Author: sHq_LoGiNz

When our employees care about causes, we’re proud to stand behind them.

Giving back to our communities is an essential part of who we are. That commitment is the inspiration behind Wesco Cares. This corporate philanthropic program allows Wesco to make a positive and lasting impact within the communities where our employees work and reside.

Through the Wesco Cares matching gifts program, our generous team members supported the organizations and missions closest to their hearts – donating $609,000 with Wesco Cares matches in 2025.

Additionally, employees dedicated nearly 3,500 hours of their time to causes that matter. From food banks and book banks to environmental cleanups and community organizations, they were generous with their time, talents and hearts.

Thank you to our team members for making an impact far beyond the workplace. Your commitment to serving others and lifting up our communities reflects the very best of who we are.

We’re grateful for the charitable work of our team members and hope to inspire others to follow suit.

To every employee who gave last year, thank you for making a difference in the communities where we live and work. 

Learn more about Wesco in the community here.

Key Takeaways: PFAS and Financial Risk

• Per and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a growing financial liability, not just an environmental issue, affecting asset values, loan security, insurance coverage, and Merger & Acquisition (M&A) transactions.
• Regulatory risk is accelerating globally, with expanding state-level enforcement and specific PFAS-containing product bans in the U.S., Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA) liability exposure, and international prohibitions such as Australia’s Industrial Chemicals Environmental Management Standard (IChEMS) framework.
• Failure to screen for PFAS during underwriting or due diligence can result in Potentially Responsible Party (PRP) liability, litigation, borrower default, and multimillion-dollar remediation costs.
• Financial institutions should integrate PFAS screening into Phase I/II ESAs, portfolio risk assessments, supply chain reviews, and M&A negotiations.
• Proactive PFAS risk management reduces financial exposure, improves underwriting clarity, and protects long-term portfolio stability.

PFAS are not just an environmental problem. They are a rapidly escalating financial risk for lenders, insurers, and investors. This remains true despite the recent delays and rollbacks of some PFAS regulations under the current presidential administration.

From loan portfolios and M&A due diligence to insurance claims and investment decisions, PFAS contamination is reshaping the financial landscape. The risks associated with these “forever chemicals” are as real and persistent as the compounds themselves.

Proactively identifying, assessing, and managing PFAS-related financial exposures is critical for financial institutions to mitigate risk, protect assets, and ensure long-term stability.

Where PFAS Poses Financial Risks

The widespread use of PFAS in manufacturing, combined with the ability of these chemicals to filter into the environment, means that the financial risks associated with them are extremely far-reaching. These are just some of the segments that can feel surprisingly strong effects of PFAS implications:

• Real Estate and Property Values: Properties affected by PFAS contamination can lose significant value, become unsellable, or require extensive remediation.
• Loan Portfolios: Financial institutions face increased risk of loan defaults tied to contaminated properties or businesses burdened by cleanup costs, regulatory penalties, or litigation.
• M&A Due Diligence: Unquantified PFAS liabilities can derail transactions or lead to unexpected post-acquisition losses.
• Insurance Claims: As PFAS-related environmental claims continue to grow insurers are increasingly excluding PFAS from pollution coverage.
• Investment Decisions: Transparency around PFAS management has become a differentiator for companies seeking capital.
• Litigation and Reputational Risk: As regulatory enforcement increases, financial institutions and insured clients face litigation exposure, with the distinction between intentional and unintentional PFAS use emerging as a key factor.

Understanding PFAS Risks in Financial Contexts

To evaluate PFAS exposure effectively, financial institutions must understand two core drivers of risk: where contamination originates, and how regulatory frameworks assign liability. These factors directly influence asset valuation, underwriting decisions, and long-term portfolio stability.

Key Sources of Contamination

PFAS contamination often stems from industrial, municipal, and consumer product sources. This includes manufacturing and firefighting foam to wastewater discharge and everyday consumer goods. These chemicals are now found in most U.S. municipal water supplies, making PFAS nearly impossible to avoid in property and portfolio risk assessments.

Evolving PFAS Regulations

While certain federal PFAS rules in the United States have recently been delayed or narrowed, regulatory momentum has not slowed overall. Instead, it has shifted, with states and international jurisdictions accelerating their own enforcement frameworks.

