Tag: 3BL

Tapping into different voices, perspectives, and experiences helps businesses solve problems, reveals new opportunities to grow, and encourages contributions that better support people and communities. At Henkel North America, diversity is a path to progress, innovation, and impact. Our employees and partners are united by our purpose: Pioneers at heart for the good of generations. They collaborate to tackle challenges, find solutions and open new perspectives – allowing us to deliver products, services, and innovations that enrich and improve everyday life.

We invite you to “meet” our pioneers in our series, “Pioneers for Good.”

Introducing Devin, Frank, and Katie

Devin Cathcart, Creative Manager; Frank Ziegler, Brand Marketing Director; and Katie Schulze, Brand Manager, are each deeply committed to their professional roles and to making a positive impact in their community. They first connected as many colleagues do – collaborating on projects both within and beyond Henkel—while working at the Westlake, Ohio office, supporting Henkel’s Adhesive Technologies Consumer & Craftsman Division. What they didn’t anticipate was the powerful synergy of their partnership and shared drive to create lasting change.

As residents of the Greater Cleveland area, Devin, Frank, and Katie share a desire to build up their local community. They identified an opportunity to combine their passion, individual strengths, and Henkel resources to serve the greater good.

Devin, Frank, and Katie share what it means to be a pioneer for good – watch the video above.

Building Initiatives through Purpose

Together, they ideated and brought to life the Loctite® 2^nd Chance House Project, a corporate sponsorship that enabled Loctite to support the work of the Greater Cleveland Habitat for Humanity in revitalizing a condemned house in Cleveland and transforming it into a welcoming home for a deserving family.

This project came about through the ultimate goal of understanding how we can leverage our market-leading brands [Loctite] to support Henkel’s sustainability initiatives. In this case, we were especially driven by community impact.

Frank Ziegler

Inspired by that impact – rooted in a shared mission to uplift and support thriving communities – Devin, Frank and Katie saw a natural alignment with Habitat for Humanity and its commitment to empowering families through long-term housing stability. The team also aimed to minimize landfill waste and looked for creative ways to repurpose items like furniture and building materials. They rallied a team of 60 motivated Henkel employees to volunteer their time and energy along with industry professionals and DIY experts. For everyone involved, it became a meaningful, multi-dimensional opportunity to bring a shared vision to life.  

Utilizing Partnerships to Create Impact

Devin, Frank, and Katie’s roles at Henkel bring unique perspectives to the Loctite 2^nd Chance House Project, both from the Loctite brand and their collaboration with Habitat for Humanity. 

Devin, the creative lead, is responsible for visualizing and executing the project’s storytelling elements. Frank, the strategist, is focused on team coordination and direction. Katie, the logistical expert, ensures seamless execution throughout the project. Together, they form a dynamic team, amplifying Loctite’s purpose and addressing a gap in the community through the power of multimedia storytelling. It is a feat made possible by the meaningful partnerships they fostered along the way.

Habitat for Humanity’s dedicated team proved to be the perfect complement to this remarkable program. Henkel and Habitat have a long-standing global partnership, and this alliance not only strengthened their relationship but also delivered tangible change, hope and stability to families across Greater Cleveland.

Henkel and Habitat for Humanity Since 2012, Henkel has supported Habitat for Humanity through donations of funds and building materials and employee volunteers around the world. In North America, employees have volunteered at over a dozen build sites from California to Connecticut to Toronto, Canada and more.

It’s really impactful and exciting to be able to see something that you’ve not only been able to help work on physically, but also something you’ve helped promote and raise awareness around.

Katie Schulze

Leaving a Mark that Lasts

From the beginning, creating a lasting impact was always the goal for these three pioneers.

This project is not just dollars spent on building a set and tearing it down; it’s a legacy. At the end of the day, there’s a house that someone gets to live in because of a project we took on at work. We found a way to make it work for our brand, for our goals, and directly impact our community.

Devin Cathcart

The Loctite 2^nd Chance House Project is just getting started! The team has already launched a second project—once again led by Devin, Frank, and Katie. Learn about the venture and stay tuned for what’s next in this exciting partnership at Loctite 2^nd Chance House.

We’re grateful for the incredible support of our partners who were involved in this project. Without the hard work and dedication of Kim Pride, Greater Cleveland Habitat Director of Development; Armand Accordino, Site Supervisor; Isabelle Shields, Site Supervisor; Adam Metzner, Construction Manager; and so many more team members, the Loctite 2nd Chance House Project wouldn’t be what it is today.

