Month: March 2025

Originally published on U.S. Bank company blog

In 2013, to avoid monitoring by his manager, a truck driver at a New Jersey engineering firm purchased an illegal $50 GPS jammer that plugged into his vehicle’s cigarette lighter. The device inadvertently also jammed the satellite system navigation capabilities of the entire Newark airport every time he drove by. The signals emanating from the vehicle were blocking the reception of GPS frequencies used by the air traffic control system, and planes were unable to safely land or take off, forcing the airport to close.

“People don’t realize how vulnerable GPS is,” said Dr. Joshua Morales, owner and founder of StarNav, a startup tech company that provides hardware and software solutions enabling safe, reliable positioning and timing. “StarNav’s products convert terrestrial and low-Earth orbit satellite signals into reliable positioning and timing information, working even when GPS fails. Because GPS is used in critical U.S. infrastructure, such as time keeping, currency, communication, navigation, and energy, having a secondary way for keeping the country synchronized is an imperative.”

Navigational guidance by the stars is an ancient concept, but Morales and his team are innovating navigation for the future, and this work-with-what-you-have ethos has shaped much of Morales’ journey. As part of this he is determined to keep his company in the Inland Empire area of Southern California, in order to create a profitable career hub for brilliant scientific minds who graduate from the areas many universities, rather than feeding into the intellectual exodus to the Silicon Valley that Inland Empire scientists currently face. StarNav began at one such local institution, the University of California, Riverside (UCR) as part of their Entrepreneurship Center (EPIC)  which specializes in providing training, mentorship and access to capital to innovative, technology intensive businesses.

Over the past two years, U.S. Bank provided corporate contributions totaling $95,000 in support of UCR’s Zero-to-Entrepreneur program, which is part of the SoCal OASIS™  regional economic development strategy focused on sustainability, innovation, social inclusion and workforce development in Inland Southern California and home to StarNav’s early beginnings.

Morales earned his Ph.D. from UC Irvine in 2020. After completing his doctorate, he returned to Riverside, which is where attended UCR for his B.S. in Electrical Engineering. He has been a part of the vibrant innovation hub on the campus since beginning StarNav, which is where he also met U.S. Bank Business Access Advisor, and fellow Inland Empire native, Heli Castaneda.

“It has been a joy to support the business owners and students who participate in the programs at UCR,” said Castaneda.

As a native of the Inland Empire who is raising his children there, Castaneda shares Morales’ desire to invest in his community.

“This is where I have the privilege of being able to be of service to local businesses and students,” Castaneda said. “My role at U.S. Bank is all about bringing information, resources, and building bridges. My services are offered for free, and entrepreneurs don’t have to be a U.S. Bank customer to work with me, and I really enjoy that part of my job! I’m here to help everyone.”

The relationship between U.S. Bank and UCR began with the work of Inland Southern California community affairs manager Rossina Gallegos, who saw the vision to empower Inland Empire residents, particularly underserved individuals, to launch high-growth, sustainably focused technology startups that create quality jobs. The program’s first year concluded in March 2024 and received glowing participant feedback, with many calling it “immensely valuable.” In addition to the funding, in 2023 and 2024 small business specialists from U.S. Bank participated in the selection of the SoCal OASIS Pitch Competition to help select the award winners of the program. 

“At U.S. Bank, our whole mission is to invest our hearts and minds into powering human potential,” Gallegos said. “We are happy to be able to support programs that serve brilliant students and innovative entrepreneurs who are equally invested in making our Inland Empire communities a better place to live and work.”

AMSTERDAM, HONG KONG, and OAKLAND, Calif., March 4, 2025 /3BL/ – Cascale has updated the Higg Brand and Retail Module (Higg BRM), a cornerstone of the Higg Index suite of tools, to better align with evolving sustainability regulation. The annual update demonstrates Cascale’s commitment to continuous improvement by addressing the evolving challenges faced by its members and the broader consumer goods industry.

“We have updated the Higg BRM to enhance its alignment with ESRS,” said Maravillas Rodriguez Zarco, Sr. Director, Higg Index Strategy and Operations at Cascale. “This is a powerful resource that empowers organizations to make data-driven decisions. We encourage brands and retailers to leverage the full potential of the Higg BRM as a supporting tool in their reporting journey under CSRD.”

The Higg BRM provides a comprehensive approach to tracking sustainability progress while the alignment with European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS) offers support on Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) requirements. It is widely recognized as one of the leading frameworks for brands and retailers in the textile, apparel, and footwear industry to track and measure Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) performance. The Higg BRM empowers users to build consistent strategies while avoiding duplication across multiple sustainability initiatives. It is part of Cascale’s Higg Index suite of tools, which are exclusively available on Worldly, the leading sustainability data insights platform for consumer goods.

