Tag: 3BL

Last month, Cascale participated in the Munich and Amsterdam launch events of the European Commission’s Product Environmental Footprint Category Rules (PEFCR) for apparel and footwear.

Milan was another stop on the multi-city roadshow for the PEFCR.

The Munich event, hosted at BCG headquarters and facilitated by Quantis and 2BPolicy, gathered PEFCR experts, brands, retailers, and other industry peers for an afternoon of technical discussion, a panel on applying and scaling the PEFCR, and networking.

Elisabeth von Reitzenstein, senior director of policy and public affairs at Cascale, delivered co-opening remarks that outlined the significance of the PEFCR. Reflecting on her nearly two decades in policy decision-making procedures and public affairs, she offered ample lessons in sustainability legislation. From synthesizing various member interests and engaging constantly with policymakers in Brussels, von Reitzenstein shared that one lesson stands above all else: the need for collaboration and harmonization. She underscored how PEFCR delivers on this unifying vision, bridging science, policy, and industry together around one credible, harmonized approach. Sophie Herrmann, managing director, Germany, at Quantis, spoke after von Reitzenstein’s presentation.

At a separate event in Amsterdam, Cascale’s Quinten Geleijnse, manager of Higg Product Tools LCA, spoke on a panel relaying the technical details of the category rules.

The events follow sessions held in Brussels, London, and Paris, and is part of an ongoing series of PEF events across Europe – including a recent event in Milan and one in Madrid early next year – aimed at advancing awareness, technical understanding, and discussing future development of the methodology.

As with previous events, von Reitzenstein and Geleijnse emphasized the role of Cascale as coordinator of the PEFCR technical secretariat and its significance to the industry. The PERCR lays the groundwork for a harmonized and scientifically rigorous methodology for calculating product environmental impacts, enabling transparent and consistent information to be shared to consumers and market authorities.

In their respective sessions, attendees — including government officials, Cascale members, Policy Hub staff, NGOs, affiliates, and more  — were encouraged to engage with the PEFCR, apply it, test it, and continue driving progress in the industry.

Learn more about Cascale’s work on the Apparel & Footwear PEFCR here.

On December 3, the world came together to mark the annual United Nations (UN) International Day of Persons with Disabilities — a day dedicated to building more inclusive communities.

For the fifth year in a row, SLB facilities across Africa, Asia, the Americas, Europe and the Middle East lit up vibrant purple — the color symbolizing disability inclusion. The initiative was part of the worldwide #PositivelyPurple campaign, which creatively turns landmarks and workplaces purple each December to spark awareness and celebrate inclusion.

According to the UN and World Health Organization, nearly 16% of the global population lives with a disability, with many conditions acquired during adulthood and working life. For SLB, this underscores the importance of fostering a workplace culture where people can thrive.

Recognition and engagement

In 2025, the company was recognized for the fourth consecutive year as one of the best places to work for disability inclusion — reflecting its sustained efforts around inclusivity.

“We’re proud to be active members of global collectives such as the Valuable 500 and Disability:IN,” said Carlos Sarmiento, director of Culture, Diversity and Inclusion at SLB. “Our goal is to create engagement both inside and outside the company — because from conversations come ideas, and from ideas come actions that strengthen our inclusion journey.”

Building momentum and driving progress

To further advance its disability inclusion journey, SLB has introduced an internal framework that guides locations worldwide on initiatives such as workplace adjustment services, accessibility improvements as well as awareness and mentoring programs.

At the center of these efforts is the ThisAbility Network, an employee resource group that connects colleagues with disabilities, long-term health conditions, caregiving responsibilities and allies. The network provides a supportive global community where employees can share experiences, access peer support and encourage learning across the organization.

Looking Ahead 

By turning purple, SLB honored the UN International Day of Persons with Disabilities and reaffirmed its intention to further accelerate its disability inclusion journey.

Learn more about SLB’s inclusive culture here and in the company’s Sustainability Report.

View original content here.

