Tag: 3BL

Saint-Gobain North America announced today that its team members have been named finalists by the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) in three 2025 Manufacturing Leadership Awards categories. Saint-Gobain North America’s Circular Economy Solutions team was recognized in the Sustainability and Circular Economy category for enhancing the company’s transition from a linear to a circular production model. CertainTeed One Precision Assemblies was also named a finalist in the category of Business Model Transformation for its efforts to dramatically accelerate the construction of more resilient homes while enabling profitable growth for homebuilders. Finally, CisLee Trost, Project Engineer for CertainTeed and part of Saint-Gobain’s Essentials of Manufacturing engineering training program, was honored as a finalist for Next-Generation Leader.

NAM is the largest manufacturing association in the United States, representing small and large manufacturers in every industrial sector and in all 50 states. Established in 2005, the Manufacturing Leadership Awards by NAM’s workforce development and education affiliate, The Manufacturing Institute, recognize operational and leadership excellence and the companies and leaders that are shaping the future of global manufacturing.

“Our Saint-Gobain teams make our success possible, and I continue to be inspired, but not surprised, by the innovative thinking creating sustainable and efficient solutions for our customers and the industry,” said Mark Rayfield, CEO of Saint-Gobain North America. “Congratulations to CisLee, our Circular Economy Solutions and CertainTeed One Precision Assemblies teams for leading great projects and making significant advancements in the manufacturing field.”

Sustainability and Circular Economy Award – Saint-Gobain North America
Saint-Gobain North America is being recognized for its effort to enhance the company’s circularity model through its venture business Circular Economy Solutions (CES), which launched two years ago. The team is organized along competencies – Strategy & Business Development, Policy & Advocacy, and Innovation – and works across all SGNA businesses to support existing circularity initiatives and unearth new growth opportunities centered on circularity. CES focuses on circularity problems that are high impact, reimagines existing business models to develop new waste-to-value pathways, collaborates with third parties to pool competencies, lower risk, and execute pilots for problem-solution fit, and scales successful pilots.

Business Model Transformation – One Precision Assemblies by CertainTeed
First launched in June of 2023 and further scaled in 2024, ONE Precision Assemblies (OPA) by CertainTeed is one of Saint-Gobain’s newest solutions, addressing some of the largest challenges faced by homebuilders: labor shortages, schedule delays, energy performance, and the increased need for housing resilience. By offering built-to-spec floor, wall, and roof panels manufactured using industry-leading automation in a controlled, factory setting, Saint-Gobain is working to introduce a new model where fully assembled solutions are ready for use quickly rather than individual materials delivered to a job site. The business represents a milestone in the building and construction industries in the United States.

Next-Generation Leadership Award – CisLee Trost, CertainTeed 
As a project engineer taking part in Saint-Gobain’s innovative Essentials of Manufacturing program for recent engineering graduates, CisLee Trost is recognized for leading a multi-million-dollar project focused on implementing a groundbreaking waste recycling process that will divert thousands of tons of landfill-bound waste from our plant in Little Rock, Arkansas each year. This project not only embodies innovation but represents a significant shift in both industry practice and environmental stewardship within our manufacturing operations. Hired full-time following the conclusion of her Essentials of Manufacturing program, CisLee is now a Reliability Engineer for CertainTeed’s Commercial Building and Infrastructure division.

This recognition is the latest Saint-Gobain North America has received in recent months for its commitment to the development of a dynamic workplace.

• In January, Saint-Gobain announced that it had received a strong 90 out of 100 score in the Human Rights Campaign’s Foundation’s 2024-2025 Corporate Equality Index for its commitment to workforce protections and non-discrimination policies, inclusive benefits, and long-running Live Open Employee Resource Group;
• Earlier in January, Saint-Gobain was one of only 17 companies worldwide to be recognized as a global Top Employer by the Top Employer Institute, a honor it has received for the tenth consecutive year.

With over 160 manufacturing locations in the United States and Canada, every current and future member of the company’s team plays a vital role in achieving its sustainability goals. A current list of job openings at all Saint-Gobain locations can be found on the company’s career website.

