Tag: 3BL

At Tapestry, volunteering is part of our DNA. We know that when we support the communities where we live, work and make our products, we live up to our promise to build a future that is both beautiful and responsible. Tapestry is committed to driving change on some of the most critical global social issues and we are supported by our employees’ passion for volunteerism and our strong relationships with community partners across the globe.

Each of our brands wears its commitment to social impact on its sleeve. The Coach Foundation creates opportunities and removes barriers for the next generation of young people who have the courage to Dream It Real. Kate Spade New York puts mental health at the heart of the brand’s social impact work, and advocates for women’s mental health as a critical component of their empowerment. Stuart Weitzman is committed to celebrating the strength of women and girls, inspiring their confidence, and empowering them – through authentic partnerships and programs – to create meaningful change in the communities we live and work in around the world.

FY23 was full of meaningful accomplishments in Tapestry’s volunteering commitment. In North America, 3,700 associates volunteered over 68,500 hours for 895 charities. To recognize our teams in North America for their community contributions, we established our first-ever annual volunteer recognition program, the Tapestry Gives Impact Awards. The program recognizes team and individual honorees from our North America store, corporate, and fulfillment center populations under their brand volunteer program names (Tapestry Gives, Coach Cares, Give in Spades, and Shines Brighter).

Michelle V., a kate spade store leader based in Arizona and recognized as a Give in Spades Honoree said, “culture and community is a big part of why I love working under the Tapestry umbrella for kate spade. Joy. It’s infectious, and one thing I have learned over the course of my Kate Spade career is to lead with empathy. Kindness is free, and we have such an amazing platform to be able to give back to our communities.”

“I’m deeply committed to making a positive impact in our communities because I believe in the power of collective action and the potential for change. Our communities are where we live, work, and connect with one another, and by investing our time and efforts into them, we can create a better and more inclusive society,” said Andrea H. a Stuart Weitzman store manager in Toronto and recognized as a Shine Brighter Honoree. “I’m driven by the desire to address pressing issues, support those in need, and foster a sense of unity and purpose among community members. Ultimately, I do what I do because I believe that together, we can create a brighter future for everyone and help lot of people on the way.”

Coach Cares Honoree Award winner Melissa W, a Tapestry corporate employee based in New York City said, “I’m especially grateful to be honored for something outside my job scope which really highlights the type of company Tapestry is and one aspect of why it is a great place to work.”

Because of our associates’ passion for volunteering, Tapestry has committed to achieve 500,000 hours by 2030 and we are well on our way. Since the start of our program, we have now served 180,000 hours globally.

From serving as mentors to the next generation, to creating self-care boxes to inspire girls to be strong, smart, and bold, to countless food distributions and meals prepared to fight food insecurity, (and so much more!) our volunteers’ leadership and dedication have made a lasting impact around the world bringing Tapestry’s purpose and values to life.

Learn more about Tapestry and what it’s like to work with us here

Originally published on HBI Sustainability

WINSTON SALEM, N.C., September 14, 2023 /3BL/ – Champion Athleticwear, makers of authentic athletic apparel since 1919, launched its new global brand campaign “Champion What Moves You.” As a brand whose mission is to provide every Champion a canvas to live their true purpose, Champion is taking action through the campaign rollout, calling upon a global network of real Creators — from rappers to street artists and shoe cobblers — and putting them at the heart of its brand story.

The campaign spotlights six creators with purpose across various disciplines from The United States, United Kingdom, China, Japan, LATAM and Australia — telling their stories through the eyes of local directors. To Champion, a “Creator with Purpose” is someone that blurs the lines between personal passion and impactful contribution. Each of the campaign’s featured Creators are individuals that have harnessed their creative gifts to achieve a long-term goal that aligns with their values, and is bigger than themselves to Champion their community and a better tomorrow.

“We firmly believe that we are not defined by what we make, but by what we do with it,” said Vanessa LeFebvre, President of Global Activewear at Champion. “In this next chapter of our brand story, we are redefining what it means to Champion — for us it is no longer a title or indication of winning, but rather, a means to take action and create something with real impact. To be a Champion is to pursue your passion, to create, and to Champion What Moves You.”