New Holland, a brand of CNH, added a headquarters and three branches to the innovative Smart Dealer concept in Santa Fe, together with the official dealers Agroterra and Grosso Tractores.

The brand reinforces its commitment to customers, offering personalized attention and the best service at all times.

Agroterra’s headquarters, located in Venado Tuerto, received an extensive remodeling and was incorporated into the Smart Dealer network. The property occupies 5 hectares, with 3,500 m2 covered and has an exclusive space for dynamic tests.

The renovated concessionaire incorporated important solutions with a focus on sustainability, including solar panels in the parking lot that supply up to 20% of the energy consumption of the main hall, composting of organic waste, biodigester, permeable soils and an agreement with the municipality for the management of recyclable waste. As part of the Avanterra Group, Agroterra also accompanies restoration and conservation actions in the Alma Guaraní Private Reserve.

In line with the brand’s sustainable strategy, the branches also improved their recyclable waste management processes, reinforcing the commitment to caring for the environment in each of their operations.

The Fall 2025 EHSxTech San Francisco event, hosted by Salesforce and facilitated by Antea Group, brought together 30 environmental, health and safety leaders representing 18 different technology companies to explore how technology, innovation, and culture are redefining the workplace. From artificial intelligence (AI) applications to Total Worker Health® (TWH) initiatives and creative learning campaigns, discussions throughout the day centered on how EHS can adapt and lead in an era of accelerating change. Below are some of the key takeaways from the event.

 

1. AI in EHS: Current Use and Future Directions

AI continues to shape how EHS professionals manage compliance, risk, and workforce well-being. Yet, while companies are excited about automation, many are still balancing lean budgets, rising compliance demands, and the expectation that AI will quickly deliver measurable value.

Strategic Perspectives: AI as an Enabler of High-Performance Safety

One speaker shared a forward-looking view of how AI can accelerate progress across EHS functions, outlining several ways health and safety teams can add measurable value: enhancing trust, supporting business growth, enabling high performance, building resilience, and attracting top talent.

High performance, he explained, is linked not only to physical safety but also to psychological safety and employee well-being. By embedding AI into daily operations, automating transactional support, simplifying communication, and improving responsiveness, EHS professionals can spend more time focusing on human-centric initiatives.

The speaker encouraged teams to think strategically about AI adoption:

• Assign every team member an opportunity to experiment with AI in their role.
• Use automation to enhance quick support, such as automated communications, chatbots, and proactive outreach, but keep open the option of speaking to an EHS team member to continue to strengthen the culture of care.
• Leverage AI to personalize learning through customized training and global translation.

The message was clear: as organizations enter the “agentic era,” EHS leaders should guide AI’s development and application responsibly, ensuring it enhances, not replaces, the human element.

Practical Applications: AI as a Bandwidth Multiplier 

Stephanie Leduc, Manager, H&S Programs at Salesforce, highlighted real-world examples of AI in practice, from creating training videos and chatbots for employee safety engagement to using AI tools for vendor qualification and global gap assessments.

AI is helping EHS teams:

• Facilitate health and safety committee work.
• Review and update safety standards efficiently.
• Generate content for communications and training.

She emphasized the importance of maintaining legal oversight and human review, especially when AI tools address sensitive topics such as mental health. AI, she said, should be implemented thoughtfully with escalation pathways and human checks built in.

Ultimately, both strategic and tactical discussions reflected a shared belief: AI won’t replace EHS professionals, but it will redefine how they work, unlocking time for strategic initiatives, innovation, and employee engagement.

 

2. Innovative Certification and Forward-Thinking Approaches 

Mental health and psychosocial well-being took center stage as companies shared how they’re expanding the definition of safety to include the “whole person.” The group discussed how the culture around mental health in the workplace is evolving, and how EHS teams can play a role.

The H.O.P.E. Certification: A New Framework for Psychological Safety 

Donna Lynch, VP, EHS, of STACK Infrastructure introduced the H.O.P.E. Certification (Helping Our People Elevate through Tough Times). This is a structured, certification program that provides a framework for organizations to turn good intentions into measurable, sustainable action around mental health.

