Tag: 3BL

Originally published in the SEE Impact Report 2022

CRYOVAC® Brand Recycle-Ready Barrier Display Films 

Food packaging designed for recycling 

To optimize varying recycling compatibilities throughout Europe, SEE developed CRYOVAC® brand recycle-ready barrier display films. Designed for recycling, these ultra-thin overwrap shrink films maintain product integrity and shelf life and offer a 90% plastic weight reduction compared to thick thermoforming materials. The ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH)-containing films (BDF20M and BDF21) demonstrate compatibility with low-density polyethylene (LDPE) streams.  These films have been internally tested for recyclability following various international protocols published by the Association of Plastics Recyclers, Plastic Recyclers Europe (RecyClass), or Institut cyclos-HTP GmbH.  The degree of recyclability of the final package depends on the scope and availability of appropriate local recycling facilities.

CRYOVAC® Brand Darfresh® Systems Low-Carbon Solution 

Less plastic, more functionality 

CRYOVAC® brand Darfresh® vacuum skin packaging systems offer advanced packaging technologies that are more cost-effective and sustainable when compared to traditional modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) systems, while also increasing consumer appeal in the retail environment. The DARFRESH® packaging process uses a specially formulated top and a multilayer semirigid thermoformable bottom film to create a vacuum skin consumer pack that fits around the product like a second skin. The finished pack reduces material consumption from downgauged top and bottom films using 25% less plastic versus standard skin packaging, along with reduced secondary packaging and plastic scrap waste up to 40% compared with standard thermoforming skin systems.

CRYOVAC® Brand OptiDure Gen 2 Barrier Bag 

Less material lowers environmental impact 

CRYOVAC® brand OptiDure vacuum shrink bag and shrinkable rollstock is the f irst available recycle-ready Flowvac capable material in the market designed to run on fully automated packaging systems. The lightweight solution is 20% thinner when compared to standard vacuum thermoforming packs and lowers the environmental impact by reducing excess packaging around the product. The second-generation bags deliver improved oxygen barrier versus CRYOVAC® brand OptiDure 4005 to fill the gap for fresh meat applications with a 30% increase in shelf life. The bags have also been internally tested for recyclability following various international protocols published by the Association of Plastics Recyclers, Plastic Recyclers Europe (RecyClass), and Institut cyclos-HTP GmbH. 

Liquibox® VINIflow® Short Back-End Dispensing Tap 

Less plastic, more functionality 

The Liquibox®* VINIflow® short back-end dispensing tap has all the functionality of its predecessor—the VINIflow self-closing, top-pull tap for bag-in-box and stand-up pouch—but is designed with a shorter back end that uses 26% less plastic. The shorter back-end design is not only more sustainable, but also minimizes the risk of oxygen exposure to keep liquid products safe and extend shelf life, which is especially beneficial for preserving wine quality. The fitment can be produced in a natural color to eliminate carbon black, which may contaminate the recycling stream. *SEE acquired Liquibox in February 2023.

Liquibox® Recycle-Ready Urn-liner 

Recycle-ready solution reduces environmental impact 

For quick-service restaurants seeking recyclable solutions, Liquibox® developed a recycle-ready version of its patented urn-liner. Urn-liners offer improved efficiencies, as well as a reduction in bacteria growth. Urn-liners fit inside of beverage urns and utilize a tube that feeds through the urn spigot, keeping the liquid product from coming in contact with the urn or spigot when dispensing the product. The Liquibox® recycle-ready urn-liner is comprised of an all-polyethylene bag and adapter with a removable thermoplastic elastomer tube. The tube is easily separated from the urn-liner so the mono-material bag can be recycled. The urn-liners also reduce the environmental impact of beverage dispensing by eliminating the water and energy that would be needed during the urn cleaning process.

