Policy news & IOM3 comment

The £70bln grid upgrade is critical as more UK electricity comes from renewables.

The Chartered Institution of Wastes Management (CIWM) is urging the UK Government to set a new strategic direction.

Respond to the IOM3 call for input by 7 October.

The Back British-made Glass Charter encourages voluntary signees to recognise the value of UK glass.

The two countries have signed agreements at the Global Fusion Policy Summit.

Critical materials company The Elmet Group plans to allocate this to establishing a more secure tungsten supply chain.

Reviewing the UK’s critical minerals midstream processing, recovery and recycling capability.

The UK Government plans to tackle land contamination from ‘forever chemicals’.

Lovell's remit is to lead the Board in stabilising and transforming the company to support its long-term future.

The Council joins the EU in banning the purchase, import and transit of gold originating from Sudan.

An OECD report finds traceability can enhance the integrity of mineral supply chain diligence.

The Alliance for Sustainable Building Products (ASBP) is heading up a cross-sector group to develop practical guidance.

The government is launching the Space strategy in a bid to safeguard national security and defence capabilities.

A launch for a tool mapping the CO₂ footprint embedded in traded goods, was hosted by The Institute for European Environmental Policy (IEEP).

Study warns of a 'domino effect' threat from climate change as one infrastructure failure can cause a cascade.

The three signatories say the European plastics recycling industry faces an unprecedented crisis.

The Natural Environment Research Council is funding the project.

The Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) will launch in October 2027.

A study of 100 sitting MPs reveals a gap on perceptions on environmental issues of those in politics and public attitudes.

The Council for Science and Technology are presenting recommendations for the chemical sector in the UK.

The new Global Network Programme aims to help businesses better understand the markets they are investing in.

Trade body Make UK releases results of an industry survey.

The incorporation of waste incineration in the scheme from 2028 will not take place as planned.

British Safety Council seeks to protect workers from risks linked to high-concentration, silica-containing materials.

The deal will develop military capabilities and technology of the future.

Materials consultancy Lucideon has created the blueprint that it claims will build a secure, sovereign manufacturing capability.

The National Wealth Fund is providing up to £71mln to reopen the Hemerdon tungsten and tin mine in Devon.

A Dundee University led study highlights disruption vulnerabilities because of a variety of global risks.

Floating solar is suggested as one of the UK’s largest unexplored sources of energy.

The UK Space Agency’s 16 projects are to support development of satellite communications for the UK's future.

An international oil and gas engineering not-for-profit are calling for papers for a conference on securing European energy.

An engineering specialist in Coventry, UK has secured £13.5mln to support growth in UK manufacturing.

A seven-week consultation on a long sea outfall from Exmouth sewage treatment works has started in Britain.

The University of Nottingham, UK, created six new spin-out companies during the 2025/26 university financial year.

Research on recovery opportunities for UK’s onshore and offshore wind fleet suggests significant raw materials demand.

100 UK research-intensive businesses are to be included in the Global Talent visa’s endorsed funding path.

Chile has exceptional conditions to develop a competitive offshore wind industry, according to UK research.

The measures will come into effect on 27 August and comments on the ruling will be accepted for 21 days.

Naked Energy’s renewable heat technology is receiving £8.875mln from Great British Energy and Barclays Climate Ventures.

The Critical Minerals Accelerator opens for applications from extraction, processing and recycling projects.

Respond to the call for input by 28 August.

EY estimates scale of the investment to replicate China-linked supply chains across the US, Eurozone and UK.

The petition passes the 10,000-signature threshold for government response.

These aim to extend product lifecycles and favour repair over new purchases.

A Policy Exchange report says a clear route, from concept to commercial operation, is currently absent from UK policy.

The interim report combines the input of 100 specialists from 34 institutions.

Chris McDonald MP FREng CEng FIMMM has been appointed Minister of State for Science at the newly formed Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade.

The Sullom Voe Terminal is due to produce hydrogen and e-methanol by 2030.

The Government announced proposals today that aim to reshape the pathways to technical education.

MaterialsCommons will create a unified, accessible entry point to Europe’s materials data and digital tools.

IOM3 writes to new Secretaries of State on growth and resilience.

It is designed for businesses placing products on the EU market, including steel, aluminium, tyres, large batteries and construction products.