The campaign is a direct reflection of Champion’s values: Creativity, Collaboration, Crafting with Purpose and the Courage to act with intent and do good boldly. Each of the six creators have not just mastered their unique craft, but they have Championed meaningful causes that are lifelong pursuits and go beyond winning. The featured creators include:

Kevin “SignKid” Walker: Musician and producer, United Kingdom: A deaf writer, producer and sign-song rapper, SignKid is determined to bridge the gap between the hearing and non-hearing world through music. Championing music accessibility, SignKid has translated British Sign Language (BSL) and UK sign Slang into a visual-based language not only for deaf and those hard of hearing, but also for hearing individuals who want to learn sign language.

Joshua Marin: Shoe cobbler, United States: The owner and founder of “Fix Your Kicks” on N Western Avenue in Chicago, merges the worlds of tradition and modern culture to re-introduce the world of cobbling to the masses. Through his craft and love of street culture, he Champions a new discourse around sustainability, proving it’s not just clothing that can be re-used to reinvent ourselves, but also sneakers.

Soulhan: Rapper, China: With Cantonese slowly becoming less prevalent in China, SoulHan has made it his mission to keep the beautiful language and culture alive, preserving them through the art of music. His ever-growing fanbase reinforces his belief that a key component to success is Championing authenticity.

Ryota Daimon: Painter and skater, Japan: Ryota Daimon is a painter and skater, who uses his art to communicate the complexities of life. Following the death of his close friend and a bout of depression, he Champions mental health through self-expression and his art serves as a tool for healing, growth, understanding and joy. He’s not just an artist, but also a talented skateboarder and his experiences within the cultural hub of the skateboard community serve as inspiration and allow him to experience freedom of self-expression in another dimension.

Las Diablillas: Women’s softball team, LATAM: In a small Mayan town in Mexico, there is an all-female softball team: Las Diablillas . Ranging from ages 14 to 40, their usual pursuits are seamstresses, cooks, farmers, and herders; but together, they are a softball team breaking barriers and challenging societal norms. Sport is not a part of female Mayan culture; in fact, it is heavily disparaged. Las Diablillas translates to “little devils,” and these players are stepping out of the boxes they have remained in for generations to Champion a new path of female empowerment through the freedom of sport.

Aretha Brown: Street artist and activist, Australia: A painter and activist from Melbourne, Aretha is a powerful force using her voice and her art to speak up for the marginalized. In 2017, Aretha made headlines for her speech given at the Invasion Day protest in Melbourne, calling on 50,000 protesters to make Indigenous Australian history education mainstream. In 2019, Aretha founded the “Kiss my Art collective,” to Champion young women and nonbinary artists. The group’s mission is to reclaim public spaces using street art, painting, and mixed media.

“Growing up, I was unable to see any individuals like myself in the entertainment world, so I made it my mission to be that individual, to take up space and to make it an inclusive space,” said Kevin Walker, aka Signkid. “Championing music accessibility is something that’s in my DNA. My purpose as a creator is to make the world more inclusive and help people understand deaf people’s experiences in everyday life. Teaming up with Champion has given me a canvas to share my story, my work and my passion with the world.”

The Champion What Moves You integrated marketing campaign debuts globally beginning in September, and includes 60-second, 30-second and 15-second spots across Champion digital and social media platforms.

Champion Creators Program

Champion isn’t just talking the talk. In the spirit of Championing important causes, and as part of the campaign, the brand is launching the “Champion Creators Program,” which celebrates the power, expression, and purpose of creators from various backgrounds by awarding product blanks and up to $50,000 in funding to deserving creators whose projects demonstrate innovation, community impact, scale, and creativity. Creators interested in applying can visit Champion.com/creators for program details and to apply beginning September 20.

Applicants must be 18 years old at the time of application; U.S based, fall within at least one of the following creative disciplines: Athletes, Artists, Musicians; and agree to a background check upon notification of selection to the 2023 Champion Creator’s Program.

ABOUT CHAMPION® ATHLETICWEAR:

Since 1919, Champion has offered a full line of innovative athletic apparel for men and women, including activewear, sweats, tees, sports bras, team uniforms, footwear and accessories. Today, as a lifestyle brand born from sport, Champion uses innovative design and state-of-the-art product testing to ensure uncompromised quality and innovative apparel for consumers. Beyond its products, the brand’s mission is to provide every Champion a canvas to live their true purpose; rooted in the belief that Champions are defined not by what they make, but by what they do with it. Champion wants to inspire others to not just win, but to Champion a better tomorrow, and is dedicated to supporting creators by giving them a platform to tell their stories, support their values, and communities.

