The blog for smart businesspeople
Tuesday, 10 February 2026
That's Food and Drink: Vegan Chocolat Expands Professional Range with Cos...
That's Food and Drink: Vegan Chocolat Expands Professional Range with Cos...: Vegan Chocolat has announced the launch of two new professional chocolate chip products designed to support food businesses seeking reliable...
Monday, 9 February 2026
GAP Group North East launches UK‑wide insulation panel recycling to tackle construction’s hidden waste and pollution problem
Construction is responsible for around 62% of all waste generated in the UK and roughly a third of everything sent to landfill, despite national targets to drive that figure close to zero.
Insulation is essential for cutting operational carbon in buildings, but once removed from a roof, façade or cold store it is still too often treated as disposable.
In practice, that means composite and foam‑cored panels going into mixed skips, then into landfill, shredding or low‑grade incineration routes, where they can persist for centuries, releasing microplastics or releasing trapped blowing agents, harmful gasses and other pollutants.
GAP Group North East’s new service gives contractors and facilities managers a compliant, direct‑to‑processor route for end‑of‑life insulation panels, helping to divert complex materials away from landfill and uncontrolled disposal.
Panels collected from projects across the UK are processed through GAP Group’s specialist fridge‑recycling lines in Gateshead and Perth, where metal skins and insulation cores are separated and the gasses removed so that recyclable fractions can be recovered and hazardous components handled under strict environmental controls.
The environmental stakes are high. Older insulated panels – especially legacy cold‑room and composite units – can contain foams blown with ozone‑depleting substances or high‑global‑warming‑potential gases, which regulations say must be captured and treated rather than simply released during shredding, burning or uncontrolled disposal.
Peter Moody, CEO at GAP Group North East, told That's Business: “Insulation has helped cut energy use in buildings, but if we just dump the panels at end of life, we are swapping one environmental problem for another.”
Moody added “By putting insulated panels through the same kind of highly regulated lines we use for fridges, we can recover metals, control and capture blowing agents, and stop these materials ending up as uncontrolled pollution or long‑term landfill burden. That means a real reduction in embodied carbon and environmental risk for our customers’ projects.”
By routing waste panels through its established plants, GAP Group North East can:
Separate and recycle metal facings, reducing the need for virgin metal production and cutting associated carbon emissions.
Treat foam cores and blowing agents in line with ozone‑depleting substance and climate regulations, rather than allowing gases to escape during demolition, burning or landfill.
Provide a clear audit trail so contractors can evidence responsible management of one of their more complex waste streams and demonstrate progress against ESG and net‑zero commitments.
For a sector under pressure to cut waste to landfill from 13% of total arisings towards a 1% target, services that unlock higher‑value recovery from “forgotten” fractions such as insulation panels are becoming a critical part of credible sustainability strategies.
GAP Group North East is a direct‑to‑processor specialist recycler handling a wide range of electrical and specialist waste streams, including fridges, small WEEE, vapes, batteries, lighting, cables and insulation panels.
Founded in the North East of England but operating UK‑wide, the company runs processing facilities in Gateshead and Perth and provides fast, compliant national collections, detailed reporting and strong ESG support for business customers.
Sunday, 8 February 2026
The Green Gloss: When “Eco-Friendly” Advertising Isn’t What It Seems
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| Is this where vegan leather comes from? |
One label in particular has become a marketing darling... “vegan leather.” It sounds ethical, modern, and environmentally responsible. But scratch the surface and a less comfortable truth emerges.
What is “vegan leather,” really?
In most cases, vegan leather isn’t a clever plant-based breakthrough. It’s plastic, usually polyurethane (PU) or polyvinyl chloride (PVC). These are fossil-fuel-derived materials that don’t biodegrade and can shed microplastics throughout their life cycle.
Yes, they avoid animal hides. But avoiding animals doesn’t automatically make a product environmentally friendly.
Why the term feels misleading
The problem isn’t that alternatives to animal leather exist — they should. The issue is how they’re presented.
Calling plastic bags, shoes, or jackets “vegan leather” allows brands to:
Wrap synthetic materials in ethical language
Lean on the growing interest in vegan and cruelty-free lifestyles
Imply environmental virtue without addressing plastic use
At a time when consumers are urged to cut down on single-use plastics, refill containers, and choose natural fibres, this feels like a bait-and-switch.
