Tag: 3BL

Originally published in Alkermes September 2023 Corporate Responsibility Report

Environmental Health, Safety and Security

Alkermes is committed to operating in a manner that protects our employees, our environment and our communities. We implement a variety of EHSS risk management strategies to help ensure compliance with EHSS policies and protocols, proactively reduce EHSS risk and drive awareness of our environmental impacts and priorities. The core goals established by our EHSS function include working to:

Preserve and protect the health, safety and well-being of our employees;Meet or exceed applicable environmental, health and safety regulations and statutory obligations for the regions in which we operate;Protect the environment and promote sustainability in our operations; andSecure our infrastructure and support the manufacture and supply of our medicines for patients.

Our operations are supported by teams of highly qualified and experienced EHSS professionals who provide strategic oversight and governance of EHSS activities and evaluate and establish appropriate EHSS performance goals for our operations.

Our EHSS strategy is integrated across our business, including in our R&D, manufacturing, facilities, external operations, commercial and general and administrative functions. This strategy is supported by numerous EHSS initiatives ranging from our high-level, systemic compliance and risk management frameworks to programs focused on creating a culture of EHSS risk awareness and active workforce engagement.

Risk Management System (RMS) Framework

We maintain a robust, enterprise-wide EHSS Risk Management System (RMS), based on the structured principles of the international standards ISO 14001:2015 (environmental management) and ISO 45001:2018 (occupational health and safety management). Our RMS framework is designed to rapidly identify existing and emerging risks and assign appropriate resources for effective mitigation of such risks at each of our operating facilities. This framework enables us to:

Comply with statutory and regulatory requirements and Alkermes’ internal policies, and adhere to the terms of our environmental permits and licenses;Proactively identify and prioritize EHSS risks and potential mitigations for internal and external operations;Maintain effective emergency and crisis response preparedness; 
Conduct periodic audits for system effectiveness; andDrive continuous improvement in our risk management and mitigation program.

Our Risk Prevention Model

As part of our proactive risk management efforts, we have developed and employ a preventive EHSS risk model to:

Identify opportunities for ongoing improvement across our enterprise; 
Align corporate EHSS objectives and priorities;Drive local strategies, goals and objectives at the facility level;Promote appropriate allocation of resources to support timely and effective risk mitigation; andIdentify “leading” rather than “lagging” indicators of risk to potentially avert those risks before they impact our employees, our local communities or our enterprise.

Collaborative and Risk-focused Engagement (CaRE™)

Our culture is one of collaboration, compliance and trust. We ask our employees to help us promote and sustain a healthy, safe and productive environment. CaRE is our proprietary risk mitigation program designed to instill collective ownership of, and accountability for, safety and environmental stewardship by employees across our facilities.

CaRE empowers employees to proactively identify and address risks in order to help drive continuous improvement in risk mitigation and operational performance and is a vital tool in helping to drive a culture of sustainability and EHSS engagement across the Company.

Components of the program that help encourage high levels of employee engagement and contribute to our low incident rates include:

Workplace “walkthroughs” by cross-functional leaders to improve risk awareness, encourage proactive action and foster open and honest discussions with employees;Self-assessment tools that encourage autonomous risk assessment and risk-based decision-making prior to commencing work activities;Our “Good Save” system designed to help identify and resolve workplace hazards and risks;Data collection and management that support risk mitigation and measurement efforts; andPositive recognition for employees who are actively engaged in our CaRE programs in order to amplify and encourage participation in support of our collective goal of risk mitigation and continuous improvement.

Employee Health and Safety Highlights

It is essential that we maintain workplaces that are safe and protective of the health and well-being of our people. This is a shared responsibility, supported by the personal commitment and awareness of our leaders and employees. We adhere to all health and safety standards set by regulators in the locations in which we operate, and routinely monitor our sites and conduct employee trainings in order to reduce the risk of workplace accidents.

In 2022, both our rate of reportable employee injuries and our lost time injury rate remained below industry averages, as shown on the chart above.

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Originally published in International Paper’s 2022 Sustainability Report

Diversity and inclusion

Diversity and Inclusion are critical components of our sustainability strategy. We believe that a diverse and inclusive workforce strengthens our organization, creates long-term value and fosters collaboration — which in turn drives our company’s success. So we work to build and sustain a work environment that embraces individuality and teamwork equally, to produce exceptional results.

