IRVING, Texas–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Builders FirstSource, Inc. (NYSE: BLDR) (“Builders FirstSource” or the “Company”), the nation’s largest supplier of building products, prefabricated components, and value-added services to the professional market for new residential construction and repair and remodeling, announced today that it has published its 2025 Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) report, highlighting how the Company aligns and advances sustainability within its business strategy to deliv
Month: April 2025
FMC Corporation Declares Quarterly Dividend
PHILADELPHIA, April 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ —
FMC Corporation (NYSE: FMC) announced today that its board of directors declared a regular quarterly dividend of 58 cents per share, payable on July 17, 2025, to shareholders of record as of the close of business on June 30, 2025.
About FMC
FMC Corporation is a global agricultural sciences company dedicated to helping growers produce food, feed, fiber and fuel for an expanding world population while adapting to a changing environment. FMC’s innovative crop protection solutions – including biologicals, crop nutrition, digital and precision agriculture – enable growers and crop advisers to address their toughest challenges economically while protecting the environment. FMC is committed to discovering new herbicide, insecticide and fungicide active ingredients, product formulations and pioneering technologies that are consistently better for the planet. Visit fmc.com to learn more and follow us on LinkedIn®.
Statement under the Safe Harbor Provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995: FMC and its representatives may from time to time make written or oral statements that are “forward-looking” and provide other than historical information, including statements contained in this press release, in FMC’s other filings with the SEC, and in presentations, reports or letters to FMC stockholders.
In some cases, FMC has identified these forward-looking statements by such words or phrases as “outlook”, “will likely result,” “is confident that,” “expect,” “expects,” “should,” “could,” “may,” “will continue to,” “believe,” “believes,” “anticipates,” “predicts,” “forecasts,” “estimates,” “projects,” “potential,” “intends” or similar expressions identifying “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including the negative of those words or phrases. Such forward-looking statements are based on our current views and assumptions regarding future events, future business conditions and the outlook for the company based on currently available information. The forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results to be materially different from any results, levels of activity, performance or achievements expressed or implied by any forward-looking statement. These statements are qualified by reference to the risk factors included in Part I, Item 1A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024 (the “2024 Form 10-K”), the section captioned “Forward-Looking Information” in Part II of the 2024 Form 10-K and to similar risk factors and cautionary statements in all other reports and forms filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). We wish to caution readers not to place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made. Forward-looking statements are qualified in their entirety by the above cautionary statement.
We specifically decline to undertake any obligation, and specifically disclaims any duty, to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements that have been made to reflect events or circumstances after the date of such statements or to reflect the occurrence of anticipated or unanticipated events, except as may be required by law.
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Infinum Opens Empathy Lab to Media for Hands-On Accessibility Experience
Infinum recently welcomed media representatives to its Empathy Lab, offering a firsthand look at the digital accessibility challenges people with disabilities face every day.
ZAGREB, Croatia, April 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Leading tech consultancy Infinum held its second Empathy Lab on April 15 at its Zagreb office, this time inviting media representatives to experience the digital accessibility challenges faced by individuals with disabilities.
The Empathy Lab, designed as a series of accessibility tasks, comprises simple exercises on mobile and desktop devices, with accessibility settings turned on.
This provided everyone with firsthand experience in navigating digital environments using accessibility features and demonstrated the importance of designing digital experiences that are inclusive, intuitive, and accessible to all users.
“Disability in itself doesn’t prevent people from participating in everyday life. What limits them are the barriers society puts in their way — including in the digital world. It’s our responsibility to remove those barriers. After all, accessibility improves the user experience for everyone — for example, sufficient contrast between text and background doesn’t just help people with visual impairments, but also anyone trying to read content in bright sunlight,” said Ana Šekerija, Project Owner and Leader of Infinum’s Accessibility Initiative.
The Empathy Lab returned this year with renewed urgency as the European Accessibility Act (EAA) is set to become national law on June 28, 2025. The new law will require digital products and services like websites, mobile apps, e-commerce platforms, and ATMs to meet accessibility standards.
