Tag: 3BL

CHICAGO, February 27, 2025 /3BL/ – The Motorola Solutions Foundation, the charitable and philanthropic arm of Motorola Solutions (NYSE: MSI), today announced its year-end results for 2024, setting a new company record with more than 105,000 employee volunteer hours that generated more than $3.5 million* in value to organizations around the world. The Foundation also provided $10.3 million in strategic grants to more than 170 organizations across 21 countries, supporting communities in need, as well as first responders, students and teachers.

“I’m incredibly proud of how our employees are strengthening the communities in which we live and work,” said Karem Pérez, executive director of the Motorola Solutions Foundation. “These record-breaking volunteer hours and generous donations reflect our long-standing commitment to creating positive change … a commitment that’s shared by our employees around the world.”

For the second year in a row, the Foundation’s Bright Minds, Bold Futures Scholarship awarded approximately $100,000 in scholarships to 40 deserving students from Chicagoland communities who are pursuing degrees in technology and engineering. The Foundation also donated $1.4 million to programs that support families of fallen first responders.

“I’ve been able to direct my full attention to my education, thanks to financial support from the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) and the Motorola Solutions Foundation,” said Courtney Quiroz, NFFF scholarship recipient and stepdaughter of the late Captain Anthony Lynn (Tony) Grider.

The Foundation also provided more than $420,000 in relief efforts, including grants, employee donations and Foundation matching, in support of various global disasters around the world, including Spain, Florida, North Carolina and Brazil.

“From our Foundation’s grantmaking to the dedication of employee volunteers, we’re driving meaningful change for communities,” said Pérez. “Seeing the impact of our work remains our driving force, and we’re energized for the year ahead.”

About the Motorola Solutions Foundation
As the charitable and philanthropic arm of Motorola Solutions, the Motorola Solutions Foundation partners with organizations around the world to create safer cities and thriving communities. We focus on giving back through strategic grants, employee volunteerism and other community investment initiatives, and our strategic grants program supports organizations that offer first responder programming and technology and engineering education. The Foundation is one of the many ways in which the company is helping to create safer communities. For more information on Motorola Solutions corporate and foundation giving, visit our website: www.motorolasolutions.com/foundation

*Based on a study by Independent Sector.

Media Contact
Sarah Eckhaus 
sarah.eckhaus@motorolasolutions.com 
224-329-6600

By Evelyn Mitchell | February 4, 2025

Overcoming obstacles. Inspiring teams. Empowering others. These experiences and priorities are foundational for Lieutenant General A.C. Roper – an extraordinary leader and this year’s recipient of the Regions Bank History in Motion Award.

Now in its 16th year, the History in Motion Award honors distinguished Black leaders with ties to the company’s home state of Alabama. The annual award recognizes a special individual who enriches our communities with their selfless commitment to making a difference. Previous honorees include Congressman John Lewis, Odessa Woolfolk and Dr. Richard Arrington Jr.

“Each February, we take the opportunity to recognize a Black leader in our community whose vision, example and service are impacting people’s lives for good,” said Leroy Abrahams, head of Community Engagement at Regions. “A.C. Roper is a courageous changemaker and his active example of service in law enforcement and in our nation’s military continues to make an impact and inspire the next generation of leaders. It is our honor at Regions to recognize and celebrate his many contributions.”

“A.C. Roper is a courageous changemaker and his active example of service in law enforcement and in our nation’s military continues to make an impact and inspire the next generation of leaders.”

Leroy Abrahams, head of Community Engagement at Regions

Roper made history as the first African American in the Army Reserve’s 113-year history to achieve the rank of lieutenant general. A native of Birmingham, Ala., Roper served simultaneously in the military and civilian law enforcement for more than three decades and was chief of the Birmingham Police Department for 10 years. Roper retired in 2024 after 33 years in law enforcement and 42 years of military service. In retirement, he continues to share his expertise and vision through community service and support. He credits his family members and countless others who paved the way for his own historic contributions.