Eco-friendly… compared to what?
Much of this advertising relies on relative claims:
“More sustainable than leather”
“A conscious alternative”
“Animal-free and ethical”
But relative to what, exactly?
If a “vegan leather” tote is:
Made from virgin plastic
Manufactured overseas
Designed to last only a season or two
…then its overall environmental footprint may be worse than a well-made leather item that lasts decades and can be repaired.
Durability matters. Longevity matters. End-of-life disposal matters. These rarely make it into the marketing copy.
The plastic problem we’re not talking about
Plastics marketed as fashion materials don’t magically escape the environmental issues we associate with packaging:
They don’t biodegrade
They can shed microplastics into water systems
Recycling options are limited or non-existent for mixed materials
Yet the same material, when shaped into a handbag rather than a carrier bag, suddenly becomes “eco”.
That’s not progress — that’s rebranding.
Are there better alternatives?
Yes — but they’re often drowned out by louder, cheaper options.
Some genuinely innovative materials include:
Apple or grape waste composites
Natural rubber
Waxed cotton or heavy canvas
Recycled fibres (when transparently labelled and responsibly sourced)
These aren’t perfect, but they’re usually more honest about trade-offs and don’t rely on greenwashed language.
Why clearer rules are needed
Terms like “eco-friendly”, “sustainable”, and “vegan leather” are still poorly regulated in advertising. That leaves consumers to decode vague claims while trying to do the right thing.
Clearer labelling could include:
The actual material composition
Whether plastics are virgin or recycled
Expected product lifespan
End-of-life guidance (repair, recycle, dispose
Without this, shoppers are left making ethical decisions with incomplete information.
Choosing better, not just “greener”
This isn’t an argument for or against leather, veganism, or fashion choices. It’s a call for honesty.
If a product is plastic, say so.
If it’s animal-free but not biodegradable, say so.
If it’s trendy but short-lived, don’t dress it up as planet-saving.
True sustainability isn’t about catchy labels — it’s about materials, durability, transparency, and accountability. Until advertising reflects that, consumers will keep paying a premium for products that sound green but behave very differently once they leave the shop.
Sometimes the most eco-friendly choice isn’t the one with the loudest claim, it’s the one that simply lasts.
Saturday, 7 February 2026
Historic Routemaster Buses Take to the Streets to Mark 70 Years of Public Service
A special fleet of iconic London Routemaster buses will return to the capital’s streets today, Sunday 8th February, to mark the 70th anniversary of the Routemaster entering public service.
The commemorative road run is being organised by the Routemaster Association with support from Transport for London (TfL) and London Transport Museum and will recreate Route 2, the very route on which RM1, the first production Routemaster entered passenger service in 1956.
The event will begin with RM1 and other buses gathering at the Ace Café at 09:30am. From there, RM1 will lead a convoy to Golders Green Station and then follow the historic Route 2 through London, finishing at Crystal Palace where members of the public are welcome to see the vehicles up close, speak with owners and crews, and photograph these beautifully preserved buses.
The Routemaster bus remains one of the most recognisable symbols of London, celebrated worldwide for its innovative design, durability, and contribution to public transport history. Many of the vehicles taking part are privately owned and maintained by enthusiasts who are passionate about preserving this important part of Britain’s transport heritage.
Today, RM1 is cared for by London Transport Museum at its Depot in Acton as part of its historic collection documenting London and its journey over the past 200 years.
The event is free to attend, with no tickets or booking required, making it an ideal day out for transport enthusiasts, families, photographers, and anyone with an interest in London’s history.
Speaking ahead of the event, David Lee, Chairman of the Routemaster Association, told That's Business: “The Routemaster is more than just a bus, it’s a design icon and a symbol of London itself. Recreating the very first route it operated on, 70 years to the week after RM1 entered service, feels like a fitting and special way to mark this milestone. We’re delighted to welcome the public to join us."
Talking about the significance of RM1 and this milestone anniversary, Matt Brosnan, Head Curator at London Transport Museum said: ‘We’re delighted that RM1 can take part in this special Routemaster Association convoy marking 70 years since it first entered service.
