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Food, people, and planet—these are the three north stars that help Yum! Brands —a 2025 recipient of the Corporate Responsibility Awards—focus its sustainability efforts across water use, energy, packaging, and more. What lessons can other businesses learn from the sustainability success of this multinational company? 

Join Steve Odland and guest Jon Hixson, chief sustainability officer at Yum! Brands, to find out why your sustainability strategy requires north stars, how the company wins buy-in from franchisees, and what advice he gives to up-and-coming sustainability leaders. 

The 2025 Corporate Responsibility Awards, taking place on April 23, celebrates organizations that have moved beyond public commitments to fully integrate responsible business practices into their core strategies, driving measurable, positive impacts on their organizations, stakeholders, and society. 

(01:54) Defining Sustainability in the Food Industry 
(05:06) Key Trends in Corporate Sustainability 
(06:46) Yum! Brands’ Strategy: People, Food, and Planet 
(10:49) Global Operations and Supply Chain Challenges 
(18:50) Leveraging Technology for Sustainability 
(21:49) Franchisee Engagement and Regulatory Challenges 
(25:35) Future Priorities and Advice for Sustainability Leaders 

For more from The Conference Board: 

Experts in this series

Join experts from The Conference Board as they share Trusted Insights for What’s Ahead®

Steve Odland
President and CEO
The Conference Board
Read Bio

Jon Hixson
Chief Sustainability Officer
Yum! Brands

C-Suite Perspectives

C-Suite Perspectives is a series hosted by our President & CEO, Steve Odland. This weekly conversation takes an objective, data-driven look at a range of business topics aimed at executives. Listeners will come away with what The Conference Board does best: Trusted Insights for What’s Ahead®.

C-Suite Perspectives provides unique insights for C-Suite executives on timely topics that matter most to businesses as selected by The Conference Board. If you would like to suggest a guest for the podcast series, please email csuite.perspectives@conference-board.org. Note: As a non-profit organization under 501(c)(3) of the IRS Code, The Conference Board cannot promote or offer marketing opportunities to for-profit entities.

NORTHAMPTON, Mass., June 26, 2025 /3BL/ – In Episode 7 of 3BL’s What the…? video series, host Mary Mazzoni welcomes back Daniel Blackman, Founder of Renaissance94, for his second appearance on our series. This time, Blackman dives into why the sustainability space continues to miss the mark on real engagement and how practitioners can start to rebuild trust and connection across communities.

Full episode here.

As sustainability messaging becomes increasingly politicized, Blackman pulls no punches on where the industry has gone wrong.

“We’ve seen ESG, we’ve seen sustainability—these have become more about branding than about saving lives,” said Blackman. “It’s been more about branding than about engaging communities.”

He emphasizes the importance of shifting the way communicators show up and speak to people beyond their usual circles.

“We need to stop speaking at and over people. We need to speak to people where they are.”

Key takeaways from the conversation:

  • We’re talking—but not connecting. Sustainability professionals must meet communities where they are, both physically and emotionally, rather than delivering messages from afar or with a corporate filter.
  • Access and infrastructure matter. Many of the communities most impacted by climate issues lack the infrastructure, like broadband or transportation, to even participate in the conversation.
  • Communities want to be part of the solution. Every day, people, especially those directly affected by climate events, have valuable knowledge and lived experience. They should be seen as partners.

Click Here to Watch Episode 7 of What the…?

About 3BL 
3BL transforms impact and sustainability initiatives into business advantages. Since 2009, we’ve helped 1,500+ organizations—from Fortune 500s to NGOs—connect purpose with performance. Our proprietary platform delivers targeted distribution, strategic insights, and measurable analytics, while our media division TriplePundit provides solutions-focused journalism and brand storytelling support.

  • Acquisition of three leading U.S. hazardous waste management companies located in Massachusetts and California
  • A decisive step in the company’s ambition to double the size of its North America business, with a focus on hazardous waste treatment, one of the boosters of GreenUp

BOSTON, June 26, 2025 /3BL/ – Veolia, the world leader in hazardous waste treatment with 5b$ in this activity, patented technologies and a worldwide presence, today announced actions to expand its hazardous waste treatment and disposal business in North America through investment, acquisitions and capacity expansion. The company announced c.$350 million (€300m) in global investments worldwide, including three new U.S. acquisitions in Massachusetts and California and reaffirmed plans to expand existing facilities.

