LONDON,UK. May 15th, 2025 – Microplastics are not just an environmental issue –they are a planetary emergency, according to Bengt Rittri, Swedish ecopreneur and founder of Bluewater, a global leader in clean drinking water and beverage solutions.

His warning follows a landmark study published in Nature that warned microplastics are now so deeply embedded in the ocean’s structure that they alter the Earth’s fundamental biogeochemical processes.

 

The international study, which rigorously analysed data from 1,885 ocean stations between 2014 and 2024 using state-of-the-art sampling and analysis techniques, found microplastic particles — ranging in size from 1 to 100 micrometers — permeating the entire water column, from the surface to depths of over 6,800 meters. Concentrations exceeded 13,500 particles per cubic meter in the Mariana Trench and averaged 2,200 particles per cubic meter in the upper 200 meters of the Atlantic Ocean.

 

Researchers documented that plastic debris, particularly buoyant polymers and dense materials like PET, now contributes ‘allochthonous carbon’ to marine ecosystems. This term refers to carbon that originates from outside the ecosystem, in this case, from the breakdown of plastic. This artificial carbon presence not only distorts carbon dating by up to 420 years but also threatens key biological processes such as nitrification and denitrification, which are essential for maintaining marine life and regulating the climate.

 

Rittri emphasized, “It is painfully clear that we’ve allowed plastic pollution to compromise the planet’s life-support systems. This is not just about litter or aesthetics, but protecting the integrity of Earth’s oceans and atmosphere. Microplastics are a planetary emergency.”

 

In response, Bluewater continues to scale up its efforts to prevent microplastics at the point of consumption. The company designs advanced water purifiers for home, workplace, and recreational use that remove micro- and nano-sized plastic particles, as well as other contaminants such as toxic PFAS chemicals and lead from tap water. Additionally, Bluewater promotes sustainable hydration through its range of reusable stainless-steel bottles, reducing the need for single-use plastic bottles while on the go.

 

“Every action matters, and every single-use plastic bottle not used is a step toward restoring planetary health,” Rittri added. “As a purpose-driven company, we call on global leaders, businesses, and citizens to act now to eliminate single-use plastic bottles and support sustainable water solutions.”

 

For more information about Bluewater’s innovations and impact, visit www.bluewatergroup.com.

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Florida, US, March 26, 2025 – Policane Co., LLC, a Florida-based food tech company developing sustainable sugar production, today announced a strategic partnership with Zero by Fifty, a global accelerator for climate-positive startups. The partnership aims to expand Policane’s patented sugarcane-based sweetener—a healthier, sustainable replacement for traditional refined sugar—in U.S. and international markets.

 

Policane is dehydrated sugar cane juice made using a patented process that retains key nutrients and policosanols, resulting in a sweetener with a dramatically lower glycemic impact. A recent study by IFP Suisse found that Policane has a low glycemic index, making it a strong candidate for health-focused food, beverage, and nutrition brands.

Additionally, SCS Global Services has certified Policane for its reduced carbon footprint, validating its contribution to more sustainable food production practices.

 

“We created Zero by Fifty to help the most promising climate solutions scale with purpose, and Policane is exactly that,” said Martin Gil, Managing Partner at Zero by Fifty. “It delivers performance, taste, and environmental responsibility all in one.”

 

Under the partnership, Zero by Fifty will support Policane with market positioning, business development, and key brand introductions. Together, the organizations plan to bring the sweetener to retailers, CPG companies, and global food and beverage brands seeking healthy and sustainable alternatives to refined sugar.

 

“Our goal has always been to deliver a better sugar—better for people and better for the planet,” said Jorge E. Gonzalez, CEO and Founder of Policane Co., LLC. “This partnership with Zero by Fifty gives us the strategic platform and network to scale our innovation globally.”

 

This alliance comes at a pivotal time, as both consumers and brands seek alternatives that meet rising demands for wellness, clean labels, and sustainability.

 

Visit Policane’s website here

 

Visit Zero by Fifty’s website here

CORNWALL, UK. 7th January, 2025 – Kuishi, the sustainability-driven brand renowned for its eco-conscious products, has unveiled the UK’s first carbon-positive dispensing solutions for homes and businesses. Designed to reduce single-use plastic waste drastically, these refillable dispensers are a revolutionary step in making everyday products more sustainable.

