Today’s newsletter sponsor: Reconext

Reconext is a global leader in technology lifecycle solutions, enabling many of the world’s leading brands to maximise the value of their technology assets. Through secure IT asset disposition, refurbishment, value recovery and remarketing, Reconext helps organisations protect data and extend the life of technology.
Industry News
Collaborations and Partnerships:
DHL and Vinted deepen partnership to support Germany’s booming second-hand market. The expanded agreement adds DHL parcel shops and parcel lockers to Vinted’s delivery network, making it easier for consumers to buy and sell pre-owned goods. Read more.
rStream brings AI-powered waste sorting to Gillette Stadium. The partnership automates on-site separation of recyclable, compostable and residual materials after major events, improving material recovery while reducing manual handling. Read more.
CircuBack launches nationwide blister pack take-back scheme across UK pharmacies. Delivered in partnership with MYGroup, the initiative enables patients to return empty medicine blister packs through participating pharmacies nationwide. Read more.
Company Updates:
Altilium secures UK patent for EV battery material recovery process. The technology recovers battery-grade cathode materials from end-of-life lithium-ion batteries, supporting domestic production of critical battery materials. Read more.
Epoch Biodesign acquires Spanish production plant to scale recycled nylon. The deal makes the company the first enzymatic recycler capable of manufacturing nylon 6,6 at industrial scale for apparel, automotive and industrial applications. Read more.
Virgin Media O2 trials in-store concept to boost tech recycling and reuse. The ‘O2 Tech Refab Lab’ educates shoppers on refurbishment, trade-ins and recycling to encourage more devices to stay in circulation for longer. Read more.
Regional Developments:
Global textile production generates 92,000 tonnes of microfibre pollution each year. The first global assessment estimates that 63% leaks into the environment, highlighting the need for cleaner manufacturing and improved wastewater treatment. Read more.
EU ministers position the circular economy as a cornerstone of economic security. The proposal aims to reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels and critical raw materials while strengthening supply chain resilience. Read more.
EU study finds chemically recycled plastics cost up to 3.7x more than virgin material. New research highlights the economic challenge facing wider adoption, despite growing regulatory support for recycled content. Read more.
Critical minerals start-up warns it could move overseas without stronger UK government support. DEScycle says it may relocate planned processing capacity to the US or Japan, highlighting growing international competition to attract critical minerals investment. Read more.
Investment News
M&A:
eBay completes $1.2 billion acquisition of Depop. The deal adds one of the world’s leading Gen Z fashion resale platforms to eBay’s portfolio, strengthening its position in the growing recommerce market. Read more.
Metrika II acquires majority stake in Italian circular economy specialist Proteg. The investment will support expansion of the business, which converts animal by-products and food waste into high-value materials, fertilisers and biofuels. Read more.
Venture and Growth Capital:
Greyparrot raises $27 million Series B to scale AI-powered waste analytics. The funding will accelerate deployment of its computer vision platform, helping recyclers improve material recovery through real-time material intelligence. Read more.
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Have a great weekend and we’ll see you again on Monday.
Cheers to circularity,
#TeamCircularConnect #ConnectingTheCircularEconomy