Month: January 2024

TAMPA, Fla., January 16, 2024 /3BL/ – Crown Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: CCK) (Crown) (www.crowncork.com) has announced the latest winners of its annual Chairman’s Sustainability Awards, which honor individual manufacturing facilities within the Company’s global network for exemplary contributions across three categories – Environmental, Safety and Social. This year’s awards cycle marks the 10th anniversary of the program and celebrates the collective effort of its widespread team throughout the last decade.

Winners of the 2023 awards are as follows:

Crown’s LaCrosse, Wisconsin beverage can plant won the Environmental Sustainability Award, which recognizes excellence in environmental protection by minimizing the impact of the Company’s operations, reducing material consumption or improving recycling or reuse of resources. The facility received this award for optimizing overflow processes to reduce washer water usage, not only saving 8.4 million gallons of water in 2022 but also avoiding a projected 170,000 pounds of landfill waste generated by water consumption. The effort directly supports the Company’s Twentyby30™ goals to reduce water usage by 20% by 2025 and to send zero waste from our operations to landfill.

Two plants received this year’s Sustainability Award for Safety for their efforts to prioritize employee health, improve accident prevention and ensure a safe working environment: Crown’s Ponta Grossa, Brazil beverage can plant and the Bengaluru, India (Prime Bulk) facility in the Company’s Transit Packaging Division. The Ponta Grossa team made several new changes: the addition of gates, guardrails, lifelines and anchor points to increase work safety at various heights; and the implementation of an automated tilting system for employees emptying large containers of coatings or other chemicals, lowering the risk of injury and of chemical spillage during the process. The facility also added a new device to replace the need for using a sledgehammer during maintenance activities, reducing the risk of hand injuries and improving process safety. As a result of these changes, the plant has achieved a 49% decrease in recordable incidents from 2021 performance. Similarly, the Prime Bulk facility enacted several production changes to improve employee conditions, including installing a safe ladder and water level sensors to minimize falling hazards, applying new safety features to forklifts and adding new sensors and safety barricades for sealing and cutting machines. As of December 31, 2022, the plant maintained a total recordable incident rate (TRIR) of 0 and 1,871 consecutive accident-free days.

Receiving special honor this year is Crown’s Osmaniye, Turkey beverage can plant, which earned the Social Sustainability Award for activities that significantly impact the well-being of the workforce and the local community. The team demonstrated tremendous compassion and resilience following the unprecedented devastation of the Maraş-Turkey earthquakes in early 2023. In the aftermath of the disaster, the team sheltered 168 people in the facility to provide a safe refuge for displaced employees and their families, providing hygiene and nutritional support along with temporary housing.

“From making critical process improvements that boost workplace safety and reduce our environmental footprint to going above and beyond in the face of tragedy to protect their colleagues in need, our employees continue to astound us with their determination—even after 10 years of this awards program,” said Timothy Donahue, President, CEO & Chairman of the Board at Crown Holdings. “We are grateful for our regional teams’ continued commitment to our Twentyby30™ program and the even more impressive impact we see across our global organization as a unified group. Congratulations to the winners of our 2023 Chairman’s Sustainability Awards and to all the teams working diligently to help us continue to become the best steward possible.”

To learn more about Crown’s sustainability progress, read its 2022 Sustainability Report or visit https://www.crowncork.com/sustainability.

About Crown Holdings, Inc.

Crown Holdings, Inc., through its subsidiaries, is a leading global supplier of rigid packaging products to consumer marketing companies, as well as transit and protective packaging products, equipment and services to a broad range of end markets. World headquarters are located in Tampa, Florida. For more information, visit www.crowncork.com.

For more information, contact sustainability@crowncork.com.

For editorial inquiries: Emily Hogan, Senior Account Executive, FINN Partners; Tel: (630) 248-5232; Email: emily.hogan@finnpartners.com.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

Except for historical information, all other information in this press release consists of forward-looking statements within the meaning of federal securities law. These forward-looking statements involve a number of risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results to be materially different from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause the statements made in this release or the actual results of operations or financial condition of the Company to differ are discussed under the caption “Forward Looking Statements” in the Company’s Form 10-K Annual Report for the year ended December 31, 2022 and in subsequent filings. The Company does not intend to review or revise any particular forward-looking statement in light of future events.