CINCINNATI, July 16, 2025 /3BL/ – The Fifth Third Foundation has made education programs a top priority since its founding in 1948. To honor students with high achievements, Fifth Third established its Scholarship Program. These one-time $2,500 scholarships are awarded annually to children of Fifth Third employees for educational purposes at college or university. This year’s scholarships total $62,500. Nearly 500 students have been recognized since 2005.

Chosen and administered by the National Merit Scholarship Corp., the Fifth Third Scholarship Program recognizes the academic achievements of the following students, listed with their employee parent or parents and their work location:

• Emily Balent, Child of Maureen Balent, Cincinnati, Ohio
• Addison J. Wagner*, Child of Dana Berning, Cincinnati, Ohio
• Kolin L. Cafferky, Child of Traci Cafferky, Cincinnati, Ohio
• Dominic Capretti, Child of Donna Capretti, Crown Point, Indiana
• Brandon Fu*, Child of Heather Chu, Weston, Massachusetts
• Brennan Connor, Child of Trista Connor, Cincinnati, Ohio
• Alyssa L. Davis, Child of April Davis, Raleigh, North Carolina
• Parthav Gavini, Child of Raghuram Gavini and Swapna Peram, Cincinnati, Ohio
• Andrew T. Gillespie, Child of Benjamin Gillespie, Madisonville, Ohio
• Dominic M. Giordano, Child of Michelle Giordano, Cincinnati, Ohio
• Michael Granger*, Child of Lidia Granger, South Elgin, Illinois
• Aishani Kamath, Child of Sarojini Hejamady and Dinesh Kamath, Cincinnati, Ohio
• Avaneesh Konda*, Child of Anand Kumar Konda, Cincinnati, Ohio
• Madeline Leete, Child of Ashley Leete, Tyler, Texas
• Julia E. McTaggart, Child of Allison McTaggart, Hart, Michigan
• Jenna O’Driscoll*, Child of Eric O’Driscoll, Cincinnati, Ohio
• Ethan J. Park*, Child of Sung Park, Lincolnwood, Illinois
• Rudraa Patel, Child of Vidhi Patel and Niral Patel, Cincinnati, Ohio
• Hadley P. Robinson, Child of Brian Robinson, Cincinnati, Ohio
• Tanya Zhang*, Child of Rui Shen, Cincinnati, Ohio
• Quinn A. Smith*, Child of Rodney Smith, Greenwood, Indiana
• Suzanne I. Summers, Child of Lori Summers, Evergreen Park, Illinois
• Aliya Harris, Child of Damien Todd, Nashville, Tennessee
• Nubia Xochitl Zapata, Child of Ruben Zapata, Cicero, Illinois

‘’Here at the Fifth Third Foundation, we recognize access to higher education is essential for the growth of the next generation,’’ said Kala Gibson, chief corporate responsibility officer at Fifth Third Bank, ‘’We are committed to supporting our employees and their families by helping their children pursue both personal and professional development.’’

The National Merit Scholarship Corp. is an independent nonprofit organization. The National Merit Scholarship Program was designed to identify and honor exceptionally able high school students, and to provide a system of services for corporations, foundations and other organizations that wish to sponsor college undergraduate scholarships to students who interest them. All aspects of the selection of winners and the administration of their awards are handled by the NMSC.

*National Merit Scholarship finalist

About the Fifth Third Foundation

Established in 1948, the Fifth Third Foundation was one of the first charitable foundations created by a financial institution. The Fifth Third Foundation supports worthy causes in the areas of health and human services, education, community development and the arts in the states where Fifth Third Bank operates.

About Fifth Third

Fifth Third is a bank that’s as long on innovation as it is on history. Since 1858, we’ve been helping individuals, families, businesses and communities grow through smart financial services that improve lives. Our list of firsts is extensive, and it’s one that continues to expand as we explore the intersection of tech-driven innovation, dedicated people and focused community impact. Fifth Third is one of the few U.S.-based banks to have been named among Ethisphere’s World’s Most Ethical Companies^® for several years. With a commitment to taking care of our customers, employees, communities and shareholders, our goal is not only to be the nation’s highest performing regional bank, but to be the bank people most value and trust.

Fifth Third Bank, National Association is a federally chartered institution. Fifth Third Bancorp is the indirect parent company of Fifth Third Bank and its common stock is traded on the NASDAQ^® Global Select Market under the symbol “FITB.” Investor information and press releases can be viewed at www.53.com. Deposit and credit products provided by Fifth Third Bank, National Association. Member FDIC.

Amanda Nageleisen (Media Relations)
amanda.nageleisen@53.com
Matt Curoe (Investor Relations)
matt.curoe@53.com | 513-534-2345

Source: Fifth Third Foundation

In 2023, we rolled out a multi-year development plan code-named Sugar Ray.