“I’m very pleased to be recognized with the Regions History in Motion award and honored to be part of this longstanding program that has paid tribute to the achievements and contributions of African Americans in our community,” Roper shared. “I’m looking forward to celebrating with my family, friends and community members in the coming weeks.”

Stay tuned for a full profile on Roper later this month.

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Cummins

Introducing Cummins HELM platforms

In 2024, Cummins Inc. made an exciting announcement that will reshape the commercial transportation landscape. Cummins HELM™ Platforms are designed to help our customers reach their sustainability goals while meeting diverse business needs. HELM —which stands for Higher Efficiency, Lower emissions and Multiple fuels—is a critical part of Cummins’ broader Destination Zero™ strategy, which aims to reduce emissions and promote cleaner technologies across our product lineup.

Cummins has a rich legacy spanning more than a century, characterized by innovation, reliability and continuous improvements in fuel efficiency. As the world shifts toward near zero emissions technologies, Cummins continues to be a frontrunner in delivering advanced, fuel-efficient engines for today and tomorrow. The Cummins HELM platforms offer a suite of engines that include the X15, X10 and B series—each optimized for performance, sustainability and versatility in the evolving commercial vehicle market.

The Cummins HELM platforms reflect our ongoing commitment to offering cutting-edge technologies and solutions that help our customers navigate the changing transportation landscape. Each Cummins HELM engine platform and fuel type offers unique benefits, and Cummins’ customer experts are equipped to help clients choose the optimal engine solution based on their specific business needs. This flexibility is crucial at a time when businesses must balance performance requirements with sustainability targets, making Cummins HELM™ platforms ideal for companies looking to future-proof their fleets.

Higher Efficiency

Efficiency is a cornerstone of the Cummins HELM platforms. Cummins’ long history of building engines for heavy and medium duty customers has helped the company to develop expertise necessary to improve fuel efficiency even in the face of tougher emissions standards. Cummins HELM platforms provide customers with engines that not only meet today’s needs but also anticipate the demands of tomorrow. By integrating the latest transmission technologies and focusing on reducing fuel consumption, Cummins customers can maximize productivity while minimizing fuel usage.

Lower Emissions

As the industry has been faced with reducing emissions, Cummins HELM platforms have been specifically developed to meet anticipated future emission regulations. At the heart of this effort is the integration of a new Twin-module Aftertreatment system, a 48V dedicated alternator and advanced powertrain integration. These innovations allow for more efficient combustion, improved air handling, and optimized fuel systems to significantly reduce emissions.

Lowering emissions is critical not just from a regulatory standpoint but also in helping businesses achieve their own sustainability goals. Cummins HELM platforms provide an effective solution by offering lower-emission engines that meet stringent requirements without sacrificing performance. For companies committed to their decarbonization targets, this technology presents a vital opportunity to reduce their environmental footprint while maintaining operational efficiency.

Multiple Fuels

One of the most exciting features of the Cummins HELM engine platforms is that each engine is specifically built and optimized to run on a specific fuel type. For example, the new X15 lineup will be available with advanced diesel, natural gas and hydrogen fuel options, offering choice for customers with diverse needs. The X10 series will feature advanced diesel at launch, with plans to incorporate natural gas in the future.

Additionally, the B-series lineup will include engines compatible with gasoline, advanced diesel and eventually hydrogen, allowing customers to scale their transition toward cleaner fuels as infrastructure and technology matures.

The capability to choose the type of fuel is a game-changer for businesses looking to adopt cleaner fuels without overhauling their entire fleet. By offering a platform that can be built to accommodate the desired fuel type, Cummins provides customers with a cost-effective way to achieve lower emissions while maintaining the power and reliability they expect from Cummins engines.

Destination Zero

Cummins HELM platforms are a key component of a broader Destination Zero strategy. This ambitious plan focuses on achieving zero emissions by investing in cutting-edge technologies and improving internal combustion engines (ICE) to reduce emissions in the near term while preparing for a zero-emissions vehicle future.

