Tag: 3BL

Originally published on 3M News Center

As the world pivots towards electrification, the demand for lithium-ion batteries is set to skyrocket. According to McKinsey, battery demand is expected to increase nearly sevenfold, from approximately 700 GWh in 2022 to about 4,700 GWh by 2030. This surge is driven by the growing adoption of electric vehicles (EVs), utility-scale grid storage, and portable electronics. However, the supply of raw lithium is struggling to keep pace, and production is expected to fall short of projected annual demand of 3 million tons by 2030. This looming supply gap presents a critical opportunity for innovation in lithium extraction.

Lithium is a key component in the global energy transition, boasting the highest energy density for a solid material, and making it the optimal choice for batteries. Since the introduction of the lithium-ion battery in 1991, its use has expanded exponentially, doubling every two to three years. However, the success of lithium-ion technology brings challenges in supplying enough raw materials to meet demand.

Lithium is mined worldwide from hard rock deposits and from underground brines. The highest concentration sources are being mined first, but many new reserves, such as the Smackover Formation in Arkansas or the Salton Sea in California, are low-concentration brines or geothermal fluids. As a result, the industry is turning to innovative methods to extract lithium from these non-traditional sources.

Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) is emerging as a viable solution to the challenges of lithium supply. DLE includes a family of techniques that chemically separate lithium ions from brines using sorbents, ion exchange, membranes, or electrochemical cells. According to ID TechEx, DLE can deliver higher recovery rates, faster cycle times, and lower environmental impact than conventional evaporation ponds. This makes DLE a necessary approach to unlock new lithium resources and reduce the impact of predicted global supply constraints.

3M technologies are uniquely positioned to advance the commercialization of DLE through our expertise and scale in manufacturing similar materials, including precision-engineered abrasive particles and advanced nonwoven materials.

“With current market conditions, now is the ideal time for collaboration,” said Mark Copman, senior vice president, 3M New Growth Ventures. “3M has a long history of applying advanced materials science to solve critical challenges and our innovative technologies are perfectly suited to meet the specific needs of the lithium market while helping to secure a reliable supply of this critical resource.”

• Sorbent Expertise: 3M’s particle-shaping capabilities are directly translatable to creating high-performance DLE sorbents. These sorbents are engineered for optimal brine-flow, durability, and selectivity, allowing for efficient lithium extraction alone or in conjunction with non-wovens.
• Next-Gen Nonwovens: 3M designs sorbent-laden nonwoven fabrics that mimic high-surface-area membranes in compact formats. These fabrics offer enhanced brine contact, faster kinetics, and reduced chemical usage, making them ideal for DLE applications.
• Scalable Manufacturing: 3M’s global manufacturing prowess allows rapid throughput from R&D to pilot and then to full-scale deployment. This scalability is crucial for establishing a robust DLE supply chain in the U.S.

3M is dedicated to enhancing energy security and delivering efficient solutions that meet the growing demands of the global energy landscape. Our technologies and solutions can help to efficiently bridge short-term lithium supply needs and help to open long-term local sources of supply, supporting battery production that’s essential for the future needs of electric vehicle expansion and grid-energy storage.

 

AMSTERDAM, HONG KONG and OAKLAND, Calif., August 5, 2025 /3BL/ – Cascale today released the Better Buying 2025 Garment Industry Scorecard, a benchmark tool that tracks year-over-year progress in brand and retailer purchasing practices across the global apparel sector. Based on anonymous input from over 1,200 suppliers during the 2025 Better Buying Purchasing Practices Index (BBPPI) ratings cycle, the Scorecard measures performance across seven key purchasing practices categories that directly impact suppliers’ ability to provide decent work and wages.

These suppliers represent over 10 million workers, or roughly one in six of the estimated 60 million workers employed in the global apparel value chain.

Insights include:

• Most category scores declined by one or two points, signaling stalled progress.
• The steepest drop was in Planning and Forecasting, which fell from 59 to 56 points. More than 37 percent of suppliers identified this category as the most critical area for improvement.
• The overall purchasing practices score declined slightly, from 67 to 66.

This Better Buying Garment Industry Scorecard is the first to be published since Better Buying joined Cascale in February 2025, and offers topline data ahead of the full Better Buying Purchasing Practices Index (BBPPI) Report. This will combine the Scorecard with deeper commentary and analysis of what lies behind the scores, and will be published during Cascale’s Annual Meeting in Hong Kong on 15-17 September.