The plan resulted in the redesign of our large format Ready To Use bottles for 30 products, including Ortho Home Defense, Bug-B-Gon, and Ortho GroundClear. The design objectives included a consumer and manufacturing-friendly, lighter weight package with maintained or improved strength and performance.

“In the end, we had a new bottle with optimized geometry, a more ergonomic handle and an expanded label panel for consumer information,” says Brad Schultz, senior research principal.  “More importantly, these new bottles arrived at stores with an average of 10% less plastic resin than previous designs.” The bottle redesign was made possible by improving the manufacturing processes at both our supplier and internal manufacturing plants, optimizing energy use and by reducing scrap and waste. 

Additionally, the closure that accompanies our large ready-to-use offerings was redesigned to be more intuitive and easy-to-use, while reducing the overall component weight by 20% compared to the previous design.

Once fully implemented across our product lines, the redesign will reduce our use of High Density Polyethylene plastic resin by 1.24 million pounds, while delivering a robust, high quality consumer friendly packaging solution. 

About ScottsMiracle-Gro
With approximately $3.6 billion in sales, the Company is the world’s largest marketer of branded consumer products for lawn and garden care. The Company’s brands are among the most recognized in the industry. The Company’s Scotts®, Miracle-Gro®, and Ortho® brands are market-leading in their categories. The Company’s wholly-owned subsidiary, The Hawthorne Gardening Company, is a leading provider of nutrients, lighting, and other materials used in the indoor and hydroponic growing segment. For additional information, visit us at www.scottsmiraclegro.com. 

Originally published by Mastercard

July 16, 2025 /3BL/ – Mastercard showcases how it is advancing against its mission to power economies and empower people, building a sustainable economy where everyone prospers, in its 2024 Impact Report. The report details the meaningful progress the company has made across its impact strategy pillars — People, Prosperity and Planet — and the connection of these efforts to its business objectives.

The report reflects on the year’s progress, outlines areas of opportunity and reinforces a deep commitment to driving inclusive, sustainable growth for the long term. With a focus on transparency, accountability and innovation, Mastercard remains steadfast in its efforts to build a thriving economy where people prosper on a healthy planet.

Progress and highlights from Mastercard’s impact efforts in 2024 include:

Empowering all people to reach their full potential

Mastercard continues to foster a workplace and world where everyone has the opportunity to succeed, empowered by a culture of community and belonging.

• Over 90% of employee respondents to a 2024 employee survey said they are proud to work at Mastercard.
• Employees volunteered over 135,000 hours serving local communities in 2024, up 11% from 2023.
• 309,000 students educated through Kids4Tech^TM and Girls4Tech^TM in 2024, reaching more than 12 million students in 65 countries and territories since the program’s inception in 2014.

Advancing prosperity around the world

Mastercard is focused on helping everyone participate in the digital economy, connecting people to the tools and resources that can help them chart pathways to prosperity for their families, communities and beyond. This work is a collaborative effort with the company’s partners.

• Connected 960 million people to the digital economy since 2015 through 2024, toward the company’s goal to connect 1 billion people to the digital economy by 2025.
• Connected 65 million micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to the digital economy since 2020 through 2024, surpassing the company’s goal.
• Reached 19 million micro and small businesses through Mastercard Strive from 2021 through 2024, surpassing the company’s goal.
• Registered 7 million users on the Community Pass platform since 2018, across Ethiopia, India, Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.
• Prevented over $47.9 billion in fraud losses over the last three years through one AI-powered cybersecurity solution alone.

Preserving the planet for future generations

Mastercard understands a thriving economy requires a healthy planet, which is why it is driving toward net zero emissions and accelerating the transition to a low-carbon, regenerative economy.

• Decreased Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions by 7% year-over-year, while experiencing 12% growth in net revenue, reflecting continued decoupling of corporate growth from greenhouse gas emissions.
• 71% of the company’s top emitting suppliers have committed to science-based targets to reduce emissions, and reported through CDP, public reporting or supplier agreement.
• For the eighth consecutive year, continued to generate or source 100% renewable energy for its operations.
• 26 million trees funded for restoration through the Priceless Planet Coalition since 2020, toward the goal of 100 million trees.

“Our work supports people in Kennesaw, café owners in Kuala Lumpur, smallholder farmers in Kenya and everywhere in between,” said Jon Huntsman, vice chairman and president, Strategic Growth, Mastercard. “It’s about bringing new technologies, insights, tools and resources that connect them to the digital economy while keeping them protected. That way they can focus on what’s important – achieving their dreams, growing their operations and contributing to the prosperity of their communities.”