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
161,000 employees, locations in 80 countries
Committed to achieving Carbon Neutrality by 2050

For more information about Saint-Gobain, visit www.saint-gobain.com and follow us on Twitter @saintgobain

MEDIA CONTACTS

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Cummins

Adun Fashogbon, a Technical Controls Specialist at Cummins’ Power Integration Center in Minnesota, shares her excitement for the future and the importance of gratitude:

Q: If you had a twin, what important advice could you give them?

Adun Fashogbon: First, try everything once, right? You never know what’s out there, and you won’t know whether you like something or not until you explore it. Keep an open mind.

I’d also tell them to make sure they do something every day that sparks joy — because that’s what life is about. It’s about living joyfully and finding those moments that light you up.

And finally, practice gratitude. It might seem like the smallest virtue, but it’s one of the most powerful. It’s simple, but it can make all the difference.

Q: How is your team shaping the future of our industry?

Adun Fashogbon: I work for the Power Integration Center, a microgrid testing facility located in Fridley, Minnesota. Cummins has built a strong reputation over the past hundred years manufacturing engines and power-generating systems.

With the industry move towards cleaner sources of power and energy, it becomes imperative for us to best understand how all of these new assets and technologies work together. It’s not just something that we, as a company, want to understand — it’s something the entire industry is looking to better comprehend.

That’s where the Power Integration Center comes in. It’s a place where you can easily test the mix of all these new assets — solar panels, hydrogen fuel cells, electrolyzers and battery energy storage systems — and see how they seamlessly work together as one system, because that’s the future.
Q: What sets a great team apart?

Adun Fashogbon: I’m fortunate to be part of a great team, and the first thing that comes to mind is strong leadership. A team is only as good as the captain steering the ship, right? The clarity and vision that leadership provides give the team the strength and motivation to keep moving forward. Another key factor is collaboration.

Q: What makes you most excited about the future?

Adun Fashogbon: What excites me most about the future is the unknown — the possibilities we haven’t even imagined yet.

When I think back a few generations, I’m sure my great-grandmother would have been amazed by the technological advances of her time. But just imagine how blown away she would be by the world we live in today. I know the future will be even better than it is now. That’s what excites me.

I hope I’m here 50 years from now to see how the world has evolved. Working at Cummins and contributing to the work we do here makes me proud to be part of shaping that future.

Opened in 2022, the Cummins Power Integration Center (PIC) is a 20,000 sq ft microgrid lab in Minnesota, where technicians and engineers collaborate to design, configure, test and validate advanced microgrid power systems. Click here for a virtual tour or find out more about the four main components of the PIC. 

Cascale has officially opened nominations for its 2025 Board of Directors Election. The Board plays a critical role in charting the organization’s strategic direction and ensuring its financial integrity through rigorous oversight and fair representation. Committed to inclusivity and balanced representation, the nine-member Board is structured to include three directors each from Cascale’s brand & retailer (including holding groups), manufacturer, and affiliate caucus groups.

The nomination window is a three-week period from April 21 through May 9, 2025. Senior leaders with a proven record as executives or board members and strong financial acumen are invited to submit their candidacies during this time. Candidates should also be committed to Cascale’s strategic pillars—combating climate change and supporting decent work for all.

Key Dates for the 2025 Board Election Process:

• Nominations Period: April 21 – May 9, 2025
• Proxy Voting Opens: May 27, 2025
• Proxy Voting Closes: June 26, 2025
• Election Results Announcement: Early July 2025
• Seating of Newly-Elected Directors: Q3 2025 at the Cascale Annual Meeting in Hong Kong, China

The election process is overseen by the 2025 Governance and Nominations Committee (GNC), chaired by Harsh Saini, a global supply chain and sustainability/ESG expert. The committee also includes Dr. Delman Lee, vice chair of TAL Apparel and board director for the manufacturer caucus, and Fiona Sadler, global head of responsible sourcing at Marks & Spencer and board director for the brand & retailer caucus. Together, they ensure strict adherence to Cascale’s bylaws and maintain the highest standards of transparency and accountability.

Eligible candidates—both members and non-members—are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity to shape Cascale’s future. Interested parties should review the nomination requirements and submit their application via the 2025 Board of Directors Nominations Form.

For further details on the nomination process or additional inquiries, please contact elections@cascale.org.