Companies that subscribe to Better Buying’s surveys have already received individual scorecards. Cascale encourages them to share their scorecards with suppliers, and work with them, as true partners, to co-create solutions to the challenges that are identified.

“The BBPPI scores provide us with a critical baseline on where we are, as an industry, on purchasing practices,” said Katie Hess, Head of Product at Cascale Better Buying. “I’m pleased to see that brand and retailer progress has been broadly maintained, even during a period of unprecedented global and geopolitical turbulence as a result of the ongoing trade tariffs uncertainty, but at this late stage in the game, stagnation is not good enough. The urgent need for collective, committed, whole-industry action on purchasing practices is starkly clear.”

“With Better Buying now part of Cascale, we have an unprecedented opportunity to drive up action at scale, by bringing together all key stakeholders to embed fair purchasing principles as the norm in global supply chains, and achieve our mission of Decent Work for All,” said Fiona Sadler, global head of responsible sourcing at Marks and Spencer and Cascale board director representing brands and retailers.

 

ABOUT CASCALE

Cascale is the global nonprofit alliance empowering collaboration to drive equitable and restorative business practices in the consumer goods industry. Formerly known as the Sustainable Apparel Coalition, Cascale owns and develops the Higg Index, which is exclusively available on Worldly, the most comprehensive sustainability data and insights platform. Cascale unites over 300 retailers, brands, manufacturers, governments, academics, and NGO/nonprofit affiliates around the globe through one singular vision: To catalyze impact at scale and give back more than we take to the planet and its people.

The Better Buying tools, now part of Cascale, empower brands, retailers, and manufacturers to embed responsible purchasing practices into their operations, making fair business relationships the industry norm. By integrating Better Buying’s proven tools into Cascale’s ecosystem, we move responsible purchasing practices from voluntary commitments to measurable, data-driven progress—ensuring that accountability and transparency become foundational to sustainable business relationships.

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AMSTERDAM, HONG KONG and OAKLAND, Calif., August 5, 2025 /3BL/ – Cascale today released the Better Buying 2025 Garment Industry Scorecard, a benchmark tool that tracks year-over-year progress in brand and retailer purchasing practices across the global apparel sector. Based on anonymous input from over 1,200 suppliers during the 2025 Better Buying Purchasing Practices Index (BBPPI) ratings cycle, the Scorecard measures performance across seven key purchasing practices categories that directly impact suppliers’ ability to provide decent work and wages.

These suppliers represent over 10 million workers, or roughly one in six of the estimated 60 million workers employed in the global apparel value chain.

Insights include:

• Most category scores declined by one or two points, signaling stalled progress.
• The steepest drop was in Planning and Forecasting, which fell from 59 to 56 points. More than 37 percent of suppliers identified this category as the most critical area for improvement.
• The overall purchasing practices score declined slightly, from 67 to 66.

This Better Buying Garment Industry Scorecard is the first to be published since Better Buying joined Cascale in February 2025, and offers topline data ahead of the full Better Buying Purchasing Practices Index (BBPPI) Report. This will combine the Scorecard with deeper commentary and analysis of what lies behind the scores, and will be published during Cascale’s Annual Meeting in Hong Kong on 15-17 September.

Companies that subscribe to Better Buying’s surveys have already received individual scorecards. Cascale encourages them to share their scorecards with suppliers, and work with them, as true partners, to co-create solutions to the challenges that are identified.

“The BBPPI scores provide us with a critical baseline on where we are, as an industry, on purchasing practices,” said Katie Hess, Head of Product at Cascale Better Buying. “I’m pleased to see that brand and retailer progress has been broadly maintained, even during a period of unprecedented global and geopolitical turbulence as a result of the ongoing trade tariffs uncertainty, but at this late stage in the game, stagnation is not good enough. The urgent need for collective, committed, whole-industry action on purchasing practices is starkly clear.”

“With Better Buying now part of Cascale, we have an unprecedented opportunity to drive up action at scale, by bringing together all key stakeholders to embed fair purchasing principles as the norm in global supply chains, and achieve our mission of Decent Work for All,” said Fiona Sadler, global head of responsible sourcing at Marks and Spencer and Cascale board director representing brands and retailers.