Mastercard’s 2024 Impact Report is available online.

Media contact
Sarah Ely
914-325-4716 | Sarah.Ely@mastercard.com

About Mastercard

Mastercard powers economies and empowers people in 200+ countries and territories worldwide. Together with our customers, we’re building a resilient economy where everyone can prosper. We support a wide range of digital payments choices, making transactions secure, simple, smart and accessible. Our technology and innovation, partnerships and networks combine to deliver a unique set of products and services that help people, businesses and governments realize their greatest potential.

www.mastercard.com

Originally published by Mastercard

Follow along Mastercard’s journey to connect and power an inclusive, digital economy that benefits everyone, everywhere.

MUMBAI, India, July 16, 2025 /3BL/ – Federal Express Corporation (“FedEx”), the world’s largest express transportation company, continues to drive inclusive entrepreneurship in India through collaboration with United Way Mumbai’s flagship initiative, Saksham. Originally launched to support women entrepreneurs from challenging backgrounds, the program has steadily expanded its reach. Today, it enables individuals across gender identities and economic circumstances to unlock opportunity through skills and self-reliance.

“At FedEx, we’re committed to creating spaces where everyone has the chance to grow, contribute, and be seen for who they truly are. That’s what building a better tomorrow looks like—for our communities and for our company,” said Suvendu Choudhury, vice president of India operations and planning and engineering at FedEx, Middle East, Indian Subcontinent, and Africa.

Now in its fourth year, Saksham has emerged as a force for providing equal opportunity for all. The initiative has supported thousands of women small business owners and over 160 individuals from diverse communities, including those across gender identities helping turn aspiration into action through targeted interventions and sustained engagement.

In 2025 alone, 60 individuals from across gender identities enrolled in vocational training, with more than 40 successfully certified and now equipped to pursue independent income opportunities. According to United Way Mumbai’s 2024 impact assessment, 90% of these beneficiaries to date are meaningfully engaged*: either employed or running their own ventures, compared to just 45% prior to the program. Of these, 68% are now working in the private sector, while 23% have become entrepreneurs in domains like tailoring, baking, cultural performances, and makeup artistry.

Real stories. Real transformation.
“The Saksham training gave me confidence and direction. From learning to bake to earning my first income, I now see a future where my identity is my strength, not a barrier.” — Ronny, Saksham beneficiary and aspiring baker

“Escaping a high-risk life felt impossible—until Saksham gave me a second chance. Today, I earn with dignity through makeup artistry and finally feel safe, seen, and empowered.”
— Nadim, Saksham beneficiary and makeup artist

Beyond skills and certification, Saksham provides comprehensive support to ensure participants are workplace-ready and self-reliant. This includes:

• Mobilization, screening, and identification of beneficiaries from high-need communities
• Scholarships for vocational training across trades like baking, tailoring, beauty services, and more
• Personality development and grooming sessions to boost workplace and customer-facing readiness
• Entrepreneurship training and capacity-building support to help launch or scale ventures
• Distribution of Saksham kits containing occupational toolkits and materials required to kickstart economic activity

Through Saksham, FedEx and United Way Mumbai are not just offering skill development, they are building a pathway to dignity, opportunity, and economic resilience. The initiative continues to spark real change on the ground, turning potential into progress and contributing to a more equitable and atmanirbhar Bharat.
* As per the United Way Mumbai Saksham project impact assessment report.

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

TEMPE, Ariz., July 16, 2025 /3BL/ — A new GoDaddy (NYSE: GDDY) survey reveals a surprising paradox among younger consumers: while Gen Z and Millennials appear less concerned about protecting themselves online, they have little tolerance for businesses that fall short on security.

In the latest GoDaddy Consumer Pulse* survey of 1,500 U.S. consumers, 42% of Gen Z and 40% of Millennial respondents admit they would not immediately change their passwords or credit card information after being notified of a data breach at a business they use—if they act at all. In contrast, 72% of Gen X and Boomers would take immediate action.

Meanwhile, these same younger consumers are the first to walk away when a business fails to protect their data.

• More than half of Gen Z (53%) and 42% of Millennials surveyed have cut ties with a business because it experienced a security incident—notably higher than the 37% of Gen X and Boomers
• When faced with data breaches at both a large corporation and a small business, 1 in 3 (34%) Gen Z and Millennials say they would stop shopping with both entirely, compared to 27% of Gen X and Boomers

Consumers assess business credibility with a fine-tooth comb
Most consumers (68%) surveyed expect small businesses to maintain the same level of digital security as large corporations or better.

