Topic
sustainability
Manufacturing Charity rebrands more than 1,000 surplus garments a year to save them from landfill
Swindon-based clothing charity Dressability alters and redistributes more than 1,000 branded garments a year, saving new coats, fleeces and other apparel from landfill. The project, launched after a delivery of coats from a company that ceased trading, now supplies organisations in Liverpool and Ukraine, with surplus garments sourced from Osnic Embroidery.
Commodities Rice-Wheat Monoculture Impacting Punjab's Soil Health, Says Study
A Punjab Agricultural University study has found that continuous rice-wheat monoculture is associated with soil degradation in Punjab. Union Minister Bhagirath Choudhary cited puddling, intensive tillage and mono-cropping as key causes, while data showed rice acreage in the state rose to 32.68 lakh hectares in 2025-26 from 29.69 lakh hectares in 2021-22.
Supply Chain MACS launches plastic procurement toolkit to cut unnecessary plastic use in shipping
Maritime Association for Clean Seas (MACS) launched its first plastic procurement toolkit, developed by its Sustainable Plastic Procurement Working Group to reduce unnecessary plastic use before it enters vessel operations. The guides include a plastics taxonomy, phase-out pathways and a decision-support framework, with a public consultation open until August 16.
Commodities Why Biofortified Crops Could Shape the Next Phase of Indian Agriculture
According to Prateek Rastogi of Better Nutrition, biofortified crops bred through conventional methods could shift Indian agriculture from calorie security to nutrition security. ICAR has released more than 150 varieties across wheat, rice, pearl millet, sorghum, maize, and mustard, with biofortified wheat containing roughly twice the iron and zinc of conventional wheat.
Manufacturing WIRED Tests Plastic-Free Stainless Steel Water Filters From $199 to $549
WIRED tested three stainless steel gravity-fed water filter systems priced between $199 and $549, evaluating them for plastic content, chlorine reduction, dissolved solids, and certifications. The July 2026 update named Culligan MaxClear the best-certified system overall, while Boroux Legacy remained the top pick for most people.
Commodities India's renewable energy boom could make Germany a customer for green hydrogen
German ambassador Philipp Ackermann said Germany could become a buyer of Indian green hydrogen, highlighting the renewable energy partnership. The collaboration includes an MoU between ThyssenKrupp and BHEL for electrolyzer localization and a focus on AI and the India-EU FTA.
Logistics Veo Launches Electric Trike for Shared Micromobility in Denver, Eyes US Expansion
Veo has announced the Rover, a sit-down electric trike for shared micromobility, in Denver. The vehicle features a 100-pound cargo basket, 45-mile range, and self-balancing design. Veo plans to expand the trike to cities across the US, potentially impacting last-mile delivery and urban mobility.
Commodities Punjab Farmers Embrace Sustainable Rice Cultivation to Combat Groundwater Crisis
Punjab farmers are shifting to sustainable rice cultivation methods like Direct Seeding of Rice (DSR) and Seeding of Rice on Beds (SRB) to address a severe groundwater crisis. The area under these methods has increased by 36% to 4 lakh acres this kharif, offering water savings of up to 60% while maintaining productivity.
Commodities How sustainability is becoming the fertiliser industry’s defining growth strategy
India's fertiliser industry, producing nearly 52 million metric tonne in 2025-26, is integrating sustainability into its core strategy. Advances in energy efficiency (36% improvement), water conservation (60% reduction), and circular economy practices are reshaping the sector, which relies heavily on imported raw materials. The industry aligns with UN SDGs while leveraging AI and ML for process optimisation.
Commodities India's Potato Seed Ecosystem: The Foundation for Future Farming Prosperity
India, the world's second-largest potato producer, suffers from a productivity gap with average yields of 28-30 tonnes per hectare, half of global leaders. A fragmented seed ecosystem and low Seed Replacement Rate (25-30%) are primary causes. Transitioning to an organized seed marketing system with digital intelligence can boost yields, reduce crop failure risks, and align with growing demand from frozen food and QSR sectors.
