Carmen Fernández Ayuso, Head of Coordination and R&D Management at CETEC, explores how innovative company PHAntastic’s bio-based solutions are helping to create healther soils and a cleaner agricultural industry. Microplastics can be found all over the planet – even in some of our most remote areas – so it’s not surprising that plastics are also deeply embedded in agricultural practices. Conventional farming practices are heavily reliant on synthetic agrochemicals and fossil-based plastics and contribute to soil degradation, water contamination, biodiversity loss, and growing public health concerns. Agrochemicals – including fertilisers, pesticides, and herbicides – have also long been essential tools for boosting crop yields and ensuring food security. The…

  The Environment Agency has revoked Mineral Processing Ltd.’s environmental permit after accusing it of showing a ‘total disregard’ for local residents. The Planning Inspectorate dismissed an appeal made by Mineral Processing against the Environment Agency issuing a suspension notice at the site in Yorkshire. The Inspectorate agreed that the waste on site exceeded the permitted amount ‘by some considerable margin’. The dismissal also established that waste was being misdescribed as waste being brought onto the site was not allowed by the permit. This includes evidence from Environment Agency testing in 2022 that found hazardous substances, which is not permitted. The Planning Inspectorate also agreed there is a risk of…

  The Association of Directors of Environment, Economy, Planning & Transport (ADEPT) funds local highway authorities to measure and identify how to reduce their carbon emissions. The Carbon Leadership Programme, supported by the Department for Transport, has been developed by Proving Services in partnership with ADEPT and aims to support local highway authorities in implementing practical carbon reduction measures.  Described as a ‘first-of-its-kind’ programme, ADEPT says it provides a standardised way for councils to calculate the amount of carbon emitted from local road maintenance activities and where to direct efforts to reduce this carbon footprint. Available from June 2025, the Carbon Leadership Programme consists of two modules: a baseline carbon…

Bin strikes in Birmingham could last until December after 97% of refuse workers voted in favour of continuing industrial action. The vote, which had a 75% turnout, follows Birmingham City Council being granted an interim High Court injunction aimed at preventing striking waste workers from obstructing vehicles at three depot sites. Unite has pledged to continue its action lawfully and peacefully. In a statement, the union criticised the council’s decision to pursue legal action, stating it should instead focus on delivering a fair resolution. Commenting on the ballot, Unite general secretary Sharon Graham, said: “After smearing these workers in public since January and telling them to accept a fair and reasonable…