A comprehensive diversity and inclusion strategy drives employee development, ensures diverse talent pools, improves retention and increases engagement. Paired with our training programs and employee benefits, we aim to create a culture where all individuals are valued as contributors to our success. We strive for diversity everywhere we operate, and we continually seek to strengthen our commitment.

Beyond our walls, our commitment to diversity extends to our supplier network — enabling us to tap new perspectives, unique talents and innovative solutions to meet the growing and varied needs of our global customer base.

Cultivating empathy

The company’s Global Diversity & Inclusion Council leads our global efforts to build and sustain a workplace that embraces individuality and collaboration to drive exceptional results. To guide our efforts, our diversity and inclusion framework — Workforce, Workplace, Marketplace — encourages diversity within our company’s culture, employees’ careers and the communities where our team members live and work.

Our employees are ever aware of the importance of multiple viewpoints from people with different perspectives and backgrounds. In 2022, we introduced The D&I Quarterly, a communications tool that shares important information and thought-provoking discussion topics.

We also celebrated Global D&I Awareness Month for the first time and held a multi-cultural mixer celebrating the uniqueness of our employee population.

Ensuring a diverse workforce

With an ongoing focus on hiring diverse talent through college and military veteran recruiting, we implement team member training and development programs to prepare the right candidates for key positions.

In 2022, we magnified our efforts to improve overall diversity across the organization. The most notable evidence of this initiative is that today we pride ourselves on having the most diverse demographic mix of company vice presidents in IP’s history.

International Paper is a global company, so our understanding of diversity is impacted by specific workforce demographics in each location, because cultures, languages, regions, etc., influence the makeup of workforces across the globe.

We realize that diversity means something different in every geography where we operate. For example, in the U.S., we’re striving for greater representation; in the Europe/Middle East/Africa (EMEA) region, our focus is on people with disabilities and generational diversity.

39%

For the graduating class of 2022, we’ve increased the representation of women engineers in our REACH (Recruit, Engage, Align College Hires) program by 39% year over year.

The International Paper Diversity Talent Acquisition Framework…

…establishes baseline metrics and reporting measures to help achieve our Vision 2030 goals of at least:

30% overall representation of women 50% representation of women in salaried positions30% minority representation in U.S. salaried positions

Increasing engagement

We’re advancing our efforts to create a trusting and open work environment, in which team members can express their ideas without fear of negative consequences. To that end, we initiated team-driven workplace flexibility plans that meet the needs of our employees.

In 2022, we established regional diversity targets to meet local circumstances in each of our operations, while aligning with our company vision. As an example, we expanded our Employee Networking Circles, cohort-specific employee groups, governed by our Global Diversity & Inclusion Council, that further inclusion and engagement and influence retention, to include regional facilities and locations. The Global D&I Council leads strategy and overall direction for these councils and ENCs.

Global enterprise

BEN — Black Employee Network  
IPride — LGBTQ+ & Allies  
IPVets — Veterans  
Women in International Paper — Women

Department and business

Global D&I Council  
GCF D&I Council  
Global Sourcing D&I Council IT Inclusion Council

Local

Gender Balance (EMEA) Generations At Work (EMEA) Georgetown Women 
IPWISE (International Paper Women in Science and Engineering) in Federal Way 
LatAm Women in IP 
NAC Northern Illinois Women Orange Mill Diversity 
People With Disabilities (EMEA) 
Savannah Mill’s Supporting Women in the Mill (SWIM)

About International Paper

International Paper (NYSE: IP) is a global producer of planet-friendly packaging, pulp and other fiber-based products, and one of North America’s largest recyclers. Headquartered in Memphis, Tenn., we employ approximately 39,000 colleagues globally who are committed to creating what’s next. We serve customers worldwide, with manufacturing operations in North America, Latin America, North Africa and Europe. Net sales for 2022 were $21.2 billion. Additional information can be found by visiting InternationalPaper.com.

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We’re kicking off a new video series profiling leaders and innovators throughout Whirlpool Corporation. We’ll go Beyond Appliances to learn from the best while having a little fun at the same time.