Commodities Why global agricultural macroeconomic frameworks fail without ‘farmer health capital’
An article by Parashram Patil in The Hindu Business Line argues that global agricultural macroeconomic frameworks fail because they ignore the concept of Farmer Health Capital (FHC). For over 500 million smallholder families, economic shocks from volatile markets and climate events remain statistically invisible, leading to ineffective policies. Integrating FHC into models can transform rural healthcare from a social cost into a productive agricultural investment, while carbon markets can link smallholders to global climate finance.
Commodities Why water efficiency is central to climate-smart agriculture in rural India's farming future
The article examines the critical role of water efficiency in climate-smart agriculture (CSA) in rural India, highlighting challenges such as groundwater depletion and erratic monsoons. It covers solutions including micro-irrigation, traditional water harvesting, drought-resistant crops, and technology adoption, with a focus on community-led and policy-backed initiatives.
Logistics ZERO44 Makes €492-per-Tonne Case for Biofuel Profit Beyond Compliance
Berlin-based carbon management platform ZERO44 has published a whitepaper demonstrating that shipowners can turn biodiesel premiums into a profit of up to €492 per tonne by coordinating compliance across CII, EU ETS, FuelEU Maritime and voluntary carbon markets. The analysis highlights pooling and insetting as dual revenue streams, warns against double-counting reductions, and addresses charter party hurdles.
Commodities Regenerative mustard programme boosts yields up to 30% in India, says AWL Agri Business
The Solvent Extractors' Association of India's Regenerative Mustard Model Farm Programme, led by AWL Agri Business and partners, achieved mustard yield improvements of up to 30% across demonstration farms in Rajasthan, Haryana and Madhya Pradesh during the 2025-26 rabi season. The programme aims to reduce India's 55-60% edible oil import dependency through regenerative farming practices.
Commodities Climate Resilience Must Become the Organising Principle of Indian Agriculture as Extreme Weather Rises
A FAIFA report reveals India experienced extreme weather on 331 of 334 days in 2025, impacting over 17 million hectares of farmland. With El Niño forecast for the 2026 monsoon, the country's agriculture sector faces heightened climate risks, prompting calls for resilience-focused policy and technology adoption.
Technology Microsoft Emissions Jump 25% as AI Data Center Expansion Fuels Greenhouse Gas Rise
Microsoft’s greenhouse gas emissions rose 25% in the last fiscal year, driven primarily by data center expansion for AI workloads. The company matched 100% of electricity with carbon-free sources but has signed new fossil-fuel-powered deals. Google and Amazon reported similar double-digit increases, highlighting the sustainability challenge of the AI race.
Logistics Rotterdam: Europe's Biggest Port Faces Growing Pressure to Cut Fossil Fuel Emissions
The Port of Rotterdam, Europe's busiest freight hub, is under increasing environmental pressure, including a lawsuit from Advocates for the Future. The port handles nearly as much cargo as all UK ports combined and its industrial cluster emits about 29 million tonnes of CO2 annually. The Port Authority has set a target to cut its own emissions by 90% by 2030 and is investing in carbon capture, hydrogen, and alternative fuels.
Commodities Indian Government Plans Rs 5,000 Crore Scheme to Help Steel Industry Adopt Green Technologies
The Indian government is planning a Rs 5,000 crore scheme to support the steel industry's adoption of green technologies, according to a report by Business-Today (via Times of India). No further details have been provided.
Commodities Yara’s 2025 Sustainability Report Highlights Operational, Environmental and Social Milestones in India
Yara, a fertilizer company and environmental solutions provider, released its 2025 Sustainability Report titled 'Building Trust Through 15 Years of Responsible Growth'. The report, aligned with GRI Universal Standards 2021, details achievements under its 5Cs framework: Commit, Connect, Care, Concern, and Contribute, including a 52.41% reduction in logistics emissions, a 3.4% cut in Scope 1 and 2 emissions, and support for over 4,700 women through the Kiran initiative.