 

ABOUT CASCALE

Cascale is the global nonprofit alliance empowering collaboration to drive equitable and restorative business practices in the consumer goods industry. Formerly known as the Sustainable Apparel Coalition, Cascale owns and develops the Higg Index, which is exclusively available on Worldly, the most comprehensive sustainability data and insights platform. Cascale unites over 300 retailers, brands, manufacturers, governments, academics, and NGO/nonprofit affiliates around the globe through one singular vision: To catalyze impact at scale and give back more than we take to the planet and its people.

The Better Buying tools, now part of Cascale, empower brands, retailers, and manufacturers to embed responsible purchasing practices into their operations, making fair business relationships the industry norm. By integrating Better Buying’s proven tools into Cascale’s ecosystem, we move responsible purchasing practices from voluntary commitments to measurable, data-driven progress—ensuring that accountability and transparency become foundational to sustainable business relationships.

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Episode Summary

Data collection and analysis is a vital step in the fight to end plastic pollution. AI could hold the answers, however it also poses significant challenges. Here we discuss how AI technology is influencing research at the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (CSIRO) and at Wageningen University to see how they are overcoming these new challenges. 

Host: Maithreyi Seetharaman
Show Producer: Lisa Desai
Sound Production: PhiLipp Schweidler, Department of Noise
Artwork: Dow Creative Element

Episode Notes

Data collection and analysis is a vital step in the fight to end plastic pollution. AI could hold the answers, however it also poses significant challenges. Here we discuss how AI technology is influencing research at the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (CSIRO) and at Wageningen University to see how they are overcoming these new challenges.

On July 19, Southwire’s Project GIFT hosted its annual Back to School drive in West Georgia, distributing more than 4,000 backpacks filled with essential school supplies to local K-12 students.

More than 100 volunteers gathered at Midway Church in Villa Rica, Ga., to participate in one of the company’s signature Giving Back events.

“Back-to-school season is always something special,” said Stefanie Anderson, Sr. Giving Back Specialist. “Every small act of support helps parents and students feel more prepared—and more excited—for the year ahead.”

The West Ga. event was just one of many. Throughout July and August 2025, 26 Southwire communities will host school supply drives or partner with local organizations to help their local students prepare for the academic year.

“It’s a great opportunity to pour back into the community that supports you,” said Amber Bassett, Total Rewards Coordinator. “My mom is a teacher, so the chance to serve alongside my peers that I work with every day giving back to our community, especially in the education area, is a great way to get plugged in.”

The work goes beyond the bookbag distribution events. Even more volunteers joined the cause ahead of the event. Southwire team members donated their time to prepare for the event by packing the bookbags to be distributed in West Ga. and beyond. In total, 30,000 bookbags are anticipated to be distributed through Project GIFT’s Back-to-School events.

2025 marks Southwire’s twenty-first year of the Back-to-School supply drive. Other signature Giving Back events include Walk for Water benefitting Water Mission, Hope for the Holidays Toy Drive and Disaster Relief Collection and Distribution campaigns.

Back-to-School is made possible by the generosity of its sponsors: West Georgia Technical College, MedImpact, Cintas, Midway Church, RaLin, CDT Inc., Tisinger Vance, University of West Georgia, 3:16 Healthcare, Phoenix Wood Products, Heart Wood Products, Chick-fil-A, The City Menus, Gradick Communications, New Leaf Marketing and Systems & Methods Inc.

To learn more about Giving Back at Southwire, visit southwire.com/sustainability.

St. Paul, Minn., August 4, 2025 /3BL/ – Antea Group USA is proud to announce its contribution to “Corporate Guide: Identifying and Remediating PFAS” published by Environment Analyst.

Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS), also known as “forever chemicals,” have rapidly become one of the most pressing environmental and financial liabilities for both public authorities and privately held landowners and asset managers. In response to growing concerns around the health and environmental risks associated with these persistent substances, Environment Analyst has released a new free corporate guide to help organizations assess, address, and remediate PFAS contamination.

This guide brings together insights and best practices from subject matter experts who are leading the charge in PFAS investigation and cleanup. These experts offer practical knowledge grounded in field experience, with the aim of equipping organizations of all sizes with the tools they need to evaluate potential PFAS exposure and take proactive steps to mitigate risks.