According to Josip Bišćan, Chief Client Officer at Infinum, the company began focusing on accessibility in 2021 through projects, internal training, and by developing its own guidelines.
“That’s why it felt completely natural for us to turn that initiative into a standalone service — which we did last year. In addition to our existing clients, we also worked with many new, global clients who were improving the accessibility of their digital products for various reasons—from complying with legal regulations and enhancing user experience to strengthening their brand’s image as socially responsible.”.
To learn more about the Empathy Lab and its overall goals, visit https://infinum.com/accessibility/.
About Infinum
Infinum is an independent tech consultancy that partners with leading global brands and world-renowned enterprises to deliver innovative digital solutions for an array of industries, including finance, healthcare, and automotive. Founded in 2005, Infinum’s work is used by millions around the world and has received numerous industry awards, including Red Dot and iF Design Award. Employing over 370 professionals, the company operates from eight offices across the US and Europe.
Media Contact
Bojan Bajić
VP of Marketing
+1 (917) 838 2194
press@infinum.com
https://infinum.com/
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SOURCE Infinum
Zero-Day Vulnerabilities: The Real Threat Behind Netflix’s “Zero Day”
Written by Luis Corrons | Security Evangelist at Gen
Cybercriminals often operate unseen in the digital shadows, exploiting unknown vulnerabilities (“zero-days”) to breach systems before patches are available. In Netflix’s new political thriller “Zero Day,” a catastrophic cyberattack strikes the United States, taking down power grids, transportation networks, communications, and even hospital life-support systems all at once. This fictional crisis is orchestrated through zero-day vulnerabilities – unknown software flaws that hackers exploit to infiltrate critical infrastructure. The show’s creators have said they want to “bring light to real cybersecurity threats” and warn that “we’ve got to do something to protect ourselves before a real zero-day event occurs”. In other words, the high-stakes drama on screen highlights a very real concern off screen: zero-day attacks can and do happen, and everyone – from large enterprises to everyday people – needs to understand this threat.
What is a Zero-Day Vulnerability?
In simple terms, a zero-day vulnerability is a security hole in software or hardware that the vendor or developer doesn’t yet know about. Because it’s unknown, there’s no official fix or patch available at the time it’s discovered by attackers. Hackers treasure these flaws since they can exploit them freely until the software maker finds out and rushes to plug the hole. The name “zero-day” itself comes from the idea that developers have had zero days to fix the problem – the attack happens before anyone even knows the vulnerability exists. Once a patch is released, the vulnerability ceases to be “zero-day,” but until then it’s an open door for cybercriminals. In short, a zero-day is an unpatched, unknown weakness – and that’s what makes it so dangerous.
A zero-day exploit, on the other hand, is the method or code hackers use to leverage such a vulnerability. When attackers launch a zero-day attack, they are taking advantage of a flaw that no one realizes is there, giving them a stealthy head start. Software makers often only learn of the issue after it’s been used in an attack, at which point they scramble to investigate and release a security update. This window of exposure – from the first malicious use until the patch – is when users are most vulnerable, since traditional antivirus or defenses might not recognize the new threat. It’s a race against time for defenders to close the gap once a zero-day comes to light.
Real-World Cases of Zero-Day Exploits
Real incidents over the years show just how impactful zero-day exploits can be. One of the most famous examples is Stuxnet (2010) – a sophisticated computer worm that was first discovered in 2010 (but had been active for years prior). Stuxnet targeted Iran’s nuclear facilities and managed to disrupt industrial machines by exploiting multiple zero-day flaws in Siemens industrial control software. It was essentially a cyber weapon, using at least four previously unknown vulnerabilities to spread and sabotage systems. Once Stuxnet was uncovered, those vulnerabilities were urgently patched, but the case became a textbook example of a zero-day attack in action – so much so that it even inspired a documentary called “Zero Days.”
