Circular Economy News | ESG & Sustainability | OneStop ESG

Dow and Google’s AI Revolutionizes Soft Plastic Recycling

In a world drowning in plastic waste, soft plastics like films and flexibles pose a stubborn recycling challenge, with only 1.9% of U.S. households able to recycle them curbside. Enter Dow and Google’s X The Moonshot Factory, whose groundbreaking partnership harnesses AI to revolutionize how we sort and recycle these materials. By combining Dow’s materials science expertise with Google’s machine learning and molecular vision, they’re tackling the complex composition of films, aiming to boost circularity and keep plastics out of landfills. Early tests show promise, accurately identifying material components, and the collaboration could transform recycling systems globally. This article dives into their mission, the science behind it, and how businesses and communities can join the fight for a waste-free future. It’s a story of innovation, collaboration, and hope for a circular economy.

Syklo Invests $83M in Finland’s Largest Recycling Plant

Syklo Ltd. is investing $83M+ in a plastic recycling and biocomposite plant in Finland, boosting circular economy efforts with advanced sorting tech and 20% higher recycling efficiency.

METYCLE Raises $15 Million to Modernize Metal Recycling

METYCLE raised $14.8M to streamline metal recycling using AI sorting and digital tracking. By enhancing efficiency, it cuts CO₂ emissions by 95% and enables a more sustainable metals industry.

From Linear to Circular: The Future of Sustainable Economies

Our current economic model follows a take-make-waste approach, depleting resources and creating massive waste. Transitioning to a circular economy offers a sustainable alternative by minimizing resource extraction, designing products for longevity, and promoting reuse, refurbishing, and recycling.

MacroCycle Secures $6.5M Seed Funding to Revolutionize Plastic Recycling

MacroCycle raises $6.5M to upcycle plastic waste into virgin-grade products using low-energy technology, reducing emissions and addressing global waste challenges with scalable, sustainable solutions.

IKEA’s Parent Ingka to Invest €1 Billion in Recycling-Focused Companies to Boost Circular Economy

Ingka Investments plans a €1 billion investment in companies focused on recycling infrastructure, supporting the shift to a circular economy and reducing waste in IKEA’s supply chain.

Greene King's Tub2Pub Campaign Returns to Boost Recycling and Support Cancer Patients

Greene King's Tub2Pub returns, recycling plastic tubs and raising funds for Macmillan Cancer Support. The initiative has recycled 26,253 kg of plastic and raised £24,000 in five years

NTU Scientists Develop Eco-Friendly Method to Recycle E-Waste Plastic

NTU scientists have developed a method to recycle e-waste plastic safely, using solvents to remove toxic chemicals, recovering over 80% of reusable material without compromising its quality

Negotiations on Global Plastic Pollution Treaty Stall, Talks to Continue in 2025

Circular Economy Reduces Manufacturing Waste by 65%

Schneider Electric and GR3N Partner to Revolutionize Large-Scale Plastic Recycling

Marubeni Invests in Tire Recycling Technology for Thailand