Tag: 3BL

November 12, 2024 /3BL/ – Decarbonization within the chemical manufacturing sector has become one of the key challenges in moving toward net zero goals. In an industry known for high levels of greenhouse gas emissions, many chemical manufacturers are embarking on a new era of eco-conscious production by transitioning to cleaner energy sources, utilizing alternative bio and recycled feedstocks, and implementing technologies such as carbon capture and storage (CCUS).

Join SCS Standards Executive Director, Victoria Norman and Technical Expert, Dr. Melanie Williams, on Tuesday, December 10, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. ET (8:00 a.m. PT, 5:00 p.m. CET) for an in-depth discussion on the newly developed standard, SCS-115: Certification Standard for Product Carbon Intensity and Reduction for Chemicals and Co-products. The standard provides a methodology for third-party certification of the greenhouse gas intensity and reduction of chemicals, solvents, plastics and similar products. During this 45-minute presentation you will learn:

• The core standard’s framework and baseline calculation methodology used 
• Five decarbonization levers supported by the standard 
• Types of products and co-products that can benefit from certification 
• Mass balance approach to carbon footprint reduction 
• Product intensity and reduction claims that can be made to showcase product decarbonization

A live Question and Answer session will follow the presentation.

Who should attend? Organizations with decarbonization goals along the value chain, including chemical and petrochemical manufacturers, consumer goods companies, and packaging companies.

Register here!

Originally published in International Paper’s 2023 Sustainability Report

Spotlight: Honoring service, hiring veterans

Veterans contribute a unique set of skills, experiences and backgrounds to the workplace and to our communities. At International Paper, we are grateful for the sacrifices that our U.S. military veterans have made. We also recognize the value and skills that veterans have to offer — the proven ability to lead teams through ambiguous and challenging situations, learn new skills and concepts, and deliver timely results. One way we demonstrate our gratitude is by providing opportunities across all levels and career areas.

As we move from being Veteran Friendly to Veteran Ready, our Employee Network Circle IP Vets is creating a corporate culture that promotes visibility, recruitment, retention and knowledge of veterans. An open and inclusive group, IP Vets is made up of International Paper employees who are veterans of the armed forces of their respective countries and those who support veterans.

In June 2023, IP Vets teamed up with IP Recruiting and American Corporate Partners to hold a LinkedIn Live recruiting lunch and learn. To date, this event has resulted in over 250 veterans joining our talent network, which is used by our recruiters to create pipelines of potential candidates. We collected resumes and contact details of those in attendance so we can send notifications of job openings and IP updates, and keep them informed about our efforts with military recruitment.

We also established a partnership with the National Manufacturing Institute’s Heroes MAKE America program. This partnership seeks to build connections between the military community and the manufacturing industry. Along with staging a virtual career fair in November, which welcomed more than 370 participants, International Paper is also engaged with the Heroes MAKE America training program at our Savannah, Georgia Mill.

Read more

About International Paper

International Paper (NYSE: IP) is a global producer of sustainable packaging, pulp and other fiber-based products, and one of the world’s largest recyclers. Headquartered in Memphis, Tenn., we employ approximately 39,000 colleagues globally who are committed to creating what’s next. We serve customers worldwide, with manufacturing operations in North America, Latin America, North Africa and Europe. Net sales for 2023 were $18.9 billion. Additional information can be found by visiting internationalpaper.com/.

About International Paper – EMEA

In Europe, Middle East & Africa (EMEA), International Paper focuses on the production and marketing of fiber-based packaging and specialty pulp, employing approximately 4,400 people. As a leading supplier of high-quality corrugated containers for a multitude of applications, we serve customers throughout the region from our network of two recycled containerboard mills and 23 box plants in France, Italy, Morocco, Portugal and Spain. Specialty pulp is made in Gdansk, Poland. Other products available from International Paper in the region include a variety of Kraft linerboard and other pulp products.

