Real-world asset tokenization has gained a lot of traction within few years and is no longer limited to experimentation alone. Did you know that the total value locked in tokenized real-world assets is over $374 billion? (Source) We are excited to announce that our new RWA tokenization course launched recently is a great resource to learn about this emerging field. Real-world asset tokenization offers more than the benefit of bringing ownership of assets in the real world to blockchain protocols.

The biggest reason to focus on RWA tokenization now is visible in how tokenization has the potential to introduce structural shifts in the global financial landscape. It has already induced short-term changes in capital market infrastructure and created many new job opportunities. Our new real-world asset tokenization fundamentals course will help you prepare for this new revolution and acquire relevant skills. We welcome you to read about some of the most interesting details about the RWA tokenization course and its benefits.

Enroll in the Real-World Asset (RWA) Tokenization Fundamentals Course and gain the skills to master blockchain, smart contracts, and digital asset infrastructure. Start your journey today!

Real-World Asset (RWA) Tokenization Fundamentals Course 

We wanted to bring our learners a comprehensive training course that focuses beyond the fundamentals of real-world asset tokenization. Our experts have designed the new real-world asset tokenization course launched recently, with special attention to hands-on training. The course on RWA tokenization fundamentals offers more than just an introduction to tokenization and dives deeper into exactly what drives real-world asset tokenization.

The modular design of the RWA tokenization course ensures that every learner can start learning tokenization from scratch. You can begin with insights on fundamental concepts of RWA tokenization in the first module followed by understanding the importance of blockchain in tokenization. The course also includes lessons on complete lifecycle of RWA tokenized process and use cases of different tokenized assets.        

The RWA tokenization training course sheds light on legal aspects of RWA projects and relevant compliance frameworks for same. Learners will also find how RWAs are an integral component in the DeFi ecosystem along with insights on security and architecture implications. The course also includes hands-on exercises, cases studies of tokenization, and lessons on future trends and career opportunities in this field.

Target Audience for the RWA Tokenization Fundamentals Course

From the outset, you may assume that the new tokenization course is only meant for blockchain and DeFi experts. The truth is that anyone who wants to learn RWA tokenization is an ideal candidate for this course. Irrespective of your prior knowledge about tokenization or experience with blockchain technology, this course will help you become tokenization experts. You must also know that the new RWA tokenization course is a great pick for professionals working in various fields.

• Enterprise blockchain and fintech professionals can get their first introduction to the domain of RWA tokenization with this course.
• The RWA tokenization course can help professionals working in banking, compliance, and asset management in learning best practices to evaluate digital assets.
• Web3 business founders and investors must choose this course to gain confidence to develop tokenized finance solutions.
• Developers and analysts will find the best resource to understand how to tailor enterprise blockchain infrastructure for RWA tokenization in this course.

Build your identity as a certified blockchain expert with 101 Blockchains’ Blockchain Certifications designed to provide enhanced career prospects.

Basic Information about the RWA Tokenization Fundamentals Course

The best way to find out the value of a training course for your career involves learning about its goals. What will the course help you learn about real-world asset tokenization? You can use the learning objectives of the RWA tokenization fundamentals course to find out how it makes you a tokenization expert.

• Develop comprehensive understanding of real-world asset tokenization and the utility of blockchain, smart contracts and digital asset infrastructure.
• Learn about the real-world use cases of RWA tokenization in real estate, commodities, private equity or debt and tokenized financial products.
• Discover how compliance, custody, DeFi integration and enterprise-grade tokenization platforms will shape the future of digital finance.

Our course designers have created the RWA tokenization course with a modular design that covers all learning objectives in modules. You will find the following modules in the tokenization course that will help you achieve the specified learning goals.

• Fundamental concepts of real-world asset tokenization
• Importance of blockchain in RWA tokenization
• Steps in the RWA tokenization lifecycle
• Real-world use cases of different RWA token classes
• Legal structures and compliance frameworks for RWA tokenization
• Interrelationship between RWAs, DeFi, security and architecture
• RWA tokenization cases studies, future trends and career opportunities

Want to learn the fundamentals of tokenization? Enroll now in the Tokenization Fundamentals Course

Top Reasons to Choose the RWA Tokenization Fundamentals Course 

The new RWA tokenization course launched on our platform is more than a guide to real-world asset tokenization. It empowers you with in-depth conceptual understanding of tokenization and practical skills that you can use in real life. The following reasons will show you why you should pick this new course to specialize in real-world asset tokenization.

• Training with Qualified Experts 

The biggest benefit of choosing 101 Blockchains courses is the assurance of learning from qualified experts. You can learn from the perspective of an expert who has worked with RWA tokenization and has practical experience. The insights of qualified experts give you the additional edge over other people with knowledge of RWA tokenization.

• Round-the-Clock Responsive Support Systems

One of the foremost reasons for which learners trust 101 Blockchains is the facility of round-the-clock support systems. Learners don’t have to wait for days to get relevant answers to their doubts or solve technical issues with courses. Our experts are always prepared to solve the doubts of learners within minutes and help them continue learning without stopping.

• No Hassles in the Learning Experience

Apart from providing responsive support systems, 101 Blockchains is also committed to offering the best learning experiences. The most striking highlight of learning with 101 Blockchains is the freedom from deadlines as the self-paced courses allow you to learn at your convenience. You can learn all the important concepts in RWA tokenization while managing other responsibilities and become a tokenization expert. 