Another notorious case was the WannaCry ransomware outbreak (2017), which showed how zero-day exploits could wreak havoc on ordinary computer systems worldwide. WannaCry spread rapidly across hundreds of thousands of Windows PCs in May 2017, encrypting files and demanding ransom. It propagated using an exploit called EternalBlue, a tool originally developed (and kept secret) by the U.S. National Security Agency. EternalBlue took advantage of a Windows vulnerability that, at the time of its theft and leak, had no available patch – making it a zero-day in the attackers’ hands. In fact, Microsoft released a security update in March 2017 once they learned of the flaw, but many organizations had not applied it by May. The result: WannaCry tore through unpatched systems, from hospitals in the UK to small businesses worldwide. This attack was eventually halted and the vulnerability patched on all supported systems, but not before it caused an estimated billions in damage. WannaCry was a wake-up call that even when fixes exist, delay in applying them can turn a known bug into a personal disaster.
Zero-day exploits aren’t just tools of nation-states or large criminal gangs – they have also been used against consumer devices in highly targeted ways. For instance, Apple has repeatedly had to issue emergency iPhone updates to stop “zero-click” spyware attacks. In one campaign uncovered in 2023, attackers used a pair of zero-day vulnerabilities (one in Apple’s image processing and one in iMessage) to silently install the notorious Pegasus spyware on iPhones. This attack, dubbed “BLASTPASS,” didn’t even require the victim to click a link – a malicious image file sent via iMessage could compromise a fully up-to-date phone. Upon discovery, Apple rushed out patches for iOS, macOS, and watchOS to close the holes and protect users. Similarly, a zero-day bug in the popular WebP image format (used by web browsers) was identified in 2023 after being exploited in the wild. The flaw (CVE-2023-4863) allowed attackers to hack devices just by tricking users into loading a booby-trapped image, prompting Google, Microsoft, Apple, and Mozilla to all issue out-of-band updates to their browsers. These cases show that zero-days can hit anyone – whether you’re an activist with a smartphone or a casual web surfer – if you happen to be in the blast radius before the fix arrives.
Small and medium businesses have also been victims of zero-day exploits. A dramatic example was the Kaseya VSA supply-chain attack (2021). REvil, a ransomware gang, discovered unknown vulnerabilities in Kaseya’s IT management software (widely used by managed service providers to support many SMB clients). On July 2, 2021 – before Kaseya could patch the issues – the attackers used those zero-days to breach about 60 MSPs and encrypt data on up to 1,500 customer networks downstream. This one attack effectively held hundreds of small businesses hostage, from local shops to schools, by exploiting a hidden flaw in software they all trusted. Kaseya worked quickly with researchers and law enforcement to develop a patch and help affected companies, but the incident underscored how a zero-day in a single service can cascade into a massive event.
These examples are not outliers. Zero-day exploits have become increasingly common in cyberattacks. In fact, in 2023, 11 of the top 15 most exploited software vulnerabilities were initially abused as zero-days – meaning attackers got the first strike before developers had any chance to fix those flaws. From industrial sabotage to global malware outbreaks, zero-day vulnerabilities have repeatedly been at the center of real-world security crises. Each time, the pattern is similar: a flaw nobody knew existed gets used for harm, and only then does a fix race out to contain the damage.
How Zero-Days Impact Individuals and SMBs
It’s easy to assume that zero-day attacks only matter for governments or big corporations, but that’s a dangerous misconception. While high-profile targets grab headlines, everyday individuals and small businesses are also at risk from zero-day exploits. Many zero-day attacks aren’t specifically aimed at a single high-value victim – instead, attackers may deploy them broadly, hoping to compromise as many devices as possible before the vulnerability is patched. In these cases, regular users can become collateral damage. For example, a zero-day embedded in a malicious website or email attachment doesn’t discriminate between a Fortune 500 company employee or a home user – anyone who visits that site or opens that booby-trapped file could be infected. This kind of tactic can ensnare individual consumers, leading to financial theft and privacy breaches, all from a hidden flaw that users had no way to know about or defend against at the time.
