{"id":1088,"date":"2026-05-29T09:58:41","date_gmt":"2026-05-29T09:58:41","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/businesssinglesmeet.com\/?p=1088"},"modified":"2026-06-02T15:58:41","modified_gmt":"2026-06-02T15:58:41","slug":"news-in-brief-commercial-partner-news-may","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/businesssinglesmeet.com\/index.php\/2026\/05\/29\/news-in-brief-commercial-partner-news-may\/","title":{"rendered":"News in Brief | Commercial Partner News May"},"content":{"rendered":"
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News updates written by CIWM\u2019s commercial partners.<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<\/colgroup>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Greyparrot<\/strong><\/td>\nKenvue partners with Greyparrot to accelerate circular consumer health packaging design<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Wood Recyclers\u2019 Association<\/strong><\/td>\nSegregate waste wood at source to maximise recycling potential<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Plan B<\/strong><\/td>\nPlan B\u2019s first Materials Recovery Facility is open<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
VEV<\/strong><\/td>\nDon\u2019t\u00a0wait \u2013 move now to maximise\u00a0government\u00a0funding for\u00a0your\u00a0eRCVs\u00a0<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Routeware<\/strong><\/td>\nRouteware Expands UK Presence with Acquisition of PermiServ<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Dennis Eagle<\/strong><\/td>\nDennis Eagle Awarded ISO 45001 Certification, Reinforcing its Commitment to Health and Safety Standards<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Vizzia<\/strong><\/td>\nVizzia partners with London Borough of Harrow to bring AI-assisted fly-tipping enforcement to UK councils<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
FCC Environment<\/strong><\/td>\n2026 Elections: redrawing the political map<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Contel<\/strong><\/td>\nContel Ltd marks major year of growth as demand for connected fleet safety and AI technology increases across UK waste sector<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Beyondly<\/strong><\/td>\nCompliance and competitiveness: The case for UK EU alignment<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Vision Techniques<\/strong><\/td>\nVision Techniques Sales Director cycles 250km to raise vital funds for charity<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Greyparrot |\u00a0Kenvue partners with Greyparrot to accelerate circular consumer health packaging design<\/h2>\n

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Kenvue, a consumer health product company behind Neutrogena, Listerine and Johnson\u2019s Baby, has partnered with Greyparrot to move beyond theoretical recyclability assessments and ground its packaging decisions in real-world recovery data.<\/h4>\n

The collaboration will see Kenvue use Greyparrot\u2019s Deepnest platform to track how its packaging performs inside commercial-scale sorting facilities across the UK and US, providing the kind of end-of-life evidence that brand sustainability teams have historically lacked.<\/p>\n

From design intent to measurable performance <\/strong><\/p>\n

Kenvue\u2019s portfolio includes some of the most widely recognised consumer health brands globally. Many of its packaging formats are designed to be recyclable, but component-level variables like pump mechanisms, label materials and translucency can significantly affect detection and recovery rates in real-world sorting environments.<\/p>\n

Historically, packaging has been declared \u201crecyclable\u201d based on material composition, but whether it is detected, sorted, and recovered has remained largely opaque. The Deepnest system addresses that gap by analysing material directly inside operational recycling facilities, using AI-driven recognition to capture performance data that design-stage assessments cannot replicate.<\/p>\n

Deepnest will allow Kenvue to quantify how individual products behave at facility level, and to model the downstream impact of potential design changes before committing to physical prototypes. That modelling capability is particularly relevant in the context of tightening regulation: as the EU\u2019s Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) and Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) schemes develop, the ability to forecast the financial impact of packaging decisions is shifting from useful to essential.<\/p>\n

\u201cTo help achieve our circular packaging goals, we must move beyond aspirational guidelines and embrace real-world evidence,\u201d said David Lickstein, Global Head of Packaging Innovation, Sustainability, and Experience at Kenvue. \u201cAI-driven waste intelligence allows us to go beyond simple tracking and into advanced scenario modelling, helping us identify the most impactful design changes and implement innovative solutions across our global portfolio faster and more cost-effectively than ever before.\u201d<\/p>\n

Closing the loop on packaging data <\/strong><\/p>\n

The partnership reflects a broader shift in how leading FMCG brands are approaching sustainable packaging. Regulatory pressure and internal sustainability commitments are converging to make real-world recyclability data a business requirement \u2013 not just a reporting asset.<\/p>\n

Greyparrot\u2019s Deepnest platform is already used by brands including L\u2019Or\u00e9al Groupe and Unilever to assess packaging performance and support EPR compliance.<\/p>\n

