Tag: 3BL

Eastman

KINGSPORT, Tenn., and CINCINNATI, February 12, 2024 /3BL/ – Leading North American recycler, Rumpke Waste & Recycling (Rumpke) and molecular recycling pioneer Eastman, announced a groundbreaking partnership to help address the global plastic waste crisis. Later this year, Rumpke will begin collecting and sorting hard-to-recycle and colored PET packaging waste, materials that are largely unaddressed in today’s recycling ecosystem and will provide 100 percent of this waste stream as feedstock to Eastman’s molecular recycling process. Eastman will then turn this waste stream into virgin quality polyesters with its molecular recycling technology to be used across a range of packaging applications and to expand the circular economy for polyesters.

“The world is currently grappling with a significant problem, with a large portion of plastic waste either not being collected for recycling, or is considered non-recyclable by traditional methods,” said Jeff Snyder, director of recycling at Rumpke. “This partnership creates a new market for hard-to-recycle colored and opaque waste that is not currently recycled today.”

Colored and opaque PET is used across a range of consumer applications, including personal care and cosmetic packaging, detergent and soap packaging and various dairy and food packaging. Historically many of these applications have been unable to transition to fully circular packaging. Through Rumpke’s investment in innovation processing and Eastman’s molecular recycling technology, this partnership will enable circularity for many applications. By diverting this waste from incineration or landfill, both companies are making significant strides toward their shared vision of a world without waste.

By harnessing the power of innovation, Rumpke and Eastman are keeping fossil resources in the ground and contributing to a more sustainable future. The partnership sets an example for the industry and demonstrates the importance of collaboration in achieving true circularity.

“Rumpke and Eastman are both committed to innovative approaches to reducing plastic waste through collaboration,” said Brad Lich, Eastman executive vice president and chief commercial officer. “This partnership reinforces the complementary nature of molecular and mechanical recycling to keep more raw materials in the circular economy enabling brands to meet their recycled content goals.”

This announcement comes as Eastman is nearing the start-up of the world’s largest material-to-material molecular recycling facility at their Kingsport, Tennessee site. Set to begin shipping its first products in the coming weeks, the Kingsport plant will recycle 110,000 metric tons of hard-to-recycle plastic waste annually.

Visit www.eastman.com/circular for more information on Eastman’s efforts in the circular economy and Eastman Renew Circular Solutions.

About Eastman
Founded in 1920, Eastman is a global specialty materials company that produces a broad range of products found in items people use every day. With the purpose of enhancing the quality of life in a material way, Eastman works with customers to deliver innovative products and solutions while maintaining a commitment to safety and sustainability. The company’s innovation-driven growth model takes advantage of world-class technology platforms, deep customer engagement, and differentiated application development to grow its leading positions in attractive end markets such as transportation, building and construction, and consumables. As a globally inclusive and diverse company, Eastman employs approximately 14,000 people around the world and serves customers in more than 100 countries. The company had 2023 revenue of approximately $9.2 billion and is headquartered in Kingsport, Tennessee, USA. For more information, visit www.eastman.com.

About Rumpke
Rumpke Waste & Recycling has been keeping homes and businesses clean for more than 90 years. Today, Rumpke employs nearly 4,000 environmental experts servicing millions of customers across Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana and West Virginia. The award-winning family-owned company operates 14 landfills and 14 recycling centers. Other Rumpke divisions include Rumpke Portable Restrooms, Rumpke Haul-it-Away and Rumpke Hydraulics, as well as environmental solutions company The William-Thomas Group.