• Opportunity to Boost Hands-on Skills

The list of advantages of learning with 101 Blockchains will be incomplete without pointing at the hands-on learning. You will gain the skills to solve real-world challenges rather than just becoming a tokenization expert on paper. The hands-on exercises in the tokenization course will empower you with abilities to use your expertise in your workplace.

Final Thoughts 

As we bring you the new RWA tokenization fundamentals course, we are thrilled to offer learners one of the best resources to become a RWA tokenization expert. You will notice new career opportunities emerging every day in the field of RWA tokenization and this course can help you grab the best prospects. Learners can not only become tokenization experts but also prove their ability to solve real problems with their skills. Discover other details about the course and build the foundation for your career in the growing field of real-world asset tokenization now.

The post Announcement – Real World Asset (RWA) Tokenization Fundamentals Course Launched appeared first on 101 Blockchains.

About Biljana Obradovic

Full Name: Biljana Obradovic

Designation:  Senior Project/Program Manager 

Company: Concept360

Country: Serbia

What is your professional background?

My professional experience spans over 20 years across the domains of leadership, compliance and governance. I have also worked extensively on large-scale transformation programs in fintech, banking, ICT and other highly regulated industries. 

In the last 18 to 20 months, I have shifted focus towards regulated digital assets, operational readiness, tokenization and AI-powered governance. I used Concept360 to create the Execution Gap Framework, assessment models and supporting materials that will help organizations understand the expected operational challenges in the time between regulatory approval and real-world implementation.

The primary scope of my work revolves around reducing the distance between regulatory approval and operational execution. I developed the Execution Gap Framework as a practical model to address this gap and help with easier identification and resolution of risks to operational readiness in regulated digital finance use cases. 

You can find the framework on my GitHub and use it for structured assessment of operational readiness in digital asset environments operating under heavy regulations. 

At 101 Blockchains, you don’t just earn certifications — you gain real-world skills that shape you into a confident blockchain professional.

How did your learning journey with 101 Blockchains support your professional development?

My learning journey with 101 Blockchains offered the valuable opportunity to gain structured and comprehensive understanding of,

• Blockchain technology
• Tokenization fundamentals
• Digital assets and how they work
• Governance in digital assets and crypto
• Emerging regulatory frameworks

With the help of their professional certification programs, I figured out how technology, execution, governance and compliance are related to each other. The platform also helped me see that blockchain is more than a technical innovation. I dived deeper to understand that successful blockchain implementation depends heavily on, 

• Operating models 
• Compliance processes 
• Governance structures
• Delivery discipline

The new perspective on blockchain technology that I acquired with the help of 101 Blockchains played a crucial role in developing the Execution Gap Framework.

Do you apply your blockchain knowledge in your job and if yes, how?

Yes, I apply my knowledge of blockchain technology and digital assets in my job across the following domains.

• Operational readiness in regulated digital asset platforms
• Governance and compliance models for blockchain operations
• Tokenization and Real World Asset or RWA projects
• Strategies for IAM and decentralized identity systems
• Governance mechanisms for complex fintech solution delivery
• AI-powered governance and execution systems

My knowledge has also empowered me to share insights as a thought leader and professional writer. The insights I share on the topics of governance, compliance, implementation and operational resilience in regulated environments have enhanced my professional credibility as a blockchain expert.

From learners to leaders — explore the success stories of 100,000+ professionals with 101 Blockchains.

What is the next step in your blockchain training roadmap?

The future of my blockchain learning journey will focus on gaining deeper expertise in tokenization, decentralized identity, digital assets and AI-powered governance.

I also wish to contribute to the broader ecosystem in the form of thought leadership, practical frameworks, professional education and advisory work alongside investing efforts in continuous learning. With these initiatives, I intend to help organizations translate blockchain concepts into operationally resilient implementations as effectively as possible.

What will you recommend to professionals exploring career options in blockchain?

The most important thing that you need to do is gain strong understanding of blockchain fundamentals and its real-world use cases rather than chasing the hype. You must remember that successful implementation of blockchain technology in regulated industries is not limited solely to technical innovation. The chances of success of your blockchain project will depend significantly on,

• Governance
• Accountability
• Operational design
• Compliance
• Identity management
• Execution discipline

You will need experience in enterprise delivery, governance, compliance, security and risk management to become a valuable asset for employers in the blockchain space.

Additional Quote

The biggest takeaway from my professional blockchain training experience is that technology alone is not enough for a successful project. You can achieve the desired goals in blockchain projects for regulated environments by emphasizing governance, operational readiness, execution discipline and compliance. 101 Blockchains offered me the resources to understand how these elements can be combined seamlessly and helped me design the Execution Gap Framework. I want to thank the team of 101 Blockchains again and I am happy to be a part of their vast community.

The post Success Story: Biljana Obradovic’s Learning Journey with 101 Blockchains appeared first on 101 Blockchains.

Too much activity is focused on recycling and waste management rather than preventing waste, a new report commissioned by Defra finds.

The research, produced by the University of Portsmouth Global Plastics Policy Centre (GPPC), found that while the UK is making progress towards a circular economy, much of the current focus is on recycling, improving waste recovery, and encouraging changes in consumer behaviour.

However, the report highlighted that fewer initiatives address how products are designed, manufactured and used.