The certification is built on nine core practices, from leadership and peer support to crisis response, and progresses through levels that deepen organizational capacity over time. The focus is on shifting mental health from a reactive response to a proactive business strategy. The program normalizes mental health conversations, empowers peer support, and helps leaders model vulnerability and compassion.

This proactive approach reinforces that mental well-being is not separate from safety and performance, but a core part of building a resilient, thriving workforce

Total Worker Health® as a Business Benefit 

This aligns closely with the principles of Total Worker Health®, which emphasize that employees bring their whole selves to work, and that personal, psychological, and community stressors directly shape safety, performance, and engagement.

The goal is to make Total Worker Health part of the company’s identity: a benefit that strengthens culture, supports recruitment and retention, and boosts long-term well-being and resilience.

And increasingly, this isn’t just about doing the right thing; it’s becoming a matter of regulatory expectation. Globally, we are seeing a shift in legislation that recognizes psychosocial health as integral to occupational safety:

• California’s Senate Bill 553 require employers to develop comprehensive workplace violence prevention plans, including addressing psychosocial hazards like hostility, stress, and inadequate staffing.
• Australia’s new Psychological Health Regulations (effective December 2025) elevate psychosocial risk management to the same level as physical hazards.
• Brazil’s NR-01 regulations (effective May 2026) will integrate psychosocial risks into national H&S requirements. 

The takeaway: Global regulations are catching up with what leading companies are already doing, embedding mental health and psychological safety into their EHS strategies.

 

3. Driving Culture Change Through Learning: The DoorDash Case Study 

Paschal Mbawuike, Global EHS Manager at DoorDash, shared how his team transformed workplace culture with an engaging, multi-phased learning campaign.

The year-long campaign used a multi-channel approach, including videos, posters, manager-led scenarios, and short weekly clips, to reinforce safety concepts in practical, relatable ways. By focusing on micro-learning (short training moments that fit into busy schedules), the team was able to reduce training hours by 40% while still improving overall safety performance.

Managers played a crucial role, using talking points and Q&A prompts to personalize lessons and connect them to employees’ daily work. The campaign helped turn safety from a compliance task into a shared value.

The results spoke for themselves: recordable injury rates dropped, employee awareness rose, and operational efficiency improved.

 

Key Takeaways 

The discussions throughout EHSxTech San Francisco 2025 underscored the continued evolution of EHS teams, one that blends technology, empathy, and strategy to create healthier, more resilient organizations.

• Executive buy-in remains essential to scale innovation and sustain momentum.
• AI will continue to reshape EHS operations, from automating compliance tasks to supporting engagement.
• Psychosocial health and Total Worker Health® are no longer optional. They are becoming regulatory expectations and a core component of social sustainability.

As the boundaries between technology, well-being, and performance continue to blur, one theme was clear: the future of EHS lies in integration. When organizations align data, digital tools, and human connection, they unlock the full potential of their people and build safer, smarter workplaces ready for whatever comes next.

Interested in the EHSxTech event? Reach out to Julie Kreger-King with questions. 

MUNICH, December 4, 2025 /3BL/ – Tandem Global, e.V., the European entity of Tandem Global, a leading NGO working at the intersection of business, climate, water and nature, is pleased to announce the addition of three new members to its Supervisory Board.

The Supervisory Board supports Tandem Global e.V. by advising on strategic initiatives, member outreach in Europe, and matters of governance and finance. Through its deep expertise and strong regional networks, the Supervisory Board plays a critical role in helping Tandem Global anticipate and respond to European trends that affect corporate sustainability strategies. The new appointees are:

Sebastian Braun, VP, Head of Environmental Sustainability, Protection and Remediation at Bayer, leads a team driving environmental strategies in close collaboration with Bayer’s divisions and functions and with Bayer’s peers across the industry. He steers Bayer’s company-wide efforts to reduce its environmental footprint, support operational excellence in environmental protection, and oversees remediation projects worldwide to safeguard local communities and ecosystems.

