Tag: 3BL

Natural disasters like wildfires, hurricanes, tornadoes and winter storms can bring visible danger and destruction – but don’t overlook the hidden threats that can follow these devastating events. Bad actors often take advantage of people’s tragedy, vulnerability and empathy, exploiting the chaos during and after disasters to target both those in need and those eager to help.

Scammers and fraudsters have a wide variety of tactics in their arsenal, like making deceptive calls, creating fake websites and sending malicious texts, emails and social media posts. Some will even go door-to-door impersonating government officials or disaster relief workers in an attempt to steal money meant for rebuilding lives, homes and communities.  

Whether you live in a disaster-prone area or not, it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with the types of scams and fraudulent activity that can occur. Here are the main ones to know:

• Contractor Fraud: Dishonest contractors demanding payment for repairs they never finish, inflating costs or delivering unsafe, poor-quality work.
• Insurance Scams: Scammers impersonating insurance agents or adjusters, offering fake policies, charging inflated premiums or collecting personal information to commit identity theft.
• Fake Offers of Aid: Criminals posing as government or relief agencies to trick people into sharing personal and financial information or paying fraudulent “application fees” — agencies like FEMA don’t charge to apply.
• Donation and Charity Scams: Bad actors posing as legitimate charities or relief organizations to steal money or personal information instead of helping disaster victims.

Awareness of these scams is key, but there are also simple steps you can take to protect yourself and avoid becoming a target:

• Be careful with unsolicited messages: If you receive unexpected calls, texts or emails asking for money or personal information, do not respond or click on links. Instead, hang up, delete the message and contact the organization directly through an official website or phone number.
• Approach door-to-door visits with caution: Always ask for official identification and verify credentials before allowing anyone inside your home. Legitimate FEMA inspectors and government workers will never demand cash, request sensitive financial information or pressure you into immediate payments.
• Monitor accounts and freeze credit: Regularly check your bank accounts and statements for unauthorized transactions and activity and freeze your credit reports with all three credit bureaus to protect against identity theft.
• Verify charities first: Research charities through trusted sources like Charity Navigator and donate directly to known organizations through their website.
• Stay informed: Watch and read credible news sourcesto stay up-to-date about the latest scams and official disaster relief efforts.
• Report scams and fraud: If you encounter suspicious activity — disaster-related or otherwise — file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and notify the National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF).

In addition to taking these general precautions, look into tools your wireless provider offers to help block scammers and fraudsters. For example, T-Mobile and Metro by T-Mobile customers have Scam Shield, a benefit included in customers’ plans that automatically identifies possible scam calls at the network level and labels them as “Scam Likely” on your phone. Scam Block can be turned on to automatically block those calls by dialing #662# or through T-Mobile’s T-Life app. You can also forward suspicious text messages to 7726.

Scammers count on chaos and confusion to succeed, but with awareness and proactive steps, you can protect yourself, your loved ones and your community from becoming their next target. For more information on how to protect yourself, visit T-Mobile’s Privacy Center and the National Center for Disaster Fraud. And for more information on disaster preparedness, check out T-Mobile’s Emergency Response Hub.

On September 3, Cascale welcomed more than 50 brand & retailer members and stakeholders to an exclusive Q&A webinar, Higg FSLM: Meet the Experts. The session offered a unique opportunity for members to engage directly with the experts behind the Higg Facility Social & Labor Module (Higg FSLM), part of the Higg Index suite of tools. The Higg Index — owned and developed by Cascale, and exclusively available on Worldly — helps brands, retailers, and manufacturers understand and improve performance across environmental and social impact areas, and the Higg FSLM specifically focuses on measuring and improving social and labor conditions in global supply chains.

The webinar was hosted by Hamza Habib Hasan, senior membership engagement manager for brand & retailer membership at Cascale, and featured presentations from:

• Orine Dsouza, senior manager, Higg Facility Tools, Cascale
• Laura Jans, customer growth manager, SLCP
• Camille Stripoli, stakeholder engagement & partnerships manager, SLCP
• Leah Jaggars, senior manager, customer education, Worldly

Together, they explained how the Higg FSLM is powered by a tripartite collaboration:

• SLCP develops and maintains the Converged Assessment Framework (CAF), the foundation of the Higg FSLM, to collect and verify social and labor data with the goal of reducing audit fatigue.
• Cascale integrates the CAF into the Higg FSLM, providing the scoring methodology and benchmarking tools that drive continuous improvement.
• Worldly hosts the technology platform that makes it possible to complete the Higg FSLM and enables supply chain collaboration.

Experts shared how the Higg FSLM’s standardized scoring methodologies support facilities and brands to identify and prioritize risk more effectively. Dsouza also highlighted how tool developments are accelerated through the work of Cascale’s Member Expert Teams (METs) and Strategic Councils — governance bodies that bring together member perspectives to ensure industry alignment and practical usability of the tools.

This was followed by a deep dive into the SLCP CAF, which emphasized SLCP’s ongoing commitment to aligning the framework with human rights due diligence (HRDD) requirements. Members also heard updates on data availability, with CAF now accessible in 122 countries and regions, and were directed to key resources from all three organizations to support adoption and use.

The event concluded with a candid Q&A session, where members clarified the methodology, gained a deeper understanding of the scoring system, and shared feedback with the organizations leading this work.

This webinar reflects Cascale’s ongoing commitment to support members with opportunities to connect directly with experts, gain clarity on industry-leading tools like the Higg FSLM, and share feedback that helps shape future developments. By creating spaces for education and dialogue, Cascale strengthens member capacity to adopt solutions that reduce duplication, improve data quality, and accelerate progress on social and labor priorities.

Cascale members may access the session recording and summary on Cascale Connect here.