First up is Executive VP, Corporate Relations & Sustainability, Pamela Rogers Klyn.

ABOUT WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION 

Whirlpool Corporation (NYSE: WHR) is committed to being the best global kitchen and laundry company, in constant pursuit of improving life at home. In an increasingly digital world, the company is driving purposeful innovation to meet the evolving needs of consumers through its iconic brand portfolio, including Whirlpool, KitchenAid, Maytag, Consul, Brastemp, Amana, Bauknecht, JennAir, Indesit, Yummly and InSinkErator. In 2022, the company reported approximately $20 billion in annual sales, 61,000 employees and 56 manufacturing and technology research centers. Additional information about the company can be found at WhirlpoolCorp.com.

View original content here.

November 8, 2023 /3BL/ – The Climate and Us series just launched, exploring how the climate crisis is affecting human health, and how solutions from the healthcare sector, environmental sector and beyond are seeking to respond to the damage. It is an online branded series, presented by the Global Climate and Health Alliance and produced on their behalf by BBC StoryWorks Commercial Productions, which Inogen Alliance is presenting with support from the following Associates: Anew Global Consulting China, Antea Brasil, Antea Group USA, Brown & Green Philippines, HPC AG Germany, Paseco Greece, and Tonkin + Taylor New Zealand.

To learn more about The Climate and Us, visit the dedicated hubsite: https://www.bbc.com/storyworks/specials/the-climate-and-us/Check out the Inogen Alliance article: http://www.bbc.com/storyworks/specials/the-climate-and-us/how-to-protect-communities-and-build-resilience-to-natural-disasters/The series premiered at the New York Climate Week on 19 September, and will be screened at COP 28 on December 3.

The Climate and Us looks at the global race against the climate crisis, and the resilient communities that are adapting to our warming world, the interconnectedness of humanity and the climate crisis, what it means for our health, and some of the “win-win” solutions working towards healing people and the planet. The series is produced for the Global Climate and Health Alliance by BBC StoryWorks Commercial Productions, the award-winning commercial content studio of BBC Studios.

Humanity is wrestling with the ubiquitous challenges posed by climate change and its extreme impacts on our health. Infectious diseases are thriving in rising temperatures and disaster zones; food and water security are coming under increasing threats; the term ‘eco-anxiety’ is now widely in use to explain the unique mental health impact caused by the climate crisis. As we seek to fully understand and address the implications of the crisis, storytelling is more vital than ever to explain and explore the issues we face and the solutions we can create. At Inogen Alliance, partnerships and collaborative efforts on a global scale enable us to share more local knowledge on these climate events and strategies to create a more resilient future.

“As HPC AG, we think globally across all sectors and countries. We recognize that partnership and collaboration are critical to protecting people’s health and our planet. Our ability to collaborate through interdisciplinary teamwork enables us to effectively share our commitment and expertise and successfully put it into action,” Christoph Olk, VP HPC AG and Inogen Alliance Board member.

“What gets me out of bed is the fact that I feel we’re making a difference,” reflects Richard Reinen-Hamill, the sector director for natural hazards resilience at Tonkin + Taylor.  “We are empowering communities to do something.” 

The Climate and Us takes audiences on a cinematic journey across the world, highlighting the critical link between our changing climate and its profound effects on our wellbeing. Through 31 compelling stories spanning six continents, the series explores the realities faced by people worldwide. As well as focusing on communities affected by climate-related disasters and emerging health crises, it also highlights the incredible resilience of people impacted–and the wide-ranging solutions we employ to shield our everyday lives. Each episode and article focuses on a different story–from how to protect communities and build resilience to natural disasters, to the company planning to use biomethane to produce medicines–and explores a range of impacts climate change is having on our health and the solutions being implemented to mitigate them. Through thought-provoking storytelling, interviews with both experts and the people living with the realities of climate change every day, and important scientific research, the series underlines the importance of public health in the midst of this global crisis. 

