sHq_LoGiNz – Page 566

Tetra Pak Invests €60 Million in Owned Pilot Plant To Advance Its Paper-Based Barrier Technology Development

Posted on January 26, 2026 by sHq_LoGiNz

Tetra Pak takes another major step towards the next generation of sustainable packaging materials with its €60 million investment in a new pilot plant for its paper-based barrier technology at the company’s facility in Lund, Sweden.
The plant will enable Tetra Pak to accelerate the development of its innovative aseptic packaging material, which replaces the traditional aluminium foil layer with a paper-based barrier.
This new packaging solution increases the renewable content in the carton and when combined with plant-based polymers, can result in a reduction of carbon footprint by up to 43%¹.

LAUSANNE, Switzerland, January 26, 2026 /3BL/ – As a part of its long-term ambition to develop the world’s most sustainable food package², Tetra Pak has introduced an innovative solution in its aseptic beverage cartons where the traditional aluminium foil layer is replaced with a new paper-based barrier. This innovation increases the paper content in food and beverage cartons to approximately 80% and, when combined with plant-based polymers, increases the traceable renewable content of a carton up to 92% – cutting the carbon footprint by up to 43%¹. By simplifying the material structure from three to two main materials: paper and polymers, further benefits are anticipated for recycling infrastructure. These include maximising the recovery of paper content during the recycling process of carton packages and delivering high-quality fibre and non-fibre fractions.

To accelerate the development of this innovative aseptic packaging material, Tetra Pak is investing €60 million in a new paper-based barrier pilot plant in Lund, Sweden. This facility will also provide its customers with valuable insights into the new solution across the entire manufacturing journey – from barrier creation to packaging material and filled package production.

The paper-based barrier pilot plant will be located in Lund, selected for its strong ties to existing research and material development, close collaboration with Lund University, and access to advanced testing capabilities at the MAX IV Laboratory in Lund.

Joakim Tuvesson, Vice President Materials & Package at Tetra Pak commented: “By expanding our facilities and strengthening strategic partnerships, we aim to make our innovative paper-based barrier accessible to more customers, accelerating their transition to sustainable packaging materials. We look forward to starting production and welcoming first customers to the new pilot plant in the first quarter of 2027.”

This investment forms part of Tetra Pak’s ongoing commitment to invest approximately €100 million annually through to 2030 in the development of sustainable packaging solutions. The world’s first aseptic beverage carton with a paper-based barrier was launched in 2023 with a Portuguese dairy producer, setting a new benchmark for sustainable packaging and winning Tetra Pak the Resource Efficiency award at the Sustainable Packaging News Awards 2024.

¹Compared to the same reference package. Source: Carbon Trust-verified Tetra Pak ‘Carton CO2 Calculator’ model version 11 (valid from 2025-01-01). Scope: cradle-to-grave measurement of a Tetra Brik® Aseptic 200 Slim Leaf carton with plant-based polymers in coating and paper-based barrier compared to a standard Tetra Brik® Aseptic 200 Slim Leaf package with fossil-based polymers in coating and aluminium foil layer. Geography: EU Industry data.

²This means creating cartons that are fully made of renewable or recycled materials, that are responsibly sourced, thereby helping to protect and restore our planet’s climate, resources and biodiversity; contributing towards low carbon production and distribution; are convenient and safe, therefore helping to enable a resilient food system; and are fully recyclable.

END

ABOUT TETRA PAK

We’re here to make food safe and available. It’s why we provide advanced food production systems. In collaboration with our customers and suppliers, driven by more than 24,000 dedicated employees worldwide, we protect food sustainably every day for hundreds of millions of people in more than 160 countries. Because we’re here to fulfil a purpose:

We commit to making food safe and available, everywhere, and we promise to protect what’s good: food, people and the planet.

More information about Tetra Pak is available at tetrapak.com.

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Nord Anglia Awards US$249,000 to Student-Led Community Initiatives Strengthened by Metacognitive Learning

Posted on January 26, 2026 by sHq_LoGiNz

Social impact projects in 21 schools across 11 countries focus on health, education equity, sustainability and inclusion.

LONDON, Jan. 26, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Leading international schools organisation Nord Anglia Education has awarded US$249,000 to 24 new student-led initiatives tackling real-world challenges and driving lasting, positive change within their local communities and schools as part of its Social Impact Grants programme.

This marks the sixth round of funding since the launch of Nord Anglia’s Social Impact Grants in 2021, which has awarded US$1 million to student-led projects around the world.

Combining Research, Reflection, and Metacognition to Drive Impact
More projects than ever were developed using scientific inquiry, data analysis, or research-based problem-solving, as students seek to understand root causes before creating their social impact projects.