SOURCE Crown Holdings, Inc.

View original content here.

TAMPA, Fla., January 16, 2024 /3BL/ – Crown Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: CCK) (Crown) (www.crowncork.com) has announced the latest winners of its annual Chairman’s Sustainability Awards, which honor individual manufacturing facilities within the Company’s global network for exemplary contributions across three categories – Environmental, Safety and Social. This year’s awards cycle marks the 10th anniversary of the program and celebrates the collective effort of its widespread team throughout the last decade.

Winners of the 2023 awards are as follows:

Crown’s LaCrosse, Wisconsin beverage can plant won the Environmental Sustainability Award, which recognizes excellence in environmental protection by minimizing the impact of the Company’s operations, reducing material consumption or improving recycling or reuse of resources. The facility received this award for optimizing overflow processes to reduce washer water usage, not only saving 8.4 million gallons of water in 2022 but also avoiding a projected 170,000 pounds of landfill waste generated by water consumption. The effort directly supports the Company’s Twentyby30™ goals to reduce water usage by 20% by 2025 and to send zero waste from our operations to landfill.

Two plants received this year’s Sustainability Award for Safety for their efforts to prioritize employee health, improve accident prevention and ensure a safe working environment: Crown’s Ponta Grossa, Brazil beverage can plant and the Bengaluru, India (Prime Bulk) facility in the Company’s Transit Packaging Division. The Ponta Grossa team made several new changes: the addition of gates, guardrails, lifelines and anchor points to increase work safety at various heights; and the implementation of an automated tilting system for employees emptying large containers of coatings or other chemicals, lowering the risk of injury and of chemical spillage during the process. The facility also added a new device to replace the need for using a sledgehammer during maintenance activities, reducing the risk of hand injuries and improving process safety. As a result of these changes, the plant has achieved a 49% decrease in recordable incidents from 2021 performance. Similarly, the Prime Bulk facility enacted several production changes to improve employee conditions, including installing a safe ladder and water level sensors to minimize falling hazards, applying new safety features to forklifts and adding new sensors and safety barricades for sealing and cutting machines. As of December 31, 2022, the plant maintained a total recordable incident rate (TRIR) of 0 and 1,871 consecutive accident-free days.

Receiving special honor this year is Crown’s Osmaniye, Turkey beverage can plant, which earned the Social Sustainability Award for activities that significantly impact the well-being of the workforce and the local community. The team demonstrated tremendous compassion and resilience following the unprecedented devastation of the Maraş-Turkey earthquakes in early 2023. In the aftermath of the disaster, the team sheltered 168 people in the facility to provide a safe refuge for displaced employees and their families, providing hygiene and nutritional support along with temporary housing.

“From making critical process improvements that boost workplace safety and reduce our environmental footprint to going above and beyond in the face of tragedy to protect their colleagues in need, our employees continue to astound us with their determination—even after 10 years of this awards program,” said Timothy Donahue, President, CEO & Chairman of the Board at Crown Holdings. “We are grateful for our regional teams’ continued commitment to our Twentyby30™ program and the even more impressive impact we see across our global organization as a unified group. Congratulations to the winners of our 2023 Chairman’s Sustainability Awards and to all the teams working diligently to help us continue to become the best steward possible.”

To learn more about Crown’s sustainability progress, read its 2022 Sustainability Report or visit https://www.crowncork.com/sustainability.

About Crown Holdings, Inc.

Crown Holdings, Inc., through its subsidiaries, is a leading global supplier of rigid packaging products to consumer marketing companies, as well as transit and protective packaging products, equipment and services to a broad range of end markets. World headquarters are located in Tampa, Florida. For more information, visit www.crowncork.com.

For more information, contact sustainability@crowncork.com.

For editorial inquiries: Emily Hogan, Senior Account Executive, FINN Partners; Tel: (630) 248-5232; Email: emily.hogan@finnpartners.com.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

Except for historical information, all other information in this press release consists of forward-looking statements within the meaning of federal securities law. These forward-looking statements involve a number of risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results to be materially different from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause the statements made in this release or the actual results of operations or financial condition of the Company to differ are discussed under the caption “Forward Looking Statements” in the Company’s Form 10-K Annual Report for the year ended December 31, 2022 and in subsequent filings. The Company does not intend to review or revise any particular forward-looking statement in light of future events.