SEALED AIR® Brand TempGuard Gusset Insulated Bag 

Recyclable, fiber-based solution for temperature assurance 

Since its inception, SEE’s original SEALED AIR® brand TempGuard insulated box liners, an all-paper construction made from fibers certified by the Forest Stewardship Council, have been a popular curbside recyclable insulation choice for meal kit providers and other customers seeking up to 48-hour protection of perishable and other temperature-sensitive items during transit. SEE’s latest version of TempGuard, a gusseted bag with an expanded honeycomb paper insulation core, was developed to increase filling volume and provide a higher product-to-package ratio with a shorter pack-out time. Compared to a similarsized metallized bag, the TempGuard gusseted bag is curbside recyclable and helps avoid more than 154 metric tons of nonrecyclable plastic waste going to landfills in Australia and New Zealand. The solution earned silver place in the renewable materials category at the 2023 Australasian Packaging Innovation & Design Awards. It is currently available in Australia and New Zealand and will be sold globally in the near future.

SEALED AIR® Brand Bags Made From Ocean-Bound Plastics 

Converting plastic waste into packaging without compromising performance 

To contribute to a cleaner ocean environment, SEE has united with our suppliers to reuse ocean-bound plastics collected by our partners. The lowdensity polyethylene (LDPE) bag comes from abandoned plastic waste located within 50 kilometers from shore in communities and areas where waste management is nonexistent or very inefficient. To maintain packaging integrity and quality, the resins made from ocean-bound plastics are strictly selected, tested, and qualified so that the final ocean-bound plastic LDPE bag maintains the comparable performance and appearance as virgin LDPE. The ocean-bound plastic bag is comparable in strength and resilience to normal LDPE bags and complies with Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) and Registration, Evaluation, Authorization, and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH). ocean-bound plastic bags can be used for a variety of applications, including electronic devices and accessories, retail fashion, cosmetics and personal care, books and audio, and third-party logistics.

Korrvu® Digital Manufacturing Processes 

Digital operation reduces material use 

Using digital technology, SEE has been able to switch from the traditional die- cutting process to laser cutting for the corrugate sheets that are a primary component of SEALED AIR® brand Korrvu® retention and suspension packaging. Laser cutting removes the need for tooling and traditional wood or steel dies, which results in less material consumption. In addition, the laser process preserves the strength of the corrugate, allowing for the same performance from thinner materials, which further reduces overall material use.

Recycle-Ready Mail Lite® Cushioned Paper Mailers 

Recycled-content material offers source reduction 

The new generation of BUBBLE WRAP® brand Recycle-Ready Mail Lite® mailers are made with 100% recycled paper. The mailers can be recycled by easily separating the paper outer layer from the inner bubble cushioning and recycling each in their appropriate waste stream. By using recycled paper for the outer layer, we are helping to protect natural resources. The inner bubble contains a minimum of 60% recycled content, making the total recycled content a minimum of 85% by weight. The pick-pack packaging format replaces a standard corrugated carton box with four cardboard trays overwrapped with CRYOVAC® brand high-performance shrink film at just 14 microns and an easy-open tear tape. These features enable more cartons per pallet, reduce the number of trucks on the road and associated CO2 emissions, and save on shipping costs. The Mail Lite® cushioned mailers pick-pack format won in the Resource Efficiency Award category at the UK Sustainable Packaging News Awards.

Read the full SEE Impact Report 2022

Complimentary Webinar

Storage & Distribution Audits – How to Get Started and Best Practices

July 18, 2024| 12:00 PM ET / 9:00 AM PT

REGISTER

This is part 2 of the 3-part summer webinar series, Auditing Mastery.

In today’s ever expanding supply chain, the expectations for food facilities that provide product storage and distribution services are becoming more heavily relied on and with it comes increasing regulations and expectations. Whether your facilities are on the pathway to food safety certification or already undergoing an audit, it is a continuous journey that requires a team approach. In this webinar, SCS Global Services will review the audit standards that offer S&D audits and what criteria is required from training, HACCP plan development, modern GDP practices, and how to apply industry best practices for developing and implementing management systems.

REGISTER HERE FOR THE WEBINAR

By registering, you will get access to the webinar recording.

