Tag: 3BL

SWORDS, Ireland February 3, 2025 /3BL/ – Trane Technologies (NYSE:TT), a global climate innovator, has been named to the JUST 100, ranking 6th overall. The annual list, led by JUST Capital and published in partnership with CNBC, recognizes America’s largest public companies that are doing right by workers, customers, communities, shareholders and the environment.

“We are honored to be recognized by JUST Capital as a global leader in sustainability, delivering value to stakeholders including customers, communities, and the planet,” said Mauro Atalla, Senior Vice President, Chief Technology and Sustainability Officer, Trane Technologies. “This recognition, and our achievements, would not be possible without the commitment and talent of our global team who bring our purpose of challenging what’s possible for a sustainable world to life.”

This marks the fourth consecutive year Trane Technologies has been named to the JUST 100 and the third consecutive year it’s been recognized as the best company in the Building Materials & Construction industry. The company also achieved top scores in its industry for workers, customers and communities – three of the five key issues that JUST Capital uses to evaluate companies in the rankings.

Broadly acknowledged for its industry-leading transparency, credibility and accountability, Trane Technologies has recently been featured in several rankings for climate action including Corporate Knights’ 2025 Global 100 the Dow Jones Sustainability World and North American Indices and TIME’s inaugural list of the World’s Best Companies for Sustainable Growth.

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About Trane Technologies 
Trane Technologies is a global climate innovator. Through our strategic brands Trane® and Thermo King®, and our portfolio of environmentally responsible products and services, we bring efficient and sustainable climate solutions to buildings, homes and transportation. For more on Trane Technologies, visit www.tranetechnologies.com.

About JUST Capital 
The mission of JUST Capital, an independent nonprofit, is to demonstrate how just business – defined by the priorities of the public – is better business. Our goal is to help companies create value for all their stakeholders – their workers, customers, communities, the environment, and shareholders – by focusing on the issues that matter most to Americans. To date, we’ve polled more than 182,000 Americans on the issues they believe companies should prioritize when it comes to just business behavior, and those insights guide our work. We believe that business and markets can and must be a force for the greater good and that by shifting the resources of the $21.6 trillion private sector, we can drive competition to build a better future for all. Our research, rankings, indexes, initiatives, and new offerings like the JUST Jobs Scorecard help track, analyze, incentivize, and scale corporate stakeholder performance. JUST Capital publishes the annual list of America’s Most JUST Companies, the JUST 100, in partnership with CNBC. To learn more, visit: https://justcapital.com/.

Most recently, their expertise and generous contributions were key to the success of our Flying Eye Hospital training project in Bangladesh. For those unfamiliar, the Orbis Flying Eye Hospital is no ordinary aircraft. It’s a state-of-the-art, fully-accredited teaching hospital housed within an MD-10 aircraft—donated by FedEx employees in 2016.

It travels across the globe, offering sight-saving medical care while providing world-class ophthalmic training to local medical teams. The goal is to leave a legacy of improved eye care, even long after our team has departed. However, the logistics and resources needed to make this happen are immense, and it’s in this area that FedEx truly shines.

FedEx plays a crucial role in supporting the Flying Eye Hospital by providing essential logistical support. They offer a strategic location to park and maintain the aircraft between our sight-saving medical projects, as well as ship critical medical supplies and aircraft parts.

FedEx ensured the timely delivery of backup lenses for specialized microscopes used in retina surgeries, guaranteeing continuous care in case equipment fails. They have also sent batteries for defibrillators and fiber optic cables for laser equipment—giving these life-saving devices a new lease of life. 

Most importantly, FedEx has shipped biomedical engineering tools and repair parts for our Alcon Constellation machine, ensuring that this vital equipment is fully operational. This support, always delivered with efficiency and professionalism, is just what FedEx does best. It’s this behind-the-scenes support that helps Orbis focus on what matters most—providing sight-saving surgeries and training local eye care teams.

Before we arrived in Bangladesh, we needed to restock our medical supplies. FedEx coordinated pre-clearance with the local shipping teams and utilized their facilities at Clark International Airport to receive, store, and prepare materials for the Flying Eye Hospital. Just as critically, Orbis needed to test and set up our ground equipment, which had been removed from the aircraft’s cargo hold.