 

In the past year alone, Kuishi has helped businesses and individuals avoid disposing of over 1 million plastic bottles by refilling their soap dispensers instead of purchasing individual plastic soap bottles, often disposed of after use. This significant milestone highlights Kuishi’s dedication to reducing plastic waste and promoting environmentally responsible practices.

 

Following a highly successful year, where Kuishi partnered with forward-thinking hotels such as The Pig and Jumeirah Port Soller, the company is now set to bring its products and services to the U.S. market in the second quarter of 2025.

 

 

Unlike carbon-neutral products that merely offset their environmental impact, Kuishi’s aim is to remove, prevent or offset 20% more carbon from the atmosphere than it takes to manufacture, deliver, use and eventually recycle their products, often called cradle-to-grave. This is achieved through:

 
Refillable Design: Each soap dispenser is specifically designed to be refilled, eliminating the need for single-use plastic bottles and dramatically reducing waste.

Sustainable Materials: Crafted from durable, reusable, and recyclable materials such as glass, these dispensers are built to last.

Ethical Manufacturing: Production processes emphasise low-carbon manufacturing and use renewable energy where possible. 

Offset and Beyond: Kuishi partners with organisations like Carbon Sense, who not only accurately calculate their product’s carbon footprint but also arrange to ethically offset carbon by supporting carbon capture initiatives, reforestation projects, and renewable energy solutions, creating a net-positive environmental impact.

 

 

The staggering number of plastic bottles discarded annually poses a significant challenge for the planet. Kuishi’s refillable dispensing solutions provide a practical alternative by replacing single-use plastics with elegant, reusable designs for homes and businesses.

 

In the past year, Kuishi’s customers—including households, hotels, and businesses have refilled dispensers over 1 million times, saving the equivalent of over 1 million plastic bottles from landfills and oceans. This achievement reflects the growing adoption of sustainable practices and Kuishi’s pivotal role in helping reduce environmental waste.

 

“Our mission is to empower people to make a difference in their daily lives,” said Stephanie Melarickas, Founder and Director at Kuishi. “Refilling dispensers instead of throwing away single-use bottles is a small change that makes a big impact, and we’re proud to support our customers in that effort.”

Kuishi is currently seeking to support projects to reduce waste and plastic waste as part of its commitment to supporting local communities.

 

 

Kuishi’s B Corporation certification, granted in 2024, underscores its dedication to balancing purpose and profit. B Corp certification is awarded to businesses that meet rigorous standards of social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency.

 

“Achieving B Corp status and launching the UK’s first carbon-positive dispensers are milestones that reflect our core mission,” said Mark Hopkins. “We’re not only rethinking how products are used but also tackling the larger issue of single-use plastic waste while positively impacting the planet.”

 

 

Kuishi’s carbon-positive dispensing solutions do more than reduce waste—they redefine sustainability for the modern world. By offering elegant, refillable, and durable dispensers, Kuishi enables customers to adopt more responsible consumption habits without compromising quality or style.

LONDON, UK. November 28th, 2024 – A brand-new sustainable fashion marketplace, The Carbon Closet, has officially launched in the UK.

The Carbon Closet aims to revolutionise eco-friendly shopping with its curated collection of stylish, ethical clothing. 

Founder Julie Cockram, an environmental advocate and mother of two, created this innovative platform after discovering the challenges of finding fashionable, sustainable clothing alternatives. 

The marketplace addresses the growing demand for sustainable fashion solutions while tackling fast fashion’s environmental impact, offering conscious consumers a seamless way to shop eco-friendly fashion without compromising on style or quality. 

The Carbon Closet is not just about shopping; it’s about educating consumers about the unseen toll of the destructive practices hidden in mainstream fashion.

Founder Julie Cockram said: “We all wear these clothes, but few of us understand the true cost behind them. It is vital to understand how fabrics are grown, not just how garments are made. Once you know, you can’t unknow!” 