For inquiries, contact:

Shyama Devarajan 
Senior Marketing Manager, SCS Global Services 
sdevarajan@scsglobalservices.com

Complimentary Webinar

Storage & Distribution Audits – How to Get Started and Best Practices

July 18, 2024| 12:00 PM ET / 9:00 AM PT

REGISTER

This is part 2 of the 3-part summer webinar series, Auditing Mastery.

In today’s ever expanding supply chain, the expectations for food facilities that provide product storage and distribution services are becoming more heavily relied on and with it comes increasing regulations and expectations. Whether your facilities are on the pathway to food safety certification or already undergoing an audit, it is a continuous journey that requires a team approach. In this webinar, SCS Global Services will review the audit standards that offer S&D audits and what criteria is required from training, HACCP plan development, modern GDP practices, and how to apply industry best practices for developing and implementing management systems.

REGISTER HERE FOR THE WEBINAR

By registering, you will get access to the webinar recording.

For inquiries, contact:

Shyama Devarajan 
Senior Marketing Manager, SCS Global Services 
sdevarajan@scsglobalservices.com

BOSTON, July 10, 2024 /3BL/ – Vanguard Renewables®, a leading provider of organic materials management solutions and renewable gas production via Farm Powered® anaerobic digestion, is pleased to announce the appointment of Kent Bartley as the President of its Organics Solutions Division. With over 30 years of experience in the environmental and industrial services industry, Mr. Bartley brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his new role.

Mr. Bartley joined Vanguard Renewables in June with the primary objective of spearheading the expansion of the company’s Organic Solutions Division. In his capacity as President, he will oversee a team of national experts in organics material management solutions, logistics, and hauling. Together, they will provide diversion services for food and beverage manufacturers, retailers, and institutions across the contiguous United States.

“We are thrilled to have Kent join our executive leadership team as the President of our Organics Solutions Division,” said Neil H. Smith, Chief Executive Officer of Vanguard Renewables. “His extensive experience and proven leadership in the waste materials industry make him the ideal candidate to drive the growth and success of our organic solutions vertical.”

Prior to joining Vanguard Renewables, Mr. Bartley served as the President of North Ridge Consulting and worked as an operating advisor for several private equity firms, focusing on the industrial and business services sectors. Throughout his career, he has held various leadership positions, including Chief Executive Officer of Patriot Environmental Services, Senior Vice President of Sales and Operations at Clean Harbors, Chief Operating Officer at Envirosystems, and President of Maviro.

“Vanguard Renewables’ mission of harnessing the power of waste and recycling it into renewable energy is an amazing opportunity to provide much needed sustainable solutions to food and beverage manufacturers, retailers, and institutions,” stated Kent Bartley, President of Organics Solutions at Vanguard Renewables. “Our vast portfolio of clients are looking to do their part to decarbonize our planet and I am thrilled to lead a dynamic team that is helping those companies achieve their ambitious sustainability goals.”

With a strong track record in mergers and acquisitions, transactions and turnarounds, and new business branding, Mr. Bartley has consistently added value to the companies he has worked with. He has also been instrumental in introducing innovative services that have enhanced each company’s portfolio. Mr. Bartley holds an M.B.A. from Northeastern University and a B.S. in Environmental Science from the University of Maine.

Vanguard Renewables is a national leader in organics-to-renewable gas projects and along with its partners has 17 Farm Powered sites in operation, as well as 13 sites currently under construction across the United States. The Company also operates an organics recycling area in Massachusetts where packaged food and beverage waste is depackaged, sorted, and the organic materials are separated from the packaging for processing.

