Sustainability News for 25th August: Introduction
The Sustainability News for 25th August brings you three stories that highlight measurable progress across business, technology, and transport. Too often, the focus is on climate challenges, but the Play It Green community knows there’s another side, one where innovation and commitment are making a real difference.
This week, we look at a surge in company ESG ratings and what that means for climate risk action. We explore Acer’s latest sustainable laptop, blending oyster shells with recycled plastics. And we examine the UK’s record-breaking second-hand electric vehicle market share.
It’s proof that positive change is out there; you just have to look for it.
ESG Ratings Surge Globally, but Climate Risk Action Still Needed
The EcoVadis Global Supply Chain Sustainability Risk & Performance Index reviewed 89,000 companies in 2024, with almost 50,000 of those assessments taking place in a single year. That’s a 167% jump in ESG ratings over the last five years.
This growth means more companies are evaluating sustainability performance, comparing themselves to peers, and tracking improvements. Twenty-seven per cent of firms with multiple ratings now rank as “top performers”, more than double the share from 2020.
However, challenges remain. One-third of first-time ratings in 2024 placed companies in “high” or “medium” climate risk categories. In the UK, this figure is just 12%, compared to 62% in China.
These ratings are becoming essential tools for investors and supply chain leaders. They not only show who’s performing well but also identify where risks could undermine resilience. CDP research adds weight, showing companies that act on climate data can generate $21 for every $1 invested.
This Sustainability News for 25th August shows there is a clear takeaway: measurement is vital, but meaningful action is where the real impact happens.
Can Acer’s Sustainable Laptop Change the Industry?
Acer’s Aspire Vero 16, now sold through Currys, is the first laptop to feature an outer casing made from 70% recycled plastic and bio-based oyster shell material. The touchpad is made from ocean-bound plastic, and the packaging is fully recyclable, printed with eco-friendly inks on FSC-certified paper.
Repairability is a key feature. Standard screws make it easier to upgrade components or recycle parts at the end of life. This design comes at a time when e-waste is a growing problem, with 50 million tonnes generated globally each year, with only 20% recycled or reused.
The Vero 16’s production produces 30% fewer carbon emissions than standard laptops. Each unit contains the equivalent of 5,000 recycled plastic bottles. Acer has also partnered with Plastic Bank to remove 30 tonnes of ocean-bound plastic from waterways in 2025.
Backed by environmentalist Ben Fogle, the device offers mainstream pricing, making sustainable tech more accessible. This is living proof that eco-friendly products can be practical, affordable, and appealing to a wide audience.
UK Breaks Record for Second-hand BEV Market Share
In Q2 2025, the UK’s second-hand battery electric vehicle (BEV) market hit a record 3.4% share, with 68,721 BEVs sold. That’s up 40% compared to the same period last year and marks the tenth consecutive quarter of growth. The market is now within 1% of pre-pandemic volumes.
Petrol sales rose slightly, diesel fell, and the combined share of petrol and diesel vehicles dropped by more than 2%. Hybrid EVs grew 27.7% to capture 5% of the market, while plug-in hybrids rose 10.3% to 1.2%.
Lower prices are driving demand. The average used EV now costs £7,000 less than in 2023. Industry leaders say this, combined with falling battery costs, is helping more drivers make the switch.
The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders says more charging points and the new Electric Car Grant will be key to maintaining growth. The trend shows that clean motoring is moving well beyond early adopters and into the mainstream which is a positive step forward for clean air and a more sustainable future.
Sustainability News for 25th August: Wrap-Up
The sustainability news for 25th August shows how data, design, and consumer behaviour are shaping a greener future.
ESG ratings are giving companies and investors better insight into climate risks and opportunities. Acer is proving that sustainable design can be practical and desirable without inflating costs. And the UK’s used EV boom is making low-emission transport more accessible than ever.
At Play It Green, we know these shifts matter. They are signs that the work being done today is already influencing tomorrow. And, by taking small, consistent steps, our community continues to prove that change is not only possible, it’s happening right now.
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