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[…] Rodriguez-Alarcón identifies two dominant factors behind the latest crypto market pullback. He explains that the unfolding tensions have pushed institutional capital into […]
Following FOCE 2025, join host Mark Shayler as he recaps some of the key insights shared at this year’s Festival alongside an expert panel. From material innovations, to responsible business models and tackling resource access across global supply chains, hear the key takeaways about the role of designing for circularity.
How do we design with nature at the top of the circular hierarchy? Adding another layer to the conversation, hear from experts in regeneration and regenerative design about how we design in and for nature to take a holistic approach to a circular economy that supports natural ecosystems.
This webinar is sponsored by Routeware
The post It Starts with Design: Continuing the Conversation appeared first on Circular Online.
The All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for the Environment says transitioning to a circular economy could deliver a £25 billion boost to the UK economy by 2035 and create ‘hundreds of thousands’ of jobs across the country.
Chaired by Labour’s Andrew Pakes MP, the APPG says the UK can become more resilient to global instability by using resources more efficiently and giving consumers a ‘right to repair’, which ensures products can be fixed when they break.
For many of the questions facing us, the circular economy provides some answers.
The group’s key asks, along with giving consumers a ‘right to repair’, are to embed the reuse of critical minerals into the Clean Energy Mission and set a goal to bring the UK’s resource use within global limits by 2050.
Green Party co-leader Adrian Ramsay MP, Conservative Dame Caroline Dinenage MP, Labour’s Uma Kumaran MP, and the Liberal Democrats’ Wera Hobhouse MP have endorsed the asks.
The cross-party group are launching a report today (17 June) at a parliamentary reception, featuring a keynote speech from Environment Secretary Steve Reed.
The report is backed by businesses including SUEZ Recycling and Recovery UK and Mura Technology, as well as organisations like the Chartered Institution of Wastes Management (CIWM), Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment (IEMA), Zero Waste Scotland, and the think tank Green Alliance.
The report includes a six-step plan to make better use of resources and kickstart the circular economy, which are:
Commenting on the report’s launch, Director of Policy, Communications and External Affairs at CIWM, Dan Cooke, said: “This is a welcome and timely report in advance of the forthcoming Circular Economy Strategy and illustrates the real opportunities in terms of jobs, skills, growth and resilience if governments, business and sectors – including ours – implement practical measures to progress towards more circular and resource-efficient practices at scale.”
Andrew Pakes, Chair of the Environment APPG, commented: “For many of the questions facing us, the circular economy provides some answers.
“How do we make the UK more resilient in a fractured world? How do we bring skilled jobs to our high streets and industrial heartlands?
“How do we clean up our streets, rivers and seas? Making better use of precious resources holds a key to all of these.”
It is pleasing to see greater political consensus developing around kickstarting the circular economy.
Commenting on this six-step plan, Diane Crowe, Group Sustainability Director at Reconomy, said: “It is pleasing to see greater political consensus developing around kickstarting the circular economy.
“By promoting circular practices such as recycling, reuse and decoupling growth from resource use, and giving consumers a real ‘right to repair’, not only can this lower carbon emissions, but also unlock material cost savings and boost economic sustainability for businesses.
“With heightened geopolitical uncertainty, trade wars, inflation and a slowing economy, the circular economy can address some of the greatest structural challenges in our economy.”
The post Circular economy could deliver £25bn boost to the UK, MPs say appeared first on Circular Online.
Taking place between 10-12 June, the Waste Management Europe (WME) 2025 Exhibition and Conference connects global experts in waste management, recycling, reuse and circularity.
WME 2025 says it promotes ‘cutting-edge thinking in applying innovative solutions to some of the world’s greatest challenges’.
CIWM President Tim Walker delivered the Keynote Address at the Exhibition on new frameworks for a holistic waste management strategy.
Walker also spoke on the ‘Next steps for the waste management sector – a call to action to policy makers’ session, which identified areas of consensus for priority consideration and action.
