Tag: 3BL

Originally published on University of Kentucky Research News

A groundbreaking lung cancer screening project co-led by the University of Kentucky Markey Cancer Center and the University of Colorado (CU) Cancer Center is expanding its reach, thanks to a $6.8 million grant from the Bristol Myers Squibb Foundation, an independent charitable organization.

QUILS™ (Quality Implementation of Lung Cancer Screening), led by UK Markey Cancer Center researchers Jennifer Redmond Knight, Dr.P.H., and Timothy Mullett, M.D., and Jamie Studts, Ph.D., from the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus (CU-AMC), has helped to transform Kentucky’s approach to lung cancer screening over the past decade.

Despite grappling with the nation’s highest lung cancer incidence and mortality rates, Kentucky now has the second-highest rate of lung cancer screening in the U.S. The turnaround is due in part to QUILS™ System, which has helped Kentucky’s health care providers improve their lung cancer screening processes.

Building on this success, the four-year grant is supporting the most recent effort led by UK and CU to replicate and adapt the program in Mississippi and Nevada — states chosen due to their high lung cancer burden, low screening rates, opportunities to address health disparities as well as coalition capacity and readiness.

“Our experience in Kentucky has taught us that improving lung cancer screening rates requires a collaborative, quality-focused approach,” said Knight, co-principal investigator of Kentucky LEADS Collaborative and an assistant professor in the UK College of Public Health. “This funding will allow us to apply what we’ve learned in Kentucky to help create targeted solutions for Mississippi and Nevada, potentially setting a new standard for lung cancer screening nationwide.”

The QUILS™ System helps screening centers optimize their services by evaluating factors such as patient eligibility, tobacco cessation efforts and shared decision-making processes. The program emerged from the prevention and early detection component of the Kentucky LEADS (Lung cancer, Education, Awareness, Detection and Survivorship) Collaborative, which was launched in 2014 to improve Kentucky’s approach to lung cancer through education, survivorship care and screening practices.

The LEADS Collaborative framework has helped boost Kentucky’s screening rates to twice the national average. As a result, late-stage lung cancer diagnoses have decreased by 10% in the past decade. The shift is expected to reduce mortality rates over time, as patients diagnosed at earlier stages have significantly better survival prospects.

“The message is simple: lung cancer screening saves lives. With modern treatments, many early-stage lung cancers are not only treatable but potentially curable,” said Mullett, a thoracic surgeon and a co-principal investigator of the Kentucky LEADS Collaborative. “This project will help to spread this message of hope in high-risk communities and could save thousands of lives.”

The team is establishing partnerships with key organizations in Mississippi and Nevada to implement the QUILS™ System and build a program based on the successful LEADS Collaborative framework. The effort will also encourage coalition building among diverse partners throughout each state and engage each state’s primary care infrastructure to accelerate screening — adapting the Kentucky model to meet each state’s unique needs.

UK will serve as the program management hub, in addition to leading the coalition building and QUILS™ System Implementation. The clinician engagement component and the population health impact evaluation will be led by CU. UK and CU will work alongside the lead organizations in Mississippi and Nevada: The University of Mississippi Medical Center and Nevada Cancer Coalition.

“The teams in Mississippi and Nevada have developed an engaged group of collaborators that are ready to work with our team to optimize delivery and outcomes related to lung cancer screening — the most underutilized tool to transform cancer outcomes nationally,” said Studts, a cancer prevention and control researcher, professor and co-principal investigator. “Together, we have an incredible opportunity to transform the lung cancer screening and outcomes landscape similarly to how that landscape is changing in Kentucky.”

The long-term goal is to create a sustainable, replicable model for improving lung cancer screening rates and outcomes nationwide. If successful, this model could potentially be expanded to other states with similar needs.

“We’ve seen firsthand how impactful the Kentucky LEADS Collaborative has been in increasing lung cancer screenings and helping save lives,” said Catharine Grimes, president of the Bristol Myers Squibb Foundation. “Now, we are providing a deeper commitment to the successful work in Kentucky and an expansion into communities in Mississippi and Nevada, where the need is just as great, and we’re proud to support this important effort.”

At Teva, we are all in for better health. Increasing access to quality medicines is fundamental to improving the health of patients and the success of our business. 

In order to achieve lasting impact, we have expanded a number of our access programs to go beyond the product by incorporating Health System Strengthening and Capacity Building efforts.