For example, conventional cotton farming uses more insecticides than any other crop, erodes soil and depletes water resources at alarming rates. Producing a single pair of jeans can consume over 7,000 litres of water and requires harmful chemicals such as formaldehyde and heavy metals during dyeing and finishing. 

 

Julie added: “It’s time to take sustainable fashion to the masses. The site blends the sleek aesthetic of platforms like Net-a-Porter with the editorial flair of SheerLuxe and the reach of a global marketplace.

“Rather than holding stock, our platform serves as a curated hub for responsibly made products from around the world. Our meticulously curated collections challenge outdated stereotypes, dispelling the myth that ethical clothing is bland or boring. By selecting pieces that combine responsible values with contemporary design, The Carbon Closet proves that style and ethics can beautifully coexist.”

Each item meets at least one, but usually several or more of these Seven Conscious Credentials: 

The Carbon Closet is designed for the modern consumer who seeks style, convenience, and a clear conscience, whether they are a seasoned conscious shopper or just starting out.

Reflecting its “progress over perfection” ethos, the platform encourages using what you have and making thoughtful choices when buying new. Opt for organic cotton over conventional fabrics or sunglasses made from recycled plastic – every small decision pushes the industry toward a more sustainable future.

To explore the collection and join the movement, visit www.thecarboncloset.com and follow the brand’s sustainable fashion journey on Instagram @thecarboncloset.

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LONDON, UK. August 28th, 2024 – A massive global U.S. study indicates 40 percent of people worldwide are falling out of love with tap water amid fears it is unsafe is a shocking insight demanding urgent attention by governments worldwide, says Bluewater, a global innovator of water purification and beverage solutions. The study – published in the journal Nature Communications – was carried out among 148,585 adults in 141 countries by researchers at two U.S. universities, Northwestern University and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

 

“This shocking revelation underlines the need for governments and water authorities worldwide to urgently tackle the contamination of our drinking water by toxic chemicals, microplastics, and other pollution,” said Bluewater founded and CEO Bengt Rittri. The Swedish ecopreneur added that public distrust of tap water was driving the sale of packaged water, which has a hugely negative impact on the planet’s health, environment, and inhabitants.

 

According to the United Nations University Institute for Water, Environment and Health, over 600 billion single-use plastic bottles are produced yearly; most are not recycled but end up in landfills and oceans, where they release toxic chemicals and break down into micro and nanoplastic particles. A groundbreaking 2023 report entitled ‘Hidden Hazards: The Chemical Footprint of a Plastic Bottle’ concluded that the proliferation of PET plastics “may prolong the climate crisis, threaten human health, and promote environmental racism.” 

 

Mr. Rittri noted that the new study spotlights how difficult it is for consumers to judge the hazards and safety of their water supply because many contaminants cannot be seen, smelled, or tasted. He said he was astounded that 39% of those polled in the United States believed they faced serious harm from drinking tap water in the short term. 

 

“When we launched Bluewater in 2013, it was with a planet plan rather than a traditional business vision, with the aim to develop technologies and solutions that would end the need for single-use plastic bottles,” Mr. Rittri said. He added that Bluewater continues to pursue its plan vigorously, with a steady stream of solutions giving consumers and businesses the means to turn tap water into purified water that is safer and healthier to drink.

 

In 2024 alone, Bluewater has launched a series of new products, including a unique kitchen station for homes and restaurants that removes up to 99.7 percent of contaminants like toxic PFAS chemicals and microplastics from tap water and adds vital minerals for enhanced health and taste.

 

Bluewater has also introduced a new range of public dispensers in Europe called Bluewater Flow for use in public spaces such as gyms, offices, hospitals, and schools, while other public dispensing solutions have proved hugely successful at mega sporting and other events looking to improve their sustainability credentials. These include golf, sailing, and running events like the British Open, The Ocean Race, America’s Cup, the Cape Town Marathon, governmental events such as COP 27 and 28, and myriad business conferences.

“We understand that the only way to tackle the plastic bottle menace is to restore public confidence in tap water, which will take substantial time, effort and money… or to increase awareness that solutions exist – like those provided by Bluewater that enable consumers to purify their tap water at point of use,” Mr Rittri said.