A website with misspelled or grammatically incorrect words, broken links, a poor design, slow load times, or an unfriendly mobile user experience rank among the top five red flags that deter consumer purchases.

However, younger generations find a few things more concerning than older shoppers:

• About 1 in 3 (30%) Gen Z and Millennials say sites that are not mobile-friendly are concerning vs. 24% of Gen X and Boomers
• 31% of Gen Z and 27% of Millennials feel uneasy when websites have ads vs. 18% of Gen X and Boomers
• Nearly 1 in 4 (21%) Gen Z and Millennials feel businesses using a free email address like Gmail or Yahoo are concerning vs. 15% of Gen X or Boomers

“With younger consumers, you might not get more than one chance to earn their trust,” said Dennis Smith, director of security go-to-market at GoDaddy. “They assume some risk but expect businesses to take responsibility for keeping their data safe. If small businesses don’t invest in a secure, professional online presence and clearly demonstrate to their customers how they’re protecting their data, these younger shoppers will take their business elsewhere.”

Consumers lack cybersecurity hygiene
Although more than 1 in 3 (38%) consumers report they have been a victim of identity theft in the past, people across all generations have quite relaxed security habits.

The majority of consumers (61%) repeat passwords across their various accounts—a habit slightly more common among Gen Z and Millennials compared to Gen X and Boomers. Notably, 69% of consumers also do not check if a website has a secure padlock icon before making online purchases.

As a consumer, what steps do you take to help protect yourself from being hacked?
	Total	Gen Z	Millennials	Gen X and Boomers
I use a different password for every account	39 %	38 %	33 %	42 %
I don’t save my credit / debit card information in brand accounts	35 %	33 %	32 %	37 %
I use a credit monitoring service	35 %	26 %	34 %	38 %
I use a password manager that creates secure passwords	32 %	33 %	36 %	30 %
I check that the website has a padlock icon before visiting and/or purchasing anything	31 %	36 %	31 %	30 %
I froze my credit	22 %	26 %	20 %	21 %
None of the above	9 %	10 %	10 %	8 %

Personal risk is perceived as inevitable
The findings suggest a growing sense of cybersecurity fatigue among consumers. While 65% of all consumers say they’re more concerned about online security than they were five years ago, a small subset of younger consumers (21% of Gen Z and 16% of Millennials) report being less concerned than they were five years ago, compared to 7% of Gen X and Boomers.

Meanwhile, the majority (67%) of consumers believe that their personal information is already on the dark web.

“The data points to classic signs of consumers feeling overwhelmed,” said Smith. “Businesses that can step in to take security concerns off consumers’ plates will build deep loyalty, while those that ignore or downplay security risks will forfeit long–term growth.”

What can small businesses do?
The survey found consumers are more likely to remain loyal to businesses that respond to breaches with transparency and extend support to their customers.

• More than 2 in 5 (43%) of consumers appreciate when a business is open and transparent about a security breach
• Half (53%) of consumers would stay loyal to a business that takes immediate steps to fix a breach and offers proactive protection like credit card monitoring
• 1 in 4 (23%) consumers said having loyalty or rewards points on the line would influence your decision to remain a customer

There are some simple, cost-effective changes small businesses can implement to improve consumers’ perception of their business. For example, they can test that their website loads quickly and renders well across Apple and Android mobile devices. Or they can upgrade to an email address that matches their business’s domain name, if they don’t already use one.

To help small businesses protect their website, GoDaddy offers a suite of security solutions—from Website Security firewall bundles to a range of SSL certificates and Managed SSL plans. These tools, paired with sound security practices, can help businesses of every size meet rising consumer expectations.

To learn more about GoDaddy and its products, visit www.GoDaddy.com.

*GoDaddy Consumer Pulse is a series of surveys of consumers ages 18 and above conducted throughout the year.

About GoDaddy
GoDaddy helps millions of entrepreneurs globally start, grow, and scale their businesses. People come to GoDaddy to name their idea, build a website and logo, sell their products and services and accept payments. GoDaddy Airo^®, the company’s AI-powered experience, makes growing a small business faster and easier by helping them to get their idea online in minutes, drive traffic and boost sales. GoDaddy’s expert guides are available 24/7 to provide assistance. To learn more about the company, visit www.GoDaddy.com.

Source: GoDaddy Inc.

Explore the often-overlooked “hidden middle” of agrifood value chains, which offers a key opportunity for global food-system transformation.