"As the very first Routemaster, RM1 is an icon of London’s transport history, and we’re pleased to have recently completed its restoration at our Depot in Acton, where it continues to be carefully maintained by our team.
"It’s great to join up with the Routemaster Association and Transport for London for the opportunity to see RM1 back out on the road for this anniversary celebration. Members of the public will also be able to enjoy RM1 up close at our upcoming Depot open days in April, where it will be on display as part of our historic vehicle collection."
Friday, 6 February 2026
Railways Bill leaves 30% of passenger trains and freight in “limbo” – experts call for clear pledges
In its submission to the House of Commons Public Bill Committee, CILT(UK) supports the creation of Great British Railways (GBR) and the reunification of track and train. However, it says the Bill lacks clear, durable plans for how non-GBR operators, devolved authorities and freight operators will be supported and protected within the future railway system.
Anna-jane Hunter, Chair of CILT(UK), told That's Business: “Around 30% of all train movements on Britain’s railway will be operated outside of GBR’s own services, largely by regional and devolved authorities and the freight operating companies.
"The Bill does not clearly set out how these services will be treated by GBR or how their access to capacity will be protected. Without clear words and procedures, there is a real risk that decisions are shaped primarily around GBR’s own priorities, leaving a significant part of the railway in limbo.”
Services operating outside GBR include Merseyrail, Tyne and Wear Metro, London Overground and all of the rail freight operations critical to the UK economy and supply chains.
CILT(UK) warns the Bill does not clearly explain how regional or freight services will be supported by GBR, how their access to capacity will be protected, or how long-term investment and development will be secured.
It is calling for a transparent plan, established under the Railways Bill, setting out how private sector passenger, regional, devolved and freight operators will be engaged, supported and protected.
The Institute welcomes the progress with Scotland and Wales, including proposals on joint working and GBR subsidiaries, but says devolved governments need greater clarity on local control, dispute resolution with GBR, and how their transport strategies will influence rail decision-making.
Anna-jane added: “This Bill presents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to create a railway that supports economic growth, supply-chain resilience and decarbonisation. Getting freight right is central to that, but ambition alone will not unlock private investment. A freight growth target that GBR is required to have regard to rather than comply with is more of an aspiration than a binding obligation that other services need to support.
“Freight operators need clear, credible and durable plans. Without stronger protections in primary legislation, freight capacity risks being squeezed out by GBR’s own passenger decisions, undermining the growth the Bill seeks to encourage.”
CILT(UK) supports the Bill’s introduction of a statutory freight growth target set by the Secretary of State for Transport and GBR’s duty to support freight, but warns that investment in terminals, rolling stock and services will only come with confidence that freight capacity will be protected.
The Institute says the Bill should be strengthened to embed freight in long-term planning, protect capacity through measures such as strategic freight corridors, ensure fair charging and regulation, safeguard privately funded freight facilities, and support international rail freight, including Channel Tunnel services. Similar provisions should apply to devolved passenger services which provide key passenger flows in their areas.
CILT(UK) stresses that rail legislation must endure beyond a single Parliament and too much reliance on targets and guidance set by the Secretary of State for Transport creates a level of risk as they are limited to the term of the current Government, or possibly that of the relevant Secretary of State. The Institute will continue working with Parliament and industry in an impartial way to help deliver a railway that supports economic growth, regional connectivity and a thriving freight sector across the UK.
Thursday, 5 February 2026
Between autonomy and alliance: Akkodis and POLITICO convene decision-makers for the future of AI made in Europe
Akkodis, a Europe based global digital engineering consulting leader – part of The Adecco Group - together with POLITICO, brought senior decisionmakers to Brussels at the invitation-only summit to address a central question shaping Europe’s competitiveness: How can AI bridge human ingenuity and machine precision?
Discussions highlighted that Europe’s future competitiveness will depend on deploying AI at scale across four strategic sectors: healthcare & life sciences, the public sector, autonomous driving & robotics, and defense.
These areas combine high societal value, strict regulatory demands and strong deployment potential, making them essential to Europe’s AI leadership and sovereignty. As a result, participants focused on concrete implementation strategies, noting that progress in these sectors will determine Europe’s ability to turn AI into a driver of competitiveness, resilience and public trust.
