Tag: 3BL

DAVOS, Switzerland, January 22, 2025 /3BL/ – The names of the most important Chief Sustainability Officers of Europe were announced at the Futur/io CSO Awards on Monday night. The celebration took place at a gala dinner at the iconic Hotel Schatzalp in Davos, Switzerland, during the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting week.

Claire Lund, Vice President of Environmental Sustainability of GSK received the Gold CSO Award.

The Silver Award went to Katie McGinty, Vice President and Chief Sustainability and External Relations Officer of Johnson Controls, while the Bronze Award was granted to Rajita D’Souza, President of Human Resources and Corporate Social Responsibility of ST Microelectronics.

The Grand Jury also granted three Special Honour Awards to Petra Wicklandt from Merck KGaA, Karin Reiter from the Adecco Group, and Linda Freiner from Zurich Insurance.

Elena Valderrábano from Telefónica received a special Sustainable Supply Chain Award presented by Nick Heine, CCO & CSO of IntegrityNext.

The Peer Award, chosen by the live audience of the CSO Awards gala ceremony, went to Anke Ehlers, Managing Director of International Sustainability at ALDI South Group, and was presented by Kevin Tayebaly, Co-Founder of ChangeNOW.

Among the speakers of the evening were Sandrine Dixson-Declève, of the Club of Rome, Ingmar Rentzhog, from We Don’t Have Time, Joachim Swensson, of Made in Sustainability, Magnus Drewelies, of CEEZER Software, and jury members among others.

“Here on the Magic Mountains of Davos, we look at the new year ahead, celebrating the humans who are role models in sustainability. By shining a light on the role of Chief Sustainability Officers, we hope to inspire others to be ambitious and work on building the desirable futures we want to live in,” said Harald Neidhardt, CEO & Curator of the Futur/io Institute.

The final winners were selected from the 20 Nominees list by a Grand Jury that includes some of the most influential and inspiring voices in sustainability. Members include John Elkington, known as “the Godfather of Sustainability”, Sandrine Dixson-Declève, honorary president of the Club of Rome, Claudia Malley, President and Managing Director of Partnerships at Economist Impact, and Livio Scalvini, Co-Founder and executive director of the Leonardo Centre on Business for Society at Imperial College London.

Other members are Helle Bank Jorgensen, CEO and founder of Competent Boards, José Manuel Gomes, Business Development Director at Medialivre, Chris Luebkeman, Head of the Strategic Foresight Hub at ETH Zürich and founder of [y]our2040, and Isabelle Grosmaître, Author and Founder and CEO at Goodness & Co. The Chair of the Jury is Harald Neidhardt, CEO and Curator of the Futur/io Institute.

This is the second edition of the CSO Awards Europe, an initiative of the Futur/io Institute, a pioneering organisation dedicated to nurturing and inspiring leadership in sustainable innovation and building the most impactful network of Chief Sustainability Officers globally. The North American edition of the CSO Awards took place during the New York Climate Week 2024.

The CSO Awards Europe is a collaboration with partner Made in Sustainability, and supported by premium partners Integrity Next and Waste Equity, together with scientific partner the Leonardo Centre on Business for Society at Imperial College Business School, knowledge partners Denominator, Rainforest Partnership, Climate GPT, and Economist Impact, and also Gold Partner CEEZER Software. The complete list of community partners and supporting brands is available online.

Award Winners 

Gold Award Winner – Claire Lund 

Vice President of Environmental Sustainability – GSK

Silver Award Winner – Katie McGinty

Vice President and Chief Sustainability and External Relations Officer of Johnson Controls

Bronze Award Winner – Rajita D’Souza

President of Human Resources and Corporate Social Responsibility – ST Microelectronics.

