Tag: 3BL

CHARLOTTE, N.C., January 30, 2025 /3BL/ – To honor the achievements and contributions of African Americans during Black History Month and beyond, Discovery Education offers a new curated collection of high-quality digital learning resources. Discovery Education is the creator of essential K-12 solutions used in classrooms around the world.

The following resources are now available for users of the essential companion for engaged classrooms, Discovery Education Experience:

History Kids: Black History Month video: Students in grades 6-12 can dive into the origins of Black History Month while learning about Carter G. Woodson and other notable figures who helped document and celebrate Black History in America. Students also learn about the historic representation of Black people in media and discuss the best way to celebrate the accomplishments and contributions of Black people in the future.Civil Rights Movement channel: This curated channel teaches students in grades K-12 about the heroes of the civil rights movement. The channel includes the DE Original Series, Need to Know, students travel through time to investigate the Civil Rights Movement. Each episode is paired with Ready-to-Use Lessons and PDF activities that align with the topics covered in the video and features additional historical context and primary source resources.Happy Black History Month video: In this video from Sesame Workshop designed for students in grades PK-2, Elmo, Gabrielle, Tamir, and Abby come together to celebrate the contributions of Black and African American communities.

All these resources and more are available on the Celebrating Black History channel within Discovery Education Experience. Using the resources within this channel, including a teacher choice board and activities, educators are empowered to help students discover new perspectives on African American history, drive deeper cultural understanding, and help students see themselves in history. Experience facilitates the creation of engaging instructional opportunities for all students by connecting educators to a vast collection of high-quality, standards-aligned content, including ready-to-use digital lessons, intuitive quiz and activity creation tools, and professional learning resources.

“At Discovery Education, we understand how relevant and dynamic digital materials encourage greater student engagement in the classroom,” said Todd Wirt, Head of K-12 Education at Discovery Education. “Access to materials that connect key historical events and modern movements helps students understand their impact on the world today. This new digital content collection for Black History Month will help educators spark student curiosity and conversation about this important topic.”

Discovery Education also offers free resources for educators to integrate into their Black History Month observances, including:

STEM Career Profiles: The Black History Month collection from the STEM Careers Coalition celebrates the careers of Black leaders in STEM. The collection of dynamic, on-demand resources supports educators’ efforts to drive deeper student engagement by connecting classroom lessons to the real-world. Career profile videos show students a variety of STEM careers across software engineering, chemistry, and technology support.

The STEM Careers Coalition is an alliance of industries and non-profit organizations, reaching 11M+ students with equitable access to STEM resources and career connections since its launch in 2019. The Coalition will continue to ignite student curiosity and influence a diverse future workforce.

Video Topic Series: The Art of Resilience is a three-part video topic series highlighting the power of art and the creative process in building resilience. The series chronicles the journeys of talented and impactful artists who use their art and stories to inspire others. Each testimony in this series illustrates how art reaffirms shared humanity by celebrating culture, identity, and survival. This resource is from Teaching with Testimony, a program with the USC Shoah Foundation that inspires students to find their voices and act for a better future.Classroom Activities: The classroom activities and accompanying video series and educator guides from Amazing Me, an initiative with the Dove Self-Esteem Project, offers relevant lessons focused on body confidence and its role in self-esteem. The resources — such as the My Hair, My Crown workshop — explore culture and identity, and the importance of self-expression through hair in BIPOC communities.

In addition, Mystery Science users can find mini-lessons related to Black History Month here. Mystery Science by Discovery Education is an engaging standards-aligned science curriculum for grades K-5 designed to help students stay curious.

For more information about Discovery Education’s award-winning digital resources and professional learning solutions, visit www.discoveryeducation.com, and stay connected with Discovery Education on social media through X, LinkedIn, Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook.