Commissioned by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), the report, Progressing Beyond Recycling for a Circular Economy, reviews research and innovation activity across six sectors:

• Food and agriculture
• Chemicals and plastics
• Electrical and electronic equipment
• Transport
• Textiles
• Built environment

These are the same sectors focussed on in the government’s long-delayed Circular Economy Growth Plan.

Commenting on the research, Dr Antaya March, Director of the Global Plastics Policy Centre, at the Revolution Plastics Institute, said: “Recycling remains a part of a circular economy, but it cannot deliver the transition on its own.”

“Greater attention to product design, reuse, repair and resource efficiency could help retain more value within the economy while reducing demand for new materials.”

The researchers found that ‘relatively few initiatives’ are tackling the earlier stages of production and design, where the greatest potential exists to reduce resource use and environmental impacts.

The study also found that while many ideas are being tested, too few are progressing from pilots to reaching the market at scale.

As well as a gap between research and commercial deployment, the report said many projects measure activity rather than outcomes, making it difficult to assess their real impact on reducing waste, emissions or material use.

The report also identifies opportunities to strengthen the UK’s circular economy, including expanding reuse systems, supporting repair and refurbishment activities, improving product design, encouraging more efficient use of materials, and developing better ways to measure impact.

The research concludes that moving beyond recycling will require ‘coordinated action’ across government, industry and researchers. It continues that greater emphasis on product design, resource efficiency and reuse could help accelerate the UK’s transition to a more circular economy.

The post New report for Defra urges UK to build a more circular economy appeared first on Circular Online.

AI agents have emerged as major drivers of large-scale enterprise automation, with successful use cases having a noticeable impact. You must have noticed that everyone in the AI space wants to find out how AI agent works and understand their architecture. The growing interest in AI agents stems from the fact that they are different from basic automation and AI chatbots. AI agents bring the element of autonomy and are capable of perceiving the environment, reasoning, and taking relevant actions without human intervention.

• Insights from Salesforce reveal that around 44% of consumers in the US don’t have any problem with using AI agents as personal assistants (Source).  
• New research by CISCO states that agentic AI will manage 68% of customer service and support interactions by 2028 (Source). 
• Almost 93% of IT executives in the US are actively looking for opportunities to implement agentic AI in their business (Source). 

You can see that businesses and individual users acknowledge the potential of AI agents, thereby driving adoption of agentic AI. However, the reality paints a different picture as many companies are not prepared for the autonomous intelligence that comes with AI agents. This is one of the prominent reasons for which you need in-depth understanding of the architecture of AI agents and core principles that drive them. Familiarity with agentic AI architecture and the key components in AI agent systems will empower you with the confidence to adopt AI agents. 

Understanding How an AI Agent Works 

The first thing on your mind right now must be the way in which AI agents work to provide the benefits of autonomous automation. You can pick any one of the AI agent examples and find out their utility as autonomous software systems tailored to achieve specific goals. AI agents are not designed to answer to your prompts only and they have the capabilities to take decisions on the next course of action.

Contrary to traditional AI tools and systems, AI agents can,

• Work to achieve a specific objective.
• Leverage different tools, including databases and APIs.
• Retain context from previous interactions.
• Adjust their actions on the basis of results.

How can AI agents do all these things? A high-level overview of the working mechanism of AI agents reveals that they work in a continuously running loop. Within the loop, AI agents observe information, implement reasoning to determine their next step, and take action on their own. On top of it, AI agents also learn from the outcomes before repeating the loop again. 

You can think of an AI-powered human assistant as the simplest example to understand the working of AI agents. When you ask the assistant for help, it will observe your request and uses reasoning to prepare plans for the next task. The assistant will use tools to take action on your request, such as sending emails. Based on your feedback, the assistant will make adjustments to perform the request better in the next iteration.

Get Certified AI Agents Manager (CAIAM) Certified — Gain in-demand skills to manage agentic AI workflows across the full AI agent lifecycle and lead the future of intelligent automation

Unraveling the Core Principles Driving AI Agents

Agentic AI leverages a set of specific principles that defines AI agent behavior and how they operate and interact with each other. You can find the answers to “What does AI agent work?” by identifying the core principles that serve as building blocks of agentic AI architectures. Learning about the core principles of AI agent systems can help you easily understand the layers in agentic AI architecture.

• Autonomy 

AI agents can work with complete autonomy without depending on constant human intervention.

• Goal-centric Behavior

The working of every AI agent revolves around the objectives it has been designed to achieve. AI agents pursue their goals and evaluate how their actions will help in achieving the specified goals.

• Perception 

The ability of AI agents to perceive the environment around them empowers them to interact with their environments. AI agents can collect data about their environment from sensors or other digital inputs and external systems.

• Rationality 

You must know that AI agents have reasoning capabilities, which make them rational entities. AI agents can combine data from the environment with context retained from past conversations and domain knowledge to take decisions. 

• Proactivity 

AI agents don’t react to inputs and have the capability to take initiative on the basis of forecasts and models for future states. Rather than reacting to events, AI agents can anticipate changes and respond accordingly. 

• Continuous Learning

The most prominent highlight in AI agent architecture draws attention towards the ability of AI agents to learn from past interactions and improve continuously. AI agents identify different patterns, outcomes and feedback to optimize their decision-making and behavior, something you won’t find in static tools.

• Adaptability 

The core principle of adaptability in AI agents makes them capable of adjusting their strategies as responses to new events. Flexibility of AI agents is an unavoidable requirement to manage uncertainty, incomplete information or completely new situations.