Nord Anglia’s focus on metacognition, which helps students understand how they learn best, also strengthened this year’s projects. In practice, this means students pause to reflect on what motivates them, how they solve problems, and which skills they need to develop. They do this through the framework of six key skills: curiosity, compassion, commitment, collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking, which help students design more meaningful social impact projects and better evaluate the impact they are making in their communities.

Dr Leslie Williams, Nord Anglia’s Group Head of Social Impact and EDIB, said: “We’re enabling students to ground their ideas in academic research and use what they learn in class to design practical, evidence-based solutions. By helping students reflect on their strengths, their thinking, and the impact they want to make — in other words, teaching them to understand how they learn and why their choices matter — we’re equipping them to tackle complex global challenges, from technology-driven transformation to climate action and children’s rights.”

Highlights From This Year’s Social Impact Grant Recipients

Nord Anglia Schools in Vietnam – “Lovientus”
Lovientus is a collaborative project between students from three Nord Anglia schools in Vietnam. Together, they are developing a health education model to support mobility, nutrition, and well-being for disadvantaged communities across Vietnam.
- At the British Vietnamese International School Ho Chi Minh City, students are creating nutrition programmes designed to improve long–term health.
- Students from the British Vietnamese International School Hanoi are researching and developing low–cost, durable prosthetic limbs, focusing on suitability to rural northern communities.
- Students at the British International School Ho Chi Minh City are focusing on prototyping and refining prosthetic designs to improve comfort, usability, and affordability.

Over the next year, students will run workshops on accessibility and inclusion, balanced diets, and affordable cooking for young people. Their aim is to help reduce healthcare barriers, support culturally familiar nutrition, and improve access to prosthetics, while also creating opportunities for communities to connect and share experiences.

Country Day School in Costa Rica – “The Coral Restoration Initiative”
Students at Country Day School in Costa Rica are responding to coral bleaching through a student-led research and conservation initiative. Their work includes controlled experiments, cultivating and replanting resilient coral species, and raising awareness to protect marine ecosystems. By combining scientific inquiry with hands-on restoration, students are helping preserve biodiversity and strengthen ocean resilience.
Colegio Menor Quito in Ecuador – “Sanagua”
Students are addressing water inequality in Esmeraldas by installing sand biofilters that provide long-term access to clean water. Through fieldwork and community workshops, they help families understand how clean water supports health, hygiene, and overall well-being. The project blends practical engineering with education to ensure lasting impact.
NACIS Shanghai in China – “Black Soldier Fly Committee”
At NACIS Shanghai, students are transforming kitchen waste into nutrient–rich compost and sustainable protein. Using “black soldier fly” technology, aquaponics, and insect–based feed, the project aims to reduce landfill waste, support local agriculture, and promote eco–friendly farming practices. Alongside this scientific work, students are encouraging responsible consumption and climate–conscious habits. This project was also a finalist in the Know+ Climate Change Challenge led by Oxford University’s Saïd Business School.
Oakridge International School Bengaluru in India – “Project Hearthstone”
Students at Oakridge Bengaluru are championing disability inclusion through Project Hearthstone, an assistive–technology programme designed to support individuals who are hard of hearing or non–verbal. Using small, affordable Raspberry Pi computers, they are developing a system that converts American Sign Language hand movements and facial expressions into spoken audio.

Lord Jim Knight, Chair of Nord Anglia’s Social Impact Grants Committee and a member of its Education Advisory Board, said: “These initiatives show what students can achieve when they lead with purpose and creativity. From designing sustainable food systems to conducting scientific studies that support coral restoration, we’re proud of how students are amplifying their projects through research-informed classroom learning. The Social Impact Grants give young people the tools to innovate confidently and create sustainable, measurable change.”

Across these projects, Nord Anglia students are contributing to the UN Sustainable Development Goals through practical, community-focused action. Their work spans improving access to healthcare and well-being (SDG 3), reducing inequalities (SDG 10), supporting sustainable and resilient communities (SDG 11), advancing climate awareness and environmental action (SDG 13), and more. Taken together, this year’s grants demonstrate how to drive progress toward global goals through local impact.

FGS Global
NordAnglia@FGSGlobal.com
Emma Spencer
07800 509283

About Nord Anglia Education:
As a leading international schools organisation, we’re shaping a generation of creative and resilient global citizens who graduate from our schools with everything they need for success, whatever they choose to be or do in life.

Our strong academic foundations combine world-class teaching and curricula with cutting-edge technology and facilities, creating learning experiences like no other. Inside and outside of the classroom, we inspire our students to achieve more than they ever thought possible.