Dr. Martyn Kenny, VP Sustainable Business and Public Policy at CRH, is responsible for developing and implementing a transformational sustainability strategy, advancing sustainability reporting and guiding public affairs. He represents CRH and sector interests on a wide range of sustainability issues and legislation globally. With more than 30 years in the industry, he chairs several key industry groups and has held a number of senior positions within the organisation.

Robert Spencer, Global Lead – Strategic Sustainability Advice at AECOM, brings more than 25 years’ experience in climate, decarbonisation, nature, and the circular economy. He advises boards and executive teams on embedding sustainability into business strategy and infrastructure investment. A recognised convener and thought leader, he brings a sharp focus on resilient, net-positive supply chains and how business can thrive within planetary boundaries.

The new appointees join existing Supervisory Board member Dr. Jihane Ball, Lead Sustainability Director, EH&S and Sustainability at Dow, who works across Dow businesses to guide the enterprise’s transition to more sustainable business models. She collaborates closely with both Dow Consumer Solutions and Packaging and Specialty Plastics, partner functions, and industry peers to ensure an enabling regulatory framework for cyclics and plastics.

“Welcoming Sebastian, Martyn and Robert to the Supervisory Board strengthens our ability to support companies operating across Europe,” said Margaret O’Gorman, Chief Executive Officer of Tandem Global. “Each brings deep experience in advancing sustainability within complex global organisations. Together with Jihane’s continued leadership, their insight will help ensure Tandem Global remains ahead of emerging trends and continues to guide business action on climate, water and nature.”

About Tandem Global

Tandem Global (formerly Wildlife Habitat Council and World Environment Center), provides the know-how and the network to move business and the environment forward, together. Across sectors and at all levels of its 100+ member organizations, Tandem Global works to facilitate long-term and lasting impact on all aspects of our natural world. Tandem Global connects leading thinking with practical solutions that positively impact climate, nature, and water. From field operations to boardrooms and beyond, corporate leaders turn to Tandem Global for impact strategies and resilient solutions that can support a better future. Tandem Global is headquartered in Washington, D.C., USA, with locations across the U.S., in Latin America and Munich, Germany. For more information visit tandemglobal.org.

MUNICH, December 4, 2025 /3BL/ – Tandem Global, e.V., the European entity of Tandem Global, a leading NGO working at the intersection of business, climate, water and nature, is pleased to announce the addition of three new members to its Supervisory Board.

The Supervisory Board supports Tandem Global e.V. by advising on strategic initiatives, member outreach in Europe, and matters of governance and finance. Through its deep expertise and strong regional networks, the Supervisory Board plays a critical role in helping Tandem Global anticipate and respond to European trends that affect corporate sustainability strategies. The new appointees are:

Sebastian Braun, VP, Head of Environmental Sustainability, Protection and Remediation at Bayer, leads a team driving environmental strategies in close collaboration with Bayer’s divisions and functions and with Bayer’s peers across the industry. He steers Bayer’s company-wide efforts to reduce its environmental footprint, support operational excellence in environmental protection, and oversees remediation projects worldwide to safeguard local communities and ecosystems.

Dr. Martyn Kenny, VP Sustainable Business and Public Policy at CRH, is responsible for developing and implementing a transformational sustainability strategy, advancing sustainability reporting and guiding public affairs. He represents CRH and sector interests on a wide range of sustainability issues and legislation globally. With more than 30 years in the industry, he chairs several key industry groups and has held a number of senior positions within the organisation.

Robert Spencer, Global Lead – Strategic Sustainability Advice at AECOM, brings more than 25 years’ experience in climate, decarbonisation, nature, and the circular economy. He advises boards and executive teams on embedding sustainability into business strategy and infrastructure investment. A recognised convener and thought leader, he brings a sharp focus on resilient, net-positive supply chains and how business can thrive within planetary boundaries.

