Today’s newsletter sponsor: G2 Reverse Logistics (G2RL)

G2RL brings intelligent decisioning and automated execution to reverse logistics, helping ITADs and OEMs unlock more value from every asset, including $5m+ recovered in a single OEM engagement.
Industry News
Collaborations and Partnerships:
Kraft Heinz pilots invisible UV tags to track recycling rates. Working with Polytag, the company is trialling UV-tag technology on Heinz packaging in the UK to capture real-time recycling data across waste streams. The initiative is designed to improve packaging visibility and recovery insights. Read more.
Company Updates:
Higher mobile trade-in volumes help drive record results at Assurant. The company processed nearly 7.5 million devices through its trade-in and reverse logistics programmes in Q1 2026, up by around 2 million year-on-year. Assurant raised its full-year outlook following strong Connected Living performance. Read more.
Iron Mountain reports record quarter as ITAD demand accelerates. The Asset Lifecycle Management business grew 92% year-on-year in Q1 2026, contributing to record quarterly revenue of $1.9bn. With strong growth across ALM, digital and data centre businesses, Iron Mountain’s full-year outlook has been raised. Read more.
ThredUp raises full-year outlook following strong resale growth. The online resale platform reported 15% year-on-year revenue growth in Q1 2026, alongside a 25% increase in active buyers to a record 1.71 million. ThredUp also increased its full-year revenue and EBITDA guidance. Read more.
Stellantis opens vehicle dismantling centre in Morocco to expand circular operations. The €1.6m Casablanca facility will process up to 10,000 end-of-life vehicles annually, supporting parts reuse, recycling and remanufacturing activities across the Middle East and Africa. Read more.
Regional Developments:
EU-backed project explores circular solutions for aircraft recycling. Green Assist and the Aethos Foundation have launched a 12-month initiative focused on recovering and reusing end-of-life aircraft materials across Europe. The programme will also examine traceability and recycling standards within aviation supply chains. Read more.
Over 50 businesses urge UK government to publish delayed Circular Economy Growth Plan. Signatories including IKEA, Virgin Media O2, SUEZ, Arup and TechUK warned that continued delays are creating uncertainty and slowing investment in circular economy initiatives. Read more.
EU and India launch €15.2m EV battery recycling initiative. The joint programme will support new recycling technologies and critical mineral recovery under the India-EU Trade and Technology Council. Funding will be directed towards projects focused on battery circularity and supply chain resilience. Read more.
Investment News
M&A:
Amcor enters talks to sell €300m waste management business. The packaging giant is negotiating the sale of ESE World, its European waste container and services unit, to Pacific Avenue Capital Partners. The move forms part of Amcor’s broader portfolio optimisation strategy around core packaging operations. Read more.
Ecobat completes exit from European lead market through Clarios deal. The battery recycling company has finalised the sale of its Germany and Austria operations to Clarios, following earlier divestitures across France, Italy and the UK. Ecobat said the move will sharpen its focus on North American recycling operations. Read more.
GameStop launches $55.5bn takeover bid for eBay. The proposed acquisition would combine GameStop’s retail footprint with one of the world’s largest secondary marketplaces, potentially reshaping the global recommerce landscape. eBay said it would carefully consider the unsolicited offer. Read more.
Venture and Growth Capital:
Closed Loop Partners backs recycled materials startup with $5m loan. The funding will support Supersede’s expansion of structural panels made from recycled industrial plastic waste as an alternative to plywood and OSB. A new Midwest manufacturing facility is expected to launch in summer 2026. Read more.
VNYX raises €1m to automate fashion resale operations. The Amsterdam-based startup uses robotics and AI to reduce garment processing times and help brands scale resale more efficiently. The funding will support expansion across returns, overstock and second-hand apparel operations. Read more.
Orbia secures £1.4m for EV battery graphite recycling pilot. Backed by the UK Government’s DRIVE35 programme, the project aims to recover graphite from end-of-life EV batteries and reduce reliance on overseas supply chains. Initial output is expected to begin in late 2026. Read more.
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Have a great weekend and we’ll see you again on Monday.
Cheers to circularity,
#TeamCircularConnect #ConnectingTheCircularEconomy