• Collaboration 

AI agents can also work with human agents and other AI agents to achieve the same goals. In multi-agent systems, AI agents can communicate with each other and ensure coordination to perform different tasks in unison.

Enroll now in the Mastering Generative AI with LLMs Course to discover the different ways of using generative AI models to solve real-world problems.

What are the Components in Agentic AI Architecture?

The best way to learn about the architecture of AI agents will require an understanding of the different components. You can pick the three-tier intelligence model to understand how enterprises can build and scale up agentic systems. 

1. Foundation Tier

The first layer of AI agent components is the foundation tier, which defines the core intelligence base of the system. You will find two crucial components in the foundation tier: the state & memory component and the knowledge layer.

The state component tracks the goals that an agent pursues, the actions it takes, dependencies, and the outcomes. As a result, the agent always has a context to act with rather than starting from scratch for everything.

The memory component provides continuity with agents relying on two types of memory, short and long. Short-term memory is essential to maintain the flow during a specific task or conversation. On the other hand, long-term memory offers durable knowledge, which you can find in examples of business rules or customer history.

AI agents leverage the knowledge layer in the foundation tier to gain access to domain context and enterprise data. The notable tools used in this layer are RAG, vector databases, and enterprise search. The knowledge layer combines structured and unstructured information to create a shared context for AI agent reasoning.

Unlock your potential with the Certified AI Professional (CAIP) Certification. Gain expert-led training and the skills to excel in today’s AI-driven world.

2. Workflow Tier

The workflow tier transforms the understanding developed in the foundation tier into action. You must know that components in the workflow tier determine how different agents will work together, manage sequencing, and ensure that agents work on the right tasks. The two notable components in the workflow tier are the planner and orchestrator.

The planner in the workflow tier of agentic AI architecture breaks complex business goals into smaller tasks. It primarily focuses on designing dependencies, sequencing tasks, and determining what should happen with clear explanation of all agentic actions. 

The orchestrator plays a major role in how an AI agent works by deciding which agents should perform a specific task. In addition, the orchestrator also determines how results can be combined to offer a clear outcome. The other responsibilities of the orchestrator revolve around routing tasks on the basis of complexity, monitoring progress, ensuring smoother handoffs, and resolving conflicts.

3. Autonomous Tier

The final layer of components in agentic architecture is the autonomous tier, which primarily deals with actions. You will find two core components in this layer: the AI agents and tools and APIs used by agents. 

The AI agents work as the core components in the agentic framework with their autonomous reasoning and capabilities to use the right tools and APIs. Even though they work independently, the orchestrator and planner guide the actions of AI agents.

The utility of AI agents depends significantly on the ability to interact with enterprise systems. This is where APIs help agents in triggering transactions, updating workflows, fetching data, and connect with different enterprise systems. AI agents also use other tools to perform tangible actions and showcase enterprise readiness.

Final Thoughts 

The overview of key principles and core components in the architecture of AI agents reveals that agents don’t work alone. If the hype around autonomous reasoning and decision-making capabilities of AI agents is growing, then it is possible due to the components underlying agentic architectures. You can clearly notice that the core principles of agentic AI provide the ideal foundation for long-term adoption of AI agents. With comprehensive understanding of agentic AI architecture and related components, you can find the ideal roadmap to adopt AI agents for your business. Learn more about agentic AI and how it works now.

The post How AI Agents Work: Architecture & Core Components Explained appeared first on 101 Blockchains.

Circular Online explores what ‘Manchesterism’ is and how Andy Burnham’s potential policy agenda as PM could impact the resources and waste sector.

Keir Starmer’s resignation means the UK is going to see its seventh Prime Minister in a decade, and it’s no secret that the next occupant of 10 Downing Street is almost certainly going to be the new MP for Makerfield, Andy Burnham.

Despite unsuccessfully challenging for the Labour leadership twice previously, Burnham established himself as the king across the M25 during his time as Mayor of Greater Manchester.

The idea of Manchesterism emerged during his time as Mayor and revolves around decentralising power from London and putting it in the hands of local authorities and regional mayors.

In an agenda-setting speech this week, Burnham explained: “While national government has got bigger, particularly since the pandemic, local government is threadbare and without the resources to fulfil even statutory responsibilities.”

“This is not just bad for councils in the areas they serve; it is bad for everywhere.”

At a time when councils are under acute financial pressure, this is likely to be welcome news – depending on the details. It also means that the resource and waste sector could play an unexpectedly large role in the early months of Burnham’s premiership.

The scale of organised waste crime and the long-delayed Circular Economy Growth Plan, as well as Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and the UK’s Deposit Return Schemes (DRS), have all brought mainstream attention to the sector this year.

How Burnham chooses to address these challenges will have a massive impact on the industry and households across the UK. Fortunately, his time as Mayor of Greater Manchester gives us a unique insight into what his policies related to the sector could be.

In the role, Burnham led the largest waste disposal authority in the country, the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA), handling 4% of the UK’s municipal waste.

So what does his time in charge tell us?

What can the GMCA’s work tell us?

GMCA handles around 1.03 million tonnes of waste and recycling each year from over a million households in the metropolitan districts of Bolton, Bury, Manchester, Oldham, Rochdale, Salford, Stockport, Tameside, and Trafford.

Greater Manchester achieved a 50.9% recycling rate in 2024/2025 – the national average in England was 44% – and the landfill diversion rate was 99.5% in 2024/2025.