No two children learn the same way, which is why our schools around the world personalise learning to what works best for every student. Inspired by our high-quality teachers, our students achieve outstanding academic results and go on to study at the world’s top universities.

Our Nord Anglia global family includes 89 day and boarding schools in 37 countries, teaching over 100,000 students from ages 3 to 18.

To learn more or apply for a place for your child at one of our schools, go to www.nordangliaeducation.com.

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S&P Global Lists “Top 10 Sustainability Trends To Watch in 2026”

Posted on January 26, 2026 by sHq_LoGiNz

S&P Global, a worldwide leader in financial information and analytics, recently released a research report on the 10 key trends expected to have the greatest influence on sustainability strategy and decision-making in 2026. The report, our Top Story in this issue, was based on surveys of sustainability, climate and energy transition leaders from across S&P Global’s business, which includes S&P Global’s Corporate Sustainability Assessment (CSA), a leading corporate sustainability database covering over 3,500 companies.

Among the trends to watch in 2026: the increasingly fragmented approaches toward climate action being taken by the world’s largest economies and governments. According to S&P Global, “Governments will engage in an increasingly intense tug-of-war as immediate needs — such as energy security, affordability and availability — are weighed against the scientific reality of climate change and nature loss.”

This geopolitical upheaval is making it difficult for global companies to navigate changing regulations and standards for sustainability reporting. In addition, companies will need to invest in climate adaptation and resilience efforts as “there is rising acknowledgment that the world will fall short of the Paris Agreement’s goal of limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius.”

The Top 10 sustainability trends to watch in 2026 cover a broad range of topics:

Increasing geopolitical fragmentation on approaches to sustainability action as the world’s largest economies take divergent approaches to energy and climate.
More frequent and severe extreme weather events are driving increased focus on climate adaptation and resilience investments to address unavoidable climate impacts.
Energy expansion and sustainability will develop as intertwined imperatives shaping an increasingly fractured global energy transition.
Rapid expansion of AI-driven data centers will put pressure on energy supply, emissions and water availability, attracting increasing public attention.
Water and food systems will be increasingly visible in sustainability conversations with rising water scarcity risks from climate change and water-intensive data centers.
The spotlight is shifting away from sustainability risks, leaving supply chain vulnerabilities in the dark.
The continued decline in biodiversity and nature’s services can become a barrier for economic growth.
Companies and investors will navigate a significantly altered and uncertain landscape for standards, reporting and regulation amid a push to roll back sustainability rules.
Sustainable financing needs for economic development will intensify alongside competition for capital.
Aging populations worldwide will put increased pressure on labor markets, with relief unlikely to come from AI-driven productivity enhancements and migration.

The rapid adoption of AI is clearly having a major impact in several areas, with the opportunities to drive scientific advancement and productivity in the workforce being weighed against the enormous risks to energy supply and water availability from the exponential growth of the data center industry.

S&P Global’s report highlights the many challenges companies will face in 2026 to balance near-term priorities with long-term realities. “Businesses will seek to craft durable sustainability strategies that allow them to navigate the current political environment even as many of their projects and investments extend beyond election cycles.” The G&A team continues to track key trends and we are available to help companies develop and refine effective sustainability strategies and programs. Reach out to us at info@ga-institute.com.

This is just the introduction of G&A’s Sustainability Highlights newsletter this week. Click here to view the full issue

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From First Click to Final Confirmation: End-to-End Testing for Enterprise Applications

Posted on January 26, 2026 by sHq_LoGiNz

Imagine a customer placing an order online. They browse a website, add items to a cart, and complete the checkout process. It seems simple, right? But behind the scenes, countless systems must work together flawlessly: the order is recorded in an order management system; payment details flow through secure gateways, inventory updates in warehouses, and shipping is coordinated with logistics partners. One misstep in any of these steps, and the customer abandons the purchase.

This is the challenge facing modern enterprises. Traditional testing methods such as unit tests, integration tests, and UI checks focus on individual components, leaving gaps between layers. They answer the question, “Does this piece work?” but rarely, “Does it all work together?”

For QA engineers, testing these interconnected systems is complex. For managers, fragmented coverage creates blind spots. For executives, the cost of failure is steep: lost revenue, reputational damage, compliance risks, and dissatisfied customers.

This is where Keysight Eggplant changes the story.

Seeing the Whole Picture

Picture this: a team wants to validate a complex workflow, from a web interface to a mobile app, then through back-end databases, third-party integrations, and enterprise systems like ERP or PLM. Keysight Eggplant makes this seamless.