• Memorandum of Understanding aims to identify technologies within Baker Hughes’ and PETRONAS’ broad portfolio of solutions that are complementary and have potential to support Asia’s energy expansion and transition demands
• Companies to collaborate also to support growing installed base in the region through initiatives that strengthen local supply chain and services capabilities for gas projects, including training and talent development
• As a first step to enhance local services capabilities, Baker Hughes will expand existing gas technology services facility footprint to develop a full aeroderivative gas turbine module repair services facility inclusive of testing capabilities

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, HOUSTON and LONDON, September 8, 2025 /3BL/ – Baker Hughes, an energy technology company, and Petroliam Nasional Berhad (PETRONAS), announced that they have entered a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on a strategic partnership to explore business initiatives that have the potential to support the delivery of Asia’s energy expansion and transition. 

The MoU serves as a foundation for collaboration initiatives between the two companies to enhance local supply chain capabilities and explore the feasibility of implementing a variety of technology solutions including:

• Enhanced LNG services footprint and cross-border talent training and development programs to strengthen local field operations capabilities
• Exploration & production, chemicals and mature assets solutions
• Digital solutions, including AI
• Sustainable energy solutions including carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS), as well as lubricants and biofuels for turbomachinery supply chain

In support of these initiatives, Baker Hughes announced plans to expand on its existing services footprint in Malaysia to develop a full aeroderivative gas turbine module repair services facility, inclusive of disassembly, assembling, grinding and testing capabilities. With an installed base of over 600 gas turbines and continued expected growth given the energy expansion, these augmented services capabilities will provide enhanced service to customers across the region with the aim to accelerate service turnaround time and enable continued best-in-class reliability and availability.

“It is critically important to grow alongside our customers in Asia-Pacific, including PETRONAS, as we work toward our shared goal of sustainable energy development to provide for a world that needs more reliable, secure and lower-carbon energy,” said Baker Hughes Chairman and CEO Lorenzo Simonelli. “We look forward to working alongside PETRONAS, as well as other local partners, to realize this additional localization effort to help ensure energy is available today and in the future.” 

PETRONAS Senior Vice President of Projects, Technology & Health, Safety, Security & Environment (PT&HSSE) Ir. Ts. Mohd Yusri Mohamed Yusof said, “Our extended strategic partnership with Baker Hughes is poised to drive excellence in project delivery, decarbonisation, supply chain resilience, and technology adoption. It signifies what’s possible when two industry leaders unite to foster innovation ecosystems and shape the future of energy. Furthermore, the setting up of an enhanced aeroderivative facility here is a positive development towards the region’s cleaner energy pursuit, underlining the strong partnerships needed to deliver Asia’s energy transition.”

Baker Hughes’ longstanding relationship with PETRONAS began in 1975, when the companies jointly pioneered LNG solutions for natural gas supply and collaborated on exploration and production projects. Currently Baker Hughes operates two turbomachinery services facilities in Malaysia: an aeroderivative gas turbine repairs facility in Port Klang, Selangor, which is operationalized through Aero Alliance, a joint venture between Baker Hughes and GE Vernova; and a heavy-duty gas turbine technology repairs, field service and digital services facility operated through its joint venture with Sapura Energy.  

Baker Hughes also operates two supply bases to support its in-country oilfield services operations, while a Kuala Lumpur based iCenter™ facility provides monitoring and diagnostics for Baker Hughes’ turbomachinery equipment across the region.  

Baker Hughes is currently undergoing assessments to identify the best location for placing its new expanded aeroderivative gas turbine services footprint in the country. 

About Baker Hughes
Baker Hughes (NASDAQ: BKR) is an energy technology company that provides solutions to energy and industrial customers worldwide. Built on a century of experience and conducting business in over 120 countries, our innovative technologies and services are taking energy forward – making it safer, cleaner and more efficient for people and the planet. Visit us at bakerhughes.com.

For more information, please contact:
Media Relations
Chiara Toniato
+39 3463823419
chiara.toniato@bakerhughes.com

Media Relations – Asia Pacific 
Adeline Teo
+65 8380 4045
Adeline.Teo@bakerhughes.com

• Credelio Quattro marked $100 million in net sales making it Elanco’s fastest pet health blockbuster in history and one of the industry’s fastest ever, especially with a single geographic approval
• Credelio Quattro joins Experior® as Elanco’s second of six recently launched blockbuster-potential products to reach the $100 million annual net sales milestone
• Zenrelia™ (ilunocitinib tablets) now in market in the European Union (EU) and Great Britain

GREENFIELD, Ind., September 8, 2025 /3BL/ – Elanco Animal Health Incorporated (NYSE: ELAN) has announced significant advancements with its two most recent pet health innovations — Credelio Quattro and Zenrelia — further demonstrating the company’s commitment to helping pet owners and veterinarians around the world go beyond today’s standard of treatment.

Credelio Quattro, Elanco’s latest parasite innovation brought to market, became Elanco’s fastest pet health blockbuster in history and one of the industry’s fastest ever, especially with a single geographic approval, reaching blockbuster status of $100 million in net sales in less than eight months. Credelio Quattro offers the broadestⁱ parasite protection available in an isoxazoline endectocide covering six types of parasites — fleas, ticks, heartworm disease, and three risky intestinal parasites — roundworms, hookworms, and tapeworms. 

“Credelio Quattro continues to break boundaries when it comes to offering veterinarians and pet owners parasite protection,” said Bobby Modi, Executive Vice President, U.S. Pet Health and Global Digital Transformation at Elanco. “We’re seeing incredibly strong demand for all-in-one products from pet owners and veterinarians alike. In fact, Credelio Quattro captured approximately 14% of the dollar share in broad-spectrum sales out of U.S. veterinary clinics in June. The introduction of Credelio Quattro has bolstered our broader Elanco portfolio in U.S. veterinary clinics, with Elanco now offering veterinarians a complete ecto, endo, and endecto portfolio with a variety of parasite coverage at a variety of price points to meet veterinarian and pet owner needs.”