Special Honour – Petra Wicklandt

Head of Corporate Sustainability, Quality and Trade Compliance – Merck KGaA

Special Honour – Karin Reiter

SVP Sustainability & ESG – The Adecco Group

Special Honour – Linda Freiner

Chief Sustainability Officer – Zurich Insurance

Sustainable Supply Chain Award Winner – Elena Valderrábano

Global Chief Sustainability Officer – Telefónica

Peer Award Winner – Anke Ehlers

Managing Director of International Sustainability at ALDI South Group

Awards Criteria 

The 20 CSO Awards Europe Nominees have been drawn from the Top100 CSOs of Europe list, compiled by Futur/io using an extensive database including all the major European companies. The shortlist was defined using a four-quadrant model criteria, developed by Futur/io and scientific partner the Leonardo Centre on Business for Society at Imperial College Business School, and supported by knowledge partners Denominator, specialized in human-centric data, Rainforest Partnership, focused on biodiversity and ClimateGPT by Erasmus.ai adding a balanced public sentiment on the Top 100 CSOs.

The four quadrant model takes into consideration the maturity of corporate behaviours, regulatory performance on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) and Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) criteria, environmental and human impact and also a self-assessment survey.

CSO Awards Europe Grand Jury

Sandrine Dixson-Declève, co-president of the Club of Rome; Author & Chair of Earth4AllJohn Elkington, Founder & Chief Pollinator at Volans, known as “the Godfather of Sustainability”Claudia Malley, President and Managing Director of Partnerships at Economist ImpactLivio Scalvini, co-founder and executive director of the Leonardo Centre on Business for Society at Imperial College LondonHelle Bank Jorgensen, CEO and founder of Competent BoardsJosé Manuel Gomes, Business Development Director at Medialivre, PortugalChris Luebkeman, Head of the Strategic Foresight Hub at ETH Zürich and founder of [y]our2040Isabelle Grosmaître, Author and Founder and CEO at Goodness & Co.Harald Neidhardt, CEO and Curator of the Futur/io Institute, as the Chair of the Grand Jury

About Futur/io Institute 
We believe in co-creating desirable futures where ideas and innovation drive a regenerative economy that benefits people and the planet within the planetary boundaries.

The Futur/io Institute is a pioneering organisation to serve the most impactful network of Chief Sustainability Officers dedicated to transforming businesses to drive positive impact for people, planet and prosperity. We do this through publications, podcasts and convening at inspiring locations like Davos, Basel, Lisbon, Venice and New York.

With a mission to inspire ambition, action and cross-pollination to achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals, the institute provides a platform for thought leaders, innovators, and change-makers to shape the futures of business and society.

Futur/io works with organisations like the UNFCCC or corporations in leadership training and curates Executive Programmes to inspire future leaders in sustainable innovation. Each year in Davos, the institute organizes executive receptions and recently debuted the annual CSO Awards to shine a light on the leadership role of Chief Sustainability Officers.

Futur/io is based in Hamburg and works as a think-tank with a selected international and diverse faculty of 100+ leaders in sustainability. The most recent book “Leadership for Sustainable Futures” was published in May 2024 with Murmann Publishers. CEO & Curator Harald Neidhardt hosts the CSO Impact Podcast.

futur.io

Additional Info 
https://www.csoawards.org/europe 
https://www.csoawards.org/europe/2025/winners 
Images of the winners, the jury and the ceremony are available in our Press Folder.

Media Contacts 
Barbara Axt – Media Relations 
barbara@futur.io 
Luciana Prestes – Head of Marketing 
luciana@futur.io

WHAT: 
Whole Cities– a project of Whole Foods Market Foundation, dedicated to broadening community access to fresh food and nutrition education– has opened its annual Newark Fresh, Healthy Food Access Grant window to offer financial support to locally led organizations working to expand access to fresh, healthy food and nutrition education initiatives. Today through February 19, 2025, organizations based in Newark, NJ are invited to apply for funding between $5,000 and $20,000 each.

WHY: 
Through Whole Cities’ Newark Fresh, Healthy Food Access Grant program, locally led organizations receive funding to grow the local food system and improve community health across all five wards in Newark.