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About Discovery Education 
Discovery Education is the worldwide edtech leader whose state-of-the-art, K-12, digital solutions support learning wherever it takes place. Through its award-winning multimedia content, instructional supports, innovative classroom tools, and corporate partnerships, Discovery Education helps educators deliver equitable learning experiences engaging all students and supporting higher academic achievement on a global scale. Discovery Education serves approximately 4.5 million educators and 45 million students worldwide, and its resources are accessed in over 100 countries and territories. Inspired by the global media company Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc. Discovery Education partners with districts, states, and trusted organizations to empower teachers with leading edtech solutions that support the success of all learners. Explore the future of education at www.discoveryeducation.com.

Contacts 
Grace Maliska 
Discovery Education 
Email: gmaliska@dicoveryed.com

Modern human activities are partly responsible for rising temperatures, carbon emissions, and declining biodiversity.

The construction industry is building and renovating more and more sustainably to deal with the climate crisis and scarcity of natural resources. With these innovative solutions and new construction methods, we have a whole new vocabulary that this podcast is going to decipher for you!

On this episode we discuss how lightweight construction is emerging as a solution for the future, as a new way of thinking about the building throughout its life cycle.

Listen here, L… for Lightweight Construction, a Saint-Gobain Podcast

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’s commitment is guided by its purpose, “MAKING THE WORLD A BETTER HOME”.

€47.9 billion in sales in 2023 
160,000 employees, locations in 76 countries 
Committed to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050

The section 45X advanced manufacturing production tax credit, introduced as part of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) of 2022, represents a transformative step in bolstering domestic clean energy manufacturing. With a focus on incentivizing the production of advanced energy components such as solar panels, wind energy components, batteries and critical minerals. The 45X credit aims to strengthen the U.S. supply chain, reduce reliance on imports and support the transition to a clean energy economy.

This article delves into the key aspects and implications of section 45X, guiding manufacturers through its complexities. Be sure to watch our video addressing questions we are hearing in the market and download our comprehensive checklist at the end of the article for actionable insights and preparation tips.

What is section 45X?

The section 45X tax credit is a federal tax incentive designed to reward domestic manufacturers for producing qualifying advanced energy components. These include solar and wind energy components, battery modules, inverters and the refining or recycling of critical minerals.

In October, the Treasury released section 45X final regulations, including the new rules for critical minerals, it’s even more crucial for manufacturers to understand the additional nuances or opportunities. The addition of mining and extraction costs as eligible activities under the 45X credit opens new opportunities but also adds layers of complexity.

Eligible manufacturers can claim the credit directly on their tax return without needing a formal application process, simplifying access to this powerful incentive. The value of the credit is calculated based on specific metrics—such as production volume, electrical capacity or cost—and is fully transferable, allowing manufacturers to sell unused credits for immediate cash benefits.

The program offers full credit benefits presently through 2029, with a phased reduction beginning in 2030. Notably, critical minerals remain exempt from this phase-out. By ensuring long-term visibility into the credit’s value, the 45X incentive has already fueled a significant increase in clean energy manufacturing investment, reflecting its impact on the sector’s growth trajectory.

What manufacturers need to know before filing

Navigating the complexities of federal tax credit programs for manufacturers requires thorough due diligence and careful compliance to avoid potential pitfalls. A key requirement for claiming the section 45X advanced manufacturing production tax credit is meeting the IRS’s definition of “substantial transformation.” This means that the raw materials or components used in the manufacturing process must undergo significant processing to become a new and distinct product with a different name, character or use. This goes beyond simple assembly or minor modifications. The transformation must fundamentally change the raw inputs into a final product that can be independently sold.

For example, turning raw silicon into solar cells or refining lithium into battery-grade material qualifies as substantial transformation. However, merely assembling imported solar panels or basic processing of materials without significant alteration would not meet this criterion.

This requirement underscores the importance of maintaining detailed records of the manufacturing process, ensuring that each step can be documented and verified as meeting the substantial transformation standard. Failure to properly substantiate this transformation could lead to disqualification from the credit, along with potential audits and penalties.