For small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs), zero-days are equally perilous. SMBs often rely on off-the-shelf software and devices (operating systems, routers, content management systems, etc.) that can contain unknown vulnerabilities just like those used by larger enterprises. The difference is that smaller organizations typically have fewer IT resources and less sophisticated security measures in place. That makes them attractive targets for cybercriminals, who may use zero-day exploits as a foot in the door. An attacker might unleash a ransomware worm built on a zero-day that tears through any network it can reach – hitting not only big companies but also small businesses that lack advanced defenses. We’ve seen cases where non-targeted zero-day attacks (like self-spreading malware) ended up infecting thousands of computers globally, many of them personal PCs and small business servers that just happened to be vulnerable. Even targeted attacks can spill over; for instance, a zero-day used to attack a software supplier (as in the Kaseya example) can indirectly affect dozens or hundreds of client businesses down the supply chain. The bottom line is that zero-days erase the notion of “too small to be noticed.” If you use technology – whether at home or at work – an unpatched unknown flaw in that technology could be exploited without warning. The impact might be stolen data, locked-up systems, or devices conscripted into a botnet. For an individual, that could mean identity theft or drained bank accounts; for an SMB, it could mean costly downtime, loss of customer trust, or worse. In short, zero-day vulnerabilities are everyone’s problem, not just an issue for tech giants or governments.
Best Practices to Stay Protected
The idea of invisible software flaws might sound scary, but there are many practical steps you can take to reduce your risk from zero-day threats. Cybersecurity is about managing risk and limiting exposure, and even against unknown exploits, the following best practices make a big difference:
- Keep your devices and software updated. When vendors release security patches (often in routine updates), install them promptly. Many zero-day attacks only succeed until a fix is available – once patched, the threat is neutralized. Enabling automatic updates on your operating system, applications, and phone ensures you get these critical patches as soon as they come down. Regular updates close the holes that attackers might otherwise use. As the WannaCry example showed, delaying patches can leave you vulnerable to an exploit that’s already been solved.
- Use reputable security software. A good security solution can sometimes detect suspicious behavior even from new, unknown threats. Modern security software doesn’t rely solely on known virus signatures; it also looks at what programs are doing (heuristics and behavior analysis). While it may not catch every zero-day, it adds an extra layer of defense that could stop or contain an attack. Make sure your security software stays up to date so it can recognize the latest threats. Additionally, consider using a firewall (many operating systems include one by default) to block unauthorized connections, which can help limit the damage if some malware does get in.
- Practice good cybersecurity hygiene. Many zero-day exploits still require some action to reach you – for instance, convincing you to open a file, click a link, or plug in an infected device. By staying vigilant with your online habits, you can avoid falling into those traps. This means: Don’t download attachments or software from untrusted or unknown sources. Be wary of unexpected emails or messages, especially those urging you to run macros or enable content in documents. Use strong, unique passwords (and a password manager) so that if one account is compromised it doesn’t unlock everything. And always enable 2 Factor Authentication (2FA) whenever is possible. Good habits act like a safety net, catching a lot of threats before they can ever execute, whether zero-day or not.
- Beware of phishing – think before you click. Phishing is one of the most common ways attackers deliver exploits. A convincing scam email might lure you to a malicious website that quietly uses a zero-day to infect your computer, or get you to install a “document” that is actually malware. Always examine emails and texts critically: check the sender’s address, look for signs of hoaxes or urgency, and verify via other means if you get an odd request (like a supplier asking you to install an update or a “bank” emailing for login info). When in doubt, don’t click the link. This caution helps because even if a zero-day is involved, it often needs that initial hook to get to you.
- Enable strong security settings and isolate where possible. For businesses, network segmentation (keeping critical systems separate) and least-privilege access (limiting user rights) can contain the blast radius of a zero-day attack. For individuals at home, simply enabling built-in security features can help – for example, make sure your web browser’s security settings are on default or high, use an ad-blocker or script blocker if you’re tech-savvy (to reduce the chance of encountering malicious scripts), and turn off any software features you don’t need that could introduce risk. If you own IoT devices (smart cameras, etc.), keep their firmware updated and avoid exposing them directly to the internet. Essentially, remove unnecessary targets and entry points from your environment.