Responsible AI as Europe’s Competitive Advantage
Across sessions, speakers reaffirmed that responsible AI is no longer an abstract principle but a baseline requirement. Speakers emphasized that trust in AI systems cannot be achieved through principles alone, but will require:
Clear accountability frameworks
Transparent and explainable decision‑making
Robust governance structures
Deployable operational models for compliance
Sovereign and secure data infrastructures
Many argued that Europe’s regulatory leadership can become a competitive advantage – if paired with practical deployment templates that organizations can adopt quickly.
Autonomy vs Alliance: Europe’s strategic crossroads
POLITICO’s Spotlight session, “Between Autonomy and Alliance: Can Europe still shape the rules?” illustrated the geopolitical dimension of AI. In February, the world’s focus converges on two key high-level policy gatherings: The Munich Security Conference will set the tone on defense and the India AI Impact Summit is expected to advance a Global South-led vision for digital development. On the future of AI, Europe finds itself caught in the crossfire of this geopolitical apex. The debate exposed growing tensions in Europe’s AI strategy: while calls for technological sovereignty are increasing, European companies and public institutions remain heavily dependent on non-European foundation models and infrastructures. Speakers highlighted the potential of balanced global partnerships to truly unlock innovation at scale.
"The European Innovation & Tech Summit made one thing very clear: Europe does not lack AI ambition. With strong alliances we will accelerate and innovate for measurable impact,” said Jo Debecker, President & CEO of Akkodis, told That's Business.
“If Europe wants to lead in trustworthy and human-centric AI, regulation must be matched with scalable solutions, sovereign data infrastructures and AI gigafactories, as well as governance models that organizations can actually use. Akkodis sees its role as bridging research, policy and real-world application."
Jamil Anderlini, POLITICO Regional Director, Europe outlines the discussions of the summit: “What makes AI such a consequential issue for Europe is not just the technology itself, but the economic and policy choices around it. Decisions made in Brussels increasingly influence how AI is governed globally, which is why these discussions are so important for both Europe and the wider international system.”
“AI is but one of the key factors that will reshape the world order sooner and more thoroughly than we are prepared for. Brace yourselves for an interesting second quarter of the 21st century”, said Jacques Pitteloud, Head of the Mission of Switzerland to NATO & Ambassador of Switzerland to the Kingdom of Belgium.
“Ports are the perfect proving ground for autonomous technologies – our role is to enable innovators to test, learn and scale solutions that will transform the entire logistics ecosystem”, said Jonathan Van Cauwenberge, Port of the Future Advisor, Port of Antwerp-Bruges.
“New technology is offering us today, more than ever, remarkable tools to provide a better patient care. The 2026 European Innovation & Tech Summit in Brussels was a fantastic opportunity to discuss with experts and decision makers how we could collectively drive forward the healthcare model for the best interest of patients and for the best support of healthcare professionals”, said Ziad Matta, General Manager Servier BELUX, Board Member, Chamber of Commerce France-Belgium.
A forum for Europe’s technology & innovation decision-makers in the intelligent age
The European Innovation & Tech Summit represents a strategic step toward deeper European cooperation and broader global engagement on AI. Akkodis plans to continue the format as a platform for cross-border dialogue, with a clear focus on implementation, measurable impact and responsible innovation.
HEIDELBERG achieves significant improvement in profitability after nine months of FY 2025/26 – strategic realignment proceeding as planned
The company has achieved a considerable improvement in its profitability and is also resolutely pressing ahead with its strategic transformation, moving into new areas of business that are enjoying strong growth.
Notwithstanding the challenging environment, sales after three quarters climbed to € 1,602 million – some 6.1 percent higher than the previous year’s figure of € 1,509 million – despite negative exchange rate effects amounting to around € 44 million compared with the equivalent period of the previous year.
Business in Europe and with packaging and label printing presses saw particularly positive development during this period.
At € 617 million, the sales figure for the third quarter was around 4 percent higher than in the equivalent quarter of the previous year and continued the quarter-on-quarter sales growth so far in the current financial year.
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