Human and pet cases of tickborne disease, such as Lyme disease which is spread by the black-legged tick, are on the rise. According to the Companion Animal Parasite Council (CAPC), black-legged ticks are found across much of the eastern half of the United States, with aggressive populations in the North that appear to pose a higher risk of transmitting Lyme disease to humans and dogs; and these populations are also spreading South and West in the United States, as well as northward into new areas of Canada. Multiple studies have shown that areas of high risk for dogs are the same areas that humans are most likely to test positive for Lyme disease as well. CAPC recommends using products on pets that repel or quickly kill ticks before pathogens are transmitted. Credelio Quattro (lotilaner, moxidectin, praziquantel, and pyrantel chewable tablets) also contains lotilaner that kills ticksⁱⁱ fasterⁱⁱⁱ than sarolaner in Simparica Trio^® and afoxolaner in NexGard^®, protecting dogs against pathogen-carrying ticks.

“When I talk to veterinarians and pet owners, I hear they want something that’s reliable, that’s going to be easy to give and that’s powerful against the different parasites: heartworms, ticks, and intestinal parasites including hookworms and tapeworms,” said Dr. Lindsay Starkey, veterinarian and tenured Associate Professor of Parasitology at Oklahoma State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine. “Credelio Quattro meets all of these expectations with its broad spectrum parasite control.”

Credelio Quattro joins Experior® as Elanco’s second of six recently launched blockbuster-potential products to reach the blockbuster milestone of $100 million annual net sales. Elanco continues to prepare to take Credelio Quattro global, with numerous submissions made in Australia, Canada, the EU, the UK, and Japan, setting up the company’s expected geographic expansion for the product starting in 2026.

Zenrelia Now in Market in EU and Great Britain

Zenrelia, an effective, convenient, and safe once-daily oral JAK inhibitor, continues its launch progress globally, gaining approval from the United Kingdom’s Veterinary Medicines Directorate in August. Additionally, launch progress continues across the EU and Great Britain with product supply now in market for veterinarians and pet owners. 

“Now we have a medication that is once a day right from the start. I think it will really help improve that owner, patient, pet bond, it will hopefully help reduce caregiver burden and will improve patient and carer quality of life as well,” said Dr. Victoria Robinson BVM&S, BSc, CertAVP (VD), DipECVD, MRCVS, RCVS and European Specialist in Veterinary Dermatology. “Knowing what I currently know about Zenrelia, I am keen to use it in the clinic and start prescribing it.”

This launch represents a pivotal milestone within the international canine dermatology market, offering a single daily dose for controlling pruritus (itching) associated with allergic dermatitis and atopic dermatitis in dogs over 12 months of age. Zenrelia is now available in the European Union, Great Britain, Brazil, Canada, Japan, and the United States. The Zenrelia EU label is consistent with other markets outside North America where the product has already been approved. 

“Zenrelia joins our exciting, growing international pet health portfolio, including AdTab, Credelio Plus, Galliprant (grapiprant tablets) and others,” said Ramiro Cabral, Executive Vice President, Elanco International. “We are very pleased with the results we are seeing in the global market, with more than half a million dogs treated with Zenrelia.” 

As part of the EU approval process, Elanco conducted a head-to-head non-inferiority study versus the marketplace incumbent, Apoquel. The randomized, double-blind study of 338 client-owned dogs with confirmed atopic dermatitis was conducted across 25 study sites in four countries. The study is published in a leading peer-reviewed, international journal, Veterinary Dermatology: https://doi.org/10.1111/vde.13319.     

ABOUT ELANCO​

Elanco Animal Health Incorporated (NYSE: ELAN) is a global leader in animal health dedicated to innovating and delivering products and services to prevent and treat disease in farm animals and pets, creating value for farmers, pet owners, veterinarians, stakeholders and society as a whole. With 70 years of animal health heritage, we are committed to breaking boundaries and going beyond to help our customers improve the health of animals in their care, while also making a meaningful impact on our local and global communities. At Elanco, we are driven by our vision of Food and Companionship Enriching Life and our purpose – all to Go Beyond for Animals, Customers, Society and Our People. Learn more at www.elanco.com.

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws, including, without limitation, statements concerning expected regulatory approvals and commercial expansion plans. Forward-looking statements are based on our current expectations and assumptions regarding our business, the economy and other future conditions. Because forward-looking statements relate to the future, by their nature, they are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict. As a result, our actual results may differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements. Important risk factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements include regional, national or global political, economic, business, competitive, market and regulatory conditions, our ability to obtain regulatory approval of our products in different jurisdictions, the availability of adequate supply of products, and additional factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from forward-looking statements described in the company’s latest Form 10-K and Form 10-Qs filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. We caution you against relying on any forward-looking statements, which should also be read in conjunction with the other cautionary statements that are included elsewhere in this press release. Any forward-looking statement made by us in this press release speaks only as of the date thereof. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or to revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise, except as may be required by law.

Indications for Zenrelia 

Zenrelia is a prescription medication used to control itching and inflammation associated with skin allergies for dogs over 12 months of age.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

See package insert including the Boxed Warning. For full prescribing information speak with your veterinarian, call 1 888 545 5973 or visit www.elancolabels.com/us/zenrelia.

