Wales launches first comparative trial of hydrogen and electric refuse vehicles. Wales has begun its first side-by-side trial of hydrogen fuel cell and battery electric refuse collection vehicles, funded by more than £420,000 from the Welsh Government. Cardiff Capital Region is coordinating the programme with Ricardo, Hyppo and two local authorities.
The trial will compare a Faun Zoeller Bluepower hydrogen fuel cell RCV, one of only two operational in the UK, with a Mercedes eEconic battery electric vehicle. Engineers and fleet managers from Caerphilly County Borough Council and Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council will assess energy usage, range and operational performance across different terrains.
Refuse collection vehicles account for roughly a third of council fleets but around two thirds of fleet carbon emissions, according to Cardiff Capital Region. Results from the programme will inform the next phase of zero-emission fleet planning across Wales.
Packaging firm Pact Group has invested in Plan B Circular, the UK textile-to-textile polyester recycler behind Project Re:claim, its joint venture with the Salvation Army Trading Company (SATCoL). The deal aims to scale polyester recycling ahead of EU legislation expected in 2028.
Sixteen international partners led by Danish Technological Institute have launched InFACT, a project to turn household flexible plastic waste such as crisp packets, coffee bags and meat films into new packaging, including food packaging. Less than 15 per cent of this material is currently recycled.