LONDON, UK. August 22nd, 2024 – Romco Group and Elemental Group have agreed to form a partnership in metals recycling in Africa. The partnership will accelerate and diversify Romco’s existing growth plans and reinforce its position as a key player in the global metals recycling industry. 

The partnership will combine Romco’s and Elemental’s expertise and resources in the collection, pre-processing, smelting, and trading of recycled base and precious metals. The partners will expand Elemental’s existing business in spent auto-catalyst recycling, e-waste recycling and battery recycling to Africa, while accelerating expansion of Romco’s existing aluminium and copper recycling operations. Romco has a strong established presence in West Africa which will serve as an initial base for the partnership.

Combining resources from both partners, Romco and Elemental will aim to deliver the most green and sustainable base and precious metals in the world to its customers, using best-in-class ESG standards. The partnership will initially focus on the production of aluminium, copper, platinum group metals and by-products such as gold and silver.

Pawel Jarski, CEO and Founder of Elemental, said: “We have nothing but respect for the company Raymond and his team have built since 2016. Romco is the ideal partner for Elemental to start multi-metal recycling in Africa. The opportunity for metals recycling in Africa is immense and through this partnership we are well placed to help deliver more recycled critical minerals to Africa and the world. Thanks to our partnership with Romco Group, we have the unique opportunity to promptly enter two new, important markets: Nigeria and Ghana. From the perspective of Elemental Group, our presence in Africa is a natural progression in the development of our global structure.”

Raymond Onovwigun, CEO and Founder of Romco, said: “We are thrilled to embark on this partnership with Elemental Group. Romco’s vision has always been to lead the way in sustainable metals recycling in Africa, and this collaboration with Elemental will significantly enhance our ability to achieve that goal. Pawel’s drive and tenacity at Elemental has more than impressed us, we see Elemental as a perfect pairing to drive scalability. By leveraging our combined expertise and resources, we will not only accelerate the expansion of Romco’s existing aluminium and copper recycling operations but also introduce innovative processes for other base and precious metals. This partnership exemplifies our commitment to delivering the highest quality secondary metals to our customers, while keeping our environmental and social responsibilities front and centre.”

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BRUSSELS, BELGIUM, June 2nd, 2024 – GEME, a pioneer in sustainable bio waste management brand, is going to introduce its state-of-the-art composters at the IFA’s centennial celebration. Leveraging the power of nature’s microbes, these cutting-edge home and commercial composters swiftly break down organic waste into nutrient-rich compost, guaranteeing rapid degradation and exceptional organic content.

GEME composter stands out from other labeled “composter” food waste dehydrators that merely shred and dry waste. Instead, GEME composter just provides the best environment for the special natural microbes called GEME Kobold to work in a super high efficiency mode, transforming most bio waste (not only food scraps, but pet poops) into 5% organic compost, reducing the amount of waste sent to landfills and minimizing greenhouse gas emissions.

The company’s core values of Rethink, Reduce, Reuse, and Restore reflect its commitment to environmental sustainability. GEME encourages deep reflection on environmental issues and aims to minimize resource consumption and waste production. By recycling existing resources and promoting circular economy practices, GEME strives to protect and repair natural ecosystems.

GEME’s composters are suitable for both home and commercial environments, enhancing traditional composting methods. They enable year-round and fast composting, improving garden and facility composting efforts. Additionally, GEME supports Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) projects, promoting sustainable farming practices.

Vivian Liu, CEO at GEME said: “We are delighted to bring this groundbreaking product to market and are excited to share it at the upcoming IFA exhibition. If you’re a business looking to find new ways of meeting your sustainability targets, please come and talk to us to see what we can do for you.

“The most efficient way to manage waste, especially bio-waste, is to process it where it’s created, significantly shortening the recycling path. That’s what we’re trying to achieve with our composters and the fact they are suitable for both home and commercial environments means that everyone can benefit from year-round and fast composting.”

At the IFA exhibition, GEME is going to reveal its GEME II model. GEME invites all enthusiasts of sustainability to visit its booth and experience the power of its innovative composters. By adopting GEME’s composters, individuals and businesses can contribute to a cleaner, greener future.