Capacity building is critical for ensuring sustainable and resilient healthcare systems, directly contributing to our mission of expanding access to care. To increase our positive impact beyond medicines, our health system strengthening and capacity-building initiatives expand healthcare professionals’ skill sets, increase treatment accessibility such as diagnosis and screening, improve community members’ health literacy and awareness and overall enhance local capacity to support the health needs of underserved populations. We take a holistic approach to health equity to address other social determinants of health, including financial, geographic, socioeconomic and cultural factors. We aim to increase the cumulative number of beneficiaries of our initiatives by 200% by 2026 (vs. cumulative 2022–2023 baseline). Many of our initiatives complement our Access to Medicines programs (see page 19 in the Healthy Future Report).

Our main initiatives in 2024 to promote health system strengthening and capacity-building were:

• Malawi, Uganda, Botswana, Tanzania and Rwanda – Pediatric oncology specialists are few and far between in Sub-Saharan Africa. We expanded our support for Global HOPE in 2024 through efforts specifically focused on strengthening local capacity, including training for nurses and medical officers, as well as nurse training scholarships. Beneficiaries in 2024 numbered 1,965 – including HCPs trained and resulting patients diagnosed. We are building sustainable healthcare capacity, ensuring that children receive timely and effective treatment.
• Ghana – A lack of breast care centers and trained healthcare practitioners, along with low awareness and high stigma, contribute to high breast cancer mortality rates in Ghana. Through our partnership with Breast Care International, we are addressing healthcare challenges that hinder early diagnosis and treatment, ensuring that patients receive the care they need. We are raising awareness on breast cancer and the importance of early diagnosis, increasing local capacity to increase breast cancer screening for women aged 18–60, and improving referral pathways. Beneficiaries in 2024 totaled 10,752, including patients and HCPs in rural Ghana.
• Chile – We organized an educational event focusing on mental health, the risks of self-medication and the importance of adhering to prescribed therapies, attracting 100 participants including healthcare professionals and community members. We conducted community training sessions in Cochamó and Río Puelo, collectively impacting around 5,100 residents.
• USA – From November 2023 to October 2024, our grant funding helped 34,916 beneficiaries (14,480 directly and 20,436 indirectly) in clinics supported by our Community Routes program. Over two years of funding, we have trained 2,800 community members, held 131 community events, expanded access to mental health services for 63,659 beneficiaries and conducted 24,617 patient screenings. Together with our partners Direct Relief and NAFC, in 2024 we published a report in collaboration with the grantees of our behavioral health program in local USA clinics and communities. Lessons Learned from Community Routes: Access to Mental Health Care highlights experiences and understandings relevant for broader underserved, bi-lingual/bi-cultural populations and patients with low health literacy. The report is a useful resource for social impact program policymakers, funders and safety-net providers.

Support the Soul in Israel
Following the brutal attacks of October 7, 2023 trauma took hold of the lives of Israelis, affecting citizens with post-traumatic stress disorder and related issues such as depression, anxiety, sleep disorders and addictions.

Israel needs more professional trauma therapists as the shortage hampers mental health support and recovery. Therapists are also experiencing burnout, as well as dealing with intense personal challenges.

Our Support The Soul program provides support via: training professional teams, creating safe spaces, innovative tools, and research. It is strengthening the infrastructure of resilience centers to provide safe spaces for therapy, increasing treatment facilities and making mental health services more accessible.

In collaboration with the Israel Trauma Coalition, our training courses in Israel in 2024 included 32 hours of instruction for 430 practitioners that benefited over 2,580 individuals in need.

Support the Soul will continue through 2025, aiming to train and supervise 750 professional therapists, support two resilience centers (benefiting 6,000 people directly), equip 2,000 first responders with resilience tools, and support 18 technology companies through a southern-based acceleration program.

To learn more, read the full 2024 Healthy Future Report.
Read the full 2024 Healthy Future Report Disclosures. 

At WK Kellogg Co, we are committed to supporting kids and our communities — starting with making sure every child has access to the food they need to grow and be healthy, especially during the summer months when school meals are no longer available. That’s why we are proud to team up with Gleaners Community Food Bank of Southeastern Michigan and Kroger for the annual Children’s Hospital of Michigan Cereal Drive.

For the past 15 years, the Children’s Hospital of Michigan Professional Nurse Council at the Detroit Medical Center has led this important community initiative in partnership with Gleaners, helping ensure children have a consistent daily meal while school is out. Since its start in 2010, the drive has provided more than 14.5 million servings of cereal to families in need. To recognize this milestone year, the goal for 2025 is to raise an ambitious 1.5 million servings.

WK Kellogg Co is proud to be part of this community-driven effort. Over the past three years, we have donated nearly 70,000 pounds of cereal, and we are excited to keep the momentum going.