WARNING: VACCINE-INDUCED DISEASE AND INADEQUATE IMMUNE RESPONSE TO VACCINES. Based on results of the vaccine response study, dogs receiving Zenrelia are at risk of fatal vaccine-induced disease from modified live virus vaccines and inadequate immune response to any vaccine. Discontinue Zenrelia for at least 28 days to 3 months prior to vaccination and withhold Zenrelia for at least 28 days after vaccination. Dogs should be up to date on vaccinations prior to starting Zenrelia. Do not use in dogs less than 12 months old or dogs with a serious infection. Dogs should be monitored for the development of infections because Zenrelia may increase the chances of developing an infection. Neoplastic conditions (benign and malignant) were observed during clinical studies. The most common side effects were vomiting, diarrhea and tiredness. Zenrelia has not been tested in dogs used for breeding, pregnant, or lactating dogs and has not been evaluated in combination with glucocorticoids, cyclosporine, or other immune suppressive drugs.

Indications for Credelio Quattro

Credelio Quattro is indicated for the prevention of heartworm disease and the treatment and control of roundworm, hookworm, and tapeworm infections. Credelio Quattro kills adult fleas and is indicated for the treatment and prevention of flea infestations and the treatment and control of tick infestations for 1 month in dogs and puppies 8 weeks of age and older and weighing 3.3 pounds or greater.

Important Safety Information for Credelio Quattro

Lotilaner, an ingredient in Credelio Quattro, belongs to the isoxazoline class and has been associated with neurologic adverse reactions like tremors, ataxia, and seizures even in dogs without a history of seizures. Use with caution in dogs with a history of seizures or neurologic disorders. Dogs should be tested for existing heartworm infections before Credelio Quattro administration as it is not effective against adult D. immitis. The safe use in breeding, pregnant, or lactating dogs has not been evaluated. The most frequently reported adverse reactions in clinical trials were vomiting and diarrhea. For complete safety information, please see the Credelio Quattro product label or ask your veterinarian.

ⁱ Based on label comparison of the number of parasite types covered in an isoxazoline endectocide

ⁱⁱ Amblyomma americanum (lone star tick)

ⁱⁱⁱ Based on time to statistical significance vs control in a head-to-head study. The study compared Credelio™ (lotilaner)—not Credelio Quattro™, which contains lotilaner as well as moxidectin, praziquantel, and pyrantel—to the active ingredients in Simparica Trio™ (sarolaner, moxidectin, and pyrantel) and NexGard™ (afoxolaner). 

Media Contact

Colleen Parr Dekker
+1.317.989.7011
colleen.dekker@elancoah.com

Investor Contact

Tiffany Kanaga
+1.765.740.0314
tiffany.kanaga@elancoah.com

HONG KONG, September 8, 2025 /3BL/ – Federal Express Corporation, one of the world’s largest express transportation companies, has announced the expansion of its electric vehicle (EV) fleet in Hong Kong with the addition of six new panel vans for parcel pickup and delivery operations. Deploying additional EVs advances FedEx’s efforts towards reducing its operational carbon footprint in Hong Kong and achieving carbon-neutral operations globally by 2040.

Equipped with a load capacity of up to 913 kilograms and an estimated range of 264 kilometers per charge, the new Mercedes-Benz eVito panel vans have been deployed across key high-traffic districts throughout Hong Kong. Featuring an advanced technology system, ample storage space and ergonomic seating, the vans are designed for comfort and functionality during deliveries. EVs generally have lower total cost of ownership, are more energy-efficient, and produce fewer air pollutants and carbon emissions compared to traditional internal combustion engine vehicles[1]. These advantages enhance operational efficiency and reduce environmental impacts.

As more consumers turn to online shopping and prioritize sustainability in their purchasing decisions, FedEx’s integration of additional EVs in Hong Kong operations addresses the evolving preferences of local customers. Recent survey findings reveal that a majority of Hong Kong customers (73%), particularly Gen Z and Millennials, consider sustainability elements when choosing brands, products and services. They are also keen on learning more about these brands’ future sustainability plans[2]. In addition, nearly half of the customers (49%) have reduced or ceased purchasing from brands that do not prioritize sustainability[3].

“Adding new EVs to our local delivery fleet underscores our commitment to enhancing Hong Kong’s contribution to FedEx global sustainability efforts,” said Anthony Leung, managing director, FedEx Hong Kong and Macau. “With growing demand for reliable and sustainable options among Hong Kong customers, expanding our EV fleet is crucial for supporting sustainable development. As we work towards our goal of carbon-neutral global operations by 2040, FedEx is dedicated to transforming the logistics industry with innovative and sustainable solutions that meet evolving market needs.”

FedEx plans to continue adding electric vehicles to its Hong Kong fleet in the coming years, in pursuit of its goal to have a 100% electric pickup and delivery fleet by 2040. Beyond deploying EVs, FedEx continues to develop sustainability initiatives that advance the goals of the company, its customers and the communities the company serves. The company previously launched FedEx® Sustainability Insights in Hong Kong, a cloud-based carbon emissions reporting tool that provides customers with historical emissions data for their shipments within the FedEx network. This information empowers customers to make more informed decisions about their shipping strategies and mitigate their environmental impact. Additionally, FedEx has collaborated with local social enterprises to repurpose unused uniforms and shipping materials, paving the way for circular supply chains with less waste.

Click here to learn about FedEx Cares, our global community engagement program.

[1] About electric vehicles
[2] Sustainable Consumer Choice Survey Report 2024
[3] Sustainable Consumer Choice Survey Report 2024

The intersection of climate-driven weather events, geopolitical instability, and evolving trade policies turns supply chain disruption into a persistent challenge. As organizations navigate these turbulent conditions, Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) teams are stepping into a more strategic role, ensuring compliance, continuity and resilience.

