The re-use of raw materials that are now disposed of as waste is one of the key principles of the Circular Economy Package adopted in December 2015. The European Commission is proposing a Regulation which will significantly ease the access of organic and waste-based fertilisers to the EU single market, bringing them on a level playing...

ISO 16075 is a new standard relating to the treatment and reuse of wastewater in agricultural irrigation projects and aims to maximize the benefits and reduce any related risks for the agricultural irrigation systems associated with the use of recycled water. In regions where water is scarce, treated wastewater can provide a new and vital source of water.  It makes environmental...

In very simple terms, Lean is a particular way of structuring and managing a project that reduces waste while increasing quality and value for the customer. Lean encourages cost savings and allows for greater flexibility in the project development process and maximises co-operation with all stakeholders. Adapting lean principles and tools gives everyone involved in the project...

Two billions of tonnes of waste is produced in Europe every year and represents a significant economic loss. Waste prevention lies at the centre of the European Union’s policies on waste and Member States have a legal obligation to adopt and implement waste prevention programmes. The overarching principle behind EU and national waste policies is the ‘waste...

How can new Horizon 2020 circular economy research & innovation projects benefit from the experience of existing projects funded under different EU programmes? On 8 December 2015 EASME organised a kick-off & networking meeting for 21 waste-related research & innovation projects to help them share their knowledge and explore synergies. The meeting marked the official...

The European Commission has launched it’s circular economy package and measures to promote reparability in the design phase of products. The aim of circular economy is to “close the loop of product lifecycles through greater recycling and re-use, and bring benefits for both the environment and the economy”. The circular economy package will receive €5.5bn from...

Have you ever seen an audience turn off when sustainability, resource management or regulatory compliance is being discussed.  Perhaps consideration of some or all of the following may help you to be more engaging: Too technical  â€“ using language that is incomprehensible Jargon â€“ lazy thinking  – jargons need translating into everyday terms Ambiguous – either...

The circular economy eliminates the concept of waste and recognises that everything has a value.  This includes looking at waste as the underutilisation of resources. Circular supply chain:  Introduces fully renewable, recyclable, or biodegradable materials that can be used in consecutive life cycles. Recovery and recycling:  Creates production and consumption systems in which everything that used to be considered...

ISME, the Irish Small and Medium Enterprises Association, released the results of its ‘SMEs and CSR’ survey which assessed the level of SME engagement in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in 2015. The Association found that all respondents were active in CSR, despite the fact that only 54% were aware that their activities could be classified...

The EPA has published an updated waste classification list and information aimed at assisting you to determine whether or not you waste is hazardous. The waste classification system applies across the EU and is the basis for all national and international waste reporting obligations. The EPA reference document is split into two to accommodate users; the full listing is...