Originally published on Forbes

Fintech, big data, AI, and blockchain are tools for transparency and inclusion, with great outcomes already in play:

  • AI and satellite data that can verify emissions and deforestation claims in real time.
  • Digital platforms that can extend credit and insurance to unbanked populations.
  • Blockchain that can track supply-chain provenance and carbon credits with integrity.

At SAP, we see the same opportunity in enterprise transformation. Data-driven insights, interoperable reporting, and transparent value chains can turn sustainability intent into measurable impact. Solutions like SAP Sustainability Control Tower and SAP Green Ledger help finance leaders connect sustainability metrics to financial outcomes, enabling decision-making that’s both accountable and regenerative.

Click here to read more on Forbes

CAMDEN, N.J., November 12, 2025 /3BL/ – Subaru of America, Inc., and its partner, POWDR, today announced that Subaru WinterFest will return to five mountain destinations across the U.S. this winter. The automaker’s annual mountain resort tour embraces the winter playground mentality for music fans, skiers, snowboarders, and dog lovers alike. With free music performances from both established and up-and-coming bands, exciting outdoor activities, gear demonstrations from respected partners, and charitable initiatives that give back to non-profits, WinterFest appeals to a variety of attendees.

Headlining artists this year will include an impressive mix of musical acts playing Americana, bluegrass, blues, folk, and rock and roll. With Shakey Graves, The 502s, The Last Revel, Susto Stringband, Horseshoes & Hand Grenades, Artikal Sound System, and more set to perform free concerts along with incredible supporting acts, the mountain vibes will be hard to beat.

Alan Bethke, Senior Vice President, Marketing at Subaru of America, Inc.: “This year’s WinterFest lineup is sure to offer exciting experiences at some of the best mountain locations in North America. Whether you’re already part of the Subaru family or just want to enjoy the hospitality and see what it’s all about, WinterFest is a perfect opportunity to see the Subaru Love Promise® come to life.”

Continuing its commitment to being More Than a Car Company®, WinterFest attendees who complete a lead form will be able to choose a non-profit charity partner, including Operation Warm®, SheJumps, and Wasatch Backcountry Rescue, for Subaru to make a $5 donation on their behalf, up to $10,000 per charity over the course of the tour. In addition, Subaru and POWDR have a joint community investment fund aligned with the values of the Subaru Love Promise and POWDR’s Play Forever commitment to support important community and environmental initiatives.

Meghan Matschke, Vice President of Partnerships at POWDR: “When Subaru joins us for WinterFest, we know guests are in for something special. From incredible music to hands-on brand activations and real community impact, this experience stands apart. We welcome everyone to connect, celebrate, and share with us in our favorite places.”

This year’s tour will include the automaker’s adventure-ready 2026 Outback Wilderness, the 2025 Forester Hybrid, and the 2026 Solterra. Subaru brand specialists will accompany a newly updated tiny home trailer that provides information on EV, Hybrid, and Wilderness category offerings, and will be available to highlight features such as Harmon Kardon sound systems and more.

Guests will have access to a variety of WinterFest activities. Returning this year, the Americana-inspired Harman Kardon Warming Hut will provide WinterFest attendees with an opportunity to demo the audio equipment maker’s latest portable Bluetooth products in a cozy and warm environment. Attendees can also check out the newest gear from acclaimed brands such as Thule, 100%, Nordica, Never Summer, Mammut, Luno, and Springbar, in addition to Wilderdog for their furry companions. Leave No Trace will also have experts available to inform people of ways to conserve the outdoors. Attendees can get an energy boost in the morning at the Wilderness Cafe with complimentary coffee from Alpine Start, craft hot cocoa served in a YETI mug, and certified organic energy bars from JAMBAR. There will also be Solo Stove’s smokeless fire pits at every stop for guests to warm up and roast marshmallows for s’mores in the afternoon, along with daily prize giveaways from the Subaru WinterFest partners.

As a special treat for some lucky Subaru owners, some Subaru Winterfest events will feature exclusive ‘on-mountain’ experiences, intimate music sessions, VIP parking privileges, and exclusive gifts (subject to availability).