Learn about the collaboration between Qualcomm Wireless Reach, Cephable, and the Amputee Coalition aimed at enhancing workforce readiness, digital independence, and productivity. The project included 40 participants with limb loss and limb differences who tested AI-powered PCs equipped with Snapdragon X Elite utilizing Cephable’s technology.

Qualcomm’s Angela Baker, Chief Sustainability Officer and Julia Franklin, Chief Learning Officer at Cephable, discuss the impact of making computing more intuitive and accessible for everyone. The project found that 79% of participants indicated they would continue using Cephable in their daily workflows, and 65% reported faster task completion.​

Qualcomm Wireless Reach has accelerated human progress and social good in more than 50 countries and impacted over 27 million people since 2006. 

Learn more: https://www.qualcomm.com/company/corporate-responsibility/empowering-digital-transformation/wireless-reach

For the third year in a row, Whirlpool Corporation has been named one of “America’s Most Innovative Companies 2025” by Fortune, recognizing its continued leadership in pioneering home appliance solutions that improve life at home. The prestigious list honors companies demonstrating outstanding innovation across product development, business processes, and corporate culture.

“It is an incredible honor to once again be recognized as one of Fortune’s Most Innovative Companies,” said Roberto Campos, executive vice president of Whirlpool Corporation’s Global Product Organization and Strategic Sourcing. “For more than a century, Whirlpool Corporation has been at the forefront of innovation in home appliances, finding new ways to improve life at home by making it simpler and more enjoyable to cook, clean and care for the people who matter most.”

Whirlpool Corp.’s dedication to innovation is reflected in its groundbreaking product advancements. This includes the introduction of JennAir Induction Downdraft Cooktop technology to the North American market. This cooktop allows you to remove kitchen air cooking vapors and odors with powerful extraction that works 5x faster than steam can rise, helping to maintain a pleasant kitchen environment. The cooktop’s slim profile liberates any space from bulky hoods and cabinet constraints, making even floating islands a reality.

The Maytag PetPro Front Load Laundry System is specifically designed to conquer pet hair, and is now available in front load and top load configurations. In the washer, the Pet Pro Option, which can be used on any wash cycle, unleashes additional water, a dedicated filter and a deep rinse to lift and remove pet hair. The Maytag Pet Pro dryer traps and removes loads of pet hair from clothes in the lint trap with the Pet Pro option.

Other recent innovations include KitchenAid Smart Double Wall Oven with Assisted Cook Cycles, InSinkErator MultiGrind Technology, Spin&Load Dishwasher Rack and many more.

The ranking is based on a unique methodology that combines employee and expert surveys with patent data and a review by Fortune’s expert advisory board. A survey of 40,000 US employees and 2,500 experts was conducted to gather feedback in three main areas: product innovation, process innovation, and innovation culture. Fortune then used a Patent Asset Index and further analysis to finalize the list. This ranking recognizes only the top 300 companies out of the thousands that are analyzed.

About Whirlpool Corporation

Whirlpool Corporation (NYSE: WHR) is a leading home appliance company, in constant pursuit of improving life at home. As the last-remaining major U.S.-based manufacturer of kitchen and laundry appliances, the company is driving meaningful innovation to meet the evolving needs of consumers through its iconic brand portfolio, including Whirlpool, KitchenAid, JennAir, Maytag, Amana, Brastemp, Consul, and InSinkErator. In 2024, the company reported approximately $17 billion in annual sales – close to 90% of which were in the Americas – 44,000 employees, and 40 manufacturing and technology research centers.  Additional information about the company can be found at WhirlpoolCorp.com.

View original content here.

International Olympic Committee news

IOC Members meeting at the 144^th Session in Greece, celebrated the achievements of Olympic Agenda. In a series of presentations, the highlights of the Olympic Agenda reforms and their impacts on the IOC and the wider Olympic Movement were outlined. They included a 30-minute film showcasing the achievements of the reforms with powerful testimonials from individuals, personalities and organisations, all of whom have been positively impacted.

The wide-ranging reforms of Olympic Agenda (Olympic Agenda 2020 and Olympic Agenda 2020+5) have changed the International Olympic Committee (IOC), the Olympic Games and the Olympic Movement profoundly. Launched under the motto “Change or be changed” and based on the widest-ever consultation process, the reform programme initiated by IOC President Thomas Bach was unanimously approved by the 127^th IOC Session in Monaco in December 2014.