Speaking to Circular Online, Walker called the opportunity give the Keynote Address as CIWM President a ‘great honour’.
“This was a focused event specifically looking at resources and waste and, across the three days, there was considerable interest amongst the participants in exploring how circularity could be progressed with several recommendations likely to arise from the conference for the EU – some may even involve CIWM.
“All-in-all, the days were hot, the conference was well attended and packed with great content, there were many questions asked only broken up by superb food and strong coffee – Italian of course. What better way to see in summer while also showcasing CIWM.
“It also provided a last hurrah for my Presidential Report Turning Off the Tap, which has provided me with much content over the year and allowed me to focus on how the resources and waste sector can talk to and work with others across the value chain to deliver circularity.”
What better way to see in summer while also showcasing CIWM.
Walker’s presidential term ends this week when he will be succeeded by the current CIWM Vice President Dr David Greenfield. Dr Greenfield will be inaugurated as president during a ceremony at the House of Commons on 19 June.
CIWM Early Careers President Charlotte Davies appeared at WME 2025 as part of a ‘Fireside Chat’ on developing a new generation of waste management talent.
Davies also gave a presentation on advancing progress of the management of waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) in Europe through circular economy integration.
“Coming from a UK-based background in resources and waste, it was great to learn from leading projects, campaigns and waste experts in what is being done across Europe, but also globally, to tackle the waste challenge,” Davies told Circular Online.
“I was also able to share my early career insight and experience from the CIWM’s Early Career team during a fireside chat discussing how to develop a new generation of waste management talent.
“During this, we talked at length about the green skills gap and the importance of engagement with schools, universities and incoming talent to reinforce the sectors future and the transition to the circular economy.
“A key takeaway for me is that the circular economy is a long way off, and to truly embrace the transition we need to collaborate with other sectors, change mindsets and prioritise system thinking. I strongly believe the CIWM and CEI along with others, will be key in enabling this.”
The post CIWM Presidential team appear at Waste Management Europe Conference 2025 appeared first on Circular Online.
The emergence of Bitcoin as a cryptocurrency has been nothing short of revolutionary. The decentralized cryptocurrency has proved that it is possible to make payments without relying on conventional fiat currencies. Bitcoins first came into existence in the year 2008. Since then, the popularity of these novel currencies has reached new heights. This is evident from the fact that at the beginning of 2025, corporates held 1.68 million BTC, which grew to 1.87 million BTC by the end of the first quarter. The role of Bitcoins is not restricted to corporations and individuals today. Nations have been accepting and adopting bitcoins with open arms. The use of Bitcoins as national reserves has been gaining momentum in recent times. It is high time to explore the exact role of Bitcoin in national reserves.
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National reserves are the assets or resources that are set aside by nations for economic and strategic purposes. Typically, countries maintain national reserves to ensure financial stability. However, these reserves can also be used for responding to crisis situations or meeting financial obligations at the international level. Conventionally, gold, government bonds, and the US dollar act as national reserves.
In the digital world, a remarkable development has taken place when it comes to maintaining national reserves. Gradually, countries are using bitcoins as national reserves. Globally, several nations, such as the United States of America, China, and the United Kingdom, have started holding bitcoins. The USA has about 200,000 bitcoins, which is the highest for a nation.
Many people have started wondering – ‘Is Bitcoin the next reserve currency?’ If you have the same question in mind, it is necessary to remember that Bitcoin certainly has the potential to emerge as the next reserve currency in the digitalized global economy.
The United States of America established its strategic Bitcoin reserve in March 2025. The US government plans to hold Bitcoin as a strategic asset so that it can act as a hedge against inflation. President Trump believes that the nation can use the novel digital currency to protect the country against financial instability in the future.