The FedEx Clark ramp team handled this task seamlessly, ensuring everything was in place and ready before our patients arrived. The hospitality and dedication of the FedEx team have been truly inspiring. Each time the Flying Eye Hospital arrives in Clark; we are welcomed like family. Their hard work, friendly smiles, and willingness to pitch in makes our work smoother and more efficient.

In addition to the logistical support, FedEx also served as the Title Sponsor for week two of our Bangladesh Flying Eye Hospital project—a vital role that comes with significant recognition. Thanks to FedEx’s exceptional support, we were able to provide life-changing surgeries and equip local medical teams with the skills to continue this work long after the Flying Eye Hospital departs.

FedEx’s contributions to Orbis go far beyond their remarkable logistical and financial support. It’s the countless hours of behind-the-scenes work, often unnoticed by the public, that truly showcase the depth of FedEx’s commitment. Their genuine care and support are what make this relationship so special.

On behalf of everyone at Orbis, we extend our heartfelt thanks to the FedEx team. Your incredible sponsorship has helped us deliver more than just eye care—you’ve helped deliver hope and brighter futures to individuals, families, and entire communities.

By: Aleesa Radoncic, Senior Manager of Aircraft Operations, Orbis

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

This past September marked a significant milestone in Lenovo’s nearly 20-year history in North Carolina’s Research Triangle: Lenovo and the Carolina Hurricanes unveiled an exciting new naming rights agreement for the Hurricanes’ home arena, now known as the Lenovo Center. Along with this rebranding, Lenovo became the official technology partner of the Hurricanes, solidifying a long-term commitment to innovation and community engagement.

Lenovo North America President Ryan McCurdy sat down with the Triangle Business Journal to discuss this strong partnership, Lenovo’s continued impact in the region, and Lenovo’s future plans for growth.

During the interview, Ryan highlighted Lenovo’s deep-rooted connection to the local area, extensive philanthropic initiatives, and the pivotal role the Morrisville, NC campus plays in driving cutting-edge innovation.

Watch the video to learn more about Lenovo’s $1.5 billion economic impact in North Carolina, the transformative role of AI and other advanced Lenovo technologies in enhancing the fan experience at the Lenovo Center, and how this partnership allows Lenovo to connect with even more people – delivering Smarter technology for all.

The Quest Diagnostics technology team hosted 6 interns for a 10-week program. Each intern contributed to a key initiative for their respective workgroup while also engaging in valuable lunch-and-learn presentations, one-on-one networking opportunities with leaders, and educational lab and logistics tours.

The interns were asked to share their insights around their experience at Quest, and the responses were incredibly inspiring. Many of the interns commented on the culture of HTAS (Healthcare Technology and Analytics Solutions) being welcoming, inclusive, and nurturing. And part of this sentiment has come from the opportunity for the interns to engage not only with senior leaders but also with individuals who have been so willing to share their technical expertise and insights. 

Matt, intern for the IT Security group, shared, “Learning from IT professionals and seeing how everyone collaborates was super awesome and rewarding. Every day coming into the office or working from home felt like I was a part of the Quest family, even though I was only employed for 10 weeks. Especially my team, they took me in with open arms and made me feel welcome and collaborated with me in a way that made it engaging and fun.”

While the interns spent much time working on their projects and preparing their capstone summary presentations for leaders, they also had time to see Quest behind the scenes. Some highlights included touring the Clifton lab and learning all about Quest logistics. These adventures topped the list of favorite memories made across the intern team and distinguished the program as unique and something the interns will never forget.

The team reflected on key learnings and lessons that will prepare them for their next career step. Networking, collaboration, and effective communication are the top three building blocks that the interns will take with them on their next adventure. And every single intern expressed an interest in joining the Quest team should an opportunity arise!

To cap off the experience, each intern presented to a large group of peers, mentors, and senior leaders. The presentations highlighted their project work, key findings, and business impact. 