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Photo of Mr. Bartley can be found here: https://www.vanguardrenewables.com/media-kit

About Vanguard Renewables

Vanguard Renewables®, based in Weston, Massachusetts, is a national leader in developing food and dairy waste-to-renewable energy projects. The Company owns and operates on-farm anaerobic digester facilities in the northeast and currently operates manure-only digesters in the south and west for Dominion Energy. Vanguard Renewables is expanding nationwide and plans to complete more than 100 anaerobic digestion facilities by 2028. Vanguard Renewables is committed to advancing decarbonization by reducing greenhouse gas emissions from farms and food waste, generating renewable energy, and supporting regenerative agriculture on partner farms via Farm Powered® anaerobic digestion. Vanguard Renewables is a portfolio company of BlackRock’s Diversified Infrastructure Fund business. To learn more visit: www.vanguardrenewables.com.

We’re helping solve our customers’ big challenges by innovating and delivering solutions that are better for their business—and for the environment.

Project At-a-Glance:

The opportunity: Support the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, China, with sustainable climate solutions, providing optimal indoor environmental quality for athletes and helping the Games meet their sustainability goals.

The solution: Comprehensive energy services and technology, including high-efficiency centrifugal chillers and air-cooled screw heat pump units for the Olympics Sports Center Stadium, the Natatorium, the Comprehensive Training Facility and  the New Century Hangzhou Grand Hotel.

When the 19th Asian Games closed in Hangzhou, China, in October 2023, the ceremony marked an achievement eight years in the making: Not only had the successful Hangzhou Games been the largest in scale, events and coverage across the 110-year tradition, but they had also been the most sustainable.

Guided by the goal of hosting a “green, smart, economical, and ethical” event, the organizers aimed from the outset to incorporate sustainable, low-carbon strategies into practice throughout the design, construction, operation and future use of each Games venue. To help meet their goals of delivering the first carbon-neutral Asian Games while building a zero-carbon Hangzhou benchmark for the games, organizers partnered with Trane®.

Trane provided sustainable and efficient climate solutions for the three Asian Games stadiums, including the Olympic Sports Center Stadium, the Natatorium and the Comprehensive Training Facility, as well as one of the athlete hotels – New Century Hangzhou Grand Hotel. Trane’s customized solutions for the Asian Games venues, including high-efficiency centrifugal chillers, high-efficiency air-cooled screw heat pump units and ongoing professional services, helped create healthy, sustainable indoor environments where the Asian Games athletes could excel.

Centrifugal chiller units promote high-efficiency performance

The first key benchmark for air quality was the air-conditioning coefficient of performance (COP) of centrifugal chiller units. To meet the green building two-star requirement, the COP would need to be greater than or equal to 6.254. Following field surveys and internal deliberations, the Trane team decided to deliver nine high-efficient centrifugal chillers, including four 1,200RT dual-condition high-pressure centrifugal chillers (CVHG1100); one 600RT inverter centrifugal chiller (CVHF570); and four 700RT centrifugal chillers (CVHG780). With a COP of 6.27, the combination of highly-efficient chillers met the green building two-star standard, enabling efficient operation while achieving energy-saving targets.

Not only did the nine chillers meet the short-term, high technical requirements of the stadium design for cooling and ice production, but they will also enable sustainable operations in the years to come. For the high demands of the gymnasium and natatorium, the Trane team opted for a dual-condition ice storage energy-efficient air conditioning system. Thanks to its reliable cooling performance, the system provided a safe and comfortable experience for the athletes and spectators at the stadiums and will continue to promote a sustainable, healthy indoor environment for future use beyond the games.

Heat pump units for year-round climate solutions

Trane also furnished four RTXC200XE high-efficiency air-cooled screw heat pump units that meet the green building standard for the New Century Hangzhou Grant Hotel. The heat pump units will meet year-round demand for heat and cold air-conditioning through the units’ dual-compression design, providing global athletes and future guests with a healthy and comfortable resting and living environment.

And in addition to offering customized service solutions, Trane also incorporated whole life-cycle professional services for the Asian Games venues. Value-added services such as extended warranty and remote monitoring reserve technical manpower and allow for remote data support well into the future.

