TWO WEEKS TO GO: Join Go Green Now at Sustainability LIVE: The US Summit in Chicago!

The countdown is officially on. In just 14 days, the sustainability world descends upon Chicago’s iconic Navy Pier for Sustainability LIVE: The US Summit (April 21–22, 2026).

As a proud Official Media Partner for the event, Go Green Now is thrilled to invite our community to join us for two days of high-level networking, disruptive ideas, and actionable strategies designed to shape a greener future.

Why You Can’t Miss This

This isn’t just another conference. Sustainability LIVE is a curated experience for CSOs and senior leaders to dive deep into the challenges of Net Zero, ESG reporting, and ethical supply chains.

• Two Events, One Ticket: Your registration also grants you full access to Procurement & Supply Chain LIVE, located on the same floor. You’ll gain a 360-degree view of how sustainable practices are being integrated into the global supply chain.

• CPD Accredited: Take your professional development to the next level. You can earn one CPD point per hour of learning across both days simply by scanning QR codes at the sessions.

• World-Class Insights: Hear directly from top-tier executives from enterprise organisations on how they are navigating the transition to a circular economy and optimising procurement for a responsible future.

Exclusive Go Green Now Offer: 30% Off!

We want to see our network represented at the Navy Pier. To help you get there, we are offering an exclusive 30% discount on your delegate passes.

How to claim:

1. Visit the official Eventbrite Ticket Page here.

2. Select your tickets.

3. Enter the code GOGREEN30 at checkout.

Event Details:

• When: April 21st (8:00 AM) – April 22nd (5:30 PM), 2026

• Where: Navy Pier, 600 East Grand Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611

• Who: Global CSOs, Sustainability Directors, and Industry Innovators.

Don’t wait until the last minute. Tickets are selling fast as we enter the final two-week window. Grab your pass today, use the GOGREEN30 code, and we’ll see you in the Windy City!

The Inner Circle: Edinburgh

On March 31st, the historic and creative backdrop of The Bakery in Edinburgh played host to a landmark evening for the Scottish sustainability sector.

The Inner Circle, hosted by Go Green Now, brought together a curated group of industry leaders, innovators, and environmental advocates for an evening of high-impact conversion and collaborative action.

A Purposeful Gathering

The atmosphere at our sold-out event was electric, beginning with a welcome drinks reception where attendees from across Scotland and the UK connected over a shared mission of accelerating the transition to Net Zero. Unlike traditional corporate events, The Inner Circle is designed to foster ‘relaxed, but purposeful’ dialogue, with a goal to bridge the gap between established corporations, agile green startups, and those in positions of legislation and directorship.

Panel Experts

One of the major highlights of the evening was our exclusive panel discussion, featuring voices from the frontlines of the green revolution. Our speakers shared transparent updates on their environmental targets, the hurdles they’re facing, and the breakthroughs that are driving their industries forward.

We’d like to place on record our thanks to our panel of experts; 

Andrew Heald – Chairman & Co-Founder – iNovaland

Elaine Brown – CEO – Edinburgh Remakery

Eilidh O’Connor – Head of Environmental – Vegware

Fran Van Dijk – CEO – One Stone Advisors

Who Was In The Room?

The strength of The Inner Circle lies within its diversity. Go Green Now were proud to welcome representatives from a wide array of sectors, including renewable energy, sustainable finance, eco-conscious retail, and green technology.

We’re also so appreciative of everyone who came along and contributed to the atmosphere, including those from Gleneagles, 2050 Climate Group, Beyond Green, Liberty Eco Labs, EMR and FoundOcean.

It was great to see so many different perspectives come together in one space.

The Sponsors

We’re also incredibly grateful for all of our event sponsors, whom the event would not have been possible without;

Effective Consumable Solutions – www.ecs-uk-ltd.co.uk

Hoco – www.hoco-tech.co.uk

NB Distillery – www.nbdistillery.com

Looking Ahead

The feedback from the night has been overwhelming. As noted in our recent LinkedIn follow-up, the connections made at The Bakery are already turning into real-world partnerships.

“Our goal with the Inner Circle series is to create more than just a networking event,” said Go Green Now’s Director, Lauren Rabbitte. “We want to create a community where ideas are stress-tested and partnerships are born. Edinburgh truly showed up with that spirit on March 31st.”

Join the Movement

Missed out on Edinburgh? The Inner Circle is going on tour. We are currently finalising dates and details for our next stops in London, Manchester, and more!

To ensure you don’t miss the invitation to our next exclusive gathering, sign up for our newsletter, follow us on LinkedIn for the latest updates, and check out our events calendar!