Destination Zero is built on the understanding that decarbonization is a journey, and different industries and regions will move at different speeds. Cummins has adopted a balanced approach, continuing to enhance ICE technology for immediate gains in efficiency while also investing heavily in hydrogen fuel cells, battery electric systems, and other future technologies that will drive the transition to zero-emission vehicles.

A promising future

With Cummins HELM platforms, Cummins is providing a solution for companies that look to reduce emissions while maintaining the power, performance, and reliability they have come to expect from one of the world’s leading engine manufacturers. By embracing multiple fuels and the efficiency of advanced component integration, Cummins is a critical player in the global push toward a more sustainable future. Whether transitioning from diesel to hydrogen or seeking immediate reductions in fuel consumption and emissions, Cummins’ customers can be confident that they have the tools they need to stay competitive and environmentally responsible in a rapidly changing world.

In the heart of vibrant New Orleans, where the streets were full of soulful jazz and scents of delectable cuisines, Cintas took part in the Taste of the NFL event through its partnership with GENYOUth to help support its goal of ending student hunger.

Taste of the NFL is the largest philanthropic culinary event held each year in conjunction with “The Big Game.” This event brings together celebrity and local chefs to serve delicious dishes to help raise funds for GENYOUth’s goal of $2 million. The funds will be distributed to school meal programs in Louisiana and across the country.

GENYOUth is a non-profit that empowers students to live well-nourished, active lives and ensures equitable access to school meals. It has supported over 77,000 schools nationwide and improved access to nutrition for millions of students.

“GENYOUth and Cintas both share a similar mission when it comes to helping those in their communities,” said Ann Marie Krautheim, CEO of GENYOUth. “By working together, we are helping ensure that students start their day with a healthy school meal and fuel their minds and bodies.”

Cintas supported GENYOUth by providing over 40 Chef Works coats for celebrity and local chefs, over 80 aprons for culinary students, bar towels, hand sanitizer stations and WellnessMats®. This assistance alleviated the challenges in sourcing these products and helped ensure the event ran as smoothly as possible. It also ensured that participating restaurants and chefs had the necessary supplies for safety and effectiveness while fully enjoying the event.

“Part of our culture is to do the right thing, and by partnering with GENYOUth, we are helping enrich the lives of people that live in the communities where our customers and partners operate,” said Richard Guillory, Group Vice President of Rental at Cintas. “We are excited to be here and partner with GENYOUth and some of our customers to support this mission.”

Several Cintas customers, including local restaurants from Louisiana and other major sponsors, participated in the event. They emphasized how important it is to them to see Cintas support this specific event and help give back to their community.

“It’s always good to see that the companies we do business with support the same causes that we do and that we have a shared vision,” said Ryan Hacker, Executive Chef of Brennan’s, a customer of Cintas. “Cintas has been a great partner for us and has been essential for our business.”

Customers also expressed that Cintas has been a valuable partner in helping their business operations and knowing their specific needs.

“When I found out about Cintas, it was like a match made in heaven,” said Jackie Diaz, Executive Chef of Jamaican Jerk House and Cintas customer. “Every week, they’re on time, my rugs are clean, and my towels are clean. During Mardi Gras season or special events, they remember to bring extra supplies, and I don’t even have to remind them. Cintas has been great for my business.”

The Taste of the NFL proved to be an unforgettable event that showcased the power of community and collaboration. The budding partnership between GENYOUth and Cintas exemplifies how they can make a meaningful impact together, enriching the lives of students and strengthening the communities they serve.

HAMILTON, Bermuda, February 27, 2025 /3BL/ – Family-owned Bacardi, proudly announces the launch of its Hospitality Accelerator Program, an advanced training initiative designed to elevate industry professionals and strengthen Bermuda’s hospitality sector. In collaboration with the Bermuda Government’s Department of Workforce Development, Bacardi is introducing this next-level program tailored for bartenders already working in the industry, further reinforcing career development and industry growth. These enhancements stem from valuable feedback from industry partners, who recognized the opportunity to upskill existing bartenders and create stronger career pathways within their establishments. After two successful cohorts of the Shake Your Future program, a free professional bartender training program for underemployed and unemployed young adults created by Bacardi, the company is evolving its commitment to developing hospitality talent in Bermuda.