As reshoring drives the growth of US manufacturing industries and medical technologies continue to advance, hazardous waste treatment and disposal capacity must anticipate this demand. Veolia’s global leadership in hazardous waste management allows the company to meet these needs, ensure environmental security for communities, and provide safe, proven solutions for industrial hazardous waste.

Veolia Acquires Three Leading Hazardous Waste Providers

In Massachusetts, the company has acquired New England Disposal Technologies and New England MedWaste. With these acquisitions, Veolia now operates the state’s only permitted medical waste disposal facility, as well as two of the state’s three permitted household hazardous waste disposal sites. The acquisitions also expand Veolia’s leadership in serving the Massachusetts healthcare and life science industries.

In California, the company has acquired Ingenium, a leading waste management service firm specializing in packaging, transportation, recycling and disposal of hazardous, non-hazardous, biological, universal and radioactive waste. This builds on a prior strategic partnership between the two companies to lock in guaranteed high-temperature treatment capacity for customers at Veolia incinerators.

A vast and powerful network of infrastructure in the US, including a state-of-the-art thermal treatment facility to start up in Arkansas

Veolia, which owns six high-temperature incinerators at three sites in the United States (Port Arthur, TX – Gum Springs, AR – Sauget, IL) also gave an update on the expansion of its unique high temperature hazardous waste treatment facility in Gum Springs, Ark., which has been undergoing a multi-year expansion that will make it one of the most technologically advanced and environmentally sustainable facilities of its kind in the world. When the facility starts up it will progressively bring new permitted incineration capacity to the market, much of it already contracted as part of long-term agreements.

The new incinerator design incorporates energy recovery to produce power for the site and therefore is subject to the EPA’s recycling designation of H050 for wastes received for treatment. This designation, coupled with the multiple environmental awards already received by the project, further reinforces Veolia’s position as a provider of environmentally sustainable waste management solutions. This ability to turn waste into a resource and to design facilities that are both essential for the regions and increasingly virtuous perfectly aligns with the ambitions set out in Veolia’s strategic GreenUp program, which aims to depollute, decarbonize, and preserve resources.

In addition to these state-of-the-art high temperature incinerators, Veolia also owns 49 transport and transfer platforms in 29 states as well as significant capacities for the recycling of liquid hazardous waste and electronic waste. Thanks to this wide range of solutions and facilities, the Group is able to efficiently meet the growing needs of local industrial players.

Bob Cappadona, President and Chief Executive Officer of Veolia’s North American Environmental Solutions and Services business said: “Our team is proud to be at the forefront of Veolia’s plans to lead the hazardous waste industry, by investing in growth, expanded capacity and new environmental technologies. The teams at New England Disposal Technologies, New England MedWaste and Ingenium are outstanding performers and are aligned with our GreenUp strategy, our purpose-driven and our customer-centric approach. Together we are positioned to make a real difference for the industry and the planet.”

Estelle Brachlianoff, CEO of Veolia said this week during a thematic event on the subject of hazardous waste organized in northern France at one of the largest high-temperature incinerators in Europe: “Hazardous waste treatment is becoming a strategic bottleneck for many industries, especially those undergoing transformation or reshoring production, it’s also an essential topic for human health and ensuring environmental security. By reinforcing our footprint through both organic investment and acquisition, we are positioning Veolia to remain ahead of the curve. Our global presence, the combination of our expertises, innovative technologies, and ability to scale rapidly enable us to deliver tailored, high-value-added services, while accelerating time-to-market for innovative waste treatment solutions.”