The UK shifts its global strategy, sparking a fierce debate among environmentalists.

While domestic green milestones are being celebrated, the UK’s international standing faced a “reality check” this month. New analysis confirmed that the government has effectively halved its direct climate finance commitments to developing nations.

From Grants to Guarantees

On March 19, the government announced a revised target of £6 billion over three years, a sharp drop from the previous £11.6 billion goal. The Treasury’s new strategy focuses on “mobilizing private capital” rather than providing direct taxpayer-funded grants. The argument is that by using a smaller pot of public money to “de-risk” green investments in the Global South, the UK can unlock tens of billions in private sector funding.

The Backlash

Critics and NGOs have been quick to condemn the move, calling it a “betrayal” of the UK’s climate leadership. They argue that private investors are rarely interested in high-risk adaptation projects, like sea walls or drought-resistant crops, which are desperately needed in the world’s most vulnerable regions.

• The Gist: The UK is transitioning from a “donor” to a “facilitator” role in global climate finance, a move that critics say abandons the world’s poorest nations.

• Source: Carbon Brief – Analysis: UK is ‘halving’ its climate finance

Westminster settles the “Food vs. Fuel” argument with a landmark framework.

On March 18, 2026, the government released the long-awaited Land Use Framework for England. This document is perhaps the most significant piece of spatial planning in a generation, designed to balance the conflicting needs of a growing population, a hungry nation, and a warming planet.

Key Policy Shifts

• Onshore Wind Rebirth: The framework effectively ends the “de facto” ban on onshore wind by allowing farmers to install small-to-medium turbines without the exhaustive planning hurdles that previously stifled local projects.

• The 1.5 Million Home Target: To meet housing demands, the framework identifies “Grey Belt” land—low-quality scrubland—for development, while strictly prohibiting new builds on high-risk flood plains.

• Nature Recovery: A significant portion of land is now formally designated for “Nature Recovery Networks,” incentivizing landowners to prioritize carbon sequestration and biodiversity over traditional high-intensity farming.

By providing clear “zones” for energy, food, and housing, the government hopes to end the legal gridlock that has slowed down green infrastructure for years.

• The Gist: A strategic roadmap that cuts red tape for wind energy while protecting food security and nature-rich habitats.

The UK Finally flips the switch on a volcanic energy source – Cornwall’s Geothermal Revolution.

For decades, geothermal energy was the “forgotten” renewable in the UK, overshadowed by the massive expansion of offshore wind. But in March 2026, the narrative changed. After years of drilling and testing, the UK’s first deep geothermal power plant at United Downs in Cornwall officially began delivering electricity to the National Grid.

Why This Matters

Unlike wind or solar, which are variable, geothermal is baseload. It provides a steady, 24/7 stream of power regardless of whether the sun is shining or the wind is blowing. By drilling over 5km into the granite crust, the facility taps into water heated to over 180°C.

The Economic Impact

This isn’t just about electricity. The “waste” heat from the process is being diverted to support local industries, including a new sustainable lithium extraction pilot and large-scale greenhouses. It’s a circular economy success story that positions Cornwall as a high-tech hub for the green transition.

• The Gist: The UK has successfully tapped into “always-on” subterranean energy, providing a blueprint for carbon-neutral heating and power across the South West.

Integrity is the bedrock of the green transition. This was underscored this week when the Environment Agency (EA) arrested two individuals in Penzance, Cornwall, in connection with a staggering £6 million packaging waste fraud.

How the “Ghost Credit” System Worked

Under the Packaging Producer Responsibility regime, accredited reprocessors sell credits (PRNs) to businesses to prove their packaging has been recycled. In this case, it is alleged that the suspects sold credits for thousands of tonnes of waste that were never actually reprocessed. These “ghost credits” not only defraud businesses but rob the UK’s recycling infrastructure of vital funding.

A War on “Waste Cowboys”

Circular Economy Minister Mary Creagh was blunt in her response, stating that “no stone will be left unturned in our war on waste crime.” This case follows 18 other arrests in the last two months alone, signaling a massive crackdown on environmental crime.

How to Protect Your Business

For clients of Go Green Now, this story is a reminder that compliance isn’t just a paper exercise. Fraud in your supply chain can lead to:

1. Reputational Damage: Being linked to “greenwashing” or illegal waste disposal.

2. Financial Risk: Having to “re-buy” legitimate credits if your current ones are found to be fraudulent.

3. Legal Scrutiny: Increased EA audits of companies using low-cost, unverified waste partners.

Our Advice: Always vet your waste reprocessors. If a deal for recycling credits looks too good to be true, it probably is.