In 2022, the GMCA published a Sustainable Consumption Plan (SCP) setting out how Greater Manchester businesses and residents can reduce waste and create a more circular economy.

Circular economy principles have played a key role in one of Greater Manchester’s biggest success stories in recent years: the Renew Hub in Trafford Park.

Launched in 2021, the Renew Hub is the UK’s largest reuse and repair facility and is run by SUEZ recycling and recovery UK in partnership with the GMCA and nine local councils.

The Renew Hub aims to provide affordable goods to residents, fund grassroots projects to reduce waste and promote sustainability, and offer training in repair and green skills to support employability and inclusion.

Any household items donated at the 20 household waste recycling centres in the area are transported to the Renew Hub for repair and upcycling before being resold to the public.

Between 2024-25, the Renew Hub accounted for almost three-quarters (73%) of all social value generated by GMCA and its supply chain.

In a sign of how much he values the authority’s work, Burnham is set to appoint GMCA CEO Caroline Simpson as his deputy chief of staff and oversee devolution policies from No 10 North.

This is a key appointment that could signal how he approaches the role of Prime Minister. However, questions remain over one of his biggest appointments: who will be the next Chancellor?

Ed Miliband and net zero reindustrialisation

Not many politicians have published a blueprint outlining their policy platform, but in Head North, Andy Burnham, alongside Liverpool Mayor Steve Rotheram, set out their ten-point plan to fix Britain.

Some policies are expected, such as full devolution and a senate of nations and regions; however, one that stands out is: ‘Net Zero to Reindustrialise the North’.

At a time when the consensus on climate change has broken and the term ‘net zero’ has become a political football, it’s not a guarantee that Burnham will stick with this commitment to net zero.

But there are clear signs that Burnham will not abandon his previous support for a net-zero transition, even if he chooses to frame the policy decisions around reindustrialisation and highlights the economic opportunities instead of the environmental benefits.

While he has pushed back against media speculation, Burnham is widely expected to appoint the current Ed Miliband as Chancellor.

The current Energy Security and Net Zero secretary has long been a champion of renewable energy and is perceived to have pushed green policies around the cabinet table.

For the recycling and waste sector, the government’s legally binding commitment to achieving net zero emissions by 2050 has given investors confidence to back circular economy projects. Local authorities have factored it into their procurement and waste collection strategies.

In his speech earlier this week, Burnham said his plan for government would include strategic state intervention in key industries and promised to favour UK businesses in procurement. This could give a big boost to a variety of sectors, but especially local authorities across the UK.

While he chose not to focus on environmental policies, pointedly not mentioning the term ‘net zero’, the potential for the state to stimulate green growth is clear.

Despite being framed as a cost or a constraint on the economy by its opponents, the UK’s net zero economy generates around £105 billion in Gross Value Added (GVA) and supports 1.1m full-time equivalent jobs.

According to the research from the Confederation of British Industry (CBI), for every £1 of economic value created directly by net zero firms, a further £1.85 is generated across the wider UK economy through supply chains and household spending. The research also found that net zero is one of the UK’s ‘most productive and geographically distributed industrial sectors’.

For a PM in waiting who wants ‘good growth in every British postcode’, the appeal is clear. This could be a clear sign that the circular economy, recycling, and waste may play a bigger role in Burnham’s premiership than many people expect.

The post What could Andy Burnham as PM mean for the sector? appeared first on Circular Online.

Circular Online explores what ‘Manchesterism’ is and how Andy Burnham’s potential policy agenda as PM could impact the resources and waste sector.

Keir Starmer’s resignation means the UK is going to see its seventh Prime Minister in a decade, and it’s no secret that the next occupant of 10 Downing Street is almost certainly going to be the new MP for Makerfield, Andy Burnham.

Despite unsuccessfully challenging for the Labour leadership twice previously, Burnham established himself as the king across the M25 during his time as Mayor of Greater Manchester.

The idea of Manchesterism emerged during his time as Mayor and revolves around decentralising power from London and putting it in the hands of local authorities and regional mayors.

In an agenda-setting speech this week, Burnham explained: “While national government has got bigger, particularly since the pandemic, local government is threadbare and without the resources to fulfil even statutory responsibilities.”

“This is not just bad for councils in the areas they serve; it is bad for everywhere.”

At a time when councils are under acute financial pressure, this is likely to be welcome news – depending on the details. It also means that the resource and waste sector could play an unexpectedly large role in the early months of Burnham’s premiership.

The scale of organised waste crime and the long-delayed Circular Economy Growth Plan, as well as Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and the UK’s Deposit Return Schemes (DRS), have all brought mainstream attention to the sector this year.

How Burnham chooses to address these challenges will have a massive impact on the industry and households across the UK. Fortunately, his time as Mayor of Greater Manchester gives us a unique insight into what his policies related to the sector could be.

In the role, Burnham led the largest waste disposal authority in the country, the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA), handling 4% of the UK’s municipal waste.

So what does his time in charge tell us?

What can the GMCA’s work tell us?

GMCA handles around 1.03 million tonnes of waste and recycling each year from over a million households in the metropolitan districts of Bolton, Bury, Manchester, Oldham, Rochdale, Salford, Stockport, Tameside, and Trafford.

Greater Manchester achieved a 50.9% recycling rate in 2024/2025 – the national average in England was 44% – and the landfill diversion rate was 99.5% in 2024/2025.