 

ABOUT VEOLIA IN NORTH AMERICA

Veolia in North America is the top-ranked environmental company in the United States for three consecutive years, and the country’s largest private water operator and technology provider as well as hazardous waste and pollution treatment leader. It offers a full spectrum of water, waste, and energy management services, including water and wastewater treatment, commercial and hazardous waste collection and disposal, energy consulting and resource recovery. Veolia helps commercial, industrial, healthcare, higher education and municipality customers throughout North America. Headquartered in Boston, Veolia has more than 10,000 employees working at more than 350 locations across North America.
www.veolianorthamerica.com

ABOUT VEOLIA GROUP

Veolia group aims to become the benchmark company for ecological transformation. Present on five continents with 215,000 employees, the Group designs and deploys useful, practical solutions for the management of water, waste and energy that are contributing to a radical turnaround of the current situation. Through its three complementary activities, Veolia helps to develop access to resources, to preserve available resources and to renew them. In 2024, the Veolia group provided 111 million inhabitants with drinking water and 98 million with sanitation, produced 42 million megawatt hours of energy and treated 65 million tonnes of waste. Veolia Environnement (Paris Euronext: VIE) achieved consolidated revenue of 44.7 billion euros in 2024.
www.veolia.com

CONTACTS
VEOLIA IN NORTH AMERICA
Nate Pepper
Vice President, Communications
346-351-0024
nathan.pepper@veolia.com

CLEVELAND, June 26, 2025 /3BL/ – KeyBank Community Development Lending and Investment (CDLI) provided a $12 million construction loan and invested $16.1 million in Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) equity for the construction of Churchill Gateway II, 70-unit affordable housing family project located at 10526 Churchill Avenue, in Cleveland, OH. KeyBank Commercial Mortgage Group also arranged an $5.6 million Freddie Mac permanent loan for the project. Churchill Gateway also has state and local support and received an additional $1.75 million in funding from Ohio Housing Finance Agency.

Churchill Gateway II is the second phase of the anchor development along the East 105th corridor, creating a connection between the Glenville neighborhood to the north and the job center at University Circle to the south. Churchill Gateway Phase II will provide much-needed high-quality affordable housing in the fast-growing Glenville neighborhood of Cleveland. This project will consist of one, 4-story building with one-, two- and three-bedroom units for residents earning 30-60% of the area median income and will contain nineteen units supported by project-based subsidies.

The sponsor, The NRP Group, is one of the nation’s top multifamily real estate developers, general contractors, and property management firms in the United States. Headquartered in Cleveland, The NRP Group is ranked nationally as one of the top twenty affordable housing developers by the National Multifamily Housing Council (#11) affordable housing developers by Affordable Housing Finance (#4), a leading industry publication.

Supportive Services will be provided by the May Dugan Center, a certified refugee resettlement agency, whose services include assisting refugees, recent immigrants and new Americans secure housing. As prospective tenants of the project, the May Dugan Center will help these individuals and families navigate the application and leasing process.

Seaver Rickert and Ryan Olman of KeyBank CDLI structured the financing. Robbie Lynn of KeyBank CMG arranged the permanent loan.

About KeyBank Community Development Lending and Investment 

KeyBank Community Development Lending and Investment (CDLI) finances projects that stabilize and revitalize communities across all 50 states. As one of the top affordable housing capital providers in the country, KeyBank’s platform brings together construction, acquisition, bridge-to-re-syndication, and preservation loans, as well as lines of credit, Agency and HUD permanent mortgage executions, and equity investments for low-income housing projects, especially Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) financing. KeyBank has earned 11 consecutive “Outstanding” ratings on the Community Reinvestment Act exam, from the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, making it the first U.S. national bank among the 25 largest to do so since the Act’s passage in 1977.

About KeyCorp 

In 2025, KeyCorp celebrates its bicentennial, marking 200 years of service to clients and communities from Maine to Alaska. To learn more, visit KeyBank Heritage Center. Headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, Key is one of the nation’s largest bank-based financial services companies, with assets of approximately $189 billion at March 31, 2025.

Key provides deposit, lending, cash management, and investment services to individuals and businesses in 15 states under the name KeyBank National Association through a network of approximately 1,000 branches and approximately 1,200 ATMs. Key also provides a broad range of sophisticated corporate and investment banking products, such as merger and acquisition advice, public and private debt and equity, syndications and derivatives to middle market companies in selected industries throughout the United States under the KeyBanc Capital Markets trade name. For more information, visit https://www.key.com/. KeyBank Member FDIC.

About The NRP Group

The NRP Group is a vertically integrated developer, owner, builder, and manager of best-in-class multifamily housing with a mission to create exceptional rental housing communities for individuals and families, regardless of income. Since its founding in 1994, NRP has developed more than 62,000 apartment homes and currently manages over 30,000 residential units.