SOURCE Crown Holdings, Inc.

View original content here.

Schneider Electric

BOSTON /3BL/ – Schneider Electric, the leader in the digital transformation of energy management and automation, announced a $1,000,000 pledge to the NAED Education & Research Foundation (NERF) to support their Next Level Now campaign. Schneider Electric is the first manufacturer to join the industry-wide effort to develop insights, tools, and services that support the digital transformation and modernization of the distribution channel. 

Schneider Electric is a long-time member of NAED and the program’s first at the Visionary Circle level pledging $1,000,000 over the next five years. This investment will improve the impact and sustainability of the channel, as well as its modernization by developing strategies and tools to optimize business practices. Schneider Electric shares the vision of a modern, digital channel to benefit all stakeholders involved by engaging a new and larger customer base, increasing sales, and providing a better overall customer experience.

“We provide a shared experience to our customers, and the industry wins on the quality of that shared experience,” Mike Montanari, Vice-President of Channel Development, said. “The Next Level Now Campaign is an opportunity for us to align together so we can continually deliver the best possible experience for the customers we collectively serve. Schneider Electric is honored to support this vital initiative.”

With its five-year commitment to the program, Schneider Electric demonstrates the strength of its relationships with distribution partners and its leadership position in the industry as distributors explore and develop new capabilities to optimize their businesses and keep pace with customer expectations and needs.

For more information on Schneider Electric, please visit www.se.com/us.

Schneider Electric

BOSTON /3BL/ – Schneider Electric, the leader in the digital transformation of energy management and automation, announced a $1,000,000 pledge to the NAED Education & Research Foundation (NERF) to support their Next Level Now campaign. Schneider Electric is the first manufacturer to join the industry-wide effort to develop insights, tools, and services that support the digital transformation and modernization of the distribution channel. 

Schneider Electric is a long-time member of NAED and the program’s first at the Visionary Circle level pledging $1,000,000 over the next five years. This investment will improve the impact and sustainability of the channel, as well as its modernization by developing strategies and tools to optimize business practices. Schneider Electric shares the vision of a modern, digital channel to benefit all stakeholders involved by engaging a new and larger customer base, increasing sales, and providing a better overall customer experience.

“We provide a shared experience to our customers, and the industry wins on the quality of that shared experience,” Mike Montanari, Vice-President of Channel Development, said. “The Next Level Now Campaign is an opportunity for us to align together so we can continually deliver the best possible experience for the customers we collectively serve. Schneider Electric is honored to support this vital initiative.”

With its five-year commitment to the program, Schneider Electric demonstrates the strength of its relationships with distribution partners and its leadership position in the industry as distributors explore and develop new capabilities to optimize their businesses and keep pace with customer expectations and needs.

For more information on Schneider Electric, please visit www.se.com/us.

Our conviction in Africa’s vast potential is part of what fuels the climate investment strategy of the Cisco Foundation. Among our vision, we see the transition to clean energy not just as a necessity, but as a catalyst for inclusive growth and digital innovation. And through the Cisco Foundation’s $100 million Climate Commitment, we are investing wholeheartedly in this vision. Our recent investments into early-stage climate ventures SHYFT Power Solutions and Jaza Energy, following our previous limited partnership with The Catalyst Fund, are critical steps on our journey to help build a sustainable future across the continent.

Solving Africa’s Energy Gaps

Africa’s energy landscape is confronting a critical shortfall, with roughly 600 million people in sub-Saharan Africa still lacking electricity, accounting for over 80% of the global population living without electricity​​​​. Due to the impracticalities of expanding grids due to geographical and financial constraints, the focus has shifted towards distributed energy resources. Microgrids, and off-grid solutions are not just alternatives but necessities, particularly in reaching remote and rural communities with affordable and cost-effective energy solutions. Solar mini grids have been at the forefront of this sustainable transformation, with, according to the World Bank, an increase from about 500 installations in 2010 to more than 3,000 in sub-Saharan Africa today, and with plans for a further 9,000. By 2030, it is anticipated that the cost of electricity from mini grids could fall to as low as $0.20/kWh, making it the most affordable option for more than 60 percent of the population​​. Mini grids could help us achieve the ambitious UN Sustainable Development Goal 7, which aims for universal energy access by 2030.