Antea Group authored the “Investigating the Extent of PFAS Risk Exposure” chapter, which focuses on PFAS risk assessment and due diligence. Tailored for businesses that are just beginning their journey in understanding PFAS liabilities, the chapter outlines how to initiate investigations into the historic and current use of PFAS across assets, products, and supply chains. It also examines key risk pathways and highlights available data sources that can inform a strategic and efficient approach to PFAS management.

“Given the rapid evolution of PFAS regulations across the globe and the increasing tide of litigation, undertaking this initial, proactive investigation is no longer optional; it’s a fundamental requirement for responsible business in today’s environment,” states Jason Lagowski, Senior Consultant and PFAS Management Service Lead at Antea Group USA. “By proactively identifying potential exposure, you can get ahead of regulatory curves, build trust with stakeholders, and empower your organization to explore innovative, PFAS-free alternatives, ultimately building long-term business resilience.”

This guide aims to provide a valuable roadmap for navigating the evolving regulatory landscape and mitigating long-term liabilities tied to PFAS.

Download the Guide Here

Antea Group Belgium and Antea Group Netherlands, also recently contributed to Environment Analyst’s Focus on Europe Insight Report, which provides a high-level overview of economic and environmental situations within the current political backdrop.

About Environment Analyst 

Environment Analyst is an international membership community for the environmental services space, built around their market intelligence service. Their analysts help customers examine market opportunities in the environmental sector. They bring together business leaders and practitioners in peer-to-peer networks and share news and insight with member companies.

Their mission is to connect the environmental, ESG and professional services community, and provide the intelligence to deliver a sustainable transition. They aim to be the leading global partner supporting the environmental, sustainability & ESG community in its ambition to shape a better future. Learn more.

About Antea Group 

Antea®Group is an environment, health, safety, and sustainability consulting firm. By combining strategic thinking with technical expertise, we do more than effectively solve client challenges; we deliver sustainable results for a better future. We work in partnership with and advise many of the world’s most sustainable companies to address ESG-business challenges in a way that fits their pace and unique objectives. Our consultants equip organizations to better understand threats, capture opportunities and find their position of strength. Lastly, we maintain a global perspective on ESG issues through not only our work with multinational clients, but also through our sister organizations in Europe, Asia, and Latin America and as a founding member of the Inogen Alliance. Learn more.

Originally published in Northwestern Mutual 2024 Sustainability and Impact Report

Helping Americans achieve financial security is at the core of our value proposition.

Every day, our work supports policyowners and clients in growing wealth and protecting what they’ve worked so hard for. We’re dedicated to expanding financial access in underserved communities, reducing the wealth gap, and empowering economic growth by helping to build generational wealth.

• $2.4T of life insurance protection in force¹
• $335B of retail investment client assets held or managed by Northwestern Mutual²
• $175M Impact Investment Fund to increase access to capital to businesses that support and improve underserved communities

IMPROVING LIVES THROUGH FINANCIAL SECURITY

According to Northwestern Mutual’s 2024 Planning & Progress Study,³ the number of Americans feeling personal financial insecurity is on the rise.

This annual study found that among generations closest to retirement, just half of Boomers+ (49%) and Gen X (48%) believe they will be financially prepared for retirement.

We approach financial planning differently. We ask deeper questions and listen closely. We pursue longterm value over short-term gain. And we have access to a range of exclusive solutions designed to deliver better outcomes. Our comprehensive approach considers both risk management and growth because we believe that a financial plan optimized with insurance, investments, and guaranteed income is the best way to help policyowners and clients reach their goals.⁴

Our products and services

Northwestern Mutual’s products and services offer policyowners and clients a better way to money:^TM

• Our comprehensive planning services offer policyowners and clients a wide range of financial options built to reinforce each other, like insurance for protection, investments for growth, and annuities for guaranteed income in retirement.
• Our risk-focused offerings, including permanent life insurance (PLI), term life insurance, disability insurance, and long-term care insurance, bolster access to financial resources during unexpected life events, while annuities can provide a guaranteed income that doesn’t change based on market volatility.
• Our range of wealth solutions, including advisory services and brokerage products, help clients grow their assets over time and build financial security.
• Our network of more than 22,000 advisors⁵ and team members across hundreds of locations in the United States understand the specific needs and circumstances of their communities. Northwestern Mutual advisors garner the trust of our clients by creating comprehensive, personalized plans to help secure their long-term financial futures.