Eligibility and domestic manufacturing requirements

To claim the credit, components or products must be manufactured within the U.S. or its territories, ensuring domestic production and reducing reliance on international supply chains. The value of the 45X credit for a manufactured product can then be calculated using one of three primary methods: a fixed value based on component size or weight, a rate per unit of electrical capacity (e.g., cents per watt) or as a percentage of the cost of production. Eligible components and their credit amounts include;

Solar energy components

Solar-grade polysilicon — $3 per kilogram (kg)PV wafer — $12 per square meter (m2)PV cell (crystalline or thin-film) — 4¢ per watt-direct current (Wdc)Polymeric back sheet — 40¢ per m2PV module — 7¢ per WdcTorque tube — 87¢ per kgStructural fasteners — $2.28 per kg

Wind energy components

Blade — 2¢ multiplied by the total rated capacity of the completed wind turbineNacelle — 5¢ multiplied by the total rated capacity of the completed wind turbineTower — 3¢ multiplied by the total rated capacity of the completed wind turbineOffshore wind foundation (fixed) — Equal to the product of 2¢ multiplied by the total rated capacity of the completed wind turbineOffshore wind foundation (floating) — Equal to the product of 4¢ multiplied by total rated capacity of the completed wind turbine

Inverters

Central inverter — 0.25¢ per watt-alternating current (Wac)Utility inverter — 1.5¢ per WacCommercial inverter — 2¢ per WacResidential inverter — 6.5¢ per WacMicroinverter — 11¢ per WacDistributed wind inverter — 11¢ multiplied by the total rated capacity of the distributed wind inverter

Batteries and critical minerals

It’s worth noting that while the finished goods must be manufactured domestically, their subcomponents (such as steel, framing or electrical parts) do not need to originate in the U.S. This flexibility allows manufacturers to leverage global supply chains for constituent materials without jeopardizing eligibility for the credit.

Given the complexities and potential for IRS scrutiny, due diligence is essential. The IRS has emphasized rigorous oversight of tax credits like section 45X to prevent misuse. Manufacturers should carefully evaluate their processes and maintain meticulous documentation to validate their eligibility. The three key requirements to note however are;

Unrelated third-party sale: The manufactured product must be sold to an unrelated third-party to qualify for the 45X credit. Internal transfers or inventory stockpiling are not eligible.Documentation: Manufacturers must maintain thorough records, including details of the manufacturing process, descriptions of finished goods and proof of sale to third parties.No prevailing wage requirements: Unlike many other clean energy tax credits, 45X does not require compliance with prevailing wage and apprenticeship standards.

Sale to unrelated third-party

The sale to an unrelated third-party is a critical step in verifying that a substantial transformation has occurred. This requirement ensures that the product resulting from the transformation is genuinely intended for market use rather than for further internal processing or use within the same supply chain. By mandating the sale to an unrelated third-party, the regulation seeks to establish a clear, market-driven valuation and application of the newly transformed product.

Here’s how this works in practice:

Market validation: The sale demonstrates that the product has a distinct and independent value in the market, separate from the raw materials used to create it.Independence: The third-party should be unrelated and have no significant business ties to the producer, ensuring an unbiased transaction that reflects the true value and nature of the transformed product.Documentation: Proper documentation of the sale, including contracts, invoices and shipping records, supports compliance and provides evidence that the transaction is legitimate and meets the regulatory criteria.

At Baker Tilly, we specialize in helping manufacturers navigate federal tax credit programs, including the complexities of the IRA section 45X tax credit. Our team provides independent assessments to determine eligibility, assists in substantiating claims with proper documentation and helps implement future-state strategies to ensure compliance. We support companies in establishing robust production and sale tracking systems, such as ERP and manufacturing floor tracking systems, to substantiate activities at the individual product level, including serial or lot numbers.

With Baker Tilly, manufacturers can confidently claim section 45X credits while minimizing risks. Contact an IRA tax credit specialist to learn more.