For the first time, six leading hospitality establishments have partnered with Bacardi to support this year’s cohort. Bartenders currently employed with Rock and Barrel, Grotto Bay, Hamilton Princess, the IRG Group, St. Regis, and The Loren have been nominated by their employers to participate in the program, reinforcing a commitment to developing in-house talent. On February 27, the selected participants will travel to London to attend the prestigious European Bartender School, where they will embark on an intensive six-week training program. The curriculum includes four weeks of advanced spirits education and mixology training, followed by two weeks of professional development workshops. Graduates will earn an internationally recognized diploma, equipping them with world-class expertise and leadership skills, positioning them as future leaders in Bermuda’s hospitality industry.

“The introduction of the Bacardi Hospitality Accelerator Program strengthens career pathways and ensures that participants receive world-class training while maintaining ties with their employers,” said Douglas Mello, Bacardi Limited Managing Director. “By investing in our talent and collaborating directly with hospitality leaders, we are enhancing Bermuda’s service industry and creating more opportunities for long-term professional growth.”

With Bermuda’s hospitality industry anticipating an increase in demand for bartenders due to upcoming hotel openings, the Bacardi Hospitality Accelerator Program plays a critical role in addressing workforce shortages. The November 2023 Labour Force Survey Report highlights persistent unemployment challenges for young Bermudians, reinforcing the need for accessible, skill-based training programs. As Bermudians seek career advancement opportunities, Bacardi and the Department of Workforce Development are equipping young Bermudians with in-demand hospitality skills—enhancing their long-term employability in a competitive job market.

“The Bacardi Hospitality Accelerator Program offers transformative opportunities, equipping Bermudians with world-class training in mixology, customer engagement, and bar management to advance their careers in the hospitality sector. This enhanced, employer-led approach ensures that participants gain internationally recognized certifications and secure real-world experience through structured employment commitments. Our ongoing collaboration with Bacardi highlights the strength of public-private partnerships and reinforces the Government’s commitment to developing Bermuda’s hospitality workforce and creating sustainable career opportunities,” said the Minister of Economy and Labour, Jason Hayward, JP, MP

About Bacardi Limited

Bacardi Limited, the world’s largest privately held international spirits company, produces, markets, and distributes spirits and wines. The Bacardi Limited portfolio comprises more than 200 brands and labels, including BACARDÍ® rum, PATRÓN® tequila, GREY GOOSE® vodka, DEWAR’S® Blended Scotch whisky, BOMBAY SAPPHIRE® gin, MARTINI® vermouth and sparkling wines, CAZADORES® 100% blue agave tequila, and other leading and emerging brands including WILLIAM LAWSON’S® Scotch whisky, D’USSÉ® Cognac, ANGEL’S ENVY® American straight whiskey, and ST-GERMAIN® elderflower liqueur. Founded more than 163 years ago in Santiago de Cuba, family-owned Bacardi Limited currently employs more than 8,000, operates production facilities in 11 countries and territories, and sells its brands in more than 160 markets. Bacardi Limited refers to the Bacardi group of companies, including Bacardi International Limited. Visit http://www.bacardilimited.com or follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram.

Originally published on GoDaddy Resource Library

By Mark McCaffrey, Chief Financial Officer at GoDaddy

Everything we do at GoDaddy—from the products we create to the guidance we provide—is rooted in empowering entrepreneurs. And what truly brings that mission to life for me is meeting those entrepreneurs. Hearing their stories firsthand is both inspiring and deeply insightful, helping us better support their success as small business owners.

I recently had the pleasure of spending time with Taylore C.Y. Evans, the Phoenix-based photographer behind The Outlandish Blueprint. Throughout our conversation, I couldn’t help but admire her determination to take control of her own narrative and build a future on her terms, even when the path wasn’t easy.