We know that seamless customer service is vital to policyowners and clients. In 2024, we continued our work to remove inefficiencies in our customer service process. Efforts that began in 2023 have led to reduced costs, better service, higher call quality, and improved satisfaction scores. We regularly monitor our Net Promoter Score (NPS), which reflects the trust our clients have in us, earned through the dedication and collaboration of our employees and advisors.

POWERING CHANGE THROUGH RESPONSIBLE INVESTMENT

Maximizing long-term value for our policyowners is our first and foremost goal as a mutual company. Our General Account strives to earn superior long-term investment returns while maintaining our unsurpassed financial strength.

General Account investments

Our General Account invests the premiums paid to us by policyowners across a diversified investment portfolio to generate superior risk-adjusted returns over the long term. Prudent investment management enables us to pay claims and benefits, innovate and grow our business, and share our success with policyowners in the form of dividends.

We seek to direct at least 5% of total investment assets toward investments with environmentally and socially responsible features while continuing to focus on our fundamental commitment to superior long term investment returns while maintaining exceptional financial strength. To this end, we invest a portion of General Account assets through our local and national Impact Investment Fund and Northwestern Mutual Future Ventures, among others. At the end of 2024, these investments totaled more than $26.4 billion, or 8.2% of total invested assets.

Our team evaluates potential investments through the lens of driving superior long-term investment returns while prudently managing risks. We define responsible investments in our General Account through two primary categories:

• Environmentally responsible investments: Supportive of or sensitive to the environment, such as bonds and loans linked to renewable and alternative energy projects, real estate investments that meet nationally recognized sustainable building and occupant wellness standards, and projects that support the lowcarbon transition
• Socioeconomically responsible investments: Promoting projects that increase affordable housing and healthcare access in underdeveloped areas or support businesses with owners from underserved groups

Impact Investment Fund

Our Impact Investment Fund directs capital to businesses that support and improve underserved communities, creating local and national economic benefits. These investments are focused on:

• Building safe and thriving communities
• Reducing the wealth gap and driving financial security
• Encouraging entrepreneurship and start-up growth

The Impact Investment Fund consists of a local Milwaukee allocation as well as a nationally focused allocation, with a total commitment of $175 million. As of 2024, the Fund has supported a total of 97 businesses in underserved communities that created over 1,100 jobs.

MKE Business Expansion Fund

As of 2024, the MKE Business Expansion Fund has invested nearly $3.4 million of capital across the community, supporting 34 local businesses.

One of these businesses, VC414, is a woman-owned venture capital firm that specializes in making investments in high-growth-potential start-ups founded by women and undercapitalized founders. VC414 deployed capital to Pruuvn, an alumnus of Northwestern Mutual’s accelerator program, demonstrating a synergy between our strategies for increasing access and opportunity for entrepreneurs who might otherwise be overlooked.

We also committed a total of $5 million with two community development financial institutions (CDFIs), Northwest Side CDC and Legacy Redevelopment Corporation, in 2024. CDFIs offer many types of financing, including microfinancing, and our investment facilitates increased access to financial resources. Three local businesses received financing as a result of these CDFI investments in 2024.

The MKE Business Expansion Fund has a real impact on individuals in our community. We invested in the Milwaukee Community Land Trust to support two meaningful projects in 2024:

• Rehabilitating homes in the Milwaukee area to serve as permanent residences for low- income families
• Partnering with SecureFutures to educate local high schoolers on the impact of homeownership and the importance of building credit, saving money, and planning for the future

National Impact Fund

As of 2024 year-end, the National Impact Fund has invested $109 million. Funding recipients included:

• Clear Vision Impact Fund, which provides capital to established, minority-owned businesses and expands access to products and services in underserved communities
• BlackRock Impact Opportunities Fund, which enables clients to invest in direct private market opportunities that accelerate positive economic outcomes for undercapitalized communities⁶
• Siguler Guff, which provides credit to small businesses in underserved communities, creating and retaining quality jobs where they are needed the most

NM Future Ventures

Through Northwestern Mutual Future Ventures, we support entrepreneurs who have been underserved in accessing venture capital. We prioritize investment in companies that align with our strategic business priorities, including companies that:

• Develop tools and platforms to help us deliver the best client experience
• Bring new technologies and enhanced analytics to market
• Work to shape the future of health and wellness

Beyond providing capital, investing creates opportunities to forge meaningful business partnerships—sharing our expertise to help their business grow while maximizing our return on investment.