In terms of North American trade, the stakes have never been higher, as the findings of DP World’s 2025 Trade in Transition report attest. The annual report, co-authored with Economist Impact, examines the headwinds of global trade in 2025 and their impact around the world. 

The regional North American report, “North America: Balancing Growth, Resilience and Compliance,” analyzes shifting trade dynamics. It finds 50% of North American executives rank geographical diversification as their top supply-chain strategy — higher than the global average of 46%. But in true North American fashion, this isn’t just about playing it safe. For many businesses, diversification isn’t just a safety net; it’s a growth engine.

In the wake of Donald Trump’s return to the White House, North American businesses face a volatile trade landscape. From renewed debates over the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) to rising protectionism, companies must navigate a maze of policies, geopolitical tensions, and economic pressures. This year’s survey sheds light on these challenges.

Diversification: A Growth Strategy with a Side of Stress
Diversifying supply chains is a lifeline for North American companies bracing for tariffs or trade restrictions. Canadian and Mexican businesses reliant on the U.S. market see diversification as critical to survival. 

But let’s not sugarcoat it: diversification isn’t without hurdles. Expanding supplier relationships or relocating production can spike administrative costs and complicate logistics. Edward Brzytwa, vice president of trade at the Consumer Technology Association, notes, “Diversification efforts often raise administrative costs, but they also mitigate risks and create new growth opportunities.”

The numbers back him up. Nearly three-quarters of North American companies are expanding supplier relationships, opting for broader networks over the risk of putting all their eggs in one basket. And while this strategy might involve some headaches, it provides a crucial buffer against disruptions and uncertainties.

Nearshoring and Reshoring: Mexico’s Moment?
While diversification is the star of the show, nearshoring and reshoring are gaining traction, with 38% of U.S. businesses prioritizing these strategies. Mexico is emerging as a key player, with its skilled labor force and expanding infrastructure, reaping the benefits from the USMCA’s streamlined customs procedures and digital trade provisions. The Port of Manzanillo, for instance, is undergoing a $2.7 billion expansion to more than double its capacity, targeting a position among the world’s top 20 container ports. This expansion is part of the country’s broader push to attract manufacturing investment, particularly in industries like automotive and aerospace.

But let’s not get ahead of ourselves. Mexico faces challenges. Energy nationalization policies have deterred investors, and labor shortages remain a concern. As Leila Afas, director of global public policy at Toyota, bluntly puts it, “Mexico should have benefited far more from nearshoring trends, but its policies have held it back.”

The USMCA: A Love-Hate Relationship
The USMCA is the glue holding North American trade together — or at least trying to. Stricter rules of origin are encouraging companies to source materials from within the region, boosting intra-regional trade. Proposed tariffs on Mexican car imports, though, have created uncertainty, particularly in the automotive sector, pushing companies like John Deere to reconsider plans to move production south of the border. 

While Trump’s renewed focus on reshoring may win him points with American manufacturers, it’s creating headaches for Mexican factories reliant on the U.S. market. While some tweaks to the agreement are anticipated, for now at least it remains a cornerstone of regional trade integration.

Self-Sufficiency and Friendshoring
With rising geopolitical tensions, 27% of North American executives prioritize self-sufficiency, compared with a global average of 20%. As an alternative to slamming the door on international trade, businesses are exploring “friendshoring,” relocating supply chains to trusted allies like Mexico and Vietnam. Since 2018, China’s share of U.S.-manufactured imports has declined, with Mexico and the EU stepping in. Continued reliance on Chinese suppliers for critical components makes true diversification more of a long-term goal than an immediate solution.

Labor Shortages: The Ongoing Challenge
If there’s one issue keeping North American executives up at night, it’s labor shortages. The tight labor market, particularly in advanced manufacturing sectors, complicates supply-chain reconfiguration. Automation offers hope, with 51% of executives believing technology can offset shortages. Companies like Toyota are adopting “co-bot” systems where humans and robots collaborate to boost productivity. However, automation isn’t a silver bullet. Upskilling the workforce and addressing immigration restrictions remain critical to solving the labor crisis.