Trade UK Carbon Market Extends to Domestic Shipping from July 1, 2026
The United Kingdom extended its emissions trading scheme to domestic shipping on July 1, 2026, covering cargo and passenger vessels of 5,000 gt and above. Operators must monitor CO2, methane, and nitrous oxide emissions and surrender UK allowances. The scheme is separate from the EU ETS, adding a new compliance layer for operators trading around the UK.
Lessons from the Green Revolution: India's Bio Revolution Must Avoid Past Mistakes on Quality and Balance
India's Green Revolution achieved food security but caused soil degradation due to imbalanced fertiliser use. As the country embraces a Bio Revolution with biological inputs, the article warns against repeating past errors, emphasising quality assurance and stewardship.
Supply Chain Towcester Volunteers Race to Save 15 Tonnes of Surplus Food from Silverstone Grand Prix
During the British Grand Prix at Silverstone, about 50 volunteers from Towcester Community Larder collected 15 tonnes of surplus food, building on last year's 32-tonne rescue. The effort, now in its sixth year, diverts fruit, vegetables, dairy, and other perishables from landfill, offering a community-based logistics model for supply chain sustainability.
Logistics Seaspan and Maersk Expand Retrofit Partnership Across 18 Container Ships
Seaspan and Maersk are expanding their vessel efficiency partnership with a $75 million retrofit program across 18 container ships. The program includes a significant upgrade package for four 13,000 TEU vessels, expected to improve slot costs by 10-13%. Separately, WattSpan signed a cooperation agreement with Maersk and COSCO Shipyard on decarbonization technologies.
Logistics Wind-powered hydrogen ships line up $500m rollout: Drift Energy signs framework with Commenda Capital Partners
UK startup Drift Energy has signed an exclusive capital and project framework with Commenda Capital Partners to support the rollout of at least 50 wind-powered hydrogen production vessels, targeting more than $500m of project-level investment. The vessels will harvest wind energy at sea to produce green hydrogen onboard for delivery to ports, islands, and coastal users. The concept received approval in principle from RINA earlier this year, and Drift plans to launch its first ship in 2027 before moving into series production.
Logistics UCL Launches Ship-Level Climate Risk Tool to Help Financiers Assess Transition Exposure
UCL’s Shipping and Oceans Research Group has developed a Climate Resilience Framework that evaluates ship-level exposure to climate transition risk using 384 regulatory, fuel price and technology cost scenarios. The tool, applied to over 2,000 vessels, aims to help shipowners, charterers, banks and investors compare risk across individual assets or portfolios.
Logistics China Launches First Zero-Carbon Sea-River Electric Container Route Linking Jiaxing and Ningbo-Zhoushan
China has launched its first sea-river intermodal zero-carbon shipping route, using the 10,000-ton pure electric containership Ningyuan Dianpeng. The service links Jiaxing port to Ningbo-Zhoushan, saving 800 tonnes of fuel and cutting over 2,000 tonnes of CO2 annually per vessel.
Commodities Gujarat Farmers Adopt Cow-Based Natural Farming to Cut Costs and Improve Soil Health
Farmers in Gujarat, particularly in Dahod district, are increasingly adopting cow-based natural farming to reduce cultivation costs and restore soil fertility. Supported by the ATMA Project, they use natural formulations from indigenous cow dung and urine, receiving training, model farms, and financial assistance. The practice is emerging as a sustainable model for enhancing farmer incomes.
The Next Decade of Agriculture Will Be Defined by Resource Efficiency, Not Land Ownership
The article argues that the next decade of agriculture will shift focus from land ownership to resource efficiency, citing precision irrigation, aeroponic technology, and managed farm models. Examples include an Indian aeroponic farm achieving 360 tonnes per acre annually, using 95% less water than traditional methods, and conserving over 50 acres of farmland per facility.