Visit our list of vetted members for all of your sustainable needs

For years, “Zero Waste” has been the holy grail of corporate sustainability. However, a groundbreaking report released on February 5, 2025, by environmental NGO WRAP and energy operator enfinium suggests we need a more pragmatic approach.

The Residual Waste Challenge

The report highlights a sobering reality: even under “best-case” recycling scenarios, the UK will still produce 17 million tonnes of unrecyclable waste by 2042. As global waste volumes are projected to rise by 80% by 2050, the focus must shift from “avoiding waste” to “recovering value.”

Circularity Beyond the Blue Bin

The WRAP report argues that Energy from Waste (EfW) facilities must play a “system-balancing” role. Instead of sending residual waste to methane-leaking landfills, these materials can be converted into home-grown electricity and heat.

• EfW as Decarbonisation Hubs: Modern plants are evolving into local hubs that generate power for the grid while capturing carbon.

• Circular Growth Plan: The UK Government is expected to launch its Circular Growth Plan for England later this spring, which will likely emphasize resource efficiency and stricter landfill bans.

Go Green Now’s Take

True circularity isn’t about ignoring waste – it’s about designing it out where possible and capturing its value when it’s unavoidable. Businesses that account for their “residual” footprint now will be better prepared for the upcoming Defra regulations.

The New UK Sustainability Reporting Standards Are Here

The wait is finally over. On February 25, 2026, the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) officially unveiled the UK Sustainability Reporting Standards (UK SRS S1 and S2). This marks a pivotal shift in the UK’s journey toward a greener economy, aligning national disclosure requirements with the global baseline set by the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB).

What are the UK SRS S1 and S2?

The new standards are designed to provide a “single language” for sustainability, ensuring that investors can compare companies accurately.

• UK SRS S1 (General Requirements): This provides the overarching framework. It requires companies to disclose all sustainability-related risks and opportunities that could reasonably be expected to affect their cash flow or access to finance over the short, medium, and long term.

• UK SRS S2 (Climate-related Disclosures): This is a deeper dive into climate-specific metrics. It focuses on physical risks (like asset damage from extreme weather) and transition risks (like the cost of moving to low-carbon technology).

Key Differences and Implementation

While based on international rules, the UK version includes specific amendments. For instance, the government has removed the “effective date” clause, allowing individual regulators like the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) to set their own timelines. Currently, the FCA is consulting on making these disclosures mandatory for listed companies starting January 1, 2027 (covering the 2026 financial year).

What This Means for You

Whether you are a listed giant or a private company within a large supply chain, the “voluntary” status of these standards is temporary. Through the government’s Modernising Corporate Reporting (MCR) programme, the net is widening.

Go Green Now’s suggested Action Step: Conduct a “Gap Analysis” now.

Compare your current data collection against the UK SRS requirements to identify where your reporting falls short.

Contact us for all of your sustainability reporting needs.

Go Green Now Member Q&A – The Shabra Group

Our Team recently sat down with The Shabra Group to highlight to our community who they are, what they do, and how they can help to support businesses within our community.

Introduction

Shabra Group pioneers circular manufacturing, transforming complex plastic waste into high-quality, sustainable products through innovative recycling solutions. With over 40 years of leadership, Shabra delivers a fully integrated closed-loop system that helps businesses slash landfill use and achieve significant carbon reductions. Operating across the UK, Ireland, Europe, and Kenya, the company sets benchmarks for responsible production. Recognized with multiple national sustainability awards, Shabra empowers industries to embrace circularity, turning waste into value while driving environmental progress and economic viability.

About The Shabra Group

Founded in 1984, Shabra Group specializes in plastic recycling and sustainable manufacturing across the UK, Ireland, Europe, and Kenya. The company converts post-consumer and industrial plastic waste into premium LDPE products, rPET materials, and medical-grade sheeting. Through relentless investment and innovation, Shabra has built a vertically integrated model that ensures traceability, accountability, and environmental stewardship at every production stage. This closed-loop approach redefines waste management, positioning Shabra as a global leader in turning challenging plastics into reliable, high-performance materials for diverse industries.

What Services Do The Shabra Group Offer?

Shabra offers comprehensive recycling and manufacturing solutions, guiding businesses toward sustainable alternatives to virgin plastics. Services span advanced plastic recovery, closed-loop LDPE recycling, pelletizing, film extrusion, and production of polythene bags and industrial packaging. Tailored for retailers, manufacturers, and supply chains, these end-to-end processes minimize carbon footprints, fulfill ESG goals, and enable seamless shifts to circular models. Shabra’s expertise ensures product quality matches or exceeds traditional standards, providing scalable, traceable materials that support long-term sustainability without compromising performance or profitability.