Champion apparel can be purchased at department stores, sporting goods, specialty retailers, and at Champion.com. For more information, visit us at Facebook.com/Champion, follow us on Twitter @Championusa or on Instagram @Champion. Champion is a brand of HanesBrands (NYSE:HBI).

As seen on westga.edu, the following announcement highlights the University of West Georgia’s sustainability partnership with Southwire.

The University of West Georgia and Southwire, one of North America’s leading manufacturers of wire and cable, have joined forces to advance sustainability efforts and promote the holistic development of their shared community.

By combining their expertise, resources and shared commitment to responsible practices, the two institutions are set to make a lasting impact on talent pipeline development, student recruitment, business operations and environmental sustainability. Leaders from UWG and Southwire recently met on the university’s campus to formally launch the partnership during the UWG and Southwire Sustainability Summit.

“This collaboration marks an important milestone for our institution and our community as we curate a first-choice university,” said Dr. Brendan Kelly, UWG’s president. “By forging this first-of-its-kind partnership with Southwire, we can amplify our impact on sustainability efforts beyond what we could achieve independently. Together, we will not only build a university town where learning thrives but also foster a culture of sustainability and responsible citizenship, shaping a better tomorrow for generations to come. I extend special gratitude to Burt Fealing, Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Chief Sustainability Officer at Southwire, for the commitment we share to these efforts.”

The summit was facilitated by Southwire Spark, the company’s design-centered innovation arm. During the summit, leaders from both UWG and Southwire collaborated in focused group discussions centered on topics like wellness, giving back to the community, ethics and compliance, information technology, environmental stewardship and more.

Both UWG and Southwire look forward to continuing the partnership and bringing to life the ideas discussed during this summer’s summit, with Fealing saying the company’s partnership with UWG aligns with Southwire’s core tenets.

“At Southwire, our core tenets are Growing Green, Living Well, Giving Back, Doing Right and Building Worth, and through these tenets, we can create more value for both of our organizations and enhance sustainability in our local community,” said Fealing. “Southwire’s strategy is to help drive sustainability through four lenses: local, state, national and global. Working with UWG is so important to our local lens, because together, we can better support the wellbeing of our communities and the environment in which we live.”

The partnership comes as a result of a shared vision to create a more sustainable and prosperous future, not only for UWG and Southwire, but for the entire region. The collaboration will focus on several key areas, including:

Talent Pipeline Development: Recognizing the importance of nurturing future leaders committed to sustainability, UWG and Southwire will work together to design specialized educational opportunities to equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in sustainability-focused careers.Student Recruitment: Southwire is dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. The partnership will open doors for UWG graduates and students, creating internship and employment opportunities that align with their passion for sustainability and corporate social responsibility.Business Operations: By fostering a knowledge-sharing environment, the partnership seeks to optimize business processes and find ways to integrate sustainable practices into daily operations. UWG students will have the unique opportunity to work alongside Southwire’s experts, gaining hands-on experience in implementing sustainable principles in a real-world setting.Environmental Sustainability: Both UWG and Southwire recognize the pressing need for environmental stewardship. Through joint research projects, technology sharing and best practices, they aim to develop innovative solutions to reduce their carbon footprint and conserve precious natural resources.

For more information about UWG, please visit www.westga.edu. For more Southwire news, visit www.southwire.com/newsroom.

WEST CHESTER, Pa., September 14, 2023 /3BL/ – Qurate Retail GroupSM, a world leader in video commerce (“vCommerce”), which includes video driven shopping across linear TV, ecommerce sites, digital streaming and social platforms, today announced the release of its third annual Corporate Responsibility (CR) Report. In 2022, the company made significant advancements toward its critical role in protecting the environment, championing empowerment and belonging, and curating product responsibly. Qurate Retail Group is part of Qurate Retail, Inc. (NASDAQ: QRTEA, QRTEB, QRTEP).