“The Climate and Us provides the crucial human face of the growing climate crisis-and through telling these stories, demonstrates that there is nothing more important than our health and wellbeing”, said Dr Jeni Miller, Executive Director of the Global Climate and Health Alliance. “Every day, those of us in the health community witness the toll that climate change and its impacts-extreme storms, heat waves, droughts, sea level rise and flooding-take on people’s lives, their health, and well-being. While the threats and challenges are significant, hope lies in the many efforts people all around the world are making to respond to every aspect of the crisis.” 

“We are thrilled to bring to life these stories that do not shy away from the impacts we’re facing, but instead share some of the solutions that exist, or are being created. We hope this series brings home that the climate crisis ultimately affects us, the human race, and how it impacts us and the natural world we’re a part of and depend on. We hope that The Climate and Us inspires people to not only have hope, but to feel empowered to drive a rapid and just transition toward a healthy and sustainable future, while addressing the impacts of climate change today on people all over the world.”

The Climate and Us will be available on the series hubsite, www.theclimateandus.com.

About the Global Climate and Health Alliance:

The Global Climate and Health Alliance was formed in Durban in 2011 to tackle climate change and to protect and promote public health. The Alliance is made up of health and development organizations from around the world united by a shared vision of an equitable, sustainable future. Our vision is a world in which the health impacts of climate change are kept to a minimum, and the health co-benefits of climate change mitigation are maximised. The Alliance was launched following the inaugural Climate and Health summit, which took place in 2011 during the 17th Conference of the Parties (COP17) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)

About Inogen Alliance:

Inogen Alliance is a global network of environment, health, safety and sustainability consulting companies working together to provide one point of contact to guide multinational organizations to meet their global commitments locally.  With offices located on every continent, more than 5,000 associates worldwide, and projects completed in more than 150 countries, Inogen Alliance provides unparalleled local consulting expertise, global consistency and 20+ years of experience building a cleaner, safer and more sustainable future. Global Thinking. Local Delivery. www.inogenalliance.com

Media Contact:

Kate Asleson
Marketing Director, Inogen Alliance
Kate.asleson@inogenalliance.com

Last month, Jewel-Osco had the honor of being the Presenting Sponsor for Skills for Chicagoland’s Future Employment Champions Breakfast!

Jewel-Osco donated more than $350,000 to the Chicago-based organization to aid in their efforts of providing long-term careers to the underemployed. More than 1,000 Skills candidates have been hired in the Chicago area stores as a result of our partnership.

We are grateful to work with an organization that is focused on helping and supporting individuals who are seeking job opportunities in the communities we serve.

See original post on LinkedIn and read more about Albertsons Companies and our Recipe for Change on our website.

In this story, you’ll learn:

How debonding helps make packaging recyclableHow adhesive technologies are helping to replace plastic with paperHow biomass adhesives reduce CO2 emissions in the product life cycleHow adhesive solutions provide a sustainable alternative to stretch filmsWhy partnerships are important to achieve sustainability goals

Produce, use, reuse – by 2025, we want to design and develop 100 percent of Henkel’s packaging so that it can be reused or recycled as completely as possible.1 This is because we want to continuously contribute to ensuring that all packaging waste is properly disposed of and recycled, and thus does not end up in the environment. To this end, our experts are working on optimizing secondary and transport packaging and the associated logistics. We want to replace the linear economic model of “produce, use, dispose” and keep materials in the material cycle for longer. 
₁ With the exception of products where components or residues may affect recyclability or contaminate recycling streams.

We are convinced that we need strong partnerships to drive sustainable development. It’s not just about making our business more sustainable, but helping our customers and stakeholders comply with regulatory requirements and achieve their own sustainability goals. That’s why we work with customers and suppliers in strategic partnerships along the entire value chain to jointly design and develop efficient sustainable solutions.

Pernille Lind Olsen, CSVP Packaging & Consumer Goods at Henkel

For a sustainable economy, the recyclability of packaging is an important lever for making resources reusable several times over and transferring them to new products. After all, eliminating packaging completely is not a solution either – it protects the quality and performance of our products and enables safe use and disposal. In line with the 12th Sustainability Development Goal (SDG), which calls for sustainable consumption and production patterns, our experts at Henkel are rethinking packaging concepts along the circular value chain – for Henkel and for the industry. Our packaging expertise reaches back to 1922 when we first started producing paper, cardboard and packaging adhesives for our own use. What started small, has since developed into a global success story, shaping industries and consumers’ lives through the decades. Today we are applying our know-how to enable intelligent packaging design for the circular economy and to reduce both packaging material and waste with the help of sustainable solutions.