The Bottom Line
North American trade is at a crossroads. Diversification, nearshoring, and automation can provide pathways to growth and resilience, but they come with their own set of challenges. From Mexico’s manufacturing boom to the labor shortages plaguing the region, the trade landscape is as dynamic as ever.

For businesses navigating this new normal, the key is adaptability. By embracing diversification, investing in technology, and leveraging regional trade agreements like the USMCA, companies can turn challenges into opportunities.

Curious to learn more about the findings shaping North American trade? Click here to download a copy of the full report and discover how your business can thrive in this evolving landscape.

Wawira Njiru serves as the President and CEO of Food 4 Education, a non-profit organization dedicated to combating childhood hunger in Kenya by providing meals to over 500,000 students annually. In this insightful discussion, AB engages with Wawira and Brian Tippens, Cisco’s Senior Vice President and Chief Social Impact & Inclusion Officer, to explore the significance of community-driven initiatives, the implementation of sustainable practices in tackling the global food crisis, the crucial role of trust in fostering partnerships between corporations and communities, and much more.

View original content here.

SAN DIEGO, January 30, 2025 /3BL/ – My Green Lab, the global nonprofit organization advancing the sustainability of laboratory research, is proud to announce the launch of My Green Lab® Certification 2.0. This enhanced certification program sets a new standard for sustainability in science, featuring advanced tools and resources designed to drive measurable environmental and financial impact in laboratories worldwide. Updates to the program include third-party verification, streamlined engagement surveys, and an integrated Impact Estimator tool.

Recognized by the United Nations Race to Zero campaign as a key measure for progress toward a zero-carbon future, and recommended by the U.S. EPA, My Green Lab Certification is the world’s most trusted green lab certification. The latest updates strengthen the program’s impact while enhancing its rigor, integrity, and scalability.

Key features of My Green Lab Certification 2.0 include:

User-Friendly Software Tool – A seamless platform that simplifies project management and helps labs track their sustainability journey with ease.Streamlined Engagement Surveys – Shorter, mobile-friendly surveys tailored towards laboratory personnel to boost participation and efficiency.Organizational Dashboard – Centralized reporting that provides visibility at both laboratory and institutional levels, tracking sustainability progress toward goals.Third-Party Verification – Independent validation by Impact Laboratories ensures alignment with international best practices, providing added credibility to the program.Impact Data – The integrated Impact Estimator tool provides insights into resource savings and financial ROI, demonstrating the tangible benefits of sustainability efforts.

AstraZeneca was the first organization to implement the enhanced program in October 2024, setting the stage for widespread adoption of My Green Lab Certification 2.0. With today’s official launch, My Green Lab Certification 2.0 is now ready to deliver measurable environmental and financial outcomes across the scientific community.

“The enhancements to our certification program reflect My Green Lab’s commitment to continuous improvement and our dedication to empowering labs to lead the charge in environmental sustainability,” said James Connelly, CEO of My Green Lab. “With My Green Lab Certification 2.0, we’re equipping labs with actionable insights within a user-friendly and powerful platform for driving meaningful change.”

About My Green Lab

My Green Lab® is a nonprofit environmental organization with a mission to build a global culture of sustainability in science. The organization is the world leader in developing internationally recognized sustainability standards for laboratories and laboratory products—bringing sustainability to the community responsible for the world’s life-changing medical and technical innovations. Laboratories are some of the most resource-intensive spaces in any industry, but they don’t have to be. By introducing a new perspective and proven best practices within a carefully crafted framework, My Green Lab has inspired tens of thousands of scientists and lab professionals to make positive changes in their labs by reducing the environmental impact of their work.

My Green Lab Certification

The world’s most trusted green lab certification, guiding scientists and lab teams toward actionable sustainability practices. Supported by third-party verification from Impact Laboratories, My Green Lab Certification has engaged 3,800 labs in 50 countries reaching over 41,000 scientists (as of early 2025).