Today, EHS professionals are involved in enterprise risk management, business continuity planning, and resource stewardship. In this blog, we explore how EHS leaders can strengthen resilience by preparing for disruption scenarios, engaging local expertise, maintaining compliance, and stewarding energy and water resources.

Understanding the New Normal of Disruption

Disruption has become the new baseline. These disruptions take the form of extreme weather events that damage infrastructure, raw material shortages, labor instability, and logistical breakdowns. As a result, global supply chains are more fragile than ever. 

Each of these disruptions has cascading EHS implications:

• Facility shutdowns due to flooding, fires, or energy outages.
• Worker relocations that introduce new health and safety risks.
• Compliance challenges as operations move across regions with different regulations.

Among the most pressing concerns are access to water and energy, both of which are increasingly unpredictable. EHS strategies must now factor into these core resource risks as part of business continuity planning.

Proactive EHS Planning for Supply Chain Disruption Scenarios

Resilient organizations plan and prepare for disruptions. They can’t afford to wait for an emergency to strike and then haphazardly respond while it grows into a catastrophe.

Leading EHS teams are embedding disruption scenarios into their risk assessments, asking:

• What happens if a facility loses water access?
• How do we protect workers if production shifts to a new geography?
• Can we reduce dependency on vulnerable suppliers or resources?

Meaningful scenario planning should include:

• Energy availability: Anticipating power disruptions or cost volatility.
• Water access: Managing supply limitations or usage restrictions.
• Circular resource strategies: Using recycled materials, closed-loop systems, or alternative inputs.

By integrating EHS considerations into supply chain due diligence, companies can make smarter sourcing decisions and reduce exposure to future operational shocks.

The Value of Localized Expertise and Flexibility

Environmental regulations and resource availability differ drastically across regions. For example, a manufacturing site in California may face strict water-use rules, while a counterpart in Vietnam may struggle with waste infrastructure or air quality controls.

To stay agile and compliant, best practices include:

• Getting the benefits of a local perspective from EHS consultants who understand environmental constraints and enforcement practices.
• Leveraging global EHS networks to ensure consistent standards while adapting to local realities.

Workforce Safety and Mobility Under Strain

With a truly global workforce, companies can struggle with bridging occupational safety across borders. One primary issue is that the health and safety risks can vary based on the geography and site conditions, so global protocols are impractical and even dangerous.

Another challenge is the normalization of remote work in field team oversight. Remote work adds complexity to field team oversight and emergency response. The best solution is to partner with local EHS consultants who can ensure workplace safety by creating practical risk assessments.

Local EHS consultants also are crucial partners for training. Language and cultural differences can reduce the effectiveness of training and communication, so these partners are key to overcoming these barriers.

Regulatory Watch: Staying Compliant During Change

Disruption is often a catalyst for regulatory change. For example:

• New emissions caps during climate events
• Revised permitting requirements for relocated production
• Emergency health and safety mandates following political unrest

Compliance remains non-negotiable, even in crisis. EHS teams need local monitoring tools like regulatory registers and proactive planning to stay ahead of change.

The latest episode of Rethinking EHS (Season 2, Ep. 1) explores how companies are managing regulatory shifts across regions like APAC, Europe, and the Americas, highlighting tools and strategies for staying ahead.

Building Resilience Through EHS

Supply chain disruption is not going away. For EHS leaders, this means planning for continuous change, balancing global standards with local execution. EHS plays a vital role in ensuring operational resilience by maintaining compliance, supporting workforce safety, and reducing energy and water risk.

For insights you can apply to your own EHS strategy, listen to Rethinking EHS: Leading EHS Through Uncertainty. In this episode, Inogen Alliance members share how companies are responding to energy transition, shifting supply routes, regulatory divergence, and climate-driven resource stress. 

Access the Podcast Episode

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The rules of sustainability reporting in Europe may be shifting, but the business case for transparency remains as strong as ever. In early 2025, the European Commission introduced the EU Omnibus proposal – a sweeping set of revisions that could delay and narrow the scope of the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), along with other key sustainability and corporate reporting initiatives. 

For many companies, especially those with cross-border operations, these proposed changes raise a new set of questions: Should you pause your reporting efforts or stay the course? How do you weigh evolving regulatory timelines against long-term environmental, social, and governance (ESG) strategy?

In this post, we’ll explore the potential impacts of the Omnibus proposal, what it means for CSRD reporting, and how companies can move forward with confidence, even amid uncertainty.

The EU Omnibus Proposal Explained: What’s Changing for CSRD Reporting?

In February 2025, the European Commission introduced the Omnibus Simplification Package. This proposal includes significant amendments to the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), affecting reporting timelines and the scope of companies required to comply.

Timeline and scope modifications

The proposal recommends a two-year postponement for companies in the second and third waves of CSRD implementation. Companies originally scheduled to report in 2026 and 2027 would now have until 2028 and 2029, respectively.

The scope would also narrow. Previously, companies meeting or exceeding two of the following three thresholds were in scope: 250 employees, €50 million in net turnover, or €25 million on the balance sheet. Under the revised proposal, only companies with more than 1,000 employees that also meet or exceed either the turnover or balance sheet thresholds would be required to report—potentially exempting around 80% of previously covered entities.

Current status and approval process

The proposal is currently under review by the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union, with potential amendments expected before final approval.

Until then, existing CSRD obligations remain in effect. Companies, including U.S.-based firms with European subsidiaries, should continue tracking developments closely and maintain readiness in jurisdictions where national transpositions are already underway.

Strategic Implications: To Report or Not to Report?

With CSRD’s future scope and timing still under review, many organizations are asking whether to continue investing in reporting or slow down. While the Omnibus proposal may reduce immediate obligations, it introduces new strategic considerations.

