Month: July 2025

On June 25, 2025, Cascale joined policymakers, industry leaders, and sustainability experts in Brussels for the official launch of the Product Environmental Footprint Category Rules (PEFCR) for Apparel and Footwear — a groundbreaking step toward a unified approach to measuring environmental impact across the sector.

The event, hosted at the Sofitel Brussels Hotel, marked the successful completion of a five-year, multi-stakeholder initiative. With formal approval from both the Technical Secretariat and the European Commission, the PEFCR now stands as the most advanced and harmonized life cycle assessment (LCA) methodology for the apparel and footwear industry. It is poised to serve as a key building block for forthcoming EU regulations such as the Green Claims Directive and Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation.

Cascale has played a central role in the development of the PEFCR for Apparel & Footwear, serving as Coordinator of the Technical Secretariat since 2019.

Following a keynote from Emmanuelle Maire, Head of Unit for Circular Economy, Sustainable Production & Consumption at DG ENVI, European Commission, Andrew Martin, executive vice president at Cascale, delivered a welcome address, highlighting the scale of collaboration between industry, civil society, and policymakers that made the PEFCR possible. He also emphasized the importance of ensuring that the PEFCR continues to evolve, guided by robust data and aligned with meaningful environmental progress.

The event also featured a panel moderated by Cascale’s senior director for policy & public affairs, Elisabeth von Reitzenstein. Panelists from the European Commission, Policy Hub, and ECOS discussed the regulatory roadmap and how the PEFCR framework will help shape credible, science-based claims for products in the EU market, despite the recent uncertainties around the Green Claims Directives.

Cascale’s leadership in this process reflects its long-standing commitment to advancing environmental performance in the apparel and footwear sector. From convening global stakeholders to aligning industry tools, such as the Higg Index, with PEF standards, Cascale is proud to support a more transparent, data-driven approach to product sustainability.

To learn more about Cascale’s work on the PEFCR for Apparel & Footwear, click here.

Following the event, Cascale, in collaboration with Worldly, published a policy deep dive titled “One Market, Two Systems – What PEFCR and France’s Environmental Cost Mean for Apparel & Footwear.” This publication explores two emerging regulatory frameworks — the EU’s PEFCR and France’s Environmental Cost (Coût Environnemental) — both of which are poised to shape product-level environmental disclosures across Europe. The piece outlines key differences, implications, and what brands, manufacturers, and suppliers need to know to navigate these evolving requirements. Download the full publication here.

To achieve net-zero carbon by 2050, Saint-Gobain North America must reach key milestones by 2030. In our latest episode of Journey to 2030, see how Saint-Gobain is thinking outside the box to revolutionize construction and how that has taken us inside the factory. 

Looking at the materials that we’re using in our products so that we’re using the ones that have the greatest amount of positive impact is just one of the ways we’re Making The World A Better Home. Director of Compliance and Product Stewardship Annmarie Ott and her team makes it all happen.

About Journey to 2030

With approximately 37% of CO₂ emissions coming from the built environment, we have a responsibility as the leader of light and sustainable construction to move towards net-zero carbon by 2050. But before we can get there, Saint-Gobain has milestones we’re trying to achieve by 2030. 

Join us on our Journey to 2030 and watch the entire video series on YouTube.

About Saint-Gobain

Worldwide leader in light and sustainable construction, Saint-Gobain designs, manufactures and distributes materials and services for the construction and industrial markets. Its integrated solutions for the renovation of public and private buildings, light construction and the decarbonization of construction and industry are developed through a continuous innovation process and provide sustainability and performance. The Group, celebrating its 360th anniversary in 2025, remains more committed than ever to its purpose “MAKING THE WORLD A BETTER HOME”.

€46.6 billion in sales in 2024
More than 161,000 employees, locations in 80 countries
Committed to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050

Originally published on 3M News Center

3M and Discovery Education have announced the finalists for the 2025 3M Young Scientist Challenge, spotlighting 10 students aged 11 to 14 who identified an everyday problem and offered a scientific solution. Their proposals span robotics, home improvement, automotive, safety, AR/VR, and climate technology.  