In 2022, the GMCA published a Sustainable Consumption Plan (SCP) setting out how Greater Manchester businesses and residents can reduce waste and create a more circular economy.

Circular economy principles have played a key role in one of Greater Manchester’s biggest success stories in recent years: the Renew Hub in Trafford Park.

Launched in 2021, the Renew Hub is the UK’s largest reuse and repair facility and is run by SUEZ recycling and recovery UK in partnership with the GMCA and nine local councils.

The Renew Hub aims to provide affordable goods to residents, fund grassroots projects to reduce waste and promote sustainability, and offer training in repair and green skills to support employability and inclusion.

Any household items donated at the 20 household waste recycling centres in the area are transported to the Renew Hub for repair and upcycling before being resold to the public.

Between 2024-25, the Renew Hub accounted for almost three-quarters (73%) of all social value generated by GMCA and its supply chain.

In a sign of how much he values the authority’s work, Burnham is set to appoint GMCA CEO Caroline Simpson as his deputy chief of staff and oversee devolution policies from No 10 North.

This is a key appointment that could signal how he approaches the role of Prime Minister. However, questions remain over one of his biggest appointments: who will be the next Chancellor?

Ed Miliband and net zero reindustrialisation

Not many politicians have published a blueprint outlining their policy platform, but in Head North, Andy Burnham, alongside Liverpool Mayor Steve Rotheram, set out their ten-point plan to fix Britain.

Some policies are expected, such as full devolution and a senate of nations and regions; however, one that stands out is: ‘Net Zero to Reindustrialise the North’.

At a time when the consensus on climate change has broken and the term ‘net zero’ has become a political football, it’s not a guarantee that Burnham will stick with this commitment to net zero.

But there are clear signs that Burnham will not abandon his previous support for a net-zero transition, even if he chooses to frame the policy decisions around reindustrialisation and highlights the economic opportunities instead of the environmental benefits.

While he has pushed back against media speculation, Burnham is widely expected to appoint the current Ed Miliband as Chancellor.

The current Energy Security and Net Zero secretary has long been a champion of renewable energy and is perceived to have pushed green policies around the cabinet table.

For the recycling and waste sector, the government’s legally binding commitment to achieving net zero emissions by 2050 has given investors confidence to back circular economy projects. Local authorities have factored it into their procurement and waste collection strategies.

In his speech earlier this week, Burnham said his plan for government would include strategic state intervention in key industries and promised to favour UK businesses in procurement. This could give a big boost to a variety of sectors, but especially local authorities across the UK.

While he chose not to focus on environmental policies, pointedly not mentioning the term ‘net zero’, the potential for the state to stimulate green growth is clear.

Despite being framed as a cost or a constraint on the economy by its opponents, the UK’s net zero economy generates around £105 billion in Gross Value Added (GVA) and supports 1.1m full-time equivalent jobs.

According to the research from the Confederation of British Industry (CBI), for every £1 of economic value created directly by net zero firms, a further £1.85 is generated across the wider UK economy through supply chains and household spending. The research also found that net zero is one of the UK’s ‘most productive and geographically distributed industrial sectors’.

For a PM in waiting who wants ‘good growth in every British postcode’, the appeal is clear. This could be a clear sign that the circular economy, recycling, and waste may play a bigger role in Burnham’s premiership than many people expect.

The post What could Andy Burnham as PM mean for the sector? appeared first on Circular Online.

Wales’s Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) could increase the price of glass-bottled drinks in Wales by 50p, Welsh drink producers claim.

In a letter to the Welsh Government, 12 small and medium-sized Welsh household drinks brands warn the scheme could mean ‘higher prices for Welsh shoppers as well as fewer glass products on Welsh shelves’.

The businesses also warn that Wales’s DRS could make their businesses unviable and cut jobs.

They also cite industry analysis that suggests including glass as an in-scope material from day one of the scheme could add up to 50p to every single glass-bottled drink sold in Wales.

A UK-wide DRS is set to go live across England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland in October 2027, covering single-use PET plastic, steel and aluminium drinks containers between 150ml and 3 litres.

The Welsh Government plans to include glass containers in its scheme, as well as plastic, steel, and aluminium. However, there will be a four-year transition period during which no deposit is charged on glass containers to manage interoperability with the other UK schemes.

The decision to include glass has been met with fierce criticism from the glass producers and the drinks industry. While Welsh environmental and charitable organisations have consistently called for Wales’s DRS to include glass.

The letter from Welsh business leaders, which was organised by the British Soft Drinks Association (BSDA), urges the government to ‘proceed with caution’ to avoid unintended consequences for consumers, small businesses and the wider UK scheme.

Signatories include family-run food and drink producer Radnor Hills, the Welsh mountains still water brand Brecon Carreg, and the largest independent brewery in Wales, Brains Brewery in Cardiff.

The letter, addressed to the Welsh Government Cabinet Minister for Sustainability and Rural Resilience, Llŷr Gruffydd MS, calls on him to ‘urgently appoint’ Exchange for Change as the Welsh DRS administrator.

Earlier this year, the Welsh Government rejected Exchange for Change’s application to become its DRS administrator and reopened applications with a new deadline of 2 June 2026.

According to multiple reports, Exchange for Change, the DMO for the DRSs in England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland, was the only organisation to have submitted an application.

