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

Industry News

Collaborations and Partnerships 🤝:

Kansas City Chiefs roll out NFL’s first stadium-wide reusable cup program with Bold Reuse. Starting September 14, more than 42,000 reusable cups will replace single-use versions across all fan zones. The closed-loop system marks the NFL’s first full-venue rollout, supported by a MARC grant. Read more.

Ellen MacArthur Foundation calls collaboration key to scaling circularity. From shared infrastructure to joint advocacy, collective action is proving more effective than solo efforts. Initiatives like HolyGrail’s digital watermarks and the ZEMBA buyers alliance show how partnerships accelerate systemic change. Read more.

Loop Industries and Shinkong team up to expand circular polyester. Loop’s Twist™ resin technology combines with Shinkong’s spinning and distribution network, giving global customers access to high-purity recycled polyester. Read more.

JoJo Maman Bébé launches JoJo Reloved resale program. In partnership with thelittleloop, the UK-based kidswear brand introduced the takeback scheme alongside its new JoJo Junior range for ages up to nine. Customers can trade in gently used items for instant credit or vouchers. Read more.

Circular Connect collaborates with the Circular Rubber Platform. The Circular Rubber Platform brings together key stakeholders to address hard-to-recycle rubber waste. By centralising and sharing knowledge, fostering collaboration, and initiating hands-on projects, it drives innovation in rubber recycling. Learn more and sign up here.

Company Updates 🔎:

Epson unveils metal recycling plant in Tokyo. The new facility converts used materials from Epson operations into metal powder products, advancing its circular manufacturing strategy. This move builds on its earlier reuse of silicon wafers and reinforces Epson’s 2050 goal to eliminate reliance on virgin resources. Read more.

Best Buy launches third-party marketplace to expand its digital range. The new platform introduces hundreds of new brands and categories like musical instruments, home décor, furniture, and licensed sports merchandise. Regardless of brand or seller, customers can return their marketplace purchases at Best Buy stores. Read more.

Clarios expands European battery recycling network with Ecobat facility takeover. The advanced energy storage solutions leader is expanding its recycling footprint by purchasing and integrating three former Ecobat plants into its operations. The move enhances Clarios’ ability to recover and reuse battery materials. Read more.

Synetic launches “ITAD-as-a-Service,” reframing asset disposition as strategic. The new model offers ongoing, secure IT equipment management, including certified data destruction, asset tracking, refurbishment, resale, and recycling, rather than reactive and episodic clean-ups. Read more.

Microsoft sued over Windows 10 end-of-life plans, citing e-waste risks. The lawsuit argues that halting free security updates in October will render millions of hardware-incompatible devices obsolete, creating a massive e-waste surge. With Windows 10 still used by roughly 43% of users, the case demands extended support. Read more.

Circularity Fuels turns dairy farm biogas into jet-fuel precursors. Using its proprietary, electric powered Ouro Reactor, the startup has successfully converted raw biogas from a California Central Valley dairy farm into synthesis gas (syngas), a key precursor to sustainable aviation fuel. Read more.

Circular Connect hosts its first successful networking event and announces dates for the next. We welcomed over 30 industry professionals to our networking event in London yesterday. As we continue to build in-person momentum, join us in wrapping up 2025 on December 4th! Register here.

Regional Highlights 🌎️:

Brazil hits 97.3% recycling rate for aluminium cans in 2024. Thanks to its mature reverse logistics model, manufacturer legislation, and industry-wide coordination, Brazil has maintained recycling rates above 95% for over 15 years. This achievement enforces Brazil as a global reference in circularity. Read more.

Researchers in Europe repurpose cigarette waste into stronger, more sustainable asphalt. Teams from the University of Granada and University of Bologna have developed special pellets from used and cleaned cigarette filters. When added to recycled asphalt, the pellets reinforce road surfaces and improve crack resistance. Read more.

Policy and Regulation 📖:

Recycling groups express frustration as global plastics treaty talks collapse. With negotiations in Geneva ending without a deal, groups warned that inaction delays urgent progress on plastic waste. Industry associations also voiced disappointment at the lack of consensus, urging greater commitment to recycling and circular solutions. Read more.

Investment News

M&A 💰️:

Blue Yonder acquires Optoro to transform global returns. The acquisition brings Optoro’s cloud-native platform into Blue Yonder’s suite, creating an end-to-end solution for warehouse and in-store returns. The move aims to tackle the 9.5 billion pounds of returns waste heading to landfill each year. Read more.

EverMetal Holdings unveils US’s first dedicated critical-metals recycling platform. Backed by GEF Capital Partners, EverMetal launches with the acquisition of CAI Custom Alloys, a certified processor of high-grade nickel, cobalt, and specialty-metal scrap. The move strengthens domestic supply chains and primes expansion via further acquisitions. Read more.

Closed Loop Partners acquires Agri-Cycle to scale organic waste recovery. The firm has taken control of Agri-Cycle, which provides commercial and industrial organics collection across 2,400+ locations in 14 states. The acquisition accelerates national expansion and targets the $110 billion food waste management opportunity. Read more.

IFS acquires 7bridges to supercharge industrial AI in supply chains. The move brings on board 7bridges’s AI-driven logistics optimisation tools, built for rapid data capture, simulation, and automation, enhancing IFS’s capabilities across sectors like manufacturing and aerospace. Read more.

MDSi joins PedalPoint Holdings, Korea Zinc’s circular platform in the US. The partnership combines MDSi’s IT managed service capabilities with PedalPoint’s recycling strength, creating an end-to-end circular solution for enterprise technology. Read more.

Venture and Growth Capital 📈:

H.I.G. Infrastructure takes a controlling stake in Finland’s Fluo Group. The move supports the Nordics rapidly evolving waste management industry. Fluo will now expand its service offerings, accelerate investments in sustainable waste infrastructure, and expand its regional circular economy model. Read more.

Goldman-backed Adapteo raises €2 billion to scale modular, circular spaces. Adapteo’s relocatable schools, offices, and health facilities extend asset lifespans and cut construction waste, reinforcing circular building practices. The financing was oversubscribed by nearly three times. Read more.

Before we wrap up for the weekend, why not take part in our referral scheme and share Circular Connect with someone who will benefit from it?

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

Cheers to circularity,

#TeamCircularConnect #ConnectingTheCircularEconomy