Check out our 2024 Sustainability and Impact Report to learn how we’re building a better way to tomorrow

_{¹ Source: S&P Capital IQ Pro. Prepared and calculated by Northwestern Mutual.}

_{² Combined client assets of Northwestern Mutual Investment Services, LLC (NMIS), and Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Company (NMWMC) as of December 31, 2024. The advisory programs offered by NMWMC are in conjunction with brokerage services from NMWMC’s affiliate, NMIS. NMIS and NMWMC are both wholly owned subsidiaries of Northwestern Mutual.}

_{³ https://news.northwesternmutual.com/planning-and-progressstudy-2024} 

_{⁴ How life insurers can provide differentiated retirement benefits, EY, 2022.}

_{⁵ Not all Northwestern Mutual representatives are advisors. Only those representatives with “advisor” in their title or who otherwise disclose their status as an advisor of NMWMC are credentialed as NMWMC representatives to provide investment advisory services. For ease of reference, we refer to Northwestern Mutual representatives as advisors throughout this report.}

_{⁶ https://www.blackrock.com/us/individual/investment-ideas/alternative-investments/blackrock-impact-opportunities}

Today, Bath & Body Works, Inc. recently announced that it has had its near-term science-based greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction targets validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), a globally recognized authority on corporate climate action.

Bath & Body Works commits to reduce absolute scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions 63% by 2035 from a 2022 base year. Bath & Body Works also commits to reduce absolute scope 3 GHG emissions 63% within the same timeframe.

The SBTi is a corporate climate action organization that enables companies and financial institutions worldwide to play their part in combating the climate crisis. SBTi develops standards, tools and guidance which allow companies to set greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reductions targets in line with what is needed to keep global heating below catastrophic levels and reach net-zero by 2050. With this guidance, Bath & Body Works is taking meaningful steps to reduce its environmental impact and contribute to a more sustainable future.

In 2024, Bath & Body Works completed its 2022 Scope 3 emissions baseline assessment, which gave visibility into the full extent of its carbon footprint and paved the way to set these near-term (2035) science-based targets. These goals were submitted for validation in March 2025 and officially approved in July 2025.

“We are very proud of this milestone and what opportunities this unlocks to help combat climate change and address our company’s environmental footprint,” says Jeff King, Group Vice President and Head of ESG. “The journey ahead will be complex and challenging, but we are ready to take action and work together with our associates and partners in our value chain to protect the planet.”

These new science-based targets replace the company’s previous emissions goals and reflect an ongoing commitment to transparency, accountability and progress. To learn more about Bath & Body Works’ climate change journey and sustainability efforts, read pages 52-55 of the latest 2024 Sustainability and Impact Report.

Originally published by Orbis

Behind the scenes: How FedEx helps keep the Flying Eye Hospital in the sky

While the Flying Eye Hospital is known around the world for delivering cutting-edge eye care and training, the magic behind the mission starts long before the first patient is seen. It takes a dedicated network of people, months of planning, and round-the-clock technical support to ensure that every Orbis mission takes off smoothly—and safely. Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at the essential work being done to keep the plane mission-ready for 2025 and beyond, all thanks to FedEx and other key partners.

Essential Pilot training

FedEx serves as Orbis’s approved Part 142 training center, playing a vital role in maintaining the proficiency and currency of our volunteer flight crew.

Each April, Orbis pilots—comprised entirely of retired or active FedEx pilots—gather at FedEx headquarters in Memphis, TN, for comprehensive annual training. This includes MD-10 simulator sessions, classroom instruction, international mission planning, and emergency equipment training, all designed to ensure they remain proficient and mission-ready to deliver sight-saving care around the world.

Throughout the year, pilots stay current by completing four-hour simulator events, which include Initial and Recurrent Proficiency Checks (IPC and PC), warm-up sessions, and “3 and 3s” — training flights designed to meet FAA landing currency requirements. These simulator events are made possible through close coordination between the FedEx training schedulers and the Orbis training office, who work together to plan and schedule training, assign instructors, and provide evaluators as needed.

Most instructors and all evaluators are active FedEx pilots, who often accommodate Orbis simulator events around their regular flying schedules. This collaborative effort ensures our flight crews maintain the highest standards of safety, skill, and preparedness for every project. We can’t thank FedEx enough for sharing their equipment, expertise, and manpower to help get our aircraft to where it’s needed.