Exchange for Change said it was ‘disappointed’ by the decision, and confirmed it is considering appealing and intended to reapply.

The post Drinks producers claim Welsh DRS could raise prices by 50p appeared first on Circular Online.

Circular Online sits down with CIWM President Vicki Hughes to discuss her Think Again campaign, whether the industry has a branding problem, and how the sector can appeal to the next generation of job seekers.

Throughout June, Circular Online is exploring how to make the resources and waste sector more attractive to the next generation of talent.

In a fascinating conversation, we speak to new CIWM President Vicki Hughes about how her Think Again campaign is working to achieve this goal and change the perception that the sector is all about rubbish and bin lorries.

What are the key ways the sector can increase its visibility to job seekers?

The first step is to stop waiting for people to find us and start actively showing up where job seekers are already looking.

Many people have little or no understanding of what our sector actually does or the opportunities it offers. We need to tell more stories about the people who already work in the sector and the variety of careers available. We need to showcase the purpose behind the work, the environmental impact, the innovation and the career progression opportunities.

We also need to reach people where they are. That means moving beyond traditional trade media and conferences and making greater use of social media, short-form video, podcasts, schools, universities, and employer networks.

People cannot choose careers they don’t know exist, so through my campaign I’m asking all employers in the sector to pledge their support, and one of the ways they can do that is to tell the success stories of the people already working for them.

Research released as part of your Presidential Campaign identified that the sector has a branding problem. How should the sector reframe how it presents itself to job seekers?

The research suggested that many people form an opinion about the sector before they’ve learned anything about it. The challenge isn’t necessarily what we do; it’s how people perceive what we do.

For many people, the word ‘waste’ creates an immediate mental picture that doesn’t reflect the reality of our sector today. Yet we are a sector built around sustainability, innovation, resource efficiency, manufacturing, logistics, technology and environmental improvement. We need to talk less about what we collect and more about what we create.

We often lead with the word ‘waste’ when perhaps we should be leading with impact, opportunity and purpose.

We help tackle climate change.

We reduce carbon emissions.

We support the circular economy.

We protect natural resources.

We design infrastructure and services that keep society functioning.

When people understand the bigger picture, their perception changes remarkably quickly. The sector doesn’t need to reinvent itself.

What are some of the biggest mistakes the sector makes when trying to communicate with job seekers?

One of the most interesting findings was that organisations often talk about themselves, while job seekers are thinking about themselves.

Employers tend to lead with information about the organisation, the sector or technical requirements. Job seekers want to know: What will I be doing? Will I enjoy it? Can I progress? Will I make a difference? Can I be myself?

People don’t generally choose careers because of sectors. They choose careers because of purpose, opportunity, personal growth and the chance to have a positive impact. The more we can align our communications with those motivations, the more successful we’ll be.

How can the sector align with what job seekers want?

Today’s workforce is looking for meaningful work, opportunities to learn, strong values and the chance to have a positive impact.

The good news is that our sector already offers these. The challenge is not creating them. The challenge is communicating them.

We need to do a better job of showing career pathways, highlighting role models, celebrating diversity and sharing real stories about the people who work within the sector. The opportunities are already there.

We simply need to make them more visible.

Your research identified that the term ‘waste’ is actively deterring interest in the sector. What alternative terminology could be more effective?

I’m not suggesting we stop using the word waste altogether because it remains an important part of what we do. However, we should balance it with language that better reflects the wider contribution of our sector.

Terms such as circular economy, resource management, sustainability, environmental solutions, net zero, climate action and resource efficiency often generated more positive responses because they immediately connected to outcomes and impact.

However, we also have to be mindful that much of our language within this sector is very ‘sector specific’ and people who have not worked in the sector may not understand it. That’s why the actual real-life stories are going to be so important moving forward.

Ultimately, it is not about replacing one label with another. It’s about helping people understand that this is a sector focused on creating value, solving problems and protecting resources for future generations.

Often, people in the sector say they fell into their roles and ended up loving them. How can resources and waste make itself a sector of choice for job seekers?

Ha ha! I’m one of those people! When I joined the sector more than 20 years ago, I didn’t think I was joining waste and recycling. I saw it as a manufacturing role, as I was heading up a project to manufacture equine bedding from recycled wood.

I see time and time again how many talented people are overlooking this sector simply because they don’t understand what it encompasses. We need to move from being a sector people discover by accident to one they actively consider.

That means engaging much earlier with schools, colleges and universities. It means showcasing careers more effectively. It means highlighting the diversity of opportunities available. And it means giving people a clearer picture of what a modern career in resources, circular economy and sustainability can look like.

My ambition is that future generations choose this sector because they understand the opportunities, not because they happened to stumble across them.

What skills does the sector need to attract in the short, medium and long term?

In the short term, we need operational, engineering and technical skills to support the ongoing development of infrastructure and services.

In the medium term, we need people with expertise in digital technology, data analysis, communications, product design, policy and behavioural change.

In the longer term, I think the most important skill will be adaptability. The sector is evolving rapidly and will continue to do so. We will need innovators, problem-solvers and people who can work across disciplines to help create new approaches to resource management and circularity.

One of the biggest misconceptions is that we only need people with waste and recycling experience. In reality, we need talent from almost every professional background.

How would you encourage someone to join the sector?

The story is simple.

This is a sector that sits at the heart of some of the biggest challenges and opportunities facing society today.