Murali Balakumar, SVP, Chief Information & Digital Officer, commented, “It was amazing to see the energy and enthusiasm our interns brought to their capstone presentations. I was impressed with the level of real-world experience they gained during their two-month internship with Quest as well as their depth of understanding of the business and our customers. Seeing the impact each intern has had on business operations is inspiring and highlights the value of this program.”

HAMILTON, Bermuda, February 3, 2025 /3BL/ – PATRÓN® Tequila is leading the way as the first tequila brand to work with its agave farmers to help them achieve certification for agave farming from GLOBALG.A.P.

This industry-leading work sees PATRÓN supporting its agave farmers to ensure they meet rigorous international GLOBALG.A.P. Crops for Processing (CfP) standards. To date, 91% of the agave farmers supplying PATRÓN Tequila have received their GLOBALG.A.P CfP certification.

This milestone achievement follows years of investment from the brand to support the agave farmers it works with to implement safer and more sustainable farming methods that benefit the community and land.

To do this, the premium tequila brand employs 21 dedicated agronomists who work closely with the farmers, also known as “agaveros”, offering training, conducting internal audits, teaching first aid, and promoting overall wellness.

“We are immensely proud to be trailblazers in the tequila industry,” says Samantha Newby, PATRÓN Global Vice President of Innovation and Sustainability. “Through our long-standing partnerships with our agaveros we are committed to championing a future where exceptional quality and care for the land, go hand in hand.”

The certification of the production processes according to the GLOBALG.A.P CfP standard is evaluated annually by an accredited and independent third-party certification body in order to promote a range of sustainable practices, including soil management and conservation. Additionally, for the skilled hands that nurture the agave, the certification protocol addresses the worker’s health, safety, and welfare.

Today, GLOBALG.A.P. solutions provide some of the most respected and internationally recognized standards that support the global trade of farmed products, counting almost 200,000 producers around the world under certification.

“Supporting over 90% of our agave farmers to achieve this robust certification underscores our very special PATRÓN philosophy of respecting the natural source of our tequila – the 100% Weber Blue Agave,” said Rodolfo Nervi, Vice President, Corporate Sustainability and Global Safety & Quality, Bacardi. “This achievement is fantastic recognition of our commitment to support those who grow this beautiful ingredient, and to protect the soil it grows from.”

On top of its work to support agave farmers, since 2021 PATRÓN has been part of the collaborative watershed project, Charco Bendito project, working with municipalities and industry partners to improve water accessibility, quality and availability for local communities in Mexico.

To learn more about PATRÓN and its sustainability actions, visit https://www.patrontequila.com/our-story/responsibility.html.

ENDS

About PATRÓN Tequila

From hand-harvesting the highest-quality 100% Weber Blue Agave, to the traditional, time-honored distillation process and individual labeling, numbering, and inspection of each bottle, PATRÓN Tequila is crafted with meticulous precision and care. Though PATRÓN has grown to become one of the most recognized and respected luxury spirits brands in the world, it is still exclusively produced in the Highlands of Jalisco, Mexico, in the same small batches and with the same commitment to quality and craftsmanship. For more information about PATRÓN Tequilas and Liqueurs, please visit www.patrontequila.com. The perfect way to enjoy PATRÓN is responsibly.

PATRÓN is part of the portfolio of Bacardi Limited, headquartered in Hamilton, Bermuda. Bacardi Limited refers to the Bacardi group of companies, including Bacardi International Limited.

THE PERFECT WAY TO ENJOY PATRÓN IS RESPONSIBLY.

About GLOBALG.A.P.

GLOBALG.A.P. is a brand of smart farm assurance solutions developed by FoodPLUS GmbH in Cologne, Germany, with cooperation from producers, retailers, and other stakeholders across the food industry. These solutions include a range of standards for safe, socially and environmentally responsible farming practices. The most widely used GLOBALG.A.P. standard is IFA, applicable to fruit and vegetables, aquaculture, floriculture, and more. This standard also forms the basis for the GGN label – the consumer label for certified, responsible farming and transparency.

The GLOBALG.A.P. brand began its journey as EUREPGAP in 1997. Now, over twenty-five years later, almost 200,000 producers are under GLOBALG.A.P. certification in 137 countries. Nearly 150 team members around the world are dedicated to the mission of spreading responsible farming practices to ensure safe food for future generations.