Qurate Retail Group’s strategy to inspire a more sustainable way to retail comes from its long-standing commitment to doing business the right way and the company’s emphasis on fostering an inclusive business for the benefit of all stakeholders – customers, team members, vendors, community members, and shareholders. Putting trust and transparency at the heart of its business, Qurate Retail Group has set measurable, time-bound goals for its corporate responsibility program, focused on those challenges and needs where the company believes it can have the greatest impact. To maintain that trust and transparency, Qurate Retail Group’s reporting follows relevant sector standards published by the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB), and the company’s corporate responsibility commitments are informed by a materiality assessment and guided by the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.

“Qurate Retail has continued on its transformation path announced in June of 2022, and we are working feverishly to improve the value we provide to all of our stakeholders and execute against our commitments,” said David Rawlinson II, President and CEO of Qurate Retail, Inc. “We understand our critical role in protecting the environment, championing empowerment and belonging, and curating product responsibly. As this year’s Corporate Responsibility Report attests, we are doubling down on those efforts.

“We embrace the Business Roundtable’s Statement on the Purpose of a Corporation, which sets a vision of a free-market system that empowers each person to succeed through hard work and creativity and to lead a life of meaning and dignity,” added Rawlinson. “Our theme, ‘Moments That Matter,’ reflects this holistic view of our business. As a video commerce retailer, we enrich life’s everyday moments for our customers and we’re committed to using the power of our platforms to inspire a more sustainable way to retail: intentionally inclusive, entrepreneurially driven, responsibly curated and waste smart.”

Highlights from the 2022 CR Report include:

Protecting Our Environment 

Decreased Scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions by 26% from a 2018 baseline, exceeding target of 14% set for 2022.Set a new target of 50% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions by 2030 from a 2018 baseline.Reduced Scope 3 packaging GHG emissions intensity by 33% from a 2018 baseline – beating the company’s 20% target three years early.Offset emissions for 100% of QVC Germany’s grid electricity.

Championing Empowerment and Belonging 

Facilitated $114M in total charitable contributions to communities since 2020, surpassing goal of $100M by 2025.Directed $31M of total charitable contributions towards women’s empowerment and entrepreneurship since 2020.Continued progress on leadership and representation goals, including:21% of QRG U.S. leaders are members of underrepresented racial/ethnic groups.Achieved near gender parity with 49% representation of women at the Director level or above globally.Published pay equity strategy and U.S. results.Included for a second consecutive year in Bloomberg Gender-Equality Index and recognized by Disability Equality Index (DEI) as a Best Place to Work for Disability Inclusion.Featured nearly 100 diverse entrepreneurs in 2022; to date, the company has spotlighted 415 underrepresented small businesses, reaching 83% of its 2025 goal.

Curating Product Responsibly 

Added traceability audits to enhance supply chain visibility and published the company’s Prohibited Products Policy.Expanded the range of products made from traceable, sustainable fibers and continued to invest in sourcing more products made from sustainable ingredients.Made it easier for customers to make informed purchasing decisions by pursuing third-party product certifications for responsible production.

To learn more about Qurate Retail Group’s Corporate Responsibility initiatives or to access the company’s 2022 CR Report, visit: www.qurateretailgroup.com/lp/corporate-responsibility.

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About Qurate Retail Group 

Qurate Retail GroupSM comprises six leading retail brands – QVC®, HSN®, Ballard Designs®, Frontgate®, Garnet Hill® and Grandin Road® – all dedicated to providing a more human way to shop. Qurate Retail Group is the largest player in video commerce (“vCommerce”), which includes video-driven shopping across linear TV, ecommerce sites, digital streaming and social platforms. The retailer reaches more than 200 million homes worldwide via 15 television channels, which are widely available on cable/satellite TV, free over-the-air TV, and digital livestreaming TV. The retailer also reaches millions of customers via its QVC+ and HSN+ streaming experience, websites, mobile apps, social pages, print catalogs, and in-store destinations. Qurate Retail Group combines shopping and entertainment to curate products, experiences, conversations and communities for millions of highly discerning shoppers. Headquartered in West Chester, Pa., Qurate Retail Group has team members in the U.S., the U.K., Germany, Japan, Italy, Poland and China. For more information, visit qurateretailgroup.com or follow Qurate Retail Group on YouTube or LinkedIn.

Qurate Retail, Inc. (NASDAQ: QRTEA, QRTEB, QRTEP) is a Fortune 500 company that includes the Qurate Retail Group portfolio of brands as well as other minority interests.