Kat Culyer of EqualEngineers reports on a workshop on ‘Disability Inclusion in the Engineering Workforce’.

It claims the electrification rate of energy demand has stalled at 23% over the past decade.

ResponsibleGlass has published the first draft of its International Standard for Glassmaking.

The funding from UK Government is designed to help young people in Port Talbot, Wales, to secure jobs.

The move follows the Steel Industry (Nationalisation) Act receiving Royal Assent on 15 July 2026.

This is reported to be a first for a major structural construction material.

The alliance will boost skills and research in robotics, artificial intelligence, aerospace engineering and manufacturing.

The UK Packaging Pact aims to help the sector overcome challenges, reduce costs, shape and implement policy, and accelerate circular solutions.

The new plan seeks to make the most of the government’s £38.6bln investment.

Operators can apply to exceed their permitted storage levels until 31 March 2027.

The Royal Society of Chemistry finds that chemistry added £60.5bln to the UK economy in 2023, supporting 327,500 jobs.

They establish how to calculate, verify and report chemically recycled content in single-use bottles made primarily of PET.

The facilities will produce materials such as rare-earth elements, germanium, gallium and aluminium.

The government has unveiled the charter for paid family leave, flexible working and tougher action on harassment.

The consultation, launched by WRAP, seeks feedback from businesses, investors and stakeholders.

Producers must use the new framework to assess the recyclability of packaging supplied next year.

The Centre for Net Zero explores a framework for energy flexibility.

Findings from a project that assesses the prospects for a 50,000t/y, advanced mechanical recycling plant.

The study call for global coordination to manage competition for critical minerals.

Women’s Engineering Society honours IOM3 members as part of WE50.

The ‘world’s-first’ standard is designed to support organisations in developing credible and comprehensive net-zero transition plans.

The trade body estimates that as much as 6Mt of scrap aluminium for recycling may be needed to meet the 8Mt of demand expected by 2035.

IOM3 highlights circularity and skills as key to critical minerals success.

A Westminster Forum event explores how industry, policymakers and investors can confront the practical challenges of forging resilient supply chains.

This could make it difficult to hit the UK Government's target by 2035 for 20% of annual demand to be met through recycling and recovery.

UN Environment Programme finds that surging global demand is outpacing sustainable sand supply, threatening ecosystems.

The new £10mln Quantum Standards Network will oversee everything from the the ultra-narrow lasers needed to control qubits, to the size, weight and energy-efficiency requirements of quantum sensors.

The Environmental Investigation Agency UK (EIA) indicates alternative ways to lower plastics pollution.

Manufacturers and unions are calling for UK Government action as rising costs threaten domestic industry.

This signals a growing focus on natural resources to strengthen economic resilience and energy security.

Cleaner energy use in paper mills and converting plants has helped lower the carbon footprint.

An update on the latest developments in UK packaging policy.

Accelerating polyester textiles recycling.

How can industry get a grip on the narrative around plastics and change its course?

The loss of capacity could undermine policy measures to increase the volume of materials collected for recycling.

The alliance will advance industry solutions to bolster the workforce for Canadian minerals and metals.

The consultation presents a draft National Policy Statement for fusion energy generation.

For every hectare of active mine site, an additional 34 hectares of forest are lost to supporting infrastructure, according to the University of Sheffield, UK-led research.

The plans come as peaks in demand are anticipated with the largest-ever football World Cup kicking off this week.

The World Inequality Lab claims planetary habitability and high well-being can still be met while industries decarbonise.

Trio of reports warn that progress on reuse systems are being constrained by finance and policies to tackle plastic pollution.

50 stakeholders call for agreement on timelines and milestones linking the systems.

This comes as the UK Government sets its proposed level for the Seventh Carbon Budget.

IOM3 is seeking views on the proposed introduction of mandatory certification for the Plastic Packaging Tax.

The Henry Royce Institute finds that more than 635,000 people work in the nation’s materials sector.

Decommissioned offshore wind turbines could produce enough magnets to build one million electric vehicles per year.

The continent's vast ‘urban mine’ is mapped in an EU-funded project.

Europe’s solar power fleet avoids €10bln of additional gas imports since the Middle East conflict began.