Through its disciplined approach to vetting opportunities, NRP has established a track record of delivering impressive returns for investors. The company’s formidable size and depth of talent provide the experience and infrastructure necessary to execute developments of varying degrees of complexity and scope in both urban-infill and suburban locations, including market-rate, affordable, mixed-income, and senior housing.

The NRP Group has been consistently named a largest developer and builder in the U.S. on the NMHC “Top 50” lists, the Top 5 on the Multi-Housing News’ “Top Multifamily Developers” list, named a Top Affordable Housing Developer by Affordable Housing Finance, and has won three NAHB Pillar awards since 2020 for Development, Construction and Ones to Watch. The NRP Group has become the top multifamily developer in the U.S. that creates both affordable and market-rate housing at a national scale. Based on over 30 years of experience and expertise, NRP provides construction and property management services to outside owners and developers. For additional information, visit www.nrpgroup.com.

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Originally published on GoDaddy Resource Library

Tell us a little bit about yourself and your career journey, to date.

I’m the VP of Product Management – Independents at GoDaddy, where I have the privilege of leading innovative, cross-functional teams to build products powered by generative AI and data science. My focus is on developing game-changing, fun, and engaging experiences that make a real impact for our 21 million customers worldwide. I oversee GoDaddy’s global subscriptions program, driving long-term growth and customer loyalty through strategic vision and execution.

With a background as a thought leader in subscriptions, memberships, and loyalty programs, I’ve helped transform billion-dollar businesses. Prior to GoDaddy, I played a key role in the product transformation at Sam’s Club and was instrumental in incubating the WalmartPlus business, leveraging behavioral insights and data science to shape best-in-class omnichannel and fintech experiences. I’m also the innovator and architect behind several patent-pending solutions in these spaces.

As a leader, I’m passionate about building empathetic and empowered teams. I believe in driving impact through influence, vision, and a deep commitment to continuous learning.

Considering GoDaddy’s culture of experimentation, how many experiments does your team conduct each month and what do those experiments look like?

We don’t wait for “big launches” to make an impact. Our team runs 20–30 experiments each month—from tiny UI changes to full product trials. We don’t write code until we’ve nailed the hypothesis and aligned on the problem. It’s an approach that keeps us grounded in what customers truly need, and lets us move fast without breaking trust.

What advice would you give to someone who is struggling to accept change in their life?

Embrace change early. Having attended 13 different schools growing up, I have developed a comfort with change and now sees it as a growth opportunity.

The key is to reframe change as a natural and necessary part of progress—both professionally and personally.

It is even more vital today with the emergence of AI. What worked for us yesterday will not work for us today. All of us have to unlearn old patterns and behavior to be successful in the future.

What techniques do you use to prioritize tasks and manage your time efficiently?

Effective time management revolves around ruthless prioritization. I plan my learning and vacations well in advance, consolidate tasks like handling emails in a single session, and rely on a process-fed operating system (OpX) where operational mechanics and reviews complement one another. This approach minimizes redundancy and optimizes focus.

Can you describe a project that you are particularly proud of and what made it successful?

GoDaddy Airo stands out as a remarkable initiative for me. Originally conceived during an internal innovation sprint known as “Surge,” it has transformed into a bundled experience that redefines the entrepreneurial journey. Its success is rooted in bold prioritization, swift validation, and scaling only after receiving strong customer feedback—all achieved within a disciplined six-week timeframe.

In what ways does GoDaddy Airo add value to the lives of everyday entrepreneurs?

GoDaddy Airo simplifies entrepreneurship by auto-provisioning business in a box when a domain is purchased. This includes logo creation, website setup, email, and more—all powered by GenAI. It allows entrepreneurs to bypass obstacles and start building quickly, increasing their chances of success with a smooth launch process.

What inspired you to pursue a career in technology, and what keeps you motivated in this fast-paced industry?

Each year, I enroll in new certifications or cohort courses—usually in Q3 or Q4, when I have clarity on the year’s challenges and next year’s opportunities. Learning isn’t a checkbox for me. It’s a mindset, and one GoDaddy supports fully.

How do you approach team collaboration when working on innovative product solutions?

By minimizing unnecessary meetings and maximizing written, asynchronous communication, the team collaborates efficiently. There’s also a strong focus on cross-functional alignment, especially with customer care teams, to ensure insights from real-time customer interactions feed directly into product decisions.