For media requests, contact Christina Creager at christina.creager@mygreenlab.org.

For more information about My Green Lab, visit mygreenlab.org. 

LINCOLN, Neb., January 30, 2025 /3BL/ – Arbor Day Carbon, a division of the Arbor Day Foundation, has unveiled its 2024 Insights Summary. The report provides a comprehensive analysis of the current evolution, challenges and opportunities in the voluntary carbon market, highlighting the need for immediate action from corporate buyers with climate and nature-based goals.

“We believe a thriving voluntary carbon market can have potentially planet-shaping impact,” said Chris Tointon, president of Arbor Day Carbon. “As 2030 climate targets draw closer, it’s especially important for market stakeholders to be bold enough to meet the moment with trees and action. That’s why our team is focused on bringing together people across the market to help foster continued evolution and improvement in the space.”

The report examines the market’s growing consensus on quality, the urgent need to create greater high-quality supply, and how market uncertainties are creating hesitation among buyers. The 2024 review also details how some corporations are working alongside Arbor Day Carbon to drive tangible impact through the voluntary carbon market.

“We can’t let a desire for perfection get in the way of progress,” said Jeremy Manion, managing director of carbon markets at Arbor Day Carbon. “The market is maturing in meaningful ways, and while there are certainly challenges, it remains one of the strongest and most effective tools we have for addressing the concurrent crises of climate, biodiversity, and economic opportunity. Through collaboration and a commitment to a high standard of quality, we can strengthen this market and shape a better future, together.”

As a team of industry experts, Arbor Day Carbon specializes in fostering strong connections with corporate buyers, investors, project developers, and on-the-ground planting partners to drive tangible impact in critical ecosystems. Arbor Day Carbon has transacted over seven million forestry carbon credits to-date, retired 1.6 million carbon credits on the American Carbon Registry – more than any other nonprofit – and has helped plant millions of trees as a result.

Click here to view the report and to learn more about Arbor Day Carbon, visit carbon.arborday.org.

About the Arbor Day Foundation 

The Arbor Day Foundation is a global nonprofit inspiring people to plant, nurture, and celebrate trees. They foster a growing community of more than 1 million leaders, innovators, planters, and supporters united by their bold belief that a more hopeful future can be shaped through the power of trees. For more than 50 years, they’ve answered critical need with action, planting more than half a billion trees alongside their partners. And this is only the beginning.

The Arbor Day Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit pursuing a future where all life flourishes through the power of trees. Learn more at arborday.org.

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SWORDS, Ireland, January 29, 2025 /3BL/ – Trane Technologies (NYSE:TT), a global climate innovator, has been named to Fortune’s World’s Most Admired Companies list for the thirteenth consecutive year.

The annual ranking, created by Fortune in collaboration with Korn Ferry, is widely recognized as the definitive assessment of corporate reputation. The companies featured are the most esteemed in their industries and are evaluated across nine criteria including investment value, management quality, product excellence, social responsibility, and talent attraction.

“It is an honor to be named to Fortune’s World’s Most Admired Companies list, and our inclusion on this respected ranking for more than a dozen years is a testament to the dedication and talent of our global team,” said Dave Regnery, Chair and CEO of Trane Technologies. “Our team brings our purpose of challenging what’s possible for a sustainable world to life, and their ambition drives groundbreaking climate innovations that deliver lasting benefits for our customers, communities, and the planet.” 

Trane Technologies is addressing some of the world’s most significant sustainability challenges and driving industry-wide and global change through its 2030 Sustainability Commitments. These commitments include the Gigaton Challenge, which pledges to reduce customer greenhouse gas emissions by one gigaton, and the Opportunity for All commitment, which supports community programs that promote access to education and pathways to careers in green industries and STEM fields.