Digitalization in Africa’s Energy Transition

In the realm of digital innovation, we must create seamless integration between off-grid and on-grid systems to ensure reliable and continuous access to electricity. This integration is key to transitioning from intermittent power supplies to a stable and resilient energy infrastructure. Other innovation priorities include the growth of cost-effective, scalable off-grid solutions that can reach the most vulnerable citizens, who are living at or under the global poverty line of $2.15 per day, as defined by the World Bank. Technology and digital solutions are central to this endeavor, as they enable the efficient and effective adoption of renewable energy sources, crucial for closing Africa’s extensive energy gap.

Internet of Things (IoT) solutions are also essential in enhancing the efficiency and scalability of distributed energy resources, such as off-grid systems, solar panels, and storage solutions. These technologies enable real-time monitoring and management of energy assets, thereby optimizing energy distribution and consumption. The Cisco Foundation is eager to support the potential of information and communication technologies, including IoT and software-enabled off-grid energy, to support the climate transition.

Enter our new portfolio investees, SHYFT Power and Jaza Energy. SHYFT Power is pioneering the use of IoT to efficiently manage energy resources, while Jaza Energy is innovating by integrating solar-powered hubs with telecommunications towers. These initiatives illustrate the powerful synergy between connectivity and energy, which play a pivotal role in empowering underserved communities and contributes to a more connected and sustainable future in Africa. As part of the broader Cisco family, these investees of the Cisco Foundation Climate Commitment can access an extensive range of in-kind resources and volunteer advisory. This support not only furthers these technologies but also underscores our commitment to fostering innovative, sustainable, and more inclusive solutions globally.

SHYFT Power: Software & IoT Innovation for Reliable Clean Energy

SHYFT Power Solutions, a 2017 Cisco Global Problem Solver Challenge recipient emerging from Stanford University, is transforming energy management in Nigeria, and has become a key player in the Cisco Foundation investment portfolio. Their advanced platform integrates various power sources to improve energy efficiency and encourage clean energy adoption. The innovation that SHYFT brings to the table is further exemplified by its utilization of IoT, software, and smart meter solutions, which are essential in tackling the energy access and reliability issues prevalent in Nigeria.

The positive impact of SHYFT Power has been echoed by its customers, as illustrated by the glowing feedback from Bola Yusuf, General Manager at Wemabod Towers in Ikoyi. He asserts, “As a property and facilities managers of a high-brow building providing 24-hour power, energy efficiency is crucial for us, and SHYFT has been instrumental in achieving transparency. Their smart energy solutions allow us to effectively monitor and optimize consumption, reducing costs, and supporting sustainability. What sets SHYFT apart is their exceptional customer support – prompt, knowledgeable, and they provide solutions tailored to our needs. They have been a valuable partner in our journey towards energy efficiency and cost savings.”

This direct endorsement underscores the seamless integration of IoT technology within their systems, demonstrating how digital solutions can significantly bolster sustainable energy management. SHYFT’s approach is pivotal in reducing carbon emissions and serves as a standard in the management of distributed energy resources. It’s with great enthusiasm that we join an esteemed list of climate investors backing SHYFT Power, including Powerhouse Ventures, Third Sphere, and KawiSafi Ventures.

Jaza Energy: Empowering Communities with Sustainable Energy

Jaza Energy, another new investment portfolio company, is revolutionizing clean energy access in Tanzania and Nigeria with its solar hubs.

In Tanzania, 66% of households still use kerosene for energy needs. Jaza hubs offer a sustainable alternative to those reliant on kerosene and generators, illuminating over 11,500 homes and benefiting 90,000 people. Jaza’s impactful partnership with IHS Towers, one of the world’s largest owners, operators and developers of shared communications infrastructure, integrates energy with telecommunication services, extending its reach.

By leveraging digital tools and advanced batteries, Jaza addresses the energy deficit impacting 600 million people in sub-Saharan Africa, where annual fossil fuel expenditure reaches $27 billion. Stories from Jaza’s hubs, like Agineta’s in Msambara, Tanzania, showcase the significant improvement in living standards” “The quality of the light allows me to work after dark and my children are able to study,” she says.