What’s your motto or personal mantra?

  • Fall in love with the customer problem: Prioritize understanding and solving real customer issues.
  • Your team is your first customer: Treat your team with the same care and attention as external customers.
  • Change is always good: Embrace change as a catalyst for growth and innovation.
  • Student for life: Maintain a mindset of continuous learning and curiosity.

These principles reflect a commitment to customer-centricity, team empowerment, adaptability, and lifelong learning, guiding my approach to product development and leadership.

Watch Vinod Suresh: “The Highest Sky Dive in California”.

Are you enjoying this series and want to know more about life at GoDaddy? Check out our GoDaddy Life social pages! Follow us to meet our team, learn more about our culture (Teams, ERGs, Locations), careers, and so much more. You’re more than just your day job, so come propel your career with us.

MISSOULA, Mont., June 26, 2025 /3BL/ – The Biomimicry Institute, a nonprofit organization that envisions a nature-positive, inclusive, and regenerative world inspired and guided by nature’s genius, today announced the launch of its first Biomimicry Co-Lab focused on Nature Positive Buildings, Cities & Infrastructure. This 12-month, action-focused collaboration brings together 22 leading industry innovators, design practitioners, and implementation experts to accelerate the shift toward a nature-positive built environment.

“The built environment sector has an enormous impact on biodiversity, from its materials supply chain all the way through to its construction and operations. The sector is grappling with a transformation towards Nature Positive Buildings, Cities and Infrastructure and we know that within nature’s genius lies critical solutions that we can bring into action through convening these incredible thought leaders.” said Amanda Sturgeon, CEO of the Biomimicry Institute. “This Co-Lab is about turning deep inspiration from nature into scalable strategies that can help the sector to become regenerative.”

The Buildings, Cities & Infrastructure Co-Lab is designed to address systemic gaps in the built environment sector by identifying how biomimicry, biophilic design, and nature-inspired solutions can be implemented at scale. It will convene a diverse cohort of global changemakers to explore critical leverage points such as nature-inspired material innovation, design principles inspired by ecosystems, connection to place, and circular infrastructure models.

Key Objectives Include:

  • Collaborating across global regions to identify sector-specific challenges and opportunities
  • Exploring how learning from nature can catalyze a shift to nature-positive buildings, cities, and infrastructure
  • Co-creating the practical tools, frameworks, and resources needed to disrupt the sector

Over the course of the year, participants will engage in monthly virtual sessions, contribute to collaborative research, and attend an in-person nature immersion workshop planned for New York Climate Week (September 21–28, 2025). “We are excited to be convening experts in this sector to move beyond incremental change and instead to co-create tangible outcomes that help redefine how we build—using nature’s own playbook.” said Sturgeon.

By advancing nature-inspired innovation in buildings, cities, and infrastructure, the Biomimicry Institute continues its mission to build a regenerative and inclusive future—guided by the strategies that have sustained life on Earth for 3.8 billion years.

Learn more about our inaugural Co-Labs initiative and the Buildings, Cities & Infrastructure participants here.

For more information about the Biomimicry Institute and our work, please visit www.biomimicry.org.

About the Biomimicry Institute

The Biomimicry Institute is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization founded in 2005 that connects individuals to enable a nature-positive, inclusive and regenerative world inspired and guided by nature’s genius. The Institute provides tools like AskNature.org, the largest free database of biological strategies for sustainable innovation, and recently launched the AskNature Hive, a global collaboration hub for nature-inspired problem solvers. In addition to Co-Labs, the Institute runs the Ray of Hope Accelerator to support startups using nature’s strategies to tackle major environmental challenges, and Nature of Fashion, a circular economy initiative turning textile waste into biocompatible raw materials.

Media Contact: Anna Konstantinova

Biomimicry Institute, Communications Director media@biomimicry.org

As someone who is passionate about the environment, Continuous Improvement Manager Rebeca Hazera is exactly where she wants to be – part of Team CertainTeed Gypsum in Palatka, Florida. 

About empowHERed

Saint-Gobain North America’s empowHERed series features the women in manufacturing of Saint-Gobain North America. Whether they work in product innovation, engineering, on the product line, or in development, they are making an impact in manufacturing. Discover your career at Saint-Gobain North America.

