Circularity in Practice initiative launches across UK
The Circularity in Practice initiative has been launched as a nationwide, voluntary scheme to drive greater resource efficiency across the UK.
Inspired by His Majesty King Charles III, who attended the launch, the initiative aims to encourage organisations to design out waste and prioritise reuse, high-quality recycling, remanufacturing and repurposing across the built environment and wider economy.
The programme invites businesses to pledge to plan, act, partner and share progress, targeting sectors including construction, manufacturing and waste management.
Founding signatories include Sir Robert McAlpine, JLL, Suez Waste and Recycling UK and Tata Steel UK.
Edward McAlpine, Chairman and Executive Partner of Sir Robert McAlpine, commented: “We recognise that the transition from a linear to a circular economy is critical for the future of the built environment.
“By prioritising circular design, resource efficiency, and high-value material reuse, we can significantly reduce our carbon footprint while preserving natural resources.”
Birmingham City names Veolia as partner
Birmingham City Football Club has announced a new partnership with Veolia as its Official Sustainability Partner, supporting plans for the club’s proposed Sports Quarter development.
The agreement will aim to embed sustainability and environmental best practice into the project from an early stage, with a focus on resource efficiency, community engagement and long-term regeneration.
Veolia will bring expertise in waste and resource management, smart city innovation and local energy systems.
The partnership also aims to engage supporters and promote environmental awareness, while delivering practical initiatives that benefit the wider region.
Both organisations say the collaboration will grow in scope alongside the Sports Quarter, helping to position sustainability at the heart of Birmingham’s future urban development.
Gavin Graveson, Chief Executive Officer of Veolia UK and Ireland, said: “We are excited to partner with Birmingham City Football Club at such a pivotal moment in Blues’ history.
“This partnership is an incredible opportunity to come together and make meaningful, sustainable change, for the Club, its supporters and the wider community.”
Biffa launches children’s book to tackle recycling contamination
Biffa has released a new children’s book aimed at improving recycling habits, to be printed on paper made from recycled coffee cups.
Whitney The Wasteater and the Wrong Bite, written by Yasmine Anane, follows a recycling-eating monster who falls ill after consuming incorrectly sorted waste.
Anane commented: “Whitney is kind, funny and very picky, which makes her the perfect character to help children understand recycling. The story shows that when we all get it right together, everyone benefits.”
The story highlights the impact of contamination, which sees nearly a fifth of UK recycling lost due to misplaced items and food residue.
Targeted at children aged three to seven, the book brings Biffa’s Wasteater characters – featured on its collection vehicles – to life, using storytelling and rhyme to promote better recycling behaviour.
The initiative aims to educate younger audiences while reinforcing the importance of correct waste separation across households.
Bread Pitt and fleet roll out for weekly food waste collections
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council has launched a new weekly food waste collection service, supported by a dedicated fleet of nine vehicles supplied by Specialist Fleet Services.
The vehicles – Isuzu 7.5-tonne trucks fitted with specialist collection bodies – will service households across the borough, with all collected food waste sent for renewable energy generation.
The rollout follows new UK regulations mandating separate food waste collections, with the service fully government funded.
In a bid to engage residents, each vehicle has been given a unique name through a public competition. Winning entries include “Bread Pitt”, “Pasta La Vista Baby”, “Peels on Wheels” and “Toast Busters”, now displayed on the front of the trucks.
Caroline Roffey, Assistant Director at Street Scene Services, said: “I would like to thank everyone at Specialist Fleet Services for their work providing us with these food waste collection vehicles.
“These vehicles are out and about on roads across the borough, with the winning names from our vehicle naming competition proudly printed on them.”
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