 
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Saudi Arabia based [atm] launched the new service at IBE Procurement 24 in Riyadh

HAMPSHIRE, UK. March 5th, 2024 – As a leading energy exporter with responsibility to help maintain global energy security, Saudi Arabia recognizes the urgent need for climate collaboration. Achieving a green future is a global imperative. Saudi Arabia aspires to enhance quality of life and safeguard future generations at home and beyond its borders. Working toward this goal, the Kingdom initiated “Saudi Green” initiative bringing together government ministries, private sector entities and foreign leaders under dual green initiatives, to identify and deliver on opportunities to rapidly scale climate action.

To support the delivery of these change programs, [atm] has partnered with CO2Analysis to provide detailed carbon accounting to Saudi Arabia’s major companies and government bodies. CO2analysis provides an AI carbon accounting engine which is focused on Scope 3, purchased goods and services emissions. Large organizations typically have over 80% of their emissions in Scope 3.  Since 2010, CO2Analysis has analyzed $2.5 trillion of detailed customer products and services spend across 150 countries and 32 currencies, making it the largest global repository of Scope 3 line item data. This breadth of information coupled with the tried and tested AI engine means that Saudi organizations will quickly move beyond the analysis phase, into taking action to reduce their carbon footprints in line with their 2030 target.

[atm] is an engineering consultancy company established 1997, helping organizations building enterprise and cloud based innovative solutions. It has been supporting public and private sector organizations in Saudi Arabia since it’s inception. It has been instrumental in bringing a range of innovations and local content to the region and has identified carbon accounting as a next critical service for it’s customers.

Yasser AlFarhan, CEO of [atm], commented: “Our customers have become increasingly interested in sustainability and making measurable progress in decarbonisation. This partnership brings an established carbon footprint accounting service to the region, which operates at the level of detail needed to make meaningful change for our customers. With the deadline of 2030, there is no time to waste and the CO2Analysis solution can analyze $1bn in 2 days, meaning that our customers can immediately move to action.”

Lyn Duncan, CEO of CO2Analysis, commented: “We are delighted to partner with [atm] for carbon accounting, we have had a long relationship with them helping bring innovative technology to the Kingdom and are confident that their expertise and capability will ensure a rapid uptake for the solution. Saudi is modernizing fast and sustainability is at the heart of the 2030 vision, we are excited to be part of that journey.”

PARIS, FRANCE. 12th February, 2024 – After successful trials to reduce the water and chemicals required for retanning, Mégisserie Richard, which specialises in producing leather for luxury bags, garments and shoes, is moving forward with Qualus to start using SferesTM for production at its tannery in Millau, France.

Having successfully trialled Qualus’ system to reduce water by 40% and chemicals by 15% in retanning at small scale over the last year, the company has decided to move to the next step of using Sferes at production scale. Already a Leather Working Group (LWG) silver rated tannery, Mégisserie Richard is targeting gold with the additional water savings. Sferes are already in use for footwear, fashion, and automotive leather production at multiple tanneries in Asia and Latin America, but Mégisserie Richard is the first tannery in France to embrace this innovation, leading the path towards sustainability for the luxury leather sector.

“Our company is fully committed to achieving Net Zero and we are constantly in search of innovations that will enable us to deliver this goal. We have taken numerous steps in that direction in recent years and Qualus’ Sfere technology helps us to continue to further improve the environmental footprint of our tannery while maintaining the unique quality of our products.” remarked Geoffrey Talpe, CEO of Mégisserie Richard.

“We are proud to have the opportunity to work with such an iconic tannery and to be able to provide a technology that meets Mégisserie Richard’s exacting standards, supporting it in its drive to lead the luxury industry in not only the uniqueness of its products but also the sustainability of its operations.” added Vikrant Pratap, Qualus’ CEO.