Media contact
Kristin Parker 
1-423-229-2526 
kristin@eastman.com

Media contact
Jacob Teetzmann 
1-423-494-3673 
jteetzmann@tombras.com

Rumpke Waste & Recycling
Amanda Pratt, APR 
Director of Communications 
1-513-741-2637

Eastman

KINGSPORT, Tenn., and CINCINNATI, February 12, 2024 /3BL/ – Leading North American recycler, Rumpke Waste & Recycling (Rumpke) and molecular recycling pioneer Eastman, announced a groundbreaking partnership to help address the global plastic waste crisis. Later this year, Rumpke will begin collecting and sorting hard-to-recycle and colored PET packaging waste, materials that are largely unaddressed in today’s recycling ecosystem and will provide 100 percent of this waste stream as feedstock to Eastman’s molecular recycling process. Eastman will then turn this waste stream into virgin quality polyesters with its molecular recycling technology to be used across a range of packaging applications and to expand the circular economy for polyesters.

“The world is currently grappling with a significant problem, with a large portion of plastic waste either not being collected for recycling, or is considered non-recyclable by traditional methods,” said Jeff Snyder, director of recycling at Rumpke. “This partnership creates a new market for hard-to-recycle colored and opaque waste that is not currently recycled today.”

Colored and opaque PET is used across a range of consumer applications, including personal care and cosmetic packaging, detergent and soap packaging and various dairy and food packaging. Historically many of these applications have been unable to transition to fully circular packaging. Through Rumpke’s investment in innovation processing and Eastman’s molecular recycling technology, this partnership will enable circularity for many applications. By diverting this waste from incineration or landfill, both companies are making significant strides toward their shared vision of a world without waste.

By harnessing the power of innovation, Rumpke and Eastman are keeping fossil resources in the ground and contributing to a more sustainable future. The partnership sets an example for the industry and demonstrates the importance of collaboration in achieving true circularity.

“Rumpke and Eastman are both committed to innovative approaches to reducing plastic waste through collaboration,” said Brad Lich, Eastman executive vice president and chief commercial officer. “This partnership reinforces the complementary nature of molecular and mechanical recycling to keep more raw materials in the circular economy enabling brands to meet their recycled content goals.”

This announcement comes as Eastman is nearing the start-up of the world’s largest material-to-material molecular recycling facility at their Kingsport, Tennessee site. Set to begin shipping its first products in the coming weeks, the Kingsport plant will recycle 110,000 metric tons of hard-to-recycle plastic waste annually.

Visit www.eastman.com/circular for more information on Eastman’s efforts in the circular economy and Eastman Renew Circular Solutions.

About Eastman
Founded in 1920, Eastman is a global specialty materials company that produces a broad range of products found in items people use every day. With the purpose of enhancing the quality of life in a material way, Eastman works with customers to deliver innovative products and solutions while maintaining a commitment to safety and sustainability. The company’s innovation-driven growth model takes advantage of world-class technology platforms, deep customer engagement, and differentiated application development to grow its leading positions in attractive end markets such as transportation, building and construction, and consumables. As a globally inclusive and diverse company, Eastman employs approximately 14,000 people around the world and serves customers in more than 100 countries. The company had 2023 revenue of approximately $9.2 billion and is headquartered in Kingsport, Tennessee, USA. For more information, visit www.eastman.com.

About Rumpke
Rumpke Waste & Recycling has been keeping homes and businesses clean for more than 90 years. Today, Rumpke employs nearly 4,000 environmental experts servicing millions of customers across Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana and West Virginia. The award-winning family-owned company operates 14 landfills and 14 recycling centers. Other Rumpke divisions include Rumpke Portable Restrooms, Rumpke Haul-it-Away and Rumpke Hydraulics, as well as environmental solutions company The William-Thomas Group.

Media contact
Kristin Parker 
1-423-229-2526 
kristin@eastman.com

Media contact
Jacob Teetzmann 
1-423-494-3673 
jteetzmann@tombras.com

Rumpke Waste & Recycling
Amanda Pratt, APR 
Director of Communications 
1-513-741-2637

 STEM Next Opportunity Fund’s Million Girls Moonshot initiative announced its third cohort of the Flight Crew – a youth ambassador program that is advancing equity for girls in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). 