Here we show how Henkel Adhesive Technologies creates sustainable industrial solutions and thus contributes to the circular economy, using five examples.

1. Debonding for recycling processes appropriate to the material

Establishing sustainable practices is important at home and in industry – and can start with proper waste separation. Products and packaging can only be recycled in a material-friendly way if we separate the individual materials from one another – at home, for example, this means separating the aluminum lid from the plastic yogurt pot before throwing both into the recycling can. But separating different materials is not always quite as simple as with the yogurt pot. Multilayer flexible packaging in particular presents a challenge. This is where the so-called debonding process helps in waste processing. Debonding makes it possible to separate different materials that are not suitable for joint recycling and thus provides the basis for reusing and recycling product parts. Together with the start-up Saperatec, our experts at Henkel Adhesive Technologies have developed the Loctite Liofol solution specifically for recycling to enable debonding at the end of the value chain. In combination with the Saperatec process, this solution allows multilayer packaging to be separated from one another again, so that after separation the individual materials made of PE, aluminum and PET can be sorted and returned to the value chain as recyclable materials.

2. More paper, less plastic – with EPIX and KeelClipTM

Plastic packaging is often preferred to paper packaging because it is more robust against environmental influences and thus better protects sensitive products. Our experts at Henkel Adhesive Technologies have made it their business to design adhesive solutions that replace plastic and promote sustainable packaging alternatives – such as EPIX and KeelClipTM.

From shipping bags to paper straws to food packaging, EPIX technology makes paper a true alternative to plastic for popular disposable materials. EPIX extends the functionality of paper by adding features to paper products such as barrier properties, thermal insulation, and resistance to mechanical impact. For example, paper packaging with EPIX is better protected against water and grease penetration. The improved thermal insulation properties also make the technology highly suitable in the production of takeaway beverage cups: Double-walled cups offer higher temperature resistance for both hot and cold beverages thanks to EPIX. Best of all, paper packaging with EPIX can still be recycled.

KeelClipTM, a solution developed by Graphic Packaging International (GPI) using adhesive technologies from Henkel Adhesive Technologies, also proves that it doesn’t always have to be plastic. KeelClipTM represents a sustainable option for the outer packaging of beverage cans. The technology not only reduces plastic, but also saves CO2 emissions in the life cycle of the packaging. Unlike plastic films or plastic rings that otherwise hold beverage cans together, with KeelClip this task is performed by recycled and recyclable cardboard – supported by our adhesive solutions.

3. Bio-based adhesives for more environmentally friendly food packaging

Functional, safe and sustainable – that’s how we want packaging in the food industry to be. The Technomelt Supra Eco hotmelt adhesive developed by our adhesives experts not only meets the strict packaging guidelines for food, but also has a significantly reduced carbon footprint. The adhesive solutions in the range are made from up to 98% biomass and can be used for a wide range of packaging. The carbon footprint of the Technomelt Supra Eco range and its raw material sourcing are also fully traceable. This helps not only us, but also our customers to keep track of their CO2 emissions, so that together we can drive a sustainable industry. And without compromising on the performance of the adhesive product. A win-win solution for the packaging industry and sustainability.

4. Gluing instead of wrapping

In logistics, it is common for goods to be stacked in large paper cartons on wooden pallets to be prepared for transport and storage. To ensure that the goods can be transported safely within the supply chain, the cartons are often wrapped with a plastic film. This prevents the goods from falling off the pallet during transport or storage. Our adhesives experts have found a solution to reduce this film consumption in palletizing by up to 90%. The Technomelt Supra PS Hotmelts adhesive solution from Henkel Adhesive Technologies can be used to secure cartons to each other and to the pallet – making safe transport and storage no problem. Only 0.15 grams per carton is required and the adhesive remains stable even in very hot or cold conditions – ideal for temperature differences in supply chains. This eliminates the need for conventional stretch film, which is usually wrapped around the cartons on the pallet and saves a lot of plastic. Another advantage? Subsequent depalletizing is not only easier, but also takes far less time. In addition to cartons, the adhesive is also suitable for PET bottles, metal cans and many other goods, making it a real gamechanger in the packaging industry.