First, it visually maps the journey through AI-Driven Test Case Creation. Every user interaction, every system state is captured in a stable, visual model that remains reliable even as the application evolves—no fragile scripts that break with every update.

Next, Keysight Eggplant breathes life into the model with AI-Driven Test Generation. Positive and negative paths, edge cases, and every scenario in between are automatically created, freeing engineers from manually scripting each step while ensuring nothing is overlooked.

Then comes Platform-Agnostic Execution. Keysight Eggplant runs these tests across all layers of the enterprise ecosystem, from web, desktop, and mobile interfaces to APIs, databases, and external systems, reflecting the true complexity of modern enterprise applications.

Finally, Enterprise Orchestration ties it all together. Workflows spanning multiple systems and environments are coordinated automatically. PLM, ERP, MES, or COTS systems all move in harmony, ensuring the entire end-to-end process works as intended.

With Keysight Eggplant, testing is no longer about isolated checks. It’s about validating the journey from start to finish, ensuring that every step in your enterprise workflow delivers the right business outcome.

The Impact Across the Organization

For QA Engineers, Keysight Eggplant eliminates fragile scripts and repetitive manual tasks, allowing engineers to focus on meaningful testing while increasing coverage.

For Testing Managers, they gain full visibility into workflow health, with traceability linking business requirements to test outcomes. Automated regression cycles reduce last-minute fire drills and increase predictability.

For Executives, the organization achieves faster regression cycles and reduced defect leakage protects brand reputation, reduces operational risk, and accelerates time-to-market. Organizations report productivity improvements, cost reductions up to 70%, and regression cycle times cut by more than half.

A Real-World Success: Mauritius Commercial Bank

Mauritius Commercial Bank (MCB) faced major challenges with regression testing across its Temenos core banking system, mobile apps, and integrations. Manual testing consumed nearly 400 workdays per upgrade cycle.

After adopting Keysight Eggplant, MCB automated 70% of core banking regression testing, reducing the effort to just 120 workdays—a threefold efficiency gain. End-to-end validation across core banking, mobile apps, and desktop systems further reduced another upgrade cycle from 279 workdays to 42.

MCB’s mobile app, MCB Juice, now serves nearly 700,000 users, with overnight regression runs ensuring reliability with only four QA engineers. In total, Keysight Eggplant saved MCB 1,480 workdays in a single year, while reinforcing the bank’s position as a regional technology leader.

Turning QA Into a Strategic Advantage

End-to-end testing with Keysight Eggplant isn’t just about software quality—it’s about business resilience. Customers don’t care which system failed; they only care that their transaction is completed successfully.

By adopting Keysight Eggplant:

Enterprises innovate faster without fear of breaking existing workflows.
Partner integrations deploy smoothly, protecting the customer experience.
Compliance audits are simpler, aligning testing directly with workflows.

QA becomes a competitive differentiator, driving confidence, efficiency, and trust across the organization.

Experience End-to-End Testing in Action

The future of enterprise testing isn’t isolated scripts; it’s about seamless workflows, complete visibility, and confidence in every transaction. Share your critical workflow with Keysight Eggplant, and see how every step, from first click to final confirmation, can be tested faster, smarter, and more reliably than ever before.

Book a demo today and transform your testing into a strategic advantage.

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Lenovo Earns EcoVadis Platinum Medal, Ranking Again in the Top 1% of Companies Assessed Worldwide

Posted on January 26, 2026 by sHq_LoGiNz

January 26, 2026 /3BL/ – Lenovo announced that it has once again been awarded the prestigious Platinum Medal from EcoVadis, the world’s leading provider of business sustainability ratings. With an overall score of 86/100, Lenovo remains firmly positioned within the top 1% of all companies assessed globally, reinforcing its long‑standing leadership and continued progress in environmental, social, and ethical performance.

Lenovo achieved its strongest results in the Environment and Ethics categories, reflecting the company’s sustained investment in responsible business practices, robust environmental management, and high standards of corporate governance across its global operations and supply chain.

“We’re honored to receive Platinum recognition from EcoVadis for the second consecutive year,” said Dave Carroll, Senior Vice President, Chief Legal & Corporate Responsibility Officer, Lenovo. “This rating underscores our commitment to embedding sustainable practices across every part of our business and driving meaningful impact at scale.”

This recognition adds to Lenovo’s growing list of sustainability achievements. The company recently earned an AAA rating from MSCI ESG and was named a global leader in both climate and water stewardship by CDP, achieving double A status.