WHEN: 
The application window is open now through Wednesday, February 19, 2025, 11:59pm EST.

WHERE: 
Applicants can apply online at wholecitiesfoundation.org/grants/newark-nj.

DETAILS: 
Since launching the Newark Fresh, Healthy Food Access Grant program in 2017, Whole Cities has awarded more than $1 million to 34 locally led organizations throughout Newark’s five wards and has provided financial backing for additional opportunities shaped by the goals and requests of its grant partners. Grant recipients have included community gardens, urban farms, farmers’ markets, mobile markets, healthy cooking classes, nutrition education programs, agriculture-skills development programs, and a SNAP incentive project. Both new and previous grant partners are encouraged to apply. Grants will be awarded in late April 2025. To learn more about Whole Cities’ Newark Fresh, Healthy Food Access Grant program including eligibility details and past grant partners, visit: wholecitiesfoundation.org/grants/newark-nj.

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About Whole Cities

Whole Cities is on a mission to improve individual and community health through collaborative partnerships, education, and broader access to nutritious food. Whole Cities is a project of Whole Foods Market Foundation, a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit based in Austin, Texas. For more information on Whole Cities and its programs, visit wholecitiesfoundation.org. For ongoing news and updates, follow Whole Foods Market Foundation on Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter) or LinkedIn.

LINCOLN, Neb., January 22, 2025 /3BL/ – The Arbor Day Foundation celebrates an impactful partnership with MathWorks, a leading developer of mathematical computing software, as they embrace a multifaceted approach to driving positive impact through trees.

As part of their partnership, MathWorks is committing $1 million to the Arbor Day Foundation’s pledge to plant and distribute 10 million trees in the six states impacted by Hurricanes Helene and Milton.

“MathWorks is embodying the bold leadership of an organization eager to use its resources to create positive change,” said Dan Lambe, chief executive of the Arbor Day Foundation. “Replanting trees in the wake of disaster is an effort bigger than all of us. And something bigger than all of us, takes all of us. We’re grateful MathWorks has chosen to stand alongside the Arbor Day Foundation in this important moment as we seek to replant hope.”

This funding will help reach communities and forestlands needing restoration following the back-to-back hurricanes. Some communities are already feeling the impact of those dollars. In December, funding from MathWorks helped the Arbor Day Foundation and its local planting partner distribute 800 trees to Asheville, North Carolina residents.

“MathWorks is proud to support the Arbor Day Foundation, reinforcing our commitment to actively help tackle climate change,” said Jack Little, CEO of MathWorks. “Collaborating with this organization allows MathWorks to contribute to global reforestation efforts and help create a healthier planet for future generations.”

In addition to their hurricane recovery efforts, MathWorks has also made a significant investment in forestry carbon credits in collaboration with the Arbor Day Foundation’s carbon-focused division, Arbor Day Carbon. This project focuses on restoring the Mississippi Alluvial Valley’s forest ecosystem, helping to improve local water quality, support wildlife habitat, and sequester carbon.

“As a company deeply rooted in science and innovation, the MathWorks commitment is a resounding affirmation of the importance of the voluntary carbon market in the effort to slow climate change. Their support of this project will nurture the growth of one of our country’s most critical ecosystems and shape a better future for us all,” said Chris Tointon, president of Arbor Day Carbon.

Visit arborday.org to learn more about the Arbor Day Foundation’s hurricane recovery efforts and the nonprofit’s work in the voluntary carbon market.

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.

About MathWorks 

MathWorks is the leading developer of mathematical computing software. MATLAB, the language of engineers and scientists, is a programming environment for algorithm development, data analysis, visualization, and numeric computation. Simulink is a block diagram environment for simulation and Model-Based Design of multidomain and embedded engineering systems. Engineers and scientists worldwide rely on these products to accelerate the pace of discovery, innovation, and development in automotive, aerospace, communications, electronics, industrial automation, and other industries. MATLAB and Simulink are fundamental teaching and research tools in the world’s top universities and learning institutions. Founded in 1984, MathWorks employs more than 6,500 people in 34 offices around the world, with headquarters in Natick, Massachusetts, USA. For additional information, visit mathworks.com.