States including California, Massachusetts, Michigan, New York, and New Jersey continue advancing aggressive PFAS investigation, reporting, and cleanup requirements. Roughly half of U.S. states now have PFAS-related laws in place, particularly targeting consumer products such as food packaging, textiles, personal care items, and children’s products.

Globally, the regulatory landscape is tightening further. In Australia, the IChEMS) framework took effect nationwide on July 1, 2025, prohibiting the import, manufacture, export, and use of certain PFAS — including perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluoroocatne sulfonic acid (PFOS), and perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (PFHxS) — unless exempted. All states and territories have adopted the framework, and non-compliance may be treated as a pollution incident, exposing companies to enforcement and penalties.

At the international level, the Stockholm Convention continues expanding restrictions on long-chain PFAS production and trade, reinforcing a broader global phase-down of high-risk compounds.

For multinational lenders and investors, these global regulatory shifts introduce jurisdiction-specific liability exposure that can materially affect asset valuation, underwriting decisions, and long-term portfolio stability.

Because PFAS regulations are evolving rapidly and unevenly across jurisdictions, keeping up to date on all of them can feel like a full-time job. The Antea Group Global PFAS Regulatory Dashboard provides clear, real-time visibility into PFAS regulatory activity worldwide, helping companies stay ahead of compliance changes and avoid unexpected liabilities. If your organization is unsure where it stands or how new requirements may apply, reach out to our team for guidance.

Strategies for Assessing and Managing PFAS Financial Exposure

Once PFAS risk drivers are understood, financial institutions must translate that insight into structured mitigation strategies. The following approaches help lenders, insurers, and investors quantify exposure across assets, transactions, and value chains — and reduce the likelihood of unexpected financial loss.

1. Enhanced Environmental Due Diligence

Integrate PFAS screening into Phase I and II Environmental Site Assessments (ESAs) to identify potential contamination early.

2. Portfolio Screening and Risk Ranking

Perform PFAS portfolio risk assessments to identify high-risk assets or companies based on historical site use, industry sector, and proximity to known PFAS sources.

3. Supply Chain PFAS Screening and Transparency

Screen supply chains for intentional and unintentional PFAS use to anticipate regulatory, product liability, and valuation risks.

4. Underwriting and Policy Development

Insurers should revisit policy language, exclusions, and underwriting practices to better address PFAS-related risks.

5. Contractual Protections in M&A

Include PFAS-specific indemnities, representations, and warranties to allocate liability appropriately between buyers and sellers during M&A transactions.

6. Probabilistic Cost Modeling

Use PFAS cost modeling and scenario-based analysis to estimate potential remediation, compliance, and litigation expenses.

7. Strategic Communication

Engage transparently with stakeholders, such as investors, borrowers, and regulators, about PFAS risks and mitigation strategies to build trust and confidence.

Case Example: Structured Due Diligence Preserves Deal Value

A private equity firm acquiring a power generation facility in Wisconsin incorporated targeted PFAS screening into its environmental review. Consultants identified historical use of aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) and evidence of prior discharge into surrounding soils.

Armed with this information, the buyer negotiated a reduced purchase price and required the seller to retain responsibility for ongoing remediation, including soil excavation and groundwater monitoring.

By integrating enhanced due diligence, contractual protections, and forward-looking cost modeling, the buyer preserved transaction value and avoided inheriting significant long-term liabilities.

PFAS Remediation Challenges and Cost Implications

PFAS remediation is technically demanding and expensive, with no universal solution. Current remediation approaches often involve removing PFAS from contaminated water or soil and then using specialized treatment methods to destroy or permanently manage the chemicals. While newer destruction technologies show promise, they remain costly, complex, and not yet widely available. This contributes to uncertainty in cleanup timelines and total project costs.

For financial stakeholders, that uncertainty translates directly into cost variability and long-term liability. Cleanup expenses can easily reach into the millions, depending on site conditions, regulatory requirements, and evolving treatment standards. This cost variability can materially affect property valuations, loan security, insurance coverage, and investment performance, making early risk identification and realistic cost modeling essential.

By contrast, a national lender that financed redevelopment of a former industrial property without PFAS screening during underwriting later faced significant consequences when contamination was discovered years after closing. Historical use of firefighting foam and surface coatings had resulted in elevated PFAS levels, and under updated CERCLA regulations, the lender was designated as a PRP. Litigation, regulatory scrutiny, and cleanup obligations followed.