EcoVadis assessments evaluate the quality of a company’s sustainability management system at the time of review. Medals and badges are awarded to organizations that demonstrate strong performance across key sustainability criteria, including policies, actions, and measurable results. More information on the EcoVadis methodology is available on the EcoVadis website.

To learn more about Lenovo’s Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) strategy and performance, please refer to the company’s most recent ESG Report.

About Lenovo

Lenovo is a US$69 billion revenue global technology powerhouse, ranked #196 in the Fortune Global 500, and serving millions of customers every day in 180 markets. Focused on a bold vision to deliver Smarter Technology for All, Lenovo has built on its success as the world’s largest PC company with a full-stack portfolio of AI-enabled, AI-ready, and AI-optimized devices (PCs, workstations, smartphones, tablets), infrastructure (server, storage, edge, high performance computing and software defined infrastructure), software, solutions, and services. Lenovo’s continued investment in world-changing innovation is building a more equitable, trustworthy, and smarter future for everyone, everywhere. Lenovo is listed on the Hong Kong stock exchange under Lenovo Group Limited (HKSE: 992) (ADR: LNVGY). To find out more visit https://www.lenovo.com, and read about the latest news via our StoryHub.

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GM Streamlines Public Charging with Electrify America

Posted on January 26, 2026 by sHq_LoGiNz

The Electrify America network is now easily accessible for GM EV customers via the myChevrolet, myGMC, and myCadillac apps — further centralizing the charging experience. Drivers looking to charge at one of the 5,000+ DC-Fast chargers across the country can check charger availability, plan their routes, and pay for charging sessions utilizing their myBrand app

DETROIT, Jan. 26, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — GM is streamlining public charging because convenient access is at the heart of a great EV ownership experience. Now, you can find, charge, and pay at more than 5,000 Electrify America fast-charging stations, including Hyper-Fast 350-kW chargers, right from the myChevrolet, myGMC, or myCadillac app already on your phone.

With Electrify America built in, customers get a unified charging experience that eliminates the hassle of multiple apps and puts everything they need in one place. Owners can navigate to the Public Charging page in their myBrand app and look for supported networks, enabling fast and convenient charging while traveling throughout the U.S.

“We’re collaborating across the industry to deliver not just more chargers, but better public charging experiences,” said Wade Sheffer, vice president, GM Energy. “Our work with Electrify America helps make public charging easier to access for GM EV drivers.”

The integration supports GM’s broader goal of connecting drivers to an expanding ecosystem of public charging infrastructure. Across the U.S. and Canada, GM drivers can access more than 250,000 public charging stations.

“As EV travel continues to grow, so does the need for convenient charging experiences,” said Robert Barrosa, CEO and president of Electrify America. “Through this integration, GM EV drivers have more Hyper-Fast chargers to choose from and a seamless experience they can count on nationwide, helping them get to the places that matter.”

Through the myBrand apps, GM EV drivers can:

Find charging stations nearby with real-time availability
Plan routes and identify charging stops along the way
Monitor charging session status
Pay for charging sessions directly in the app

As GM continues to scale its EV portfolio and charging ecosystem, GM Energy remains focused on collaboration and innovation to support the evolving needs of EV drivers.

General Motors (NYSE:GM) is driving the future of transportation, leveraging advanced technology to build safer, smarter, and lower emission cars, trucks, and SUVs. GM’s Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, and GMC brands offer a broad portfolio of innovative gasoline-powered vehicles and the industry’s widest range of EVs, as we move to an all-electric future. Learn more at GM.com.

About Electrify America

Electrify America LLC, the largest open Hyper-Fast charging network in the U.S., is investing more than $2 billion in Zero-Emission Vehicle (ZEV) infrastructure and access. The investment enables millions of Americans to charge with confidence and discover the benefits of electric driving on our coast–to–coast network of highway and community chargers.

Electrify America’s Hyper-Fast network currently operates in 47 states and the District of Columbia, supporting increasing ZEV adoption with a network that is convenient, technologically advanced, and built for customers.

Electrify Commercial® provides expert solutions for businesses looking to develop electric vehicle charging programs.

For more information, visit www.electrifyamerica.com and media.electrifyamerica.com.

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SOURCE Electrify America, LLC

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Hydro Flask® Partners with Ocean Conservancy®, Joining Protect Where We Play℠ Movement

Posted on January 26, 2026 by sHq_LoGiNz

Multi-year partnership combats single-use plastic pollution and unites communities in the fight for a cleaner planet

BEND, Ore., Jan. 26, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Hydro Flask, the award-winning leader in high-performance, insulated stainless steel flasks and soft good innovations and a Helen of Troy Limited (NASDAQ: HELE) company, is forging a new multi-year partnership with Ocean Conservancy, serving as the Team Ocean Platinum Champion for the conservation organization’s Protect Where We Play initiative. Together, the brands will co-create programming that unites the sports and entertainment industry in mobilizing fans to take action to protect the ocean as our greatest natural resource.