As the nation’s premier middle school science competition, the annual 3M Young Scientist Challenge invites students in grades 5-8 to compete for an exclusive mentorship with a 3M scientist, a $25,000 grand prize, and the title of “America’s Top Young Scientist.”  

An esteemed group of judges, including 3M scientists and leaders in education from across the country, evaluated entries based on creativity, scientific knowledge, and communication effectiveness.   

“For 18 years, the 3M Young Scientist Challenge has empowered middle school students to bring science to life,” said Torie Clarke, 3M’s executive vice president and chief public affairs officer. “This year, the nation’s brightest young minds have once again reimagined what’s possible. Congratulations to each of the top 10 finalists! I can’t wait to see how you make the world a better place.”  

The top 10 2025 3M Young Scientist Challenge finalists are as follows (in alphabetical order by last name):  

• Shrey Arora, Collierville, TN, West Collierville Middle School, Collierville Schools 
• Divyam Desai, Frisco, TX, Hunt Middle School, Frisco Independent School District (FISD) 
• Kiyara Gunawardena, Temecula, CA, Abby Reinke Elementary School, Temecula Valley Unified School District 
• Isha Marla, Portland, OR, Tumwater Middle School, Beaverton School District 
• Reanna Bhuyan Patel, Princeton, NJ, Princeton Day School, Private School 
• Sheyna Patel, Longwood, FL, Orlando Science Middle/High Charter, Orange County Public Schools 
• Anirudh Rao, Lone Tree, CO, STEM School Highlands Ranch, Douglas County School District 
• Aniket Sarkar, Sarasota, FL, Pine View School, Sarasota County Schools 
• Amaira Srivastava, Gilbert, AZ, Arizona College Prep Middle School, Chandler Unified School District 
• Kevin Tang, Hacienda Heights, CA, Cedarlane Academy, Hacienda La Puente Unified School District  

Each of the 10 finalists will participate in an exclusive summer mentorship program with a 3M scientist. These mentors will provide guidance and advice to help advance their finalist’s solution. Each finalist will travel to the 3M Innovation Center in St. Paul, Minnesota, for the final interactive competition Oct. 13-14.   

At 3M, each finalist will participate in a series of challenges, including a presentation of their completed innovation, and be scored independently by a panel of judges.  

Previous challenge finalists and 3M scientists have collaborated to create solutions for a wide variety of real-world problems, including cybersecurity, coral reef health, water conservation, food waste, alternative energy sources, energy consumption, air pollution, and transportation efficiency.   

The 2024 winner – 14-year-old Sirish Subash from Snellville, Georgia – created PestiSCAND, a handheld device designed to detect pesticide residues on produce using a non-destructive method. The innovation employs spectrophotometry, which involves measuring how light of various wavelengths is reflected off the surface of fruits and vegetables. A machine-learning model then analyzes this data to determine the presence of pesticides.  

Now in its eighteenth year, the 3M Young Scientist Challenge continues to inspire and challenge middle school students to think creatively and apply the power of STEM to discover real-world solutions. Former America’s Top Young Scientists have given TED Talks, filed patents, founded nonprofits, made the Forbes 30 Under 30 list, and exhibited at the White House Science Fair. These young innovators have also been named TIME Magazine’s Kid of the Year; featured in The New York Times Magazine, Forbes, and Business Insider; and appeared on national television programs such as Good Morning America, The Kelly Clarkson Show, and more. In addition, a 3M Young Scientist Challenge Alumni Network was formed in fall 2022 and includes more than 100 former challenge winners, finalists, and mentors, who take part in networking opportunities and more. 

In addition to the 10 finalists, 3M also recently announced the 2025 3M Young Scientist Challenge 32 state merit winners and four honorable mention recipients.  

DP World is strategically expanding its logistics footprint in Mexico, as highlighted in a recent FreightWaves article, “DP World sees big logistics opportunities across Latin America”. In the article, Terry Donohoe, DP World’s Senior Vice President of Freight Forwarding – Americas, emphasized how Mexico aligns with the company’s vision to enhance supply chain resilience across the Americas.