Originally published on U.S. Bank company blog

Wilson’s Image, a barbershop in the heart of North Minneapolis, is known for being more than just a place to get a haircut. It’s been transformed into a place for community.

“I make relationships with key stakeholders in the community to make sure that I can provide resources for our customers far beyond haircutting services,” said Teto Wilson, owner of Wilson’s Image, who points to U.S. Bank as one of those stakeholders.

In August 2022, Wilson met Tim Farrow – the business access advisor serving the Twin Cities – at an Access Commitment Live! event in Minneapolis. Farrow and other business access advisors across the country help Black business owners network, connect to resources and gain access to capital.

By working in partnership with Farrow and the business banking team at U.S. Bank, Wilson purchased the building his barbershop is in.

“Teto told me that one of his goals was to own his own barbershop,” Farrow said, “and we helped him get there.”

Wilson’s partnership with U.S. Bank goes beyond banking, with Wilson hosting a listening session for U.S. Bank with high school students to learn more about the North Minneapolis community and contributing to Wilson’s scholarship fund.

U.S. Bank launched Access Commitment in 2021 with the goal of increasing wealth-building opportunities for members of the Black community.

For more about Wilson’s Barbershop, watch the video linked above.

TORONTO, September 14, 2023 /3BL/ – Through a multi-year pilot partnership with New Acre Project, TC Energy has helped canadian farmers and ranchers produce nature-based climate solutions on 135 acres of marginal and uneconomic farmland to increase biodiversity, improve watershed health and mitigate the effects of climate change in the communities where it operates.

New Acre Project acres are delivered by farmers and ranchers who voluntarily enroll in the ALUS program. It is designed to help corporations realize their sustainability goals by supporting farmers in delivering nature-based projects that produce ecosystem services like cleaner air, cleaner water and enhanced wildlife habitat.

“TC Energy is dedicated to minimizing our environmental footprint and making a positive difference in the communities that we serve,” says Sharon Tomkins, Vice-President Sustainability & Social Impact at TC Energy. “New Acre Project provides an innovative opportunity to invest in building local climate resilience through farmer-delivered environmental projects in the areas where we operate.”

Each enhanced or restored acre delivered by farmers through New Acre Project include a variety of ecosystems, like forests, grasslands and wetlands, that produce a suite of ecosystem services. Projects funded through TC Energy’s partnership help mitigate the effects of climate change by capturing and storing carbon, improving water and soil quality, and providing food and shelter for pollinators and other wildlife.

“By investing in New Acre Project, TC Energy is working with ALUS to empower farmers and ranchers to build nature-based solutions on their land for the benefit of future generations,” says Rhonda King, Western Lead, ALUS. “These efforts deliver socio-economic and environmental benefits that extend beyond the local community to benefit all peoples of Canada.”

Community engagement is an integral component of ALUS and New Acre Project. ALUS believes local communities are best equipped to deliver effective and meaningful nature-based climate solutions that address both local and global environmental issues. The partnership complements TC Energy’s own commitment to building stronger, more resilient communities and leaving the environment where they work in a condition equal or better than they found it.

“New Acre Project is pleased to be working with TC Energy as a partner in sustainability and in building strong, resilient communities,” says Bryan Gilvesy, CEO, ALUS. “TC Energy’s investment supports ALUS’ vision to sustain agriculture, wildlife and natural spaces for all Canadians.”

To date, over 47 farmers and ranchers have been engaged through the New Acre Project sponsorship in creating and restoring 135 acres of nature-based projects in the provinces of Ontario and Quebec to enhance biodiversity habitat, improve water quality and sequester carbon to mitigate the effects of climate change. 
 

About TC Energy

We’re a team of 7,000+ energy problem solvers working to move, generate and store the energy North America relies on. Today, we’re taking action to make that energy more sustainable and more secure. We’re innovating and modernizing to reduce emissions from our business. And, we’re delivering new energy solutions – from natural gas and renewables to carbon capture and hydrogen – to help other businesses and industries decarbonize too. Along the way, we invest in communities and partner with our neighbours, customers and governments to build the energy system of the future.

TC Energy’s common shares trade on the Toronto (TSX) and New York (NYSE) stock exchanges under the symbol TRP. To learn more, visit us at www.TCEnergy.com.