Taylore’s love of photography started with her trusty iPhone 7. After noticing that she had a plethora of selfies but hardly any pictures of friends and family, she turned the lens around during a trip to San Diego. What started as a fun photoshoot with friends ended with the realization that she might just have a knack for photography.

Feeling unfulfilled by the corporate world, Taylore knew that she wanted something more from her career. She made the brave decision to jump into entrepreneurship, and The Outlandish Blueprint was born. She built her business step by step, overcoming family skepticism, housing instability and the uncertainties of small business ownership in her pursuit of purpose. 

Her breakthrough came when she discovered the Better Business Bureau (BBB) Pacific Southwest and Empower by GoDaddy, a social impact program that provided education, resources and a supportive community of likeminded entrepreneurs. Through this program, she built her professional website with GoDaddy, refined her business and even won sixth place in the BBB’s first-ever Empower by GoDaddy live business pitch competition.

Today, Taylore continues to push boundaries. She has grown her business and launched Lens Lounge, a portable studio for events and editorial photography. She envisions expanding to 50 employees, making photography more accessible while upholding the ethical business practices that guide her. She’s also ready to refine her social presence with some help from GoDaddy Airo™. 

While she still faces challenges like navigating SEO, scaling her business and balancing creativity with strategy, I have no doubt that her ambition will continue pushing her forward. GoDaddy Venture Forward data shows that 66% of small business owners believe life is better as an entrepreneur, and Taylore is an excellent example of why.

It was such a treat to sit down with Taylore and hear her story—she even came back the following week to take my team’s headshots! Taylore’s story is more than just an entrepreneurial success; it’s a reminder that every dream, no matter how outlandish, deserves a blueprint. She represents the spirit of innovation, perseverance and community that drives small business owners everywhere. At GoDaddy, we are honored to support entrepreneurs like Taylore, helping them turn passion into possibility.

To every entrepreneur out there: your vision matters, your journey is unique and your impact is limitless. Keep building, keep dreaming and most importantly—keep going.

Cheers,

Mark

NEW YORK, February 27, 2025 /3BL/ – Discussing purpose-driven leadership in today’s global climate, leading CEOs who are a part of a coalition of more than 200 of the world’s largest companies collectively representing $9.6 trillion in annual revenue and $37 billion in total community investment attended Chief Executives for Corporate Purpose’s© (CECP) Board of Boards this week in New York, New York.

This closed-door, CEO-only session provided a distinct opportunity for CEOs to discuss how they can connect their investments in their people and communities and their corporate purpose to the business strategy. CEO discussion leaders included:

Doug McMillon, President & CEO, Walmart Inc Hans Vestberg, Chairman & CEO, VerizonNoel Wallace, President & CEO, Colgate-Palmolive CompanyRichard Edelman, President & CEO, EdelmanRoger Ferguson, Immediate Past President & CEO, TIAAYvette Ostolaza, Management Committee Chair & Executive Committee Member, Sidley Austin LLP

Key Takeaways

During live polling, CEOs indicated that these top four words describe how they are feeling in the current sociopolitical environment: anxious, uncertain, concerned, and optimistic. Three months ago, “optimism” led the way.Companies may want to identify fewer societal KPIs where they can make a greater difference and impact, rather than doing it all. Too many is too theoretical.What businesses do locally matters; these actions need to be consistent with a company’s values, such as aligning volunteering to business strategy. With trust, companies can increase market share through services like volunteering, which leads to a better reputation.Talk to those who do not like you; that’s where the innovation and insights often come from.Purpose, values, and culture matter and are a North Star, especially in tough times.

“CEOs utilized the Board of Boards conversation to openly discuss their journeys, achievements, and obstacles in shaping and integrating corporate purpose into their business strategies,” said Daryl Brewster, CEO of CECP. “These top executives use their corporate purpose as a guiding principle to steer through today’s challenges, which is more important than ever as they are operating in a rapidly changing and uncertain world.”