“We are very proud that all three major Asian Games complexes selected Trane to be part of this history-making Asian Games in Hangzhou,” said Enoch Xu, vice president of the China Territory for Trane Technologies Asia Pacific, “Trane has been an important partner on other national projects in China, such as the World Expo, the G20 Summit, and the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics. We are honored that our core technologies and high energy-efficient solutions helped create a healthy air environment for this international sports event.”

Discover more about our sustainable innovation in our 2023 ESG Report.

New Holland, a brand of CNH attended this year’s edition of AgroBrasília, the main technology and business fair in the federal capital.

Products and solutions aimed at all profiles of farmers, regardless of the size of the operation, were on display. Among the attractions of the brand’s booth was the new application for agricultural management, FieldOps™, which helps farmers make better decisions based on fleet information and the analysis of agronomic data and can be used in all types and sizes of properties.

Other highlights were the new line of PL4000 planters, aimed at small and medium-sized producers, and the Guardian SP310F sprayer, the only one in the country with a front spray bar. New Holland also presented its spraying drone at AgroBrasília, which will be commercially available from the second half of the year.

“As a full-liner brand and close to farmers, New Holland always seeks to deliver the ideal solution for the customer’s needs, regardless of the profile. We constantly invest in new technologies so that the producer can extract the highest productivity in the shortest possible time and reduce their costs, in addition to practicing a more sustainable agriculture,” said Eduardo Kerbauy, New Holland’s vice president for Latin America.

By Ashley Foster

On June 28, Regions Financial published its Shared Value Report covering the 2023 calendar year. This report serves as an annual recap of strategic efforts in the following areas:

Sound and effective governance, including stakeholder engagement, responsible environmental stewardship and technological investments enhancing operations and securityIntentional, customer-focused business strategies to advise and guide accountholdersConcentrated investments, initiatives and resources demonstrating the unique value of Regions’ positive workplace culture and the skills and experience of our associatesExemplary community relations, including support of key financial wellness and targeted philanthropic initiatives

Historically known as an “ESG” report, Regions has released similar disclosures since 2017 to answer the call from our shareholders and additional stakeholders who have an interest in how Regions addresses these topics in ways that support responsible business growth.

Regions’ Mission: To achieve superior economic value for our shareholders over time by making life better for our customers, associates, and communities while creating shared value as we help them meet their financial goals and aspirations.

We call our report the “Shared Value Report” for a simple reason. For many years, Regions – led by a strong and intentional governance structure – has prioritized doing business in ways that benefit shareholders, customers, associates and surrounding communities. When these stakeholder groups collectively benefit, we create value for all. Since the concept of Shared Value is at the heart of decisions made by Regions and its leadership, we’ve updated the look and format of this annual disclosure to further illustrate the value creation Regions exemplifies every day.

Our approach to Shared Value is based on sound business strategy – one that’s guided by our overarching mission, vision and values. We follow a customized approach that is thoughtfully tailored to align with Regions’ business strategies, which focus on soundness, profitability and growth.

Regions’ Core Values

Do what is rightPut people firstFocus on the customerReach higherEnjoy life

Let us be clear: Regions’ Shared Value strategy is not related to politics, mandates or bans; it is designed to provide effective frameworks for management and business decisions while providing information and clarity regarding our responsible corporate citizenship. As such, when accessing our full 2023 report, note the following regarding each key section:

Regions’ Governance

Shared Value begins with sound governance practices where risks and opportunities are overseen and managed in line with a broader business strategy. Our effective leadership structure and our defined internal controls guide business decisions for the benefit of customers, communities, associates and shareholders. We strive to do what is right and are guided by what will make us stronger as a business, including engaging in meaningful stakeholder dialogue, making practical decisions to increase efficiency and reduce emissions and energy use, and investing in evolving technologies to enhance operations and data security. Rest assured, being “stronger” is not a result of political influence or unfounded ideologies.

Regions’ Customers

Regions’ success directly ties to Customers who trust us to help them build financial confidence and success through the products, services, advice and guidance we provide along their financial journeys. We consistently strive to ensure our business strategies reflect this relationship-based approach to service and are committed to providing all customers — including the unbanked and underbanked, small businesses and corporate clients — fair access to the financial tools, products and guidance Regions offers.