- Backup your data regularly. This won’t prevent an attack, but it can save you if the worst happens. If a zero-day powered ransomware or wiper malware strikes, having recent backups of your important files (and storing them offline or in a secure cloud service) means you can restore your system without paying ransom or losing everything. Test your backups occasionally to ensure they work. It’s a last-resort measure, but an essential part of resilience.
By following these practices, individuals and SMBs can significantly strengthen their defenses. You’re essentially making yourself a harder target and mitigating the fallout if something does slip by. No single tip is foolproof, especially against a brand-new exploit, but together these steps build a layered security posture. Think of it like home security: you lock the doors, install an alarm, and stay alert for suspicious activity – those precautions still matter even if the burglar has a new kind of lockpick. The same principle applies in cybersecurity.
Conclusion
Zero-day vulnerabilities might sound like the stuff of thrillers – and indeed, “Zero Day” on Netflix dramatizes an extreme scenario – but the core threat is very real. In the real world, we won’t (hopefully) see an entire nation knocked offline in an instant, but we do see stealthy hacks, data breaches, and malware outbreaks powered by unknown flaws. The key lesson is that awareness and preparedness make a difference. You may not be able to prevent a determined attacker from discovering the next zero-day, but you can control how ready you are to respond. Keeping systems up to date, practicing smart online behavior, and maintaining good security basics will tilt the odds in your favor. For businesses, investing in proactive security monitoring and employee training can catch anomalies that hint at zero-day activity, buying valuable time to react. For individuals, staying informed (like knowing when there’s a critical update to install) and using the tools at your disposal will greatly reduce the chances of being caught off-guard.
In the end, zero-days remind us that no software is perfectly secure – there may always be a hidden crack. But by staying vigilant and proactive, we can shrink the window of opportunity for attackers. The fictional crisis in “Zero Day” makes for gripping entertainment; our job in reality is to ensure such disasters remain fiction. By applying the best practices and encouraging a culture of cybersecurity awareness, we can each do our part to protect ourselves and our businesses from the unseen threats lurking out there. Be aware, be prepared, and stay updated – that’s the real-world playbook to defend against zero-day vulnerabilities. Your future self (and your data) will thank you for it.
Elkem ASA – Minutes from the annual general meeting 2025
OSLO, Norway, April 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The annual general meeting of Elkem ASA was held on 30 April 2025 in Oslo. All proposals on the agenda were adopted, cf. the notice of the annual general meeting that was sent to the Oslo Stock Exchange on 8 April 2025.
The minutes of the annual general meeting is attached and available on www.elkem.com.
This information is subject of the disclosure requirements pursuant to section 5-12 of the Norwegian Securities Trading Act.
For further information, please contact:
Odd-Geir Lyngstad
VP Finance & Investor Relations
Tel: +47 976 72 806
Email: odd-geir.lyngstad@elkem.com
About Elkem:
Elkem is one of the world’s leading providers of advanced silicon-based materials shaping a better and more sustainable future. The company develops silicones, silicon products and carbon solutions by combining natural raw materials, renewable energy and human ingenuity. Elkem helps its customers create and improve essential innovations like electric mobility, digital communications, health and personal care as well as smarter and more sustainable cities. With a strong track record since 1904, its global team of more than 7,200 people has a joint commitment to stakeholders: Delivering your potential. In 2024, Elkem achieved an operating income of NOK 33 billion. Elkem has been awarded top score of A on Forests and Water Security, and B on Climate Change from CDP. Elkem is listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange (ticker: ELK), where the company is also included in the ESG Index. www.elkem.com
This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com
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Elkem ASA – minutes from the annual general meeting 30 April 2025 |
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YOFC Releases 2024 ESG Report, Advancing Innovation with Purpose and Responsibility
Report showcases YOFC’s efforts to align cutting-edge fibre technology with global sustainability goals, ethical governance, and long-term stakeholder value
WUHAN, China, April 30, 2025 On April 29, Yangtze Optical Fibre and Cable Joint Stock Limited Company (YOFC) released its 2024 Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Report, outlining the company’s strategic initiatives and key achievements in sustainability over the past year. Since joining the United Nations Global Compact in May 2021, YOFC has consistently aligned its growth strategy with global sustainability goals. The company actively supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and demonstrates its commitment to sustainability by driving industry advancement, protecting the natural environment, and maintaining high ethical standards. YOFC remains focused on contributing to the long-term success of the global communications industry while partnering across sectors to advance a shared sustainability vision.