The full schedule for Subaru WinterFest 2026 can be found below:

Weekend Resort Headline Artist
January 30 – February 1 Killington Resort, VT* Horseshoes & Hand Grenades
February 20 – 22 Copper Mountain Resort, CO The 502s
March 6 – 8 Eldora Mountain Resort, CO The Last Revel
March 20 – 22 Snowbird, UT Artikal Sound System
March 27 – 29 Mt. Bachelor, OR Shakey Graves

*Killington is not a POWDR-owned or operated resort. 

For more information on Subaru WinterFest locations, please visit www.subaruwinterfest.com and follow #SubaruWinterFest on social media.

About Subaru of America, Inc.

Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) is an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Subaru Corporation of Japan. Headquartered in Camden, N.J., the company markets and distributes Subaru vehicles, parts, and accessories through a network of about 640 retailers across the United States. All Subaru products are manufactured in zero-landfill plants, including Subaru of Indiana Automotive, Inc., the only U.S. automobile manufacturing plant designated a backyard wildlife habitat by the National Wildlife Federation. SOA is guided by the Subaru Love Promise, which is the company’s vision to show love and respect to everyone and to support its communities and customers nationwide. Over the past 20 years, SOA and the SOA Foundation have donated more than $340 million to causes the Subaru family cares about, and its employees have logged over 115,000 volunteer hours. Subaru is dedicated to being More Than a Car Company® and to making the world a better place. For additional information, visit media.subaru.com. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, and YouTube.

About POWDR

POWDR is an adventure lifestyle company that inspires every human being with cool experiences in awesome places. POWDR’s awesome places include Copper Mountain and Eldora Mountain Resort in Colorado; Boreal Mountain Resort and Soda Springs in the Lake Tahoe region of California; Mt. Bachelor in Oregon; Snowbird in Utah; and SilverStar Mountain Resort in British Columbia, Canada. The company also fuels adventure through a collection of experiences from the mountains to the valleys including Sun Country Tours river rafting outfitter based in Oregon, Powderbird heli-adventure operator based out of Snowbird in Utah, Stovepipe lodging and concessions based in Death Valley National Park, and Zion Lodge in Zion National Park. POWDR’s Woodward brand empowers and inspires the next generation of action sports enthusiasts through summer camps, mountain experiences, and mountain centers, incorporating dynamic programming and innovative environments at Woodward Park City in Utah, Woodward PA in Pennsylvania, Woodward Copper in Colorado, and Woodward Tahoe in California.

POWDR is headquartered in Park City, UT. For more information, please visit: www.POWDR.com.

###

Diane Anton
Corporate Communications Manager
(856) 488-5093
danton@subaru.com

Adam Leiter
Corporate Communications Specialist
(856) 488-8668
aleiter@subaru.com

MEMPHIS, Tenn., November 12, 2025 /3BL/ – Last month, FedEx (NYSE: FDX) continued its sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) procurement momentum, beginning to take delivery of blended SAF at two additional U.S. airports for the first time: Chicago-O’Hare Airport and Miami International Airport. The start of these fuel deliveries in October marked the company’s second and third deployments of blended SAF at a major U.S. airport in six months. In May, FedEx announced its first major U.S. SAF deployment at Los Angeles International Airport.

“Each executed agreement signals to fuel producers that airlines are willing and eager collaborators to help to scale the SAF market,” said Karen Blanks Ellis, chief sustainability officer and vice president of Environmental Affairs, FedEx. “The aviation industry still faces a mismatch between available SAF supply and carrier demand, but we are encouraged by the early signs of increased SAF production globally this calendar year.”

Chicago-O’Hare International Airport

At O’Hare, FedEx will receive a blend to include a total of one million gallons of neat SAF at a minimum 30% blend from Air bp. With its first fuel delivery in October, FedEx became the first U.S. all-cargo airline to purchase and deploy SAF at Chicago-O’Hare International Airport.*

“Existing fuel infrastructure and enabling policy conditions at the state level made sourcing SAF at O’Hare a logical next step in our alternative fuel procurement strategy,” Blanks Ellis added.

Miami International Airport

At Miami International Airport, FedEx has started to take delivery of around three million gallons of blended SAF at a 30% blend minimum from AEG.