Commodities Fertiliser Ministry Charts Green Urea Roadmap with Pilot Plant in Andhra Pradesh
The Fertiliser Ministry has outlined a roadmap for green urea production, including a pilot plant at Pudimadaka, Andhra Pradesh, developed by NTPC's R&D arm. The plan involves financial allocations from multiple ministries and a procurement target of 7.24 lakh tonnes of green ammonia annually. The initiative aims to reduce India's import dependence on urea, which stood at 100 lakh tonnes in 2025-26.
Logistics DHL Global Forwarding Signs Up for Vela's Wind-Powered Transatlantic Cargo Service
DHL Global Forwarding has partnered with French startup Vela to offer wind-powered transatlantic cargo services starting in 2027. Vela's 67-metre aluminium trimarans can carry 415 tonnes per voyage, reducing greenhouse gas emissions by up to 99% compared with air freight and 90% versus conventional ocean shipping. The service targets high-value, time-sensitive goods such as pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and luxury goods.
Trade India targets $100 billion textile exports by 2030, focus on sustainability, FTAs
India targets $100 billion in textile exports by 2030, with a focus on sustainability and leveraging free trade agreements. Union Minister Giriraj Singh and commerce officials outlined the strategy at a two-day summit, emphasizing traceability, recycling, and district-level export hubs.
Logistics Decarbonisation Shifts from Regulatory Burden to Commercial Strategy, OceanOpt Analyst Says
According to an analysis by Anil Jacob of OceanOpt, decarbonisation in maritime has evolved from a compliance cost to a strategic commercial lever that can improve profitability and competitiveness. The shift is driven by regional regulations like EU ETS and FuelEU Maritime, while the IMO Net-Zero Framework provides long-term direction. Operators now focus on financial clarity and data quality to turn emissions management into profit.
Logistics Shipowners and Airlines Urge EU to Use ETS Revenues for Green Fuel Transition
European shipowners and airlines jointly called on the EU to channel Emissions Trading System (ETS) revenues back into shipping and aviation for green fuels and technologies. Shipping contributes around €9bn and airlines €2.3bn annually, but the funds are not being reinvested, risking decarbonisation efforts. Europe lags Asia in fuel production capacity.
Commodities Hindustan Zinc partners with Advantek, Aero Eagle for green hydrogen mining solutions
Hindustan Zinc has signed an MoU with Advantek Associates LLP and Aero Eagle Automobiles Pvt Ltd to explore green hydrogen and alternative clean-energy solutions for its mining operations. The collaboration aims to pioneer hydrogen fuel use in underground mining, aligning with the company's net-zero by 2050 commitment.
Commodities From waste to wealth: Why crop residue burning is a system’s failure, not a seasonal
Every year, paddy harvest in north India triggers crop residue burning, causing severe air pollution. Despite over a decade of attention and significant public investment, the problem persists because farmers lack timely, low-cost alternatives to burning. New approaches like The Nature Conservancy's PRANA programme and biomass value chains offer a path toward regenerative agriculture.
Trade India initiates sustainability certification framework for exports to meet EU, UK compliance norms
India is creating new sustainability certification standards for its export products to meet growing demands from developed nations, particularly the EU and UK. The commerce ministry is gathering data from export-oriented sectors to develop a credible framework that ensures global acceptance. This initiative aims to boost the competitiveness of Indian goods in international markets.
Trade India launches sustainability certification framework for exports to meet EU, UK norms
India's commerce ministry has begun developing a sustainability certification framework for exports, seeking input from export-oriented sectors to meet compliance norms in the EU and UK. The initiative aims to generate verifiable data and strengthen India's capacity to comply with trading partners' regulations, as Europe and North America account for about 40% of India's goods exports.