As remediation costs escalated into the millions, the property’s value declined sharply, and the borrower ultimately defaulted — leaving the lender with a contaminated asset and long-term financial exposure that could have been mitigated through earlier screening and risk allocation.

Benefits of Proactive PFAS Risk Management

When addressed early and strategically, PFAS risk management delivers measurable financial and operational advantages for lenders, insurers, and investors. Key benefits include:

• Reduced PFAS Financial Exposure: Early identification and mitigation minimize liability and cost.
• Informed Lending and Investment Decisions: Better insight into PFAS risk profiles improves financial resilience.
• Streamlined M&A Transactions: Reduced uncertainty supports smoother deal structuring, pricing, and negotiations.
• Improved Insurance Underwriting and Claims Management: Greater risk clarity strengthens understanding of PFAS-related exposures.
• Enhanced Reputation and Regulatory Standing: Demonstrated environmental stewardship supports compliance confidence and stakeholder trust.

Case Example: Proactive Due Diligence Protects Asset Value

A mid-sized regional bank evaluating a loan for the acquisition of a former manufacturing site identified potential PFAS exposure linked to historical fire suppression systems. Rather than proceeding with a standard Phase I ESA alone, the bank commissioned targeted soil and groundwater sampling.

Elevated PFAS levels were confirmed, prompting the bank to require site remediation and environmental insurance coverage prior to closing.

This proactive approach reduced liability exposure, protected collateral value, and ensured regulatory compliance. This demonstrated how structured PFAS risk management directly supports financial resilience.

PFAS Doesn’t Have To Be “Forever”

PFAS represents a multifaceted and growing financial risk that can affect property values, portfolios, insurance coverage, and corporate transactions. Identifying and managing your financial risks associated with PFAS may seem like an impossible task, but it’s important to remember that PFAS liabilities are not forever. With the right expert advice and early identification, the risks can be effectively managed and mitigated.

How Antea Group USA Supports the Financial Sector with PFAS

Antea Group provides specialized PFAS consulting services to help financial institutions understand and manage emerging environmental liabilities. Our offerings include:

• PFAS due diligence for lending, M&A, and investment activities.
• PFAS portfolio risk assessments and cost modeling.
• Litigation and regulatory support for PFAS exposure.
• Integration with EHS due diligence to streamline environmental reviews.

With expertise in both the regulatory and financial dimensions of PFAS, Antea Group helps clients stay ahead of evolving PFAS compliance requirements while protecting business value and reputation. Do you have questions? Reach out to our experts today!

As global trade grows more complex, the strength of a supply chain increasingly depends on where and how goods move through key logistics hubs. DP World is redefining supply chain performance by combining integrated logistics with a strategically located network of warehouses across North America – bringing businesses closer to their customers and markets.

A Network Built for Speed and Reach

Rather than relying on fragmented infrastructure, DP World’s approach centers on strategically positioned logistics hubs that connect major ports, airports, and inland transport corridors. These locations are designed to reduce transit times, lower costs, and improve service reliability.

By placing inventory closer to demand centers, businesses can accelerate fulfillment while maintaining greater control over their supply chains.

Strategic Logistics Hubs Across North America

DP World’s growing footprint includes high-performance facilities designed to support distribution, eCommerce, manufacturing, and cross-border trade:

Perris, California

22305 Old Oleander Ave, Perris CA 92570

Located in the Inland Empire, this Free Trade Zone facility enables duty deferral and greater customs flexibility while providing access to one of the largest distribution markets in the U.S. Its proximity to major ports and population centers makes it ideal for fast, cost-efficient West Coast distribution.

Miami, Florida

7725 NW 41st St, Doral, FL 33166

Serving as a gateway to Latin America and the Caribbean, this 108,000-square-foot facility offers direct connectivity to Port Miami and Miami International Airport. It is optimized for regional fulfillment and rapid international distribution.

Brampton, Ontario

15 Bramalea Rd, Brampton, ON L6T 2W7, Canada

Positioned near Toronto Pearson Airport, this LEED-certified 174,000-square-foot hub connects Canadian and U.S. markets. With secure and temperature-controlled storage, it supports a wide range of industries requiring reliability and compliance.