“At WK Kellogg Co, our Feeding Happiness sustainable business strategy is about more than just food — it’s about helping children and families lead healthier, happier lives,” said Susan Davison, Head of Communications and Philanthropy at WK Kellogg Co. “We’re proud to stand with Gleaners, Kroger and the Children’s Hospital of Michigan in this long-standing effort to fight hunger and support communities across Michigan.”

This week, WK Kellogg Co participated in the Cereal Drive Fill a Bus event at the Kroger in Royal Oak, Michigan, where Tony the Tiger® greeted community members as they donated cereal in an effort to fill the bus — a spirited and visible symbol of community generosity.

“Once school is out for summer, kids in metro Detroit facing food insecurity might not know where their next meal is coming from,” said Angela Halverson, Director of Community Giving at Gleaners Community Food Bank of Southeastern Michigan. “The goal of the Cereal Drive is to ensure that kids have access to a consistent daily meal over the summer break, and Gleaners certainly couldn’t do it alone! We are so grateful for the tremendous partnerships with the Children’s Hospital of Michigan, the Kroger Company of Michigan, WK Kellogg Co and the United Dairy Industry of Michigan, among others. The Cereal Drive really does mean hope for so many kids and families over the summer.”

All cereal collected will be donated to Gleaners Community Food Bank of Southeastern Michigan, who will distribute it to children and families across the region throughout the summer.

To learn more about how you can participate, visit https://www.childrensdmc.org/about/cereal-drive.

• HERO grants will fund emergency preparedness equipment and first responder training to support local efforts
• Funding will benefit 20 vital disaster response organizations, including local government agencies and nonprofits

CHARLOTTE, N.C., June 6, 2025 /3BL/ – As North Carolina communities prepare for storm season, Duke Energy today announced new support for preparedness initiatives led by local emergency response organizations across the state.

What’s happening: Twenty government agencies and nonprofits are receiving Duke Energy Foundation grants of $25,000 to fund severe weather preparedness measures. These Helping Emergency Response Organizations (HERO) grants will help prepare community resources, emergency responders and residents for major storms.

Why it matters: Natural disasters have caused catastrophic impacts across North Carolina in recent years, spanning from the coast to the western mountain region. With another heightened storm season predicted, collaborative response planning will play a critical role in supporting communities. Duke Energy Foundation is empowering local organizations that know their communities best with the resources they need to be successful.

By the numbers: Duke Energy Foundation has supported more than 100 local emergency response organizations during the past five years with more than $1.8 million in grant funding to advance storm preparedness in North Carolina.

What they’re saying:

• Kendal Bowman, Duke Energy’s North Carolina president: “Last storm season underscored the resilience of our North Carolina communities. Proactive collaboration with local emergency response organizations is necessary to ensure that communities are prepared to maintain that resilience. We are committed to helping equip our growing state with the tools necessary to stay safe during the upcoming storm season.”
   
• Tommy Batson, Pender County Emergency Management Director: “Pender County, along with many coastal communities/counties, is one disaster from losing the communications we use every day. Tropical Storm Helene hit western North Carolina in the fall of 2024 and the everyday radio communication, cell service and internet were lost. Pender County, along with many other agencies from across the country, had never seen this. This grant from Duke Energy will help us bridge this gap during the next event.” 
   
• Tony Ray, Town of Beaufort Fire Chief: “The support from the Duke Energy Foundation is a vital investment in the safety of our community. This grant allows us to provide essential training and equipment for our firefighters, ensuring we’re better prepared to respond to emergencies and protect the lives and property of Beaufort’s residents, especially during natural disasters.”
   
• Don Mail, Wake County Board of Commissioners Vice Chair: “Emergency preparedness starts at the individual level. When all residents have access to the resources that will keep them safe during a crisis or natural disaster, our whole community becomes more resilient. We are incredibly grateful to our partners at the Duke Energy Foundation for supporting this important work by investing in equity and safety in Wake County.”

Grant recipients

• Anson County
   
• Town of Beaufort
   
• Belews Creek Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department
   
• Buncombe County
   
• Cherokee County Emergency Management
   
• Gastonia Police Foundation
   
• County of Granville
   
• Henderson County
   
• Jones County Emergency Management
   
• Lee County Emergency Management
   
• McDowell County
   
• Pender County Emergency Management
   
• Piedmont Triad Regional Development Corporation
   
• Town of Pittsboro
   
• City of Raleigh
   
• Rockingham County
   
• Rowan County Rescue Squad
   
• Town of St. Pauls
   
• Wake County Government
   
• Wilmington Area Rebuilding Ministry

Duke Energy Foundation

Duke Energy Foundation provides more than $30 million annually in philanthropic support to meet the needs of communities where Duke Energy customers live and work. The Foundation is funded by Duke Energy shareholders.