The new appointees join existing Supervisory Board member Dr. Jihane Ball, Lead Sustainability Director, EH&S and Sustainability at Dow, who works across Dow businesses to guide the enterprise’s transition to more sustainable business models. She collaborates closely with both Dow Consumer Solutions and Packaging and Specialty Plastics, partner functions, and industry peers to ensure an enabling regulatory framework for cyclics and plastics.

“Welcoming Sebastian, Martyn and Robert to the Supervisory Board strengthens our ability to support companies operating across Europe,” said Margaret O’Gorman, Chief Executive Officer of Tandem Global. “Each brings deep experience in advancing sustainability within complex global organisations. Together with Jihane’s continued leadership, their insight will help ensure Tandem Global remains ahead of emerging trends and continues to guide business action on climate, water and nature.”

About Tandem Global

Tandem Global (formerly Wildlife Habitat Council and World Environment Center), provides the know-how and the network to move business and the environment forward, together. Across sectors and at all levels of its 100+ member organizations, Tandem Global works to facilitate long-term and lasting impact on all aspects of our natural world. Tandem Global connects leading thinking with practical solutions that positively impact climate, nature, and water. From field operations to boardrooms and beyond, corporate leaders turn to Tandem Global for impact strategies and resilient solutions that can support a better future. Tandem Global is headquartered in Washington, D.C., USA, with locations across the U.S., in Latin America and Munich, Germany. For more information visit tandemglobal.org.

MUNICH, December 4, 2025 /3BL/ – Tandem Global, e.V., the European entity of Tandem Global, a leading NGO working at the intersection of business, climate, water and nature, is pleased to announce the addition of three new members to its Supervisory Board.

The Supervisory Board supports Tandem Global e.V. by advising on strategic initiatives, member outreach in Europe, and matters of governance and finance. Through its deep expertise and strong regional networks, the Supervisory Board plays a critical role in helping Tandem Global anticipate and respond to European trends that affect corporate sustainability strategies. The new appointees are:

Sebastian Braun, VP, Head of Environmental Sustainability, Protection and Remediation at Bayer, leads a team driving environmental strategies in close collaboration with Bayer’s divisions and functions and with Bayer’s peers across the industry. He steers Bayer’s company-wide efforts to reduce its environmental footprint, support operational excellence in environmental protection, and oversees remediation projects worldwide to safeguard local communities and ecosystems.

Dr. Martyn Kenny, VP Sustainable Business and Public Policy at CRH, is responsible for developing and implementing a transformational sustainability strategy, advancing sustainability reporting and guiding public affairs. He represents CRH and sector interests on a wide range of sustainability issues and legislation globally. With more than 30 years in the industry, he chairs several key industry groups and has held a number of senior positions within the organisation.

Robert Spencer, Global Lead – Strategic Sustainability Advice at AECOM, brings more than 25 years’ experience in climate, decarbonisation, nature, and the circular economy. He advises boards and executive teams on embedding sustainability into business strategy and infrastructure investment. A recognised convener and thought leader, he brings a sharp focus on resilient, net-positive supply chains and how business can thrive within planetary boundaries.

The new appointees join existing Supervisory Board member Dr. Jihane Ball, Lead Sustainability Director, EH&S and Sustainability at Dow, who works across Dow businesses to guide the enterprise’s transition to more sustainable business models. She collaborates closely with both Dow Consumer Solutions and Packaging and Specialty Plastics, partner functions, and industry peers to ensure an enabling regulatory framework for cyclics and plastics.

“Welcoming Sebastian, Martyn and Robert to the Supervisory Board strengthens our ability to support companies operating across Europe,” said Margaret O’Gorman, Chief Executive Officer of Tandem Global. “Each brings deep experience in advancing sustainability within complex global organisations. Together with Jihane’s continued leadership, their insight will help ensure Tandem Global remains ahead of emerging trends and continues to guide business action on climate, water and nature.”