If you want a career where you can see the difference you make, where you can contribute to environmental progress, where you can work on some of society’s biggest challenges and where there are opportunities to grow and develop, then this is a sector worth exploring.

It is a sector that combines purpose with innovation. A sector where you can help tackle environmental challenges, contribute to the circular economy, develop new products and services and make a measurable difference.

It is also a sector full of opportunities. That’s exactly why Think Again exists.

I want people to discover the sector because once they do, their perceptions often change very quickly.

The message I would give any job seeker is this: don’t judge the sector by what you think it is. Take a closer look. You may discover opportunities you never knew existed.

The post Why the sector needs to Think Again on recruitment: CIWM President Vicki Hughes appeared first on Circular Online.

The EU’s new Extended Producer Responsibility scheme requires the automotive sector to ‘design for circularity’ and ensure the free take-back and proper treatment of all end-of-life vehicles.

The EU Council has now formally adopted circularity requirements for vehicle design and the management of end-of-life vehicles.

As part of the new regulations, new vehicles must be designed and produced in a way that supports their re-use, recycling and recovery.

The EU Council said the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) scheme means producers will be made financially and organisationally responsible for the entire lifecycle of their vehicles.

The regulations also introduce circularity requirements across the entire life cycle of vehicles, from design and production to their end-of-life treatment.

After six years following entry into force of the new rules, at least 15% of plastic used to manufacture new vehicles must come from recycling, with the ultimate target of 25% recycled plastic within 10 years of the regulation entering into force.

Furthermore, a minimum of 20% of this recycled plastic must be recovered from end-of-life vehicles.

Based on a feasibility study to be finalised one year after the regulation enters into force, the European Commission must also introduce future targets for other materials, such as recycled steel, aluminium, magnesium, and critical raw materials.

The regulations also ban the export of used vehicles that are no longer roadworthy, applying to passenger cars and light commercial vans.

The EU Council says heavy-duty vehicles, motorcycles, and special-purpose vehicles will be subject to a ‘more limited set of requirements’ to ensure their proper treatment.

The regulation also aims to address the issue of ‘missing vehicles’ – vehicles that are illegally dismantled or exported – by enhancing traceability and control measures.

The new rules mean that once a vehicle meets the criteria of an end-of-life vehicle (waste), it must be treated by an authorised treatment facility and cannot be legally exported or resold as a used vehicle.

The post EU Council greenlights EPR scheme for automotive sector appeared first on Circular Online.

About Faraz Siddiqui

Full Name: Faraz Siddiqui

Designation: SVP, Finance Risk & Control

Company: Citi

Country: United States

Faraz’s Learning Journey That Inspires

Which 101 Blockchains certification did you complete?

I have completed the Certified Enterprise Blockchain Professional (CEBP) certification program by 101 Blockchains.

Why did you choose this program and how was your learning experience with the 101 Blockchains platform?

The opportunity to learn about blockchain technology from the perspective of governance, enterprise adoption and business strategy is the first reason for which I picked the CEBP certification program. As a professional who has worked in financial services, in the domain of governance and risk controls, I was curious to discover how blockchain technology can solve real business challenges.

The unique learning experience with 101 Blockchains turned out to be highly productive and helped me discover a completely different side of blockchain. They offered practical and well-structured content with focus on enterprise use cases rather than explaining only the technical concepts. I could not help but notice that the platform focuses heavily on business value of blockchain in real-world applications and best practices for implementing blockchain technology. All of these factors make the learning experience useful for professionals working in governance and leadership roles.

At 101 Blockchains, you don’t just earn certifications — you gain real-world skills that shape you into a confident blockchain professional.

Which skills or knowledge from the program helped you the most?

The most helpful skill that I gained from the CEBP certification program was the in-depth understanding of fundamental concepts of blockchain technology. As a beginner, I did not have any issues in discovering new information about enterprise blockchain platforms in the certification course. In addition, the certification course also included lessons on important things to keep in mind for blockchain governance and the practical use cases of blockchain in real business challenges.

If you ask me about the best thing that I learned from the program, I would point at the way it described blockchain as a solution to business issues rather than as a new technology. You will be surprised to figure out how blockchain can enhance transparency, trust, operational efficiency and traceability in complex environments with multiple participants.

Did the program contribute to your professional growth?

The Certified Enterprise Blockchain Professional (CEBP) certification program offered the best resource to learn about an emerging technology and its potential impact on regulated industries. I can now confidently conduct opportunity and risk analysis for blockchain applications with an emphasis on governance, strategy and risk management.

The certification also empowered me with abilities to become an active participant in discussions on digital transformation, adoption of emerging technologies and innovation. At the same time, I learned how to maintain the right balance of business value, governance and oversight in blockchain use cases.

From learners to leaders — explore the success stories of 100,000+ professionals with 101 Blockchains.

What would you suggest to someone thinking about a career in blockchain?

The best way to begin your career in blockchain starts with understanding the business problems that blockchain technology can solve. It will help you see the potential of blockchain in real business use cases rather than viewing it as another technology trend. You should focus on gaining technical expertise as well as in-depth knowledge of governance, operations, risk management and industry-specific business processes. 

As a blockchain professional, you can create the most successful blockchain initiatives only when you deliver measurable business value. Your blockchain initiatives should resolve real-world challenges, particularly in the areas of collaboration, trust and transparency.

The post Success Story: Faraz Siddiqui’s Learning Journey with 101 Blockchains appeared first on 101 Blockchains.