{"id":967,"date":"2026-04-30T07:30:00","date_gmt":"2026-04-30T07:30:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/businesssinglesmeet.com\/?p=967"},"modified":"2026-05-05T15:55:58","modified_gmt":"2026-05-05T15:55:58","slug":"news-in-brief-ciwm-commercial-partner-updates-april","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/businesssinglesmeet.com\/index.php\/2026\/04\/30\/news-in-brief-ciwm-commercial-partner-updates-april\/","title":{"rendered":"News in brief | CIWM Commercial Partner Updates April"},"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
Greyparrot<\/strong><\/td>\nGreyparrot to share interactive facility simulator at IFAT and PRSE<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Dennis Eagle<\/strong><\/td>\n\n
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Dennis Eagle\u2019s five top tips to reduce your food waste<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
CRJ Services<\/strong><\/td>\n\n
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Driving Sustainability Forward: CRJ Services Invests in Solar Energy<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Valpak<\/strong><\/td>\n\n
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Valpak by Reconomy launches global EPR platform<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Plan B<\/strong><\/td>\n\n
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Providing community support in Bridgend<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Fleetclear<\/strong><\/td>\n\n
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Fleetclear partners with SUEZ recycling and recovery UK for new integrated fleet safety system<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
VEV<\/strong><\/td>\n\n
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A data-led approach to electrification can reduce transition costs by up to 30%<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Norse Group<\/strong><\/td>\n\n
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Calderdale Council partners with Norse Group for waste and recycling services<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Beyondly<\/strong><\/td>\n\n
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How the EU Circular Economy Act will transform packaging and EPR globally<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Vision Techniques<\/strong><\/td>\n\n
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Vision Techniques celebrates revamped system shortlisted for industry award<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Greyparrot |\u00a0Greyparrot to share interactive facility simulator at IFAT and PRSE<\/h2>\n

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AI waste analytics developer Greyparrot will appear at two major industry events next week, with stands announced for IFAT Munich and the Plastics Recycling Show Europe in Amsterdam.<\/h4>\n

The company has announced that it will launch an interactive facility simulator for visitors to both shows, alongside live demonstrations of recently-launched Greyparrot Analyzer features.<\/p>\n

At IFAT, Greyparrot\u2019s team will showcase updates to the Analyzer portal, which forms part of the AI waste analytics system now deployed across more than 250 facilities and 20+ countries. Recent features have focused on surfacing facility-wide and multi-plant performance insights from the system\u2019s live material data.<\/p>\n

The new capabilities reflect the sector\u2019s desire to increase AI coverage of material lines in individual facilities and across entire portfolios \u2013 and signalling a widespread embrace of automated analysis that will be a key theme at this year\u2019s conference.<\/p>\n

Visitors to the Greyparrot stand (Stand 523 in Hall B6) will also be able to experience the company\u2019s new facility simulator. The interactive experience puts users in control of an AI-powered recovery facility, challenging them to make data-driven decisions based on real recovery situations. Greyparrot have announced that slots are available to book in advance.<\/p>\n

The company will also contribute to IFAT\u2019s programme of expert sessions. Head of Business Development Matthew Steventon will join the International Solid Waste Association (ISWA) on the Orange Stage on Thursday 7 May for a session titled \u201cAI & Robotics for Next\u2011Gen Waste and Resource Management.\u201d Starting at 16:30 CET, the session will address the technical, policy, and social challenges of deploying AI and robotics at scale across the waste and resource management sector.<\/p>\n

Members of the Greyparrot team will also exhibit at PRSE in Amsterdam. Plastics recycling professionals will be offered a close look at the Analyzer system\u2019s plastic recognition capabilities, and learn how the company integrated NIR recognition in their AnalyzerWave system for granular polymer identification.<\/p>\n

The facility simulator will also be on show, allowing visitors to explore how waste intelligence data can inform operational and investment decisions.<\/p>\n

To book a simulator demo slot ahead of either show, visit Greyparrot\u2019s events page<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Dennis Eagle | Dennis Eagle\u2019s five top tips to reduce your food waste<\/h2>\n

1.3 billion tonnes of food is wasted globally each year, with 9.52 million tonnes of this coming from the UK alone. To put this into perspective, today\u2019s annual food waste worldwide could feed almost the entire population.<\/h4>\n

While it\u2019s unsurprising that households are the main offenders, responsible for 70% of UK food waste according to WRAP, it is staggering to learn that approximately 6.4 million tonnes of this food was still edible.<\/p>\n

According to a government impact assessment conducted in 2023, food waste currently costs the UK \u00a319 billion each year. This equates to roughly \u00a31,000 per household \u2013 that\u2019s \u00a3200 already gone by March. The environmental impact of this is also significant, with food waste contributing to approximately 8-10% or<\/p>\n

around 4 billion tonnes of global greenhouse gas emissions annually \u2013 nearly five times the total emissions from the aviation sector!<\/p>\n