At Covia, we are committed to providing an exceptional work environment. This commitment includes recognizing exemplary performance and contributions to our organization. This year, we’re excited to explore new ways to celebrate the achievements of our employees by recognizing those who have reached service milestones of more than 40 years.

This October, we celebrated six individuals who together bring over 200 years of dedicated service to Covia.

Lee Bullion, Production Operator, Camden Plant, 47 YearsHarry C. Barraclough Sr., Maintenance Supervisor, Dividing Creek Plant, 44 YearsAlain Cloutier, Loader Operator, St. Canut Plant, 48 YearsAlain retired on October 1 after dedicating 48 years of service to the St. Canut plant. Plant Manager Hamid Houmine said, “Alain was a dedicated employee who always showed commitment and made safety a priority in his work.”Janet E. Kilbane, Vice President, PMO, Huntersville Office, 37 YearsMoses L. Crockett, Packer/Stacker, McIntyre Plant, 36 YearsJohn W. Mowery, Purchasing Coordinator, Elco Plant, 35 Years

A special highlight goes to Lee Buillon, a Production Operator at Covia’s Camden plant, who celebrated an impressive 47 years with the company this October – fun fact: that’s around the same time the original Star Wars movie was released in 1977! Lee embodies the spirit of hard work and determination in both his professional and personal life. We had the pleasure of chatting with him, and his story is one you won’t want to miss.

When Lee started at the Camden plant, he was following in his family’s footsteps, as both his father and brother had worked there. Inspired by his father to join the team, Lee began his journey at the age of 14 through a summer program. He returned each summer to learn more and expand his skills. Eventually, he transitioned to a full-time role and spent 23 years working the midnight shift. Lee began his career in the largest pit in Camden and was a member of the team responsible for constructing one of the plants, as well as a bathroom that remains operational to this day. Approximately ten years ago, he transitioned to the day shift.

Throughout his time at the plant, Lee has contributed in many ways, from land reclamation to maintenance, making sure everything runs smoothly. About five years ago, Lee helped save the life of a friend and co-worker who suffered an aneurysm at work. Lee was able to act quickly to move his friend to safety and get him the care he desperately needed.

The tables turned two years ago when Lee was the one who needed saving. Team members discovered Lee slumped over the steering wheel in the furthest corner of the plant and they were more than 15 minutes away from an emergency vehicle arriving. His friends retrieved the first-aid kit and AED. They started CPR and continued for more than 15 minutes, along with administering multiple shocks from the AED machine before the AED detected a heart rhythm. They were advised by first responders to monitor Lee and keep him out of the sun. First responders eventually arrived, and Lee was airlifted to a local hospital that specialized in cardiac issues. As Lee shared this story, his gratitude and appreciation for his friends and their quick work was evident. Lee also expressed how thankful he was for the plant’s AED equipment and training. He shared, “I wouldn’t be here today if it wasn’t for the accessibility of the AED.” Lee continues to share his passion. When he goes into restaurants, retail stores, or other businesses, he asks if they have an AED and where it is located. He knows that one day it could save someone’s life, just as it saved his. Unfortunately, 25 days after his heart attack, he suffered a stroke. But this did not deter Lee. He was determined to get back in shape and get back to work.

Lee is not only a father and grandfather, but also an incredibly active one! He has been a dedicated USA Boxing coach for his son and has coached his grandchildren in Little League Baseball. The love and pride Lee has for his family is heartwarming. But there’s more to his story. After suffering a heart attack and a stroke, Lee found a new determination to improve his health. Always someone who valued fitness, he decided to push himself further by taking up running. Now he’s proudly completed his fourth marathon (26.2 miles) and over 20 5K races (3.1 miles). That’s not all. Lee is his family’s personal baker with a special talent for making the most amazing cheesecakes.

