Circular economy

Assurant has acquired RL Circular Operations, formerly TIC Reverse Logistics, expanding its post-purchase and circular economy capabilities in the APAC region. This move strengthens Assurant’s ability to manage the product lifecycle, reduce waste, and enhance asset value for retailers and manufacturers. The integration aims to leverage AI technologies for sustainable practices, optimize device lifecycle management, and improve consumer experiences across Australia and New Zealand.

.SMX (NASDAQ:SMX) is launching the Plastic Cycle Token (PCT), a digital asset that tokenizes verified kilograms of recycled plastic. By linking SMX’s molecular‑identity platform to each kilogram, PCT creates a tradable, audit‑ready commodity that commands a 20‑40% price premium. With a global plastics market exceeding $600 billion, annual production over 400 million metric tons, and recycling rates below 10%, a modest 5% increase in verified recovery could unlock more than $20 billion of material value each year. The initiative aims to provide cross‑border chain‑of‑custody transparency and drive broader adoption of verification‑based circular economies.

SMX (NASDAQ:SMX) announced six 2025 partnerships spanning Singapore, Spain, France, Dubai and the United States, forming a global molecular‑level verification network for gold and other high‑value materials. The deals cover manufacturing, recycling, logistics and raw‑material authenticity and were unveiled at the DMCC Precious Metals Conference on Nov 24‑25, 2025. SMX claims the system replaces paper‑based assays with a persistent chemical identity, attracting regulatory notice across four major economies and signalling a shift from pilot projects to worldwide deployment by 2026.

The fashion industry’s unsustainable practices, including excessive water use, emissions, and textile waste, contribute significantly to global pollution. Recycling blended fabrics is a key challenge. Circ, a Virginia-based startup, addresses this by using hydrothermal technology to separate polycotton blends into reusable, virgin-quality polyester and cotton. This process, akin to “unbaking a cake,” is attracting investment from brands like Patagonia, Zara, and H&M. Circ is expanding globally, constructing an industrial-scale recycling facility in France to significantly increase capacity and lead the circular fashion movement.

Consumers and corporations are holding onto tech devices longer, driven by cost savings and economic uncertainty. While seemingly beneficial, this “device hoarding” can negatively impact productivity. Outdated technology leads to slower speeds, strained networks, and lost working hours. Experts suggest solutions like repairable designs, refurbishment programs, and BYOD policies to mitigate these effects and promote a more sustainable and efficient tech ecosystem, balancing affordability with economic dynamism. The rise of AI also incentivizes upgrades despite these challenges.

SMX and CARTIF are collaborating in Spain to deploy SMX’s molecular tracing system in CARTIF’s pilot plants, creating verifiable material passports for recycling. This partnership links traceability to research, accelerating validation for grants and compliance. SMX’s technology embeds a unique signature into materials, providing real-time data and a digital passport. Building on a successful Singapore project, this initiative aims to scale across European supply chains, transforming sustainability into a competitive advantage. The success hinges on regulatory acceptance and industry adoption.

Northstar Clean Technologies has launched its first asphalt shingle reprocessing facility in Calgary and secured a five-year contract with the City to process discarded shingles. The Empower Calgary Facility will help divert waste from landfills by reprocessing up to 80,000 tonnes of shingles annually using its patented technology, recovering asphalt, aggregate, and fibre for reuse. The facility expects to reduce lifecycle CO₂ emissions by approximately 60%. This aligns with Alberta’s circular economy goals and positions Northstar as a leader in shingle recycling in North America.

ATRenew Inc., a leading Chinese pre-owned electronics platform, is an Earthshot Prize finalist for “Building a Waste Free World.” Addressing the growing e-waste crisis, ATRenew uses its AI-powered “Matrix” system to collect, inspect, and resell used devices, diverting them from landfills. The company’s circular economy model, which extends device lifecycles and informs more sustainable manufacturing, is expanding beyond China into Southeast Asia and the Middle East. ATRenew’s CEO emphasizes the global potential of their approach to reducing e-waste.

Liquidity Services (LQDT) CEO Bill Angrick will present at the Midwest IDEAS conference in Chicago on August 27, 2025. The conference will feature discussions and one-on-one meetings focused on emerging trends influencing commerce. Liquidity Services operates a B2B e-commerce marketplace for surplus assets, supporting sustainability efforts and extending asset lifecycles. The company has completed over $15 billion in transactions.

ATRenew Inc. (NYSE: RERE) reported strong Q2 2025 results, with net revenues up 32.2% YoY to RMB 4,991.5 million ($696.8 million). The company achieved profitability with income from operations of RMB 91.1 million ($12.7 million), a significant improvement from the previous year. The number of transacted consumer products grew to 10.3 million. ATRenew anticipates Q3 2025 revenue between RMB 5,050.0 million and RMB 5,150.0 million. A new $50 million share repurchase program was authorized.