Month: August 2023

Last month, the White House, Defense Department and Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons confirmed the U.S. has completed destruction of its enormous Cold War-era chemical weapons stockpile as well as the facilities that manufactured them.

Leidos provided extensive technical and program support to the U.S. Department of Defense on the demilitarization effort at all locations where the munitions were stored.

These toxic and deadly weapons, now banned by international law due to their inhumane nature, took more than 30 years to irreversibly destroy.

The milestone makes good on the commitment made by 193 member states to chemically disarm under the 1993 Chemical Weapons Convention.

As a part of an integrated effort, Leidos supported the Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) in treaty compliance and inspector interface.

The U.S. is the final nation state to complete disarmament, which means all chemical weapons declared under the treaty have now been destroyed.

Leidos supported the U.S. Army Chemical Materials Activity (CMA) on the large-scale effort at seven sites:

Johnston Atoll in the Pacific OceanAberdeen Proving Ground, MarylandNewport Chemical Depot, IndianaPine Bluff Arsenal, ArkansasAnniston Army Depot, AlabamaUmatilla Chemical Depot, OregonDeseret Chemical Depot, Utah

Leidos also supported the Program Executive Office Assembled Chemical Weapons Alternatives (PEO ACWA) in destruction of the final weapons at Pueblo Chemical Depot in Colorado and Blue Grass Army Depot in Kentucky.

James Ridgely, Leidos Senior Program Manager, said he’s proud his teams contributed to this important effort to destroy an entire class of weapons of mass destruction.

Ridgely said the scope of his team’s work on the project included technical expertise, engineering support, compliance with treaty mandates, planning analysis for both the technical and program efforts and public outreach.

“Leidos personnel have been side-by-side with government teams and contributed significantly to key technical and programmatic decisions that led to the safe completion of operations,” says Ridgely. “We’re proud to have been part of making the world a safer place by eliminating these deadly weapons.”

In a statement, President Biden stressed the importance of disarmament among the small number of nations states not ratified in the treaty.

“Today—as we mark this significant milestone—we must also renew our commitment to forging a future free from chemical weapons,” President Biden wrote. “I continue to encourage the remaining nations to join the Chemical Weapons Convention so that the global ban on chemical weapons can reach its fullest potential.”

Please contact the Leidos media relations team for more information.

Originally published on 3M News Center

ST. PAUL, Minn., August 16, 2023 /3BL/ — Extreme heat, wildfire smoke and sandstorms are expected to continue this summer. As these weather conditions impact the air quality both inside and outside the home for millions of people, scientists at 3M are offering tips and resources to help protect your breathing during these hazardous conditions.

When dealing with poor outdoor conditions, staying inside and maintaining good air quality should be a top priority.

Wildfire safety information hub

10 ways to reduce your smoke exposure during a wildfire

How to get cleaner indoor air during a wildfire

How to make a DIY air purifier

“Extreme weather conditions can seriously impact the air quality both outside and inside your home. It’s important to know what you can do to protect yourself outside and improve indoor air quality,” said Dr. Nikki McCullough, a respiratory health scientist at 3M. “When dealing with poor outdoor conditions, staying inside and maintaining good air quality should be a top priority. When you do go outside, an N-95 respirator is one option to help reduce exposure to airborne particulate pollution.”

In locations where wildfire smoke events are more common, such as in states like California, regulations have been put in place to guide employers on how to protect outdoor workers.  As these events occur throughout the country, it is important to think through proper protection for workers whose jobs require them to be outdoors during these events.

Dr. McCullough has spent the past 30 years as a respiratory scientist at 3M, testing and developing products to protect respiratory systems for all types of people and environments. And while extreme weather conditions are bringing greater attention to poor air quality outside, people may not be aware of how weather can also impact their indoor air quality. According to the Centers for Disease Control, keeping windows and doors closed is a quick and easy way to help preserve indoor air quality.

“Outdoor pollutants can seep inside our homes. Cutting back everyday activities such as burning candles, cooking, and vacuuming when there’s poor air quality outside, and using air purifiers and HVAC filters such as  inside your home and changing the filters regularly can provide cleaner, fresher air.”

Experts suggest that the current wildfire season will continue to pick up in the coming months as dry weather and hotter temperatures continue. 

