The energy price index fell 4.2% in February, driven by declines in coal (-9.8%) and crude oil (-5.6%).
Food prices edged down 0.5%, while raw materials increased by 1.6%. Beverages inched up 0.6%.
Metal prices rose 3.5%, and precious metals climbed by 6.6%.
The aim of an EU program called Drive-E is adding 1,400 public charging points for trucks and cars, to be installed on major roads in 13 European countries by the end of 2027. A consortium of Germany-based energy company E.ON, Bulgarian-controlled electric vehicle charging (EVC) station operator Eldrive Holding and Slovak power distributor ZSE has secured 45 million euro ($47 million) in EU funding to expand EVC infrastructure across Europe.
DPD Germany dispatches over 350 million parcels every year. In order to make parcel shipping more sustainable, Germany's second-largest shipping service provider is now cooperating with hey circle. hey circle says its reusable shipping boxes provide better protection than conventional single-use packaging for shipments while significantly reducing waste due to their long lifespan. The boxes can be used for up to 50 cycles between companies and their customers and partners, as well as for internal shipping.
Toyota Chemical Engineering is working on an alternative process for recycling high-voltage (HV) batteries that does not require the conventional incineration process. The goal is to reduce material losses and emissions during recycling. From 2031, battery manufacturers in the EU will be required to use a certain percentage of recycled metals.
Ford Otosan and Mars Logistics launched a new intermodal transport route to improve the efficiency, profitability, and sustainability of logistics operations between its factories in Romania, in Craiova, and Turkey. Under this new system, components will be transported from Turkey to Romania, and vehicles manufactured in Romania will arrive in Turkey, both by rail. This transition aims to reduce emissions by 63% compared to road transport, making logistics operations more efficient and economical.
Ambi Robotics, a provider of AI-powered robotic sorting and stacking solutions for warehouse operations, has unveiled AmbiStack, a robotic system designed to automate the complex process of stacking items onto pallets or into containers achieving maximum density. This solution alleviates the burden of repetitive, injury-prone motions for workers, enabling them to transition into higher-value roles as Robot Operators, focusing on assisting robotic operations when needed.
The energy price index surged in January, led by natural gas (15%) and crude oil (8.1%).
Non-energy prices saw little change.