UPS and Happy Returns expand box-free returns network to 10,000 locations. The partnership added 1,700+ drop-off points across the US, reinforcing its position as the largest label-free returns network. The model enables consolidated returns, faster processing and immediate refunds at drop-off. Read more.

Samsara Eco signs 10-year deal with LSKD for recycled nylon. The partnership will see nylon 6,6 produced from end-of-life plastics used in activewear, replacing virgin materials from 2028. It marks LSKD’s first use of fibres derived from used textiles. Read more.

Samsung Electronics quadruples use of refurbished parts in repairs. Usage increased more than fourfold year-on-year in Q1, with components reused across home appliances including air conditioners and washing machines. The shift reduces repair costs by up to 50% while lowering electronic waste. Read more.

LG Electronics targets 8 million tonnes of e-waste collection by 2030. The company has already recovered over 5 million tonnes, with global take-back programmes operating across 50+ countries. The target forms part of broader efforts to scale recycling and resource recovery across its product lifecycle. Read more.

Google pilots reuse kits to extend device lifecycles. The programme provides USB kits to install ChromeOS Flex on ageing PCs, enabling continued use beyond software end-of-life. It forms part of a pilot with Back Market focused on reducing e-waste through device reuse. Read more.

Bosch scales remanufacturing across automotive aftermarket. Its eXchange programme has taken back around 2.5 million used parts annually, generating €400m in revenue with targets of €1bn by 2030. The model restores components to “as-new” condition at up to 30% lower cost while reducing raw material demand. Read more.

Uber Eats launches in-app retail returns with courier pickup. Customers can return eligible items purchased through the app by requesting a courier, with refunds issued at the point of collection. The service applies to orders over $20 and is rolling out with retailers including Best Buy and Petco. Read more.

Epoch Biodesign to open world’s largest nylon recycling plant in London. The facility will process post-consumer nylon 6,6 using AI-engineered enzymes, producing outputs for reuse. The demonstration plant is expected to handle hundreds of tonnes annually as the company scales towards commercial production. Read more.

IKEA, SAP and LEGO call for ambitious EU Circular Economy Act. A coalition of major companies has urged the European Commission to introduce harmonised rules to enable a single market for circular products and materials. Read more.

Linear economy model drives €25 trillion in annual value loss. The Circularity Gap Report 2026 estimates €25.4 trillion is lost each year through waste, inefficiency and underutilised assets, equivalent to around one-third of global GDP. Read more.

AI hardware growth could add up to 5 million tonnes of e-waste by 2030. A study in Nature Computational Science estimates increased demand for high-performance chips and servers will drive additional waste volumes. Read more.

EU to introduce end-of-waste criteria for textiles. Proposals are expected in Q4 2026 to define when textiles cease to be waste, aiming to harmonise classification and enable trade in recycled materials across member states. Read more.

Singapore launches national deposit return scheme for cans and bottles. The programme introduces a 10-cent deposit on beverage containers, with returns enabled via reverse vending machines across the country. It is expected to process over one billion containers annually. Read more.

ZigZag acquires Shipup to expand post-purchase capabilities. The deal combines returns infrastructure with delivery tracking and customer engagement tools, creating an end-to-end post-purchase platform. The combined business will operate across 170+ countries with integrated logistics and customer experience services. Read more.

Kitar raises $10m+ to scale recommerce in Southeast Asia. The Indonesia-based platform secured Pre-Series A funding led by Source Code Capital, with participation from Hike Capital and Mindworks. Proceeds will support AI-led inspection, supply chain infrastructure and expansion of its offline collection network. Read more.

Grest secures strategic investment from Japan’s ICMG. The refurbished electronics platform has raised investment as part of its Pre-Series A round, marking its first foreign backing. The deal signals growing global interest in India’s formalising recommerce market. Read more.

Former BHP CFO raises $12m for metals recycling plant. The start-up, led by Peter Beaven, has secured funding to develop a commercial-scale facility in New South Wales, targeting metals recovery and recycling infrastructure. Read more.

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