Addressing the Global Ocean Plastic Crisis
Ocean Conservancy estimates that close to 200 million metrics tons of plastic are circulating in our ocean, with an estimated additional 11 million metrics tons added each year—equivalent to more than a garbage truck of plastic entering the ocean each minute.¹

“The ocean is our planet’s life-support system. Every other breath taken by an athlete on the field, a singer on the stage, or a fan in the stands comes from the ocean,” said Jenna DiPaolo Colley, chief brand and communications officer at Ocean Conservancy. “Protect Where We Play is on a mission to leverage athletes, artists, teams, events and venues to mobilize millions of fans worldwide in protecting this vital resource, and that includes curbing single-use plastics.”

Helen of Troy Home & Outdoor Division President Larry Witt adds, “At Hydro Flask, we hold a foundational value to protect the waters and lands where we recreate. Our new relationship with Ocean Conservancy’s Protect Where We Play initiative builds upon our history of community-focused giving and single-use plastic reduction programs, allowing us to have greater global impact in encouraging public action to replace plastic products and preserve our planet for future generations.”

Hydro Flask & Protect Where We Play Partnership
Through the multi-year Protect Where We Play partnership, Hydro Flask and Ocean Conservancy will co-create activations focused on reducing or removing single-use plastics at stadiums and venues to help safeguard marine ecosystems:

Protect Where We Play Community Events: From stages to stadiums, these interactive programs will engage athletes, artists and fans to collectively take action in reducing and eliminating plastic waste.
Education and Awareness Campaigns: Expansive digital and on-the-ground outreach efforts will share practical ways fans can reduce single-use plastics, inspiring lasting change.
National Beach and River Cleanups: Organized in collaboration with Ocean Conservancy’s International Coastal Cleanup® program, these volunteer-driven events will remove trash and debris from coastlines and waterways, collecting valuable data to inform future solutions.
Impact Measurement: Hydro Flask will tap into Ocean Conservancy’s Clean Swell App and related tools to measure impacts around plastic reduction at activations.

In this first year of partnership, Hydro Flask will activate around two premier sports events to engage fans at scale. Protect Where We Play will support EcoAthletes Collegiate Cup, engaging college athletes and campuses nationwide. Hydro Flask is proud to present Protect Where We Play’s spotlights of EcoAthlete Champions monthly for the year. Momentum will continue in June and July around the FIFA World Cup, as the two brands meet in Miami to host on-site fan activations underscoring the connection between global sport, plastic reduction and ocean health.

Learn more about the Protect Where We Play movement at protectwhereweplay.com, and for additional information about Hydro Flask’s comprehensive corporate responsibility initiatives visit hydroflask.com/brand-values.

About Hydro Flask
Hydro Flask, a division of Helen of Troy Limited, was founded in 2009 with the goal of delivering high-performance insulated products to help people enjoy the things they like to do in the places they like to be. The company is the leader in award-winning double-wall insulated bottles, tumblers, mugs and leakproof caps and lids. Its lightweight, insulated soft coolers combine affordable durability with best-in-class insulation technology. Guided by its rally cry, Refill for Good, Hydro Flask is dedicated to eliminating single-use plastics. To learn more about Hydro Flask, Refill For Good, and to see the company’s full lineup of award-winning products, visit www.hydroflask.com.

About Helen of Troy
Helen of Troy (NASDAQ: HELE) is a leading global consumer products company offering creative solutions for its customers through a diversified portfolio of well-recognized and widely trusted brands, including OXO, Hydro Flask, Osprey, Vicks, Braun, Honeywell, PUR, Hot Tools and Drybar. The company sometimes refers to these brands as their Leadership Brands. All trademarks herein belong to Helen of Troy (or its subsidiaries) and/or are used under license from their respective licensors. For more information about Helen of Troy, please visit www.helenoftroy.com.

About Ocean Conservancy
For more than 50 years, Ocean Conservancy has delivered effective, evidence-based solutions for the ocean and all who depend on it. Today, we continue to unite science, people and policy to protect our ocean from the greatest challenges it faces: climate change, plastic pollution and biodiversity loss. We are a 501(C)3 headquartered in Washington, D.C. that inspires a worldwide network of partners, advocates and supporters through our comprehensive and clear-eyed approach to ocean conservation. Together, we are securing a healthy ocean and a thriving planet, forever and for everyone. For more information, visit oceanconservancy.org, or follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Bluesky or Instagram. 