Lee closed our conversation with some insightful advice. First and foremost, he stressed the importance of a strong work ethic. He proudly shared that he has two sons serving in the military. His oldest, a Sergeant First Class, dedicated 20 years to the Army before retiring, while his younger son is currently serving with the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault). Despite their own accomplishments and heroism, both sons attribute their strong work ethic and dedication to their father, often calling him Superman! Finally, he reminded everyone to put away their cell phones while on the job. It can be distracting, and your life deserves your full attention.

Want to learn more about Talent Acquisition and Team Member Experience and other corporate responsibility topics at Covia? See our library of topic-specific summary documents.

Albertsons Companies’ Southwest Division recently celebrated the grand opening of a new Safeway store in Peoria, Arizona. To welcome the newest location, the Safeway Foundation awarded over $127,000 to nearby schools and nonprofits in support of education and youth outreach programs. Peoria Mayor Jason Beck, Michael Houston, Safeway Store Director and members of the Peoria community attended the grand opening event.

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

Verizon

At Mohave Valley Junior High School, in Mohave Valley, Arizona, students get to try 3D printing, explore coding and design, experiment with virtual reality, and play with graphic design. It’s no secret that students love the school’s Verizon Innovative Learning Lab technology, but the educators are enjoying it, too. “I like being able to be on the cutting edge of what education can look like,” says Michael Ingerson, a Lab Mentor at the school.

For the students in this rural district, “the Verizon Innovative Learning Lab technology and curriculum has provided access to our students that they did not have before,” says Charlotte Hansen, principal at the school. “This kind of access matters because most of our students do not have the means at home or the experiences that most other students have in their homes. And so we’re able to provide those experiences at school, which could be life-changing for them.”

The struggling school suffered from low enrollment, with many families opting to send their children to charter schools instead. Today, however, Mohave Valley’s test scores are up, the school raised its Arizona state rating to just shy of an A, Hansen says, and it has become a school of choice for area families. “Because of this offering, the community has rallied behind us, and students have come here because of the experiences that the Verizon Innovative Learning Lab provides them,” Hansen says.

In 2023, Mohave Valley also won the prestigious Golden Bell Award, in the elementary school category. The Arizona School Boards Association (ASBA) gives the awards to educators and administrators in districts that achieve excellence through their educational initiatives. Mohave Valley achieved recognition for emerging technology in the classroom and giving students opportunities to learn college and career-ready skills.

While some students take an elective that gives them access to the Verizon Innovative Learning Lab, the entire student body has access to the technology, thanks to mobile tech carts that move from room to room. “The mobile technology allows all students and every subject to have access to that specific technology,” Hansen explains. “So it’s equitable access to all of our students.”

Access to technology, says Hansen, is quickly transforming students into confident young tech leaders. In just two years of the school using 3D modeling software and 3D printing, for example, “we have many experts now within our student population,” the principal says. As a result, many are now considering tech-focused careers, she says.

Ingerson, moreover, sees some of his students quickly outpacing their mentors. “There are instances where we see students becoming the masters of these tools and of this subject matter,” he says. “As teachers, we try to provide the experience for them, but sometimes they grow beyond what even we know.”

Parents, too, have seen how engagement with technology impacts their kids. Ashley Huff says her son, Andrew Ocampo, was amazed by all the lab technology has to offer at Mohave Valley. “He didn’t know something like this could exist,” Huff says.

Now, she says, Andrew is a new student who is more excited about going to school. “I’ve seen changes in Andrew in regard to being more independent in his learning, wanting to take control of his life, and being more creative at home with different objects and different art,” Huff says.

For seventh grader Greg Koczko, “the use of technology and lab classes definitely opened me up to different careers,” he says. Taking part in film classes turned a possible career interest into something more. “My goal was to be a cameraman before going here,” Koczko says. “Having access to all these different things has made me think differently about my career — now I want to be a director.”

But it’s not just their futures that have potential. The access to technology, Hansen says, is impacting her students right here and now. “[Verizon provided] amazing technology that is going to change their lives — that is changing their lives,” she says.