About Tandem Global

Tandem Global (formerly Wildlife Habitat Council and World Environment Center), provides the know-how and the network to move business and the environment forward, together. Across sectors and at all levels of its 100+ member organizations, Tandem Global works to facilitate long-term and lasting impact on all aspects of our natural world. Tandem Global connects leading thinking with practical solutions that positively impact climate, nature, and water. From field operations to boardrooms and beyond, corporate leaders turn to Tandem Global for impact strategies and resilient solutions that can support a better future. Tandem Global is headquartered in Washington, D.C., USA, with locations across the U.S., in Latin America and Munich, Germany. For more information visit tandemglobal.org.

MUNICH, December 4, 2025 /3BL/ – Tandem Global, e.V., the European entity of Tandem Global, a leading NGO working at the intersection of business, climate, water and nature, is pleased to announce the addition of three new members to its Supervisory Board.

The Supervisory Board supports Tandem Global e.V. by advising on strategic initiatives, member outreach in Europe, and matters of governance and finance. Through its deep expertise and strong regional networks, the Supervisory Board plays a critical role in helping Tandem Global anticipate and respond to European trends that affect corporate sustainability strategies. The new appointees are:

Sebastian Braun, VP, Head of Environmental Sustainability, Protection and Remediation at Bayer, leads a team driving environmental strategies in close collaboration with Bayer’s divisions and functions and with Bayer’s peers across the industry. He steers Bayer’s company-wide efforts to reduce its environmental footprint, support operational excellence in environmental protection, and oversees remediation projects worldwide to safeguard local communities and ecosystems.

Dr. Martyn Kenny, VP Sustainable Business and Public Policy at CRH, is responsible for developing and implementing a transformational sustainability strategy, advancing sustainability reporting and guiding public affairs. He represents CRH and sector interests on a wide range of sustainability issues and legislation globally. With more than 30 years in the industry, he chairs several key industry groups and has held a number of senior positions within the organisation.

Robert Spencer, Global Lead – Strategic Sustainability Advice at AECOM, brings more than 25 years’ experience in climate, decarbonisation, nature, and the circular economy. He advises boards and executive teams on embedding sustainability into business strategy and infrastructure investment. A recognised convener and thought leader, he brings a sharp focus on resilient, net-positive supply chains and how business can thrive within planetary boundaries.

The new appointees join existing Supervisory Board member Dr. Jihane Ball, Lead Sustainability Director, EH&S and Sustainability at Dow, who works across Dow businesses to guide the enterprise’s transition to more sustainable business models. She collaborates closely with both Dow Consumer Solutions and Packaging and Specialty Plastics, partner functions, and industry peers to ensure an enabling regulatory framework for cyclics and plastics.

“Welcoming Sebastian, Martyn and Robert to the Supervisory Board strengthens our ability to support companies operating across Europe,” said Margaret O’Gorman, Chief Executive Officer of Tandem Global. “Each brings deep experience in advancing sustainability within complex global organisations. Together with Jihane’s continued leadership, their insight will help ensure Tandem Global remains ahead of emerging trends and continues to guide business action on climate, water and nature.”

About Tandem Global

Tandem Global (formerly Wildlife Habitat Council and World Environment Center), provides the know-how and the network to move business and the environment forward, together. Across sectors and at all levels of its 100+ member organizations, Tandem Global works to facilitate long-term and lasting impact on all aspects of our natural world. Tandem Global connects leading thinking with practical solutions that positively impact climate, nature, and water. From field operations to boardrooms and beyond, corporate leaders turn to Tandem Global for impact strategies and resilient solutions that can support a better future. Tandem Global is headquartered in Washington, D.C., USA, with locations across the U.S., in Latin America and Munich, Germany. For more information visit tandemglobal.org.

Why MedTech Supply Chains Are Shifting

Around the world, healthcare supply chains are undergoing rapid change. Medical technology (MedTech) companies that manufacture surgical instruments, diagnostics equipment, and life-saving devices are facing rising tariffs, port congestion, and growing geopolitical uncertainty.