About ALUS and New Acre Project

ALUS (originally an acronym for Alternative Land Use Services) is a national charitable organization that provides expertise, resources, and direct financial support to 35 communities across 6 provinces where more than 1,400 farmers and ranchers establish and steward nature-based solutions on their land. These solutions deliver ecosystem services to help sustain agriculture and fight climate change and biodiversity loss for the benefit of communities and future generations. Projects such as enhanced wetlands, windbreaks, riparian buffer zones, wildlife habitats, regenerative agriculture practices and other impactful environmental solutions produce cleaner air, cleaner water, greater biodiversity, carbon sequestration, erosion control, flood and drought mitigation, pollinator and wildlife habitat, and other ecological services.

New Acre Project helps purpose-driven corporations go beyond their sustainability objectives and invest in the next-generation of conservation to generate positive impacts in the communities where they operate. Through New Acre Project, corporations are enabling these communities to become more resilient and supports ALUS in empowering farmers and ranchers to build nature-based solutions on their land, one acre at a time. Learn more at newacre.org and ALUS.ca.

Cummins

Accelera™ by Cummins, Daimler Trucks & Buses and PACCAR are partnering to accelerate and localize battery cell production and the battery supply chain in the United States.

The planned joint venture will manufacture battery cells for electric commercial vehicles and industrial applications, creating U.S. manufacturing jobs in the growing clean technology sector. Total investment is expected to be in the range of $2 to $3 billion for the 21-gigawatt hour (GWh) factory.

Accelera by Cummins, Daimler Truck and PACCAR will each own 30% and jointly control the joint venture, which will initially focus on the lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) battery technology family for commercial battery-electric trucks.

The LFP battery cells produced by the joint venture will be able to offer several advantages compared to other battery chemistries, including lower cost, longer life, and enhanced safety, without the need for nickel and cobalt raw materials.

Accelera by Cummins, Daimler Truck and PACCAR expect to see growing demand for battery technology throughout this decade and U.S. customers will benefit from a state-of-the-art dedicated battery cell factory. EVE Energy will serve as the technology partner in the joint venture with 10% ownership and will contribute its industry-leading battery cell design and manufacturing know-how.

EVE Energy is a global leader in the manufacture of LFP battery cells for the vehicle industry and is publicly traded on the Shenzhen stock exchange.

This strategic joint venture enables its owners to create the necessary scale for access to cost effective and differentiated battery cell technology, ultimately creating value for commercial vehicle customers in North America.

“We have the responsibility to decarbonize in a way that is best for all of our stakeholders and the planet,” said Jennifer Rumsey, Cummins Chair and Chief Executive Officer. “This requires working closely with key partners. Today’s announcement reflects that action. Not only are we advancing a key technology solution for our customers but accelerating the energy transition in the United States.”

“Our vision is the highest quality, locally produced battery technology to enhance the operations of our customers and help them achieve their operational and environmental goals,” added Preston Feight, PACCAR Chief Executive Officer.

Martin Daum, CEO of Daimler Truck, said: “For Daimler Truck, partnerships and a strict focus on costs and smart capital allocation are the key levers to succeed on the path towards sustainable transportation. This planned joint venture enables economies of scale beyond Daimler Truck. It is a key puzzle piece of our battery industrialization strategy, ensuring access to the right battery cell technology at the right cost.”

Accelera by Cummins, Daimler Truck and PACCAR are leading the commercial vehicle sector’s transition to zero emissions technologies. The partners are committed to reducing carbon emissions consistent with the Paris Climate Agreement.

The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions, and receipt of applicable merger control and regulatory approvals including the submission of a voluntary notice to the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States.

In recent years, global demand for sustainable and responsibly sourced wood products has surged, fueled by increasing awareness of deforestation, climate change, and a growing desire among consumers to support ethical, conscious brands. To address this demand and demonstrate their commitment, major retailers such as Wayfair, Costco, H&M, The Home Depot, and Target have embraced third-party certifications in their supply chains. These certifications have become essential for suppliers wishing to access the expanding global market for responsibly sourced and sustainable goods.

Among these certifications, the forestry Chain of Custody (CoC) certifications, including those from Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC®), SFI, and PEFC, have emerged as a key and recognizable option for suppliers of wood and paper products.

What is CoC Certification? 