The use of Bitcoin in National Reserves seems like an unconventional yet promising idea. It may reshape the existing digital asset landscape. The move by the USA is likely to inspire more nations across the globe to adopt Bitcoin while maintaining their national reserves instead of relying on conventional assets. In fact, in Ukraine, a draft of the bitcoin national reserve bill has already been introduced.
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The introduction of Bitcoin in National Reserves certainly holds promise for nations. By using these digital currencies as reserves, nations can derive a broad range of benefits. They can address their financial challenges in an innovative manner. The chief benefits of using the crypto in the national reserve include:
One of the main benefits of using Bitcoin in National Reserves revolves around diversification. Nations do not have to rely solely on fiat currencies while maintaining their national reserves. With the help of bitcoin national currency, they can diversify their risk and strengthen their economy. Therefore, bitcoin can act as the ultimate tool that can promote financial resilience.
A core benefit of Bitcoin revolves around its high level of transparency. Since Bitcoin is based on blockchain technology, there is no doubt that it is totally transparent. Thus, there is negligible risk of any kind of manipulation. So, by using crypto in national reserves, nations can take advantage of its transparent feature.
Inflation is undoubtedly one of the most common economic concerns for nations all across the globe. Bitcoin may serve as a useful tool that can help nations strategically deal with the inflation problem. Since the supply of bitcoins is limited to 21 million coins, there is no concern regarding inflation.
The historical trend of Bitcoin has been very favorable. The digital currency has showcased price appreciation in the long run. Thus, if nations gradually accept Bitcoin’s national currency, they can maximize their national wealth. Therefore, their financial position at the global level is likely to improve.
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In recent years, more nations have shown an interest in accepting bitcoins as national reserves. Gradually, individual investors, businesses, and even nations have started to realize that Bitcoin can serve as a strategic tool in the unpredictable financial landscape.
A major reason for the growing adoption of crypto in national reserves is the complexity relating to conventional reserve assets. In the volatile times, traditional assets such as the US dollar and gold are becoming entangled politically. Moreover, these resources are impacted by external factors, causing economic instability.
However, such issues do not arise while using bitcoins as a national reserve asset. The use of Bitcoin in national reserves promotes financial stability as well as economic resilience for nations. The adoption of Bitcoin reserves by nations even creates an opportunity for them to maintain a leadership position in the crypto space.
In order to address the question – ‘Is Bitcoin the next reserve currency?’ one must look at the concerns that may arise. In spite of the fact that bitcoin has shown high potential, several complexities may arise that one cannot ignore. Some of the main concerns and challenges include:
Although blockchain technology has solid security, one cannot entirely eliminate the risks from cybercriminals. These malicious actors may adopt sophisticated techniques to compromise cybersecurity. In case these actors succeed in their malicious intentions, nations may be at serious risk. Thus, there is a need for robust cybersecurity measures so that foolproof security can be in place before nations consider passing a Bitcoin national reserve bill.
The regulatory landscape of cryptocurrencies, including bitcoin, is not entirely developed. As it is a fairly new concept, most nations do not have well-defined regulations and rules in place. It certainly increases the level of uncertainty for nations that intend to use bitcoins in national reserves. Furthermore, the introduction of new policies has the potential to impact the value of bitcoins, thereby impacting the national reserves of countries.
A major concern relating to bitcoin is that it does not have an intrinsic value. The fact that Bitcoin has no physical existence gives rise to concerns in the minds of people who have limited insight into the digital currency. The value of Bitcoin is entirely based on market confidence. Thus, negative sentiment relating to Bitcoin may significantly diminish its value. This feature increases the risks for nations that plan on using bitcoins in their national reserves.
Bitcoin mining is an energy-intensive process. It means that for mining bitcoins, significant energy is needed. As a result, bitcoins may give rise to substantial environmental footprints. In spite of the fact that the use of bitcoins may revolutionize how nations maintain their national reserves, it may give rise to serious sustainability questions. So before adopting Bitcoin in national reserves, nations must think of ways of addressing the negative environmental effects.