Regions’ Associates

Regions Associates – our most valuable asset – enhance our superior economic value for customers by providing best-in-class advice, guidance and education across all channels. For that reason, we look to build our best team: an informed, engaged workforce that is diverse like the communities where we live and work. We also ensure our associates know we value them through fair compensation, learning and development, continuing education opportunities and promotion of work/life balance, among other investments.

Regions’ Communities

The relationships we form with our surrounding Communities are integral to fulfilling our Mission and Vision, as well as living our Core Values. We seek to cultivate inclusive growth by investing in the development and financial wellness of the communities we serve and supporting initiatives where we can have a meaningful impact.

Through our 2023 Shared Value Report, we hope it is clear to all Regions stakeholders that the efforts detailed in its contents are reflective of who we are as a company: one driven to be the premier regional financial institution in America, governed by a unique, sound business strategy and focused on delivering on our Core Values each and every day.

By Ashley Foster

On June 28, Regions Financial published its Shared Value Report covering the 2023 calendar year. This report serves as an annual recap of strategic efforts in the following areas:

Sound and effective governance, including stakeholder engagement, responsible environmental stewardship and technological investments enhancing operations and securityIntentional, customer-focused business strategies to advise and guide accountholdersConcentrated investments, initiatives and resources demonstrating the unique value of Regions’ positive workplace culture and the skills and experience of our associatesExemplary community relations, including support of key financial wellness and targeted philanthropic initiatives

Historically known as an “ESG” report, Regions has released similar disclosures since 2017 to answer the call from our shareholders and additional stakeholders who have an interest in how Regions addresses these topics in ways that support responsible business growth.

Regions’ Mission: To achieve superior economic value for our shareholders over time by making life better for our customers, associates, and communities while creating shared value as we help them meet their financial goals and aspirations.

We call our report the “Shared Value Report” for a simple reason. For many years, Regions – led by a strong and intentional governance structure – has prioritized doing business in ways that benefit shareholders, customers, associates and surrounding communities. When these stakeholder groups collectively benefit, we create value for all. Since the concept of Shared Value is at the heart of decisions made by Regions and its leadership, we’ve updated the look and format of this annual disclosure to further illustrate the value creation Regions exemplifies every day.

Our approach to Shared Value is based on sound business strategy – one that’s guided by our overarching mission, vision and values. We follow a customized approach that is thoughtfully tailored to align with Regions’ business strategies, which focus on soundness, profitability and growth.

Regions’ Core Values

Do what is rightPut people firstFocus on the customerReach higherEnjoy life

Let us be clear: Regions’ Shared Value strategy is not related to politics, mandates or bans; it is designed to provide effective frameworks for management and business decisions while providing information and clarity regarding our responsible corporate citizenship. As such, when accessing our full 2023 report, note the following regarding each key section:

Regions’ Governance

Shared Value begins with sound governance practices where risks and opportunities are overseen and managed in line with a broader business strategy. Our effective leadership structure and our defined internal controls guide business decisions for the benefit of customers, communities, associates and shareholders. We strive to do what is right and are guided by what will make us stronger as a business, including engaging in meaningful stakeholder dialogue, making practical decisions to increase efficiency and reduce emissions and energy use, and investing in evolving technologies to enhance operations and data security. Rest assured, being “stronger” is not a result of political influence or unfounded ideologies.

Regions’ Customers

Regions’ success directly ties to Customers who trust us to help them build financial confidence and success through the products, services, advice and guidance we provide along their financial journeys. We consistently strive to ensure our business strategies reflect this relationship-based approach to service and are committed to providing all customers — including the unbanked and underbanked, small businesses and corporate clients — fair access to the financial tools, products and guidance Regions offers.