In the area of corporate governance, YOFC remains committed to delivering long-term value to stakeholders through continuous improvements to its governance framework and adherence to high standards of ethics and compliance. Currently, YOFC is actively undertaking a double materiality assessment, evaluating both the impact materiality and financial materiality of ESG issues, to fully and effectively respond to stakeholder concerns and expectations. In 2024, YOFC further enhanced its ethical standards by embedding integrity into its core values and introducing a new Employee Code of Business Conduct, as well as a Code of Business Conduct for Third Parties, reinforcing its position as a responsible corporate citizen committed to building a sustainable operating environment.
As part of its environmental stewardship efforts, YOFC continued to execute its green strategy, prioritizing sustainable operations, energy-efficient facilities, and environmentally responsible products. To address climate and environmental risks, the company implemented initiatives across product design, raw material sourcing, logistics, and operations that emphasize energy efficiency, emissions reduction, and circular economy practices. In 2024, YOFC actively participated in renewable energy purchasing across both domestic and international markets. The company expanded its distributed photovoltaic capacity by approximately 15.6 megawatts and adopted recyclable, environmentally friendly packaging, enabling the reuse of approximately 350,000 fibre reels over the course of the year. YOFC also recorded a total carbon reduction of approximately 24,291 tonnes and achieved a 3.78% year-over-year decline in greenhouse gas emissions per 10,000 RMB of output value.
As of the end of 2024, the company held more than 1,900 active and valid patents across domestic and international markets. Among its key innovations, YOFC’s ultra-low-loss hollow-core optical fibre has played a leading role in pushing the boundaries of technological advancement within the sector. Alongside its industry leadership, YOFC continues to invest in its people, recognizing employee development as critical to its long-term success. In 2024, the company launched a range of employee engagement and welfare initiatives across its facilities in Peru, Mexico, the Philippines, Indonesia, and Poland. These programs are designed to enhance internal communication and personal development, build workforce capability, support local talent, and contribute to broader social progress.
Looking ahead, YOFC will continue to support the ten principles of the United Nations Global Compact, actively reinforcing its core values of “Customer Focus, Accountability, Integrity, Innovation, and Shared Success.” The company will further advance its strategic priorities in the areas of Responsible Management, Smart Connectivity, Green Development, and Harmonious Coexistence. Through meaningful action and cross-sector collaboration, YOFC is committed to shaping a more sustainable future.
For more info, please visit https://en.yofc.com/.
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SOURCE YOFC
YOFC Releases 2024 ESG Report, Advancing Innovation with Purpose and Responsibility
Report showcases YOFC’s efforts to align cutting-edge fibre technology with global sustainability goals, ethical governance, and long-term stakeholder value
WUHAN, China, April 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — On April 29, Yangtze Optical Fibre and Cable Joint Stock Limited Company (YOFC) released its 2024 Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Report, outlining the company’s strategic initiatives and key achievements in sustainability over the past year. Since joining the United Nations Global Compact in May 2021, YOFC has consistently aligned its growth strategy with global sustainability goals. The company actively supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and demonstrates its commitment to sustainability by driving industry advancement, protecting the natural environment, and maintaining high ethical standards. YOFC remains focused on contributing to the long-term success of the global communications industry while partnering across sectors to advance a shared sustainability vision.
In the area of corporate governance, YOFC remains committed to delivering long-term value to stakeholders through continuous improvements to its governance framework and adherence to high standards of ethics and compliance. Currently, YOFC is actively undertaking a double materiality assessment, evaluating both the impact materiality and financial materiality of ESG issues, to fully and effectively respond to stakeholder concerns and expectations. In 2024, YOFC further enhanced its ethical standards by embedding integrity into its core values and introducing a new Employee Code of Business Conduct, as well as a Code of Business Conduct for Third Parties, reinforcing its position as a responsible corporate citizen committed to building a sustainable operating environment.