Clark FedEx team support

The FedEx team in Clark, Philippines (CRK) plays a vital role in supporting the Flying Eye Hospital and ensuring our aircraft remains mission ready. Their cross-departmental collaboration—spanning Aircraft Maintenance, Ramp Office, Customer Service, Customs Clearance, Security, and offices of the Sr. Manager and Managing Director—provides us with seamless, day-to-day support during each visit.

From transportation to and from the aircraft parking location to providing GPU, air conditioning units, lift trucks, maintenance stands, loaders, and even flight crew catering, the CRK team steps in with enthusiasm and warmth.

FedEx receives all Orbis medical supplies at Clark and clears them through their freeport to help keep costs down. FedEx even helped move the plane to a different part of the airport recently when our staff weren’t available.

FedEx employees, are, simply put, an extension of the Orbis Flying Eye Hospital team. Each arrival and departure are met with smiles, hugs, and genuine curiosity about our programs and the people we serve. We are deeply grateful for their commitment—and they should be proud of the role they play helping people around the world access improved eye care.

Maintenance planning and engine runs: 

While the plane is parked between projects in Clark, Philippines, the Orbis maintenance team conducts a variety of monthly system checks. These include engine runs, tire pressure checks, filter changes, and evaluations of Ground Support Equipment (GSE) to ensure the aircraft remains ready for takeoff at a moment’s notice.

Looking ahead, maintenance planning is underway for the Summer 2025 A Check, which will be conducted by the Orbis maintenance team with support from FedEx. Additionally, early preparations have already begun for the 2026 C Check, including the logistics of securing a maintenance location and sourcing parts and materials. FedEx supplies the majority of the parts for these checks and makes a considerable contribution toward the cost of the maintenance checks each year.

2026 program planning:

The project teams are working hard conducting airport assessments along with logistical and program planning visits for the 2026 Flying Eye Hospital projects. In March 2025, members of the team traveled to Peru for an initial assessment and planning visit to prepare for a three-week project scheduled for April 2026. In June, similar initial planning visits are scheduled for a planned two-week Macau project and three-week Vietnam project in 2026. These initial planning visits serve to introduce Orbis and the Flying Eye Hospital to government officials and local leaders, assess host hospitals and airports for project structure and feasibility, and design clinical training plans tailored to meet partner and participant needs.

Medical equipment maintenance:

Of course, the plane is primarily an ophthalmic teaching facility – and while it takes a lot to keep the plane in the air, there’s also a lot of work required to make sure its state-of-the-art medical equipment functions correctly.

Just like the aviation components, all medical equipment on the plane is subject to periodic maintenance to comply with regulations, performed this time by the biomedical engineering staff, the manufacturer, or a third party. This helps ensure efficiency, operational reliability and long-term cost savings, but most importantly, it keeps the patients safe.

It really does take a village to ensure this plane continues to travel the world, sharing world-class ophthalmic training with local teams. Thanks to all those who contribute to the maintenance of the plane, but especially to FedEx, who puts the “flying” in “Flying Eye Hospital”.

Stay tuned for more news from our upcoming Flying Eye Hospital project in Ghana, where FedEx is a Title Sponsor.

Continue reading here.

• In fifth year of partnership, Subaru remains largest corporate supporter of AdoptAClassroom.org, reaching more than 950,000 students nationwide
• Subaru teams up with actor Max Greenfield to highlight the growing need for equal opportunity for a quality education
• 92% of teachers have students whose families cannot afford school supplies
• Teachers spend average of $895 out-of-pocket on school supplies, up 50% since 2015

CAMDEN, N.J., August 4, 2025 /3BL/ – Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) today announced that in its fifth year as the largest corporate supporter of AdoptAClassroom.org®, it will have helped support more than 950,000 students nationwide as part of the Subaru Loves Learning® initiative. Subaru, together with more than 630 retailers, will continue to provide teachers with funding for the essential supplies and high-quality resources they need to support student success in the classroom. This year, Subaru has also partnered with actor and education advocate Max Greenfield to help spotlight the growing need for support in classrooms nationwide.