Recycling firm Viridor is requesting policy changes to improve investment conditions in Europe.

Government packages aim to boost economic resilience.

The warnings come one year after long-term authorisation was granted under UK REACH.

By 2050, 92% of homes are likely to overheat and peak river flows will be up to 45% higher, says the committee.

The National Engineering Policy Centre calls for a step-change to maintain system resilience and reduce energy costs.

How can mining companies protect pressured water resources while increasing output?

Tadweld Ltd, based in Tadcaster, cites rising taxes, energy and employment costs.

Energy Secretary Ed Miliband approves the wind farms, which will provide up to 4GW.

The King’s Speech unveiled PM Keir Starmer’s legislative agenda for the year ahead, with 37 bills aimed at ‘strengthening the UK’s energy, defence and economic security’.

It says a Westminster-focused approach leads to 'inefficient and unfair policies around planning, energy and trade'.

British Steel would be government run since privatisation in 1988, under laws to be in the King's Speech on Wednesday.

Digital Catapult and Innovate UK identify advanced materials as a priority area where the UK could build global leadership.

IOM3 has submitted a response to the proposed reform of the Packaging Recovery Note (PRN) and Packaging Export Recovery Note (PERN) system

Over 50 businesses and trade associations urge publication of the UK Government's Circular Economy Growth Plan.

A Green Alliance briefing highlights wasted gas, while Oxford Smith School identifies cost savings from renewables.

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) recommends policies to curb demand for construction materials from quarries, forests and steel mills.

COP31 will rely on the agency's data, analysis and policy advice across a range of key energy-related topics.

Meanwhile, Japan and Australia also invest AUD$1.67bln in critical minerals projects, with Australia providing AUD$1.3bln.

The Innovate UK-funded project urges government action after consultation with the industry via series of policy briefings.

Report from OECD reveals a wider range of countries, particularly in Africa and Asia, introduced new measures.

As France outlines energy transition goals, a think tank finds fossil fuel power is ‘in permanent retreat’ for OECD nations.

The EU-US Action Plan will explore a broad range of trade policies and instruments.

As high energy costs drive ceramics manufacturers to the brink, a petition could trigger debate.

The warning comes in a new report from the cross-party Environmental Audit Committee.

IOM3 seeks views on measures seeking to address inconsistencies and fraud in the current system.

This competition seeks to award youth-led initiatives that are making meaningful contributions across diverse contexts.

AccelerateEU aims to bring relief to households and industries amid the Middle East conflict.

The UK Government is moving to introduce long-term fixed price contracts for renewables.

Exchange for Change's drinks containers specification is designed to support industry readiness, recycling and materials recovery.

Ceramics UK says this is increasing pressure on the industry.

Warnings of disruption to critical markets and calls for a National Emergency Plan for Fuel.

The UK Government says the training will be for the advanced manufacturing, clean energy, defence, digital and technology sectors.

Rolls-Royce has partnered with Great British Energy-Nuclear (GBE-N) to deliver the country’s first small modular reactors (SMRs).

Brazil, France, Japan and the US are making moves.

Funding for battery recycling plant, gigafactory and simpler street charger permissions process.

Wood Mackenzie also finds that coal rises 20% as countries diversify supply and prioritise domestic resources.

Industry insider says new UK steel tariff measures risk devastating the steelwork sector.

Hydrogen investment, largest solar site and non-pipeline carbon capture.

The funding comes from the UK Government’s £500mln Local Innovation Partnerships Fund.

There are concerns that women leaving tech has real consequences for emerging technologies and artificial intelligence (AI).

The scheme will work alongside Extended Producer Responsibility for packaging and the upcoming Deposit Return Scheme.

The unit aims to met the sector's skills needs in consultation with employers and experts.

Shipbuilding, steel, artificial intelligence (AI) and energy infrastructure are recognised as key domestic sectors.

Funding for floating infrastructure, Crown Estate promotes upcoming licensing round and UK wind generation hits new high.

Five priority sectors have been identified – built environment, energy infrastructure, textiles, transport and the food system.

Analysis from the Energy & Climate Intelligence Unit says new drilling could equal under 2% of the total already extracted.

IOM3 responds to UK Steel Strategy published following six-week consultation in March 2025.