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It is too early to determine the effectiveness of Bitcoin as a national reserve asset. However, one thing that can be said with certainty is that Bitcoin is full of promise. Moreover, within a short span of time, it has surfaced as a highly relevant financial tool that nations can use to overcome the challenges associated with fiat currencies.
Recently, several nations around the globe have already started considering using bitcoins as a national reserve asset. The interest in the specific cryptocurrency as a national reserve asset is definitely growing all around the world. The adoption of Bitcoin can transform the existing global financial landscape. However, before introducing Bitcoin in national reserves, it is essential for countries to take into consideration the positive as well as the negative effects.
In the contemporary era, the introduction of bitcoin in national reserves is certainly gaining momentum. It is an unconventional move that nations are taking to adapt to the current technology-driven global economy. Nations are exploring bitcoins as a national reserve asset so that they can overcome issues relating to economic instability and inflation.
Although Bitcoin holds promise to act as a strategic national reserve asset, nations must adopt a cautious approach. It is essential to take into account the advantages along with the challenges and concerns that may arise by integrating bitcoins into national reserves.
*Disclaimer: The article should not be taken as, and is not intended to provide any investment advice. Claims made in this article do not constitute investment advice and should not be taken as such. 101 Blockchains shall not be responsible for any loss sustained by any person who relies on this article. Do your own research!
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As part of World Refill Day 2025 (16 June), environmental charity City to Sea has called on retailers and the UK Government to commit to ensuring 30% of packaging is reusable by 2030.
However, despite this demand, the research indicates that only 18% of shoppers are aware of where to find these refillable options.
Commenting on the research, CEO of City to Sea, Jane Martin, said: “The public (is) ready, but retailers, brands and government are stuck.
“We’re calling time on this broken system where shoppers carry the guilt while single-use sales soar. It’s time to break the deadlock – where government, businesses and consumers all wait for the other to move first.
“So, the ask is simple: make it easier to reuse than to throw away.”
The research also found that almost 80% of people in the UK already take action to minimise waste in their weekly shopping.
79% said they would also try new products if supermarkets offered refill or reuse options, 30% said they already bring a reusable container to a takeaway at least once a month, and 51% return packaging to a collection point at least monthly.
City to Sea is calling for a legally binding national commitment to ensure that 30% of packaging is reusable by 2030.
The environmental charity also wants the UK Government to establish a reuse infrastructure fund using at least 5% Extended Producer Responsibility fees to help build national refill and return systems and support shopper behaviour change campaigns.
Martin continued: “Without policy, investment and promotion, reuse schemes will continue to fail.
“We’re not lacking willingness – we’re lacking the infrastructure to make reuse mainstream. Reuse presents a win-win opportunity to a government with an economic growth agenda and significant carbon and waste reduction commitments.”
The post 74% of UK consumers want retailers to offer reusable packaging appeared first on Circular Online.
The crypto revolution is gradually growing bigger with new crypto assets and technological advancements making a huge impact. There was a time when cryptocurrencies were a niche topic for tech experts. In 2025, cryptocurrencies are a topic for mainstream discussions everywhere, from board rooms to dining tables. Do you want to learn everything about cryptocurrencies from a reliable platform? You can choose 101 Crypto as your trusted companion for navigating the crypto landscape. It is an emerging platform tailored to serve as the most productive option to become a cryptocurrency expert.
Anyone can learn about cryptocurrencies from different resources available throughout the internet. However, beginners may end up with misinformation and confusion, ultimately missing out on many opportunities. Let us show you how the new platform is your one-stop destination to learn everything about Bitcoin, blockchain, and cryptocurrencies.
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101 Blockchains has been one of the pioneers in blockchain training and certification with its extensive list of courses and certification programs. The platform has come up with a new solution to help you learn crypto fundamentals and more about the world of cryptocurrencies. With a special emphasis on “101” and “cryptocurrencies”, the new platform has been created with a vision and mission. The platform aims to empower everyone to gain access to concise and reliable information on cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology. It will achieve the same by transforming complex concepts into concise articles that not only educate but also empower learners.