Halting efforts might reduce near-term costs, but it also risks losing ground on ESG credibility, investor readiness, and risk management. For U.S. companies with a European presence, the ability to communicate sustainability performance is quickly becoming a business imperative—regardless of regulation.

In this environment, understanding your company’s risk profile and forward posture is critical.

Risk assessment for different company profiles

• Large companies – those with over 1,000 employees and significant EU operations – are unlikely to fall outside CSRD’s scope, even under the revised criteria.
• Medium-sized enterprises may be exempt, but could still face supply chain and customer pressure to provide ESG data.
• International companies must navigate a growing patchwork of global reporting requirements, from the EU to California to Australia and beyond.
• U.S. parent companies with EU subsidiaries should anticipate divergence between U.S. and EU requirements, and proactively align internal systems.
• Suppliers to in-scope organizations may be required to provide sustainability data, regardless of their own legal standing.

The cost-benefit analysis of voluntary reporting

Even without a mandate, ESG reporting delivers tangible business value. Upfront investment in systems and data can yield long-term benefits in transparency, risk mitigation, and trust.

Companies that stay the course may gain an edge through market differentiation, especially in ESG-sensitive sectors like finance, manufacturing, and consumer goods. Investor expectations continue to rise, with or without regulation.

Early alignment with CSRD and the broad reaching European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS) can also ease future compliance as reporting standards continue to evolve globally. A proactive approach today can reduce costs and complexity tomorrow.

Voluntary Reporting Framework: A Viable Alternative?

A central feature of the Omnibus proposal is the introduction of a voluntary sustainability reporting framework for companies no longer in scope. For resource-constrained organizations, this might seem like a welcome reprieve. But a lighter-touch approach can come at the expense of rigor, consistency, and stakeholder confidence.

Voluntary frameworks do not eliminate the need for ESG disclosure; they simply shift the responsibility for defining scope, depth, and format back to the company. For U.S. firms navigating multiple standards, this adds both flexibility and complexity.

Understanding the VSME framework limitations

The proposed Voluntary Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (VSME) framework offers simplified, checklist-style reporting. But this structure limits depth, especially around social and governance topics, making it harder to understand material risks related to labor, supply chains, and oversight.

Data comparability and consistency may also suffer, challenging investors and partners seeking reliable benchmarks. And because the VSME framework may not align well with emerging U.S. or global standards, companies that adopt it could face future rework.

Bridging the gap between voluntary and mandatory reporting

Still, voluntary reporting can be a useful steppingstone, if approached strategically. Companies can build scalable systems by focusing on core ESG metrics, maintaining high data quality, and aligning with common ESG framework principles where possible.

Double materiality assessments – examining both financial impact and societal outcomes – can future-proof reporting practices and prepare companies for evolving regulations. Ultimately, the most resilient businesses won’t view voluntary reporting as an opt-out, but as a chance to opt-in on their own terms.

Beyond Compliance: The Business Case for Sustainability Reporting

Sustainability reporting helps companies identify and manage risk, strengthen operational oversight, and build transparency into how they do business.

For U.S. organizations operating globally, ESG disclosure also serves as a bridge connecting different jurisdictions and stakeholder expectations through a common language of performance and accountability.

Perhaps most importantly, it allows companies to lead with transparency in a time when visibility is critical to trust.

Tangible business benefits

Reporting can help expose potential risks and blind spots, while also identifying opportunities to cut waste, reduce inefficiencies and lower operational costs.

It can also improve access to capital, as investors reward clear, consistent ESG disclosures. During periods of market disruption or regulatory change, robust reporting strengthens reputation and stakeholder confidence.

For U.S. companies with European operations or clients, it opens doors, simplifying partnerships and reinforcing alignment with global value chains.

Meeting evolving market expectations

ESG expectations are growing from every angle:

• Investors want comparable, useful decision-making data.
• Customers seek responsible and transparent partners.
• Top talent (especially younger professionals) are drawn to purpose-driven employers.

Sustainability reporting also enhances supply chain resilience by offering visibility into ESG risks and dependencies. As U.S. climate disclosure regulations develop, reporting will become less of a differentiator and more of a baseline.

Practical Preparation: Building Adaptable Reporting Systems

As ESG disclosure requirements evolve, companies have an opportunity to invest in systems that are not just compliant but resilient. Rather than reacting to each regulatory shift, customer survey, or investor inquiry, organizations can create a foundation that supports flexibility, comparability, and continuous improvement.

This is especially critical for U.S. companies operating across multiple jurisdictions. Aligning with the CSRD, and frameworks such as the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) and the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB), requires systems that are nimble and consistent. The strongest reporting programs aren’t designed for one rule; they’re built to grow and adapt with the business.

Efficient data collection and management

Laying the groundwork for agile reporting starts with how your data is gathered, organized, and maintained. A strong data infrastructure is the backbone of any sustainability reporting program, especially one expected to flex with evolving standards and stakeholder expectations.

• Centralize sustainability data infrastructure to ensure consistency across business units and regions.
• Automate data collection where possible to reduce manual input and minimize errors.
• Maintain audit-ready documentation to streamline internal reviews and external assurance.
• Design scalable systems that can accommodate new KPIs, shifting materiality thresholds, or additional disclosure requirements.

Future-proofing your sustainability strategy

A future-ready ESG program aligns with evolving expectations while staying grounded in what matters most to your business and stakeholders.

• Focus on ESG topics that reflect your core risks and opportunities.
• Build internal capacity through training, governance, and clearly defined roles.
• Leverage technology to reduce reporting burdens and improve accuracy.
• Monitor new global regulatory developments so you can stay ready, not reactive.