In June 2025, DP World inaugurated a new freight forwarding office in Mexico City, marking a significant milestone in its North American growth strategy. This central hub, supported by satellite offices in Guadalajara and Monterrey, will provide integrated logistics solutions across North and Central America.

“As more companies relocate manufacturing closer to North American end markets, Mexico has emerged as a vital logistics hub, particularly for industries like automotive, electronics, and consumer goods,” Donohoe explained.

He further highlighted Mexico’s pivotal role in facilitating cross-border trade between key consumer markets. “We’re seeing strong and sustained demand from shippers for logistics services between Mexico and the U.S. — in both directions,” Donohoe told FreightWaves. “Cross-border freight volumes hit record highs in early 2025, with Mexico exports to the U.S. fueling a significant portion of that growth.”

This strategic expansion is part of DP World’s broader global freight forwarding initiative, which has included opening over 180 offices since 2023, including 35 across the Americas. DP World’s growing logistics network now spans strategic locations throughout Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Panama, Peru, and Suriname, with continued growth anticipated through 2025 and beyond.

DP World’s commitment to integrating itself within Mexico’s logistics ecosystem is evident through its recent membership in the Northeast Chapter of the American Chamber of Commerce in Monterrey, and its pursuit of AMACARGA registration and IATA licensing to enhance air freight capabilities.

By investing in Mexico’s logistics infrastructure, DP World is poised to facilitate more resilient and connected trade flows across the continent, strengthening its position as a key player in the evolving global trade landscape.

Explore more insights in the original article here.

AMSTERDAM and HONG KONG and OAKLAND, Calif., July 10, 2025 /3BL/ – Cascale, the global nonprofit alliance advancing collaboration to drive equitable and restorative business practices in the consumer goods industry, and Worldly, the leading sustainability data and analytics platform for the consumer goods industry, today released a new policy deep dive: One Market, Two Systems – What PEFCR and France’s Environmental Cost Mean for Apparel & Footwear.

This publication explores two emerging regulatory frameworks: the EU Product Environmental Footprint Category Rules (PEFCR) for apparel and footwear, and France’s Environmental Cost (Coût Environnemental). Both are poised to shape product-level environmental disclosures across Europe, with far-reaching implications for brands, manufacturers, and suppliers seeking to align with growing sustainability expectations and compliance requirements.

“Product-level disclosure is fast becoming a business imperative,” said Elisabeth von Reitzenstein, senior director of policy and public affairs at Cascale. “As Coordinator of the PEFCR Technical Secretariat since 2019, Cascale has helped shape a methodology grounded in industry realities and scientific evidence, and this deep dive brings much-needed clarity to help members anticipate regulatory change, understand new data requirements, and prepare for credible, data-driven claims.”

JR Siegel, vice president of sustainability, Worldly, added, “Primary data provides businesses the clearest view of their supply chain impacts and helps them prepare for regulations like PEFCR and France’s Environmental Cost. Together with Cascale, Worldly is committed to helping companies understand, disclose, and reduce the environmental impacts associated with their products.”

The deep dive explains how both frameworks build on life cycle assessment (LCA) methodologies — and where they diverge in scope and intent. While the PEFCR is positioned to support EU-wide initiatives such as the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR) and Green Claims Directive, France’s national framework introduces additional product- and brand-level considerations aimed at addressing overproduction and fast fashion.

The publication also outlines the strategic implications of dual frameworks, offering recommendations on how companies can prepare by leveraging existing tools and aligning global supply chain systems. Practical recommendations include:

• How to assess product and supply chain data readiness
• How tools like the Higg Index and Worldly’s Product Impact Calculator support alignment with both frameworks
• How to reduce future disruption by preparing now for product-level environmental disclosures

This release marks the latest in a series of joint policy deep dives from Cascale and Worldly, following previous reports on the EU Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CS3D), IFRS Sustainability Disclosure Standards, and key trends in corporate supply chain responsibility for APAC. It reflects the two organizations’ shared commitment to enabling credible, aligned, and scalable solutions across the consumer goods value chain and keeping members updated on regulatory developments.