Querétaro, Mexico

La Bomba Industrial Park located on Mexico-Querétaro Highway, Federal Highway number 57, km 194+813, El Colorado, El Marques, Queretaro

Located along a key industrial corridor, this 117,000-square-foot facility provides integrated production, warehousing, and distribution capabilities. Its access to major highways and air transport supports efficient manufacturing supply chains and cross-border logistics.

Middletown, Pennsylvania

140 Fulling Mill Road, Middletown, PA 17057

Centrally located in the U.S. Northeast, this facility offers multimodal access and flexible space for both B2B and B2C fulfillment. It enables fast delivery to densely populated East Coast markets.

Olive Branch, Mississippi

11244 S Distribution Cove, Olive Branch, MS 38654

Strategically positioned near Memphis – one of the largest logistics hubs in the U.S. – this location connects air, rail, and road networks. It provides scalable distribution across the southeastern United States with strong access to national transportation corridors.

Warehousing as a Strategic Advantage

These facilities are more than storage points – they are fully integrated logistics hubs. Each site is connected to DP World’s broader network of ports, terminals, and transportation services, enabling seamless movement of goods from origin to final delivery.

This integration allows businesses to:

• Reduce handling and transit times
• Improve inventory positioning and responsiveness
• Scale operations across regions with ease
• Optimize cross-border and international trade flows

Integrated Logistics, Powered by Location

DP World enhances its physical network with digital tools that provide real-time visibility across every warehouse and shipment. From inventory tracking to shipment monitoring, businesses gain the insights needed to make faster, more informed decisions.

Combined with multimodal transportation capabilities – across ocean, air, rail, and road – these locations form a synchronized system designed for efficiency and resilience.

A Smarter Way to Move Goods

By aligning warehouse locations with global trade flows, DP World transforms logistics from a series of disconnected steps into a cohesive, high-performing network.

The result is a supply chain that is not only faster and more reliable, but also more adaptable to changing market demands.

Discover how DP World’s strategically located logistics hubs can help you build a smarter, more agile supply chain.

Originally published on CVS Health

At CVS Health, we’re thinking about tomorrow’s pharmacists today. We understand the vital role they’ll play in communities across America, and we’re committed to supporting future pharmacists, so they can help create healthier communities for years to come.

Our 2025 Rx Report revealed that 40% of pharmacy technicians surveyed are interested in becoming pharmacists, up from 23% in 2024. And 77% of them say that tuition assistance would increase their likelihood of pursuing a career as a pharmacist.

As the nation’s largest employer of pharmacists and pharmacy technicians, we continue to make great strides in putting pharmacy education within reach and encouraging more people to choose a career in pharmacy. We’re supporting the next generation of pharmacists, helping them achieve their developmental goals by providing structured internships and training, tuition assistance, and continuing education opportunities.

Pharmacy training lab

For example, we recently opened a newly remodeled training laboratory at the Medical University of South Carolina, designed to simulate the layout and workflow of a community pharmacy. Here, students will get true hands-on experience, practicing tasks like compounding medications, dispensing and labeling, counseling patients, administering immunizations, and using pharmacy software and technology to enhance patient safety.

Funded by a CVS Health donation, the lab will support student competency in both clinical and technical skills, patient care, communication, critical thinking, ethics and interprofessional collaboration.

Duquesne University PharmD scholarships

Additionally, through our partnership with Duquesne University, CVS Pharmacy colleagues have the opportunity to pursue a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree online at a reduced cost. Because the program is offered online, students benefit from its accessibility and flexibility, so they can continue to care for their communities at the pharmacy while also continuing their education and growing their careers.

Additional programs to reduce financial barriers

CVS Health colleagues can also take advantage of additional programs designed to help reduce financial barriers to education. These include the PharmD tuition assistance program, which offers up to $20,000 per school year for fifth-and sixth-year CVS Pharmacy interns; an annual benefit of $1,500 that can be applied toward select non-degree certificate programs through the Academy of Managed Care Pharmacy (AMCP), American Pharmacists Association (APhA), and American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP); and a scholarship offered in partnership with the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy.

Every day, across the country, our approximately 30,000 pharmacists and 74,000 technicians power quality care. Ultimately, their growth and development will help us deliver on our ambition to be America’s most trusted health care company.

ALEXANDRIA, Va., and BANNOCKBURN, Ill., April 14, 2026 /3BL/ – The Responsible Business Alliance and the Global Electronics Association today announced the publication of joint guidance on Accounting for Scope 3 Category 1 Greenhouse Gas Emissions; saving time, improving data accuracy, and enabling more consistent, high-quality sustainability reporting across global supply chains.