The Flight Crew elevates youth voices to inspire more young people to become future STEM leaders. The group embodies the spirit of the Million Girls Moonshot, a STEM equity initiative to engage millions more girls in afterschool and summer STEM learning opportunities by 2025.

“The Flight Crew has been instrumental to advancing equity in STEM for all youth at the state and national levels,” said Teresa Drew, deputy director of STEM Next and director of the Million Girls Moonshot. “We have seen thousands of young people inspired to build their confidence and skills with STEM, thanks to the youth voices of the Flight Crew leaders. These ambassadors have also made a compelling impact on policymakers and other leaders to consider the significant role of afterschool STEM learning in removing barriers to learning for millions of youth across the country.”

The 2024 Flight Crew cohort includes 51 youth, ages 13-18, from all 50 states. These diverse youth were selected to share their influential STEM experiences in afterschool and summer programs that have helped them solve challenges in their communities, as well as transform their own understanding of what is possible. The Flight Crew will share their testimonies to encourage other youth to get involved, break down stereotypes, and stay curious about STEM.

Meet the Flight Crew!

Learn more about Million Girls Moonshot.

 STEM Next Opportunity Fund’s Million Girls Moonshot initiative announced its third cohort of the Flight Crew – a youth ambassador program that is advancing equity for girls in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). 

The Flight Crew elevates youth voices to inspire more young people to become future STEM leaders. The group embodies the spirit of the Million Girls Moonshot, a STEM equity initiative to engage millions more girls in afterschool and summer STEM learning opportunities by 2025.

“The Flight Crew has been instrumental to advancing equity in STEM for all youth at the state and national levels,” said Teresa Drew, deputy director of STEM Next and director of the Million Girls Moonshot. “We have seen thousands of young people inspired to build their confidence and skills with STEM, thanks to the youth voices of the Flight Crew leaders. These ambassadors have also made a compelling impact on policymakers and other leaders to consider the significant role of afterschool STEM learning in removing barriers to learning for millions of youth across the country.”

The 2024 Flight Crew cohort includes 51 youth, ages 13-18, from all 50 states. These diverse youth were selected to share their influential STEM experiences in afterschool and summer programs that have helped them solve challenges in their communities, as well as transform their own understanding of what is possible. The Flight Crew will share their testimonies to encourage other youth to get involved, break down stereotypes, and stay curious about STEM.

Meet the Flight Crew!

Learn more about Million Girls Moonshot.

CHICAGO, February 12, 2024 /3BL/ – Cinnaire Lending Corporation (CLC), a certified Community Development Financial Institution has been awarded a $5 million Equity Equivalent investment, or EQ2, from Fifth Third Bank.

Cinnaire Lending will leverage Fifth Third’s $5 million commitment to provide financing to developers for the rehabilitation and construction of affordable for-sale homes, multifamily housing and community facilities in Illinois and Michigan. Additionally, Cinnaire Lending and Fifth Third are partnering with emerging developers in both states leveraging the investment as a catalyst to further work in underinvested communities.

“This flexible financial resource provides cost-effective funding to our borrowers in Illinois and Michigan, allowing them to take on projects that build on the assets in their communities,” said Sarah Greenberg, Cinnaire Lending President. “Our collaboration with Fifth Third will support developers and communities that have experienced decades of disinvestment.”

Cinnaire Lending is a trusted partner with nonprofit organizations, government agencies, and mission-driven for-profit businesses to connect communities, regardless of income or ZIP code, with financing that supports economic growth and opportunity.

“Our unique relationship with Cinnaire allows the Fifth Third Community Development Company and Fifth Third Bank to transform neighborhoods and improve the quality of life in the communities we serve,” said Susan Thomas President, Fifth Third Community Development Company. “This investment provides an avenue for the Bank to partner and thereby deliver crucial components of the financing structure that traditional banks can’t do.”