It\u2019s safe to say that ultimately something needs to change. A mindset shift is needed to ensure food is seen as a precious commodity rather than a perishable luxury. Thankfully, all of this food wastage can be easily avoided by employing just a few simple tips and tricks that will make a world of difference, helping you improve any \u201crubbish\u201d behaviour for the better.<\/p>\n

Here\u2019s some food (waste) for thought from Dennis Eagle:<\/p>\n

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  1. Don\u2019t confuse Best Before with Use By<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    This is one of the most common mistakes when it comes to food waste, and an easy one to make. \u2018Use By\u2019 dates specify when your food is good until; you don\u2019t want to eat it after this date has passed as it will no longer be safe to do so.<\/p>\n

    \u2018Best Before\u2019 dates instead let you know when your food is at its best. Just because an item reaches its Best Before, that doesn\u2019t necessarily mean it\u2019s gone off or is unsafe to eat. Check for any signs of spoilage, and if not, bon appetite!<\/p>\n

    Too often food is thrown away once it reaches its Best Before date and isn\u2019t given the opportunity to live up to its full potential. Don\u2019t cut your food down in its prime: check the label, and if your Best Before item still looks tasty, it\u2019s likely fine to consume. For detailed food safety advice, visit: www.food.gov.uk<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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    1. Plan meals ahead, or based on food\u2019s shelf life<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

      A key thing to remember before you take a trip to your local supermarket is to check what you already have in your cupboards and fridge at home. You never know \u2013 that pasta sauce you\u2019ve got a taste for might be hidden behind a few other jars, and there might still be a few carrots to use up before buying a new bunch.<\/p>\n

      Remind yourself what you\u2019ve got, make a list of what you need, and plan a few specific meals you know you\u2019re going to stick to throughout the week. If you\u2019re going to be eating out at any point during the week, account for this too and don\u2019t buy any more than you need.<\/p>\n

      Doing your food shop online instead of in person can also reduce the temptation to buy surplus food. Using supermarket apps helps to streamline your shop and be more selective about what you\u2019re adding to your basket.<\/p>\n

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      1. Freeze it to eat later<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

        Once your food gets back to your fridge or freezer, take a note of what\u2019s going to go off first so you know to prioritise it \u2013 items such as meat products don\u2019t have a long shelf life, so if you\u2019ve been looking forward to that steak all week, don\u2019t let it end up in the bin.<\/p>\n

        If you notice food is about to pass its Use By or Best Before date, put it in the freezer before it reaches that point. It\u2019s important to note that not all food is freezable, so make sure you check the label to clarify whether it can be frozen first.<\/p>\n

        If the answer is \u2018yes\u2019, you\u2019ve just bought your food a lot more time. Similarly, a lot of food can already be bought frozen \u2013 even some healthier foods like fruit and vegetables. As a lot of frozen veg comes ready-sliced or diced, these often help you skip some of the time-consuming prep work for larger meals too.<\/p>\n

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        1. Use leftovers for lunches, or get creative<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

          How often do you measure out too much pasta or rice than you need for a meal? It can be difficult to \u2018eyeball\u2019 this accurately, so it\u2019s important to either weigh out portions before they go in the pot or put any leftovers into Tupperware for use the next day.<\/p>\n

          We\u2019re also all guilty of throwing away vegetable peels, but often the peel can be the healthiest bit provided you wash it first. Full of rich nutrients, it\u2019s a shame to see this condemned straight to the food caddy. You can bake peels for the occasional healthy treat, boil them to create your own vegetable stock, or blend and freeze them for use later.<\/p>\n

          You can even roast and blend any leftover tomatoes to make your own scrumptious pasta sauce, saving you from trying to locate the one at the back of your cupboard. Plan your weekly meals around what is left to eat, or make all-encompassing recipes like spaghetti bolognese, soups, or stir-fries to use up remaining veg.<\/p>\n

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          1. Put food waste in your caddy, not your bin<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

            With the recent introduction of Simpler Recycling legislation in 2025 and March 2026, food waste is now being collected separately to general waste across most of the UK. This now requires residents to put their food waste into caddies rather than their usual rubbish bin.<\/p>\n

            While many are still adjusting to this change, it\u2019s essential to ensure food waste is discarded separately, enabling this to be broken down into fertiliser, composted, or converted into energy \u2013 a far better outcome than simply adding it to landfill.<\/p>\n

            Both cooked and uncooked food can go into your caddy, so any inedible veg, leftovers, and even used tea bags can go straight in. Importantly, it\u2019s better to use compostable food waste bags to line your caddy rather than plastic bags, or your efforts will quite literally go to waste.<\/p>\n

            These small and easy steps to reduce food waste can all make a huge difference to your community, the environment, and your piggy bank. By being more aware of what you purchase, when food is due to go off, and which bin this needs to go into, together we can ensure food wastage is minimised and correctly disposed of, saving money and helping to save the planet.<\/p>\n