The term “101” is special for many reasons, especially for the fact that it signifies the starting point for anyone who wants to learn a new subject. You can think of it as a university-level program to learn about cryptocurrencies, albeit without the boring lectures, regular classes and hefty fees. The primary goal of 101 Crypto revolves around serving as a useful solution for beginners and professionals who want to enhance their crypto skills and knowledge. One of the most interesting aspects of the platform is the focus on topics beyond Bitcoin and cryptocurrencies, such as DeFi, NFTs, DAOs and web3.
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The first thing that you must know about the new platform by 101 Blockchains for crypto education is the comprehensive range of information on the domain of cryptocurrencies. The platform recognizes that different people have different learning styles. You could not rely on a one-size-fits-all approach in crypto education, considering the fact that cryptocurrencies are a comparatively new technology.
On top of it, relying solely on courses cannot be the only successful approach to enhance your crypto expertise. Therefore, the new platform has created a collection of diverse, high-quality content to adapt to different learning styles. Let us show you some of the notable reasons for which the new crypto learning platform is the best pick.
Just like 101 Blockchains, the new platform is your best source for top crypto blogs on trending topics and fundamental concepts. The blogs on the platform can not only introduce you to new topics in the domain of crypto but also empower you to learn the practical implications of cryptocurrencies. The collection of blogs on crypto that you can find on the platform will offer the ideal answers to learn everything about cryptocurrencies and blockchain. You can learn about different topics ranging from Bitcoin fundamentals to the latest news updates such as approval for Bitcoin ETFs on one platform.
Another crucial highlight of the new crypto platform is the different categories of blogs. The platform includes four distinct categories such as Bitcoin, Crypto, Crypto Analysis and Crypto Wallets. The categories of blogs offer a step-by-step approach to learn important concepts like tokenization, Bitcoin mining and smart contracts. You can also avoid the trouble of browsing through a huge repository of blogs to find the desired information.
The most promising reason to choose 101 Crypto is the assurance of learning experience that delivers productive results for your career. You can find a clear structure in the blogs on the platform, which helps you establish a seamless flow of context and ideas. For example, you can identify how the topics you are learning in one paragraph are related to the topics in the previous paragraph. You can also learn important concepts through visually appealing diagrams or through an illustration in the articles. The blogs on the new platform aim to be informative as well as entertaining, thereby transforming your learning experience into a productive one.
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You should trust the new platform by 101 Blockchains to enhance your crypto skills and knowledge with practical experience. As one of the reliable sources for the best Bitcoin blogs, the new platform aims to deliver lessons that will actually help learners. You can use insights from the platform’s blogs to understand how blockchain and cryptocurrencies solve real-world problems across different industries. The examples provide a clear impression of the transformative potential and practical use cases of crypto and blockchain technology.
The biggest factor that can determine your chances of learning crypto and blockchain successfully is the element of support. Think of a beginner who reads a blog on cryptocurrencies or takes up a professional course. What would they do when they are overwhelmed by the technical jargon and new concepts they could not understand? With the new platform, you will find the solution to this problem with additional resources like a free Bitcoin course and a Bitcoin eBook. On top of it, a strong support system that responds almost instantly to learner requests ensures a seamless learning experience for everyone.
The list of reasons to trust the new crypto platform by 101 Blockchains is incomplete without mentioning latest trends. You can rely on the platform to learn about latest crypto trends and updates about new technological advancements. The blogs on the platform offer analytical insights, important news updates and help you learnt the most relevant things. For instance, breakdown of complex news stories and assessment of their implications can ensure easier understanding of market trends.
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The new platform for learning about cryptocurrencies is an ideal pick for everyone who wants to know about cryptocurrencies. With the prospects for rising adoption of cryptocurrencies, almost everyone should understand how the virtual currencies work. The following groups of learners are the best audience for the new platform by 101 Blockchains.