Regions’ Associates

Regions Associates – our most valuable asset – enhance our superior economic value for customers by providing best-in-class advice, guidance and education across all channels. For that reason, we look to build our best team: an informed, engaged workforce that is diverse like the communities where we live and work. We also ensure our associates know we value them through fair compensation, learning and development, continuing education opportunities and promotion of work/life balance, among other investments.

Regions’ Communities

The relationships we form with our surrounding Communities are integral to fulfilling our Mission and Vision, as well as living our Core Values. We seek to cultivate inclusive growth by investing in the development and financial wellness of the communities we serve and supporting initiatives where we can have a meaningful impact.

Through our 2023 Shared Value Report, we hope it is clear to all Regions stakeholders that the efforts detailed in its contents are reflective of who we are as a company: one driven to be the premier regional financial institution in America, governed by a unique, sound business strategy and focused on delivering on our Core Values each and every day.

International Olympic Committee news

From 26 July 2024, France will be hosting the Olympic and Paralympic Games. As the world’s largest sporting event, involving public institutions, NGOs and members of civil society, the Games offer a unique opportunity to unite participating nations around the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

/3BL/ – French President Emmanuel Macron and the President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), Thomas Bach, have proposed a Summit on the eve of the Games’ Opening Ceremony – on 25 July, from 5 to 6.30 p.m., at the “Carrousel du Louvre”.

Sport for Sustainable Development
Faster, Higher, Stronger – Together
For a Better Future

This Summit will allow countries and sports stakeholders to make clear their determination to ensure that sport contributes to the SDGs, in line with the Paris 2024 objectives, and as part of a broader commitment to future generations.

Dedicated to youth, this Summit is part of a series of international events linked to the Paris Pact for the Planet and People (June 2023) and the Future Summit (September 2024). It will also welcome other heads of state and government, highlighting a shared interest in “sport and development” projects in partner countries, in the hope that the legacy of Paris 2024 will enable further progress.

The Summit, jointly organised by the IOC and the Office of the French President, will host some 500 participants, including heads of state and government, leaders of international organisations, athletes and representatives of the sports movement (French and International Federations, the Olympic Movement, associations and entrepreneurs), as well as development financiers. It is supported by the Agence française de développement (AFD) Group, which has been strongly committed to these issues since 2018.

The goal is to launch a global “sport and sustainable development” initiative across five areas: education and employment, health and nutrition, equality and inclusion, sustainability and legacy, and financing and impact measurement. It will be webcasted in French and English on the event website, which will be launched soon, and on the co-organisers’ social media platforms.

This Summit will contribute to the legacy of the Paris 2024 Games by strengthening and structuring the contribution of sport to the SDGs.

About the AFD Group:

The AFD Group contributes to the implementation of France’s sustainable development and international solidarity policies. Comprising the Agence française de développement (AFD), responsible for financing the public sector and NGOs, research and training, its subsidiary Proparco, dedicated to financing and supporting the private sector, and Expertise France, a technical cooperation agency, the Group finances, supports and accelerates the transitions needed for a fairer, more resilient world.

With and for people, we work with our partners to build shared solutions in more than 150 countries and 11 French overseas departments and territories. Our goal? To reconcile economic development with the preservation of common goods such as climate, biodiversity, peace, gender equality, education and health. Our teams are involved in more than 4,800 projects on the ground, contributing to France’s and the French people’s commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). For a world in common.

For more information, visit https://www.afd.fr/en

Press contacts:

IOC: pressoffice@olympic.org

AFD: ounissiz@afd.fr

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The International Olympic Committee is a not-for-profit, civil, non-governmental, international organisation made up of volunteers which is committed to building a better world through sport. It redistributes more than 90 per cent of its income to the wider sporting movement, which means that every day the equivalent of USD 4.2 million goes to help athletes and sports organisations at all levels around the world.

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For more information, please contact the IOC Media Relations Team:
Tel: +41 21 621 6000, email: pressoffice@olympic.org, or visit our web site at www.ioc.org.

