The EU has long led environmental orchestration, yet for decades, soil remained the “missing link” in its regulatory framework—unlike air and water. This changed with the Soil Monitoring and Resilience Law (SML), which entered into force on December 16, 2025. Its overarching goal is to achieve healthy soils across Europe … Read more
Naphtha is a critical intermediate product in petroleum refining and a cornerstone of the global industrial economy. As a versatile light hydrocarbon, it serves as the primary feedstock for the petrochemical, energy, and plastics industries. This article explores its properties, production routes, and the evolving market landscape. 1. Definition and … Read more
In the global oil and gas exploration industry, oil-based mud (OBM) has become an indispensable component for ensuring operational success. However, its waste stream often poses severe environmental risks. Is it possible to turn this hazardous sludge back into a valuable asset? In this guide, we explore the essential role … Read more
A recent Republican-backed bill in the U.S. Congress, the Recycling Technology Innovation Act, has drawn significant attention from the industry. The legislation proposes reclassifying chemical recycling as a manufacturing process rather than a traditional waste treatment procedure. If passed, this regulatory realignment will not only provide clear policy guidance for … Read more
As the world accelerates toward carbon neutrality, the construction industry faces increasing pressure not only to reduce emissions but also to actively remove carbon. Transforming buildings from mere “carbon consumers” into long-term “carbon sinks” is becoming a key strategy for the sector. In this context, biochar emerges as a promising … Read more
Soils around the world are increasingly pressured by human activities and over‑development, leading to degradation in the form of contamination, erosion, and compaction. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), about one-third of global soils are moderately to highly degraded. This urgent situation makes soil … Read more
Biochar carbon removal offers a durable solution to reduce atmospheric CO₂ by stabilizing biomass carbon through pyrolysis. This approach sequesters carbon in solid form for centuries while generating verifiable carbon credits. As voluntary carbon markets expand and compliance frameworks begin to emerge, biochar projects gain increasing attention from investors, corporations, … Read more
Managing oil-contaminated soil and sludge has become a key priority for refineries, petrochemical plants, and long-operated oilfields. With environmental regulations tightening worldwide, thermal desorption is increasingly recognized as a dependable approach for soil remediation. Building on this trend, the following article presents a structured, industry-oriented comparison of in-situ and ex-situ … Read more
In August 2025, the ten-day INC-5.2 negotiations on the Global Plastics Treaty concluded in Geneva. As a continuation of the 5th Session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee, this meeting aimed to negotiate a legally binding international instrument on plastic pollution. Over 2,600 delegates from 183 member states and more than … Read more
As climate change intensifies, reducing high-impact greenhouse gas emissions has become a global priority. While carbon dioxide often dominates discussions, other gases with higher global warming potentials (GWPs) pose even greater short-term threats. Addressing these emissions requires innovative solutions – biochar is one of them. What is Global Warming Potential? … Read more