These reforms followed a year of discussion and consultation with all stakeholders of the Olympic Movement, together with external experts and the general public. More than 40,000 submissions were received from the public during the process, generating some 1,200 ideas.

Fourteen Working Groups synthesised the discussions and debates throughout the whole Olympic Movement and wider society before they were finalised by the Executive Board ahead of the 127^th Session.

Work on implementation began immediately after the reforms were adopted. Among other things, work began on the Olympic Channel. The new Invitation Phase was launched for the Olympic Games in 2024, allowing cities to present an Olympic project that best matched their long-term sports, economic, social and environmental plans. Some of the reforms were also included in the 2022 process, in close cooperation with the Games candidates.

Olympic Agenda 2020+5 succeeded Olympic Agenda 2020 and set the direction of travel for the IOC and the Olympic Movement to 2025. It consists of a set of 15 recommendations that were motivated by five influential contemporary trends, all of which were identified as areas where sport and the values of Olympism had a key role to play.

Introducing the reforms of Olympic Agenda to the Session, IOC President, Thomas Bach, explained: “In Paris, we have seen our Olympic Agenda come to life. In many ways, the Olympic Games Paris 2024 represent the culmination of our long journey together. This journey began over a decade ago, when we unanimously adopted the Olympic Agenda 2020 reforms.” He continued, “We set in motion the most far-reaching reform programme of our Olympic Movement at least in recent history. What is more, we embarked on a journey of change. It was a journey of collaboration, modernisation and determination. Olympic Agenda was a reform programme not only for the IOC but for the entire Olympic Movement. This is why Olympic Agenda always was and will continue to be a journey of unity in diversity – a journey of change and togetherness.” He concluded, “Let us look now at the results of Olympic Agenda through this lens of change and togetherness. Let us take pride in the shared success of our Olympic Agenda. We did it for the athletes. We did it for our beloved Olympic Movement. And, my dear friends and colleagues, we did it together.”

The highlights of the Olympic Agenda reforms summarised in 10 topics, including details, facts and figures can also be viewed by clicking on the links below.

1. The Olympic Games – Games of a New Era
Olympic Agenda has revolutionised how the Olympic Games are awarded, organised and presented to a global audience that is bigger than ever.

2. Athletes front and centre
The IOC has empowered athletes within the decision-making processes of the IOC and put them at the heart of the Olympic Movement.

3. Solidarity
Solidarity has been greatly reinforced by the Olympic Agenda.

4. Refugee Olympic Team and Olympic Refuge Foundation
In 2015, the IOC created the first-ever Refugee Olympic Team (EOR) to give athletes who had been forced to leave their homes the chance to compete on the world’s largest sporting stage alongside their peers from the 206 National Olympic Committees. This was followed in 2017 by the launch of the Olympic Refuge Foundation (ORF), to ensure that young people affected by displacement thrive through safe sport on a daily basis.

5. Gender Equality
The IOC has made huge strides in gender equality both on and off the field of play – from the training ground to the boardroom and beyond.

6. Sustainable development
The IOC has embraced the role of sport as an important enabler for the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

7. Relevance
The Olympic Games and the IOC are more relevant than ever in today’s divided world. They unite the entire world in peaceful competition.

8. Digitalisation
The IOC has been a pioneer of digitalisation in sport.

9. Credibility and good governance
Through the Olympic Agenda, the IOC has completely overhauled its governance processes and has strengthened the protection of clean athletes.

10. Economic and Financial Resilience
The IOC is a non-governmental, not-for-profit association. It is entirely privately funded and distributes 90 per cent of its revenue to sport worldwide.

Documents

• Key achievements of Olympic Agenda
• Introduction of the Olympic Agenda final report by IOC President, Thomas Bach
• Olympic Agenda: introduction to the Paris 2024 presentation by IOC President, Thomas Bach

2025 Bacardi Cocktail Trends Report 

As discerning consumers get wise to greenwashing practices, they’re looking to the industry to get pragmatic with sustainable progress. Beyond large-scale gimmicks and one-time activations, their focus is on incremental changes that they – and brands – can put into action.