“With FedEx flights from Miami heading all over Latin America and the Caribbean every day, we are proud to see our Miami hub leading the way in sustainable fuel adoption,” said Luiz R. Vasconcelos, president, FedEx Latin America and the Caribbean. “This milestone reinforces our commitment and demonstrates to our customers that sustainability is not just a corporate goal—it is a regional priority. From SAF deployment in Miami to the rollout of electric delivery vehicles in countries like Mexico, Colombia, Chile, and Brazil, we’re embedding sustainable innovation across our operations and actively contributing to the corporation’s global sustainability strategy.”

SAF: Part of a holistic aviation sustainability strategy

Under current fuel standards, neat—or unblended—SAF is mixed with traditional jet fuel before use in an engine. Blended SAF is a “drop in” fuel, meaning airlines do not need to make changes to existing aircraft engines or fueling infrastructure to use it. By 2030, FedEx aims to obtain 30% of its fuel supply from alternative sources, on a blended basis.

Deploying SAF is just one component of a broader FedEx aviation sustainability and fuel efficiency strategy. Though the emissions profiles of SAF and traditional jet fuel are similar when burned, the production of sustainable aviation fuel can result in up to 80% fewer lifecycle emissions compared with the extraction of conventional fuels.^ However, this technological reality means that reducing overall fuel consumption and increasing operational efficiency must go hand-in-hand with alternative fuel uptake in order to reach emissions goals as an industry.

Aircraft modernization and other fuel savings initiatives enabled FedEx to avoid the use of 140 million gallons of jet fuel in FY 2024, resulting in $400 million in savings for the company. In FY 2024, FedEx achieved its previous goal of a 30% reduction in aircraft emissions intensity from a 2005 baseline. Upping its ambition, FedEx has since expanded that goal to target a 40% reduction in aircraft emissions intensity by 2034.

Learn more about the FedEx sustainability strategy and the company’s goal of carbon neutral global operations by 2040 here: https://www.fedex.com/en-us/sustainability/our-approach.html

*Based on publicly available information
^When used in neat form (i.e., unblended) and calculated with established life cycle assessment (LCA) methodologies, such as CORSIA methodology

About FedEx
FedEx Corp. (NYSE: FDX) provides customers and businesses worldwide with a broad portfolio of transportation, e-commerce, and business services. With annual revenue of $89 billion, the company offers integrated business solutions utilizing its flexible, efficient, and intelligent global network. Consistently ranked among the world’s most admired and trusted employers, FedEx inspires its more than 500,000 employees to remain focused on safety, the highest ethical and professional standards, and the needs of their customers and communities. FedEx is committed to connecting people and possibilities around the world responsibly and resourcefully, with a goal to achieve carbon-neutral operations by 2040. To learn more, please visit fedex.com/about.

Certain statements in this press release may be considered forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act, such as statements regarding business strategies and management’s views with respect to future events, and the assumptions underlying such expected statements. Forward-looking statements include those preceded by, followed by or that include the words “will,” “may,” “could,” “would,” “should,” “believes,” “expects,” “forecasts,” “anticipates,” “plans,” “estimates,” “targets,” “projects,” “intends” or similar expressions. Such forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors which could cause actual results to differ materially from historical experience or from future results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Potential risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, our ability to achieve or demonstrate progress on our goal of carbon-neutral operations by 2040 and other factors which can be found in FedEx Corp.’s and its subsidiaries’ press releases and FedEx Corp.’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it is made. We do not undertake or assume any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

Click here to learn about FedEx Cares, our global community engagement program.

Innovative collaboration combines P2’s proprietary green chemistry PIOz™ process with Algenesis’ Bio-Iso™ innovation

WOODBRIDGE, Conn. and SAN DIEGO, Nov. 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — P2 Science, Inc., a pioneer in green chemistry and sustainable materials, and Algenesis Corporation, a leader in bio-based and biodegradable polyurethanes, today announced a strategic collaboration to create and commercialize the raw materials to produce 100% biobased polyurethane materials. The partnership leverages P2’s proprietary PIOz™ process, which converts oils derived from algae feedstocks into advanced chemical intermediates, and Algenesis’ recently commissioned Bio-Iso™ pilot plant and cutting-edge biobased polyurethane platforms.