About Protect Where We Play
Protect Where We Play (PWWP) is an Ocean Conservancy initiative uniting sports and entertainment industries to protect the ocean by leveraging athletes, artists, teams, events and venues to mobilize millions of fans worldwide. Together, we combat climate change and preserve the future of sports, entertainment and all the places we play and find joy. www.protectwhereweplay.com #protectwhereweplay

¹ Plastics Policy 101: An Introduction to Science-Based Solutions to the Plastic Pollution Crisis (February 2026).

Media Contact:
TURNER PR
hydroflask@turnerpr.com

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SOURCE Hydro Flask

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TCC Foundation Receives $400,000 KeyBank Grant to Expand Career Support for Students

Posted on January 26, 2026 by sHq_LoGiNz

Tacoma Community College (TCC) is expanding its efforts to guide students into careers and four‑year institutions thanks to a new $400,000 grant from the KeyBank Foundation. The college announced the award on Jan. 20, describing it as the largest grant KeyBank has given to any community or technical college in the South Puget Sound region.

The funding will establish a new “Career Navigator” position—formally titled the Degree Transfer Agreement (DTA) Navigator—who will work directly with students pursuing an associate degree. The role is designed to help learners either transition smoothly to a university or enter the workforce immediately after completing their program at TCC.

The new navigator will join TCC’s Career Center as part of its Career Navigator Initiative, which blends career‑connected learning, internship coordination, entrepreneurship coaching and individualized advising. While the position will serve all students, the college says it will place a special emphasis on supporting first‑generation and low‑income students, two groups that often have limited access to personalized academic and career guidance.

College leaders say the approach has already proved effective.

“Students have told us how critically important and meaningful it has been to receive this kind of one‑on‑one advising,” said TCC President Dr. Ivan L. Harrell. “There are so many opportunities here at TCC, and this new navigator position will get students the support they need with career and transfer opportunities. Receiving this generous grant is a recognition of the importance of this commitment to our students, and we deeply appreciate KeyBank for believing in our work and in our community.”

KeyBank leaders say the investment reflects the bank’s mission to expand access to opportunity.

“At KeyBank, our mission is to help our communities thrive, and that means removing barriers,” said Brian Marlow, KeyBank’s Washington State Market President. “Given the changes in the modern workplace and job market, even highly motivated students can struggle to secure well‑paying jobs without a helping hand.”

I.V. Reeves, KeyBank’s Regional Corporate Responsibility Officer, emphasized the importance of leveling the playing field.

“This position will help ensure that all students graduate with the skills, confidence and adaptability needed to navigate lifelong learning and work,” Reeves said.

Emily Mendez‑Bryant, Executive Director of the TCC Foundation, helped lead the grant effort. She said the partnership with KeyBank is an example of how strategic investment can create lasting change.

“This is the kind of partnership that transforms lives, systems and communities,” she said. “With this investment, we can continue to support students quickly and compassionately, whether it’s connecting them with career and academic resources or helping them respond to personal life needs. We are all about student success here at TCC, and we thank KeyBank for their long-standing partnership with us and for being part of our story.”

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The TurfMutt Foundation Encourages Homeowners to Use Winter Days to Plan for A Beautiful, Purposeful Spring Yard

Posted on January 26, 2026 by sHq_LoGiNz

LOUISVILLE, Ky., Jan. 26, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The TurfMutt Foundation – which advocates for the care and use of backyards, public parks, school yards and other green spaces – says winter is no time to hibernate when it comes to your yard. The Foundation encourages homeowners to use chilly days to plan, prioritize and prepare so they can hit the ground running when the weather breaks.

“Even though you can’t get out and dig and plant in the wintertime, it’s the perfect season for dreaming and scheming your spring yard refresh,” says Kris Kiser, President & CEO of the TurfMutt Foundation. “Whether you’re planning a simple landscape update or a complete outdoor living overhaul, starting now puts you ahead of the spring rush.”