Watch the full empowHERed video series on YouTube.

About Saint-Gobain

Worldwide leader in light and sustainable construction, Saint-Gobain designs, manufactures and distributes materials and services for the construction and industrial markets. Its integrated solutions for the renovation of public and private buildings, light construction and the decarbonization of construction and industry are developed through a continuous innovation process and provide sustainability and performance. The Group, celebrating its 360th anniversary in 2025, remains more committed than ever to its purpose “MAKING THE WORLD A BETTER HOME”.

€46.6 billion in sales in 2024
More than 161,000 employees, locations in 80 countries
Committed to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050 

Achieving net-zero by 2045 – that is the target we have set ourselves at Henkel. This presents both numerous opportunities and challenges. And above all, it means a lot of work along the entire value chain of the company. In an interview with Fritz for Future, Henkel’s Sustainability Podcast, Dirk Ullrich, Climate and Nature Expert at Henkel, discusses how the net-zero target is integrated into Henkel’s sustainability strategy. He explains what net zero really means – and how economic success can be aligned with climate protection.

In this interview, you will learn:

Dirk, what does net-zero mean?

Net-zero is about ensuring that the actions of individuals and companies have no impact on the climate. In essence, the term net-zero describes the idea of offsetting the gross activity one carries out with something that removes the resulting emissions from the equation. The fundamental idea behind it is to cause fewer emissions and to offset the remaining ones. To achieve this, emission strategies must be changed. It’s not enough to simply try to compensate for emissions. Pure compensation does not change actual behavior, and offsetting measures quickly reach their limits. Net-zero requires strict rules and is too weak a concept on its own if it only focuses on compensation.

I am firmly convinced that climate protection can be achieved using economic means available in today’s global economy.

Dirk Ullrich, Climate and Nature Expert at Henkel

What are the key points of Henkel’s net-zero plan?

For our net-zero plan, we have not set our own net-zero target or defined for ourselves what that might mean. We follow the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), an association of scientists who validate targets. This means that the SBTi reviews and verifies whether the plan we are pursuing aligns with more ambitious net-zero rules. In essence, this means that we must reduce about 90 percent of our emissions and ultimately only offset the remaining 10 percent, also referred to as residual emissions.

To what extent has Henkel’s strategy become more ambitious as a result of the net-zero targets?

What makes our current approach significantly more ambitious than our previous goals is that, in addition to our short-term targets oriented toward 2030, we are now also pursuing a long-term target. In a way, we are giving the company a North Star for climate action. A lot will happen by 2045 – many legislative periods will come and go – but it is the ultimate goal that guides our business activities: to achieve climate neutrality for the company across all emission-causing categories – in absolutely all so-called scopes – by 2045. It is comprehensive and long-term.

What exactly are the different emissions scopes – and what do they really mean? 

In scope: What do we mean when we talk about scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions?

Insights and examples from a Henkel expert

Learn more

In which scope does Henkel generate the most emissions?

A large portion of our products are consumer goods and therefore most emissions occur relatively far down a very long value chain. Accordingly, our emissions portfolio is structured in such a way that we do not have particularly large amounts of scope 1 or 2 emissions. Our manufacturing processes are relatively efficient and not especially energy-intensive. Therefore, our scope 3 emissions are highly relevant compared to scope 1 and scope 2. When we break down scope 3 emissions, the usage phase of our products is by far the largest source. Significant emission sources are also the procurement of raw materials and packaging materials, as well as a notable share at the end-of-life stage of our products. Transport emissions and all other emissions are relatively low.

What will change at Henkel in the next few years to achieve the newly set net-zero targets?

We have created a so-called Climate Transition Plan. There we have defined key levers to achieve these targets. For our own scope 1 and 2 emissions, we focus on energy efficiency, for example. When we require energy, we use green or climate-neutral sources. Additionally, we generate our own electricity wherever possible, for instance through photovoltaics. Addressing scope 3, we develop products that are significantly lower in emissions during their use. We also use raw materials that are manufactured and produced with significantly fewer emissions. Our logistics and transport needs are also being transformed to cause as few emissions as possible. And the circular economy comes into play wherever we can use recycled materials. Ultimately, the strategy and plan encompass almost all areas of our actions.