\u201cCircular packaging is no longer an aspiration \u2013 it is fast becoming the standard,\u201d said Ambarish Mitra, Co-founder of Greyparrot. \u201cWe\u2019re proud to partner with Kenvue to turn design intent into measurable impact, helping set a new benchmark for how the industry designs, measures and delivers circularity.\u201d<\/p>\n

Addressing a system-wide data gap <\/strong><\/p>\n

The challenge Kenvue is addressing is not unique to its portfolio. Across the consumer goods sector, brands face a structural information gap at the end of their products\u2019 lives.<\/p>\n

Regulatory frameworks are beginning to close that gap by demanding performance evidence rather than design declarations. But the infrastructure to generate that evidence at meaningful scale has, until recently, been limited.<\/p>\n

\u201cData is the ultimate catalyst for change in the sustainable packaging landscape, and AI has provided the means to deliver those insights at a truly global scale,\u201d said Yaseed Chaumoo, Managing Director of Deepnest by Greyparrot. \u201cThis collaboration represents a significant step beyond waste tracking \u2013 it\u2019s about utilising Deepnest\u2019s predictive capabilities to model real-world recovery scenarios and empower Kenvue to make actionable, data-led design changes more quickly and cost-effectively than ever before.\u201d<\/p>\n

For the brands prepared to act on that data, the path from design intent to verified recyclability is becoming clearer.<\/p>\n

Wood Recyclers\u2019 Association | Segregate waste wood at source to maximise recycling potential<\/h2>\n

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Waste producers are being urged to segregate their waste wood at source to ensure that as much as possible is recycled.<\/h4>\n

The Wood Recyclers\u2019 Association (WRA) is encouraging those who produce or receive waste wood \u2013 such as waste management companies and local authorities \u2013 to remove contaminants and ensure material meets the specifications of their destination end markets.<\/p>\n

In particular, the WRA is advising operators who would like their wood to be recycled, that they must remove MDF. This is important because the panel board sector \u2013 the UK\u2019s largest recycler of waste wood \u2013 cannot accept MDF, as it causes processing problems and can lead to machinery blockages.<\/p>\n

While this may not be possible at every site due to logistical constraints, the WRA says that separating out MDF can significantly increase recycling potential and improve environmental outcomes.<\/p>\n

It also allows waste producers to work with multiple outlets, reducing reliance on a single processor or energy facility and providing more offtake options during periods of market volatility.<\/p>\n

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Mark Hayton, Chair of the WRA.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Mark Hayton, Chair of the WRA, said: \u201cOver the past year market conditions have made it more challenging to find markets for waste wood. As a result, quality has become more important than ever with more offtake options for those producing a contaminant-free product which meets the necessary specifications of different end markets.\u201d<\/p>\n

He added: \u201cIn the panel board sector in particular, downtime is often caused by MDF, which can create blockages in machinery. Manufacturers could use more waste wood overall if they received MDF-free feedstock.\u201d<\/p>\n

Mark noted that many local authorities and waste management companies are now keen to supply both the panel board and biomass industries, but stressed that quality and correct segregation are essential.<\/p>\n

He said: \u201cIf waste producers want to maximise recycling potential and help the environment, they need to keep wood suitable for recycling separate from other material.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cFocusing on quality and segregation gives producers the widest possible choice of outlets and helps protect against future market volatility,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

Plan B | Plan B\u2019s first Materials Recovery Facility is open<\/h2>\n

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In a first for Plan B Management Solutions, our Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) is now open for business. Located in Cardiff with the capacity to handle up to 75,000 tonnes per year, we\u2019re ready to serve the community and to strengthen local employment opportunities too.<\/h4>\n

\u201cThe investment in our own material processing infrastructure is an exciting new phase in our growth which will allow Plan B to better serve our clients. We hope this will be the first MRF of many\u201d, said Maz Akhtar, Managing Director, Plan B Management Solutions.<\/p>\n

Our team will be responsible for separating the material into high quality baled recyclates, operating plan machinery, and ensuring the site runs smoothly and safely.<\/p>\n

We\u2019ll be sorting plastics, steel and aluminium cans, as well as paper-based materials. The design of the facility has been carefully considered to reduce the risk of fire from lithium-ion batteries and disposable vapes. These items will be separated early in the process and we\u2019ve also installed a fire suppression system and an automatic foam cannon, which can be remotely controlled.<\/p>\n

Dr Margaret Bates opened the facility during our launch event for industry representatives and members of the press in late April. She said: \u201cWhen I first started at PackUK, we were talking about what EPR should aim to do. This kind of facility is exactly what we want the scheme to do. I\u2019m grateful for the opportunity to see the sensible flow of the material through the plant, and really get a feel of the collaborative spirit behind it.\u201d<\/p>\n