Duke Energy

Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK), a Fortune 150 company headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., is one of America’s largest energy holding companies. The company’s electric utilities serve 8.6 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky, and collectively own 55,100 megawatts of energy capacity. Its natural gas utilities serve 1.7 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Ohio and Kentucky.

Duke Energy is executing an ambitious energy transition, keeping customer reliability and value at the forefront as it builds a smarter energy future. The company is investing in major electric grid upgrades and cleaner generation, including natural gas, nuclear, renewables and energy storage.

More information is available at duke-energy.com and the Duke Energy News Center. Follow Duke Energy on X, LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook, and visit illumination for stories about the people and innovations powering our energy transition.

Contact: Garrett Poorman
24-Hour: 800.559.3853

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As World Oceans Day approaches on June 8, 2025, we are reminded of the urgent need to protect our blue planet. This year’s theme, “Sustainable Fishing Means More,” highlights the growing demand for innovation to preserve marine ecosystems and fight climate change. Among the most promising breakthroughs in ocean-inspired sustainability is AirCarbon®, a regenerative, carbon-negative material created by Newlight Technologies.

The Science: From Microbes to Materials

AirCarbon® was born from an extraordinary scientific discovery. While researching oil spills, scientists observed oceanic microorganisms consuming methane, a potent greenhouse gas, and naturally producing Polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) within their cells. This polymer mimics the characteristics of polypropylene, a common plastic, but with a critical difference: PHB is biodegradable and renewable.

Newlight Technologies scaled this biological process into a commercially viable innovation. Using air and greenhouse gases dissolved in water, they produce AirCarbon®, a plastic alternative now used in cutlery, straws, eyewear, leather substitutes, and more. With over 50 patents and more than a decade of R&D, AirCarbon® offers an elegant, market-driven solution to reduce plastic waste and climate impact.

AirCarbon® isn’t just a promising innovation—it’s already making waves across industries. Companies like Nike and H&M have partnered with Newlight Technologies to incorporate AirCarbon® into sustainable fashion collections, while Shake Shack, Target, and Ben & Jerry’s have piloted its use in foodware to reduce single-use plastic waste. In hospitality, Marriott International has adopted AirCarbon® utensils in select locations, and in the automotive space, Sumitomo Chemical is exploring its potential for carbon-negative materials. These partnerships demonstrate AirCarbon’s versatility and growing role in helping brands meet their environmental commitments.

Scaling Sustainability

In recent developments, Newlight announced plans for a $1.1 billion manufacturing facility in Manitoba, Canada, further expanding their capacity to meet the demand for sustainable materials. This follows a $125 million equity round led by GenZero, reinforcing the company’s path toward industrial-scale impact.

As governments and corporations seek actionable ways to meet ESG targets, AirCarbon® stands out as a proven alternative—both technologically and environmentally sound.

Featured on the RENEWables Podcast

To explore the deeper implications of this breakthrough, Mark Herrema, Co-Founder & CEO of Newlight Technologies, joined the RENEWables podcast. In Episode #36, Herrema shares the origin story of AirCarbon®, the challenges of scaling biological innovation, and how circular economy principles can guide the future of materials.

“AirCarbon is not just about replacing plastic—it’s about capturing carbon, restoring balance, and rethinking how we interact with the natural world.” — Mark Herrema

Don’t miss this powerful conversation.
Listen to the full episode of RENEWables featuring Mark Herrema here: RENEWables #36: AirCarbon®
Share the episode with your network to help elevate solutions that matter this World Oceans Day.

When natural disasters strike, staying connected can be lifesaving. Subject matter experts on T‑Mobile’s emergency response teams explain how the company has stepped up its network to think, adapt and respond in real time, in real emergencies they have seen first-hand, when everything is on the line.  

During an emergency, connectivity can mean the difference between safety and silence. And no one knows that better than T-Mobile’s emergency response teams, who’ve seen firsthand how critical it is to stay connected.

“There is no better feeling in the world than when you’re in the field and someone hugs you and says, ‘You’re here!’” says Becky Romero, Senior Manager, T-Mobile’s Enterprise Business Continuity team. “It’s very emotional for our teams when we get to show what the Magenta mission looks like.”

That’s why the Un-carrier built a modern and intelligent network designed to evolve — one that doesn’t just bounce back from disaster but actively adapts in real time to keep people connected. From self-healing infrastructure powered by AI and real-time data to satellite connectivity and prioritized 5G for first responders, T-Mobile is redefining what it means to be ready.