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Albertsons Companies has been honored with two 2024 Impact Awards from Progressive Grocer, underscoring the company’s unwavering commitment to its Recipe for Change. This initiative emphasizes the importance of supporting the planet we share and the communities we serve.

One of the awards recognizes Albertsons Cos.’ efforts in improving seafood supply chain transparency. The grocer’s Responsible Choice Seafood Program helps customers feel confident in the source of products while also supporting the protection of ocean resources and the fair treatment of those working in the seafood industry.

The Responsible Choice logo, prominently displayed on all seafood products under the company’s Own Brands Waterfront BISTRO® and Open Nature®, simplifies the process of identifying responsibly sourced seafood. This logo signifies adherence to rigorous standards, providing customers with confidence in their seafood selections.

See original post on LinkedIn and read more about Albertsons Companies and our Recipe for Change on our website.

Key Points

West Virginia Northern Community College (WVNCC) introduced a compressor mechanics program in January to meet workforce demands and spark interest in mechanical careers.The program was developed in partnership with MPLX, Marathon Petroleum’s midstream component, which contributed expertise and curriculum input and donated equipment for hands-on training.Students can earn a one-year certificate or a two-year associate’s degree, gaining skills to secure entry-level jobs in a high-demand field with opportunities for career growth.

A new compressor mechanics program launched at West Virginia Northern Community College (WVNCC) this January. School leaders and industry partners expect the new program to spur increased interest in the career path and meet a growing need for the skill set in the workforce.

“This program is for people who like mechanical work on large equipment and who like to work with their hands and their minds,” said Curtis Hippensteel, Division Chair for Applied Technology at WVNCC.

WVNCC collaborated with members of the natural gas industry to develop the program and create a hands-on lab for students. Employees with MPLX, Marathon Petroleum’s midstream component, were some of the experts who contributed to the curriculum.

“MPLX identified the need for the program and expressed interest in partnering with us,” said Hippensteel. “That’s what we love to have – an industry partner to help us get started and share their expertise.”

Marathon Petroleum employees Brandon Belford, Michael Mace and Max Davis worked closely with WVNCC to develop the curriculum, determine the learning outcomes and identify the equipment needed.

“We want to ensure that students who complete this program will have the skills needed to secure an entry level job and be successful in their career,” said Brandon Belford, Maintenance Director for MPLX Gathering & Processing Operations.

MPLX donated a retired compressor and engine for students to use in class, giving access to hands-on lessons in diagnosing, repairing and maintaining complex industrial compressor systems. Belford and his team moved the compressor to the college’s lab space on the Wheeling, West Virginia, campus. Employees are part of an advisory panel to guide the WVNCC program. MPLX will also continue offering plant tours for the college’s energy technology and compressor mechanics program students and provide speakers to talk about careers in the industry.

“When our students are exposed to industry professionals and know the industry is supporting the program, it shows that if they do their part in school, this could lead to good job opportunities,” said Hippensteel. “It helps strengthen the community, too, because these jobs pay a living wage, and there’s lots of opportunity for employees to move up.”

Students enrolled this semester can earn a one-year certificate by the end of the year and a two-year associate’s degree will be offered the following year.

Product designs from CNH’s global construction brands CASE Construction Equipment and New Holland Construction have been honored with two Good Design Awards. The awards, founded 75 years ago, have become a global benchmark for design excellence and are determined by the Chicago Athenaeum Museum of Architecture and Design and Metropolitan Arts Press Ltd.

“These Good Design awards are recognition of our Design team’s role in producing the CASE 580EV Backhoe Loader and New Holland Construction W40X Electric Power. Their styling matches the innovation within the machines,” said David Wilkie, Head of Industrial Design at CNH.