Craig Cutajar, Materials Director, Plan B Management Solutions added: \u201cWe would like to congratulate our team who have worked tirelessly from site acquisition in July 2024 to today to make our vision a reality.\u201d<\/p>\n

VEV | Don\u2019t\u00a0wait \u2013 move now to maximise\u00a0government\u00a0funding for\u00a0your\u00a0eRCVs\u00a0<\/h2>\n

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The Depot Charging Scheme should be viewed as a strategic opportunity rather than a routine grant.<\/h4>\n

Alongside the Plug-in Truck Grant, it is one of the most important opportunities available to waste operators looking to bring depot electrification forward and accelerate\u00a0eRCV\u00a0adoption in the UK, with one scheme supporting the vehicle and the other supporting the infrastructure behind it.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

Because funding is being awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, and because grant support may reduce in future application windows, the message for waste fleet operators is clear: move now to maximise the funding available in Wave 1.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

For organisations\u00a0operating\u00a0multiple depots, this means taking a full view of the estate and deciding which sites are best placed to be\u00a0submitted\u00a0first. A sequenced approach to depot electrification can bring multiple waste depots into scope over time, while allowing operators to prioritise the locations that are most ready now. That in turn can accelerate\u00a0eRCV\u00a0adoption and support wider fleet decarbonisation plans across collections, street\u00a0cleansing\u00a0and municipal operations.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

The organisations that will benefit most from this scheme will not be the ones that simply understand it. They will be the ones that act on it quickly \u2013 defining which depots to electrify, understanding power requirements for eRCV charging, costing the opportunity, aligning internal stakeholders and getting ready to submit a strong application in Wave 1.<\/p>\n

How we can help<\/strong>\u00a0<\/p>\n

VEV acts as the enabler for waste operators looking to turn funding opportunities into fully deliverable electrification programmes. We support customers end-to-end: taking a whole-estate view to\u00a0identify\u00a0and prioritise the right depots, building a sequenced electrification roadmap, assessing site readiness, modelling\u00a0power\u00a0and grid requirements, developing robust cost estimates and business cases, and supporting both grid applications and grant submissions.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

Our focus is not just on supporting fleets to secure funding, but on making projects real and deliverable at pace. We have already supported customers through\u00a0previous\u00a0phases of the Depot Charging Scheme and are now working with operators to maximise their position in the current application window.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

For waste operators, electrification presents unique operational considerations, from overnight charging strategies and route optimisation to ensuring sufficient power capacity for\u00a0high utilisation\u00a0eRCVs. With grant support expected to reduce in future waves, the urgency is clear: maximise Wave 1 funding and bring forward electrification plans now.\u00a0<\/p>\n

If you want to move quickly, prioritise the right sites and\u00a0submit\u00a0a strong, credible application for your waste fleet, VEV can help you do exactly that.\u00a0<\/p>\n

What is the Depot Charging Scheme?<\/strong>\u00a0<\/p>\n

The UK government has opened a major funding opportunity for fleet operators planning the shift to zero-emission vehicles. The Depot Charging Scheme is designed to support the uptake of zero-emission HGVs, vans,\u00a0coaches\u00a0and specialist commercial vehicles by part-funding the installation of charging infrastructure at fleet depots. For the waste sector, this includes the transition to battery-electric refuse collection vehicles (eRCVs).\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0<\/p>\n

This is a significant programme, following a successful 2025\/26 pilot, the government has launched a \u00a3170 million multi-year funding programme running from April 2026 to 2030. Of that, \u00a366 million will be available across two application windows this year, with \u00a328 million for window 1 and \u00a338 million for window 2.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

The Plug-in Truck Grant \u2013 a quick overview<\/strong>\u00a0<\/p>\n

The Plug-in Truck Grant provides direct financial support to reduce the upfront cost of\u00a0purchasing\u00a0zero-emission trucks. Available to businesses and fleet operators, the grant offers a discount at the point of purchase, covering up to 40% of the vehicle cost. This support is designed to bridge the cost gap between diesel and electric HGVs, making it easier for operators to begin transitioning their fleets. For the waste sector, the grant can help accelerate investment in\u00a0eRCVs\u00a0as manufacturers continue to expand available vehicle options and operational capabilities.\u00a0<\/p>\n