Jaza employs over 250 local women as “Jaza Stars,” further amplifying its social impact. One Jaza Star, employees responsible for sales and community development, from Mchori expressed, “After working with Jaza, I participate in decision-making in my family,” highlighting the empowerment brought by these roles.

We proudly support Jaza’s mission for a more inclusive future, alongside partners like Canada’s Active Impact Investments. This initiative exemplifies our dedication to innovative, sustainable solutions, aligning with the Cisco Foundation’s vision of sustainable community development.

Climate Investments for a Sustainable, Inclusive Future

The Cisco Foundation is a distinct legal entity established in 1997 by a gift from Cisco. But the Foundation’s work reflects Cisco’s strength as a tech leader; its purpose to Power an Inclusive for All; and its strategic environmental sustainability priorities to accelerate clean energy adoption, transition to a circular model, and invest in resilient ecosystems. By supporting climate ventures like SHYFT Power and Jaza Energy and pre-seed innovation platforms like The Catalyst Fund, the Cisco Foundation invests in a vision of a regenerative future where connectivity, advanced technologies and sustainability coalesce to power inclusive growth in Africa​​. Our climate investments through the Cisco Foundation reflect our vision for an inclusive, resilient, and sustainable future for Africa, and they embody our belief in a world where technology can drive sustainability, fostering an inclusive future for all.

View original content here.

Our conviction in Africa’s vast potential is part of what fuels the climate investment strategy of the Cisco Foundation. Among our vision, we see the transition to clean energy not just as a necessity, but as a catalyst for inclusive growth and digital innovation. And through the Cisco Foundation’s $100 million Climate Commitment, we are investing wholeheartedly in this vision. Our recent investments into early-stage climate ventures SHYFT Power Solutions and Jaza Energy, following our previous limited partnership with The Catalyst Fund, are critical steps on our journey to help build a sustainable future across the continent.

Solving Africa’s Energy Gaps

Africa’s energy landscape is confronting a critical shortfall, with roughly 600 million people in sub-Saharan Africa still lacking electricity, accounting for over 80% of the global population living without electricity​​​​. Due to the impracticalities of expanding grids due to geographical and financial constraints, the focus has shifted towards distributed energy resources. Microgrids, and off-grid solutions are not just alternatives but necessities, particularly in reaching remote and rural communities with affordable and cost-effective energy solutions. Solar mini grids have been at the forefront of this sustainable transformation, with, according to the World Bank, an increase from about 500 installations in 2010 to more than 3,000 in sub-Saharan Africa today, and with plans for a further 9,000. By 2030, it is anticipated that the cost of electricity from mini grids could fall to as low as $0.20/kWh, making it the most affordable option for more than 60 percent of the population​​. Mini grids could help us achieve the ambitious UN Sustainable Development Goal 7, which aims for universal energy access by 2030.

Digitalization in Africa’s Energy Transition

In the realm of digital innovation, we must create seamless integration between off-grid and on-grid systems to ensure reliable and continuous access to electricity. This integration is key to transitioning from intermittent power supplies to a stable and resilient energy infrastructure. Other innovation priorities include the growth of cost-effective, scalable off-grid solutions that can reach the most vulnerable citizens, who are living at or under the global poverty line of $2.15 per day, as defined by the World Bank. Technology and digital solutions are central to this endeavor, as they enable the efficient and effective adoption of renewable energy sources, crucial for closing Africa’s extensive energy gap.

Internet of Things (IoT) solutions are also essential in enhancing the efficiency and scalability of distributed energy resources, such as off-grid systems, solar panels, and storage solutions. These technologies enable real-time monitoring and management of energy assets, thereby optimizing energy distribution and consumption. The Cisco Foundation is eager to support the potential of information and communication technologies, including IoT and software-enabled off-grid energy, to support the climate transition.