With this update, Cascale has expanded the Higg BRM guidance and refined terminology to improve consistency with ESRS disclosure requirements while adding 36 new unscored optional questions to ensure more complete disclosures without impacting comparability to prior Higg BRM assessments. The Higg BRM now covers up to 78% of ESRS data points, with the remaining content related to financial topics beyond its scope (15%), or non-material matters (7%).

In addition, Cascale has published a white paper that outlines the alignment between the Higg BRM and ESRS, helping companies understand how the tool can support CSRD reporting obligations. The white paper provides a structured breakdown of the Higg BRM to ESRS alignment, examines ESRS 1 and ESRS 2, and explains how the Higg BRM supports key concepts such as double materiality or establishing a governance framework. It also covers Topical Standards, offering key insights into ESG areas specific to textile, apparel, and footwear industry.

The Higg BRM 2024 update also introduces tags on the Worldly platform to easily map ESRS data points with Higg BRM questions. The tool remains aligned with key industry frameworks, including the Textile Exchange’s Material Benchmark and the ZDHC Brands to Zero program, and continues to offer benchmarking capabilities and year-over-year tracking of short-term and long-term sustainability goals to drive impactful change. Higg BRM verification remains accessible and highly recommended for all users.

ABOUT CASCALE 
Cascale is the global nonprofit alliance empowering collaboration to drive equitable and restorative business practices in the consumer goods industry. Formerly known as the Sustainable Apparel Coalition, Cascale owns and develops the Higg Index, which is exclusively available on Worldly, the industry’s leading sustainability data insights platform. Cascale unites over 300 retailers, brands, manufacturers, governments, academics, and NGO/nonprofit affiliates around the globe through one singular vision: To catalyze impact at scale and give back more than we take to the planet and its people.

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Audit Success Secrets: The Power of Strategic Planning and Commitment

March 10, 2025 | 1:00 PM ET/10:00 AM PT

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Join SCS Global Services‘ food safety experts Heena Patel and Jennifer Young as they walk you through the details on strategic planning and commitment so you can confidently steer your organization toward success. They will focus on key areas and how to develop meaningful challenge activities to measure success. Drawing from their decades of experience in auditing and program development, they’ll provide invaluable tips to help you take your audit preparation to the next level this year.

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For inquiries, contact:

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sdevarajan@scsglobalservices.com

Originally published on 3M News Center

This year marks a significant milestone for 3M’s Scotch™ Brand as it celebrates its 100th anniversary. Since the invention of Scotch Masking Tape in 1925, Scotch Brand has grown and evolved into more than a thousand varieties of adhesive tape and products. These solutions are integral to families, friendships, and entire industries—from shipping, packaging, home, and office to automotive, construction, manufacturing, electronics, and more.

The origins of an iconic invention

In 1925, 3M was known as a sandpaper manufacturer and engineer Richard Drew was delivering samples to automotive repair shops. Drew noticed that workers were having difficulty achieving a clean finish on trending two-tone paint jobs—the paint kept peeling off with the tape when it was removed. Using crepe paper and cabinetmaker glue, he created a different kind of tape, ideal for solving the challenge he saw as well as many other applications—it was marketed as Scotch® masking tape.

Just five years later, Drew iterated on his design and developed transparent Scotch® cellophane tape. This invention was another game-changer, providing a simple yet effective way to seal packages, repair materials and much more.

From novel solution to global brand

Over the decades, Scotch Brand has evolved into a variety of products that have become staples in homes, offices and businesses worldwide. Whether they are supporting repairs or sealing, protecting, insulating, labeling, and holding materials together, Scotch products empower originality, efficiency, and problem-solving. A century after its inception, this resourcefulness continues to guide the brand and inspires future innovations.

Some of the most notable solutions in the Scotch Brand portfolio include:

Scotch® Magic™ Tape: Launched in 1961, this matte-finish tape became famous for its invisible appearance on paper and now has hundreds of uses.ScotchBlue™ PROSharp Painters Tape with Edge-Lock™+ Technology: Delivers the professional edge you need to stand out on your next painting or home improvement project.Scotch® Gift-Wrap Tape: This solution is perfect for a smooth, flawless wrapping and adhering small touches that leave a big impact.Scotch® Heavy Duty Packaging Tape, just one strip has the ultimate strength to get the job done whether you’re preparing for an upcoming move or shipping a package.