Our Winners

CASE was recognized for the 580EV Electric Backhoe Loader – the industry’s first production-ready, purpose-built electric backhoe loader. This recognition emphasizes CASE’s commitment to innovation and sustainability, offering a sustainable alternative in the construction industry. The 580EV features a sleek design with electric blue decaling, ergonomic controls, and an operator-focused cab equipped with an 8-inch touch screen that ensures ease of use and efficiency on the job site. CASE sets a new standard for safe and efficient construction equipment with its advanced safety features such as adjustable strobe lights.

The New Holland Construction W40X Electric Power – the brand’s new compact wheel loader – was recognized for its innovative styling that complements its engineering prowess. The seamless integration of aesthetics and functionality sets a new benchmark in the design of construction equipment. The W40X special edition created by CNH’s Industrial design team features a ‘Clean Blue’ design with the iconic New Holland leaf symbol, showcasing advanced alternative propulsion technology. New Holland’s innovative design continues to push the boundaries, marrying enhanced performance with visual appeal.

Southern Company

Southern Company, along with its subsidiaries Alabama Power, Georgia Power, Mississippi Power and Virginia Natural Gas, is proud to celebrate the remarkable recovery of the red-cockaded woodpecker (RCW), which has been downlisted from endangered to threatened under the Endangered Species Act.

This achievement marks more than 50 years of dedicated conservation efforts by a coalition of federal and state agencies, private landowners and conservation groups.

“The recovery of the red-cockaded woodpecker exemplifies the power of public-private partnerships in achieving significant conservation milestones,” said Dr. Mark Berry, senior vice president of Southern Company Services research, environment and sustainability. “Southern Company’s dedication to environmental stewardship and collaborative conservation efforts underscores our commitment to preserving biodiversity and protecting our natural heritage. We remain steadfast in our efforts to ensure that the RCW and other species continue to thrive for generations to come.”

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service recently announced this milestone, recognizing the collaborative efforts that have helped increase the RCW population. Known for its distinctive black-and-white plumage with a red streak in males, the bird has found sanctuary across Southern Company’s territory, including longleaf pine forests restored across the Southeast.

In 2008, Georgia Power and Southern Company provided funding to assist the state of Georgia in purchasing the 9,200-acre Silver Lake Wildlife Management Area to focus on supporting the RCW. The tract contains extensive stands of mature longleaf pine habitat where more than 21 RCW family groups are found today.

The company also supported emergency habitat recovery efforts after Hurricane Michael in 2018 and provides habitat adjacent to Plant Hatch as part of the Georgia Department of Natural Resource’s Safe Harbor program. In total, Georgia Power has played a vital role in restoring more than 1 million acres of longleaf pine forests across the state, providing essential habitat for the RCW.

Alabama Power has been instrumental in creating a safe habitat for the RCW at Lake Mitchell. The company’s efforts include prescribed, controlled burns and the installation of artificial cavity inserts to provide the woodpeckers with ready nests. These initiatives have significantly contributed to the bird’s population growth in Alabama.

The downlisting of the RCW is a significant achievement, but the work continues. Southern Company and its subsidiaries remain committed to ongoing conservation efforts to ensure the RCW not only survives but thrives for generations to come.

Originally published in Lenovo’s 2023/24 ESG Report

Lenovo’s day-to-day operation around the globe generates non-hazardous waste and minimal quantities of hazardous waste. To ensure that waste is properly managed and, in an attempt, to minimize environmental impact, Lenovo’s waste, both non-hazardous and hazardous, are separated and collected from the site of generation to be disposed of through third-party waste management organizations in accordance with its Site Environmental Programs Manual and applicable legal requirements.

During the FY 2023/24 reporting year, Lenovo continued to measure and monitor both non-hazardous and hazardous waste generation volumes and disposal methods through an internal environmental database. In this system, environmental focal points at its sites collect and upload monthly waste data from measured data when feasible or calculations based on measured data. When no measured data is available, non-hazardous waste estimations are used, usually based on the headcount at the site and the previous year’s monthly data from similar sites

Lenovo’s waste data for the current reporting year is presented in Section 7.0. Annual Verification Statements for Lenovo’s total non-hazardous and hazardous waste are available on Lenovo’s website.

