Before we get stuck in, we’re excited to share media partnerships with the following European events, and we’d love to invite you to join us at them:

Industry News

Collaborations and Partnerships 🤝:

GXO and Greene King turbocharge sustainability with robust reverse logistics. Carbon intensity has dropped since 2019, with fuel efficiency up 10%, and new eco-tech halving delivery energy use. Recycling and reuse rates have improved and 9,000+ tonnes of food waste was sent to anaerobic digestion in 2024. Read more.

Servify and Appalachian Wireless partner for device protection. Servify has teamed up with Appalachian Wireless to provide device protection services covering accidental damage, extended warranty, and repairs or replacements, strengthening after-sales support in Eastern Kentucky’s wireless markets. Read more.

The Iconic partners with Revibe to expand its circular fashion strategy. The new “Rescued” line gives warehouse stock with minor flaws a second life through cleaning, repair and upcycling, keeping fashion in circulation while meeting customer demand for imperfect goods. Read more.

SMX and REDWAVE sign LOI on recycling traceability. SMX has agreed a collaboration with BT-Systems’ Competence Center REDWAVE to integrate its molecular marking and blockchain passports into high-speed sorting platforms, enabling full transparency of materials and recycled inputs to re-enter supply chains with verified quality and compliance. Read more.

Emporia partners with TMT First on repairs. Emporia Telecom has appointed Staffordshire-based TMT First as its official UK repair partner. The move supports Emporia’s senior-friendly device portfolio and reinforces both firms’ focus on repair instead of replace. Read more.

Reconomy and VWS launch digital waste-tech partnership. Reconomy has joined forces with VWS’ PurGo ERP to boost digital performance in waste and resource management. The link with Reconomy’s digitalXchange platform will drive real-time analytics, data accuracy, and efficiency. Read more.

Virgin Media O2 and Coventry City Council expand #CovConnects to fight e-waste and digital exclusion. The 18-month project will collect, refurbish and redistribute unused devices from businesses and public bodies. Over 4,700 devices have already been rehomed, with secure data wiping and local partnerships ensuring safe reuse. Read more.

Company Updates 🔎:

The RealReal’s 2025 Resale Report reveals shifting consumer trends. Sales of fair condition second-hand items jumped 32% YoY, with new buyers driving a 40% surge. Nearly half of shoppers now factor resale value into new purchases. Classic investment pieces continue to appreciate, while vintage, nostalgia, and lived-in aesthetics are back in demand. Read more.

Back Market eyes record 2025 and launches new repair platform. The leading second-hand tech marketplace is entering a new phase of growth and forecasts €3 billion GMV in 2025. It has introduced a repair platform in France, Germany, and Spain, offering smartphone and tablet repairs, available one-off or via subscription. Read more.

Honda opens dedicated Resource Circularity Centre in Ohio. The new hub repurposes retired tools, equipment, electronics, and service parts that would otherwise be scrapped. Materials are reused, donated, or recycled, with recycled inputs fed back into Honda’s supply chain. Read more.

SK tes reports progress towards net zero. SK tes has released its latest sustainability report, highlighting advances towards decarbonising its operations and supply chain. The lifecycle services firm says it’s making measurable progress on net zero while strengthening circular practices across its ITAD business. Read more.

John Lewis launches soft toy and teddy bear repair service. From 24 September, John Lewis and 200+ Waitrose stores across the UK will offer soft toy cleaning, restuffing, and minor repairs. Run with Johnsons and trained by “The Repair Shop’s” Teddy Bear Ladies, the service aims to extend the life of cherished toys. Read more.

ecoATM expands into Canada enabling broader sustainability in North America. Electronics recycler ecoATM has rolled out kiosks across Ontario Walmart stores, giving consumers an easy way to trade in and recycle old devices. The move builds on its record of diverting 25 million pounds of e-waste from landfills in 2024. Read more.

Illumynt names new Chief Executive Officer. Illumynt, a CNE Direct company, has promoted Jörg Herbarth to CEO. He steps up from COO as founder Paul Knight transitions to Chairman and will drive Illumynt’s next growth phase, focusing on AI-driven ITAD, reverse supply chains, and sustainability. Read more.

£500 million waste-to-energy plant powers up in Leeds, UK. Enfinium’s new Skelton Grange facility will divert 410,000 tonnes of non-recyclable waste a year from landfill, generating 49MW of electricity and supplying local heat networks. The site created 400+ construction jobs and will employ 40 permanent staff. Read more.

Regional Updates 🌎️:

EIC urges UK to embed circularity in infrastructure. The Environmental Industries Commission is calling for circular economy principles to guide UK infrastructure delivery. Proposals include scrapping VAT on retrofits, factoring whole-life value into procurement, and piloting carbon/circularity assessments. Read more.

Italian startup achieves unprecedented critical metals recovery breakthrough. Circular Materials has recovered its first tonne of nickel and first kilogram of ruthenium directly from wastewater, using its ultra-low carbon SWaP process. Recognised under the EU Critical Raw Materials Act, the innovation slashes emissions by over 99%. Read more.

STICA calls for tax cuts on second-hand clothing. The Scandinavian Textile Initiative for Climate Action, backed by 47 organisations, is urging Sweden to halve VAT on resale from 12% to 6%. The proposal for the 2026 budget aims to boost profitability while tackling the “double taxation” that squeezes circular fashion. Read more.

Investment News

M&A 💰️:

Ivy Technology acquires PureWrx to expand ITAD capabilities. Global repair provider Ivy has acquired PureWrx, a leading provider of certified pre-owned enterprise IT hardware. The deal strengthens Ivy’s sustainability focus, expands IT asset disposition services, and enhances OEM partnerships including Juniper. Read more.

Ara Partners acquires Microtec to cut concrete emissions. Private equity firm Ara Partners has taken a majority stake in Microtec, whose Turbo Mill technology converts waste glass into PozzoDyne™, a low-carbon cement alternative. The process cuts emissions by ~94% versus traditional cement. Read more.

Venture and Growth Capital 📈:

Big capital boost for circularity with Una Terra’s €50 million Growth Fund. Zurich-based Una Terra will channel €50 million into circular ventures slashing plastic waste and CO₂. The move accelerates growth for startups turning waste into value across global supply chains. Read more.

Ingka invests in food waste-to-energy specialist Vanguard Renewables. The investment and partnership will divert unsold food and scraps from IKEA stores into Vanguard’s anaerobic digesters, producing renewable natural gas and low-carbon fertilizer. Read more.

Tailwind Capital backs DMD Systems Recovery to scale ITAD services. Tailwind has made a strategic investment in DMD Systems Recovery to fuel growth in its end-to-end IT asset disposition business. With this funding, DMD plans to expand its geographic reach, enhance its service portfolio, and execute further acquisitions. Read more.

Closed Loop Partners deploys $10 million loan to GreenMantra to advance plastics circularity. GreenMantra’s tech turns hard-to-recycle plastics like PE and PP into high-value materials for roofing and paving. The funding will expand its Ontario facility by 50%, boosting output of specialty waxes and polymer additives. 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