How much funding is available per company?<\/strong>\u00a0<\/p>\n

For the current application window, the scheme will cover up to 70% of the charging infrastructure cost, with a maximum of \u00a31 million across all sites per company. Grid connection and substation costs are not eligible. However, solar and battery energy storage systems (BESS), where they directly provide energy for charging, are covered. That level of support could make a meaningful difference for waste operators that have been weighing up the business case for\u00a0eRCV\u00a0depot electrification but have been hesitant because of infrastructure costs.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

The government has also made clear that grant funding rates will reduce over the lifetime of the programme as charging infrastructure becomes more affordable. For many organisations, that makes this first round especially appealing.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

Who can apply?<\/strong>\u00a0<\/p>\n

The eligibility criteria are broad, but there are still several conditions businesses need to meet. Applicants must be registered and\u00a0operating\u00a0in the UK, and both the organisation and its vehicle fleet must have been\u00a0operating\u00a0for at least one year at the time of application. They must also own or lease one or more UK depots and use the funding only within the UK.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

Applicants must have a fleet that includes, or will include, at least one battery-electric van, HGV, coach or\u00a0eRCV, and the application must quantify how that rollout affects EV charging needs. A senior leader in the organisation must also approve the proposal.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

Final thoughts<\/strong>\u00a0<\/p>\n

The Depot Charging Scheme is one of the clearest signals yet that the UK government wants to accelerate the transition to zero-emission commercial fleets. With substantial capital support available, it creates a real opportunity for waste operators to move faster on electrification and begin scaling\u00a0eRCV\u00a0deployment across their operations.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

But it is also a scheme that rewards readiness. With a first-come, first-served process, a hard deadline of 30 June 2026, and only one application per organisation, the businesses most likely to benefit will be the ones that move early, plan carefully and put forward a strong, joined-up case.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

At VEV<\/a>, we\u2019ve helped over 40 businesses with their application for the scheme. If you would like support with depot electrification or funding applications for your eRCV transition, contact us ask@vev.com.<\/p>\n

Routeware | Routeware Expands UK Presence with Acquisition of PermiServ<\/h2>\n
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Routeware, a global provider of innovative, AI-powered solutions for waste and environmental services, today announced the acquisition of PermiServ, the UK market leader in garden waste permit management for local authorities.<\/h4>\n

Together the combined platform will give councils access to AI-driven tools that were previously out of reach for most local authorities.<\/p>\n

The acquisition reinforces Routeware\u2019s long-term commitment to supporting UK local authorities with market leading solutions that simplify operations, improve resident experience, and strengthen environmental service delivery. Routeware currently works with over 100 UK local authorities and has recently launched its latest local government waste and recycling technology platform. Routeware SmartCity enables local authorities of all sizes to reduce costs, improve productivity and increase crew safety by streamlining processes, automating tasks and using data more effectively.<\/p>\n

PermiServ works with councils across the UK to manage subscription-based garden waste services, providing end-to-end permit administration, fulfilment logistics, and resident communications. Its purpose-built software and managed services help councils reduce administrative burden, improve compliance visibility, and deliver reliable services to residents.<\/p>\n

Together, Routeware and PermiServ will offer local authorities a more connected operating model \u2013 linking resident engagement, permitting, routing, in-cab systems, compliance workflows, and service optimisation into a cohesive platform.<\/p>\n

A Shared Commitment to Modern Council Services<\/strong><\/p>\n

The addition of PermiServ strengthens Routeware\u2019s presence at a critical point of interaction between councils and residents, expanding its ability to support the full lifecycle of subscription-based services \u2013 from sign-up and permitting through to collection, compliance, and performance visibility.<\/p>\n

Jeremy Collins, CEO of Routeware, said:<\/p>\n

\u201cPermiServ has established itself as the trusted market leader in garden waste permit management for UK local authorities. Their strong council relationships, operational expertise, and resident-focused approach align perfectly with Routeware\u2019s mission to simplify environmental services through connected technology. We are pleased to welcome John and the PermiServ team to Routeware and look forward to investing further in solutions that councils and residents rely on every day.\u201d<\/p>\n

John Bayley, Founder and Managing Director of PermiServ, added:<\/p>\n

\u201cOur focus has always been on helping councils deliver efficient, well-managed garden waste services without adding complexity to their operations. Joining Routeware enables us to enhance our technology capabilities, broaden integration opportunities, and continue serving our customers with the same commitment and reliability \u2014 now backed by the scale and innovation of a global platform.\u201d<\/p>\n

Continued Focus on the UK Market<\/strong><\/p>\n

PermiServ will continue to operate with its existing team and customer focus, ensuring continuity of service for councils. Customers will maintain their current relationships and points of contact.<\/p>\n

The combined organisation will focus on:<\/p>\n