Local production, global delivery

Scotch Brand tapes and products are made in facilities around the United States, from Cynthiana, Ky., to Menomonie, Wis., and Hutchinson, Minn.—where every roll of Scotch Magic Tape begins, and 12 million miles of tape are manufactured each year. From these facilities, Scotch Brand products are distributed globally, reaching customers around the world and giving them the tools to tackle their day.

A rich history and bright future

As Scotch Brand celebrates its centennial, it continues to innovate and adapt to the changing needs of consumers. With a legacy built on trust and ingenuity, Scotch Brand is poised to remain a leader in the adhesive products industry for many years to come.

“You wouldn’t think tape has such a rich story around its origin … but it does,” says Heather Green, Portfolio President, Consumer Business Portfolio at 3M. This year, we get to celebrate that history and look forward to what’s next. Innovation is rooted in exploration and discovery, and it is what continues to inspire us to bring new solutions to market every day. Together we will create more, fix more, and do more for the next 100 years!”

In Latin America, a region characterized by its diverse geography, reliance on natural resources, and pronounced social and economic disparities, the repercussions of climate change are particularly severe.

The area is home to a significant portion of the world’s biodiversity, including the Amazon rainforest, the Andes mountains, and numerous other unique ecosystems that face significant risks from climate change-driven deforestation, temperature increase, and changes in rainfall patterns.

These environmental impacts pose a direct threat to the regional economy, which relies heavily on agriculture, fishing, and forestry; sectors that are directly impacted by climate change. This exacerbates existing inequities as the most vulnerable communities bear the brunt of climate-related adversities.

At DP World, we’re acutely aware of the environmental footprint our global operations leave behind and are committed to fostering positive economic and social outcomes wherever we operate. In Latin America, this commitment translates into actively pursuing climate adaptation and mitigation strategies to steer trade towards a more sustainable future.

From the mangrove-lined shores of Ecuador to the bustling terminals of Brazil and Chile, DP World is redefining what it means to be a responsible supply chain company in the age of climate change.

Here are four ways DP World is demonstrating its commitment to promoting sustainability and maintaining operational efficiency across the region:

Equipment Electrification: Our efforts to modernize port operations include significant investments in environmentally friendly and electrified equipment. In Brazil, the electrification of 22 RTGs (container cranes) is expected to cut emissions by as much as 60%. The Dominican Republic sees the introduction of green reach stackers, electric trucks, and electric gantry cranes, the latter of which emit 75% less CO2 than their fossil fuel-powered counterparts. Meanwhile, in Chile, the replacement of three MHC cranes with two new STS Super Post Panamax cranes is set to prevent 800 tons of CO2 emissions annually.Advancing Waste Management and Recycling Efforts: DP World Brazil marked a significant milestone in 2022 by becoming the first port terminal to achieve zero waste to landfill, diverting 870 tons of waste. This initiative was recognized with the Atmosphere category award at the GRI Infra Awards in 2022. We also participate in environmental cleanup activities in the surrounding mangroves and beaches. In Chile, we partner with the surrounding communities to enhance waste reduction, boost recycling efforts, and rehabilitate coastal ecosystems, reaffirming our commitment to a sustainable future.Technology Implementation for Sustainable Operations: Technology plays a central role in our operational strategy. At DP World Dominicana, the port has adopted crane and RTG simulators for training sessions, reducing truck emissions. In Ecuador, Freight Matching Systems digitally track inbound and outbound cargo transactions to reduce freight trips. These examples underscore our commitment to leveraging technology for environmental sustainability.Renewable Energy Investments: Embracing renewable energy is a cornerstone of our strategy across Latin America. In Chile, our transition to 100% renewable energy sources for our terminals has resulted in a significant reduction of CO2 emissions—8,604 tons over two years. Brazil follows closely, with 99.47% of its energy derived from renewable sources, highlighting our efforts to minimize the carbon footprint and foster a resilient, eco-friendly supply chain.

DP World views its commitment to sustainability as more than just fulfilling obligations or achieving accolades. We recognize the challenge of climate change as a unique opportunity to redefine global business practices, fostering innovation and leadership for a sustainable future.

As the world grapples with the importance of every ton of CO2, DP World is working to redefine the crucial role that supply chain companies play in combating climate change. By reducing emissions, conserving natural resources, and investing in renewable energy, DP World is setting new benchmarks for sustainability – one cargo container at a time.

This article was first published on LinkedIn, find the original link here.

EMERYVILLE, Calif., March 4, 2025 /3BL/ – SCS Global Services (SCS), a pioneer and international leader in third-party sustainability and environmental certifications, announces the first events certified under the SCS Zero Waste Standard — two Dell Technologies Forum Events in India.