“We don’t prepare for just one storm, we prepare for the entire season,” adds Joseph Urban, Senior Director, T-Mobile’s Engineering and Operations. “Our teams, systems and equipment stay fully ready to respond.”

At the time of our interview, Urban was actively leading a staging exercise to ensure crews were rested, resourced and ready for the next potential impact. Behind every one of those crews is a network designed to be just as agile.

Here is the technology these experts say ensures T-Mobile’s network doesn’t just recover in a crisis, but helps communities recover too.

Self-Organizing Network (SON): A Smart, Self-Healing System Built for Immediate Response

During an emergency, speed matters and so does smart infrastructure. That’s where T-Mobile’s Self-Organizing Network (SON) comes in. Powered by predictive data modeling and real-time AI, SON acts like a 24/7 brain for the network, constantly scanning for issues and responding on the fly.

“It’s one of the most exciting evolutions I’ve seen in our emergency response,” says Nicole Hudnet, Emergency Response Team (ERT) Advisor, T-Mobile Business Group. “During a tornado response in Texas, we were able to tilt antennas on a nearby tower remotely to improve connectivity and help first responders — no one had to be physically sent out, freeing them to respond to even more critical needs.”

SON uses AI, machine learning and automation to reroute signals, dynamically shift antenna angles, optimize power usage and prevent congestion — all in real time. It’s like GPS for cell signals, constantly recalculating the best path to keep coverage strong, even when parts of the network are down.

“If you think of the spectrum and capacity that we have here at T-Mobile, especially with 5G, it’s perfect for the demands of technologies like AI,” Hudnet says. “AI depends on vast data collection and rapid decision-making, and our network is built for it.”

And when the power is out? SON keeps working smarter.

“We leverage advanced technologies, including AI, to optimize power usage at our cell sites — helping to extend battery life and maintain connectivity when it matters most,” says Urban.

If a site is running on a smaller generator or backup battery, SON can automatically scale down non-critical usage and stretch that power to last longer — keeping people connected for as long as possible. SON’s capabilities have already made a major impact. During Hurricanes Helene and Milton, the system executed over 5,000 automated adjustments and more than 121,000 antenna tilts to expand coverage in real time. And during the recent Southern California wildfires, it performed over 12,000 more, reinforcing signals near critical infrastructure and rescue zones.

“We can now see in real time how many customers are impacted in a given area and focus our recovery efforts exactly where they’re needed,” says Rocky Leavitt, Senior Manager, T-Mobile’s Field Technology Engineering Operations.

T-Satellite with Starlink: Staying Connected Even When Towers Go Down 

When traditional cell service is not available, staying connected can feel impossible. That’s why T-Mobile has introduced T-Satellite, America’s first and only “direct connect” satellite service that’s changing the game for emergency response.

Available to anyone enrolled in the beta program (even Verizon and AT&T customers), T-Satellite lets users send texts to 911 and SMS to loved ones with no setup, apps or extra hardware required on most modern smartphones. And anybody with a compatible device can receive wireless emergency alerts when traditional service is out of reach.

Between the hurricanes and wildfires, T-Satellite helped deliver over 500,000 critical messages that wouldn’t have gone through otherwise.

“It’s 500,000 messages,” reflects Jon Freier, President, T-Mobile’s Consumer Group, “maybe to simply say ‘I’m OK’ to friends and family, or to plea for emergency relief in a life-or-death situation.”

Leading the Future of Emergency Communication

T-Priority is a cutting-edge 5G solution designed to transform frontline connectivity. It features a dedicated 5G network slice that directs network traffic to ensure first responder agencies get our best possible experience with up to five times the resources of the average user. And in rare times of extreme congestion, it can dynamically dedicate more capacity to first responders.

During the California fires in January, the Un-carrier provided T-Priority to more than 350 Los Angeles Fire Department members to maintain mission-critical connectivity. 

The company is also helping modernize 911 systems nationwide through Next Generation 911 (NG911), which replaces slower, outdated voice systems with IP-based tech that can transmit voice, text, and real-time location data directly to call centers. 

T-Mobile is already routing over half of its 911 traffic through NG911, and 87% of call centers on its network now support Text-to-911 — giving people more ways to get help, especially when speaking isn’t possible or safe.

Connecting Communities in Crisis 

T-Mobile’s disaster teams deploy assets to fill gaps where coverage is impacted by commercial power outages and damaged infrastructure, including emergency vehicles, mobile command centers, charging stations, Wi-Fi trailers and routers. Their work has helped small businesses run transactions and payroll, powered local grocery stores, kept hospitals and temporary medical tents connected to access patient records and supported recovery centers with connectivity and essential equipment during emergencies.