The guidance aims to provide the electronics industry with specific knowledge and practical recommendations to support the quantification of value chain greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in supply chains, specifically for Category 1, purchased goods and services, as defined by the Greenhouse Gas Protocol.

Companies across the industry face increasing pressure to report credible and accurate Scope 3 emissions data. This includes legislation requiring companies to publicly report third-party assured Scope 3 emissions data and pressure from downstream customers that rely on supplier data to quantify their corporate GHG emissions data to inform their external disclosures and decarbonization plans.

“This joint guidance demonstrates how the Responsible Business Alliance and Global Electronics Association are working together to build supply chain alignment around GHG reporting rules,” said Rob Lederer, CEO, Responsible Business Alliance. “By working together to provide reporting guidance, we can have a greater impact and better support companies in their GHG emission reporting and quantification efforts.”

“Although Category 1 is a material contributor to Scope 3 emissions in the electronics industry, reporting is currently limited and the use of supplier-specific data is low,” said John Mitchell, President and CEO, Global Electronics Association. “We believe practical guidance, such as this from the Global Electronics Association and the Responsible Business Alliance, can help change that dynamic.”

Emissions calculations based solely on secondary data limit companies’ ability to target supply chain decarbonization and to reflect suppliers’ emissions reduction efforts in Scope 3 results. This guidance builds upon recent Scope 3, Category 1 guidance from the semiconductor industry and is designed to support a transition toward an approach that strategically leverages a combination of primary data, including supplier-specific data, and secondary data, enabling clearer insights and more targeted decarbonization efforts.

Guidance such as this is increasingly important to GHG reporting solutions, such as the RBA’s Emissions Management Tool (EMT), in operationalizing aligned data requests and enabling more efficient, standardized exchange of supplier GHG data across company supply chains.

View the new guidance on the Responsible Business Alliance website or the Global Electronics Association website.

About the Responsible Business Alliance

The Responsible Business Alliance (RBA) is a nonprofit organization comprised of companies committed to responsible business conduct in their global supply chains. The RBA has a Code of Conduct and a range of programs, training and assessment tools to support continuous improvement. The organization has a global footprint, with offices in North America, Europe and Asia. The RBA also has initiatives focused on specific issue areas, including its Responsible Minerals, Labor, Factory and Environment Initiatives, and its Responsible Glove Alliance. The RBA and its Initiatives have more than 600 members with combined annual revenues of greater than $8 trillion, directly employing over 21.5 million people, with products manufactured in more than 120 countries. For more information, visit responsiblebusiness.org.

About the Global Electronics Association

Global Electronics Association is the voice of the electronics industry, working with more than 3,000 members, thousands of partners, and dozens of governments to ensure a more resilient supply chain and drive industry growth. The Association advocates fair trade, smart regulation, and regional manufacturing, and educates on industry practices, actionable intelligence, and technical innovations to empower the future. The Association collaborates with governments and companies worldwide to advance a trusted and prosperous electronics industry. Formerly known as IPC, the organization serves a $6 trillion market and has offices across Asia-Pacific, Europe, and North and Latin America. For more information, visit electronics.org.

Media Contacts

Responsible Business Alliance:
Jarrett Bens, Senior Director of Communications
jbens@responsiblebusiness.org
Phone: +1 571.858.5721

Global Electronics Association:
Sandy Gentry, Communications Director
sandygentry@electronics.org
Phone: +1 847.597.2871

Concrete is everywhere — in bridges, highways, buildings, sidewalks and homes. It’s the world’s most widely used manufactured material. But not all concrete is created equal. Its performance depends heavily on the quality of the cement construction materials and aggregates that go into every mix. From strength and durability to finish and long-term resilience, the right cement and concrete materials make the difference between infrastructure that lasts and infrastructure that fails. 

Covia plays a critical role in this equation. As a trusted supplier of high-purity, consistently graded minerals, Covia helps cement and concrete producers control porosity, enhance solidity and achieve reliable performance at scale. Our materials are engineered to support stronger mixes, smoother finishes and longer service life — while also helping customers meet growing expectations for sustainability.
This article explores the mineral science behind cement and concrete performance and explains how the right material choices directly impact durability, efficiency and environmental outcomes. For producers, engineers, and builders looking to optimize mix design and build with confidence, understanding these fundamentals and Covia’s role in delivering them is essential.

