Extending rental agreement

LEGO is looking at launching a rental service for fans of its brightly coloured bricks in a bid to be greener – but it's worried pieces may go missing. The move from the world’s biggest toymaker is the latest sign of how traditional business models are changing as shoppers press for more environmentally friendly products. At a conference, the firm’s Tim Brooks, vice-president responsible for sustainability, said Lego was “totally open” to the idea of a product rental scheme. He added: “We have to start at the point that says what is in it for the consumer. That is what we are just unpicking at moment."It is possible, [but] there are some technical barriers.” These include the complexity of Lego kits, some of which contain thousands of pieces. “What are the chances of giving them to an eight-year-old child and getting them all back again?” asked Mr Brooks. “There is a lot of technical thinking that needs to be done... We … [Read more...] about Lego is looking at launching a rental service to reduce plastic waste – but it’s worried pieces may go missing

Email By Max Walden Updated October 05, 2019 23:54:27 Photo: Australia signed a free trade agreement with Hong Kong in March. (ABC News: Mary Lloyd) Related Story: Hong Kong is rolling out a colonial-era 'emergency law' — here's what that means Related Story: Chinese-Australians praise Hawke for safety promise after Tiananmen massacre Related Story: Fears of 'another Tiananmen Square' as HK's student leaders arrive in Australia to rally support Map: China Several groups representing the Hong Kong Chinese community in Australia have called upon Scott Morrison's Government to allow Hongkongers to remain in Australia "unconditionally" in light of ongoing unrest in the semi-autonomous territory. Key points:Pro-democracy groups have called for Hongkongers to remain in AustraliaThey say an Australia-Hong Kong FTA should also be postponedLocal campuses have seen clashes over Hong Kong As protests opposing the enactment of emergency laws grew violent on Friday night, … [Read more...] about Hong Kong groups call upon Australia to allow students to stay, reconsider free trade agreement

The Security Council on Thursday voted unanimously to extend its MINUSCA peacekeeping mission for a month. The mandate for the mission was due to expire at midnight on Thursday.  Speaking before the council, Russia warned France that it must put aside "parochial national interests" and recognize its peace efforts in the Central African Republic (CAR).  The resolution drafted by France was seen as taking aim at recent Russian efforts to broker peace deals in CAR by specifying that "the only framework" for a solution was an African-led initiative. Read more: Russia 'becoming part of the conflict' in the Central African Republic "We are pro-actively helping the CAR, knowingly with the support of the people and we would like our efforts to be duly reflected in the French draft," Russian Deputy Ambassador Dmitry Polyanski told the Security Council. "In the CAR, there will be work for all to genuinely help the country get back on our feet," he said, adding that it was time to … [Read more...] about Russia and France bicker as UN extends CAR peacekeeping mission

Chelsea have confirmed they have reached agreement with Atlético Madrid over the sale of Diego Costa, with the Spain striker expected to complete his return to La Liga subject to the agreement of personal terms and a medical. The 28-year-old has yet to feature for the Premier League champions this season after being told he was not part of Antonio Conte’s plans. But despite Atlético being subjected to a transfer ban, a statement from Chelsea on Thursday said Costa is set to rejoin the Spanish club for a fee believed to be in the region of £57m three years after he moved to London for £32m. “Chelsea Football Club has today agreed terms with Atlético Madrid for the transfer of Diego Costa,” said the statement. “The transfer will be subject to the agreement of personal terms and a medical.” A further statement from Atlético confirmed Costa has been given permission to travel to Spain for his medical and to discuss personal terms. … [Read more...] about Chelsea confirm agreement to sell Diego Costa to Atlético Madrid for £57m

Senior Conservatives are warning against an prolonged leadership contest that would mean Theresa May remaining as caretaker prime minister until late summer. The prime minister promised the backbench 1922 Committee on Thursday that she would set out a timetable for her departure once MPs had been given a vote on the withdrawal agreement bill in early June. A short contest is thought to favour the frontrunner among members, Boris Johnson. The former foreign secretary put forward his candidacy on Thursday, while conceding that no vacancy was yet available. In a poll in the Times of more than 850 Tory members, 39% named him their favoured choice to take over from May. Dominic Raab, backed by his Ready for Raab campaign, was second with 13%. But with a wide field of other candidates including several cabinet members expected to enter the race, MPs believe it could take several rounds of twice-weekly votes to whittle them down to the pair that must be presented to members. They expect … [Read more...] about Senior Tories warn against extended leadership contest