Listen to today’s podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/silk-logic-sustainability-daily/id1842028080
Sustainability Daily Podcast — January 17, 2026
Today’s podcast episode was created from the following stories: a mix of clean-tech breakthroughs, circular construction, lower-carbon fuels, data center footprint insights, and market shifts in heavy equipment and grid hardware that point to a more resilient, low‑emission future.
Estonian greentech startup selected for L’Oréal’s innovation accelerator
Source: Estonian World
Raiku Packaging was chosen from more than 1,000 applicants (about a 1% acceptance rate) to join the L’Oréal Sustainable Innovation Accelerator, which is investing €100 million over five years. The startup’s 100% natural, compostable packaging claims over 90% resource-use reductions and one of the lowest carbon footprints, already attracting clients like LVMH and €5.6 million from the European Innovation Council. This signals faster pathways for luxury and mass brands to replace fossil‑based plastics with premium, low‑impact alternatives.
Students just built a pavilion that robots can rebuild forever
Source: Yanko Design
UCL students created Arkhive, a modular timber pavilion assembled by industrial robots using reversible joinery so it can be disassembled and reconfigured without material loss. Installed at St Andrews Botanic Garden, the project merges circular design with robotics, demonstrating how adaptable structures can cut waste while evolving with community needs. It’s a tangible glimpse of circular construction at scale, backed by UCL’s investment in low‑carbon building research.
EverGen Infrastructure announces new 20‑year offtake agreement with FortisBC
Source: Financial Post
EverGen’s Fraser Valley Biogas facility has a 20‑year Biomethane Purchase Agreement now in effect with FortisBC, locking in long‑term revenue while supplying Renewable Natural Gas that displaces fossil gas in the grid. Using agricultural waste, the project also produces an odor‑free organic fertilizer used by local farms. The deal underscores a maturing North American market for contracted RNG that supports climate goals and energy system resilience.
Researchers scrutinize datacenters’ lifecycles, aiming to make them more sustainable
Source: The Register
A Data4 lifecycle assessment of a 5 MW Paris‑area datacenter finds 39% of total emissions stem from construction (including materials and equipment) and 48% from operations. With dry cooling and no adiabatic systems, direct water use is minimal (WUE 0.039 L/kWh), guiding priorities like lower‑carbon concrete and steel, optimized cooling, and metal recycling. Data4 targets a 38% reduction in carbon footprint per new megawatt by 2030—timely as AI‑driven expansion pushes Scope 3 emissions higher across the sector.
North America mobile crushers and screeners industry research 2025–2033: Opportunities in electric and hybrid‑powered equipment, automation, and smart systems
Source: Research and Markets
The North America market is projected to grow from USD 1.00 billion (2024) to USD 1.60 billion by 2033 (5.4% CAGR), driven by construction, mining, and recycling demand. Growth opportunities center on electric and hybrid equipment, automation, telematics, and remote control under tightening OSHA/EPA rules. Buyers can expect smarter, lower‑emission fleets and more connected services from established players and nimble regional specialists.
Digital textile printing market: Global forecast 2026–2032 highlights sustainable, agile manufacturing
Source: Research and Markets
Digital textile printing is set to reach USD 13.96 billion by 2032 (13.62% CAGR), as brands embrace nearshoring, agile runs, and lower‑impact production. Success depends on integrated hardware/software/consumables, water‑efficient processes, recyclable inputs, and transparent reporting. Expect bundled solutions, advanced color management, and automation that cut waste, inventory, and lead times.
Actionable insights in the gas insulated switchgear market: Navigating technological advances and growth trends
Source: Astute Analytica
The GIS market is projected to grow from US$ 28.02 billion (2024) to US$ 55.55 billion by 2033 (7.9% CAGR), propelled by data center expansion, renewables (especially offshore wind), and grid modernization. Indoor GIS and the 170–550 kV segment dominate on compactness and transmission efficiency, while Asia‑Pacific leads investment with record grid spend. More compact, eco‑friendly switchgear will be foundational for reliable, low‑carbon power systems worldwide.