5. Achieving goals together – with the cyclos-htp institute

Together with our strategic partners, we achieve our sustainability ambitions much faster. One example is our partnership with the cyclos-htp Institute (CHI). The partnership enables us to link two critical components of the packaging and consumer goods value chain: Adhesives and coatings, and recycling expertise. CHI specializes in testing, evaluating and certifying packaging for recyclability. CHI’s certification process determines the recyclability of packaging based on the amount of recovered recycled material (paper fiber) available to produce the starting material (new paper). Building on the generally accepted CHI test methods, it acts as a neutral testing and certification body and, through its partnership with Henkel, can offer its services to a broader customer base. CHI’s rigorous evaluation and certification thereby supports the performance and sustainability of product concepts. With the institute’s expertise and advice, we can further improve our packaging and adhesive solutions, integrate the recyclability of our products and solutions earlier in the design process, and strengthen sustainability in the industry together with our customers.

Kids had a blast at the “Well Versed” premiere in Philadelphia. The new animated series from Nickelodeon aims to teach children civics in short-form music videos. Hear from Jill Biden, Laura Bush, Shari Redstone, and Brian Robbins on the importance of the new kids’ series:

“Democracy only works when all of us get involved and stay involved… So get ready to jump in, raise your hand, and let your voice be heard. I’m proud of you, and President Biden and I are counting on you.”—Jill Biden, First Lady of the United States

“The animated videos debuting here today will help young Americans understand how our government works and the importance of our democratic liberties… Each of us has the duty to be informed, engaged citizens, so today I ask you to join us in this important work. The future of our country depends on it.”—Laura Bush, Former First Lady of the United States

“We are thrilled to launch “Well Versed” to teach our children about how the government works and the rights and responsibilities of being a citizen. Our goal is for these videos to be played in classrooms and homes across the nation in order to help address the enormous gaps in civic literacy today.”—Shari Redstone, Chairman, Paramount

“We are honored and proud to partner with our friends and colleagues at ATTN: and iCivics to create and launch this short-form series across the entire Nickelodeon ecosystem of linear and digital platforms, Paramount+ and Noggin to help make the biggest, and most positive impact possible.”—Brian Robbins, President & CEO, Paramount Pictures and Nickelodeon

We Are Paramount

Originally published on GoDaddy

TEMPE, Ariz., November 8, 2023 /3BL/ — GoDaddy (NYSE: GDDY), the company that helps entrepreneurs thrive, introduced the GoDaddy 2023 Gift Guide, a curated collection of unique and authentic products from small businesses spanning the United States. GoDaddy’s 2023 Gift Guide showcases an array of exceptional gifts, making it easier than ever for shoppers to shop small and discover one-of-a-kind items.

Each small business featured in the gift guide offers unique gifts backed by their own inspirational stories. When you select an item to share, you’re not only helping a small business, you’re celebrating the season — creating lasting memories with those you care about.

“For the past few years, our internal gift guides helped GoDaddy employees shop from our customers during the holiday season,” said GoDaddy Chief Marketing Officer Fara Howard. “This year, we decided to flip the script and facilitate the discovery of small businesses for everyone. With the GoDaddy 2023 Gift Guide, supporting small businesses is just a click away.”

The GoDaddy 2023 Gift Guide offers a diverse range of products from GoDaddy customers, ranging from handcrafted skis produced by a Utah-based company to stylish handmade makeup bags from a Diné-owned business. Shoppers can even gift the future of golf with a high-tech golf bag created by a former professional golfer and coach. The GoDaddy 2023 Gift Guide is a testament to the rich tapestry of talent that exists within the small business community.

As the holiday season approaches, the GoDaddy 2023 Gift Guide invites shoppers to make a difference by choosing to shop small and discover the remarkable, one-of-a-kind items that define the spirit of entrepreneurship. Make this year’s celebrations extraordinary, one small business at a time.

To find and support all of the small businesses featured in the GoDaddy 2023 Gift Guide, visit: GoDaddy.com/GiftGuide.