Verizon Innovative Learning is a key part of Citizen Verizon, the company’s responsible business plan to help move the world forward for all. As part of the plan, Verizon has an ambitious goal of providing 10 million youth with digital skills training by 2030. Visit CitizenVerizon.com to learn more about the company’s responsible business efforts. Educators can access free lessons, professional development, and immersive learning experiences to help bring new ways of learning into the classroom by visiting Verizon Innovative Learning HQ.

Eastman

“We had to find a solution for all of our cardboard,” said Marsha Edwards, senior environmental engineer at Eastman. “With our previous recycling partner closed, finding a baler became a top priority to keep cardboard out of the landfill and stay true to our sustainability commitments.”

Edwards searched everywhere for a Kingsport, Tennessee, partner that could take Eastman’s cardboard and bale it for recycling. The monthly volume of cardboard — up to 120 tons — complicated partnerships with local balers.

The Goodwill Industries of Tenneva Area, Inc. knocked on the company’s door.  Goodwill already partnered with Eastman to recycle textiles, the nonprofit organization also had three cardboard balers. Goodwill approached Eastman with an offer to bale cardboard.

The partnership began in April, when Goodwill processed the inaugural shipment of cardboard. The bales are transported on Goodwill’s sustainability truck for recycling by Domtar, a pulp and paper manufacturer in Kingsport.

“Through this collaboration, we’re also lowering our carbon emissions,” Edwards said. “Working with a local organization that’s only about five miles away from our site requires reduced transportation. This is really a win-win for everyone.”

To support growth of the partnership, Goodwill has purchased a fourth baler to handle larger boxes. Goodwill hired two additional employees to manage baler operations, which aligns with mission to provide employment to those in need.

“What truly makes this moment special for me is the promise of job opportunities it brings,” said Morris Baker, president and CEO of Goodwill Industries of Tenneva. “This partnership and its achievements aren’t just about cardboard recycling. It’s about creating pathways to success and making a tangible difference in people’s lives. We see that in the success of Goodwill employees and the benefit this three-company partnership has on our community’s sustainability.”

PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are found everywhere in our environment. Some of them are a pressing environmental and public health concern, impacting drinking water supplies, ecosystems and communities globally.

Whether in water, soil, waste or solids, these compounds pose significant challenges, from widespread contamination to complex treatment requirements and disposal considerations — all in the context of evolving regulations.

As a world-class provider of technology, projects, products and services and a leader in environmental services, we’re working toward a future where concerns about PFAS management are a thing of the past.

We have decades of experience implementing and operating technologies that are scientifically proven and tailored to each project. We will provide solutions to maximize your efficiency in water and waste management, while complying with emerging PFAS regulations and treatment requirements.

BeyondPFAS, our suite of end-to-end PFAS management solutions, is designed to support you at every step, from sampling and analysis to responsible disposal of contaminants.

Our holistic approach involves initial site assessment and sampling, followed by implementing tailored treatment technologies based on your needs. We are committed to safely handling and disposing contaminates in line with EPA-recommended methods, including incineration, deep well injection and approved landfill.

We also help our clients navigate the EPA’s strategic guidelines and support the access of more than $10 billion in dedicated government funding.

We leverage external funding opportunities, explore investment opportunities and develop tailored financing models to minimize upfront capital requirements and align with municipalities’ budgets. We’ve been proactively addressing the issue since 2018, providing municipalities access to valuable insights and support.

At Veolia, we empower cities and businesses to create positive ecological transformation. We are committed to protecting our communities, safeguarding the natural environment and helping our customers feel confident that what lies beyond today is a safer, cleaner future.

What is BeyondPFAS? Peace of Mind.

Every October, in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, AEG’s German ice hockey champions, Eisbären Berlin, trade their usual team colors for a bold and meaningful hue: pink—as part of their annual “Pink in the Rink” campaign. The initiative has become a staple of the club’s charity efforts, blending the passion of sports with a powerful cause—raising awareness and funds in the fight against cancer.