Cement vs. Concrete: What’s the Difference?

Although often used interchangeably, cement and concrete are distinct materials.

• Cement is a finely ground powder, primarily composed of limestone and clay, that reacts with water in a process called hydration. This chemical reaction produces compounds that harden and bind aggregates together.
• Concrete is the composite material made by combining cement with water, sand and gravel. The cement paste coats and binds the aggregates, creating a solid mass that can be shaped and cured into structural forms.

  In short, cement is the binder, while concrete is the final product that provides bulk, strength and durability to structures.

Porosity, Solidity and Why They Matter

The quality of concrete is largely determined by its microstructure— the network of pores, voids and solid phases formed during hydration.

• Porosity refers to the volume of voids within the hardened cement paste. Higher porosity means concrete is more permeable, allowing water and chemicals to penetrate. This accelerates deterioration from freeze-thaw cycles, the corrosion of reinforcing steel or sulfate attack.
• Solidity describes the density and continuity of the solid phases in the material. A high degree of solidity improves compressive strength, reduces permeability and extends service life.

The balance of porosity and solidity is influenced by the cement building materials used, the water-to-cement ratio and the quality of sand and aggregates in the mix. Impurities, poor gradation or reactive minerals can all lead to weaker, more porous concrete.

How Minerals Influence Performance

Every component in a concrete mix has a role to play:

• Sand: Fills the gaps between larger aggregates, creating a dense matrix. Well-graded sand reduces porosity, enhances compaction and improves workability.
• Gravel and Aggregates: Provide bulk, strength and dimensional stability. Clean, properly sized aggregates help reduce voids and improve solidity.
• Silica: Contributes to a smooth finish and reduces flaws in both structural and decorative applications. High-purity silica also minimizes chemical reactivity that can compromise durability.

By controlling porosity and promoting solidity, the right concrete construction materials extend the life of infrastructure while lowering long-term maintenance costs.

Sustainability and Innovation in Cement and Concrete

Concrete has a unique role in sustainability. It is not only strong and versatile but also offers environmental advantages when used and designed wisely:

• Carbon Reabsorption: Over its life, concrete naturally reabsorbs a portion of the CO₂ released during cement production through a process called carbonation. This makes it an important material in the circular carbon cycle.
• Thermal Mass Efficiency: Concrete’s ability to absorb and release heat helps regulate indoor temperatures, reducing energy use for heating and cooling.
• Longevity and Recyclability: Durable concrete structures last longer, requiring fewer resources for replacement. At the end of life, concrete can be crushed and recycled as aggregate for new projects.

Innovation is also reshaping the industry. Advances in mix design, mineral fillers and admixtures are helping reduce clinker content in cement, which lowers carbon emissions.

Clinker is the solid, pebble-like material made by heating limestone and clay at very high temperatures in a kiln. It is the main active ingredient in cement but producing it is energy-intensive and releases significant amounts of CO₂. By replacing part of the clinker with supplementary materials or optimized mineral fillers, producers can reduce the environmental footprint of cement construction materials without sacrificing performance.

Covia contributes by supplying high-purity, consistent minerals that enhance durability and reduce failures, which directly supports sustainability by extending service life and minimizing waste.

By focusing on both performance and environmental impact, Covia helps customers meet the rising demand for sustainable cement and concrete building materials without compromise.

Common Challenges in Cement and Concrete

Even small inconsistencies in raw materials can create big challenges:

• Alkali-Silica Reaction (ASR): Reactive aggregates can expand and crack concrete when exposed to moisture and alkalis in cement.
   
• Freeze-Thaw Damage: Porous concrete absorbs water, which expands as it freezes, leading to spalling or crumbling.
   
• Weak Finishes: Poorly graded or impure sand increases porosity, creating brittle, uneven surfaces.

These problems underscore the importance of selecting reliable cement construction materials and partnering with trusted concrete material suppliers for optimal structural performance.

Covia’s Expertise in Building Materials and Construction

Covia combines mineral science with decades of application expertise to deliver concrete materials that support stronger, more resilient and more sustainable infrastructure.