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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 Fortune 
Fortune upholds a legacy of award-winning writing and trusted reporting for executives who want to make business better. Independently owned, with a global perspective and digital agility, Fortune tells the stories of a new generation of innovators, builders, and risk takers. Online and in print, Fortune measures corporate performance through rigorous benchmarks, and holds companies accountable. Fortune creates communities by convening true thought leaders and iconoclasts – those who shape industry, commerce and society – through powerful and prestigious lists, events and conferences, such as the iconic Fortune 500, the CEO Initiative and Most Powerful Women. For more information, visit fortune.com. 

This news release includes “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of securities laws, which are statements that are not historical facts, including statements that relate to our earnings outlook, sustainability commitments and the impact of these commitments. These forward-looking statements are based on our current expectations and are subject to risks and uncertainties, which may cause actual results to differ materially from our current expectations. Factors that could cause such differences can be found in our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, as well as our subsequent reports on Form 10-Q and other SEC filings. New risks and uncertainties arise from time to time, and it is impossible for us to predict these events or how they may affect the Company. We assume no obligation to update these forward-looking statements.

CATÃNO, Puerto Rico, January 29, 2025 /3BL/ – As part of its commitment to supporting the local community around its BACARDÍ® rum distillery in Puerto Rico, family-owned Bacardi recently organized a tree distribution in the Marina Bahía de Cataño community.

The tree distribution event was held earlier this month at the distillery in Cataño, the largest premium rum distillery in the world. It brought together over 200 people and saw Bacardi donate fruit trees and plants such as Valencia orange, tangerine, lemon, acerola, purple patch, sweet pepper and peppers to emphasize the importance of preserving the environment, in addition to supporting the creation of habitats that promote pollination in Puerto Rico.

During the event, interactive and educational activities were presented to promote environmental sustainability including planting workshops; information and crafts from the Puerto Rico Bat Conservation Program (PCMPR); a discussion on the landfill crisis in Puerto Rico promoting awareness about waste management by the organization Sin Plástico PR; as well as the participation of artisans and small businesses from the Marina Bahía community. The activity culminated with a special presentation by the Puerto Rico String Orchestra.

This Bacardi initiative was intended not only to strengthen the connection with the community surrounding its ‘Cathedral of Rum’, but also to play a part in protecting the local environment.

As part of these continued efforts, in October last year Bacardi in Puerto Rico hosted the tenth edition of the Puerto Rico Bat Festival in collaboration with the Puerto Rico Bat Conservation Program (PCMPR). The event, held just ahead of National Bat Week was attended by more than 500 people and served to inaugurate a space dedicated to educating visitors about the importance of bats in our ecosystem, as part of the Casa BACARDÍ visitor experience.

The BACARDÍ rum site has also received Wildlife Habitat Council Conservation Certification in recognition of its commitment to environmental stewardship and for driving awareness of the role of pollinator gardens in building a healthy ecosystem.

About Bacardi Corporation 
Bacardi Corporation was founded in San Juan, Puerto Rico, in 1936, and is part of family-owned Bacardi Limited, the largest privately held international spirits company in the world. The current facility was built in 1958 on 127 acres in the town of Cataño. The rum production facility is the largest premium rum distillery in the world.

Since 1961, Bacardi has operated the state-of-the-art Casa BACARDÍ Visitor Center, the second most-visited venue in metro San Juan, drawing visitors from across the world to learn about the rich history of the Bacardi family and brand, as well as its unique production. www.visitcasabacardi.com

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Originally published in FedEx’s 2024 Global Economic Impact Report

Empowering small businesses around the world

Throughout its history, FedEx has been an integral part of the small- and medium-sized business (SAM) sector. The extensive FedEx network is both a vital part of the global small business supply chain and a key distribution network for those companies. At the same time, FedEx directly contributes to the growth of smaller companies through its annual spending. In CY 2023, 90% of FedEx suppliers were classified as small business, and FedEx spending with those companies supported approximately 400,000 jobs at small businesses around the world.

FedEx designs its services to help businesses accelerate their growth and extend their global reach, which in turn supports local job creation and economic activity.