It is the ultimate goal that guides our business activities: to achieve climate neutrality for the company across all emission-causing categories – in absolutely all so-called scopes – by 2045. It is comprehensive and long-term.

Dirk Ullrich, Climate and Nature Expert at Henkel

Economic viability and climate protection are often not seen as compatible. What’s your perspective, based on your expertise?

I am firmly convinced that climate protection can be achieved using economic means available in today’s global economy. Unfortunately, the topic is repeatedly sacrificed in favor of short-term solutions to other problems. I see that as the biggest problem. My answer is: it is possible, and it is also financially manageable. Almost all the technologies we need are available. And we are also seeing positive trends: the costs of battery storage and photovoltaics are going down. Renewable energy sources are surpassing fossil fuels. There are encouraging signs, but there is still a recurring tendency to neglect long-term goals in favor of short-term thinking.

Is it easier or harder to pursue a net-zero strategy when operating globally? 

From my point of view, it’s easier. We have the invaluable advantage of being able to easily change our perspectives. I talk daily with colleagues from other countries where climate and environmental protection are not central issues. We can learn a lot from each other. I also speak frequently with teams working in regions where climate change has already left its mark and consequences, for example. We have diverse customer and partner relationships in various countries, which also offer a wide range of perspectives. We see different technology opportunities in different parts of the world. And we observe varying approaches to the topic. However, this also means that we need to develop a strategy that works across many countries – at our numerous production sites and locations – and that also covers a vast portfolio of products. But this also presents opportunities and potential, as we have a great lever with far-reaching impact.

Find the full interview (German only) with Dirk on Fritz for Future, Henkel’s Sustainability Podcast.

AMSTERDAM and HONG KONG and OAKLAND, Calif., June 26, 2025 /3BL/ – Cascale (formerly the Sustainable Apparel Coalition) has released “Bangladesh Country Report: Macroeconomic and Sustainability Analysis,” a comprehensive report detailing Bangladesh’s progress and potential to drive sustainable progress in the consumer goods industry. The report also reveals a pivotal opportunity to align with the Industry Decarbonization Roadmap (IDR), a sector-wide initiative to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 45 percent by 2030. This follows Cascale’s April publication of the “Vietnam Country Report: Macroeconomic, Socioeconomic, and Industry Analysis” report, developed with the support of Apparel Impact Institute (Aii). Similar in scope, Cascale’s new report emphasizes Bangladesh’s impressive strides toward sustainability, including ambitious environmental targets, the rise of green manufacturing, and a growing culture of industry collaboration.

“Scaling up the decarbonization of the energy supply will be crucial for Bangladesh to meet its 2030 climate ambitions.” –Jeremy Lardeau, SVP, Higg Index, Cascale

“The workforce is both Bangladesh’s RMG sector’s greatest asset – providing the people power behind its competitive advantage – and its greatest responsibility to protect. By investing in organisational health and safety, fair labor practices, and skill development, Bangladesh aims to uphold and protect the wellbeing of the millions who form the backbone of this industrial activity.” –Carolina van Loenen, Director of Stakeholder Engagement, Cascale

With a robust apparel sector that contributes over 80 percent of national exports and employs more than four million people – most of them women – Bangladesh stands behind China as the world’s second-largest garment exporter, commanding 7.4 percent of the global market share. With its strong economic growth and proactive sustainability initiatives, the country is positioned to leverage both domestic policies and international collaboration to advance its low-carbon transition amid evolving global market dynamics. In 2024, Bangladesh installed an interim government that issued a 2025 Renewable Energy Policy including tax incentives and measures designed to cut fuel imports, balancing continued economic growth with a shift toward cleaner energy. The interim government has set general elections for April 2026.

Key Highlights from the Bangladesh Country Report include:

Economic Strength & Global Relevance

With a GDP of USD 451 billion in 2024 and projected growth of 3.8 percent in 2025 (IMF), Bangladesh’s economic trajectory is powered by its textile and garment sector, now expanding into higher-value products and man-made fibers.