The world is at a pivotal moment in the global climate conversation. As nations grapple with the urgent need to curb greenhouse gas emissions and enhance food security, the transformation of food systems has become a top priority. And as the latest Climate COP in Baku (COP29) highlighted, world leaders, policymakers, and sustainability advocates are focused on an often-overlooked segment:the hidden middle of agri-food chains.

“Working together, we aim to enable policies, technology, financing, and partnerships that can shine light on this under-appreciated yet essential segment.” 

This segment, which includes critical midstream activities such as processing, packaging, storage, transportation, and distribution, plays an essential yet underappreciated role in food systems. While it accounts for 18% of food-related emissions, it contributes up to 40% of the economic value added within food systems.

“Ignoring the hidden middle means missing a critical piece of the sustainability puzzle,” says Lars Holmquist, Executive Vice President Sustainability at Tetra Pak. “And while discussions on food systems are often focused on agriculture and consumption – the beginning and the end of the supply chain – this undervalued segment has the power to make a big difference on the environment and economy. Improving the hidden middle is not just an opportunity, but a necessity for building sustainable, resilient and just food systems.”

The Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) reports that approximately one-third of food produced for human consumption is lost or wasted globally each year. By investing in midstream infrastructure and technologies, these losses can be substantially decreased, leading to better resource efficiency and increased availability of food. It can also bolster economic growth through job creation, support rural and urban livelihoods, and empower smallholder farmers and marginalised groups by integrating them into value-added activities.

Why the hidden middle is under-financed on the world stage

The hidden middle represents a range of critical functions that bridge the gap between farm and fork. These activities support social stability and economic development, and are instrumental in ensuring that farmed ingredients are transformed into food products that actually reach consumers – in a safe and nutritious form.

“Improving the hidden middle is not just an opportunity, but a necessity for building sustainable, resilient and just food systems.”

But despite recent data highlighting the hidden middle’s significant environmental and economic impact, it continues to receive only a fraction of climate financing: while food systems contribute about 30% of total greenhouse gas emissions, only 2.5-4% of climate finance goes towards transforming this sector. Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in this segment face a $106 billion financing gap globally, and limited investment results in inefficiencies, food loss (which can reach 14% globally), and bottlenecks that affect the entire chain.

“There are many reasons why this midstream segment can be overlooked, including that tracking emissions and efficiencies, when so many stakeholders are involved, can be logistically tricky,” says Lars. “But the truth is that this is essential: the hidden middle is exactly where we have the biggest opportunities to improve food systems and cut emissions.”

What opportunities for improvement does the hidden middle contain?

Harnessing the potential contained in the hidden middle could be a game-changer for achieving global climate targets. According to recent estimates, addressing inefficiencies and emissions in the midstream could provide up to 20% of the emissions reductions required to meet the Paris Agreement’s goals by 2050.

It also holds vast untapped potential for optimising food systems, reducing waste, and improving food security. Improved midstream infrastructure can dramatically reduce food loss and increase food access, particularly in developing regions where up to 40% of food can be lost post-harvest. This loss is due in part to lack of refrigerated transport infrastructure in many regions – and that is where smart, aseptic packaging solutions can help bridge the gap in protecting food safety during transport and preventing waste through spoilage.

“We have been working hard to improve midstream infrastructure in vulnerable regions, through partnering with local governments and organisations,” says Lars. “We’ve implemented renewable-powered cold chain solutions to help reduce food loss and enhance food security in areas where these systems are lacking. And as we announced at COP29, we’re committed to investing in innovating packaging solutions and energy-efficient processing equipment to further support the hidden middle.”

Change can take place on the production floor, too. The best-performing factories take a holistic approach to resource optimisation, delivering sustainability, performance, and cost benefits. Tetra Pak’s best-practice line for UHT milk with OneStep technology, for example, combines several process steps – separation, standardisation, blending, and heat treatment – into one.

This results in using less equipment and ultimately massive energy savings, as demonstrated by Mengniu’s Ningxia dairy factory, which was recently awarded World Economic Forum “Lighthouse Factory” status with the help of Tetra Pak technology. One of the world’s most intelligent dairy factories, it has leveraged cutting-edge Tetra Pak equipment and technology to reduce operational costs by 32% and delivery lead time by 55%.

Investment and policy gap: the key to unlocking the hidden middle

Bridging the gap between funding and impact requires governments and international organisations to create enabling policies and financial incentives that recognise the hidden middle’s value, such as subsidies for midstream innovations or tax breaks for sustainable practices.

“Our goal is to drive progress in critical discussions on food systems by convening policymakers, government leaders, NGOs, IGOs, and industry stakeholders, and we encourage these conversations through forums like COP29,” says Lars. “Together, we aim to explore actionable solutions through collaboration and dialogue, working to enable policies, technology, financing, and partnerships that can shine light on this under-appreciated yet essential segment.”