Making Informed Decisions in an Evolving Regulatory World

The proposed changes to CSRD may delay timelines and reduce obligations, but they do not diminish the strategic value of ESG reporting. Transparent reporting continues to support informed decision-making and builds lasting credibility – regardless of whether it’s required or voluntary.

As companies assess their next steps, it’s critical to apply a double materiality lens—considering not only how sustainability issues impact the business financially, but also how the business impacts people and the environment. This dual perspective is foundational to the CSRD and increasingly reflected in global stakeholder expectations.

For global companies, this is an opportunity to reassess and reaffirm long-term priorities.

Antea Group can help you navigate what’s next. Explore our sustainability reporting services.

By Kim Borges

“This was not the plan. But it’s way better than I ever thought.”

Melanie Brown said this to herself before she began saying it to her students.

Eight years ago, Brown bumped into a nonprofit board member she’d worked with in a prior role. He mentioned a newly established high school entrepreneurship program and encouraged her to apply to lead it.

Her response? “No, thank you.”

When Brown bumped into him again just weeks later after not seeing him for years, she reconsidered.

“Our families were out to dinner at the same restaurant, and I felt like it was a sign,” she said. “I didn’t know what it was all about, but I decided I would lean into it and apply. As a visual learner, I needed to go and observe a class where the program originated.”

It took Brown 90 minutes to see what it was all about. Her response this time?

“Oh my gosh, I am in love with this program.”

From the beginning, this was something we believed would really benefit students.
Bart Rose, Commercial Banking relationship manager and Central Illinois market executive with Regions Bank

The realization launched Brown’s venture as the facilitator of Central Illinois CEO, serving juniors and seniors across three counties. Bart Rose, Commercial Banking relationship manager and Central Illinois market executive with Regions Bank, is a co-founding board member of the organization’s Central Illinois chapter based in Decatur. Regions has been a sponsor since day one.

“From the beginning, this was something we believed would really benefit students,” said Rose. “If we could have them talk with local business owners, we thought maybe we could get kids to come back after college.”

But before that, Brown helps each cohort of juniors and seniors uncover entrepreneurship’s ins and outs by:

• Visiting 35 business owners at their companies.
• Gaining insights from 20-plus speaker panels.
• Participating in monthly Mentor Days.

It all happens before the first bell rings. Students set up the room, host their presenters, put everything back and head to school by 9:00 a.m.

Impressive – and we haven’t even gotten to the “wow” yet.

“Our students are evaluated every day,” said Brown. “We have them do a self-assessment at the end of each week, asking, ‘Did you show up and dress professionally? Did you engage with our speakers? Did you produce the ‘wow,’ as we call it?’”

The students do more than talk with business owners during the school year. They become them – three times.

Their initial venture begins with students securing funding for start-up costs to help launch their group business.

“They have four weeks to figure it all out,” said Brown. “I give them the project and step back. They ask me questions. My go-to is, ‘What do you think?’ We kind of want it to be messy. I want them to learn it’s OK to get it wrong.”

Once the initial venture is completed, the class works together on another business concept developing a product, service or event idea and creating their business plan.

“We have them pitch it to our CEO board,” said Brown. “Then, they execute the entire business plan.”

This past semester, that plan was a black-tie auction featuring local artists. Every two weeks, students reworked the numbers and shared their progress.

In January, 200 guests attended “Melodies and Masterpieces,” which raised $30,000.

“It was a moment where we almost all cried,” said Brown. “They saw this vision and made it happen.”

With net gains of increased self-confidence and assets to reinvest in themselves, students next identified their own product, service or event to pitch to a judging panel in May.

“I tell them, ‘Find something you’re going to date for five months,’” said Brown. “You can’t quit it, and that’s entrepreneurship.”

Beef jerky, cologne, lawncare businesses, car detailing services – each entrepreneur receives a grant to help fund their idea. Earning them involves requesting a loan from finance veterans like Rose on Banker Days.

“Bart has been very involved every year,” said Brown. “He does a really good job of listening and giving good feedback. He breaks down financial plans in a way the students can easily understand.”

“The questions students ask are well thought out,” added Rose. “They’re not afraid to ask and they do it in a very professional way.”

They call on that professionalism again speaking to 200 high school classmates to help recruit the next Central Illinois CEO cohort.

“It means so much more hearing it from their peers,” explained Brown. “They’re honest in sharing you have to get up at 6 a.m., but it’s worth it. They say, ‘Here’s what you’re going to get out of it.’”

Those returns include more than learning the value of making eye contact, giving a solid handshake and writing thank you notes.

It’s my calling to help people become the best versions of themselves.
Melanie Brown, Central Illinois CEO Facilitator

“It’s my calling to help people become the best versions of themselves,” said Brown. “I tell our students, ‘I’m not here to pick you apart, I’m here to set you apart. Once they know we believe in them, they begin to believe in themselves.”

Rose sees that transformation occur every year.

“When you initially meet the students, they’re nervous; their communications skills are still a bit raw,” he said. “By May, I’m blown away by the difference in their comfort levels. They’re placing themselves miles ahead by participating in this program.”

Rose is grateful to Brown for producing Central Illinois CEO’s “wow” every day.

Melanie has taken this program to heights I don’t know we thought possible in its early days.
Bart Rose, Commercial Banking leader and Central Illinois market executive with Regions Bank

“Melanie has taken this program to heights I don’t know we thought possible in its early days,” he said. “The businesses she’s been able to introduce the students to and the connections she’s made in the community – I don’t know what we’d do without her.”

And Brown has no plans to depart the role way better than she ever thought.

“It’s very rewarding and a lot of fun,” she said. “I get to work with amazing people like Bart. I love what I do, and I love what this program is.”