3M continues to support ongoing disaster relief efforts wherever they occur.  In Maui, 3M N95 respirators are already in route to Hawaii from our partner Direct Relief.

For more information about wildfire and air quality safety, tips, and solutions, visit www.3M.com/wildfiresafety

About 3M
3M (NYSE: MMM) believes science helps create a brighter world for everyone. By unlocking the power of people, ideas and science to reimagine what’s possible, our global team uniquely addresses the opportunities and challenges of our customers, communities, and planet. Learn how we’re working to improve lives and make what’s next at 3M.com/news.

Originally published on HBI Sustainability

“Not only are we talking about inclusion, we are living it.” 
– Eliana Andreassian – Champion Europe

Champion has supported the Special Olympics and millions of athletes who represent inclusion and acceptance for two decades. This year, Champion Teamwear created new uniform designs for Special Olympics USA, while Champion Europe donated personalized pieces to the Italian delegation.

“This global event is a celebration of inclusion and diversity,” said Miranda Hardenburger, general manager of Champion Teamwear. “We are beyond proud to help these talented athletes shine on a world stage.”

Eliana Andreassian, production planning and inbound manager, Champion Europe, attended the Games in Berlin and said it’s a privilege to witness these amazing athletes in action while celebrating them as champions. “What I am bringing home is the message that barriers can be pulled down if we understand we are unbeatable together. Not only are we talking about inclusion, we are living it.”

Below is a letter from Eliana Andreassian to her 22-year-old son describing her personal experience at the 2023 Special Olympics World Games.

Ciao Andrea,

My experience here in Berlin with the Special Olympics World Games 2023 has come to an end. I wish you were here! Athletes and volunteers are demonstrating how we can stop talking about inclusion and live it fully.

I’ve walked many kilometers to be able to see the 97 Italian athletes warming up and competing from one field to another. Being here today means not only supporting the right to participate in sport for everyone, but also believing in unity and solidarity.

I just attended an Italy vs USA Unified Volleyball competition and I’m voiceless from all the loud cheering. In Unified Sports, athletes with and without disabilities train and play on the same team. When someone makes a mistake, teammates hug each other, and the audience applauds. If you get close to the baseline you can hear the coach say in a calm and serene voice, “Let’s play as we know. Focus and give your best. The rest doesn’t matter!”

How wonderful this Unified Sport is and how nice it would be to live unified! Without prejudices, without borders, and without barriers.

The spotlight here is on everyone’s potential. It’s not just about competing for a medal (which, not by chance, has an imperfectly perfect shape). Here we play a more important game to demonstrate how, by uniting, we have the possibility of evolving as a community.

Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me brave in the attempt. This is the Special Olympics Athlete Oath. Everyone knows it by heart.

Does it remind you of anything? It’s similar to what I often tell you: Always try and believe, and if you happen to fail, don’t lose faith in yourself or in others. Learn from the lesson.

I have so many things to tell you and I can’t wait to see you. Shall we go together to the Special Olympics World Games in Turin 2025?

After all, you and I have always been a team…#UnbeatableTogether.

A hug! M.

The Games featured 7,000 athletes and Unified partners from nearly 190 countries competing in 26 sports. More than 3,000 coaches and 20,000 volunteers were also on-hand to support the athletes.

BOSTON, August 16, 2023 /3BL/ – Sappi North America, Inc., a leading producer and supplier of diversified paper, packaging products and pulp, announced the winners of its 2023 Employee Ideas that Matter (EITM) grant program, donating up to $50,000 to causes that are important to employees in the environmental, healthcare, educational and community-centric spaces.  

Inspired by over two decades of success from its Ideas that Matter (ITM) grant program – the only operation of its kind in the paper and packaging industry – Sappi established EITM in 2016. The annual program recognizes and supports volunteering efforts of employees for nonprofit organizations in their communities through direct funding. Employees are encouraged to nominate charity projects that benefit their communities to a panel of judges composed of senior leadership.  

“We believe in creating a thriving, sustainable world for everyone. The EITM program has allowed employees at all levels to take an active role in driving our mission of positive social impact forward,” said Patti Groh, Director of Communications, Sappi North America. “It’s an extension of Sappi’s overarching commitment to social responsibility and giving back directly to our local communities.” 

