The revision of ISO 14001, the international standard for environmental management systems, has been delayed and is now expected to be published in April 2026. Organisations will then enter a transition period to update existing ISO 14001:2015 certifications to the new standard.

Among the main changes in ISO 14001:2026 are:

• A stronger focus on a broad range of environmental conditions beyond climate change, including …

Researchers have developed a sustainable way to transform leftover carrot materials into a protein that people actually enjoy. By growing edible fungi on carrot by-products, they produced a protein-rich ingredient suitable for plant-based foods. In taste tests, many participants preferred burgers and sausages made with this fungal protein over versions made from traditional plant proteins such as soya or chickpeas.

This approach not only reduces food waste but also provides a new source of nutritious protein without using additional farmland or water. Edible fungi grow quickly on food industry by-products, creating high-quality…

The High Seas Treaty will enter into force in January 2026 after ratification by over 60 countries, creating the first global framework to protect biodiversity in international waters. These areas, covering almost half of the planet, have long lacked coordinated rules, leaving marine ecosystems at risk.

The treaty is designed to help us achieve big things: The treaty is designed to help us achieve big things:

• Create marine protected areas in…

The EU microplastic ban regulations, introduced in 2023 under REACH, are driving industries across Europe to develop biodegradable alternatives to eliminate microplastics by 2035. These tiny synthetic plastics, found in cosmetics, laundry detergents, paints, and agricultural products, can persist for centuries, polluting oceans, soil, and even entering the human body. Companies are now innovating with natural materials like bamboo powder, nut shells, sugar crystals, and plant-based polymers that perform the same functions but decompose naturally.

The cosmetics industry has already widely adopted these alternatives, reformulating products like face scrubs and body washes, while paint and detergent makers are following suit with biodegradable binders and additives. These regulations are not only reducing pollution but also accelerating sustainable product development, fostering innovation, and demonstrating how policy can drive positive environmental change across multiple sectors.

Scientists at the University of Hawaii have discovered that certain marine fungi found near Oʻahu can naturally break down polyurethane, a common plastic. This offers a promising biological solution to the severe problem of plastic pollution in oceans, which affects marine life, human health, and economies. The fungi, collected from diverse coastal habitats, showed an impressive ability to adapt and increase their plastic-degrading abilities over time. Led by Ronja Steinbach and Professor Anthony Amend, the research marks one of the first major studies into marine fungi's potential to tackle plastic waste. As only a tiny fraction of marine fungi have been studied, this discovery could pave the way for new, eco-friendly cleanup methods and contribute to global efforts to address plastic pollution.