Broadcast quality footage

The IOC Newsroom: https://newsroom.olympics.com/

Videos

YouTube: www.youtube.com/iocmedia

Photos

For an extensive selection of photos available shortly after each event, please follow us on Flickr.

To request archive photos and footage, please contact our Images team at: images@olympic.org.

Social media

For up-to-the-minute information on the IOC and regular updates, please follow us on X and YouTube.

For more information and to submit your application by August 25th, please visit: https://hhflink.org/VISIÓNVERDE 

WASHINGTON, July 9, 2024 /3BL/ – The Hispanic Heritage Foundation and Bacardi U.S.A., Inc. are proud to announce the launch of the second annual Visión Verde grant, a $100,000 initiative designed to empower Latinx/Hispanic entrepreneurs within the beverage alcohol service, sales, and hospitality industries across the United States. The grant program is open to all entrepreneurs who are looking to expand their businesses focused on growing through a sustainable vision.

“Entrepreneurship is in our blood and despite challenges, we continue to make a significant impact through vision, creativity and ganas,” said Antonio Tijerino, President and CEO of HHF. “Latino entrepreneurship is good for our community, our country, and we want to make sure it’s also good for our globe.  Through the pioneering Visión Verde program with Bacardi, we want to continue supporting Latino businesses not only grow but become more sustainable as part of their business model.”

Building on the success of last year’s program, the Visión Verde grant will be awarded to 10 deserving recipients across the U.S., each receiving $10,000 to fund initiatives that promote sustainability and environmental impact through education and mentorship. The application process will be rigorous, ensuring that the most innovative and impactful business ideas receive the support they need to succeed.

“Bacardi is proud to give back to our communities and help others make a positive impact in the world,” says Eddie Cutillas, VP Community Relations, Bacardi North America. “As a company with Latin roots, we want to support Hispanic businesses who share our commitment to environmental sustainability as we believe we all play a role in building a more sustainable future for our industry.”

All applicants of the Visión Verde grant will gain access to Coctelería Consciente, a Hispanic-owned sustainability consultancy specializing in the hospitality sector. Coctelería Consciente will provide valuable education sessions on Integrated Waste Management, Carbon and Water Footprint, Renewable Energies, and Energy Efficiency, offering actionable recommendations to drive positive sustainability impact.

In its inaugural year, the Visión Verde grant distributed $100,000 among 10 businesses in Greater Miami. This initial investment laid the groundwork for a more sustainable future and showcased the potential of Latinx/Hispanic entrepreneurs to lead the way in sustainable business practices. Meet the 2023 Visión Verde recipients. 

Bacardi Limited, the world’s largest privately held international spirits company, has set ambitious sustainability targets and commitments to supporting communities through its extensive Environmental, Social & Governance (ESG) program, named Good Spirited.

About the Hispanic Heritage Foundation (HHF)
HHF is a national nonprofit organization focused on education, workforce, social innovation and culture through the lens of leadership. For more information, visit www.hispanicheritage.org and follow the Hispanic Heritage Foundation on Instagram, Facebook, X, and TikTok.  Listen to the HHF podcast Fritanga on your favorite streaming service and HHF YouTube channel.

About Bacardi U.S.A., Inc.
Bacardi U.S.A., Inc. is the United States import and distribution arm of family-owned Bacardi Limited, the largest privately held international spirits company in the world. The company boasts a portfolio of some of the most recognized and top-selling spirits brands in the United States including BACARDÍ® rum, GREY GOOSE® vodka, PATRÓN® tequila, DEWAR’S® Blended Scotch Whisky, BOMBAY SAPPHIRE® gin, CAZADORES® 100% blue agave tequila, MARTINI & ROSSI® vermouth and sparkling wines, and other leading and emerging brands. Visit www.bacardilimited.com or follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram.

Media Inquiries:
HHF: Nicolás Peña, Communications and Program Specialist, nicolas@hispanicheritage.com
Bacardi: Jessica Merz, VP Global Corporate Communications, Bacardi, jmerz@bacardi.com