The primary focus of the new platform for learning about cryptocurrencies and everything beyond is on foundational crypto knowledge. The new platform aims to offer specialized insights that can help you learn more than just crypto, through its blogs. For instance, you can gain insights on DeFi, NFTs, web3 and the best practices for security of crypto users.
You can also dive deeper into the practical uses of cryptocurrencies in different scenarios. The new platform will also help you learn about web3 in the long run. The blogs on the platform will also help you understand the role of crypto in the broader web3 ecosystem. On top of it, the platform also provides educational content on topics like crypto wallets and crypto analysis. The blogs on such topics can help crypto users make better decisions about crypto safety and investment.
The creation of a new platform by 101 Blockchains to help you learn crypto proves their commitment to blockchain education. The new platform will help you find comprehensive blogs on different topics related to cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology. On the other hand, it also empowers learners with the skills and knowledge required to use cryptocurrencies for real-world problems. One of the distinctive highlights of the platform is the emphasis on increasing awareness of latest updates in crypto. Learn more about the new platform and discover what it has in store for you.
*Disclaimer: The article should not be taken as, and is not intended to provide any investment advice. Claims made in this article do not constitute investment advice and should not be taken as such. 101 Blockchains shall not be responsible for any loss sustained by any person who relies on this article. Do your own research!
The post Introducing 101 Crypto: Your One-Stop Destination for Everything Bitcoin, Blockchain & Beyond appeared first on 101 Blockchains.
Volvo Cars says it is the first car maker to sign a supply agreement with SSAB for recycled steel for serial production deliveries.
The agreement is an extension of a long-term existing collaboration between the two companies to be at the ‘forefront of the transition to more sustainable steel’.
The recycled steel will be used in selected components of the forthcoming, fully electric EX60 SUV, as well as other cars based on Volvo Cars’ next-generation SPA3 car architecture.
Volvo Cars says the recycled steel meets the same safety-related requirements as primary steel in terms of strength and durability.
One of the biggest sources of CO₂ emissions in our production process is the steel we use to build our cars…
The car manufacturer has a target to use an average of 30% recycled content across its fleet by 2030 and for new car models released from 2030 to contain at least 35% recycled or bio-based content.
Compared with traditionally produced steel in Europe, Volva Cars says SSAB’s recycled steel generates ‘almost 100% less CO₂ emissions’ in its own operations and is made with almost 100% recycled content.
Commenting on the deal, Francesca Gamboni, Volvo Cars’ chief supply chain and manufacturing officer, said: “One of the biggest sources of CO₂ emissions in our production process is the steel we use to build our cars, averaging 25% of all material-related emissions for a new Volvo car.
“By signing this agreement, we have taken an important step in reducing the impact on the environment and increasing the awareness for using recycled materials within our supplier network.”
“We work towards achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040, and cutting steel-related emissions really has the potential to move the needle.”
The post Volvo Cars signs recycled steel deal with SSAB appeared first on Circular Online.
While Chancellor Rachel Reeves pledged a real-terms increase of 2.3% in total departmental spending across the review period, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) faces one of the steepest real-terms reductions—an average 2.7% cut per year to its day-to-day budget.
That equates to a fall in resource spending from £4.8 billion in 2025–26 to £4.7 billion by 2028–29, with only the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and Department for Transport seeing deeper operational budget reductions.
This places Defra among the fiscal “losers” of the review, raising concerns from legal experts, environmental advocates, and industry leaders alike.
For the waste management and recycling sector, the Spending Review delivered few concrete commitments. Despite ongoing efforts to position the circular economy as a pillar of sustainable growth, the review contained only a passing reference to “simpler recycling” within local government settlements.
The settlement also includes funding for local authorities to deliver Simpler Recycling as part of the Collection and Packaging waste reforms, which is aimed at helping to stimulate investment in recycling services across the UK. Local authorities will continue to receive additional income through the Extended Producer Responsibility scheme for packaging. However, there was no specified funding for these changes—nor for the infrastructure overhauls many councils will require.