CoC certification, provided by accredited third-party certification bodies, ensures that wood and paper products meet strict responsible sourcing standards and ensures traceability throughout the supply chain. Product manufacturers, brokers, distributors, wholesalers, and retailers can all participate by obtaining CoC certification. This certification signals their dedication to supporting responsible forestry management practices, biodiversity conservation, and the well-being of local communities.

Consumer Demand for Sustainable Products

Consumer research, such as the 2021 Global Sustainability Study, shows increased preference for more sustainable products. Consumers are also deeply troubled about climate change and deforestation. In another 2021 study conducted by GlobeScan for FSC, which surveyed 12,000 consumers in 15 countries, consumers listed climate change as their second-most important global concern, after disease and health. In addition, with respect to forests specifically, the participants identified the loss of plant and animal species, and the link between deforestation and climate change, as their top two concerns.

Clearly, many of today’s consumers are more environmentally aware than ever before and prefer brands that align with their values. As a result, they seek products that have more accountability, transparency, and purpose. It is also worth noting that surveys consistently suggest that a large majority of consumers are willing to pay a premium for products that come from sustainable and ethically sourced materials, though in practice, this purchasing behavior is often contingent on other factors, such as the scale of mark-up and the product’s perceived competitive performance. As a result, large retailers recognize the importance of catering to these consumer preferences to maintain their competitive edge and brand loyalty.

The Pivotal Role of Retailers in Driving Sustainability

The largest retailers, responding to consumer demand, are beginning to require adoption of certifications such as CoC. This helps to create a brand halo for the retailers themselves, communicating their commitment to environmental and social responsibility and establishing themselves as leaders, while simultaneously giving a leg up to suppliers who can comply. Such mandates have a ripple effect through the entire supply chain and send a strong message that responsible practices are not only preferred, but necessary for doing business in today’s retail climate.

The retail landscape is ever-changing, with sustainability rapidly becoming a differentiating factor for success. Suppliers that fail to meet the evolving market demands for ethically and environmentally sourced goods may find themselves at a disadvantage. By keeping pace, suppliers avoid risks, reduce supply chain uncertainty, and increase investor confidence.

Benefits and Opportunities for Suppliers

While obtaining CoC certification may require an initial investment in time and resources in order to adhere to stringent sustainability criteria, the long-term benefits for suppliers are significant. Apart from gaining access to the growing market for sustainable products, certification enhances a supplier’s reputation, strengthens relationships with conscious consumers, and attracts business from eco-minded distributors.

There are hidden benefits of certification, too. For example, regular document review and external scrutiny by a neutral third-party provides a clear roadmap for internal improvements in areas that might otherwise go unnoticed. Suppliers that undergo certification frequently note that the process helps them improve their practices, promoting better management of forest resources and responsible supply chain operations. This, in turn, positively impacts the environment and local communities while fostering a more resilient and robust supply chain.

The adoption of CoC certification by major suppliers and retailers is indicative of a broad shift toward more accountability for positive environmental and social impacts. As consumers continue to prioritize eco-friendly products, the demand for CoC-certified goods will continue to rise. According to FSC, there has been increased adoption of certification within key industries including textiles, packaging, natural rubber, and furniture. In addition, FSC-certified products are now accepted in Amazon’s Climate Pledge Friendly program, giving suppliers with FSC-certified products an additional advantage in the global marketplace.

Beginning the CoC Certification Process with SCS 

As the focus on sustainability intensifies, FSC, SFI and PEFC CoC certifications will continue to play a decisive role in shaping the supply chains of major retailers and companies, and in driving positive change across industries. For suppliers, obtaining CoC certification is not only a means of meeting market demand but also an opportunity to enhance their reputation, attract eco-conscious customers, open new markets, and contribute to a greener future.

SCS offers many other certifications as well as CoC. As a wood products producer or trader, your company may be interested in pursuing more than just CoC certification. If you would like more information about the other certifications SCS offers, please download our corporate brochure.

To begin the chain of custody certification process, please contact forestrysales@scsglobalservices.com.

If you enjoyed this article, be sure to visit our site here and subscribe to be alerted whenever we publish new articles.