Tell Us About Your Sustainability Focus

Shabra’s closed-loop system has diverted over 39,000 tonnes of complex plastic waste from landfills in just three years, boasting recovery rates above 98% and slashing annual CO₂ equivalent emissions by about 3,500 tonnes. Its proprietary multi-stage decontamination and purification technology transforms previously unrecyclable plastics into certified, high-quality inputs for industrial use.

Central to Shabra’s vision is “Project Closed Loop,” aiming for net-zero material loss across global operations by 2026. Upcoming expansions include a Northern Ireland extrusion facility boosting annual recycling capacity by 11,000 tonnes, paired with renewable energy investments targeting 96% green energy usage by year-end. This integrated model eliminates virgin polymer reliance, embedding full traceability from waste collection to final distribution.

Shabra’s approach offers a replicable blueprint for sustainable manufacturing, proving that environmental responsibility enhances efficiency and innovation. By prioritizing decontamination, recovery, and circularity, the company not only mitigates climate impact but also fosters resilient supply chains ready for regulatory and market demands.

Why Does It Matters to Our Members?

Partnering with Shabra aligns procurement and operations with tangible sustainability gains. Members leverage circular material recovery, carbon cuts, and ethical sourcing to meet ESG targets, regulatory mandates, and net-zero ambitions, all while upholding product quality and cost-effectiveness. This collaboration delivers a proven pathway to shrink environmental footprints, bolster sustainability credentials, and future-proof business strategies in a resource-constrained world.

Tell Us About Your Achievements or Highlights

Shabra has invested €4 million in advanced recycling infrastructure, expanded into Northern Ireland, and created 25 new jobs through circular growth. In 2026, the company was shortlisted for four national Green Awards, reinforcing its innovation leadership. Shabra holds RecyClass Recycling Process Certification (EN 15343) and is certified to ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and ISO 45001 standards. Over 40 years, Shabra has received multiple industry recognitions, including national sustainability and business excellence award shortlists, underscoring its long-standing commitment to pioneering sustainable manufacturing.

Is The UK Leading The Way When It Comes To Sustainability?

At Go Green Now, we talk a lot about the “Circular Economy” – the idea that we should design out waste, keep materials in use longer, and regenerate our natural systems. But there’s a tough question we often face: What do we do with the stuff that simply cannot be recycled?

A groundbreaking new report by WRAP (the global environmental action NGO) for enfinium has just been released, and it brings some exciting news for the UK’s green future.

The Reality Check: Waste is Rising

The global statistics are sobering. Since 2000, waste generation across OECD countries has jumped by over 100 million tonnes. Even more startling? Global waste volumes are projected to rise by over 80% by 2050.

Even here in the UK, under the best-case recycling scenarios, we are still forecasted to produce over 17 million tonnes of unrecyclable waste by 2042.

From “Take-Make-Waste” to “Value Recovery”

For a long time, unrecyclable waste had one destination: the landfill. Landfills are climate disasters, leaking methane and taking up precious space. The new WRAP report highlights that the UK is becoming a global leader in avoiding this “take-make-dispose” trap.

The secret? Energy from Waste (EfW).

When we can’t reuse or recycle a product due to technical or economic limits, we shouldn’t just bury it. Instead, well-managed EfW facilities (like those operated by enfinium) transform that “waste” into electricity and heat.

Why This Matters for our Green Goals:

1. Homegrown Energy: In 2025 alone, enfinium processed 2.7 million tonnes of unrecyclable waste, generating enough energy to power more than 600,000 homes.

2. Stopping Methane: By diverting waste from landfills, we prevent the release of harmful greenhouse gases.

3. The “Nothing Wasted” Philosophy: Even the by-products of energy recovery, like “bottom ash”, are being used in construction and industry.

A Balanced Future

As Claire Shrewsbury, Director of Insights and Innovation at WRAP, puts it: “Designing waste out of the system must remain the priority, but no circular system will ever be 100% waste-free.”

The goal isn’t to stop recycling; it’s to ensure that when recycling isn’t an option, we still extract every ounce of value possible.

What’s Next?

This report comes at a pivotal time. The UK Government is expected to publish its Circular Growth Plan for England in early 2026. This plan will provide a roadmap for moving our economy away from waste and toward a resource-efficient future.

At Go Green Now, we are encouraged to see the UK setting the standard for international best practices. Managing our “leftovers” responsibly is just as important as reducing what we buy in the first place.

What do you think? Are you surprised by how much energy our unrecyclable waste can produce?

How is your business contributing towards a circular economy in the UK? Let the world know by becoming a Go Green Now member today