E-WASTE REFORMS The UK government is pushing Amazon, eBay and other online marketplaces to take responsibility for recycling electronic waste under new regulations aimed at creating a fairer system.

Beginning in 2026, international sellers on platforms such as Amazon and eBay will be required to contribute to the cost of recycling electrical waste, which has often been shouldered by United Kingdom based businesses such as Currys.

The shift seeks to level the playing field by ensuring that foreign vendors selling on these platforms aren’t exempt from recycling obligations.

This governmental action is in response to growing concerns over electronic waste, particularly from products such as disposable vapes. The UN estimates that some 844 million vapes are discarded annually while British households dispose of over 100,000 tonnes of smaller electrical goods each year.

Under the new regulations, a specific e-waste category for vapes will replace its previous classification with toys and sports equipment.

Online vendors such as Amazon and eBay have expressed their commitment to sustainability, and this reform is expected to drive greater accountability in the tech industry. With enforcement by the UK’s Environment Agency, the government hopes to curb waste, foster recycling and ensure that all contributors to e-waste are financially responsible for its disposal.

NOSTALGIC TREND Vintage audio equipment is experiencing a surge in popularity, and it’s being driven by nostalgia – and a desire for more personal and durable technology. Mars Tapes, the last UK store exclusively selling cassette tapes, is at the heart of this trend.

It is catering to a mix of young customers who are discovering the format for the first time and older buyers who are reconnecting with memories. The shop’s cassette players are also in high demand with many eager to buy their first retro devices.

This revival is part of a wider movement towards repairing and restoring old audio gear. Searches for repair services have skyrocketed, and businesses are seeing a growing demand for repairs of Walkmans, CD players and turntables. People are seeking vintage equipment not simply for nostalgic reasons but also their superior build quality and repairability.

Platforms such as Back Market have seen record players fly off the shelves, proving the appeal of old school tech. For some, repairing these devices offers a sense of connection and empowerment while supporting the circular economy.

As manufacturers focus on disposable designs, the move to restore vintage audio equipment is a way to preserve history, reduce waste and provide music lovers with a richer and more rewarding experience.

TECH FOR MINING In the remote Pilbara region of Western Australia, Rio Tinto’s Greater Nammuldi iron ore mine operates with over 50 autonomous trucks that haul 300 tonnes of ore. These trucks follow predefined courses and reduce the need for human drivers.

The operation, which is controlled from Rio Tinto’s Perth based operations centre, includes other automated equipment such as drills and water carts. These autonomous vehicles are equipped with sensors, lasers and high accuracy GPS systems, to avoid collisions and ensure safety.

Despite initial fears, the trucks operate efficiently and safely with controllers monitoring operations remotely.

Automation has greatly improved worker safety by reducing human error and fatigue, and boosted productivity through eliminating downtime from shift changes. Although automation costs billions of dollars, it hasn’t led to widespread job losses; instead, workers have been retrained as equipment controllers or manual operators elsewhere.

The mining industry is witnessing advancements in safety although there are concerns over system design and controller workloads. Some safety incidents have raised concerns but Rio Tinto’s policies on automation are improving over time and the business continues to expand automation in its operations.

PEELABLE PAINTS The CEO of Glasst Innovation Juan Botero has developed a new house paint called Unpaint, which is designed to be removable and allow users to easily peel it off like plastic wrap.

Initially met with scepticism, the product is aimed at those seeking customisation in rented spaces. Unpaint’s innovative resin, derived from renewable sources, promises no residue or damage when removed although it may leave marks if the underlying paint is in poor condition.

Unpaint is part of a broader trend where house paints claim to offer more than aesthetic value. Enterprises are introducing paints that promise energy efficiency such as Thermglasst, an insulating resin set to launch next year.

However, independent studies such as the one by the University of Salford cast doubts on claims of substantial energy savings from thermal paints because of the minimal impact on heating costs.

Additionally, reflective paints such as those from i2Cool are gaining attention for their ability to keep homes cooler by increasing reflectivity and reducing air conditioning costs. With the growing focus on energy efficiency and environmental sustainability, these innovations signal a shift in how we perceive and use paint in our homes.