Organized by Kestone Global and in consultation with Saahas Zero Waste, these regional events were held in Mumbai and Bangalore and achieved 98.64% and 92.88% diversion, respectively.

The third-party certification from SCS was awarded after completing a comprehensive waste assessment, including an on-site audit during the events to verify successful diversion of waste from landfill through recycling, composting, waste-to-energy, and resale.

“The events were an integrated approach with the teams involved, to juxtapose sustainability with technology,” said Sandip Pattanaik, National Head, Experiential Marketing at Kestone Global, organizer of the events. “We wanted to develop a format for the events that was truly forward-thinking and could set a model of sustainability and zero waste for future events to come.”

Indu Kannan, Senior Vice President of Kestone Global added, “At Kestone, our mission has always been to elevate experiences and reshape the future of events by seamlessly blending innovation and technology. This milestone event stands as a testament to our ability to push boundaries, delivering India’s first-of-its-kind sustainable events and setting a bold new benchmark for responsibility, impact, and the future of our industry.”

Waste diversion efforts included recycle and compost receptacles, on-site sorting teams, and efforts to utilize reuseable event equipment.

“When you implement zero waste initiatives, the benefits can be significant — reducing waste generation and recovering valuable resources,” said Arun Murugesh, VP Sales & Marketing of Saahas Zero Waste. “We knew that third-party verification of our efforts was essential for the validity of the claims and their impacts.”

“These events met the requirements of the SCS Zero Waste Standard. We congratulate Dell Technologies, Kestone Global, and Saahas Zero Waste on the successful achievement of certification for their events,” added Inna Kitaychik, Director, Textile Exchange and Zero Waste at SCS Global Services. “These events prove that it is possible for industry leaders to host a world class event that not only takes into consideration the waste footprint, but also proactively addresses the problem by identifying partners and putting processes into place to ensure waste diversion from landfills.”

The SCS Zero Waste Certification program aims to recognize events, projects, and facilities that demonstrate waste diversion and reduction achievements. For more information on the Zero Waste Standard and to see the certificates for these events, visit https://www.scsglobalservices.com/services/zero-waste-certification.

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About SCS Global Services

SCS Global Services is a global leader in third-party environmental and sustainability verification, certification, auditing, testing, and standards development, recently celebrating its 40th year of services. Its programs span a cross-section of industries, recognizing achievements in climate mitigation, green building, product manufacturing, food and agriculture, forestry, consumer products, and more. Headquartered in Emeryville, California, SCS has representatives and affiliate offices throughout the Americas, Asia/Pacific, Europe, and Africa. Its broad network of auditors are experts in their fields, and the company is a trusted partner to companies, agencies, and advocacy organizations due to its dedication to quality and professionalism. SCS is a California-chartered Benefit Corporation, reflecting its commitment to creating a positive impact on society and the environment. SCS is also a Participant of the United Nations Global Compact and adheres to its principles-based approach to responsible business. For more information, visit www.SCSGlobalServices.com.

Media Contact: Nikki Senseman, nsenseman@scsglobalservices.com

About Saahas Zero Waste

Saahas Zero Waste (SZW), headquartered in Bangalore, India, is an Integrated Management Systems Certified social enterprise offering comprehensive waste management services aligned with resource recovery, circular economy principles, ESG frameworks, and waste management regulations. Certified to ISO 9001:2015, ISO 14001:2015, and ISO 45001:2018 standards by TÜV SÜD, SZW has been driving sustainable waste solutions pan-India since its incorporation in 2013.

With three key business verticals — Zero Waste Programme offering on-site solutions for bulk waste generators such as tech parks, corporate offices, industrial townships, and educational institutions; Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) initiatives for reverse logistics; and the Circle-Up brand for recycled products — SZW transforms waste into value while helping clients achieve zero waste status. Managing over 100 metric tonnes of waste daily across India, SZW leverages over a decade of expertise to lead the transition toward a circular economy. For more information, visit https://saahaszerowaste.com/.

About Kestone Global 

Kestone Global is a pioneering leader in integrated marketing and event solutions, delivering innovative and immersive experiences for brands worldwide. With over two decades of expertise, Kestone specializes in experiential marketing, virtual and hybrid events, digital marketing, and cutting-edge learning solutions. Operating at the intersection of creativity and technology, Kestone is committed to driving meaningful engagement and measurable impact for its clients across diverse industries. Headquartered in India with a global presence, Kestone is your trusted partner in crafting transformative brand experiences. For more information, visit www.kestoneglobal.com.