During Hurricanes Helene and Milton and the Southern California fires, T-Mobile’s teams visited more than 75 Red Cross shelters and other points of distribution, where they provided free Wi-Fi to approximately 21,000 people, regardless of carrier, who used a total of 12TB of data. Teams have also handed out more than 15,000 power packs with device charging equipment and other supplies.

Dataminr: Preparedness Starts with Visibility and Innovation

T-Mobile has integrated Dataminr’s AI-driven alert system into its Everbridge Visual Command Center, enhancing teams’ early visibility into threats like wildfires, severe weather and infrastructure risks.

By scanning public data — from sensors to social media — Dataminr delivers real-time alerts that help T-Mobile respond faster.

“This kind of early intelligence is a game-changer,” says Urban. “It lets us act quickly and adapt as conditions change.”

Early detection means faster decisions — and better outcomes when lives and livelihoods are at stake.

A Stronger, Smarter Network 

T-Mobile’s resilient network relies on backhaul — the critical link between cell towers and the internet. To keep service running during disasters, the company uses a multilayered system: fiber, microwave and satellite connections. If one fails, the others step in.

“We’ve used these tools for years, but today’s satellite tech is faster, smarter and far more capable,” says Stacy Tindell, Senior Director, T-Mobile’s Network Engineering and Operations.

This multilayered approach means fewer interruptions, faster recovery and a network that can flex and adapt even under extreme pressure. This is more than just innovation. It’s transformation — designed to protect the people who rely on it most.

T-Mobile is committed to strengthening its network and support systems to meet the growing challenges of extreme weather and natural disasters. Learn more at T-Mobile.com/news/emergency-response.

On World Environment Day, we’re sharing the impactful efforts of our teams as they continue to work toward a more sustainable future and deliver on our purpose, Better Care For A Better World. Our Epping facility near Cape Town, South Africa, implemented an on-site solar panel installation that’s expected to generate more than 2,200 megawatt-hours (MWh) of clean energy annually. That’s enough to power roughly 500 homes and remove more than 2,300 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions each year.

The installation is part of Kimberly-Clark’s broader on-site solar program, which plays a vital role in our energy-sourcing strategy and supports our climate goals. In 2024 alone, we activated eight new solar installations across our global operations, generating 34,000 MWh of renewable energy. And we’re just getting started, with 14 more installations planned for 2025.

These initiatives are some of the many ways we are working toward our global sustainability ambitions.

About Kimberly-Clark 
Kimberly-Clark (Nasdaq: KMB) and its trusted brands are an indispensable part of life for people in more than 175 countries. Fueled by ingenuity, creativity, and an understanding of people’s most essential needs, we create products that help individuals experience more of what’s important to them. Our portfolio of brands, including Huggies, Kleenex, Scott, Kotex, Cottonelle, Poise, Depend, Andrex, Pull-Ups, GoodNites, Intimus, Plenitud, Sweety, Softex, Viva and WypAll, hold No. 1 or No. 2 share positions in approximately 70 countries. We use sustainable practices that support a healthy planet, build strong communities, and ensure our business thrives for decades to come. We are proud to be recognized as one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies® by Ethisphere for the seventh year in a row and one of Fortune’s Most Innovative Companies in America in 2024. To keep up with the latest news and to learn more about the company’s more than 150-year history of innovation, visit the Kimberly-Clark website.

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The latest installment in world-class equipment, technology and services company, CNH’s ‘A Sustainable Year’ series spotlights the science behind Canadian bale storage innovator Nature’s Net Wrap, a CNH Ventures partner.

CNH speak with the innovators driving it forward, Larry and Austin Ruud, ranchers in Western Canada. And they highlight the real-world impact of rolling out their compostable bale net wrap across their Case IH and New Holland brand dealer networks in North America. The article also features customer feedback and insights from researchers at Lakeland College in Canada, who bring their scientific perspective to the discussion.

Plastic net wrap and twine account for approximately 2.5 million tons of waste per year – at least half of all plastic waste in agriculture – and the market is worth around $1 billion USD a year.

Nature’s Net Wrap has developed the world’s first compostable bale net wrap, which is made from a blend of biopolymers and natural fibers that have been tested extensively. It exceeds all global certification requirements and is currently patent pending.

CNH presents this story on World Environment Day 2025 which calls for collective action to tackle plastic pollution.

MANILA, Philippines, June 5, 2025 /3BL/ – KMC Solutions, the leading provider of flexible office spaces in the Philippines and the International WELL Building Institute, the global authority for advancing health in buildings, organizations and communities, announced today that KMC has achieved a groundbreaking milestone by becoming the first company globally to earn three prestigious WELL ratings across its entire portfolio of flexible workspaces.