Together, the companies are scaling a new chemical and polymer supply chain for the production of 100% bio-polyurethanes that are biodegradable and deliver high performance without reliance on petrochemical content or toxic phosgene — expanding the availability of sustainable solutions for applications in footwear, apparel, coatings, adhesives, and consumer products. P2 is synthesizing algae-based azelaic acid at its Naugatuck, Connecticut manufacturing site to supply Algenesis with a key chemical for the production of polymers and isocyanates.

“This collaboration accelerates our shared vision: to eliminate petroleum-based carbon from everyday materials,” said Oihana Elizalde, CEO of P2 Science. “By leveraging our process intensified ozonolysis platform to unlock plant-based intermediates, together with Algenesis’ remarkable polyurethane technology, we can bring brand owners a measurable sustainability advantage without performance compromise.”

The partnership supports the global transition to eliminate microplastics from commerce and the environment and complements both companies’ commercialization efforts with leading consumer brands across multiple product categories.

“Our mission is to replace traditional plastics with plant-based materials that safely degrade at the end of life,” said Steve Mayfield, CEO of Algenesis. “Working with P2 allows us to incorporate a new class of biobased intermediates into our formulations and continue delivering superior polyurethane performance, while ensuring a cleaner, healthier planet.”

Both companies are committed to scaling production of their respective materials, making plant-based chemicals and bio-polyurethanes broadly available to the market. 

About P2 Science

P2 Science is a green chemistry company, spun out of the Center for Green Chemistry and Green Engineering at Yale University, that designs and manufactures renewable specialty ingredients for the personal care, flavor & fragrance, and performance materials markets. Using the 12 Principles of Green Chemistry as its foundation, P2 develops proprietary chemical processes and products inspired by nature’s chemistry to deliver high performance with sustainability at scale.  www.p2science.com

Press Contact:
Kate Drummond
VP Marketing and Business Development
P2 Science
press@p2science.com

About Algenesis Labs

Algenesis leads the way in sustainable materials, using cutting-edge science to deliver durable, accessible, and biodegradable plant-based polymers that empower customers to reduce plastic pollution. Rooted in research from the University of California San Diego, the company’s Soleic® materials enable real-world circularity and sustainable design across industries.

Press Contact:
Sandra Watts
Director of Marketing
Algenesis Corporation
info@algenesislabs.com
www.algenesislabs.com

Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/p2-science-and-algenesis-partner-to-develop-algae-derived-chemicals-and-100-biobased-biodegradable-polyurethanes-302613071.html

SOURCE P2 Science

Lenovo teamed up with Nazarbayev Intellectual Schools (NIS) to launch a state-of-the-art EdTech classroom at NIS International Baccalaureate campus in Astana, Kazakhstan.

The initiative reflects Kazakhstan’s focus on accelerating the integration of AI and digital technologies into the education sector and is part of Lenovo’s long-standing commitment to local innovation and community empowerment.

A hub for future innovators

The new classroom is packed with the latest in Lenovo equipment: ThinkVision P24 monitors, ThinkPad L14 laptops, and ThinkCentre M70t workstations—recognized for both performance and great reliability. To boost collaboration and keep students engaged, the room also features an interactive panel with smart software tools designed to help teachers deliver dynamic, tech-driven lessons.

But this is more than a classroom: It’s a hub for tomorrow’s tech leaders, with students and teachers diving into cutting-edge subjects such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, data science, mobile app development, and both virtual and augmented reality. It’s a bold step toward building digital fluency and practical skills in the classroom and beyond.

At the opening ceremony, Anuar Zhangozin, Chairman of the NIS Board, highlighted the impact of this initiative.

“Our students’ achievements speak volumes. This year, they won two gold and one bronze medal at the International Olympiad in AI in Beijing, a silver medal at the Informatics Olympiad in Bolivia, and sixteen prize-winning places at national competitions in the same fields,” he said.

Zhangozin also shared how NIS is pushing boundaries with its own digital projects—from an online platform for fair exam grading to AR-powered textbooks and the AI-driven learning network Beyim.ai. These tools are helping reshape how students and teachers interact with technology every day.

When Lenovo’s global vision meets local impact

Lenovo has worked with schools and universities across Kazakhstan before, bringing its tech expertise into the classroom. By sharing its cutting-edge tools and devices with educators, the company is delivering on its mission to provide Smarter technology for all and create a more inclusive, trustworthy and sustainable digital society.