There is great opportunity for integrating the hidden middle of food value chains, especially as countries are actively revising their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) for submission by 2025 – a crucial step toward aligning policy with climate goals and ensuring this vital segment receives the funding it deserves. Transformative public-private partnerships will also be essential for scaling up the infrastructure and innovations needed to unlock the hidden middle’s potential.

“Success in this area would help ensure a future where the hidden middle operates efficiently to reduce emissions, support livelihoods, and bolster food security for all communities around the globe.”

What’s next? Looking ahead to COP30 in Brazil

The outcomes of COP29 have laid a strong foundation for the future of food systems transformation. Tetra Pak has long been committed to enabling change in food systems, and our support of improvement within the hidden middle continues this work, helping the transition to secure, sustainable, and resilient food systems. From advanced manufacturing processes to renewable energy-powered processing equipment and sustainable packaging solutions, we are working to extend the shelf life of foods and reduce waste throughout the supply chain.

“Looking ahead to COP30 in Belem, Brazil, there is growing momentum for policy shifts and funding initiatives to improve midstream food systems infrastructure,” says Lars. “This is hopeful – and success in this area would help ensure a future where the hidden middle operates efficiently to reduce emissions, support livelihoods, and bolster food security for all communities around the globe.”

Learn more about the hidden-middle and other related topics discussed at COP29 here.

Originally published in Aflac’s Do Good Newsletter. Click here to subscribe.

Applications for 2025 Child Life Program Grants open now

This year, the Aflac Childhood Cancer Foundation will award up to 15 grants of $1,500 each to Child Life programs in the U.S. that provide support to children with cancer and/or blood disorders and/or their siblings. If you or someone you know works with a hospital Child Life program, you can download the application at AflacChildhoodCancer.org. The deadline for completed applications is 5 ‍p.‍m. ED‍T on Ju‍ly 2‍5.

Apply today

Life beyond ringing the bell

The high school years are a pivotal time in life, and for Katie Rutherford, it was also about surviving. After being diagnosed with rhabdomyosarcoma, Katie became a patient at the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. Her experience came full circle — today, she works for the center where, seven years ago, she rang the bell that symbolized the end of her cancer treatment journey.

Read Katie’s story

From surviving cancer to finding a career with impact

Ryan Zimmerman began his life with cancer and, growing up, he spent a lot of time at his local children’s hospital. Now, Ryan is a cancer survivor and after learning about Aflac’s mission and work to support those with childhood cancer and blood disorders, he joined the Aflac flock as an IT apprentice.

Read Ryan’s story

My Special Aflac Duck® featured resource: Let’s go to space!

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© 2025 Aflac Incorporated. All rights reserved. This newsletter is for informational purposes only and is not a solicitation for insurance. Aflac includes Aflac and/or Aflac New York.

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EXP: 06/26

MEMPHIS, Tenn., July 16, 2025 /3BL/ – In honor of World Snake Day, International Paper (IP) and National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) take a moment to recognize how forest restoration is fueling the recovery of one of America’s most iconic serpents, and how NFWF and IP’s Forestland Stewards Partnership is supporting this effort.

The eastern indigo snake is part of the Drymarchon genus of snakes, which comes from the Greek words “drymos” (forest) and “archon” (ruler or lord). This species lives up to its name as it is the longest native snake species in the United States. The eastern indigo snake once flourished in the longleaf pine forests. Its striking glossy blue-black coloring could be seen slithering across the forest floor, but now due to habitat loss, this federally threatened species has been pushed to the brink disappearing from the forests it once thrived. 

However, thanks to a grant from NFWF with funding support from IP and four additional funding partners, efforts to bring this species back are gaining new momentum.

The grant, awarded to The Nature Conservancy Florida Chapter through the Longleaf Landscape Stewardship Fund, is part of a broader, multi-year initiative to restore critical longleaf pine habitat in Southwest Georgia and Florida. These open-canopied forests not only support the indigo snake but are home to many at-risk species like the gopher tortoise, red-cockaded woodpecker, and Bachman’s sparrow.

This funding will also support the care and breeding of eastern indigo snakes at the Orianne Center for Indigo Conservation (OCIC), the world’s first and only facility dedicated to this species. Captive-bred snakes raised at OCIC have been released at The Nature Conservancy’s Apalachicola Bluffs and Ravines Preserve since 2017. And for the first time in 2023, wild-born juveniles were documented on the landscape, signaling a huge milestone in recovery efforts.