NEW ORLEANS, February 3, 2025 /3BL/ – Fortune magazine has recognized Entergy among the top utilities on its World’s Most Admired Companies list for 2025. Entergy was recognized by industry peers for its commitment to innovation and social responsibility, its long-term investment value and global competitiveness. This is the first time Entergy has been selected as a finalist for inclusion on this prestigious list.

“It is truly an honor to be named one of the most-admired electric utilities by Fortune magazine,” said Drew Marsh, chair and CEO of Entergy. “This ranking is a recognition of our 12,000 employees who provide exceptional service to our customers and communities each day as we deliver safe, reliable, affordable and cleaner energy solutions for everyone.”

The World’s Most Admired Companies list serves as a definitive benchmark for corporate reputation and the most respected companies worldwide since 1997. To determine the rankings, company executives, directors and financial analysts are independently surveyed to rate companies that command the strongest reputations in their own industries and beyond. The rankings are based on an extensive evaluation of nine key attributes, including innovation, people management, use of corporate assets, social responsibility, quality of management, financial soundness, long-term investment, quality of products and services, and global competitiveness.

Entergy’s inclusion on the 2025 World’s Most Admired Companies list builds on the company’s recent recognitions as a top utility in economic development for the 17th year from Site Selection magazine and the ninth year in a row as an honoree of The Civic 50 and the utilities sector leader for the second straight year. The Civic 50 is Points of Light’s prestigious list honoring the top companies leading the way in employee volunteerism and community investment in the United States. Entergy was also ranked as one of the top 100 Most JUST Companies by JUST Capital.

Recent performance highlights include:

Investing in grid reliability – Entergy is making responsible investments to strengthen the energy grid and continue delivering reliable power to our customers. The company is prioritizing projects that meet our reliability and sustainability goals, while reducing restoration times and outage costs. Most importantly, a more resilient system will ensure a safer restoration effort for our workers.
 Partnering on economic development – Entergy is a leader in fostering economic growth in the communities we serve. Leveraging our strong partnerships and resources, we’re able to support companies in finding suitable site locations, breaking ground and building or expanding their businesses to create economic value for our region. In 2023, Entergy helped secure more than $33 billion in capital investments and helped create more than 5,100 new direct jobs throughout our four-state service area.
 Supporting our communities – The company has invested more than $70 million in shareholder funds since 2022 to support nonprofit organizations and programs dedicated to helping those in need within our communities. The support centered on utility bill payment assistance for low-income customers, poverty solutions and energy efficiency programs. The company also recently committed $20 million to support workforce development and empower students enrolled in Historically Black Colleges and Universities located in the Entergy region.
 Advancing the clean energy transition – Entergy’s commitment to net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, along with our commitment to helping customers meet their clean energy goals, will help advance a diverse portfolio of modern, cleaner power generation technologies.

More information about the World’s Most Admired Companies list is available on Fortune’s website.

About Entergy

Entergy (NYSE: ETR) is a Fortune 500 company that powers life for 3 million customers through our operating companies in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas. We’re investing in the reliability, resilience and growth of the energy system while helping our region transition to cleaner, more efficient energy solutions. With roots in our communities for more than 100 years, Entergy is a nationally recognized leader in sustainability and corporate citizenship. Since 2018, we have delivered more than $100 million in economic benefits each year to local communities through philanthropy, volunteerism and advocacy. Entergy is a founding partner of the Host Committee for Super Bowl LIX that will be played Feb. 9, 2025, in New Orleans, Louisiana, the home of Entergy’s corporate headquarters. The company has approximately 12,000 employees. Learn more at entergy.com and connect with @Entergy on social media.

Contact

Media inquiries: Cristina del Canto|504-576-4238|mdelcan@entergy.com

Originally published on DICK’S Sporting Goods Newsroom

PITTSBURGH, February 3, 2025 /3BL/ — The University of Texas at Austin Athletics and DICK’S Sporting Goods announced an exclusive multi-year brand sponsorship that names DICK’S as the “Official Sporting Goods Retailer of the Texas Longhorns.”