“Lenovo is proud to partner with Nazarbayev Intellectual Schools in their digital transformation,” said Gaziz Abdrassilov, Director of Corporate Sales for Lenovo in Kazakhstan, Georgia, Armenia, and Moldova. “Integrating advanced IT solutions into the educational process expands access to quality learning and creates new opportunities for students to develop both academic and practical skills. We value the trust placed in us to carry out such an important mission and continue to support innovation in education.”

About NIS

The Nazarbayev Intellectual Schools (NIS) are an autonomous educational organisation established in 2008. Today, it comprises 22 schools that serve as experimental platforms for the introduction of advanced educational practices. The learning process is based on proprietary standards designed to foster critical thinking, research, and leadership skills, while also promoting national values.

The NIS curricula are developed in alignment with University of Cambridge programmes, ensuring the integration of the best national and international educational practices.

Instruction is delivered in Kazakh, Russian, and English. NIS students and alumni consistently excel in international examinations, achieve success in academic competitions, and pursue studies at leading universities in Kazakhstan and abroad. The organisation’s activities have gained international recognition and exert a systemic influence through teacher training, the development of textbooks, and the cultivation of a professional talent pool within Kazakhstan’s education system.

November 12, 2025 /3BL/ – Governance & Accountability Institute, Inc. (G&A), a leading corporate sustainability consulting and research firm, today issued a new reference guide on “Strategic Approaches to Scope 3 Emissions.” Scope 3 emissions across the value chain are often the largest and most complex component of a company’s carbon footprint. The guide provides a concise overview of leading Scope 3 reduction strategies, including product design, supplier engagement, and emerging novel approaches.

“G&A recognizes that companies are facing increased pressure to reduce Scope 3 emissions to help address climate change,” said Louis Coppola, G&A’s Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder. “Whether your organization is beginning to map Scope 3 emissions or refining an existing reduction strategy, our guide provides valuable information to inform your decision-making.”

Since Scope 3 emissions occur across a company’s upstream and downstream value chain and mostly fall outside direct control, efforts to measure and manage these indirect emissions can be quite difficult. G&A’s new reference guide covers key topics including:

  • Data Collection and Disclosure
  • Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of Products/Services
  • Contractual Requirements with Suppliers
  • Third-Party Auditing
  • Use of Energy Attribute Certificates (EACs) for Scope 3 Upstream Categories
  • Modifications to Internal Operations

The full reference guide is available for download here, G&A is available to answer questions and help put these strategies into action by contacting us at info@ga-institute.com.

ABOUT G&A INSTITUTE, INC.

G&A Institute is a leading sustainability consulting and research firm headquartered in New York City. Founded in 2006, G&A helps corporate and investor clients recognize, understand, and develop winning strategies for sustainability and ESG issues to address stakeholder and shareholder concerns. G&A’s proprietary, comprehensive full-suite process for sustainability reporting is designed to help organizations achieve sustainability leadership in their industry and sector and maximize return on investment for sustainability initiatives.

Since 2011, G&A has been building and expanding a comprehensive database of corporate sustainability reporting data based on analysis of thousands of ESG and sustainability reports to help steer strategy for our clients and improve their disclosure and reporting. More information is available on our website at ga-institute.com.

CONTACT:
Louis D. Coppola, Chief Executive Officer & Co-Founder 
Governance & Accountability Institute, Inc. 
Tel 646.430.8230 ext. 14 
Email: lcoppola@ga-institute.com

Driving Efficiency in Refining: Transforming Process Flow from Chaos to Control

GREENVILLE, N.C., Nov. 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Metallix Refining, a Sibanye-Stillwater company, is pleased to announce that Claudio Ferrini, Chief Technology Officer, will be a guest speaker at the IPMI European Chapter Technical Meeting 2025, taking place 16–18 November 2025 at the Hotel Hilton Budapest, Hungary.

Ferrini, an accomplished technical chemist with more than four decades of experience in the precious metals refining sector, will deliver a presentation titled: “Process Optimization in Precious Metal Processing: From System Complexity to Operational Clarity.” The session, part of the conference’s “Driving Efficiency in Refining: Transforming Process Flow from Chaos to Control” theme, will explore practical, data-driven strategies for transforming laboratory operations and refining processes to enhance performance, precision, and reliability.