Geopolitical volatility has become a structural supply‑chain risk for MedTech. Deloitte’s 2025 Life Sciences Outlook survey reveals 48% of MedTech executives saying manufacturing and supply chain risks could significantly impact their 2025 strategy. A Bain and Company 2025 nearshoring survey shows that 80% of COOs plan to increase onshoring or nearshoring over the next three years.

These pressure points are growing. E2open’s 2025 Ocean Shipping Index shows that geopolitical tensions, labor shortages, and port congestion are driving significant increases in global transit times. Their reporting revealed that the global average time for ocean shipments in Q4 2024 averaged 68 days, up eight days compared to Q4 2023.

Increasingly, that search for stability and proximity is leading to the Caribbean – and specifically, the Dominican Republic.

A Strategic Manufacturing Gateway Enabled by DP World

The Dominican Republic is demonstrating what’s possible when modern logistics infrastructure meets long-term economic planning. At the Caucedo peninsula, DP World is advancing a multimillion-dollar expansion that integrates a deepwater port, logistics hub, and Special Economic Zone (SEZ) into one seamless ecosystem.

This expansion increases terminal capacity from 2.25 million to 3.1 million TEUs and unlocks more than 200 hectares of development-ready industrial land—purpose-built for companies operating in high-value, regulated industries.

This is more than a capacity boost – it represents a port-centric, end-to-end manufacturing model designed for connectivity, reliability, and supply chain resilience. Manufacturers gain direct access to global markets, faster lead times, and the ability to operate within an integrated port-centric environment.

Integrated Infrastructure Designed for Precision

For MedTech producers, fragmented logistics is one of the biggest threats to quality and speed. In traditional manufacturing locations, MedTech supply chains often span multiple cities and service providers. Imports arrive through one port, storage occurs elsewhere, assembly takes place in another region, and exports pass through yet another checkpoint. Every handoff adds time, cost, and risk.

The Caucedo SEZ eliminates that fragmentation.

Within a single, secure environment, manufacturers can:

• Manage imports and specialized raw materials
• Conduct regulated production and assembly
• Maintain rigorous quality-assurance processes
• Store components and finished goods in bonded facilities
• Export finished products directly through an adjacent deepwater port with minimal handoffs

Digitally connected systems support visibility across every step of the process – including cold-chain logistics, traceability, and customs clearance. This integration reduces errors and delays that can be critical in healthcare. The U.S. FDA acknowledges that early awareness of supply disruptions is essential to mitigating the impacts of medical device shortages that disrupt patient care and put public health at risk – highlighting the importance of tightly controlled end-to-end environments.

Investing in Human Capital for High-Value Industries

A world-class MedTech ecosystem depends on a skilled workforce. Through the DP World Academy and partnerships with universities, technical institutes, and global training organizations, the Dominican Republic is building talent pipelines in STEM fields, manufacturing processes, quality management, and other competencies needed to support regulated industries.

This investment reinforces the country’s growing role as a regional MedTech powerhouse. The Dominican Republic already hosts one of the largest medical device manufacturing clusters in Latin America – exports from Dominican Free Zones reached $2.6 billion in 2023, representing over 31% of total export value from these areas. The SEZ expansion is expected to accelerate that growth, while attracting higher-value device assembly and component manufacturing.

A Model for the Future of MedTech Manufacturing

With its integrated SEZ, strong public-private collaboration, and deepening technical workforce, the Dominican Republic is emerging as a new frontier for high-value MedTech manufacturing – and DP World is at the center of this transformation.

In an industry where reliability, traceability, and speed directly impact patient outcomes, supply chain resilience matters more than ever. The Dominican Republic’s SEZ ecosystem, enabled by DP World’s infrastructure and logistics expertise, offers manufacturers a strategic, connected, and future-ready location to build the next generation of global healthcare supply chains.

Learn more about DP World’s Caucedo Economic Zone here.

Why MedTech Supply Chains Are Shifting

Around the world, healthcare supply chains are undergoing rapid change. Medical technology (MedTech) companies that manufacture surgical instruments, diagnostics equipment, and life-saving devices are facing rising tariffs, port congestion, and growing geopolitical uncertainty.