About Cinnaire 
Cinnaire is a non-profit financial partner that supports affordable housing developments along with community and economic revitalization initiatives through creative investments, loans and real estate development services. Since 1993, Cinnaire has invested $4.7 billion to support the development of 811 housing communities in 10 states, providing 49,700 affordable apartment homes for more than 100,000 individuals and families and has provided community development loans to support the creation/retention of more than 187,000 square feet of commercial, mixed-use, and community space. In its mission to change lives and transform neighborhoods into thriving communities, Cinnaire has helped to create or retain over 76,000 jobs and spur $8.8 billion in economic impact. https://cinnaire.com

About Fifth Third

Fifth Third is a bank that’s as long on innovation as it is on history. Since 1858, we’ve been helping individuals, families, businesses and communities grow through smart financial services that improve lives. Our list of firsts is extensive, and it’s one that continues to expand as we explore the intersection of tech-driven innovation, dedicated people and focused community impact. Fifth Third is one of the few U.S.-based banks to have been named among Ethisphere’s World’s Most Ethical Companies® for several years. With a commitment to taking care of our customers, employees, communities and shareholders, our goal is not only to be the nation’s highest performing regional bank, but to be the bank people most value and trust.

Fifth Third Bank, National Association, is a federally chartered institution. Fifth Third Bancorp is the indirect parent company of Fifth Third Bank and its common stock is traded on the NASDAQ® Global Select Market under the symbol “FITB.” Investor information and press releases can be viewed at www.53.com. Deposit and credit products provided by Fifth Third Bank, National Association. Member FDIC.

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National Grid

Making sure the slopes have enough snow on them for the thousands who come to ski and snowboard each season at Gore Mountain is critical to the resort’s success. While Mother Nature does her best to ensure that there is enough powder on the hills, there are times when she needs a little help from snow-making equipment. National Grid’s energy savings programs have funded new, energy efficient snow makers at Gore Mountain over the past few years, helping the business save energy and thousands of dollars in energy costs.

With the help of a National Grid incentive of more than $1.2 million, Gore Mountain has been able to install 136 energy efficient tower-mounted snow guns to produce more than 190 acre-feet of snow annually. The new equipment conserves more than 2.1 million kilowatt-hours a year, resulting in energy savings of more than $170,000 annually.

“We are grateful to National Grid for their assistance in this project. With the help of their grant, we were able to replace older and inefficient snow-making equipment with equipment that can generate snow at a fraction of the cost. This will be a huge benefit to those who enjoy our resort. In addition to reducing our energy costs, we are thrilled to be doing our part to conserve energy and help preserve our future,” said General Manager, James Bayse.

With this new, energy efficient technology, Gore Mountain uses about the same amount of energy it did two decades ago with a facility that is three times the size.

“By helping fund this new, efficient equipment, we are helping Gore Mountain save energy and money, while at same time, we are enabling them to keep more trails open longer which brings more visitors to the community throughout the year,” said Tom Iwinski, Community and Customer Manager at National Grid. “That’s important for the people in this area who depend on the winter sports season as an economic engine to the region.”

Gore Mountain has a long history of energy efficiency measures and finding new, green alternatives for their facilities. Distinguished as the ski resort with the largest dedicated solar array in the nation, Gore Mountain has solidified its commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility. The energy created by the solar panels is not metered into the energy grid but directly offsets Gore’s energy use by an impressive 85%, further reducing its carbon footprint.

National Grid offers a variety of energy savings programs for different types of small, medium and large businesses that can help offset costs for commercial energy efficient equipment, heating, cooling and electric systems. To find out more about these programs, visit www.nationalgrid.com and search for “energy saving programs.”

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About Gore Mountain

Gore Mountain, located in North Creek, is the largest ski area in New York and one of the three ski areas operated by the Olympic Regional Development Authority (ORDA). The mountain is a popular winter destination, attracting skiers, riders, and cross-country enthusiasts throughout the snow season. Known as the North East’s Hidden Gem, Gore Mountain features the most skiable terrain in New York State, an impressive 14-lift system, and 108 alpine trails across four mountain peaks. Gore Mountain offers an unparalleled year-round sports experience for visitors of all skill levels, with trails full of character, state-of-the-art facilities, and exceptional snowmaking capabilities. For more information, visit GoreMountain.com.