This milestone includes achieving the WELL Coworking Rating that IWBI recently launched in partnership with The Instant Group, the largest global marketplace for flexible workspace, as well as the WELL Health-Safety Rating and WELL Equity Rating. Achieving these ratings marks KMC as a pioneer in creating healthier, more sustainable, and more productive workplaces serving the growing need of people in coworking and flexible work environments.

With 25 locations across the Philippines, KMC provides coworking and serviced office solutions, revolutionizing flexible workspaces with a strong commitment to employee well-being and environmental sustainability.

In 2023, KMC joined the growing league of global organizations to engage WELL at scale, a pathway that allows participating companies to scale health outcomes by applying evidence-based WELL strategies across a portfolio of locations or across an entire enterprise with flexibility to make measured progress along their journey to advance people-first culture.

KMC earned the WELL Equity Rating and the WELL Health-Safety Rating across all locations in 2023. KMC was the first company in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region to achieve the WELL Equity Rating portfolio-wide. In 2025, as an early adopter of the WELL Coworking Rating, achieved the WELL Coworking Rated status shortly after this rating was launched. Leading flexible workspace operators worldwide have embraced the rating as part of their overall commitment to providing healthier and more resilient coworking spaces.

“We are incredibly proud to be the first in the world to achieve these three WELL ratings across our entire portfolio,” said Michael McCullough, Co-founder and CEO of KMC Solutions. “This accomplishment reflects our commitment to ensuring that KMC spaces provide an environment where our clients and employees thrive – physically, mentally, and socially.”

“KMC’s holistic approach to health and well-being reflects their dedication to advancing the future of workspaces, where health, safety, and belonging form the cornerstone of success,” said Jack Noonan, IWBI’s Senior Vice President and Head of Asia-Pacific. “We are thrilled to celebrate KMC’s portfolio-wide WELL achievements, which demonstrate the organization’s pioneering leadership and unwavering commitment to building workplaces where people thrive.”

As flexible work environments continue to evolve, KMC’s expertise in crafting spaces that foster both productivity and employee satisfaction is setting a new benchmark for coworking in the region and beyond.”

“KMC becoming the first operator in APAC to achieve the WELL Coworking Rating and in turn achieve three WELL ratings is a significant milestone – not just for them, but for the region as a whole,” said Sam Pickering, Executive Director, Head of Sustainability at The Instant Group. “WELL provides a clear framework for understanding the health and well-being credentials of flexible workspaces, and KMC’s achievement is a testament to their commitment to creating environments that truly support people. It’s great to see a forward-thinking operator in APAC leading the way when it comes to workplace wellness.”

The WELL Coworking Rating, derived from the health strategies outlined in the WELL Building Standard, encompasses over 50 features across all 10 concepts in WELL. The features promote advanced air and water quality, lighting and thermal comfort, physical fitness, access to healthy food, collaborative spaces as well as maintenance and operational policies that focus on well-being. The WELL Coworking Rated mark signifies that a coworking or flexible workspace meets rigorous, evidence-based WELL requirements, validating its commitment to supporting the health and well-being of its occupants.

The WELL Health-Safety Rating supports organizations to advance health-focused strategies for building operations and prepare businesses for long-term resilience. It focuses on operational excellence by addressing air and water quality, cleaning procedures, emergency preparedness, health resources and stakeholder engagement. The WELL Equity Rating provides an actionable framework to improve access to health and well-being, prioritize inclusivity and promote engagement and belonging at workplaces.

About KMC Solutions
KMC Solutions is a prominent provider of flexible office spaces and coworking solutions in the Philippines. With 25 locations in the country, KMC caters to businesses of all sizes, offering tailored private office spaces, virtual offices, and coworking spaces. Through its commitment to workplace well-being, sustainability, and innovative design, KMC provides high-quality, flexible office solutions that help businesses thrive in the modern economy.

About the International WELL Building Institute
The International WELL Building Institute (IWBI) is a public benefit corporation and the global authority for transforming health and well-being in buildings, organizations and communities. In pursuit of its public-health mission, IWBI mobilizes its community through the development and administration of the WELL Building Standard (WELL), WELL for residential, WELL Community Standard, its WELL ratings and management of the WELL AP credential. IWBI also translates research into practice, develops educational resources and advocates for policies that promote people-first places for everyone, everywhere. More information on WELL can be found here.