Enter our new portfolio investees, SHYFT Power and Jaza Energy. SHYFT Power is pioneering the use of IoT to efficiently manage energy resources, while Jaza Energy is innovating by integrating solar-powered hubs with telecommunications towers. These initiatives illustrate the powerful synergy between connectivity and energy, which play a pivotal role in empowering underserved communities and contributes to a more connected and sustainable future in Africa. As part of the broader Cisco family, these investees of the Cisco Foundation Climate Commitment can access an extensive range of in-kind resources and volunteer advisory. This support not only furthers these technologies but also underscores our commitment to fostering innovative, sustainable, and more inclusive solutions globally.

SHYFT Power: Software & IoT Innovation for Reliable Clean Energy

SHYFT Power Solutions, a 2017 Cisco Global Problem Solver Challenge recipient emerging from Stanford University, is transforming energy management in Nigeria, and has become a key player in the Cisco Foundation investment portfolio. Their advanced platform integrates various power sources to improve energy efficiency and encourage clean energy adoption. The innovation that SHYFT brings to the table is further exemplified by its utilization of IoT, software, and smart meter solutions, which are essential in tackling the energy access and reliability issues prevalent in Nigeria.

The positive impact of SHYFT Power has been echoed by its customers, as illustrated by the glowing feedback from Bola Yusuf, General Manager at Wemabod Towers in Ikoyi. He asserts, “As a property and facilities managers of a high-brow building providing 24-hour power, energy efficiency is crucial for us, and SHYFT has been instrumental in achieving transparency. Their smart energy solutions allow us to effectively monitor and optimize consumption, reducing costs, and supporting sustainability. What sets SHYFT apart is their exceptional customer support – prompt, knowledgeable, and they provide solutions tailored to our needs. They have been a valuable partner in our journey towards energy efficiency and cost savings.”

This direct endorsement underscores the seamless integration of IoT technology within their systems, demonstrating how digital solutions can significantly bolster sustainable energy management. SHYFT’s approach is pivotal in reducing carbon emissions and serves as a standard in the management of distributed energy resources. It’s with great enthusiasm that we join an esteemed list of climate investors backing SHYFT Power, including Powerhouse Ventures, Third Sphere, and KawiSafi Ventures.

Jaza Energy: Empowering Communities with Sustainable Energy

Jaza Energy, another new investment portfolio company, is revolutionizing clean energy access in Tanzania and Nigeria with its solar hubs.

In Tanzania, 66% of households still use kerosene for energy needs. Jaza hubs offer a sustainable alternative to those reliant on kerosene and generators, illuminating over 11,500 homes and benefiting 90,000 people. Jaza’s impactful partnership with IHS Towers, one of the world’s largest owners, operators and developers of shared communications infrastructure, integrates energy with telecommunication services, extending its reach.

By leveraging digital tools and advanced batteries, Jaza addresses the energy deficit impacting 600 million people in sub-Saharan Africa, where annual fossil fuel expenditure reaches $27 billion. Stories from Jaza’s hubs, like Agineta’s in Msambara, Tanzania, showcase the significant improvement in living standards” “The quality of the light allows me to work after dark and my children are able to study,” she says.

Jaza employs over 250 local women as “Jaza Stars,” further amplifying its social impact. One Jaza Star, employees responsible for sales and community development, from Mchori expressed, “After working with Jaza, I participate in decision-making in my family,” highlighting the empowerment brought by these roles.

We proudly support Jaza’s mission for a more inclusive future, alongside partners like Canada’s Active Impact Investments. This initiative exemplifies our dedication to innovative, sustainable solutions, aligning with the Cisco Foundation’s vision of sustainable community development.

Climate Investments for a Sustainable, Inclusive Future

The Cisco Foundation is a distinct legal entity established in 1997 by a gift from Cisco. But the Foundation’s work reflects Cisco’s strength as a tech leader; its purpose to Power an Inclusive for All; and its strategic environmental sustainability priorities to accelerate clean energy adoption, transition to a circular model, and invest in resilient ecosystems. By supporting climate ventures like SHYFT Power and Jaza Energy and pre-seed innovation platforms like The Catalyst Fund, the Cisco Foundation invests in a vision of a regenerative future where connectivity, advanced technologies and sustainability coalesce to power inclusive growth in Africa​​. Our climate investments through the Cisco Foundation reflect our vision for an inclusive, resilient, and sustainable future for Africa, and they embody our belief in a world where technology can drive sustainability, fostering an inclusive future for all.

View original content here.