About National Grid

National Grid (NYSE: NGG) is an electricity, natural gas, and clean energy delivery company serving more than 20 million people through our networks in New York and Massachusetts. National Grid is focused on building a smarter, stronger, cleaner energy future — transforming our networks with more reliable and resilient energy solutions to meet state climate goals and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

For more information, please visit our website, follow us on X (formerly Twitter), watch us on YouTube, like us on Facebook and find us on Instagram.

Media Contacts

Patrick Stella 
Albany (Eastern NY) 
(518) 433-3838

Originally published by Forbes.

By Shayna Harris.

I spoke to over a dozen top food and agtech experts, entrepreneurs and investors about their predictions for the food and agtech market in 2024. I asked, What food tech trends are you most bullish on for 2024? 

The last tech revolutions in food and agriculture – the Industrial Revolution and Green Revolution – started in the 1760’s and in the 1950’s, respectively. It is time for an upgrade. Experts predict that ‘boring’ industries will apply technology to produce important impacts in labor, agriculture, health, and food delivery.

“One of my key takeaways from COP28 is that I believe 2024 will see an increased focus by technology companies and private investors to accelerate and scale innovations that improve business performance while reducing food system emissions and/or ensuring food security and nutrition for those in need in our country and throughout the world.” Suzanne Long, Chief Sustainability and Transformation Officer at Albertsons Companies

See original article on Forbes and read more about Albertsons Companies and our Recipe for Change on our website.

BOSTON, February 9, 2024 /3BL/ – Breweries across the United States are stepping up to help fight climate change, and Super Bowl weekend is no different. Super Bowl Sunday is not just a day for football in America or betting on if Taylor Swift will make the game from her sold out shows in Tokyo; it’s one of the days that Americans consume the most beer – approximately 325 million gallons. That’s a lot of beer for any one of Ms. Taylor’s eras.

Yet, all that beer creates a lot of waste that gets sent to landfills or dumped down the drain, but shake it off, because there’s a better solution. Breweries are thinking more and more about what they can do to make a change to be sustainable, reduce their CO2 emissions, and dispose of their spent waste in a way that is good for the environment and keeps that waste out of our landfills and waterways.

Vanguard Renewables®, a leader in food and beverage materials management, is working with large and small breweries across the United States to recycle their organic materials via Farm Powered® anaerobic digestion to create renewable natural gas that powers communities, businesses, and homes.

“We work with some of the Country’s largest breweries as well as many of the best-known micro-breweries to recycle their waste – like the spent grains and liquids that remain following the brewing process,” said John Hanselman, Chief Strategy Officer, of Vanguard Renewables. “The demand for beer on this singular weekend is not new; and we’re excited to provide brewers with a sustainable, circular solution to recycle their organic materials.”

The organic materials from partner breweries is collected and brought to one of Vanguard’s farm-based anaerobic digestion facilities where t’s combined in a state-of-the-art digester tank with dairy manure and converted into renewable energy. The waste supplied by brewery partners not only helps to produce renewable natural gas, but the byproducts of the anaerobic digestion process including high-quality bedding for farm animals and a nearly odorless liquid fertilizer for the farm help sustain the farm and support regenerative agriculture. Vanguard can also process expired beer in cans and kegs that would have previously been sent to landfills or incineration.

“We pride ourselves on being as sustainable as possible, even from the design of our brewery. Every piece of equipment is the highest energy efficient rating we could get, and we also plan our brewing process to run efficiently to help our energy consumption. Additionally, we don’t just recycle our organic waste, but we also recycle our Pak Tech beer toppers, stated Dan Sartwell, Head of Brewing Operations at Black Flannel Brewing and Distilling Company in Vermont. “When we had to decide on how we were going to dispose of our waste – the decision to partner with Vanguard to make renewable energy just made sense. It can be expensive to sidestream your waste, but it’s a lot cheaper than having that waste ruin your septic system or end up in our waterways and landfills.”

