Packaging & Plastics Cut: SPAR Austria says it saved 14 tonnes of plastic yearly by switching meat trays to CRYOVAC flowpack, cutting plastic use by 70% and CO₂ by about 70% in a March pilot at Marchtrenk, with similar shelf life and no higher waste. Water & Wastewater Efficiency: EU Green Week 2026 highlighted energy-saving and resource-recovery upgrades for wastewater plants, including work tied to the Vienna Wastewater Treatment Plant and best-practice guidance for Eastern Partnership utilities. Wildlife Conservation: An Austrian conservation effort guiding northern bald ibises back on migration won top honours in Nature’s “Scientist at Work” photo competition, spotlighting a 2,800 km journey and climate-linked recovery work. Energy Costs in Europe: A new ranking shows residential electricity prices vary wildly, with Europe and fuel-importing islands among the most expensive. Tech & Safety in Industry: Austrian robotics firm Taurob’s heavy-duty inspection robot is being deployed by ADNOC to reduce human exposure in hazardous gas and oil sites. Austria in the Spotlight: Vienna hosts the Brick Awards 2026, celebrating low-impact brick and ceramic architecture, including a carbon-negative Vietnamese temple built from upcycled tiles. Climate & Claims Watch: The EU Commission has started infringement steps against 20 member states for late transposition of the EmpCo Directive on environmental claims to curb greenwashing.