Chris Waller said: “Fleet vehicles travel the same roads and communities every day, capturing an extraordinary amount of information about what is happening around them.
“Until now, there has been no practical way to turn that volume of visual data into usable operational intelligence at scale. StreetVision changes that.”
The technology was demonstrated to guests at OnTrack, Fleetclear’s exclusive fleet technology event at Dunsfold Aerodrome, home of the former Top Gear test track, in early September (8 September 2026).
New Look, M&S, Sainsbury’s and Oxfam join textiles recycling innovation scheme
New Look, M&S, Sainsbury’s and Oxfam have partnered with Circle-8 to launch The Circuit, a new model designed to build circular textile value chains from UK generated end-of-use clothing.
“The Circuit” scheme brings together fashion retailers, textile recovery partners, automated sorting, recyclers, and manufacturers to support the development of pathways to turn end-of-use textiles into future raw materials.
The first phase, set to begin in January 2027 at Oxfam’s site in Batley, West Yorkshire, will focus on testing, learning and developing the operational frameworks needed to support future scale-up.
Cyndi Rhoades, CEO and Co-Founder of Circle-8 Textile Ecosystems said: “The retailers who help build circular textile value chains today will be best positioned to influence and benefit from them tomorrow.
“Through The Circuit, we’re powering the relationships, infrastructure and commercial frameworks needed to make that possible.
“No one organisation can create a circular textile value chain alone, and we look forward to welcoming others to The Circuit.”
Rigid plastic recycler IPL Brightgreen announces buy-back scheme
Rigid plastic recycler IPL Brightgreen has launched an enhanced comprehensive buy-back scheme.
The buy-back programme enables businesses across the rigid plastics value chain to reclaim post-consumer and post-industrial rigid plastics waste.
The scheme will operate across multiple rigid plastics streams, including HDPE (high-density polyethylene), PP (polypropylene), and co-mingled rigid plastics.
Samantha Smallwood, Procurement and Buy-Back Manager at IPL Brightgreen, said: “The buy-back scheme isn’t simply a waste collection service.
“It’s a strategic partnership mechanism that creates genuine supply chain circularity.
“We grade, test, and remanufacture materials to consistent specifications, allowing our partners to close their material loops with confidence.
“Every tonne collected is one less tonne entering landfill, and every remanufactured pellet represents genuine circular value recovery.”
Register for free to comment