            As the leading manufacturer of refuse collection vehicles in the UK, Dennis Eagle has significant insight into the importance of adhering to best practice waste management and hopes to encourage a better approach to food waste for a brighter, greener future.<\/p>\n

            CRJ Services | Driving Sustainability Forward: CRJ Services Invests in Solar Energy<\/span><\/h2>\n

            \"Solar<\/h4>\n

            CRJ Services has taken a significant step in its sustainability journey with the installation of a 105kWp solar energy system at its headquarters, reinforcing its commitment to reducing environmental impact while maintaining high operational standards.<\/h4>\n

            The investment reflects a broader shift within the waste, recycling and forestry sectors towards more responsible energy use.<\/p>\n

            The solar array enables the business to generate renewable electricity on-site, reducing reliance on grid-supplied power traditionally produced from fossil fuels. Over its projected 25-year lifespan, the system is expected to generate approximately 2.3 million kWh of clean electricity, delivering a substantial reduction in operational emissions while supporting the wider adoption of renewable energy.<\/p>\n

            Electricity consumption remains one of the largest contributors to industrial carbon footprints. Prior to installation, CRJ\u2019s electricity usage accounted for around 37.4 tonnes of CO\u2082e annually, a figure that would have continued to rise alongside business growth.<\/p>\n

            By generating a significant proportion of its own energy, the company is reducing its dependence on carbon-intensive grid electricity and lowering emissions year-on-year.<\/p>\n

            The system has been designed to align closely with operational demand, ensuring maximum efficiency. It is estimated around 63% of the electricity generated is used directly on-site, while the remaining 37% is exported back to the grid.<\/p>\n

            This approach not only maximises the benefit of renewable energy within the business but also contributes surplus power to the wider network.<\/p>\n

            Alongside the installation, CRJ is introducing EV charging infrastructure and supporting employees transitioning to electric vehicles.<\/p>\n

            By pairing solar generation with EV charging, the company is creating a more sustainable, closed-loop system where clean energy can be used to power both operations and transport, reducing emissions associated with daily travel.<\/p>\n

            As energy prices continue to rise, generating electricity on-site also provides long-term cost stability while delivering environmental benefits.<\/p>\n

            The investment marks an important milestone for CRJ, demonstrating a clear commitment to cleaner energy, improved efficiency and a more sustainable future, while continuing to deliver the quality and reliability its customers expect.<\/p>\n

            Valpak | Valpak by Reconomy launches global EPR platform<\/h2>\n

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            Valpak by Reconomy is bringing industry-leading tools to the global market, with the launch of its Global Data Insights Platform.<\/h4>\n

            The platform provides rapid analysis of large data volumes, helping brands and retailers to manage packaging obligations, recyclability and EPR costs across multiple countries. Rooted in the world\u2019s largest packaging and product dataset, it references over 60 million SKUs to validate data. Many of the UK\u2019s best-known brands are already using the tools to manage compliance, identify key areas for improvement and create customised reports.<\/p>\n

            Phillip Crum, Director of Data Insights at Valpak, said: \u201cModern compliance is not just about submitting accurate data; the real benefits lie in putting the data to work, to reduce costs and drive change. Managing compliance across borders calls for a new level of visibility and instant analysis. Valpak customers are using the platform to identify improvement opportunities and model design changes or, equally, to pinpoint data gaps and engage with suppliers to avoid penalties.\u201d<\/p>\n

            \u201cGlobal EPR regulations are evolving rapidly. Seven US states have already passed Bills for pEPR (Extended Producer Responsibility for Packaging), while the new Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) is bringing more complex demands and diverse challenges for obligated businesses in the EU. Valpak customers are looking for solutions \u2013 for example, with the arrival of PPWR, we have seen enquiries rise by over 40 per cent in just eight months. This trend is showing no sign of abating.\u201d<\/p>\n

            Valpak\u2019s Global Data Insights Platform allows businesses to centralise all packaging, component and supplier data in one unified system, model global pEPR compliance costs, assess recyclability and identify redesign opportunities in preparation for modulated fees. Businesses can create live reports on recycled content, plastic usage, source certification, as well as mapping packaging decisions directly to ESG commitments.<\/p>\n

            Crum added: \u201cCompliance is a collaborative process that involves the whole value chain. Using the platform, obligated businesses can gain visibility of how each supplier contributes to overall packaging data, recyclability performance and fee exposure. This, in turn, leads to an understanding of where supplier-driven improvements can reduce costs, strengthen reporting accuracy, and support strategic procurement decisions.\u201d<\/p>\n

            Plan B | Providing community support in Bridgend<\/h2>\n

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            Plan B Management Solutions is delighted to announce that the first grants from our \u00a310,000 Community Fund have been awarded.<\/h4>\n

            The fund, set up in February to support local projects in Bridgend County Borough, consists of 4 x \u00a31,000 and 12 x \u00a3500 grants. We have awarded grants to organisations that:<\/p>\n