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Day: September 30, 2025
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Gas derived from farm waste can meet only 18% of current gas demand by 2050, despite claims of fossil fuel lobbyists, study finds
Gas derived from farm waste will never be an alternative to the widespread adoption of heat pumps, research shows, despite the claims of fossil fuel lobbyists.
Biomethane, which comes mainly from “digesting” manure, sewage and other organic waste, has been touted as a low-carbon substitute for fossil fuel gas, for use in home heating. Proponents say it would be less disruptive than ripping out the UK’s current gas infrastructure and installing heat pumps.
Annette Riedl/picture alliance via Getty Images
- A Pop Mart executive wants Labubu and other characters to have Mickey Mouse’s staying power.
- The Chinese toy company is working hard to ensure that Labubu remains relevant for years to come.
- Labubu has been a big money maker for Pop Mart, snagging brand deals and celebrity endorsements.
Pop Mart has Disney-sized ambitions for Labubu, and one of its top executives has outlined a road map to ensure that the furry dolls don’t become a one-hit wonder.
The Chinese toy giant is trying to keep its viral Labubu doll and other intellectual property characters relevant in the long term, much like Disney had managed to do with Mickey Mouse.
Si De, Pop Mart’s COO and executive director, told Reuters in an interview, released Monday, that Pop Mart had “learned from Disney for a long time.”
“In fact, Disney’s great value lies in its ability to operate IP over the long-term, even up to 100 years,” Si said to the outlet.
Si said that in the near future, Pop Mart wanted to invest in “better products, finding better collaborations, developing content, theme parks, store displays” first for Labubu, followed by its other popular IP characters.
The company has launched numerous retail collaborations with brands like Uniqlo, Crocs, Lego, and tea brand Chagee, among others. Its first theme park, Popland in Beijing, opened in 2023.
Labubu has had its own pop culture moment, with big-name celebrities like Rihanna, Kim Kardashian, Paris Hilton, Blackpink’s Lisa, and Joshua Hong from K-pop group Seventeen, buying into the trend and showing off the dolls on their socials.
Labubu has shaped up to be a big money-maker for Pop Mart. “The Monsters” IP, which includes Labubu, contributed 4.81 billion Chinese yuan, or about $674 million, to the company’s total sales in the first half of this year, per its earnings report released on August 19.
The company reported a 204% increase in revenue in the first half of the year, compared to the same period in 2024, with global sales of 13.87 billion Chinese yuan. Its stock is up about 400% in the past year.
Representatives for Pop Mart declined a request for comment from Business Insider.
Read the original article on Business Insider
OKX Launches Stablecoin Payment Service for Grab in Singapore
Cryptocurrency exchange OKX announced the launch of a new service on Tuesday, enabling customers to make payments in stablecoins to merchants on Grab’s payment platform in Singapore, reports 24brussels.
This integration marks a significant step in the collaboration between OKX and Grab, facilitating a seamless payment experience for users. Stablecoins, designed to maintain a stable value, bring an added layer of security and reliability for transactions.
The partnership aims to enhance the digital payment landscape in Singapore, capitalizing on the increasing popularity of cryptocurrencies among consumers and merchants alike. With this service, users can leverage cryptocurrency in everyday transactions, potentially broadening the user base for both platforms.
In recent months, Grab has expanded its offerings to include various digital financial services, illustrating its commitment to being at the forefront of the fintech revolution in Southeast Asia. OKX’s move aligns with its strategy to drive adoption of digital currencies and increase their utility in real-world applications.
As the regulatory environment evolves, both companies are positioning themselves to benefit from a growing acceptance of cryptocurrencies in the region. The launch of the stablecoin payment service indicates a strategic foresight into consumer trends, aiming to attract both traditional users and crypto enthusiasts.