Beijing ramps up BRICS critical minerals sourcing

The G7 is seeking to reduce its reliance on China for critical minerals, with a goal of bringing that dependence below 60% by 2030. To achieve this, member countries are considering measures such as building shared mineral reserves, expanding recycling capacity, and improving coordination during supply disruptions.

The push comes as governments grow increasingly concerned about China’s grip on critical mineral supply chains. China remains the dominant player in the processing of rare earth materials, including those used to manufacture powerful magnets found in electric vehicles, defence systems and advanced electronics.

At the same time, China is strengthening cooperation with BRICS nations as countries around the world compete to secure access to critical minerals. Chinese companies already have a significant presence in mineral extraction across Brazil, Russia, and India.

Although G7 economies are working to reduce their dependence on China’s mineral processing and refining sectors, China retains a significant advantage through its extensive involvement in critical mineral supply chains across BRICS countries. Rather than relying solely on domestic reserves, Beijing benefits from a network of partnerships, investments, and commercial ties that strengthen its access to strategically important resources.

Mining operations human rights risks up 73%

Human rights abuse allegations linked to major mining operations increased by 73% in 2025. According to the 2026 Business & Human Rights Resource Centre Transition Minerals Tracker, 329 abuse allegations were recorded, more than double the number documented in 2024.

The allegations are linked to mining operations involving key transition minerals, including copper, cobalt, lithium, nickel, and rare earth elements.

According to the analysis, the majority of abuse allegations in 2025 were linked to copper mining, reflecting the growing importance of copper in the global transition to cleaner energy. The analysis also revealed 42 attacks against human rights and environmental activists, marking a notable increase from the previous year.

German public underestimate recycling reality

A new survey reveals that German consumers support sustainable packaging but underestimate recycling rates, The study, commissioned by the German Packaging Institute and 11 packaging industry associations, found widespread misconceptions about recycling rates, packaging waste and the environmental role of packaging.

Even though almost half of survey respondents ranked recyclability as the most relevant feature of packaging, more than two-thirds of respondents underestimated Germany’s recycling rates for every major packaging material. Approximately, three in ten respondents correctly identified that both glass and paper packaging reach recycling rates above 80%.

The findings coincide with a time when businesses across Europe get ready for new requirements under the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), designed to increase recyclability, reduce unnecessary packaging, and promote circularity.

Refill packaging now ‘well established’

Amcor, a global leader in developing and producing packaging solutions, used World Refill Day on 16 June to conduct new consumer research exploring attitudes towards refill packaging in the beauty and personal care sector across Europe.

Drawing on insights from 2,749 consumers surveyed, the research found that refill packaging is now well established across personal care categories. The study reveals that 66% of consumers purchased a refill pouch within the last 12 months.

With price as the main driver for future adoption, 86% of survey respondents expect refill products to cost less compared to original packaged product, while 69% confirm they would buy more refills in the future if prices were lower. However, sustainability remains a key element in purchase decisions, with over two-thirds of respondents’ likelihood to buy personal care refill pouches if they are recyclable.

These findings suggest that consumers seek refill solutions that include environmental benefits as well as value for money.