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  • CirCon#32 - Europe’s 44bn secondary market and why remanufacturing drives circularity

CirCon#32 - Europe’s 44bn secondary market and why remanufacturing drives circularity

It’s been a busy week! Let’s get stuck in.

Industry News

Europe’s secondary market was worth $25,400,000,000 in 2024. Amazon commissioned CEBR research shows Europe’s “second chance” economy kept 740,000,000 items in circulation and saved consumers ~44,000,000,000. Read more.

eBay posts strong Q2 results with growth in recommerce and AI tools. Revenue and GMV both beat forecasts and the company returned $759,000,000 to shareholders via buybacks and dividends. eBay said AI‑driven features and recommerce categories remain key strategic priorities. Read more.

IFS highlights remanufacturing as a key driver of circularity. The company’s 2025 webinar showcased how advanced service management and data visibility can help OEMs scale remanufacturing. Experts outlined strategies for improving asset lifecycles and reducing costs. Read more.

BMW Group expands ReVolt EV battery reuse initiative. Under the ReVolt circularity project, used EV batteries are being repurposed for grid-connected energy storage in collaboration with local partners. The initiative extends battery lifecycles, reducing both waste and material demand in the Thai EV ecosystem. Read more.

SER Capital Partners launches Paladin EnviroTech to scale ITAD and e‑waste recycling. The private investment firm has entered the ITAD space by forming Paladin EnviroTech and acquiring TechSmart International and Integrated Recycling Technologies. Brian Diesselhorst has been appointed CEO. Read more.

Mazuma partners with Early Upgrade to launch Databot in the UK. Mazuma Business is now the official UK provider of Early Upgrade’s innovative Databot technology for secure physical data destruction. Demonstrations begin at its facility in August. Read more.

GXO Logistics adds two industry veterans to its board. Patrick Byrne (ex‑GE Digital) and Michael Kneeland (former CEO of United Rentals) have joined the board. The appointments follow a governance refresh and bring the board to ten members, nine of whom are independent. Read more.

Reconomy wins ESG Initiative of the Year award. The award recognises Reconomy’s work in embedding circularity and sustainability across its global waste and resource services. Read more.

Ben & Jerry’s partners with PurposeEnergy to convert food waste into renewable energy. Ice cream byproducts from Ben & Jerry’s Vermont factory are processed in an anaerobic digester at PurposeEnergy, generating enough biogas to power ~1,300 homes. Read more.

LoopOS powers new trade‑in programmes for Rowenta and Moulinex. The circular platform has launched take‑back schemes with the two major home appliance brands, allowing customers to return used devices for discounts on new purchases. Read more.

Saint‑Gobain creates circular programme for insulation fibres. Its CertainTeed division repurposes insulation waste from Kansas City into ceiling panels in Michigan. In its first year, the initiative diverted 1,500,000 pounds of material from landfill and cut ~2,000 tonnes of CO₂. Read more.

ITAD leaders share the “10 Commandments of ITAD” at the 2025 ITAD Summit. John Shegerian (ERI), Todd Zegers (CXtec), Eric Ingebretsen (SK tes) and Paul Knight (illumynt) outlined key principles for secure, sustainable IT asset disposition. The panel emphasised ESG alignment, strong customer relationships, and scalable, compliant operations. Read more.

The EU passes new circularity regulation for the automotive sector. The legislation mandates design for reuse, higher recycled content, and stronger end-of-life vehicle processing requirements by 2030. Read more.

Investment News

UK to invest £1,100,000,000 from packaging reforms into recycling services. Funds from the new Extended Producer Responsibility scheme will go directly to local authorities. The investment aims to upgrade collection infrastructure and improve recycling rates nationwide. Read more.

Global‑e acquires ReturnGo to enhance post‑purchase capabilities. Global‑e has acquired ReturnGo, an AI-driven provider of return and exchange services, integrating its technology into its global e-commerce platform. The addition automates returns, exchanges, and workflows to deliver flexible, best-in-class experiences for merchants and consumers worldwide. Read more.

Ambercycle secures investment from Goldwin’s Play Earth Fund. The circular materials startup raised funding to scale its process for regenerating polyester from end-of-life textiles. The capital supports expansion of its chemical recycling operations and commercial deployment. Read more.

STO Express acquires Alibaba‑backed DanNiao Logistics for RMB 362,000,000. DanNiao operates 2,600+ outlets and 59 sorting centres, specialising in delivery and reverse logistics services. The deal strengthens STO’s network and enhances its capabilities in China’s e‑commerce logistics market. Read more.

Debrand secures 325,000 CAD CleanBC grant to tackle plastic apparel waste. The Metro‑Vancouver company will analyse non‑reusable polyester garments using automated sortation and proprietary software. Insights will guide new circular pathways and divert plastic-based apparel from landfill. Read more.

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Have a great one and we’ll meet again on Monday!

Cheers to circularity,

#TeamCircularConnect #ConnectingTheCircularEconomy