Download the Full Report Today

Get expert analysis, regulatory comparisons, and actionable recommendations to prepare your business for product-level environmental disclosure in the EU and French markets.

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 most comprehensive sustainability data and 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. LinkedIn | X | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube

ABOUT WORLDLY

Worldly is the leading sustainability data and analytics platform for the consumer goods industry, empowering brands, retailers, and suppliers to turn primary data into strategic business action. Trusted by a network of over 40,000 global customers across apparel, footwear, home furnishings, outdoor sporting goods, and more, Worldly provides deep visibility into environmental and social impact—from carbon and water to chemicals and labor—at the product, facility, and value chain level.

Built on industry-leading standards including Cascale’s Higg Index tools, exclusively available on Worldly, and connected with partners like ZDHC and Bluesign, Worldly transforms raw data into actionable intelligence that helps companies reduce risk, boost operational efficiency, meet evolving compliance and regulatory requirements, and accelerate measurable impact. With the largest global network of engaged manufacturers and the most comprehensive library of materials and product impact data, Worldly enables businesses to lead with transparency, resilience, and accountability.
www.worldly.io

On June 4, 2025, more than a dozen KeyBank teammates in Cleveland brought their paint brushes, rakes and brooms to the Spanish American Committee in Cleveland to volunteer for Neighbors Make The Difference Day. Since 1966, the Spanish American Committee (SAC) has been dedicated to serving as the gateway to socioeconomic success for the Spanish/Hispanic community of Cleveland, Cuyahoga County, and Northeast Ohio. The SAC has been creating opportunities that lead low-income individuals and families to self-sufficiency for over 55 years, making it the longest-operating Hispanic/Latino social services agency in the state of Ohio. It provides opportunities through five core programs that offer clients family support and bilingual childcare services, financial literacy education and training, housing education and guidance, employment training and services, and adult education opportunities such as English as a Second Language (ESOL) classes. It currently serves over 5,500 individuals and families each year.

• Watch a video of KeyBank’s Neighbors Make The Difference Day efforts at the Spanish American Committee here: https://youtu.be/JOQDt4Ou9k4

Every year, thousands of KeyBank teammates in its hometown of Cleveland and across the country contribute their time and talents to local nonprofit organizations to give back to their local communities. In 2025, Neighbors Make The Difference Day coincided with KeyBank’s year-long Bicentennial which celebrates the bank’s two centuries of service and enduring commitment to clients, teammates, and communities. 

Neighbors Make The Difference Day launched in 1991, with a group of KeyBank employees in Alaska who volunteered for service projects. By 1993, KeyBank extended the concept to many of the communities it served, making it an official day of employee volunteerism. Now, Neighbors Make the Difference Day is a hallmark program and leading corporate volunteerism effort in America.

BALTIMORE, July 10, 2025 /3BL/ – The T. Rowe Price Foundation, in partnership with Ignite Capital, has announced the Baltimore-based social entrepreneurs selected for Moonshot, an initiative designed to connect the T. Rowe Price community with local entrepreneurs focused on Baltimore’s economic growth and social impact.

The program provides each entrepreneur with a financial award, a series of individualized and group growth-focused capacity-building sessions, and the opportunity to engage with T. Rowe Price associates and partners. The initiative continues to demonstrate T. Rowe Price’s long-term support of business sustainability and community investment.

“Moonshot is another way that the T. Rowe Price Foundation supports bold, community-minded organizations that are building lasting solutions. We are proud to contribute to their growth as they foster innovation and sustainability in Baltimore and beyond,” said Raymone Jackson, president of the T. Rowe Price Foundation.

“We’re honored to collaborate with T. Rowe Price on their Moonshot initiative to support social entrepreneurs as they scale, attract investment and drive community-led change,” said Jay Nwachu, president and CEO of Innovation Works and Ignite Capital. “These leaders are building enterprises that center on equity, resilience, and community, and we’re committed to helping them grow their impact.”