“Seeing wild-born indigo snakes for the first time in decades is an incredible milestone,” said Sophie Beckham, Chief Sustainability Officer at International Paper.  “It’s proof that when we invest in both species and habitat, we can reverse declines and rebuild populations from the ground up.”

In tandem, the grant will fund habitat restoration by supporting prescribed burning, hardwood reduction, and the planting of more than 4,900 acres of longleaf pine. These actions help restore the open, sun-dappled understory that snakes and their prey need to thrive.

This support from IP marks its first direct investment in eastern indigo snake recovery. Through NFWF’s Longleaf Landscape Stewardship Fund grant program, IP is also helping restore habitat for other at-risk snake species such as the Louisiana pine snake and northern pine snake.

As invasive species and development continue to threaten the Southeast’s forests, partnerships like this are critical. That is why World Snake Day is a great reminder that even the most misunderstood animals deserve a place and a future on our planet.

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About International Paper 
International Paper (NYSE: IP; LSE: IPC) is the global leader in sustainable packaging solutions. With company headquarters in Memphis, Tennessee, USA, and EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa) headquarters in London, UK, we employ more than 65,000 team members and serve customers around the world with operations in more than 30 countries. Together with our customers, we make the world safer and more productive, one sustainable packaging solution at a time. Net sales for 2024 were $18.6 billion. In 2025, International Paper acquired DS Smith creating an industry leader focused on the attractive and growing North American and EMEA regions. Additional information can be found by visiting internationalpaper.com 

About the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation 
The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) works with partners to foster sustainable and impactful conservation solutions so that people and nature thrive together. Chartered by Congress in 1984, NFWF has grown to become the nation’s largest conservation foundation.  Since its founding, NFWF has supported more than 7,000 grantee organizations and funded over 23,300 projects that have generated a total conservation impact of $11.3 billion. Learn more at nfwf.org. 

Joleen Ong, Cascale’s senior director of brand and retailer membership, recently joined a panel at the Good Business Forum in New York to discuss how workplace strategies, particularly those focused on women, have translated into tangible business outcomes.

The event, hosted by Good Business Lab, brought together industry leaders to showcase innovative tools, share success stories, learnings, and insights, and catalyze collaborations that drive measurable change. The “Business of Better Work” panel brought together experts from global apparel brands, the UN system, and sustainability coalitions to explore why investing in women-friendly workplaces makes smart business sense.

Ong noted that brands are shifting from one-off CSR initiatives to systemic and long-term investment in women workers. Sharing insights from Cascale collaborator SLCP’s Impact Report, she highlighted that 35 percent of facilities reported a gender pay gap and that only 25 percent of managers are women despite making up 59 percent of the workforce. She emphasized the importance of strong HR management systems — a key area assessed by compliance tools such as the Higg Index, SLCP, and other compliance tools, to successfully achieve gender equity within a workplace.

Reflecting on her experience at Columbia Sportswear Company, Ong shared how she helped establish the ¹Women’s Leadership Initiative — an internal employee resource group — with support from the chief human resources officer and approval from the CEO. The initiative provided a sounding board for how to be more intentional with DEI efforts, mentorship, and internal learning and networking to support career advancement.

²Ong highlighted how facilities with strong social indicators tended to succeed in environmental metrics, noting that gender-inclusive HR systems supported better overall facility management. She pointed out how women in leadership often drive stronger follow-through on ESG initiatives, emphasizing that gendered risks are frequently overlooked in audits unless assessed through a gender lens.

Drawing on her experience as a board member of the menstrual health and education INGO Days for Girls International, Ong highlighted how menstrual stigma and inflexible workplaces that overlook menstrual health needs can contribute to absenteeism and limit opportunities for advancement.³She underscored that Inclusive workplaces are not only more effective but also more sustainable– highlighting the inextricable link between gender equity and climate resilience.

Ong shared challenges that hinder suppliers’ ability to invest in gender equity, including inconsistent trust between sustainability and sourcing teams and misalignment between sustainability goals and purchasing practices. She concluded by underscoring the importance of business cases framed around factors such as return on investment, compliance and reputational risk, and competitive differentiation as key drivers of meaningful investment in gender equity.

¹ Columbia Impact Report 2023 https://d1io3yog0oux5.cloudfront.net/_7243294f6152cc533d813bdcb6c832fb/columbia/db/641/5807/pdf/Columbia_Impact_Report_2023.pdf (pg15)

² Better Work (2022). Gender Equality and Inclusion Strategy 2022–2027 https://betterwork.org/reports-and-publications/global-gender-strategy/

³ Women, Gender Equality and Climate Change: https://www.un.org/womenwatch/feature/climate_change/