The event was limited to CECP CEOs, and the list of attendees included:

Arianna Huffington, Founder & CEO, Thrive Global Brian Fahrney, Chair Elect of the Executive Committee, Sidley Austin LLPBrian Shaw, CEO, Discovery Education Calvin Butler, President & CEO, Exelon CorporationChris Maloof, CEO, BenevityChristiana Riley, CEO of Americas and Management Board Member, Santander BankDaniel Crowley, Chairman, President & CEO, Triumph GroupDavid Best, President & CEO, Newman’s OwnDoug Conant, Founder & CEO, ConantLeadershipHamdi Ulukaya, Founder & CEO, Chobani, LLCHenrietta Fore, Chairman & CEO, Holsman InternationalJaclyn Leibl-Cote, CEO & President, ColletteJason Stevens, Executive Vice President, Mitsubishi Corporation (Americas) Jessica Foster, CEO, RHR InternationalLawrence Coben, Chair, President & CEO, NRG EnergyMargaret Rogers, CEO, ParivedaMark Pearson, CEO, EquitableMauricio Guitérrez, Former President & CEO, NRG Energy, IncMichael Pisani, CEO, Jimmy’s Gourmet BakeryNeha Parikh, Former CEO, Waze and President, Expedia GroupRohit Kapoor, Chairman & CEO, EXL Service Scott Boatwright, CEO, Chipotle Mexican GrillSteve Beard, Chairman & CEO, Adtalem Global EducationTheodore Dysart, Managing Director, Russell ReynoldsWilliam Cyr, CEO, FreshpetWilliam McNabb, Former Chairman & CEO, Vanguard

“It’s always meaningful when I have the opportunity to join other CEOs at Board of Boards to discuss our journeys, achievements and obstacles in integrating corporate purpose into our business strategies,” said Calvin Butler, President and CEO, Exelon. “This network of top executives is harnessing the collective power of its responsible, purpose-driven businesses when navigating today’s toughest challenges. And when we do, our customers and our communities benefit.”

This year’s 2025 Force for Good honorees, recognized at the event, are:

Doug McMillon, President & CEO, Walmart Inc.Hans Vestberg, Chairman & Chief Executive Officer, VerizonNoel Wallace, Chairman, President & CEO, Colgate-Palmolive Company

Force for Good honorees advocate on behalf of their companies to create a better world through business, and the recognition acknowledges a CEO’s leadership in the community and within their companies.

Additionally, this year’s Lawrence A. Wien Legacy Award honoree is Roger Ferguson, Immediate Past President & CEO, TIAA. This acknowledgement highlights many of his contributions to making a significant positive impact on society through his leadership in finance, economics, and corporate responsibility. Specifically, as Vice Chair of the Federal Reserve, Ferguson played a critical role in maintaining financial stability, especially in responding to the economic impact of 9/11. Ferguson has also been a strong advocate for diversity in corporate leadership and financial services. He has worked to create opportunities for underrepresented groups in the industry. This exemplifies CECP founder Paul Newman’s belief that businesses can always “do more”, where CEOs purpose-driven and values-first work raises the bar.

“Sidley is honored to once again host CECP’s Board of Boards and to facilitate discussions with some of the most influential and innovative global leaders,” said Yvette Ostolaza, Management Committee Chair, Sidley Austin LLP. “Sidley is focused on providing the highest level of service to our clients, while also giving back to our communities and cultivating the next generation of civic leaders. We are proud of our Built to Lead® Civic Leadership Academy, attorney development program. We are also proud to be a member of and to support CECP, which convenes leaders to discuss purpose-driven trends and share experiences, and is invaluable in positively impacting the communities we serve.”

CECP thanks its sponsors for their generous support of 25th anniversary year: Visa Foundation, Bank of America, Exelon, Panasonic, RHR International, StateFarm, Tata Consultancy Services, Vanguard, and Wynn Resorts. CECP also thanks Sidley Austin LLP for hosting the event, and the Empire State Building for lighting in CECP Blue.

