May 2025 saw major progress in the UK’s sustainability efforts.
Recycle news: from cutting food waste to slashing plastic use, the month brought forward developments that are driving real, lasting change. In this round-up, we spotlight the standout moments: Aldi and Ocado proving the power of reusables, Greggs saving millions of meals from landfill, WRAP’s launch of the UK Textiles Pact, Lucozade’s major plastic-saving bottle redesign, and a successful food waste trial in Newcastle.
Each of these milestones signals a bigger shift towards innovation, collaboration, and circular economy growth, and gives a glimpse into a greener future that’s fast taking shape.
Recycle News: Aldi and Ocado's Reusable Triumph
Retail giants Aldi and Ocado made headlines in the latest recycle news by demonstrating that reusable systems can significantly outperform single-use plastics. As part of the Refill Coalition trials, Aldi introduced refill stations across selected stores, achieving a 57% refill rate without offering financial incentives. Meanwhile, Ocado piloted a reusable container system for home deliveries, boasting an impressive 86% return rate.
An independent life cycle assessment confirmed that reusables are more eco-friendly than single-use packaging after just two uses. These findings, celebrated widely in recycle news circles, underscore the potential of sustainable retail practices and highlight a clear path forward for companies aiming to slash their plastic footprints while maintaining customer convenience.
Find out more: Aldi and Ocado trials prove reuse systems can outperform single-use plastic
Greggs Saves Five Million Meals
In another inspiring development featured in recycle news, Greggs achieved a significant milestone by preventing over five million meals from going to waste. Partnering with FareShare, a leading food redistribution charity, Greggs redistributed unsold but edible food items across its UK stores.
This initiative has not only reduced environmental waste but also provided much-needed support to communities facing food insecurity. Greggs’ efforts, widely recognised in the recycle news spotlight, demonstrate how large-scale retailers can leverage their networks for social good while actively reducing landfill contributions, an inspiring blueprint for the industry.
Find out more: Greggs prevents five million meals from going to waste
WRAP's UK Textiles Pact Launch
The fashion industry, long criticised for its environmental impact, saw a beacon of hope with the launch of WRAP’s UK Textiles Pact. Building on the success of the Plastics Pact, this new initiative seeks to unite brands, manufacturers, and recyclers to combat the staggering 1.7 million tonnes of textile waste generated annually in the UK.
Focusing on sustainable design, reuse, and recycling, the Textiles Pact signals a vital shift towards a circular fashion economy. By fostering collaboration across the industry, WRAP aims to drive systemic change, setting new standards for environmental responsibility in fashion.
Find out more: WRAP launches UK Textiles Pact as part of rebrand
Lucozade's Plastic-Saving Redesign
Lucozade, the iconic beverage brand, unveiled a significant redesign of its packaging, poised to save approximately 956 tonnes of plastic every year. The new bottle features a fully recyclable, easily removable sleeve, facilitating more straightforward recycling processes.
This move is part of Lucozade’s broader sustainability strategy, aimed at reducing both plastic waste and carbon emissions. It’s a clear testament to how product innovation, when guided by environmental considerations, can yield substantial benefits for the planet without compromising on brand identity or product quality.
Find out more: Lucozade bottle redesign will save ‘956 tonnes’ of plastic annually
Newcastle’s 300-Tonne Food Waste Recycling
On the local front, Newcastle City Council, in collaboration with SUEZ Recycling and Recovery UK, successfully recycled over 300 tonnes of food waste within a year through a pioneering new collection scheme. Households were provided with separate food waste bins, and the collected waste was processed at an anaerobic digestion facility, converting it into renewable energy and high-quality fertiliser.
This trial not only diverted a significant volume of waste from landfills but also demonstrated the tangible benefits of municipal food recycling programs. Newcastle’s success serves as a model for other cities aiming to bolster their waste management practices and environmental sustainability efforts.
From food waste innovations to game-changing packaging redesigns, May 2025 has been a month of real progress in the UK’s journey towards a more circular economy.
These initiatives show that with the right partnerships, bold thinking, and collective effort, we can tackle some of the biggest challenges in waste and resource management. As businesses, local councils, and organisations continue to lead the way, it’s clear that sustainability is no longer a choice, it’s the future.
Find out more: New trial recycles over 300 tonnes of food waste in Newcastle
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Each month, our waste round-up provides insights into the latest advancements in waste reduction, recycling, and circular economy initiatives. Whether it’s government policies, corporate sustainability efforts, or community-driven projects, we ensure you stay informed about the key developments shaping the future of waste management.
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