International WELL Building Institute, IWBI, the WELL Building Standard, WELL v2, WELL Certified, WELL AP, WELL EP, WELL Score, The WELL Conference, We Are WELL, the WELL Community Standard, WELL Health-Safety Rated, WELL Performance Rated, WELL Equity Rated, WELL Equity, WELL Coworking Rated, WELL Residence, Works with WELL, WELL and others, and their related logos are trademarks or certification marks of International WELL Building Institute pbc in the United States and other countries.

About The Instant Group
The Instant Group has been rethinking workspace since 1999 with over 600 experts working globally across more than 175 countries. Instant’s digital platforms constitute the world’s largest digital marketplace for flexible workspace listing meeting rooms, virtual offices, flexible office space and coworking memberships. Its global team advises on commercial real estate solutions from serviced offices to fully customized managed offices, and consulting services for portfolio and net zero strategies. Instant’s approach enables agility, hybrid working solutions and improved operational resilience for more than 250,000 businesses every year. Clients include Prudential, Booking.com, Shell, Jaguar Land Rover, and GSK. Instant has global offices including London, Paris, New York, Hong Kong, Singapore, India, Mexico City, and Sydney. www.theinstantgroup.com

Media contact:
KMC: heidi.manabat@kmc.solutions
IWBI: media@wellcertified.com
Instant: georgia@georgiaelise.com

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As previously seen on the CSRHub blog.

We’re proud to share that Cynthia Figge, CEO and Co-Founder of CSRHub, will be speaking on two panels at the upcoming Future in Review (FiRe) Conference 2025, taking place in San Diego from June 8–11.

Widely recognized as one of the most influential technology and innovation gatherings in the world, the Future in Review conference brings together thought leaders, executives, and policymakers to explore the future of global challenges through a tech-forward lens.

Panel 1: Emerging Supply Chain Risks

Monday, June 9th at 1:30 PM PT

CSRHub Co-founder Cynthia Figge will speak on a mainstage panel titled “Emerging Supply Chain Risks.”
She will be joined by:

• Ilya Levtov, Founder & CEO, Craft
• Sydney House, ESG Product Lead, Certa

This conversation will address how companies are navigating today’s complex supply chain landscape. From geopolitical instability to compliance demands and sustainability concerns, the panel will explore how data, technology, and collaboration are reshaping risk management and supplier engagement in global operations.

Panel 2: The Business of Embodied Carbon

Wednesday, June 11th at 9:00 AM PT

CSRHub CEO and Co-founder Cynthia Figge will moderate a mainstage session titled “The Business of Embodied Carbon.”
She will be joined by:

• Andrew Himes, Director of Collective Impact, Carbon Leadership Forum
• David Victor, Professor at the Center on Global Transformation, Chair in Innovation and Public Policy, and Director of the Deep Decarbonization Initiative, University of California San Diego

This session will explore how embodied carbon impacts investment decisions, compliance reporting, and long-term sustainability planning—offering timely insights into the evolving expectations for climate-related disclosures and supply chain transparency.

About Future in Review
Described by The Economist as “the best technology conference in the world,” FiRe is where innovation, data, and policy converge. Learn more about the conference and explore the full schedule and speaker lineup below:

• FiRe 2025 Website
• Agenda
• Speakers

Stay tuned for more updates as Cynthia represents CSRHub’s mission of building a more transparent, data-informed future for sustainability.

Cynthia Figge is a forerunner, entrepreneur and thought leader in the corporate sustainability movement. Cynthia is CEO and Cofounder of CSRHub, a leading Big Data ESG (environment, social, governance) ratings and information platform covering 60,000 companies worldwide for benchmarking, supply chain and risk assessment data solutions.

Cynthia co-founded EKOS International in 1996, one of the first consultancies integrating sustainability and corporate strategy. Cynthia is a national speaker on trends in sustainability and business intelligence.

Prior to becoming an entrepreneur in sustainability, she was an Officer of LIN Broadcasting/ McCaw Cellular leading new services development. Cynthia is Independent Board Director of CleanFiber, serves as an Advisor to Strategic News Service (SNS), and volunteers in the area of social and environmental justice.

Cynthia has an MBA from Harvard Business School and a BA in Economics. Cynthia is based in the Seattle area.

About CSRHub

CSRHub offers the most comprehensive global set of Consensus ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) ratings, information, and tools. CSRHub’s business intelligence system measures the ESG business impact that drives corporate and investor sustainability decisions. Founded in 2007, CSRHub covers 58,000+ public and private companies, and provides ESG performance scores on over 38,833 companies from 134 industries in 156 countries. Our Big Data platform uses algorithms to aggregate, normalize and weight ESG metrics from 989 sources to produce a strong consensus signal on corporate sustainability performance. Interested in learning more about CSRHub? Click here.