In FY 2024, FedEx continued to enhance its portfolio of SAM-focused services, including:

Offering discounted packaging services and domestic/international shipping to smaller companies around the world.Partnering with leading e-commerce and brick-and-mortar companies to extend the reach of the FedEx network, such as adding third-party pick-up and drop-off locations to help smaller e-commerce companies better serve their customers. Notable collaborations include:The expansion of self-collection points for import shipments at GS25 convenience stores across South Korea;Offering FedEx services at 1,100 outlets in collaboration with 2GO, SM Business Centers, and Alfamart in the Philippines;Launching more than 1,200 selfcollection lockers at Manila Metro stations in collaboration with Airspeed;And creating over 4,000 collection points across Poland in collaboration with nine major retailers.
 Forming alliances with private enterprises and government authorities to streamline importing and exporting. Notable collaborations include:An alliance between FedEx in Korea and eBay CBT (Cross Border Trade) that provides cross-border e-commerce logistics services for Korean businesses expanding internationally;An alliance with the Gyeongsangbukdo provincial government in Korea to support local businesses expand their presence into global markets;A collaboration with Mastercard and VISA in Thailand to empower global expansion for local SAMs;An alliance with Zonos in Europe that combines Zonos’ cross-border technology with the FedEx network to expedite cross-border shipments for SAMs by allowing shoppers to prepay all customs duties, taxes, and fees at checkout.
 Creating more shipping options for smaller businesses, such as the introduction of Regional EconomyServices in the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, and Jordan, which offers cost-effective deferred day-definite road solutions for less urgent shipments transported within these key Middle East markets.Providing an extensive range of educational resources to help small businesses grow their operations, including how-to guides and articles on FedEx Small Business Hub websites; panel discussions and training sessions at industry events; the FedEx E-Commerce Learning Lab in partnership with Accion Opportunity Fund to help small businesses get started in shipping; the “Making it Work” podcast that features business advice from successful entrepreneurs; and the “Journey of Small Business Success with FedEx” YouTube channel, which highlights growth stories from real customers.Creating the FedEx Innovation Lab (FIL) in India, which makes early-stage investments in digital startups that are developing technologies for smarter, more efficient supply chains. The FIL’s first investment was in Mad Street Den, a computer vision and AI company that has earned a reputation for delivering innovative AI solutions. The start-up’s AI platform enables operations, product and technology teams to improve and optimize efficiencies. Their products are deployed across several industries, including retail, healthcare, finance, insurance, logistics, and more.Empowering small businesses through the “SME Connect” series to interact with subject matter experts from FedEx and the industry for solution-focused discussions that can add value to their businesses.

To further strengthen the global SAM community, FedEx launched its Small Business Grant Program 12 years ago to recognize innovative entrepreneurs and provide funding to help accelerate their growth. Since then, FedEx has offered versions of the program in the U.S., Canada, LAC, and APAC, and in FY 2024 awarded over $1 million in prizes to more than 60 companies.

In the U.S., 10 companies received a total of over $230,000 in cash and prizes. The $50,000 grand prize winner was Bombi, an eco-conscious stroller company that incorporates 50 recycled plastic bottles in its stroller fabric, uses no-single-use plastics in their packaging, and donates to foundations for every stroller sold.In Canada, 16 winners received a total of $150,000 in cash prizes, including The Original Maple Bat Company, which sells custom maple baseball bats all over the world and received the grand prize of $25,000.In LAC, 33 companies from seven countries received more than $575,000. Winners included Chilean brewery Cerveza Atrapaniebla, which produces craft beer using water droplets collected from fog; Brazilian clothing company Equal Moda Inclusiva, which produces conventional and adapted items for people with various types of disabilities; and Mexican company Suul, which offers an alternative to traditional detergent to reduce plastic pollution.In APAC, four companies from Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, and Singapore shared a total prize pool of $69,000. The $30,000 grand prize winner was Lucence, a precision oncology start-up from Singapore that is developing non-invasive tests that aim to accurately diagnose cancer.

Read more

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