The 2025 Bacardi Cocktail Trends Report highlights this practically with research among consumers and bartenders. In France and Germany, respondents ranked buying local and reducing single-use packaging as the environmental considerations most important when choosing spirits and liquor, while around one quarter of consumers in Mexico (29%) and Spain (24%) would pay more for a cocktail made with locally sourced ingredients. 

The topic remains key inside the industry too, where over three quarters of respondents (79%) in the Bacardi Global Brand Ambassador Survey list sustainability as a key concern – also listing supporting local businesses (69%) and eliminating single-use plastic (68%) as their top priorities for 2025.

Setting this future in motion, Bacardi has completed the world’s first commercial production of a glass spirits bottle fueled by hydrogen. The brand worked with premium glassmaker, Hrastnik1860®, to pioneer new technology that powered a glass furnace with hydrogen as its primary energy source and in doing so cut the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions typically produced as a byproduct of glass bottle production. The bottle, which for the purposes of the trial was the iconic ST-GERMAIN® elderflower liqueur bottle, is identical in appearance to the bottle produced using traditional methods.

Innovative processing methods are also meeting consumers’ demand for high-quality, low intervention serves. People continue to care about the ingredients and what goes into their spirits, with 61% of consumers globally saying they would choose additive-free spirits over the alternative. The appeal is even higher in countries like India (77%), Italy (75%) and Spain (72%), according to the Bacardi Global Consumer Survey.

Read more about sustainability in the beverage industry in the 2025 Bacardi Cocktail Trends Report 

As an extraordinary place to work for more than 9,000 team members worldwide, Southwire is proud to announce its recognition as one of America’s Greatest Workplaces for Women 2025 by Newsweek and Plant-A Insights Group. This annual list celebrates companies that champion inclusion through a rigorous evaluation based on an assessment of publicly accessible data, discussions and interviews with HR professionals, and large-scale confidential online surveys conducted among employees from U.S. companies.

“2025 marks a milestone – our 75th year of doing business. As we grow, we’re working to ensure Southwire continues to be an extraordinary place to work,” said Cara Herzog, Southwire’s Chief Inclusion Officer. “It is an honor to be recognized with this achievement, and we’re proud of the investments and commitments we’re making to ensure we build worth for not only the women in our workplace, but for all of the families and communities our team members represent.”

Recent highlights of the commitments the company has made include broadening health benefits to provide extended bonding time for families. Eligible mothers now receive 12 work weeks for parental bonding and recovery time after giving birth, while eligible fathers can take up to four work weeks of paid paternity leave.

Southwire also partners with organizations, like Women in Manufacturing (WiM), OnBoard and The Society of Women Engineers (SWE), working alongside these groups to identify opportunities to strengthen support of both Southwire team members and their peers within the manufacturing space.

“It’s an exciting time to be in the electrical industry, and our commitment to inclusion is essential to our strategic plan, to create generational sustainability and continued growth in the markets we serve,” said Winn Wise, Southwire’s Chief Commercial Officer and executive sponsor of the company’s Women’s Network employee resource group. “Being named as one of America’s Greatest Workplaces for Women is an outward reflection of the values we strive to live out each day – empowerment, trust, consistency and inclusion. I am incredibly proud of our team and look forward to continuing to identify ways we can support and engage our team members as we look toward the bright future of our industry and our company.”

Through its partnership with WiM, Southwire connected with Nessel, a women-owned, health-based furniture company designed by working moms for working moms. Southwire has installed Nessel lactation stations in every company facility, providing a supportive, safe and sanitary space for breastfeeding mothers at work. The all-in-one mother’s solution is intended for women to thrive while pumping at work. These benefits are a testament to the company’s belief in the importance of promoting work-life balance and creating a healthy, fulfilling workplace for all Southwire team members.

Companies included on Newsweek’s America’s Greatest Workplaces 2025 for Women were evaluated on 10 topics, including:

• Work-life balance
• Culture and belonging
• Working environment 
• Training and career progression

Female participants in the survey provided insights and experiences on corporate culture, working conditions, and other aspects of their current employer and other companies they know. One of the largest independent employee studies, it incorporates more than 215,000 employee interviews with women in the U.S. and collected over 2.2 million comprehensive company reviews.