The UK's National Audit Office has investigated measures to prevent the closure of British Steel's Scunthorpe site last year.

It aims to speed up building, strengthen national and energy security, and cut costs.

UK Science Secretary urges research funders to back better maternity leave and flexible working support.

Around 400mln barrels of oil are being released to the market.

Professionals from across the UK energy sector discuss consumer-led flexibility, digitalisation and grid decentralisation.

New study argues that words like 'upcycling' and 'downcycling' can skew value judgements.

The standard is backed by building data and science-led modelling.

The National Geothermal Centre (NGC), UK, is looking for industry leaders and experts to become official NGC champions.

The manufacturing trade body wants a bold vision that combines economic and defence security.

University of Sheffield research finds green hydrogen could fail as a sustainable fuel option without wider change.

The UK Government is urged to implement recommendations around stress in the manufacturing industry.

The Government of Zimbabwe has suspended export of these minerals with immediate effect, until further notice.

More accurate packaging data revealed a gap in funding originally calculated for the first year of pEPR.

Wales’ renewable energy industry calls on the devolved government to 'back a bold, joined-up clean power strategy'.

President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and Prime Minister Narendra Modi discussed critical minerals, steel and fossil fuels.

Consultancy firm Baringa identifies a persistent structural financing gap, particularly at late‑stage development.

The Hydrogen Energy Association (HEA) urges action on hydrogen allocation rounds and government strategy refresh.

'Sustainable' wood supply will not be sufficient to absorb future demand growth, finds report.

Sunderland Labour Group is requesting that the University of Sunderland, UK, reviews its decision.

The UK shipping industry questions plans to extend the UK Emissions Trading Scheme (UK ETS) to domestic maritime.

After several years of positivity, the global green iron and steel sector is approaching a pivotal point.

The British Geological Survey (BGS) says the UK must examine less-studied areas to store 170Mt of CO₂ a year by 2050.

Aquapak's analysis has identified potential complications in the way the UK legislation defines recyclability.

Yet despite the strong earnings outlook, the UK faces a deepening skills shortage in welding.

The Wood Recyclers' Association calls on the government to protect the domestic waste-wood biomass sector.

Study names Sweden the best for women in STEM in Europe, ahead of International Day of Women and Girls in Science.

The webinars are run by Exchange for Change, the industry-led organisation implementing the scheme.

At the start of National Apprenticeship Week, Make UK proposes a Skills Investment Pledge.

Implementing the National Materials Innovation Strategy.

Navigating UK maritime decarbonisation.

The updated framework seeks to set science-based targets for reaching net-zero by 2050.

The Global Plastics Policy Centre makes recommendations ahead of the next UN negotiation committee meeting.

The new appointments will scale the Institute's work, including an audit and certification process for tailings safety.

The EU, US and Japan agree to cooperate on supply chains, while a Texas spinout is tackling recovery of these minerals.

The UK Government’s Advanced Nuclear Framework outlines investment and innovation routes in the sector.

The UKRI Chief Executive addresses concerns about research funding in an open letter.

The strategy recognises Chile is facing a strategic opportunity, considering its geological potential and mining experience.

The Bureau of International Recycling (BIR) advocates for global trade of used textiles, while WRAP calls for UK accountability.

Expanding and intensifying mining at existing sites can reportedly 'worsen environmental and social risks over time'.

The investment is into companies, infrastructure and supply chains to unlock growth for 'greener', more resilient future.

UK Energy Secretary Ed Miliband signed the Hamburg Declaration with European allies to bolster energy security.

British Geological Survey highlights industrial sand's importance is often overlooked as an essential material to the UK economy.

IOM3 submitted a response to the Government's North Sea consultation last year.

The Standard aims to ensure that government-supported hydrogen production directly contributes to carbon reduction.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration will streamline exploration license and commercial recovery permitting.

The body seeks tougher chemical policy from the European Commission's Circular Economy Act.

Decarbonisation project raises concern across the UK steel supply-chain.

A perspective on the British ceramics industry from GMB, Trades Union Congress and Green Alliance.

The Midlands Industrial Ceramics Group (MICG) creates a framework for delivering next-generation capability.

Industrials are the second-most distressed sector, partly due to the automotive sector, finds the Weil European Distress Index (WEDI).