The two largest companies that provide advice to institutional investors on how to vote their corporate proxies are fighting back against a Texas law that would limit their ability to advise clients on environmental, social and governance practices. Institutional Shareholder Services (ISS), which advises about 2,000 clients for more than 51,000 shareholder meetings, and Glass Lewis, with than 1,300 clients, both filed suit in July to block Texas Senate Bill 2337 that was scheduled to take effect on September 1.

In our Top Stories for the issue, the law firm Gibson Dunn reports that on August 29, the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas entered a preliminary injunction blocking enforcement of the new Texas law until a trial is held, which is set for February 2, 2026.

According to Gibson Dunn, SB 2337 “will impose extensive public and directed disclosure obligations on proxy advisory firms when their recommendations or services are based on non-financial factors, which include environmental, social and governance (ESG) and diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) considerations, diverge from company management’s recommendations, or provide conflicting advice across clients.”

In their lawsuits, ISS and Glass Lewis argued that SB 2337 is unconstitutional since it would violate the First and Fourteenth Amendments to the US Constitution by “forcing the proxy advisors to state that recommendations inconsistent with management or incorporating ESG/DEI are not in shareholders’ financial interest.”

Reuters reported in July that the proxy advisors said the new law was an attempt “to force proxy advisers to broadcast Texas’ preferred viewpoints when their own differed, including on hot-button issues that a Republican state legislator perceived as having a ‘hard left bent.’”

The State of Texas, under the leadership of Governor Greg Abbott and Attorney General Ken Paxton, who is running for U.S. Senate, has been at the forefront of Republican efforts to attack ESG and DEI programs at corporations, schools and in government. The state passed a law in 2023 banning DEI offices at public universities and colleges and this year passed a law, which is being challenged by the ACLU, to ban DEI programs in K-12 schools.

In our other Top Stories, Reuters and NPR report that state attorney generals and leading environmental and scientific groups are pushing back against the proposal by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to invalidate the 2009 Endangerment Finding — which underlies regulations for controlling greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Reuters reported that Arizona Attorney General Chris Mayes said, “the EPA is proposing to bury its head in the sand and ignore the mounting costs of climate change for all Americans.”

NPR reports that in August, the Environmental Defense Fund and the Union of Concerned Scientists filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Energy and the EPA alleging that the government’s report used to support its proposed repeal of the Endangerment Finding was unlawful since it was created in secret. Public comments regarding the proposed EPA repeal of the Endangerment Finding can be submitted through September 15, with instructions available here.

The G&A team will be closely following the legal battles in Texas and in Washington and are available to answer questions about the impact on your ESG and sustainability programs. For more information contact us at: info@ga-institute.com.

This is just the introduction of G&A’s Sustainability Highlights newsletter this week. Click here to view the full issue.

Join a global community of purpose-driven industry leaders that are meeting today’s challenges with bold vision and collaboration. Exchange ideas and explore solutions that will help your brand lead in today’s evolving marketplace – delivering value for business, society, and the planet.

SAN DIEGO, September 8, 2025 /3BL/ – Sustainable Brands (SB) has officially launched the full program for SB’25 San Diego, taking place October 13-16, 2025 at the Town & Country Resort.

In a time of global uncertainty, SB’25 will convene brands that continue to lead with purpose. This year’s theme – Adapt and Accelerate – calls on leaders to turn disruption into innovation and challenges into progress to drive good growth that benefitsbusiness, people, and the planet. From marketing to drive consumer behavior change to advancements in materials science and demonstrating ROI and impact, the conference program offers actionable insights to build clarity, credibility, and cross-functional momentum around sustainable business transformation.

Register before Sept. 14 for the last chance to save and be part of the community that’s still doing the work – together.

Program Highlights Include:

• Trevor Shah, Head of Sustainability, L’Oréal Professionnel Paris, sharing the company’s innovative focus on product performance to deliver sustainability impact
• Daniel Aronson, Founder and CEO, Valutus, leading an in-depth workshop on the ROI of sustainability to include coaching from renowned experts in governance and sustainability performance metrics
• James Reeves, Director of Sustainability Strategy, and Brian Bautsch, Director of North American Safety Strategy, American Honda Motor Co., Inc., outlining a dynamic cross-functional internal engagement initiative to embed sustainability and safety into the rhythm of daily work throughout offices and manufacturing plants.
• Yuki Kabe, Technical Advisory Specialist and Maureen Malia, Circular Economy, Sustainability, and Advocacy Manager, Braskem exploring how bio-based resins are helping shift industries away from fossil-based materials

SB’25 is designed to create space for peer-to-peer exchange. The program includes curated experiences like Birds of a Feather dinners, Campfire Conversations, and sunrise sessions that foster honest dialogue backed by data, leadership, and collective insight.

For more information, visit the SB’25 Program Page. Discounts are available for groups of 3+, SMBs, NGOs, and educational institutions. 

Sponsorship, Exhibit, and Partnership opportunities are also available for those looking to sharing their solutions with leading brands. For more information about sponsoring SB’25 San Diego, email inquiries to engage@sustainablebrands.com or visit the event website. For general press inquiries and credential requests, please visit our Media Center

About Sustainable Brands Sustainable Brands®, a female-founded Public Benefit Corporation, is the premier global community of brand innovators who are reshaping the future of commerce worldwide. Since 2006, our mission has been to inspire, engage and equip today’s business and brand leaders to prosper for the near and long term by leading the way to the future we want for all people for all time. Digitally published news articles and issues-focused conversations, a robust e-learning library and internationally known conferences and regional events, along with peer-to-peer membership groups, unique market intelligence, tools and services all facilitate community education and transformative action throughout the year.