Supply Chain CVS Shifts to Aluminum Pill Bottles: What Supply Chain Leaders Need to Know
CVS is transitioning select over-the-counter pill bottles from plastic to aluminum, citing sustainability and product protection benefits. The change is part of a brand refresh following 270 store closures. Supply chain and procurement leaders should note the material shift, potential cost neutrality, and limited initial rollout for store-brand allergy and pain relief medications.
Regulations & Compliance CMFRI Drafts National Marine Eco-labelling Framework to Boost Indian Seafood Exports
The ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) has published a draft discussion paper proposing a national framework for marine eco-labelling in India. The framework aims to regulate certification schemes, safeguard traditional fishing communities, and improve the global competitiveness of Indian seafood products.
New Study Prototypes AI-Powered Tool to Boost Energy Efficiency in New Zealand Homes
Researchers have prototyped an AI-powered decision-support tool for residential energy efficiency in New Zealand. The tool, built with Python and Streamlit, integrates data ingestion, anomaly detection, and scenario simulation, and was tested by 15 domain experts who rated its usability at 4.3 out of 5.
Green AI Carbon Optimizer Recommends Carbon-Efficient Training Locations and Forecasts Global AI Energy Demand
The Green AI Carbon Optimizer, presented in a new arXiv paper, offers two tools: a carbon-aware cloud region recommender for AI training and a power-law forecasting pipeline for global AI energy demand. By combining grid carbon intensity, renewable share, and PUE across 100+ regions, optimal region selection can reduce emissions by 97.2% versus the worst region. The forecasting model, based on 26 anchor models, projects 2030 AI energy demand between 7 TWh and 1,436 TWh depending on scenario assumptions.
Green SARC: Predictive Cost and Carbon Governance Framework for Agentic AI Systems
A new framework called Green SARC applies the SARC governance-by-architecture approach to predict and bound financial and environmental costs of agentic AI systems. The paper reports four policy-independent results including that an architectural gate achieves 0% over-budget incidents while soft penalties breach 91.5% of budgets. End-to-end token, USD, and carbon savings range from 47% to 55%, depending on policy settings.
Manufacturing Lavazza Tabli Compressed Coffee Pucks Eliminate Individual Capsule Packaging in US Launch
Lavazza's Tabli system uses compressed ground coffee pucks instead of individually packaged capsules, reducing packaging waste. The system, protected by 15 patents, launches in the US with a $99.99 bundle shipping in August 2026.
Logistics Eitzen orders two all-electric 900 TEU boxships for Northern European green corridor
Norwegian investment group Eitzen, through its subsidiary Zen, has ordered two all-electric 900 TEU container vessels from Zhejiang Dongpeng Shipbuilding. The ships will operate on a green shipping corridor between Hamburg, Gothenburg, and Oslo, with first delivery in 24 months. The project is backed by NOK200 million in funding from Enova.
Strait of Hormuz Closure Drives Jet Fuel Prices Up, Boosting SAF Economics
The closure of the Strait of Hormuz has sent global jet fuel stockpiles plunging, depleting strategic reserves and driving up prices. This has made sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) more economically competitive, with United Airlines' chief sustainability officer noting it's the closest to parity ever seen. However, SAF production faces bottlenecks including feedstock scarcity and high costs, with below 1% of global jet fuel consumption currently from SAF.
Logistics Hybrid-Electric Ferries Enter Service: Faster, Cleaner Maritime Transit Arrives
New York's first hybrid-electric public ferry, the Harbor Charger, begins its first full summer service, cutting CO2 emissions by 600 tons annually and fuel costs by $200,000. San Francisco Bay Ferry prepares to launch the first high-speed, fully battery-electric passenger ferry in the US in early 2027. These vessels signal a shift in maritime propulsion technology with implications for fleet operators and port infrastructure.
Green farms, green future: Why electric mobility is becoming essential for susta
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Technology Microsoft inks 37,000-ton carbon removal deal with Indian startup Alt Carbon
Microsoft signed a three-year agreement to purchase nearly 37,000 metric tons of carbon removal credits from Alt Carbon, an Indian startup using enhanced rock weathering. The deal marks Microsoft's first enhanced-rock weathering purchase in Asia and highlights the increasing role of Global South suppliers in the carbon removal market.