• GRANUSIL® high-performance industrial silica is produced with strict quality controls for consistent grading. GRANUSIL’s high silica content improves workability, reduces porosity and enhances finish quality in both ready-mix and precast applications.
   
• SILVERBOND® multi-purpose ground crystalline silica is chemically inert and pH neutral. SILVERBOND contributes to solidity, maintains compressive strength and performs reliably in extreme environments.
   
• CSG GRAVEL– A durable aggregate that provides load-bearing strength, helps minimize voids and supports the dense packing needed for reduced permeability.

All products are processed under Covia’s rigorous quality programs to ensure predictable results, consistent grading and reliable supply — exactly what producers need to balance performance and sustainability.

Your Partner for Stronger, Smarter Infrastructure

The future of construction depends on concrete that lasts longer, resists environmental stress and supports sustainable building practices. That means selecting the right cement construction material and concrete material supply partner.

Covia provides more than minerals — we provide collaboration, technical expertise and dependable delivery. From optimizing mix designs to reducing porosity, enhancing solidity and improving sustainability, we help customers achieve better outcomes in building products and construction.

Conclusion: Building on a Better Foundation

Concrete will remain the backbone of infrastructure worldwide, but its strength depends on the quality of the materials within it. By managing porosity, enhancing solidity and selecting high-performance minerals, producers can create concrete that is stronger, more durable and more sustainable.
With Covia’s expertise, innovative mineral solutions and reliable supply network, you can build with confidence — today and for the future.

BOSTON, April 14, 2026 /3BL/ – Sappi North America has launched LusterFSB OGR, a new oil and grease resistant (OGR) solid bleached sulfate (SBS) food service board available in 12 to 20 pt calipers. This barrier technology delivers medium oil and grease resistance without polyethylene film, making it a recyclable and home-compostable alternative. It is purpose-built for quick service, takeout, and bakery applications where thick poly coating is more than the job requires.

“Food service packaging is under pressure to move away from plastic, and we’re excited to bring a sustainable option to market,” said Paul Bortolan, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Sappi North America. “LusterFSB OGR is a testament to our R&D team’s ability to develop innovative solutions that meet genuine customer needs. It delivers the barrier performance food service requires while supporting the sustainability goals our customers and brands are working toward.”

Made with fresh fiber and produced on one of the newest, most advanced paperboard machines in North America — PM1 at Sappi’s Somerset Mill in Skowhegan, Maine — LusterFSB OGR features a smooth clay coating on one side for exceptional print quality and a proprietary grease barrier coating on the reverse. The barrier side also accepts printing, offering converters design flexibility for applications where two-sided printing is an advantage. The grade is engineered for applications like bakery boxes, fried chicken and chicken nugget takeout containers, burger and sandwich clamshells, as well as french fry trays and scoops.

LusterFSB OGR is recyclable and designed to be home compostable, the most practical end-of-life path for grease-soiled food packaging. Its fully SBS-based construction means converter scrap and offcuts can be baled with standard SBS, eliminating the special segregation requirements that come with poly-lined alternatives and reducing plastic use in line with retailer and consumer sustainability expectations.

Because LusterFSB OGR arrives barrier-ready from the mill, converters don’t need to apply their own in-house coatings, removing a process step, reducing cost, and simplifying operations. Domestic production also means consistent quality and reliable supply without the sourcing uncertainty of imported grades.

LusterFSB OGR is available now for customer qualification and commercial orders. Customer feedback has indicated smooth processing and reliable performance. Sappi’s sales, technical, and product management teams are working directly with customers to support application testing and onboarding.

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About Sappi North America, Inc.

Headquartered in Boston, MA, Sappi North America is part of a global pulp, paper, and packaging company that transforms renewable resources into sustainable alternatives to plastics and fossil fuel- based products. From cosmetics packaging and food-safe barrier papers to dissolving wood pulp used in textiles, our solutions support a circular economy worldwide. Every product is recyclable, reusable, or compostable as manufactured.

Employing approximately 2,200 people across facilities in Maine, Minnesota, and Quebec, Sappi North America combines deep manufacturing expertise with a commitment to responsible forestry. Recognized with an elite EcoVadis rating for seven consecutive years and CDP scores of A in Forests, A- in Climate Change, and B in Water Security, we back our sustainability claims with data.

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

Contact:

April Jones
Corporate Communications Manager, Sappi North America
april.jones@sappi.com
617.398.0691