The 2026 Board of Boards will be held in New York City. Interested CEOs can reach out to info@cecp.co.

###

About Chief Executives for Corporate Purpose (CECP)

Chief Executives for Corporate Purpose® (CECP) is the only business counsel and network dedicated to driving measurable returns on purpose. We promote responsible purpose-driven business as it increases customer loyalty, builds employee engagement, improves brand trust, attracts top talent, connects with strategic investors, and contributes to the bottom line.

More than 200 of the world’s leading companies seek to improve their return on purpose through access to CECP’s solutions in insights and benchmarking. With our companies, we harness the power of purpose for business, stakeholders, and society.

For more information, visit http://cecp.co.

CECP Media Contact

Katie Leasor

kleasor@cecp.co

Originally published in Lenovo’s 2023/24 ESG Report

Packaging

Packaging has been identified as a significant environmental aspect under Lenovo’s EMS. Its packaging priorities focus on reducing packaging consumption and waste by:

Increasing the use of recycled and renewable materials in packagingIncreasing the use of bio-based materialsReducing the size of product packagingExpanding the use of bulk and reusable packaging solutions

In FY 2023/24, Lenovo’s packaging objective was to minimize the material consumption of packaging while driving the use of more environmentally sustainable materials. Lenovo is intent on reducing the size of its packaging to minimize the materials used while maintaining adequate protection for its products.

Lenovo supports the above objective with a target to transition packaging to recycled materials or renewable materials, especially plant-based bamboo or sugar cane fibers. The use of bamboo or sugar cane fibers in select products marked the launch of a new era of packaging offerings for Lenovo, while also enhancing customer experience. Bamboo fiber has many favorable features, including:

Sleek and robust designLightweight100 percent renewable

Lenovo’s packaging program requires all corrugated container packaging supplied to be a minimum of 70 percent post-consumer fiber content and requires suppliers to use the maximum available PCC where adequate supplies exist without compromising required packaging performance characteristics, while the printing on boxes is done via flexography with water-based, non-toxic, RoHS-compliant inks. In addition, Lenovo’s packaging program requires the use of Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified fibers in liners for all PC products when virgin fibers are used.

Since 2008, Lenovo has eliminated7 4,809 metric tons of packaging consumption by weight. In FY 2023/24 alone, Lenovo reduced7 packaging consumption by 672 metric tons.

7 These numbers reflect packaging innovations that resulted in reduced packaging weight for individual products. See Section 7.0 for additional metrics about total packaging use by year.

In its operations, Lenovo uses reusable bulk packaging for the transportation of chassis to manufacturing locations.

Leading the way in innovative packaging

At Lenovo, packaging isn’t just a way to get finished devices from the manufacturing facility safely into the customers’ hands. It is an opportunity for the innovative packaging engineers and designers to consider innovations that could help reduce the environmental impact of packaging and logistics.

Bamboo fiber

Lenovo began using bamboo fiber in 2012 as packaging cushions. In 2022, a brand-new bamboo gift box was introduced to ThinkPad X1 and Z series. In 2023, the bamboo fiber packaging was expanded to all ThinkPad series (except the E series). It is made from 100 percent renewable bamboo fiber and the box weight is effectively reduced by 30 percent compared to the previous gift box.

All PC boxes contain at least 70 percent old corrugated containers8 (OCC) recycled content.

8 OCC contains both PCC and PIC contents

Ocean bound plastic

Plastic pollution has negatively affected the ocean’s ecosystems and the marine animals who reside there. In 2019, the packaging team began researching the possibility of using ocean bound plastic (OBP) in product packaging. Based on repeated test results, the packaging team determined a mix of 30 percent OBP with 70 percent other recycled plastic had the best performance. Lenovo launched the first packaging cushion containing OBP (30 percent OBP and 70 percent other recycled plastics) in ThinkPad L14 packaging. In FY 2023/24, Lenovo expanded the use of OBP as thermoformed cushions or system bags for select desktop/AIO, consumer notebook, and server products. Lenovo estimates these new applications will use 165 metric tons of ocean bound plastic per year.