Lenovo’s EMS requires sites to report environmental incidents, including waste-related incidents, through the internal environmental database. During the FY 2023/24 reporting year, no waste-related incidents were reported. In addition to internal reporting, Lenovo’s manufacturing facilities periodically undergo audits, some of which cover aspects of waste management. For more information on audits at Lenovo’s facilities, see Section 4.0.

Lenovo recognizes that waste management is important throughout the value chain. Lenovo requires suppliers to meet the Supplier Code of Conduct and the Responsible Business Alliance (RBA) Code of Conduct through contractual stipulations, both of which include waste-related provisions. Lenovo uses RBA audits to verify compliance with RBA’s Code of Conduct by most suppliers by spend. For more information on these supplier activities, see Section 6.0.

Lenovo manages downstream impacts through a Product-End-of-Life Management (PELM) program. More information on Lenovo’s PELM activities can be found in the corresponding section.

Non-hazardous waste

Lenovo’s non-hazardous waste includes typical office and cafeteria waste as well as packaging and manufacturing scrap at manufacturing locations.

Under Lenovo’s EMS, a global non-hazardous waste recycling target is set annually. For the FY 2023/24 reporting year, the target was to direct 90 percent (+/-5 percent) of Lenovo’s non-hazardous waste to recovery operations. The results of Lenovo’s environmental targets are available in Section 8.0.

Hazardous waste

Lenovo’s operations generate minimal quantities of hazardous waste. Hazardous waste is waste designated as hazardous by applicable laws or regulations in a country, state, region, or locality and may include oils, coolants, organic solvents, batteries, fluorescent light bulbs, and ballasts. Hazardous waste is required to be disposed of in accordance with local environmental regulations by approved suppliers.

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From renovating school libraries in Suriname to running career fairs in Brazil, supporting education initiatives in the Dominican Republic, and pioneering port-focused qualifications in Ecuador, DP World is proving that education can flow as seamlessly as global trade.

When you think of a logistics leader like DP World, you probably imagine shipping containers and cranes — not classrooms and scholarships. Yet DP World is investing in global education to shape future leaders and strengthen the communities it operates in, not least in the Americas.

In celebration of the UN’s International Day of Education, we’re taking a closer look at how DP World is empowering students, teachers, and communities in Suriname, Chile, Brazil, Peru, Ecuador, and the Dominican Republic. Through innovative programs, infrastructure upgrades, and scholarships, DP World is proving that building minds is just as important as moving goods.

Building Futures Through Infrastructure

DP World understands that a strong foundation starts with the right environment. In Suriname, the company partnered with COSCO Shipping Lines to renovate the media library at OS Lobatoschool near the Jules Sedney Terminal in Paramaribo. Completed in late 2024, the project transformed the library into a modern learning space. During the handover ceremony, DP World Paramaribo CEO Mervel Kotzebue-Fleur emphasized the importance of education in shaping Suriname’s economic future.

Meanwhile, in Peru, the DP World Race, a 10K charity run, has been funding school improvements in Callao for over a decade. In 2024, proceeds from the race helped build eight digital classrooms, a computer lab, and a library at Luisa de Sabogal 5001 school, benefiting over 430 students.

In Ecuador, DP World has partnered with ESPOL University to deliver a port-focused technical qualification through the Academic Unit for Technical and Technological Training (AUFTT) in Posorja. Offering qualifications in mechatronics and port logistics, 40% of training is conducted in DP World facilities.

Empowering Students with Scholarships and Career Guidance

Scholarships are a cornerstone of DP World’s education strategy, breaking down barriers for low-income families. In Chile, the Pre-University Program in San Antonio has supported over 300 students since 2016, helping them prepare for the Higher Education Admissions Test (PAES). Nearly 70% of participants are children of employees, while the remaining 30% are high-achieving local students.