This year, the program reached many milestones. It was selected as a winner in the category of Community Service and Corporate Social Responsibility in the Communitas Awards for providing direct funding to over 67 local nonprofit causes, and since 2018, employee participation has increased over 118%. Additionally, its pioneer program, Ideas that Matter, earned Gold in the 2023 MUSE Awards for Corporate Social Responsibility. 

2023 EITM winners include the following:

Brian Freyermuth, Boston, MA 

Sippican Lands Trust 

Brian’s project supported building a parking lot and trail system to allow greater access to protected outdoor properties for the public and improve existing trails to allow for handicapped access and safety of children. 

Lynne Palmer, Technology Center, ME 

Michael T. Goulet TBI and Epilepsy Foundation 

Lynn’s initiative helped purchase multi-sport helmets for Westbrook Kids Safety Day event to demonstrate proper use of helmets and raise awareness of traumatic brain injuries. 

Dan Menor, Cloquet Mill, MN 

CHUM 

Dan supported the Annual CHUM Rhubarb Festival, the main fundraiser for CHUM, a nonprofit that provides support for people experiencing homelessness, poverty and marginalization within the Duluth, MN area. 

Eddie Ouedraogo, Matane Mill, Quebec 

Mission Saint Laurent 

Eddie’s grant helped Mission Saint Laurent provide food service, transportation and patient visits for underserved community members in Matane. 

Line Simard, Matane Mill, Quebec 

Les Phoenix 

Line’s initiative supported Les Phoenix, a local sports club, to help underserved families and their children participate in organized sports that were not accessible in their local towns. 

Brett Patten, Somerset Mill, ME 

St. Albans Volunteer Fire Department 

Brett’s funds were utilized to help the St. Albans Volunteer Fire Department, a local 100% volunteer-run fire department that serves the community in and around St. Albans, ME to purchase a new pump for a firetruck. 

Ethan Olson, Wood Procurement, ME 

SeedTree 

Ethan supported SeedTree, a non-profit located in Nepal, in their efforts to visit villages and complete participatory surveys to better understand how the organization could help the area. The goal was to install a research/production tree orchard at the Nepal Agriculture and Forestry University. 

Matthew Howard, Somerset Mill, ME 

Fairfield Interfaith Food Pantry 

Matthew’s grant helped install outdoor lighting in the parking lot of the community Fairfield Interfaith Food Pantry to ensure the safety of clients and volunteer staff, especially in the winter. 

Katherine Haynes, South Portland, ME 

Preble Street 

Katherine enabled Preble Street Teen Services to underwrite costs associated with traditional and nontraditional mental health services for youth experiencing homelessness. 

Lisa Graves, Technology Center, ME 

Pink Feather Foundation 

Lisa’s grant helped Pink Feather Foundation, a non-profit that confidentially provides students clothing and accessories at no cost, to purchase clothing racks with wheels to allow easier access for photography and storage. 

James Nicolantonio, Westbrook Mill, ME 

Project Blessing 

James’ initiative helped purchase blankets, utensils and other home goods for people experiencing homelessness to ease their transition back into housing through the Project Blessing organization. 

Jason Leach, Westbrook Mill, ME 

Wilderness Response Team 

Jason’s project funded training and purchase of equipment for the Wilderness Response Team, a volunteer-run nonprofit that serves the people of Maine by providing search, technical rescue and medical services in wilderness areas across the state. 

To learn more about Sappi’s social impact initiatives, visit: https://www.sappi.com/sustainability-and-impact/people. 

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About Sappi North America, Inc. 

Sappi North America, Inc., headquartered in Boston, is a market leader in converting wood fiber into superior products that customers demand worldwide. Our four diversified businesses – high-quality Graphic Papers, Dissolving Pulp, Packaging, and Specialty Papers deliver premium products and services with consistent quality and reliability. Our high-quality Coated Printing Papers are used for premium magazines, catalogs, books, direct mail and high-end print advertising. We are a leading manufacturer of Dissolving Pulp, which is used in a wide range of products, including textile fibers and household goods. We deliver sustainable Packaging and Specialty Papers for luxury packaging and folding carton applications with our single-ply packaging brands and for the food and label industries with our specialty papers. We are one of the world’s leading suppliers of Casting and Release Papers with lines for the automotive, fashion and engineered films industries.  