TurfMutt offers four suggestions for using winter days to get ready for warmer backyard activities:

Create a Comprehensive Vision: Viewing your yard as a critical outdoor space, visualize how your family will use it. Do you need zones for pets and play? A quiet, shady area for relaxation? Or a dedicated spot for outdoor dining or working? A clear vision ensures your improvements are intentional and beneficial to your family’s lifestyle.
Budget & Lock in Experts: Major landscaping improvements – like patios, pergolas, or firepits – require advance preparation so complete your designs and budget now. If you plan to hire a professional, such as a landscape architect, certified arborist, or contractor, secure competitive bids immediately. Top professionals book their seasons early and securing your team this winter avoids frustrating delays.
Research Plants for Your Microclimate: Familiarize yourself with the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map to decide which trees, shrubs and perennials are suitable for your area. Research plants that will provide year-round visual impact and pollinator support. Then create a specific wish list to prevent impulse purchases in the spring that might not be right for your climate or long-term landscape strategy.
Service & Purchase Equipment and Tools: Get existing outdoor power equipment (mower, trimmer, leaf blower, etc.) serviced and tuned up now. If you need new equipment—perhaps a bigger mower for a new property or string trimmers, pole pruners and other equipment to make jobs easier—research and make purchases this winter. This foresight ensures you’re ready to roll when the weather turns warm.

For more tips and to learn about the many benefits of the green space around us, visit TurfMutt.com.

Photos to accompany this release can be found here: https://bit.ly/475cI9r.

Media contact:
Debbi Mayster, Four Leaf PR on behalf of the TurfMutt Foundation
240-988-6243, debbi@fourleafpr.com

About the TurfMutt Foundation
TurfMutt, which celebrated its 15^th anniversary in 2024, was created by the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute’s (OPEI) TurfMutt Foundation and has reached more than 70 million children, educators and families since 2009. The Foundation is title sponsor of “Lucky Dog,” the Emmy Award-winning CBS broadcast television show in support of dog rescue and rehabilitation. Both TurfMutt spokesdogs have been rescue dogs, and Mutt Mulligan is a cast character on the show, where her “Mulligan Minute” segments teach viewers about the benefits of green space. In 2024, the Great Lawn at Louisville’s award-winning Waterfront Park on the Ohio River was renamed the TurfMutt Foundation Great Lawn as part of a $1 million sponsorship. Championed by Mulligan the TurfMutt, and through education partners such as Scholastic, Discovery, Weekly Reader, and the USBGC Global Learning Lab, TurfMutt has taught students and teachers how to “save the planet, one yard at a time.” TurfMutt has been an education resource at the U.S. Department of Education’s Green Ribbon Schools, the U.S. Department of Energy, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Green Apple, the Center for Green Schools, the Outdoors Alliance for Kids, the National Energy Education Development (NEED) project, Climate Change Live, Petfinder and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. In 2017, the TurfMutt animated video series won the coveted Cynopsis Kids Imagination Award for Best Interstitial Series. More information at www.TurfMutt.com.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/the-turfmutt-foundation-encourages-homeowners-to-use-winter-days-to-plan-for-a-beautiful-purposeful-spring-yard-302668641.html

SOURCE TurfMutt Foundation

Posted in UncategorizedTagged PR Newswire

The TurfMutt Foundation Encourages Homeowners to Use Winter Days to Plan for A Beautiful, Purposeful Spring Yard

Posted on January 26, 2026 by sHq_LoGiNz

TurfMutt offers four suggestions for using winter days to get ready for warmer backyard activities:

Create a Comprehensive Vision: Viewing your yard as a critical outdoor space, visualize how your family will use it. Do you need zones for pets and play? A quiet, shady area for relaxation? Or a dedicated spot for outdoor dining or working? A clear vision ensures your improvements are intentional and beneficial to your family’s lifestyle.
Budget & Lock in Experts: Major landscaping improvements – like patios, pergolas, or firepits – require advance preparation so complete your designs and budget now. If you plan to hire a professional, such as a landscape architect, certified arborist, or contractor, secure competitive bids immediately. Top professionals book their seasons early and securing your team this winter avoids frustrating delays.
Research Plants for Your Microclimate: Familiarize yourself with the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map to decide which trees, shrubs and perennials are suitable for your area. Research plants that will provide year-round visual impact and pollinator support. Then create a specific wish list to prevent impulse purchases in the spring that might not be right for your climate or long-term landscape strategy.
Service & Purchase Equipment and Tools: Get existing outdoor power equipment (mower, trimmer, leaf blower, etc.) serviced and tuned up now. If you need new equipment—perhaps a bigger mower for a new property or string trimmers, pole pruners and other equipment to make jobs easier—research and make purchases this winter. This foresight ensures you’re ready to roll when the weather turns warm.

For more tips and to learn about the many benefits of the green space around us, visit TurfMutt.com.

Photos to accompany this release can be found here: https://bit.ly/475cI9r.

Media contact:
Debbi Mayster, Four Leaf PR on behalf of the TurfMutt Foundation
240-988-6243, debbi@fourleafpr.com

SOURCE TurfMutt Foundation

Posted in UncategorizedTagged PR Newswire