In New England, Vanguard Renewables works with multiple brewers including Tree House Brewing Company, Berkshire Brewing Company, Shacksbury Cider, and Wachusett Brewing Company to recycle their organic materials. By collecting the brewer’s spent grains and other byproducts, Vanguard Renewables collaborates with their partners to help reduce their CO2 emissions and help keep the family farmers in business.

“Working with Vanguard has enabled us to abide by our ethos of environmental responsibility while bringing a benefit to local farmers – it was a no-brainer for us to work with them,” stated Nate Lanier, the Co-founder and Head Brewer of Tree House Brewing Company, with several locations in MA and CT. “Vanguard is passionate about what they do, and it shows.”

The Brewers Association For Small and Independent Craft Brewers noted that in 2022 the United States had nearly 10,000 breweries. That’s a lot of waste being created. Vanguard Renewables’ brewery partners are not just doing good for the environment, but they are helping the region’s family farmers save money on fertilizers, energy, and bedding. It’s a win for all.

Brewers doing good and making sustainability a priorityon Super Bowl Sunday and every day will be raising a glass to you. And just like Hellmann’s, a Unilever brand and a founding member of Vanguard’s Farm Powered Strategic Alliance, Vanguard Renewables is going to celebrate #SickOfFoodWasteDay on Monday after the big game, because reducing food waste needs to be a priority and recycling what can’t be reduced or eaten into renewable energy turns what was once considered waste into a resource for good.

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 plans to expand nationwide to more than 150 anaerobic digestion facilities by 2026. 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 Real Assets. To learn more visit vanguardrenewables.com.

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Originally published on Sustainable Brands

Seven million dollars can do a world of good, especially when those funds are put to work by nonprofit organizations. The same amount of money can also put a talking cat or a low-carb beer in front of hundreds of millions of viewers in between touchdowns — for just 30 seconds. While some of these ads will break through and become hot topics on social media, most will ultimately be forgotten. Imagine if those brands did something more impactful — like applying their dollars and creativity to a social issue that’s aligned with their brand. Continue reading at Sustainable Brands…

Case IH, a brand of CNH, recently attended the Coopavel Rural Show. Held from February 5 to 9 in Cascavel, West of Paraná, the fair celebrated its 36th edition where Case IH presented a portfolio designed for the needs of the Paraná farmer.

There were more than fifteen machines on display for all stages of the production cycle, from planters to harvesters and infrastructure machines. Case IH highlighted its high-tech machinery the Steiger AFS Connect; the Easy Riser planter; the Farmall, Puma and Magnum tractors; the Patriot 250 sprayer; the Axial-Flow Series 150 and Series 250 harvesters; and the IH corn platform and the Caracol 3020 TerraFlex grain platform.

Products from CASE Construction Equipment (a brand of CNH) were also exhibited in the space, displaying the 580N S2 HD backhoe loader, the 612E wheel loader and the CX130B hydraulic excavator.

Raven, another CNH brand, presented its precision agriculture portfolio at the Coopavel Rural Show, with DirecSteer™ electric steering. The solution offers high torque, quiet operation and ease of installation for the Puma line tractors (from 144 to 234 hp) and was featured at the Case IH booth along with other products.

Celebrating 25 years of history in Brazil, CNH Capital was also present at the Coopavel Rural Show, affirming their commitment to helping customers achieve their dreams, remaining at the forefront of the financial sector and contributing to the country’s development. The team worked to offer specialized support in choosing the best financial and insurance solutions, facilitating the acquisition of Case IH products.

Attending this event affirms CNH’s commitment to innovative product design for a more sustainable future not just for our famers and builders, but for the world at large.