SUSTAINABLE SOLUTIONS NOW

Key topics will include:

  • Streamlining sample handling and laboratory workflows
  • Reducing turnaround times through smarter process design
  • Leveraging control charting and analytics for continuous quality improvement

In addition to his presentation, Ferrini will participate in a panel discussion with leading industry experts, sharing insights on advancing process efficiency and sustainability in precious metal refining laboratories across Europe and beyond.

Throughout his career, Ferrini has been at the forefront of innovation in platinum group metals (PGMs) recovery and refining—including platinum, palladium, rhodium, and iridium. His pioneering work in designing and engineering advanced laboratory systems, such as Metallix’s state-of-the-art Wet Chemistry Department, continues to redefine industry standards for precision, safety, and process optimization.

Ferrini’s presentation promises to provide attendees with actionable insights and proven methodologies for overcoming complex refining challenges—translating scientific rigor into tangible business success.

OPERATIONAL EXCELLENCE

At Metallix Refining, Ferrini leads initiatives that integrate technology, compliance, and operational excellence. His leadership and consultancy have helped industries that depend on precious metals improve process efficiency, achieve measurable ROI, and align with global sustainability objectives.

“Claudio’s expertise represents the core of what Metallix stands for—technical innovation, precision, and a commitment to sustainable excellence. We are proud to see him represent Metallix and share his knowledge with the international refining community at this important event.”

Maria Piastre

CEO Metallix Refining

Media Contact:

Alan Frail
alanf@metallix.com
www.metallix.com
+1 305-504-1007

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SOURCE Metallix Refining Inc.

Originally published on Guiding Stars Health & Nutrition News

by Kitty Broihier

Are you confused about all the “ultra-processed foods” discussions on the news and in your social media feed? You’re not alone. It’s hard to know what to think (and do) about these foods, partly because there is no uniform definition of what they are. Let’s take a look at some of the big questions about ultra-processed foods (UPFs), with two goals in mind. First, that you’ll be able to make an informed opinion about their role in your diet. And second, that you’ll learn how to easily identify them when grocery shopping.

Are You Eating Ultra-Processed Foods?

Chances are, you do eat ultra-processed foods. In fact, most of us consume plenty of them. Researchers at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health published a study in January 2025 which found that American adults get more than 50% of their calories from UPFs. For children and teens, that percentage rises to 67% of their calories. You might think this makes sense for meals eaten away from home, say at a fast-food restaurant or grabbed from a mini-mart while getting gas. But the figure holds for both meals consumed away from home and at home. So even our “home-cooked” meals include a substantial amount of UPFs.

What Makes a Food “Ultra-Processed”?

Food processing is not automatically bad or unhealthy. In fact, even home cooks “process” food before eating it—when they wash, peel, and chop carrots, for example. And food processing does have benefits, like helping to preserve food and keep it safe for eating. It may also enhance nutrient content, and even help reduce food waste. The Nova system is a method of classifying processed foods that’s often cited, but controversial. Developed by researchers in Brazil in 2009, Nova categorizes foods based on the extent and purpose of processing, as well as the addition of certain ingredients. It divides foods into four categories, ranging from unprocessed (category 1) to ultra-processed (category 4). A food is considered ultra-processed based on several factors, including whether it:

  • contains multiple processed ingredients added for taste or convenience (such as flavor enhancers, stabilizers, non-caloric sweeteners, bulking agents, etc.)
  • is made using industrial processing technologies

Unfortunately, the Nova system does not take into account nutritional quality. This means that the ultra-processed category contains some foods that are widely considered healthy, such as enriched, whole-grain breads and certain yogurts.

What’s the Link Between Consuming UPFs and Health?

With ultra-processed foods, the risk basically comes down to how much you’re eating and how often. A 2024 review published in the British Medical Journal evaluated 45 population-based studies of UPF exposure and adverse health outcomes. It concluded that the greater the exposure to UPFs, the higher the risk of cardiometabolic disease, especially type 2 diabetes. And lower-quality evidence suggests a link between UPFs and cardiovascular disease mortality, mental health disorders such as anxiety, and obesity. UPFs also connect to a variety of other health conditions, but the quality of the research varies widely—more needs to be done before making any conclusions. What’s more, finding an association isn’t the same as finding a cause.