In Brazil, DP World is preparing students for the logistics workforce through its Global Education Program (GEP). From September to November 2024, the program reached 140 students with interactive sessions on sustainability, decarbonization, and human resources. At a career fair hosted in partnership with SENAI, over 200 students connected with DP World Santos managers and explored how their studies could lead to real-world opportunities.

In the Dominican Republic, DP World’s Visión Futuro initiative has impacted approximately 6,000 young people by focusing on education, labor insertion, women’s empowerment, and youth networks. Programs include a School Retention effort benefiting 2,000 students, vocational technical training for 805 participants, and entrepreneurship support for 388 individuals. Since 2020, DP World has invested over $512,570 in Visión Futuro, with an additional $138,000 planned for 2025.

Ecuador’s AUFTT program also highlights the transformative power of education. For 25-year-old Sharon Baque, a mechatronics student, it has meant becoming the first in her family to pursue a college degree. In Chile, San Antonio’s Technical-Professional Talks Program and educational terminal visits, at both locations, help foster students’ interest in both the academic training and career prospects in the supply chain industry.

Recognizing Academic Excellence

Celebrating student success is just as important as creating opportunities. In Chile, DP World held award ceremonies in July 2024 at its San Antonio and Lirquén terminals, recognizing over 100 students for their outstanding academic performance.

Similarly, in Peru, DP World’s EcoCuentos initiative took a creative twist. Over four editions, the program published 1,400 books featuring stories written by employees and their families. The stories, which focus on topics like climate change and ocean conservation, have reached over 4,000 children in Callao and Paita, inspiring a love for learning and sustainability.

Breaking Barriers for Women in Education

DP World is also addressing gender inequality in education and the workforce. In Ecuador, the Operators of the Future program trains women to work in traditionally male-dominated roles, such as crane and forklift operation.

In Suriname, the DP World 4 Women initiative honored 26 female teachers at OS Lobatoschool for their dedication to shaping future leaders. Female employees from DP World Paramaribo provided care kits to the teachers as a gesture of appreciation during Women’s History Month.

In Chile, DP World’s sustainability efforts include courses for women heads of household in Lirquén, equipping them with tools to work in a trade.

Why Education Matters to DP World

So why is a global logistics company so invested in education? For DP World, it’s about more than corporate social responsibility. Education is a long-term investment in the communities where it operates — and in its own future workforce. By aligning its programs with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 5 (Gender Equality), DP World is building a pipeline of talent while fostering economic growth and social equity.

The impact goes deeper. From Suriname’s revitalized libraries to DP World’s pioneering university-partnership in Ecuador, education initiatives are transforming lives across the Americas. By investing in students, teachers, and infrastructure, DP World is proving that education can be the ultimate supply chain—one that delivers opportunity and prosperity for all.

Curious to learn more? Visit DP World’s Global Education Platform for free resources, career tools, and a closer look at how DP World is shaping the next generation of leaders.

Packaging is a ubiquitous aspect of healthcare treatments and while hospitals and their staff often share a strong purpose to address packaging waste, the challenge is significant. As 85% of hospital waste is considered to be non-hazardous, free from patient contact and contamination, a more sustainable management of packaging waste at the end of life should be feasible. Realizing the economic value of this waste will help drive change and enhance recycling efforts.

Our previous case study in 2024 involved four European hospitals that were managing plastic waste at varying levels. The study focused on plastics waste generated within hospital operating rooms, the challenges of waste sorting at the point of use, and the implementation of waste collection systems.

In a new project, the Healthcare Plastics Recycling Council (HPRC) aims to gain insight into the sorting of healthcare plastic packaging into streams categorized by material type and suitable for subsequent recycling. This first pilot study assesses the sortability of a small batch of healthcare plastic packaging waste generated within a hospital. The long-term aim of the project is to demonstrate that commercial sorting and recycling of healthcare plastic packaging waste is possible, can be scaled, and that the recycled material has financial value. This necessitates the ability of healthcare plastic packaging to be identified and separated from packaging waste into intended waste material fractions with high sortability yields.