“Progress toward gender equity in the workplace continues but challenges persist. Despite these obstacles, a growing number of companies are stepping up to foster environments where women can thrive,” said Newsweek Editor-in-Chief Jennifer H. Cunningham. “Newsweek and market-data research firm Plant-A Insights are proud to introduce ‘America’s Greatest Workplaces for Women 2025,’ honoring companies committed to building inclusive workplaces where women can reach their full potential.”

For more information about Southwire’s inclusion initiatives, please visit the company’s website at www.southwire.com/inclusion. For more Southwire news, visit www.southwire.com/newsroom.

PotlatchDeltic has contributed to several initiatives in St. Maries, Idaho that focus on supporting child health and education, and a vibrant community. Heyburn Elementary School did not have a playground that could be used by the typical 90-120 students that are ready to play and exercise during recess. When a local initiative began raising funds to construct a new playground, PotlatchDeltic stepped in as the key contributor to allow the playground to be completed sooner than if a lengthy fundraising campaign was required.

The initial phases included the installation of swing sets and an adventure playground that provided children with a wide range of activities on slides, ladders, climbers, bridges and platforms, and tunnels. Others in the community, including representatives from the Idaho Department of Lands, volunteered to install the playground. During the installation, children from the school would watch from nearby with excitement for the adventures that soon awaited. The final phase will add an obstacle course with multiple climbers and a rock-climbing wall and is expected to be completed in 2025.

The playground at Heyburn Elementary School encourages active play, development of motor skills, and facilitates social interaction. On weekends and evenings, the playground is open to the entire St. Maries community.

Logitech Blog

Contrary to popular belief, packaging isn’t all just paper and plastic.

There’s an entire world of R&D hidden behind the little cardboard boxes at your local Best Buy and the ones that Amazon leaves at your front door.

Bliss Buter-Thompson, Head of Packaging at Logitech, and her team design, develop, and test every single one.

The Journey to Logitech

After earning a degree in illustration from the Massachusetts College of Art and Design and working a variety of packaging roles at smaller companies, today, Bliss is Logitech’s Head of Packaging.

The company’s Silicon Valley Headquarters is a world away from her hometown Marshfield, Massachusetts, but the artistic sensibilities and problem-solving attitude Buter-Thompson developed during her youth are as impactful as ever.

“Some of the first packages I had out on the shelves were the most memorable to me; being able to get them approved by clients, go into production, and see them on store shelves is always very cool,” Bliss reminisces. “My favorites, though, are the ones where we’re solving a complex issue—like sustainable design or durability in packaging design.”

Buter-Thompson began her career with the company as a Lead Structural Designer, working alongside engineers on the structural design of the Logitech packaging in California and Taiwan.

She continued her progression as a manager leading the company’s Silicon Valley packaging design team, eventually stepping into her current role as Head of Packaging. Her latest evolution came within the past several years, when Logitech—and the packaging industry at large—began to place a much greater emphasis on driving sustainable packaging design..

BEYOND THE BOX

“With packaging, our primary focus is to protect the product, but we also need to provide the ideal customer experience,” Buter-Thompson explains. “We’re the first touchpoint our users have with the brand and the product—and there are so many things, from graphics to structure, that we need to make sure we’re accounting for.”

“On the shelf, we need to differentiate ourselves; inside of the package, we need to make sure products safely get to where they need to be without any damage,” she adds.

Lately, much of the team’s efforts have been in increasing recyclable and renewable materials in packaging, encouraging clear communication of materials used, sharing sustainability findings externally, and generally minimizing environmental impact.

THE PUSH TOWARDS ELIMINATING SINGLE USE PLASTIC 

“Over the past five years, we’ve really focused on the idea of reducing the use of single-use plastic,” says Wesley Wang, Senior Manager of Asia Packaging Design. “It’s a really hot topic in the packaging industry, and it’s something we are constantly building towards.”

At Logitech, plastic hang tags designed to allow boxes to reside on retail shelves have been replaced by paper ones; plastic seals have also given way to paper labels; polypropylene laminate, a popular thermoplastic that receives widespread use in the shipping and packaging industry, has been replaced by a more sustainable and water-based aqueous coating, a decision which has saved Logitech countless square meters of plastic lamination in one year.

Furthermore, Logitech uses responsibly-sourced, FSC™-certified paper packaging in 19% of its products, with 73% of new product launches utilizing this paper alternative to single-use plastic packaging. For more information on this topic, please explore Logitech’s 2024 Sustainability Impact Report.

