The European Commission issued new regulations requiring member states to give priority to recyclable materials in municipal facilities. German environmental protection company EcoCast launched the world's first carbon-neutral ductile iron manhole cover, which reduces carbon footprint by 70% through recycled metal ratio exceeding 85% and solar smelting technology. Lyon, France has installed 3,000 sets on a pilot basis, and the mayor commented: "They are both environmentally friendly and anti-theft and safe, and are ideal for smart cities."