THE 2025 MOONSHOT PARTICIPANTS INCLUDE:

• Trevor Pryce, founder of OVFX — A former NFL player turned media entrepreneur, Pryce operates a live-action animation and media studio in East Baltimore. His studio holds rights to original film, television and gaming IP, and has produced multiple Netflix series.
• Sid Sharma, cofounder of Wild Bay — Sharma leads a fast-growing beverage company with expanding distribution capabilities that focuses on sustainability and health. Wild Bay Kombucha donates 1% of sales to the Chesapeake Bay Foundation and offers beverages in eco-friendly packaging.
• Nnadagi Isa, cofounder of Lor Tush — Lor Tush is redefining sustainable luxury with plant-based personal care products for the hospitality industry. Their eco-friendly essentials offer high-end hotels and resorts a blend of comfort and environmental responsibility.
• Nicole Foster, founder and CEO of Sommos — Sommos is an artificial intelligence-powered storytelling platform that helps families preserve and share memories. Foster is a public health and legal expert.
• Crystal I. Berger, founder of EBO — Berger, a former senior producer at FOX News, has launched two AI platforms that streamline media operations and vet talent using data analytics. Recognized by Forbes and Technical.ly, the Baltimore native is a leader in media innovation.

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ABOUT T. ROWE PRICE

T. Rowe Price (NASDAQ-GS: TROW) is a leading global asset management firm, entrusted with managing $1.62 trillion in client assets as of May 31, 2025, about two-thirds of which are retirement-related. Renowned for over 85 years of investment excellence, retirement leadership, and independent proprietary research, the firm leverages its longstanding expertise to ask better questions that can drive better investment decisions. Built on a culture of integrity and prioritizing client interests, T. Rowe Price empowers millions of investors worldwide to thrive amidst evolving markets.

Visit troweprice.com/newsroom for news and public policy commentary.

T. ROWE PRICE PUBLIC RELATIONS CONTACTS:

Tiane Harrison
410-577-2216
tiane.harrison@troweprice.com

Whirlpool Corporation celebrated its fourth annual “Day of Impact” with over 50 employees and elected officials volunteering to make improvements to Morton Park in Benton Harbor, Mich. Located just outside the Benton Harbor Arts District, Morton Park was chosen in close collaboration with the City of Benton Harbor and other local organizations due to its strong legacy in the community.

“Benton Harbor is not only where Whirlpool Corporation was founded over 100 years ago, it is also the place many of our employees call home. Collaborating with the City of Benton Harbor to update a shared space like Morton Park is one small way we can show this community how much it means to us.”

“Benton Harbor is not only where Whirlpool Corporation was founded over 100 years ago, it is also the place many of our employees call home,” said Jim Peters, Whirlpool Corporation’s chief financial and administrative officer. “Collaborating with the City of Benton Harbor to update a shared space like Morton Park is one small way we can show this community how much it means to us.”

Some highlights of the work being done at Morton Park include:

• New fountain with benches
• New sidewalks throughout the park
• Installed new flower beds
• New landscaping and trees
• New picnic tables and park sign
• Updated benches
• New flag pole with flag

“Morton Park is a cornerstone of Benton Harbor, and the improvements made will ensure it remains a vibrant space for future generations,” said Benton Harbor Mayor Marcus Muhammad. “Our ongoing partnership to uplift these vital community spaces is a testament to what we can achieve together—they are the heart of our city and crucial to our collective well-being in Benton Harbor.”

Whirlpool Corporation’s “Day of Impact” initiative began in 2021, with revitalizations of Union Park completed in 2022, June Woods Park in 2023 and Charles Yarbrough Park in 2024.

About Whirlpool Corporation

Whirlpool Corporation (NYSE: WHR) is a leading home appliance company, in constant pursuit of improving life at home. As the only major U.S.-based manufacturer of kitchen and laundry appliances, the company is driving meaningful innovation to meet the evolving needs of consumers through its iconic brand portfolio, including Whirlpool, KitchenAid, JennAir, Maytag, Amana, Brastemp, Consul, and InSinkErator. In 2024, the company reported approximately $17 billion in annual sales – close to 90% of which were in the Americas – 44,000 employees, and 40 manufacturing and technology research centers. Additional information about the company can be found at WhirlpoolCorp.com.

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