In addition to co-branding with the iconic Texas Longhorns logo in DICK’S marketing campaigns, the sponsorship includes prominent student-athlete influencer marketing activations through name, image, and likeness (NIL) collaborations, including game sponsorships across various Longhorns sports, and activations at Bevo Blvd. The agreement was secured on behalf of Texas Athletics by its multimedia rightsholder Longhorn Sports Properties, the locally-based team of Learfield – the leading media and technology company powering college athletics.

“We are really excited to sponsor The University of Texas Athletics,” said Mark Rooks, VP of Creative, Entertainment & Sponsorships at DICK’S Sporting Goods. “Austin is home to one of the best fan bases and some of the most elite athletes in the country. We look forward to making meaningful connections within the community, celebrating with Longhorn Nation and working with Texas’ student-athletes through a multitude of different NIL opportunities.”

With the agreement, Longhorn student-athletes from various men’s and women’s sports will have an opportunity to promote the DICK’S brand through in-store appearances and unique content on various social media channels and the Longhorn Network (LHN) streaming platform.

“DICK’S is the leading sporting goods store in Texas and the United States with a history of supporting collegiate merchandise programs through innovative retail concepts, best-in-class product assortments and creative national and local marketing programs,” executive senior associate athletics director Drew Martin said. “Now through this sponsorship with The University of Texas, we are excited to enhance that relationship and deliver more Longhorns-branded product to our fan base locally here in Austin as well as throughout Texas and the United States.”

DICK’S will be featured as the game sponsor on numerous occasions for Longhorn men’s and women’s basketball, baseball, softball and volleyball throughout the remainder of the 2024-25 athletics year and beyond. During Texas Football home games at Darrell K Royal –Texas Memorial Stadium, DICK’S will serve as the presenting sponsor of Hook ‘Em Herd, a pre-game experience which gives kids the chance to run the length of Campbell-Williams Field in front of more than 100,000 Longhorn fans before kickoff, inspiring younger generations to dream about how sports can change their lives.

On Texas Football gamedays, on-site activations will allow DICK’S to connect with students and fans alike on the famed Bevo Blvd. In the offseason, DICK’S will serve as the presenting sponsor of the Texas Football Coaches’ Clinics for high school coaches across the state.

“We’re thrilled to announce DICK’S Sporting Goods as our Official Sporting Goods Retailer,” said Lucas Motta, Vice President & General Manager of Longhorn Sports Properties. “DICK’S vision around showcasing the power of sports through a year-round approach across our multimedia platforms is a model on how to maximize a sponsorship at Texas.”

Longhorn Sports Properties does not represent the student-athletes themselves but collaborates with corporate sponsors to maximize agreements with the inclusion of student-athlete influencer marketing and the integration of university marks and logos within those campaigns.

About DICK’S Sporting Goods 
DICK’S Sporting Goods (NYSE: DKS) creates confidence and excitement by inspiring, supporting and personally equipping all athletes to achieve their dreams. Founded in 1948 and headquartered in Pittsburgh, the leading omnichannel retailer serves athletes and outdoor enthusiasts in more than 850 DICK’S Sporting Goods, Golf Galaxy, Public Lands, Going Going Gone! and Warehouse Sale stores, online, and through the DICK’S mobile app. DICK’S also owns and operates DICK’S House of Sport and Golf Galaxy Performance Center, as well as GameChanger, a youth sports mobile platform for live streaming, scheduling, communications and scorekeeping.

Driven by its belief that sports have the power to change lives, DICK’S has been a longtime champion for youth sports and, together with its Foundation, has donated millions of dollars to support under-resourced teams and athletes through the Sports Matter program and other community-based initiatives. Additional information about DICK’S business, corporate giving, sustainability efforts and employment opportunities can be found on dicks.com, investors.dicks.com, sportsmatter.org, dickssportinggoods.jobs and on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook and X.