We welcome a commitment to sustainable growth, but recycling infrastructure must be a strategic priority
Instead, the Review stated that authorities “will continue to receive additional income through the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) scheme for packaging.” The extent to which this EPR funding will be ringfenced or integrated into general council finances remains uncertain.
Capital investment across Defra also appears skewed. While the department receives £16 billion over the Spending Review period—a real-terms annual increase of 2.5%—the bulk of this funding is directed toward farming subsidies, flood defence projects, and nature recovery. Notably absent are any significant capital allocations for waste infrastructure or circular economy initiatives.
As David Palmer-Jones, CEO of recycling firm CIRQLR, put it: “We welcome a commitment to sustainable growth, but recycling infrastructure must be a strategic priority. Giving waste a second life is not just environmental—it’s economic resilience.”
Defra’s operational reduction arrives at a critical moment for the department. It is tasked with implementing some of the most significant waste policy changes in decades—including Simpler Recycling, EPR, Deposit Return Schemes, and the integration of waste into the UK Emissions Trading Scheme.
Without clear definitions or communication, a rapid withdrawal of subsidies risks repeating past errors
Legal experts have flagged potential implementation risks. Maddie Dunn, Legal Director at Charles Russell Speechlys, specifically called out the fragility of the Environmental Land Management Schemes (ELMs), where funding is being redirected away from subsidies that fail to show a “return on investment.”
“This isn’t objectionable in principle,” Dunn said, “but without clear definitions or communication, a rapid withdrawal of subsidies risks repeating past errors, like the sudden SFI suspension earlier this year.”
The Spending Review confirms Defra will pursue £144 million in “technical efficiencies” and at least 5% in savings by 2028–29. It also plans to invest over £300 million in digital transformation to reduce reliance on contractors. But whether this internal reorganisation will help or hinder policy delivery remains an open question.
In contrast, the energy and decarbonisation sectors received a clearer boost. The government allocated £9.4 billion in capital funding for Carbon Capture, Usage and Storage (CCUS), including support for the HyNet and East Coast Clusters.
Dave Richardson, Chair of the North West Hydrogen Alliance, welcomed the backing but stressed the need for a “clear, long-term framework” for hydrogen deployment.
Energy-from-waste operator enfinium announced plans to invest £200 million in carbon capture at its Parc Adfer facility in North Wales, citing the government support as key to turning the site into one of the largest carbon removal projects in the UK.
The broader energy landscape includes £14.2 billion for Sizewell C nuclear power and funding for clean heat, electric vehicles, and energy efficiency under the Warm Homes Plan. But these initiatives focus on generation and decarbonisation—not on integrating circular economy principles into industrial growth.
The Spending Review also confirmed a £3.4 billion increase in core grant funding to local authorities by 2028–29. This represents a 3.1% real-terms annual increase and includes funding streams for local transport, walking and cycling infrastructure, and air quality improvements.
However, the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH) cautioned that further detail is needed on how this funding will reach environmental health teams.
President Mark Elliott stressed: “The involvement of environmental health professionals will be vital… but clarity is still needed from the Government on how teams across the country will be supported.”
While the Spending Review has been cautiously welcomed for its industrial and energy commitments, the environmental policy community remains sceptical.
The lack of dedicated funding for waste infrastructure, combined with operational cuts to Defra, could create a bottleneck in the UK’s circular economy transition.
Many in the sector are calling for urgent clarification on delivery mechanisms, particularly for local authorities expected to implement system-wide changes without ringfenced support.
As Maddie Dunn said, “Policy intentions mean little without practical clarity. Fast-track changes without communication only add instability. We’ve seen it before. We can’t afford to see it again.”
The post Defra hit with major cuts in 2025 Spending Review appeared first on Circular Online.
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