AUTHOR

Lindsey Mauldin 
Sales Executive, Forestry 
SCS Global Services 
Email: lmauldin@scsglobalservices.com

With a commitment to reducing the environmental impact of packaging and collaborating with colleagues and customers to achieve sustainability goals, Dustin Andre, product and packaging sustainability specialist at the Life Science business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, which operates in the U.S. and Canada as MilliporeSigma, has been named to GreenBiz’s 30 Under 30 List.

“Young leaders in the sustainability field are rare—being chosen among many professionals across various fields who are paving a path toward a greener future is a great honor,” said Andre. “I am also happy my team’s work receives recognition and that GreenBiz is showcasing the need for continuous packaging improvement.”

GreenBiz recognized Andre’s passion and appreciation for the environment, including his most impactful contribution to helping MilliporeSigma find more sustainable packaging solutions in his awardee profile. 

“What interests me is how fast the sustainable packaging industry is evolving,” said Andre. “There are new findings every day concerning materials, methods and manufacturing enabling me to be a continuous learner about the latest innovations, such as the applications of replacement sustainable materials.”

Paving the way toward a greener future, Andre led the launch of MilliporeSigma’s Greener Cooler pilot, which introduces a more sustainable alternative for cold chain shipments. Judges particularly acknowledged this effort. “I have been working on this project for roughly three years, and it’s taken many twists and turns. At the start of the program, I was not a cold-chain specialist, but now, after what I have learned and the challenges my team and I have overcome, I feel confident as a subject matter expert in the area,” said Andre. “Though challenging, we have kept great momentum to find a solution for more sustainable shipments for our Life Science business without sacrificing any quality from our products”

The Greener Cooler program is soon to expand to major distribution centers in the U.S. and Europe. The program is expected to replace 130,000 pounds of expanded polystyrene, known to be difficult to recycle, which is equivalent in volume to over four jumbo jets shipped from U.S. distribution centers annually. “I am dedicated to investigating ways of improving packaging to expand our sustainability impact. In addition to working on projects within the company, I serve as an internal packaging sustainability consultant and meet with teams regularly to guide them on further improvements,” said Andre.

Continuously seeking to hone MilliporeSigma’s competitive edge, a part of his everyday routine, Andre makes it a point to devote a portion of his day to reading the latest sustainability change articles—and recommends aspiring sustainability leaders do the same.

“Keep learning, investigating what developments are out there or emerging in the sustainable packaging space and then spread your knowledge,” said Andre.

To learn more about how MilliporeSigma holistically integrates greener solutions into every stage of a product’s life cycle and drives improvement in the sustainability of its packaging, visit the company’s Sustainability & Social Business Innovation webpage.

INDIANAPOLIS, September 14, 2023 /3BL/ – The KeyBank Foundation has awarded Indianapolis Neighborhood Housing Partnership (INHP) a $300,000 grant to continue its efforts to create or preserve affordable housing opportunities near Indianapolis transit lines as part of the city’s first Equitable Transit-Oriented Development (ETOD) program. Through this program, INHP acquires and holds properties within a half mile of IndyGo’s 15-minute frequency routes to give developers time to prepare optimal site plans that will offer affordable housing for families earning low and moderate incomes.

The funding will support costs to maintain and hold the properties in this land bank. Since 2018, INHP has acquired 17 ETOD properties and has sold seven to developers as it works to reach its goal of providing 1,000 affordable units to Indianapolis residents.

”INHP is grateful for KeyBank’s generous support as a partner in the ETOD program,” said Gina Miller, president and CEO of INHP. “These funds will allow us to sustain this strategy and achieve positive outcomes for the people and neighborhoods we serve.”

Studies show Indianapolis’ families spend an average of 46 percent of their income on housing and transportation. Through the ETOD program, INHP is promoting housing choice and affordability while also providing access to jobs, education, healthcare, food and cultural amenities – all needed for economic mobility.

“INHP plays a pivotal role in the Indianapolis community connecting people to the necessary resources for affordable housing,” said Juan Gonzalez, KeyBank’s Central Indiana Market President. “Key is incredibly proud to support INHP and follow through on our commitment to help the organizations and residents we serve thrive. This partnership will not only strengthen our community, but it will provide equitable access to jobs, education, healthcare and more.”

Since 2017, Key has made community investments totaling more than $930 million in Central Indiana which supports low to moderate income individuals and neighborhoods through lending for affordable housing, small businesses, mortgage and transformative philanthropy.