11
Aug 2026
A circular economy without take-back schemes? It doesn’t work. Why take-back schemes are becoming the foundation of a successful circular economy
On 11 , Aug 2026 | In | By Mona-Fee Kienle
The circular economy is increasingly evolving from a sustainability goal into a regulatory and economic necessity. With the European Green Deal, the Circular Economy Action Plan and new requirements regarding producer responsibility, the European Union is pursuing the aim of keeping products in the economic cycle for longer and using resources ...
04
Aug 2026
Circular Solar: Whoever leads the circular economy will win tomorrow’s customers
On 04 , Aug 2026 | In | By Mona-Fee Kienle
From the first wave of refurbishment, through profitable trade-in models, to the complex requirements of reverse logistics and battery compliance: the previous instalments in this series have shown that the solar industry is entering a completely new phase of development. All these individual aspects converge into an overarching, strategic concept ...
30
Jul 2026
PPWR labelling: Why companies shouldn’t wait until 2028
On 30 , Jul 2026 | In | By Anna Schneider
What will come into effect from August 2026, when the harmonised EU label will be introduced, and how businesses can prepare their packaging processes now. On 11 February 2025, the new European Packaging Regulation, officially known as the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), came into force. It does not introduce a single new ...
28
Jul 2026
Battery storage: The next compliance challenge for the energy sector
On 28 , Jul 2026 | In | By Mona-Fee Kienle
When discussing the logistics and take-back of solar installations, the system must not be viewed in isolation. As we have seen in the field of reverse logistics, transport and safety requirements become significantly more stringent as soon as a storage system comes into play. As photovoltaics and battery storage are increasingly connected today ...
21
Jul 2026
What to do with old solar modules? The underestimated challenge of reverse logistics
On 21 , Jul 2026 | In | By Mona-Fee Kienle
A trade-in programme sounds profitable in theory, but its commercial success depends entirely on how it is implemented behind the scenes. As noted in the previous instalment of our series, it is not enough simply to take back old modules; they must be handled, sorted and transported without damage. This is where many solar companies encounter a ...
20
Jul 2026
Our PPWR Webinar Series Returns in German
On 20 , Jul 2026 | In | By Alisa Maier
Following the strong response to our English sessions, we are now offering the same free PPWR webinar series in German. The EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation introduces extensive new requirements for companies placing packaging on the EU market. To support businesses in preparing for these changes, 1cc is offering three compact ...
16
Jul 2026
Green Claims under the PPWR
On 16 , Jul 2026 | In | By Júlio Junqueira
The Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) is designed to reduce greenwashing by ensuring that environmental claims made about packaging are clear, accurate, and supported by evidence. While the PPWR does not regulate all environmental claims, it introduces specific rules for packaging and complements other EU legislation, particularly ...
15
Jul 2026
From cost factor to business model: Why trade-in programs are becoming attractive for PV systems
On 15 , Jul 2026 | In | By Mona-Fee Kienle
The concept has long been established: old devices are returned, the customer receives a credit note and, at the same time, chooses a new product. Similar concepts can now be found in smartphones, power tools, batteries and many other product groups. As highlighted in the first part of our series, a massive wave of refurbishment is also set to ...
13
Jul 2026
ECHA PFAS Consultation Receives Over 3,500 Comments
On 13 , Jul 2026 | In | By Joana Benecke-Mugisha
The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) has reported 3,511 comments from more than 3,200 organisations and around 250 individuals during its public consultation on the draft socio-economic opinion (SEAC) for the proposed EU PFAS restriction. The consultation, which closed on 25 May 2026, is part of the ongoing evaluation of one of the most ...
10
Jul 2026
The 2030 Refurbishment Wave: Why millions of solar panels will soon be replaced– and what opportunities this presents
On 10 , Jul 2026 | In | By Mona-Fee Kienle
The energy transition is often associated with the expansion of new photovoltaic systems. However, a less widely discussed development is becoming increasingly significant: the first major generation of solar installations is reaching the end of its technical and economic lifespan. Between 2005 and 2012, millions of photovoltaic modules were ...