As part of its environmental stewardship efforts, YOFC continued to execute its green strategy, prioritizing sustainable operations, energy-efficient facilities, and environmentally responsible products. To address climate and environmental risks, the company implemented initiatives across product design, raw material sourcing, logistics, and operations that emphasize energy efficiency, emissions reduction, and circular economy practices. In 2024, YOFC actively participated in renewable energy purchasing across both domestic and international markets. The company expanded its distributed photovoltaic capacity by approximately 15.6 megawatts and adopted recyclable, environmentally friendly packaging, enabling the reuse of approximately 350,000 fibre reels over the course of the year. YOFC also recorded a total carbon reduction of approximately 24,291 tonnes and achieved a 3.78% year-over-year decline in greenhouse gas emissions per 10,000 RMB of output value.
As of the end of 2024, the company held more than 1,900 active and valid patents across domestic and international markets. Among its key innovations, YOFC’s ultra-low-loss hollow-core optical fibre has played a leading role in pushing the boundaries of technological advancement within the sector. Alongside its industry leadership, YOFC continues to invest in its people, recognizing employee development as critical to its long-term success. In 2024, the company launched a range of employee engagement and welfare initiatives across its facilities in Peru, Mexico, the Philippines, Indonesia, and Poland. These programs are designed to enhance internal communication and personal development, build workforce capability, support local talent, and contribute to broader social progress.
Looking ahead, YOFC will continue to support the ten principles of the United Nations Global Compact, actively reinforcing its core values of “Customer Focus, Accountability, Integrity, Innovation, and Shared Success.” The company will further advance its strategic priorities in the areas of Responsible Management, Smart Connectivity, Green Development, and Harmonious Coexistence. Through meaningful action and cross-sector collaboration, YOFC is committed to shaping a more sustainable future.
For more info, please visit https://en.yofc.com/.
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SOURCE YOFC
MINISO Releases 2024 ESG Report Highlighting its Position as an Industry Leader
GUANGZHOU, China, April 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Global lifestyle brand MINISO recently released its 2024 ESG (Environment, Society and Governance) Report, which underscores how the brand is contributing to brighter futures across many aspects – from philanthropic contributions to staff welfare and sustainable innovation. Significantly, the report highlights MINISO’s performance in the authoritative MSCI ESG and Wind ESG ratings. MINISO has been given an AA rating by MSCI – making MINISO a “leader” in its field and marking the third year of consecutive improvement in its ranking considering factors such as Corporate Behavior, Privacy & Data Security, and Labor Management. Wind, meanwhile, has also awarded MINISO an AA rating for the second consecutive year, ranking first in the diversified retail industry with a leading and practical sustainability strategy.
Ye Guofu, Chairman of the Board and CEO of MINISO, said: “We consistently uphold the highest governance standards and regularly review related initiatives, while integrating ESG principles into every facet of our business and operations to create long-term, sustainable value for society.”
Award-winning Employee Welfare Creates a Global Benchmark Workplace
Talent is the cornerstone of a company’s long-term and stable development. MINISO actively promotes the diversity, fairness and inclusion of its workforce and continuously improves its employee management systems. According to the MSCI rating report, MINISO is at the leading level in the industry in terms of labor management.
MINISO has a total of 7,003 full-time employees globally as of December 31, 2024, with 60.8% located overseas. What’s more, the localization rate of store managers in directly operated markets such as Vietnam was 100%, and the number of employees from ethnic minority backgrounds in mainland China increased to 77. These figures represent the diversity of MINISO’s employee structure. MINISO is also committed to maintaining a family-friendly and harmoniously inclusive workplace atmosphere for all employees, no matter their gender. In mainland China, female employees account for 65%, with 55.9% employee at manager level and above, surpassing the industry average.