Our Partners

Our partners in this initiative include UMC Utrecht (UMCU) hospital, based in Utrecht, the Netherlands, which provided a batch of uncontaminated healthcare plastic packaging waste. This waste was subsequently sorted by our second partner, the National Test Centre Circular Plastics (NTCP) also in the Netherlands.

The Pilot StudyCollecting the Test Batch

At UMCU hospital, a healthcare plastic packaging waste batch of about 2 cubic meters was collected from surgery preparation areas, wards, and medication rooms. The packaging was free from contamination and included only healthcare plastic packaging waste, excluding other waste sources such as consumer packaging waste. Both flexible and rigid plastic packaging were collected to represent a typical mix of healthcare plastic packaging formats and materials used in hospitals. Sterilization wraps or shrink wraps were not included in the study as UMCU has dedicated recycling programs for their end-of-life treatment.

During the pilot study, UMCU’s routine procedures for waste segregation were followed with no additional instructions on disposing of healthcare plastic packaging. The test batch consisted of healthcare plastic packaging waste collected at specific points in the hospital.

Sorting and Analyzing the Test Batch

The collected test batch was manually sorted at the NTCP facility following RecyClass guidance for waste segregation, considered a benchmark for commercial waste sorting operations. The batch was sorted into typical waste streams according to polymer type and form (rigids/flexibles). Manual sorting is a reliable way to sort smaller batches for which automated technologies are not feasible due to the small sample size. A portable NIR-spectrometer was used to determine unknown packaging materials.

Rigid packaging represented 74% of the test batch by weight, while flexible mono-material and multilayer packaging accounted for the remaining 26%.

In principle, for the rigid packaging waste, the polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene (PE) packaging could be recycled within polyolefin mono-material streams. Moreover, the polyester (PET) rigid packaging could be recycled within the rigid PET stream. The percentage of these packaging that could actually be sorted and recycled would be limited by other Design for Recycling factors. For example, those that include a paper label may not be suitable for sorting or recycling.

For the flexible materials, PE (10%) and PP (4%) films could be recycled within flexible mono-material polyolefin streams. Multilayer flexibles that contain polyamide (PA) or PET components (11% of the waste batch) remain a challenge and for the moment would be considered non-recyclable within most European countries.

From this test batch, in a best-case assessment, up to 84% of the packaging waste could be directed into an appropriate stream for subsequent recycling.

Next Phase of the Project

This pilot phase focused on a small quantity of packaging material from specific locations within the UMCU hospital and was manually sorted to generate a more detailed picture of material types. The next phase is to evaluate a larger batch of plastic packaging waste, moving from manual sorting to automatic sorting representative of commercial sorting facilities.

Our ongoing aim is to:

Provide further insights into the expected material composition of healthcare plastic packaging waste.Assess how effectively the waste can be commercially sorted into specific waste streams, suitable for recycling.Evaluate the quality of the recycled waste and the value it may have when used in new applications.Identify types of packaging that are not currently suitable for recycling and comment on how packaging design could further improve recycling rates.

Throughout Europe, many healthcare facilities and waste management companies are developing systems to collect, sort and recycle healthcare plastic packaging waste. If you are interested in our work or wish to be involved, please reach out to HPRC.

 

About HPRC

HPRC is a private technical coalition of industry peers across healthcare, recycling, and waste management industries seeking to improve the recyclability of plastic products within healthcare. Made up of brand-leading and globally recognized members, HPRC explores ways to enhance the economics, efficiency, and ultimately the quality and quantity of healthcare plastics collected for recycling in support of a circular plastics economy. HPRC is active across the United States and Europe working with key stakeholders, identifying opportunities for collaboration, and participating in industry events and forums. For more information, visit www.hprc.org and follow HPRC on LinkedIn.