Many families and teachers face significant challenges in securing even the most basic classroom essentials for their students. According to AdoptAClassroom.org, 92% of teachers have students whose families cannot afford school supplies for their children, often leaving educators to cover the cost themselves. The average teacher in the U.S. spends $895 of their own money each year on classroom materials, an amount that has risen 50% since 2015. As a result, Subaru is working to help make a difference as part of its commitment to being More Than a Car Company®, supporting classrooms across the country and helping ensure students and educators have what they need to start the year strong.

Alan Bethke, Senior Vice President of Marketing at Subaru of America, Inc.: “Helping nearly one million children in high-needs schools feel better prepared to learn and have access to the education they deserve is a rewarding feeling. Educators are among the top professions of Subaru owners, and as the largest corporate partner of AdoptAClassroom.org, we’re proud to match their dedication with a program that has tangible results in their classrooms.”

Together, Subaru and its retailers are committed to supporting students in high-needs schools by providing teachers nationwide with funding to purchase essential classroom supplies through AdoptAClassroom.org. Many participating retailers will also donate curated school supply kits filled with the most requested materials from teachers, and some will be going even further, supporting local schools with flexible funding for special projects.

Ann Pifer, Executive Director of AdoptAClassroom.org: “Each year, we see a record-breaking number of students supported, thanks to the incredible commitment of Subaru and its strong community of retailers. As we mark our fifth year of partnership, we’re proud to help provide critical educational opportunities and resources to classrooms across the country. This continued collaboration is a powerful testament to the impact we can make together.”

To launch the 2025 program, beloved actor, author, education advocate, and father of two, Max Greenfield, has partnered with Subaru to adopt a classroom as part of the Subaru Loves Learning initiative. Greenfield visited a local elementary school in Los Angeles that has been supported by the Subaru Loves Learning initiative, where he helped spotlight the impact that funding can have on classrooms as back-to-school season quickly approaches.

Max Greenfield, Actor, Author, and Advocate: “I’ve always had a deep respect for teachers, but becoming a parent gave me a closer look at how much they take on, often going above and beyond without the resources they deserve. That’s why Subaru Loves Learning stood out to me. It’s a conscientious effort to support the people who make such a big difference in our kids’ lives.”

As part of the 2025 program, Subaru will once again be working to support students in the Camden City School District (CCSD) by adopting 91 classrooms near the automaker’s headquarters in Camden, NJ. This hometown effort will include funding, as well as employee volunteers helping teachers set up their classrooms for the new school year.

To learn more about the Subaru Loves Learning initiative and the partnership with AdoptAClassroom.org, visit subaru.com/learning or follow #SubaruLovesLearning on social media.

*High-need is defined as a school that has a Title I Schoolwide Program and/or a school where 40% or more of the student population qualifies for the Free or Reduced-Price Lunch Program.

About Subaru of America, Inc.

Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) is an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Subaru Corporation of Japan. Headquartered in Camden, N.J., the company markets and distributes Subaru vehicles, parts, and accessories through a network of about 640 retailers across the United States. All Subaru products are manufactured in zero-landfill plants, including Subaru of Indiana Automotive, Inc., the only U.S. automobile manufacturing plant designated a backyard wildlife habitat by the National Wildlife Federation. SOA is guided by the Subaru Love Promise®, which is the company’s vision to show love and respect to everyone and to support its communities and customers nationwide. Over the past 20 years, SOA and the SOA Foundation have donated more than $340 million to causes the Subaru family cares about, and its employees have logged over 115,000 volunteer hours. Subaru is dedicated to being More Than a Car Company® and to making the world a better place. For additional information, visit media.subaru.com. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, and YouTube.

About AdoptAClassroom.org

Every teacher should have access to the tools they need to teach. All students should have the resources and supplies they need for a great educational experience. AdoptAClassroom.org is a national nonprofit that partners with PreK-12 teachers, educators, and schools to equip students where they need it most. Today, teachers spend an average of $895 of their own money on their classrooms each year. More than half of classroom supplies are purchased by the teacher. Since 1998, AdoptAClassroom.org has raised $74 million and equipped 7 million students across the United States. 90% of all funded classrooms are located in high-needs schools. The 501(c)(3) organization holds the highest ratings from both Charity Navigator and Candid/GuideStar. For more information, or to make a donation, please visit www.adoptaclassroom.org.

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Diane Anton
Subaru of America, Inc.
856-488-5093
danton@subaru.com

Adam Leiter
Subaru of America, Inc.
(856) 488-8668
aleiter@subaru.com