About GoDaddy

GoDaddy helps millions of entrepreneurs globally start, grow, and scale their businesses. People come to GoDaddy to name their idea, build a professional website, attract customers, sell their products and services, and accept payments online and in-person. GoDaddy’s easy-to-use tools help microbusiness owners manage everything in one place and its expert guides are available to provide assistance 24/7. To learn more about the company, visit www.GoDaddy.com.

Source: GoDaddy Inc.

Originally published by Walgreens Boots Alliance

DEERFIELD, Ill., November 8, 2023 /3BL/ – Walgreens announced that it will hold its first ever Puerto Rico Localization Summit, a virtual showcase for diverse, local and regional businesses and entrepreneurs to share their retail offerings with the merchants of the national drugstore chain. The virtual event, hosted by RangeMe and ECRM, provides local suppliers the opportunity to connect with the Walgreens Merchandising team, share their products and receive feedback with the ultimate goal of being stocked on Walgreens shelves in their local areas.

The merchandising event will take place on December 12th and 13th and focus on products across grocery and household, apparel, beach, tourism and general merchandise, among other categories. Suppliers can find additional information about the virtual event and apply to attend here.

Building on the success of this year’s localization summit, Walgreens aims to bring in local businesses, to evaluate opportunities to build more locally relevant product offerings for Walgreens Puerto Rico customers and deeper collaboration with new suppliers for the future.

“As we continue reimagining how to best serve the needs of each our communities to live out our purpose of more joyful lives through better health, we understand the importance of increasing local vendor representation in our Puerto Rico stores,” said Alethia Jackson, senior vice president for ESG and chief diversity, equity & inclusion officer for the U.S. at Walgreens Boots Alliance. “Our customers have a better in-store experience when our shelves reflect the diversity of their communities.

All sourcing and product submissions will be made through RangeMe, the industry-standard online product discovery and sourcing platform. Walgreens will review submissions, and will invite selected suppliers for face-to-face virtual meetings with buyers on ECRM’s industry leading virtual meeting platform, ECRM Connect, where chosen suppliers can introduce new and innovative products into the marketplace. ECRM’s dedicated support team will help ensure that buyer and seller connections are executed seamlessly.

About Walgreens
Walgreens (www.walgreens.com) is included in the U.S. Retail Pharmacy and U.S. Healthcare segments of Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. (Nasdaq: WBA), an integrated healthcare, pharmacy and retail leader with a 170-year heritage of caring for communities. WBA’s purpose is to create more joyful lives through better health. Operating nearly 9,000 retail locations across America, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, Walgreens is proud to be a neighborhood health destination serving nearly 10 million customers each day. Walgreens pharmacists play a critical role in the U.S. healthcare system by providing a wide range of pharmacy and healthcare services, including those that drive equitable access to care for the nation’s medically underserved populations. To best meet the needs of customers and patients, Walgreens offers a true omnichannel experience, with fully integrated physical and digital platforms supported by the latest technology to deliver high-quality products and services in communities nationwide.

Originally published by Risk & Insurance

By: Raquel Moreno

As someone who works with mid-market teams to launch IPOs, Thomas said she urges companies to take on ESG in moderation. The Conference Board’s recently published guide to building a sustainability culture with the support of Baker Tilly also encourages leadership teams to consider taking a measured approach and only pursue one to two meaningful sustainability goals at a time.

While every company with ESG missteps may not face litigation, not meeting publicly-disclosed targets and goals presents major reputational risk, she added.

Before issuing external statements, Thomas advised executive teams to focus on clearly assessing their current position on all aspects related to sustainability and from there, articulate the organization’s journey in a way that resonates with core stakeholders.

“What’s going to be really important to stakeholders,” including shareholders, Thomas noted, “is that you’re enhancing the value; it’s value creation at the end of the day.”

As long as companies comply with minimal existing disclosure regulations in the U.S., WTW’s Fine noted, “there are unlikely to be litigation or other financial exposures for companies from being less vocal about their ESG practices.”

“The main danger from ‘greenhushing,’ ” Fine said, “is forgoing positive credit that a company might deserve for their ESG efforts.”

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