To ensure employees feel valued and supported, MINISO invests significantly in employee welfare, leading to it winning “2024 Forbes China Best Employer-Most Popular Employer Among Employees” and “2024 DEI Employer Award” in the selection of the best employer brands of major global institutions. Such schemes include creating a RMB10 million budget for employee marriage and childbirth rewards, with nearly RMB2 million already disbursed as of March 2025. MINISO also hosted its inaugural group wedding ceremony, offering a romantic and wonderful experience for its newlywed employees, demonstrating its commitment to contributing to a family-friendly society. MINISO has also granted stock incentives to roughly 500 employees, including Directors, senior management and other employees, while establishing a number of special welfare bonuses such as “Long-Term Commitment Employee Award”, “Allowance for Employees in Hardship” and “Store Grievance Special Allowance” to comprehensively enhance employees’ sense of happiness and belonging.
Spreading Joy to Communities through Diverse Public Welfare Initiatives
MINISO is dedicated to sharing its “Joy Philosophy” and empowering global consumers to enjoy happy lives. It therefore attaches great importance to the integration of social responsibility practices into its corporate development. MINISO’s public welfare initiatives are primarily focused on five key charitable themes: “children”, “women”, “critical illnesses”, “disasters” and “pets”.
Among its diverse initiatives, the “MINISO Pet Protection Foundation (the “TA Foundation”) is MINISO’s core public welfare project. In 2023, MINISO joined hands with Beijing Loving Animal Protection Public Welfare Foundation to donate RMB10 million to establish the fund, and convey the scientific concept of pet protection with professional, caring and symbiotic public welfare concepts and actions. In 2024, the joint MINISO and TA Foundation successfully adopted 380 stray animals and more than 110 retired working dogs into new families, facilitated 388 stray cat sterilizations and donated 2,000 stray cat litters. Through special “Dedicated Zone of Blue for Public Welfare” product areas, which saw an automatic RMB1 donation added, consumers contributed a total of RMB506,992 to the fund.
Other initiatives included “Red Power” which donated sanitary products and educational materials to more than 1,000 students, the “Happy Reading for Children’s Dreams” initiative which donated more than 2,000 books and helped build “Yitong Reading Rooms” for left-behind children. MINISO’s overseas welfare programs have included distributing materials and food to communities in need in Malaysia, Ecuador, Bolivia, and more.
Green Responsibility Sets the Path for a Bright Future
In recent years, MINISO has fully integrated the concept of sustainable development into the overall operation of the company, and is committed to promoting a sustainable life through measures such as product innovation, climate change response, and green operations.
In terms of product innovation and responsibility, MINISO has developed 26 SKUs of Tritan plastic cups. At the same time, MINISO has replaced disposable plastics with paper-based materials in 37 SKUs, and 29 SKUs have been certified as “Biodegradable” by the Green Alliance. It has also launched green products such as Eco-Friendly PEN PEN plush toys certified by the Global Recycling Standard (GRS). In terms of green packaging, MINISO has carried out carton recycling in stores across China, with a recycling rate of more than 90%.
To cope with the challenges brought by global climate change, MINISO selected SP1 and SSP5, two future scenario models, for the first time based on the shared socio-economic pathways (SSPs) hypothesis adopted by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) of the United Nations for climate change scenario analysis. This allows MINISO to enhance its ability to identify, assess and manage climate-related risks and opportunities.
In the future, MINISO aims to create more green products in categories including beauty tools, home decor, stationery, and toys, and choose Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified suppliers wherever possible. It will continue to develop “MINISO ECO”, which will be widely used in more of its Eco-Friendly products.
To view the full MINISO 2024 ESG report, click the link here
About MINISO
MINISO Group is a global lifestyle brand offering a variety of design-led lifestyle products. The Company serves consumers primarily through its large network of MINISO stores, and promotes a relaxing, treasure-hunting and engaging shopping experience full of delightful surprises that appeals to all demographics. Aesthetically pleasing design, quality and affordability are at the core of every product in MINISO’s wide product portfolio, and the Company continually and frequently rolls out products with these qualities. Since the opening of its first store in China in 2013, the Company has built its flagship brand “MINISO” as a globally recognized retail brand and established a massive store network worldwide.
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SOURCE MINISO
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