Sappi North America is a subsidiary of Sappi Limited (JSE), a global company headquartered in Johannesburg, South Africa, with more than 12,000 employees and manufacturing operations on three continents in seven countries and customers in over 150 countries. www.sappi.com  

MONTREAL, August 16, 2023 /3BL/ – Gildan Activewear Inc. (GIL: TSX and NYSE) is pleased to announce that it has published its latest Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) report, marking the Company’s 19th year of public ESG disclosures. The report highlights Gildan’s 2022 performance against key targets and the strong momentum generated across all of its global operations in the first year of activating its Next Generation ESG strategy.

“Looking back at 2022, I am pleased with our continued commitment to ESG across our operations and our enhanced processes and cross-functional collaboration and accountability,” says Glenn J. Chamandy, President and CEO of Gildan. “ESG is one of the three core pillars of our Gildan Sustainable Growth (GSG) business strategy, and as we continue our journey towards achieving our 2030 ESG targets, we are committed to delivering and reporting on our progress.”

2022 ESG highlights:

Tied 25% of all Gildan’s senior executives’ strategic objectives to their annual short-term incentive plan to support the advancement of ESG targetsIncluded sustainability-linked terms in its existing $1 billion revolving credit facilityReduced absolute Scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions by 10.9% (compared to a 2018 base year)Reduced water intensity by 18.4% (compared to a 2018 base year)Sourced 21.7% of its cotton supply from verified U.S., grown cotton suppliers (USCTP) and Better Cotton14.2% of total SKUs of packaging and trim materials specific to apparel (which include carton, polyester, paper, and cotton-poly trims) now contain recycled materials or have relevant sustainability certificationsAchieved 30.3% gender parity in the collective group representing director-level and above employees, up from 26.7% in 2021Contributed $1.1 million to community initiativesPublished its first stand-alone Climate Change Disclosure Report

Recent 2023 achievements include: 

The Science Based Target initiative (SBTi) validated Gildan’s 2030 near-term targets to reduce Scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions by 30% by 2030 from a 2018 base year[1]. SBTi also validated Gildan’s target to reduce Scope 3 emissions by 13.5% by 2030 from a 2019 base yearObtained the first ISO 45001 certification at one of Gildan’s sewing facilities in the Dominican Republic

Recognitions: 

Gildan continues to be recognized for its ESG practices.

Included in the Dow Jones Sustainability Index for the 10th consecutive year in 2022Included in CDP’s Leadership Band in 2022Named one of the “World’s 100 Most Sustainable Corporations” by Corporate KnightsIncluded in “Canada’s Best 50 Corporate Citizens” by Corporate KnightsDesignated as a 2023 “Top-Rated ESG Company” by Sustainalytics’ ESG Risk RatingsAccorded “Prime” status by Institutional Shareholder Services (ISS) ESG Corporate Rating

The full 2022 ESG Report is available here.

[1] The target boundary excludes land-related emissions and removals from bioenergy feedstocks.

About Gildan

Gildan is a leading manufacturer of everyday basic apparel. The Company’s product offering includes activewear, underwear, and socks, sold to a broad range of customers, including wholesale distributors, screenprinters or embellishers, as well as to retailers that sell to consumers through their physical stores and/or e-commerce platforms and to global lifestyle brand companies. The Company markets its products in North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Latin America, under a diversified portfolio of Company-owned brands including Gildan®, American Apparel®, Comfort Colors®, GOLDTOE®, Peds®, in addition to the Under Armour® brand through a sock licensing agreement providing exclusive distribution rights in the United States and Canada.

Gildan owns and operates vertically integrated, large-scale manufacturing facilities which are primarily located in Central America, the Caribbean, North America, and Bangladesh. Gildan operates with a strong commitment to industry-leading labour, environmental, and governance practices throughout its supply chain in accordance with its comprehensive ESG strategy embedded in the Company’s long-term business strategy. More information about the Company and its ESG Next Generation ESG strategy can be found at www.gildancorp.com.

Investor inquiries: 
Jessy Hayem, CFA 
Vice-President, Head of Investor Relations 
(514) 744-8511 
jhayem@gildan.com

Media inquiries: 
Genevieve Gosselin 
Director, Global Communications and Corporate Marketing 
(514) 343-8814 
ggosselin@gildan.com