Simply put, the company’s single-use plastic initiative can be boiled down to either removing plastic packaging elements entirely or, when necessary, replacing them with paper. This comes at a time when the global shipping and manufacturing industry produces hundreds of metric tons of plastic per year—and environmental stewardship is more important than ever.

In practice, though, removing plastic from packaging can be complex—and has required incredible levels of innovation by several Logitech packaging experts.

To address these issues, new material innovations are developed within Logitech’s packaging department.

In order to prevent dusting, scuffing, scratching, or other damage that may occur during shipping or on shelves, the company has developed a pulp paper alternative to thin plastic bags that serves the same protective function but offers additional benefits. This material, obtained by chemically or mechanically separating fibers from recycled wood, paper, and other elements, supports post-processing techniques such as debossing and printing company logos and patterns. It can even be transformed into bubble paper for cushioning, reducing the number of components needed and enhancing the user experience. Additionally, end consumers can retain and reuse it.

“When you first see and touch it, it feels just like cotton fabric—soft, comfortable, and textured. But it’s actually made of wooden fibers,” Wang says proudly during an interview as he holds up his team’s latest exploration. “100% physically recyclable and repulpable where recycling facilities are located!”

Another use for the pulp material is in molded hangtabs. More rigid than paper hangtabs, molded pulp hangtabs are patented by Logitech and serve to replace the plastic hang tabs used in retail displays. While the molded pulp tags are Logitech’s intellectual property, the company has shared much of its guidelines, work, and research—including the hangtabs themselves—with external stakeholders for use throughout the shipping and manufacturing industry.

This has cemented Logitech as a leader in packaging and helped spread important sustainability knowledge throughout the industry.

“We’ve given companies access to our pulp hangtabs and paper technology, which has positively affected sustainable packaging design even outside of Logitech,” explains Wang.

Just this week, the company made even further strides by eliminating single-use plastic and plastic clamshell packaging from its affordably-priced, hallmark mice categories. With the transition now nearly complete, the magnitude of this initiative is estimated to remove 660 tons of plastic and reduce 6,000 tons of carbon dioxide from the air, equivalent to eliminating over 37 million single-use plastic water bottles annually. The global transition to paper packaging across tens of millions of products continues across various retailers, with expected completion dates by the end of 2025.

“In addition to packaging, my role right now is looking to amplify sustainable solutions within the design organization,” Buter-Thompson explains. “I’m leading a task force along with some other folks around the company, and we’re working directly with the sustainability and engineering teams to create some very exciting collaborative projects.”

A Leader for a Sustainable Future

The inland portion of Marshfield is less a town and more a series of small communities stitched together by road and river. Here, vast wooded areas isolate smaller groups of buildings—the Whiton Woods, Feinberg Bogs, and Sprague Forest dominate the landscape with thick canopies of Red Maple and White Pine.

Somewhere, nestled in the trees and far from the commercial bustle of Marshfield’s coastal tourist community, is Bliss’s childhood home.

“I didn’t really have a neighborhood, so I had no choice but to love nature!” Bliss says today. “I would sit outside and draw the trees since I lived in central Marshfield, where it’s mostly forested.”

A quiet respect for the earth developed during this time, which—along with her years of experience in sustainable packaging—quickly developed into a passion that she puts into her work every day at Logitech.

“I’m not a packaging designer, industrial designer, illustrator, or painter,” Bliss says, before adding jokingly, “I’m a jack of all trades that’s not necessarily an expert at a single skill, but I know enough to be dangerous—or naive!”

Over time, though, she’s developed an expansive expertise over several key aspects of the packaging industry and is now bringing that knowledge together, leading Logitech towards a much more sustainable future in the process.

“Sustainability has always been important to me, and now that I’m working in it, it’s been really fulfilling to be providing knowledge and expertise to help make a real impact,“ she says. “It truly has a role in every function, in every part of how you design, and I believe packaging is the entryway to that—the Trojan horse.”

1. “Sustainability — Designing a Positive Future | Logitech,” n.d. https://www.logitech.com/en-us/sustainability.html.
2. “Visual Feature | Beat Plastic Pollution,” March 1, 2022, https://www.unep.org/interactives/beat-plastic-pollution/.