Logistics Sea Cargo Charter Signatories Hold Emissions Line Amid 2025 Shipping Turmoil
The Sea Cargo Charter’s 2025 annual report shows signatories maintained climate performance, averaging 11.6% behind IMO’s minimum decarbonisation trajectory, an improvement from 12.2% in 2024. Despite geopolitical turmoil and shifting trade patterns, 20 of 29 reporting companies lowered carbon intensity. Operational optimizations remain the primary tool, with growing interest in low-carbon fuels and wind propulsion.
Commodities India Considers Delaying Higher Ethanol Mandate
India's government is considering delaying the increase in ethanol blending from E20 to E25 due to concerns about vehicle compatibility. Most vehicles manufactured before 2025 are not fully compliant with higher ethanol blends, potentially impacting mileage and maintenance costs.
Technology China's Wind-Powered Underwater Data Center: A Green Milestone
China has launched the world's first wind-powered underwater data center off the coast of Shanghai. This initiative, a collaboration between HiCloud Technology and China Communications Construction, aims to reduce energy consumption and environmental impact.
Commodities Homestead Farming: A Climate Change Solution
Homestead farming in Keralam offers a sustainable approach to combat climate change by reducing transportation emissions and enhancing carbon sequestration. The practice, highlighted by Rammohan Paliyath, emphasizes local food production and diversified agriculture.
Commodities SAEL Industries Boosts Renewable Capacity with New Plant in Rajasthan
SAEL Industries Ltd has commissioned a 14.9 MW agri waste-to-energy plant in Bhadra, Rajasthan, increasing its total capacity to 164.9 MW. The plant processes agricultural residues, contributing to clean energy and employment in the region.
Commodities Dutch Consortium Advances Offshore Hydrogen in North Sea
Hydrogen of Dutch Origin (H2DO) initiates a feasibility study for offshore green hydrogen production in the Dutch North Sea. The project aims to address grid congestion and enhance energy autonomy by 2031.
Commodities Hindustan Zinc Partners with Sulfozyme Agro for Sustainable Metal Recovery
Hindustan Zinc has signed an agreement with Sulfozyme Agro to promote sustainable metal recovery at the Zinc Industrial Park in Rajasthan. This partnership aims to enhance the circular economy and support MSME development.
Logistics Exmar's Ammonia-Powered Vessel Marks New Era in Shipping
Exmar has launched the world's first oceangoing vessel powered by a dual-fuel ammonia engine, marking a significant milestone in sustainable shipping. The vessel, named Antwerpen, is part of a series of four ships designed to operate with low emissions.
Logistics ICS Endorses Onboard Carbon Capture for Shipping Emissions
The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) endorses onboard carbon capture and storage (OCCS) as a viable near-term solution for reducing vessel emissions. The ICS report highlights OCCS's potential amidst limited availability of green fuels.
Manufacturing GM's EVs to Power Homes and Grids with New Tech
General Motors is enabling its electric vehicles to power homes and the electrical grid through bidirectional charging. This initiative, supported by GM Energy, aims to enhance the value of EVs and promote sustainability.
Manufacturing GM Expands EV Charging Compatibility with Energy Pass
General Motors is launching Energy Pass, a universal interface for public EV charging, initially supporting Tesla, Electrify America, and IONNA. This move aims to expand charging access for GM EV owners. Additionally, a firmware update will enable vehicle-to-grid functionality, allowing EVs to supply power back to the grid.
EcoFlow Stream Ultra X: Solar Power for Renters
The EcoFlow Stream Ultra X offers a 3.84 kWh battery capacity, ideal for renters seeking solar power without structural changes. With AI-driven energy management and expandability up to 23 kWh, it provides a robust solution for energy independence.