Plastic-free packaging

Lenovo aims to eliminate plastic materials from product packaging. By combining bamboo fiber technology, self-locking boxes, and other innovative technologies, the packaging team accomplished plastic-free primary packaging on ThinkPad X1 and Z series in FY 2022/23. In FY 2023/24, plastic-free primary packaging was expanded to all ThinkPad series (except the E series) and select smartphones. As a result, Lenovo eliminated 548 metric tons of plastic in packaging.

Results of Lenovo’s progress against its packaging targets are available in Section 8.0. Lenovo’s ESG KPIs include packaging KPIs, for more information see Section 9.0.

Read more

Australian industrial innovator, Products for Industry (PFi), recently developed what is believed to be a world-first, pure titanium, cross-flow membrane solution for wastewater treatment. This solution has uptime, environmental, and yield benefits compared with traditional wastewater treatment methods.

PFi turned to Rockwell to help with automation hardware – using Rockwell Automation’s CompactLogix™ control system and PanelView Plus™ graphic terminal – to make the solution streamlined, repeatable, and easy to integrate for its industrial manufacturing customers.

PFi conducted extensive pilot tests at a wastewater treatment plant in New Zealand finding that the titanium solution allowed very high flow and flux rates; an easier and faster clean-in-place (CIP) process; and no fouling or long-term issues with fats, oils, and greases. The pilot tests also showed that running costs and energy use would be reduced over the system’s lifetime.

“With traditional membranes made of ceramic or plastic, back-pulsing and cleaning often creates problems, so the overall lifetime of the equipment is reduced,” said Gavin Dunwoodie, managing director, PFi. “Titanium provides a true closed-loop solution as the only 100% recyclable membrane, even after 20 or more years in service, which is an outstanding benefit to customers’ ESG goals.”

Titanium is the ninth most known metal in the earth’s crust and possesses the highest strength-to-weight ratio. It is as strong as steel, but weighs 45% less, and is non-magnetic, non-corrosive, and does not conduct electricity.

After more than 10 years in development, this fully evolved and tested product is now entering service in Australia with a leading beverages company, which will use the new technology to separate solids from liquid streams in various stages of the waste stream process.

“This forward-thinking beverages company wanted an advanced solution that would continue to increase their throughput, while lowering their environmental footprint,” said Dunwoodie.

After successful testing, pilots, and now service with the beverages company, PFi is looking to scale up operations.

“Rockwell’s standard design will help with our solution’s market acceptance when we enter the export market,” said Dunwoodie. “There is particularly strong potential in the spirit industry, where it can replace paper membranes to deliver better outcomes with reduced waste.”

Syreeta McAuley | Principal Conversational Designer

Did you know, HBCUs, while representing less than 3% of colleges in the country, produce 46% of Black women engineers. We’re thrilled to kick off the second year of our partnership with HBCU Heroes as part of our ongoing celebration of #BlackHistoryMonth.

The organization works to empower students from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) to compete in corporate America, including the tech sector. Our partnership gives Gen team members the chance to mentor HBCU students directly, helping equip them with the professional skills they need to excel in their internships and careers after graduation.

In 2024, we provided $20,000 and 105 employee volunteer hours to mentor and support 65 HBCU students. “This program gave me valuable insight that was personal and relatable,” said Meaghan Lewis, a biology student at Tennessee State University, who completed our inaugural year of the mentorship program in 2024. “I loved the one-on-one discussion with my mentor, who was very attentive to my needs and questions, and the program overall made me feel more secure and confident in my capabilities.”

Gen mentors will lead four sessions in 2025 that each focus on specific professional skills, including a resume building workshop, mock interviews and an in-depth discussion about career journeys. Mentors are encouraged to share their experiences about career paths, transitions, navigating corporate culture and more.

We can’t wait to meet this year’s cohort at our first virtual session on March 19th. For more information on our work with HBCU Heroes check out this blog post.