The focus of scientists' interest is chitin, a substance that makes up 75 percent of lobster exoskeleton and is also contained in fungal and bacterial pathogens. Photo: Aileen Devlin | Virginia Sea Grant Attribution-NoDerivs 2.0 Generic (CC BY-ND 2.0)Aileen Devlin | Virginia Sea Grant Attribution-NoDerivs 2.0 Generic (CC BY-ND 2.0)

US potatoes survive pests thanks to lobster shell

Ground shells from lobsters can feed communities of beneficial microbes, creating a line of defense against soil pests. Researchers from University of Maine researchers offer a potential circular solution to safeguard the state's major crop. Which would also avoid tons of waste
The Patrica plant in Lazio is an example of the potential of the circular bioeconomy: Novamont has transformed a historic Italian chemical hub into a highly renewable biopolyester production centre, obtained from materials of vegetable origin. PHOTO: NovamontNovamont

Circular bioeconomy, biobased industries need specific codes

Interview with Giulia Gregori, Strategic Planning and Corporate Communication manager of Novamont: "We will thus be able to enhance the contribution of biobased products to decarbonisation and soil protection"
Il compost è un fertilizzante naturale estremamente utile in agricoltura, che riduce l'uso dei prodotti chimici e valorizza la frazione umida dei rifiuti urbani (la cosiddetta FORSU). FOTO: Matteo Berlenga

Plastic, glass, metals: the “enemies” that dirty the compost

The alarm emerges from a series of video interviews with managers of composting plants carried out by the italian Biorepack consortium. Too high percentages of "foreign fractions" (up to 12%) make it more difficult and expensive to make compost. On the other hand, compostable, flexible and rigid bioplastics were promoted with flying colors: "very useful for increasing quantity and quality of the final product"
Efficient sewage management can recover important soil nutrients. Photo: Christine Johnstone Attribution-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic (CC BY-SA 2.0)Christine Johnstone Attribution-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic (CC BY-SA 2.0)

New sewage management brings benefits to soil, EEA says

A decentralized sewage treatment offers better opportunities for the development of circular solutions even for arable land, a European Environment Agency analysis says
The EU wants to adapt regulations on recoverable waste transfer to the needs of circular economy. Photo: Pxhere CC0 Public Domain Free for personal and commercial use No attribution requiredPxhere CC0 Public Domain Free for personal and commercial use No attribution required

Urgent need to support European market for recyclable materials, says EEA

The growth of non-hazardous recoverable waste trade within the European market represents an opportunity for the circular economy, says the EU Environment Agency. The sector is already worth 12 billion but can grow further by creating new opportunities and improving the quality of recycling
A circular innovation for Africa: recycling coconut waste reduces timber consumption and deforestation. Photo: Freetown sl Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International (CC BY-SA 4.0)Freetown sl Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International (CC BY-SA 4.0)

The story of Alhaji, the startupper who is curbing deforestation with coconut waste

Una soluzione circolare contro la deforestazione in Africa Occidentale. Alhaji Siraj Bah, giovanissimo innovatore di Freetown, in Sierra Leone, scommette sui residui del cocco per offrire un’alternativa ai prodotti derivati dal legno
The Colombian capital Bogotá is home to several best circular practices promoted in Latin America. Photo: Felipe Ortega Grijalba Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International (CC BY-SA 4.0)Felipe Ortega Grijalba Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Latin America is the new benchmark for urban agriculture and land care

From recycling to green building, from countering land consumption to urban gardens: here's how Latin America is becoming a leading player in the circular economy
Red mud is the unpleasant waste product of bauxite. Photo: Ra Boe Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported (CC BY-SA 3.0)Ra Boe Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported (CC BY-SA 3.0)

From mining to soil regeneration. Australia is betting on bauxite

A group of researchers in Queensland are developing a new technology for the biological treatment of bauxite residues. A circular strategy to turn waste products into fertile soil
Basalt rock in Iceland. When used as amendment, this mineral is reportedly proving effective in increasing soil fertility and carbon capture. Photo: Hippopx License to use Creative Commons Zero - CC0Hippopx License to use Creative Commons Zero - CC0

Rock dust pushes crop yields higher and CO2 emissions down

Basalt rock dust could be a significant driver of carbon sequestration in soils and a powerful fertilizer. US researchers are trying to assess this circular solution
The food production system, says Ellen MacArthur Foundation's latest report, can be redesigned to let nature thrive Photo: Pixabay Free for commercial use Attribution not requiredPixabay Free for commercial use Attribution not required

Diversity and circular design will lead global food into the future

Ellen MacArthur Foundation: "To create an environmentally friendly food production system, we must redesign the supply chain by diversifying ingredients and regenerating crops."

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