Decarbonization Commitments

The Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) has launched a Sustainability Vision 2030 to guide the industry, pledging:

  • 30 percent GHG emissions reduction
  • 50 percent sustainable material sourcing
  • 20 percent energy from renewable sources
  • Zero discharge of hazardous chemicals

Exclusive Environmental Performance Insights from the Higg FEM

Nearly 1,300 factories in Bangladesh used Cascale’s Higg Facility Environmental Module (FEM) in 2023. Results show stronger performance than global averages, with opportunities to scale renewable energy use and reduce dependence on natural gas.

Leadership in Green Factories

Bangladesh boasts over 240 LEED-certified green garment factories – the most of any country in the world. Among these are 62 of the world’s top 100 highest-rated facilities, with over 500 more in the certification pipeline.

Collaborative Industry Transformation

In 2024, BGMEA signed a partnership MoU with Cascale to drive unified sustainability efforts across the supply chain and, in 2025, the International Apparel Federation (IAF) and International Textile Manufacturers’ Federation (ITMF) launched the Apparel and Textile Transformation Initiative (ATTI). The initiative is an innovative manufacturer-led, nationally oriented, globally coordinated program. It aims to advance environmental improvements across the supply chain by promoting manufacturer leadership on systemic challenges relating to energy use, water consumption, emissions and other key sustainability impacts, in collaboration with brands and industry initiatives. ATTI’s pilot countries are Bangladesh and Turkiye, and BGMEA and BKMEA lead the ATTI Bangladesh Chapter. Under the initiative, the associations will lead the development of an ATTI Bangladesh Transformation Plan with support from the ATTI Global Council.

Energy Landscape & Transition Efforts

With 57 percent of national energy from gas and only two percent from renewables, Bangladesh faces challenges for a green energy transition. However, there are also many opportunities: Factories are increasingly investing in solar PV systems, bioenergy, and energy-efficient technologies to future-proof operations.

A Critical Moment for the Industry

The report concludes that Bangladesh is at a turning point — leveraging past progress to chart a path toward a sustainable, inclusive, and competitive future. The country’s alignment with global decarbonization goals, including its role in the UN Fashion Industry Charter for Climate Action, signals readiness to lead a new era of responsible manufacturing.Cascale urges brands, investors, and policymakers to support Bangladesh’s transition by aligning sourcing practices with sustainability goals, offering financial mechanisms for factory upgrades, and promoting inclusive growth across the value chain.

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. LinkedIn | X | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube

Originally published on May 23, 2025 on LinkedIn

Sysco’s APEX Colleague Resource Group hosted a vibrant celebration in May at our Global Support Center, bringing together colleagues, customers, and suppliers to honor Asian American and Pacific Islander heritage through culture, community, and cuisine.

We were proud to spotlight several of our incredible supplier and customer partners who made the event unforgettable:

  • EWJ Distribution & VietKane – serving fresh sugar cane juice, live at the event
  • Man Chu, Flip N Patties, and Bo Vien Texas – serving delicious dishes rooted in heritage
  • Eggroll Factory – offering a variety of crowd-pleasers, including their cheesecake and apple pie eggrolls
  • Da Munchies – sweet treats with fun, standout branding
  • DNI Group – delighting us with a beautiful selection of delicious desserts

These businesses embody the spirit of innovation and cultural pride, and we’re grateful to call them part of the Sysco family.

Thank you to APEX for leading a meaningful event that fosters belonging and celebrates the rich diversity that powers our purpose.

About Sysco

Sysco is the global leader in selling, marketing and distributing food products to restaurants, healthcare and educational facilities, lodging establishments and other customers who prepare meals away from home. Its family of products also includes equipment and supplies for the foodservice and hospitality industries. With more than 76,000 colleagues, the company operates 340 distribution facilities worldwide and serves approximately 730,000 customer locations. For fiscal year 2024 that ended June 29, 2024, the company generated sales of more than $78 billion. Information about our Sustainability program, including Sysco’s 2023 Sustainability Report and 2023 Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Report, can be found at www.sysco.com.

 For more information, visit www.sysco.com or connect with Sysco on Facebook at www.facebook.com/SyscoFoods. For important news and information regarding Sysco, visit the Investor Relations section of the company’s Internet home page at investors.sysco.com, which Sysco plans to use as a primary channel for publishing key information to its investors, some of which may contain material and previously non-public information. In addition, investors should continue to review our news releases and filings with the SEC. It is possible that the information we disclose through any of these channels of distribution could be deemed to be material information.

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