Nevertheless, it’s not difficult to see how highly processed foods may be less healthy than less processed options. There’s the presence of lots of additives, for one. And the nutritional impacts of the processing itself (less fiber, more sugar, salt, and fat, for example). Chronic inflammation, a contributing factor to many of the top causes of disease and death in the US, also increases with these negative characteristics.

Which Foods Are UPFs?

It’s easy to think about UPFs as just “junk food,” but that’s not exactly a correct or thorough description. However, there is a fairly simple formula for maintaining an un-processed diet. Put an emphasis on whole foods, and select versions of foods that are as minimally processed as possible.

Typical UPFs include a wide range of processed foods, such as:

  • soft drinks
  • breakfast cereal
  • ice cream
  • frozen pizza
  • commercial baked goods
  • canned soup
  • microwavable meals
  • protein bars and drinks
  • candy

It’s important to realize that some UPFs do contribute more to the diet than just sugar, fat, or calories: vitamins, minerals, fiber, and protein, for example. Still, a single, accurate definition of UPFs would be helpful. It would especially benefit federal rule-making and the development of consumer health guidance about consuming these foods.

Recently, some states have defined UPFs for themselves. And the state of California is actively taking steps to remove them in places like school lunches. Thankfully, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) do realize the need for a uniform UPF definition, and they have been collecting comments and information that will assist in creating it. The Guiding Stars team has contributed to this effort, and we’re hopeful that our experience in helping consumers easily select nutritious foods will help inform the new definition.

How Does Guiding Stars Handle UPFs?

It’s the mission of Guiding Stars to help consumers make nutritious food choices by providing an easy-to-understand, evidence-based program that rates products based on their nutritional value. In short, we assess information from the Nutrition Facts panel and ingredient list, then calculate a score that summarizes the nutritional value of the food. Foods that provide more health benefits than detriments are assigned 1, 2, or 3 stars for good, better, or best nutrition. Those stars are easy to find on shelf tags, packaging, in-store signage, and online to aid shoppers in quick decision-making.

Our five algorithms do not include a specific debit for extent of processing. However, the Guiding Stars program does shift consumers towards more nutritious, whole foods because it uses a combination of nutrient density and ingredient-based scoring. Products receive a debit for the presence of ingredients that closely align with ultra-processed food items, such as trans fats, sugar alcohols, added sodium, and added sugar.

We also utilize an “Additives to Limit” list. This list only includes additives that provide no benefit to nutrition and are associated with undesirable health effects. (And we base these decisions on scientific consensus or recommendations from an established authoritative scientific body.) It includes a variety of ingredients such as chemical preservatives, synthetic non-nutritive sweeteners, and artificial colors and flavors, among others. The next time you shop, be mindful of selecting foods and beverages that earn Guiding Stars. It’s an easy way to fill your cart with nutritious foods that include fewer ultra-processed ingredients and additives.

About Guiding Stars

Guiding Stars is an objective, evidence-based, nutrition guidance program that evaluates foods and beverages to make nutritious choices simple. Products that meet transparent nutrition criteria earn a 1, 2, or 3 star rating for good, better, and best nutrition. Guiding Stars can be found in more than 2,000 grocery stores and through the Guiding Stars Food Finder app.

*Image by Freepik

St. PAUL, Minn., November 12, 2025 /3BL/ – Antea Group is excited to announce that it is opening access to its Global PFAS Regulatory Dashboard. This comprehensive digital resource provides real-time updates to worldwide per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS) regulations, helping organizations proactively manage their obligations and stay compliant.

Developed in collaboration with regional experts across the Inogen Alliance, a global network of more than 6,000 environmental, health, safety, and sustainability professionals, the dashboard offers localized insights and regulatory intelligence for organizations operating across multiple jurisdictions.

PFAS oversight continues to evolve rapidly worldwide, with new reporting rules, use restrictions, water quality criteria, and cleanup liabilities emerging across the United States, the European Union, and global markets. For businesses with multi-state or international footprints, these variations create significant compliance, operational, and reputational risks.