About The University of Texas Athletics 
During the past five years, Texas Athletics has won 12 national championships and 54 conference titles. The program has also undergone a comprehensive facilities renovation touching all 21 sports, the largest in the history of college athletics, and a reimagined football gameday experience. During this time, Texas has won three of the last four Learfield Directors’ Cup titles, an annual award given to the nation’s top-performing athletics department. Texas Athletics is one of the few athletics programs in the country that is self-sustaining, generating $7 million annually for the University’s academic enterprises. The program does not use state funding. Texas is a proud member of the Southeastern Conference.

About Learfield 
Learfield is the leading media and technology company powering college athletics. Through its digital and physical platforms, Learfield owns and leverages a deep data set and relationships in the industry to drive revenue, growth, brand awareness, and fan engagement for brands, sports, and entertainment properties. With ties to over 1,200 collegiate institutions and over 12,000 local and national brand sponsors, Learfield’s presence in college sports and live events delivers influence and maximizes reach to target audiences. With solutions for a 365-day, 24/7 fan experience, Learfield enables schools and brands to connect with fans through licensed merchandise, game ticketing, donor identification for athletic programs, exclusive custom content, innovative marketing initiatives, NIL solutions, and advanced digital platforms. Since 2008, it has served as title sponsor for the acclaimed Learfield Directors’ Cup, supporting athletic departments across all divisions.

Media Contact 
DICK’S Sporting Goods – press@dcsg.com

Category: Company

SOURCE DICK’S Sporting Goods

The newest “US Sustainable Investing Trends Report” from the US SIF is Establishing a Baseline Universe for Sustainable Investment & Stewardship. Here are several Key Highlights: 

Market Size and Sustainable Investment (AUM): US SIF analysis, based on submissions to the SEC, records the US market size as $52.5 trillion, of which $6.5 trillion (12%) were identified or marketed as Sustainable or ESG investment.Market Size and Stewardship (AUM): US SIF analysis finds that 79% of the US market AUM, or $41.5 trillion, was covered by a stewardship policy. More research is needed to drill down further within the assets covered by a stewardship policy. Clearly not every asset covered within a stewardship policy receives an action or engagement in any given year.Both of these numbers create a new baseline which will enable us to better understand the market, interrogate policies and practices and replicate analysis of the US sustainable investing assets and US responsible/ sustainable stewardship over time.

US SIF Report provides Insights on Sustainable Investing 

Perceptions on the Growth of Sustainable Investing: 73% of respondents expect the sustainable investment market to grow over the next one to two years; however, only 39% of respondents expect their own organizations to increase sustainable investing.Trends in Sustainable Investing: The evolution of policies and regulations (69%) and the development of market standards (51%) continue to be leading trends, along with a focus on AI and data analytics (65%). The expansion of impact investing (58%) and the growth in subfields of sustainable investing (42%) were also highlighted by respondents.Sustainable Development Priorities: Addressing climate change and the clean energy transition are a clear priority for respondents. Concerns about how this will impact stakeholders are also high on investors’ agendas (Communities, Decent Work & Equality).

Read the full article, which includes the Use of Sustainable Investing Strategies, here – https://greenmoney.com/key-highlights-from-the-us-sustainable-investing-trends-report/

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February 3, 2025 /3BL/ – The U.S. Food Waste Pact, a national voluntary agreement that is focused on reducing waste in the U.S. food system through precompetitive collaboration and data sharing, announced today that Starbucks Coffee Company has become the second Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) to join the Pact.

According to estimates from U.S. Food Waste Pact resource partner ReFED, 38% of food produced in the United States goes uneaten or unsold, with the vast majority becoming waste that gets sent to destinations like landfills, incinerators, and sewer systems. This waste has harmful effects on the environment, generating 5.2% of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions, which includes the highly potent greenhouse gas methane. The over 90 million tons of wasted food is equivalent to 149 billion meals, and it is worth about $495 billion annually.

“For the past 50 years, Starbucks has focused on giving back to the communities we serve. We take an innovative approach to reduce food waste, such as through our FoodShare program, where we donate surplus food from our stores to local food banks. We also help strengthen food banks to ensure donations are distributed equitably and sustainably. By participating in the U.S. Food Waste Pact, we work with others in the industry to improve food waste reduction, both within Starbucks and across the sector,” shared Kelly Goodejohn, Starbucks chief social impact officer.