Geopolitical volatility has become a structural supply‑chain risk for MedTech. Deloitte’s 2025 Life Sciences Outlook survey reveals 48% of MedTech executives saying manufacturing and supply chain risks could significantly impact their 2025 strategy. A Bain and Company 2025 nearshoring survey shows that 80% of COOs plan to increase onshoring or nearshoring over the next three years.

These pressure points are growing. E2open’s 2025 Ocean Shipping Index shows that geopolitical tensions, labor shortages, and port congestion are driving significant increases in global transit times. Their reporting revealed that the global average time for ocean shipments in Q4 2024 averaged 68 days, up eight days compared to Q4 2023.

Increasingly, that search for stability and proximity is leading to the Caribbean – and specifically, the Dominican Republic.

A Strategic Manufacturing Gateway Enabled by DP World

The Dominican Republic is demonstrating what’s possible when modern logistics infrastructure meets long-term economic planning. At the Caucedo peninsula, DP World is advancing a multimillion-dollar expansion that integrates a deepwater port, logistics hub, and Special Economic Zone (SEZ) into one seamless ecosystem.

This expansion increases terminal capacity from 2.25 million to 3.1 million TEUs and unlocks more than 200 hectares of development-ready industrial land—purpose-built for companies operating in high-value, regulated industries.

This is more than a capacity boost – it represents a port-centric, end-to-end manufacturing model designed for connectivity, reliability, and supply chain resilience. Manufacturers gain direct access to global markets, faster lead times, and the ability to operate within an integrated port-centric environment.

Integrated Infrastructure Designed for Precision

For MedTech producers, fragmented logistics is one of the biggest threats to quality and speed. In traditional manufacturing locations, MedTech supply chains often span multiple cities and service providers. Imports arrive through one port, storage occurs elsewhere, assembly takes place in another region, and exports pass through yet another checkpoint. Every handoff adds time, cost, and risk.

The Caucedo SEZ eliminates that fragmentation.

Within a single, secure environment, manufacturers can:

• Manage imports and specialized raw materials
• Conduct regulated production and assembly
• Maintain rigorous quality-assurance processes
• Store components and finished goods in bonded facilities
• Export finished products directly through an adjacent deepwater port with minimal handoffs

Digitally connected systems support visibility across every step of the process – including cold-chain logistics, traceability, and customs clearance. This integration reduces errors and delays that can be critical in healthcare. The U.S. FDA acknowledges that early awareness of supply disruptions is essential to mitigating the impacts of medical device shortages that disrupt patient care and put public health at risk – highlighting the importance of tightly controlled end-to-end environments.

Investing in Human Capital for High-Value Industries

A world-class MedTech ecosystem depends on a skilled workforce. Through the DP World Academy and partnerships with universities, technical institutes, and global training organizations, the Dominican Republic is building talent pipelines in STEM fields, manufacturing processes, quality management, and other competencies needed to support regulated industries.

This investment reinforces the country’s growing role as a regional MedTech powerhouse. The Dominican Republic already hosts one of the largest medical device manufacturing clusters in Latin America – exports from Dominican Free Zones reached $2.6 billion in 2023, representing over 31% of total export value from these areas. The SEZ expansion is expected to accelerate that growth, while attracting higher-value device assembly and component manufacturing.

A Model for the Future of MedTech Manufacturing

With its integrated SEZ, strong public-private collaboration, and deepening technical workforce, the Dominican Republic is emerging as a new frontier for high-value MedTech manufacturing – and DP World is at the center of this transformation.

In an industry where reliability, traceability, and speed directly impact patient outcomes, supply chain resilience matters more than ever. The Dominican Republic’s SEZ ecosystem, enabled by DP World’s infrastructure and logistics expertise, offers manufacturers a strategic, connected, and future-ready location to build the next generation of global healthcare supply chains.

Learn more about DP World’s Caucedo Economic Zone here.