About Mégisserie Richard
Mégiserrie Richard was founded in the mid-19th century as part of the Richard Glove Factory to manufacture high quality leather for its renowned luxury gloves. Today the tannery specialises in lambskins for high-end luxury products: bags, shoes, garments and accessories. In 2013, Mégisserie Richard obtained the Entreprise du Patrimoine Vivant (EPV) certification, a recognition from the French State of companies with artisanal and industrial savoir-faire. Being fully committed to environmental improvements, the tannery has been a Leather Working Group certified supplier since 2020, earning a Silver rating in its most recent audit in 2022. For more information visit www.megisserierichard.com.

About Qualus
Qualus provides a patented system to reduce both the environmental footprint and cost of leather production, helping tanneries and brands accelerate their journey to Net Zero. The company has operations in India, Mexico and Brazil, and leather made with its system is now in the supply chains of leading footwear, luxury and automotive brands. For more information visit www.qualus.com.

TIPPERARY, REPUBLIC OF IRELAND, 13 February 2024 – Herdwatch, the market leading Agtech software company, has announced the acquisition of Lilac Technology, renowned for their TB Master software in the UK, and ComTag in Ireland in a deal believed to be worth seven figures. 

Herdwatch expects the acquisition to accelerate its plans to provide software solutions in the veterinary space, adding to its existing portfolio of veterinary practice management software from another recent acquisition. This latest acquisition will see over 1,000 British and Irish veterinary professionals join the Herdwatch platform. The deal also further strengthens Herdwatch’s position as the number one livestock management software platform in the UK and Ireland.

 

Founded over 25 years ago by Jim McGreevy, ComTag supplies TB and blood testing software solutions for veterinary practices across the island of Ireland. Lilac Technology was founded in the UK over 20 years ago by Andrew Cobner and Ian Lorraine, offering its own TB and blood testing software, TB Master, to customers in England and Wales. Together, they attracted a client base of over 1,000 veterinary professionals and are known for their focus on speed and reliability, with their easy-to-use software running on military-grade rugged devices. These devices are built to cope with the harsh environment that is the farmyard. 

 

Herdwatch was co-founded by Fabien Peyaud and FRS Network (Farm Relief Services) in 2012 and provides software solutions to over 20,000 farms and ranches, including dairy, beef, sheep and goat producers. The company recently released a pasture and field management solution, Grass & Crops by Herdwatch. The Herdwatch platform is now available in over 170 countries worldwide, with a specific emphasis on North America, where the establishment of a dedicated team has led to significant traction and promising growth.

 

With this latest acquisition, Tipperary-based Herdwatch continues its rapid expansion less than a year after the company completed its acquisition of Farmplan’s livestock software customers in the UK and eight months after acquiring well-known Irish farm software company Kingswood Computing. The company is planning further expansion in the coming months and is developing a specific research and development roadmap and team for new products that will enhance the vet-producer relationship and make it easier for them to collaborate in the digital world, including the ability for vets to create and manage digital prescriptions and for producers to request prescriptions and advice from their vet directly on the Herdwatch platform.

 

The deal will see ComTag and Lilac employees join Herdwatch’s growing team of more than 80 people, where they will continue to support their respective customers. New developments will be coming soon, giving veterinary customers access to the continuous innovations Herdwatch is known for, including its advanced cloud technology. Over time, existing Herdwatch customers will also benefit from a solution that will seamlessly link their farm operations with their vet, one of their most critical partners.

 

Andrew Cobner, founder and manager of Lilac Technology said: “Having been a practicing vet myself for over 30 years, I know first-hand how tough but also how important a job it is. With TB Master, we helped make vets’ lives easier for over 20 years, and I am very confident the Herdwatch team will take it to the next level.”

 

Fabien Peyaud, CEO and co-founder of Herdwatch said: “ComTag and Lilac were pioneers in the AgTech field, and the leadership of their respective founders resulted in some of the earliest tech solutions for vets. The vet-producer relationship is one of the most critical in food production, so it makes sense for Herdwatch to join the dots and be the first software platform in the world to bring livestock producers and vets together in the same digital ecosystem. This will also help in other areas such as Environmental, social and governance (ESG) and Carbon footprint management.”

 

The Herdwatch app consisting of their Cattle & Dairy, Sheep & Goats and Grass & Crops solutions is available for download on the App Store or Play Store today or explore further details at www.herdwatch.com.

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