Since 2016, Starbucks FoodShare program has diverted more than 75 million pounds of food from waste streams and donated more than 63 million meals. FoodShare is available in 100% company-owned stores in the U.S. and Canada, and food rescue programs operate in more than 30 global markets. Starbucks has a goal to reduce food waste in US operations by 50% by 2030, a goal aligned with many other Pact signatories in accordance with Sustainable Development Goal 12.3. Joining the Pact will bolster Starbucks’ existing efforts through the Pact’s offerings around collaboration and benchmarking.

“Having Starbucks as a signatory of the U.S. Food Waste Pact is a big step forward for the QSR subsector,” said Jackie Suggitt, VP of Business Initiatives & Community Engagement at ReFED. “Starbucks is an industry leader, especially when it comes to food donation and the example that their FoodShare program is setting. Food waste happens across the supply chain, and targeting the QSR subsector broadens our impact and action in reducing food waste systemwide.”

In addition to Starbucks, current U.S. Food Waste Pact signatories across the food system include Ahold Delhaize USA, ALDI US, Amazon Fresh, Aramark, Bob’s Red Mill, Chick-fil-A, Compass Group USA, Del Monte Fresh Produce Company, Health Care Without Harm, ISS Guckenheimer, Lamb Weston, Inc, R&DE Stanford Food Institute, Raley’s, Sodexo USA, Walmart Inc., and Whole Foods Market.

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About the U.S. Food Waste Pact

The U.S. Food Waste Pact is a national voluntary agreement that uses the “Target, Measure, Act” framework to reduce food waste across the supply chain. The Pact works with waste-generating food businesses to collect and analyze data about food waste in their operations, share best practices through precompetitive working groups, and pilot and scale solutions through intervention projects. The Pact is an initiative between nonprofits ReFED and the World Wildlife Fund. For more information about the U.S. Food Waste Pact, visit http://usfoodwastepact.org/.

About Starbucks

Since 1971, Starbucks Coffee Company has been committed to ethically sourcing and roasting high-quality arabica coffee. Today, with more than 40,000 stores worldwide, the company is the premier roaster and retailer of specialty coffee in the world. Through our unwavering commitment to excellence and our guiding principles, we bring the unique Starbucks Experience to life for every customer through every cup. To share in the experience, please visit us in our stores or online at stories.starbucks.com or www.starbucks.com.

 

Media Contacts: 
Nia D’Emilio, ReFED 
nia.demilio@refed.org

Susan McCarthy, WWF 
susan.mccarthy@wwfus.org

Originally published on SIA

By Renee Thompson, Wesco International; Chair, SIA Environmental, Social and Governance Advisory Board

In a time where environmental awareness is increasingly prominent in global policymaking, manufacturers worldwide are encountering important regulations aimed at promoting sustainability.

Over the next three years, various key environmental and sustainability product-related regulations will be implemented, necessitating that manufacturers ensure compliance and adapt their operations accordingly.

In this article from the Security Industry Association’s Environmental, Social and Governance Advisory Board, we offer an overview of some of these regulations, as well as their jurisdictions, applicability, scope and thresholds, and share guidance for compliance and adaptation.

Global

Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Programs

Jurisdiction: Various global regions, including the United Kingdom, the European Union, Canada and South Korea, and U.S. states including California, Maine and Oregon, among othersApplicability: Manufacturers and producers of electronic goods, packaging, batteries and automotive productsScope: Producers are responsible for the entire life cycles of their products, including take-back, recycling and final disposalThresholds: Dependent on jurisdictionEffective Date: Dependent on jurisdiction

EPR programs require manufacturers to take greater accountability for the environmental impacts of their products throughout their life cycles, which involves not only the initial production stages, but also the collection, recycling and proper disposal of products once they reach the end of their useful life. These programs aim to incentivize producers to design more sustainable and easily recyclable products, ultimately reducing the environmental footprint of manufactured goods.

United States

Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA)

Jurisdiction: United StatesApplicability: Manufacturers, importers and processors of chemical substancesScope: Regulation of chemical substances to ensure they do not pose unreasonable risksThresholds: Substance-specific thresholdsEffective Date: Upon completion of safety assessments and findings by the Environmental Protection Agency

The TSCA requires manufacturers to report and test chemicals used in their products. Compliance involves ensuring that all substances meet safety standards and do not pose health or environmental risks.