“Regulatory expectations around PFAS are changing faster than many organizations can track,” said Jason Lagowski, Senior Consultant and PFAS Service Line Lead at Antea Group. “What we are hearing from clients is the need for clarity. Clarity on what has changed, where requirements differ, and how to prioritize action. The Global PFAS Regulatory Dashboard is designed to provide that clarity, reducing guesswork and allowing organizations to make informed, proactive decisions.”

The dashboard offers:

  • Centralized, up-to-date PFAS regulatory data across the U.S., E.U., and global jurisdictions
  • Real-time monitoring of new and pending regulatory actions
  • Comparative insights for organizations navigating multi-region operations
  • Context from in-region experts via the Inogen Alliance for how regulations are interpreted and enforced locally

The dashboard also complements Antea Group’s PFAS Screening Tool, which helps organizations identify potential PFAS use by industry and product type.

By pairing regulatory intelligence with Antea Group’s broader PFAS advisory services, which include auditing, remediation, legal strategy support, and training, organizations can build robust PFAS management strategies, including compliance planning, supply chain screening, site investigations, remediation planning, and employee training.

Learn more and access the Global PFAS Regulatory Dashboard here.

About Antea Group  

Antea®Group is an environment, health, safety, and sustainability consulting firm. By combining strategic thinking with technical expertise, we do more than effectively solve client challenges; we deliver sustainable results for a better future. We work in partnership with and advise many of the world’s most sustainable companies to address ESG business challenges in a way that fits their pace and unique objectives. Our consultants equip organizations to better understand threats, capture opportunities, and find their position of strength. Lastly, we maintain a global perspective on ESG issues through not only our work with multinational clients, but also through our sister organizations in Europe, Asia, and Latin America and as a founding member of the Inogen Alliance. Learn more at us.anteagroup.com.

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FREDERICK, Md., Nov. 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Monument Metals, a nationally recognized precious metals dealer ranked on the Inc. 5000 list three years in a row, has announced the launch of a donation program benefiting Johns Hopkins Children’s Center. Customers shopping at MonumentMetals.com can now choose to round up their purchases to support the hospital, while Monument Metals itself will also contribute a portion of proceeds.

The program holds personal significance for Monument Metals Founder & CEO, Jonathan Swyers. At just 12 years old, Swyers was treated for a brain tumor at Johns Hopkins Children’s Center, where surgery performed by Dr. Ben Carson saved his life.

“That experience has never left me,” said Swyers. “I know firsthand the difference Johns Hopkins makes for kids and families. As Monument Metals has grown, I’ve wanted to find a way to give back to the place that gave me so much. This program lets us do that, and invites our customers to be part of it, too.”

Donations raised will directly support patient care, family assistance, and life-saving research at Johns Hopkins Children’s Center. Customers can add their support through a simple round-up feature at checkout, and Monument Metals will amplify those contributions with donations of its own.

“This isn’t just about Monument Metals giving back, it’s about bringing a sense of community to our national platform. With this program, we’re inviting our customers to join us in making a difference for kids and families who need it most,” added Swyers.

Founded in Frederick, Md., in 2014, Monument Metals has grown into one of the country’s leading precious metals dealers, known for competitive pricing, transparent service, and award-winning customer care. With more than 10,000 verified five-star reviews and an A+ BBB rating, the company has become a trusted resource for investors nationwide.

Customers can support the Johns Hopkins Children’s Center by shopping at MonumentMetals.com and choosing to round up their purchases at checkout.

About Monument Metals

Founded in 2014 and headquartered in Frederick, Md., Monument Metals is an e-commerce retailer specializing in gold, silver, platinum, and palladium bullion as well as rare coins. Known for competitive pricing, swift nationwide fulfillment, and award-winning customer service, Monument Metals holds an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau and has appeared on the Inc. 5000 list of America’s fastest-growing private companies. For more information, visit MonumentMetals.com.

Investing in precious metals involves risk and may not be suitable for all investors. Monument Metals does not provide investment, tax, or legal advice; individuals should consult their own advisors before making investment decisions.

Media Contact
Jade Tostanoski, Marketing Specialist – Monument Metals
331 Aviation Way, Ste 2, Frederick, Md 21701
Phone: 1-800-974-3121
404704@email4pr.com

Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/monument-metals-launches-johns-hopkins-childrens-center-donation-program-302611734.html

SOURCE Monument Metals

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