California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) – Expanding to Sustainability

Jurisdiction: California, United StatesApplicability: Companies doing business in CaliforniaScope: Disclosure of environmental impact and sustainability practicesThresholds: Companies with gross revenues exceeding $25 million or handling the data of 50,000 or more California residentsEffective Date: Jan. 1 following the calendar year in which thresholds are met

While traditionally focused on consumer privacy, the CCPA is expanding to include sustainability disclosures. Manufacturers must provide transparent information about their environmental practices and product sustainability.

European UnionEU Green Deal and Circular Economy Action Plan

Jurisdiction: European UnionApplicability: All manufacturers operating within EU member statesScope: Focus on reducing waste, promoting recycling and encouraging the use of sustainable materialsThresholds: Variable based on industry and product typeEffective Date: Based on EU member state, with key milestones set for 2025 and beyond

The European Union’s Green Deal and Circular Economy Action Plan aim to transform the EU into a resource-efficient and competitive economy. Key aspects include enhancing product durability, reparability and recyclability. Manufacturers must align with these principles to ensure market access within the EU.

EU Ecodesign and Energy Labeling Regulations

Jurisdiction: European UnionApplicability: Manufacturers of energy-related productsScope: Minimum energy performance standards and labeling requirementsThresholds: Specific energy efficiency thresholds based on product categoriesEffective Date: Varies by product category, with progressive implementation starting in 2024

These regulations require manufacturers to design products that consume less energy and provide consumers with information on energy consumption through labelling. Noncompliance can result in market exclusion and significant penalties.

UK and EU Plastic Packaging Tax

Jurisdiction: United Kingdom and European UnionApplicability: Manufacturers, importers and consumers of plastic packagingScope: Tax on plastic packaging that contains less than 30% recycled contentThresholds: Vary by country, with specific rates set for complianceEffective Dates:UK: April 2022EU:Varies by member state with key milestones starting in 2025

The Plastic Packaging Tax aims to reduce plastic waste and encourage the use of recycled materials in packaging. Manufacturers and importers must ensure that their plastic packaging meets the required recycled content thresholds to avoid taxes. Failure to comply can result in financial penalties and market restrictions. This regulation is part of a broader effort to promote sustainability and reduce the environmental impact of plastic waste within the UK and EU.

Tips for Compliance and AdaptationConduct Comprehensive Regulatory Audits

Manufacturers should regularly conduct audits to identify applicable regulations and ensure compliance. Understanding the specific requirements of each jurisdiction helps in aligning practices accordingly.

Invest in Sustainable Product Design

Adopting sustainable design principles, such as using recyclable materials and improving energy efficiency, can help manufacturers meet regulatory standards and reduce environmental impact.

Implement Robust Supply Chain Management

Ensuring that suppliers adhere to environmental regulations is crucial. Establishing stringent supply chain management practices and requiring compliance certifications from suppliers can mitigate risks.

Leverage Technology and Innovation

Utilizing advanced technologies like artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things and blockchain can enhance transparency and traceability in product life cycles, aiding in compliance and sustainability efforts.

Engage in Continuous Training and Education

Providing ongoing training for employees on environmental regulations and sustainability practices ensures that the entire organization is aligned with compliance objectives.

Finally

The global environmental and sustainability landscape is evolving rapidly, with new regulations set to come into effect over the next three years and beyond. Manufacturers must stay informed about these changes and proactively adapt their operations to ensure compliance. By embracing sustainability and leveraging innovative strategies, manufacturers can not only meet regulatory requirements, but also contribute to a more sustainable future.

Working on or through some of or all of these? Here are some resources to lend a hand.

Sustainable Fitch – ESG regulation tracker, typically updated semiannuallyCorporate Disclosures – Sustainability online news and analysisTrellis – ESG news and events

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Renee Thompson, director of global sustainability and environmental compliance at Wesco International, serves as chair of SIA’s Environmental, Social and Governance Advisory Board.