Since the launch of the campaign over a decade ago, the Eisbären has raised over $260,000 for cancer research. In addition to wearing customized pink jerseys and gloves at every home game, the club also organized charity drives and auctions with all proceeds benefiting Berlin-based organizations that support cancer patients, survivors, and their families. This year’s donation recipients included Kinderlächeln e. V., Berliner Krebsgesellschaft e. V., Deutsche Stiftung für junge Erwachsene mit Krebs, Leben nach Krebs e. V. and Home Care Berlin e. V.

The campaign was originally sparked by Stefan Ustorf, a true legend in the club’s history. Ustorf, who had a successful career both in the NHL and with the Eisbären, playing eight seasons and winning five German Championships, introduced the idea of “Pink in the Rink” more than ten years ago when he began playing with a pink stick in honor of his wife who was diagnosed with breast cancer.

To learn more about the Eisbären Berlin and the “Pink in the Rink” campaign, please click here.

ATLANTA, November 12, 2024 /3BL/ – Habitat for Humanity International announced today that Whirlpool Foundation has renewed its support for the BuildBetter with Whirlpool program. Over the next two years, the Foundation will allocate $2.5M to help the global housing nonprofit construct stronger, more energy-efficient homes that are responsive to changing climate conditions and increasing climate hazards. In the next evolution of the program, 50 net-zero-energy-ready homes will be built bringing energy efficiency and cost savings to homeowners.

The BuildBetter with Whirlpool program, launched by Habitat for Humanity and Whirlpool Corporation in June 2021, started as a three-phase initiative expanding upon Habitat’s current efforts to help homeowners mitigate the impact of climate change with more energy-efficient and climate resilient homes. The initiative also aims to produce a long-term reduction in operating costs for homeowners through an expected improvement in energy efficiency of up to 45% compared to homes built to current local government code. Dollars saved on water and energy bills can be used to help with the cost of food, medical expenses and other household expenses or as savings for the future.

“We are thrilled to continue our work with Habitat on the BuildBetter with Whirlpool program,” said Pam Klyn, executive vice president for corporate relations and sustainability for Whirlpool Corporation. “We’re learning from the data collected to date and evolving the program to build homes that are even more efficient in the next two years. This project truly demonstrates that creating energy efficient homes isn’t just for the luxury market.”

The first commitment of the BuildBetter with Whirlpool program, which launched in 2021 and will be completed later this year, encouraged local Habitat affiliates to build above local code to meet higher energy and resilience standards. It also focused on research and collaboration to establish a more accurate baseline to measure sustainable building standards across the construction industry. By the end of 2024, more than 260 energy efficient and climate resilient homes will be constructed across the U.S., resulting in an average 45 percent predicted energy cost savings per family, as well as a 15 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions per home. The second commitment of the initiative will begin in early 2025.

“Whirlpool Corporation has been an instrumental partner in helping us improve and broaden the ways we can help more families achieve housing stability,” said Charlita Stephens-Walker, vice president of corporate partnerships and cause marketing at Habitat for Humanity International. “Through the BuildBetter with Whirlpool program, we have been able to build more resilient and energy-efficient homes, helping families reduce their carbon footprint as well as lessen their housing costs. We are proud to continue this work with Whirlpool and we are grateful for their dedication to ensure everyone has a safe and decent place to live.”

For more than 25 years, Habitat for Humanity International and Whirlpool Corporation have worked together to improve and broaden the ways the global housing organization can help more families achieve housing stability. Over the lifetime of the relationship, Whirlpool has given more than $140 million in funding and donated products supporting nearly 200,000 Habitat households in the U.S. and close to 1 million people in more than 50 countries worldwide. The company has also supported other initiatives including Habitat’s global housing forums, the Cost of Home national advocacy campaign, and the Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Work Project.

About Habitat for Humanity

Driven by the vision that everyone needs a decent place to live, Habitat for Humanity found its earliest inspirations as a grassroots movement on an interracial community farm in south Georgia. Since its founding in 1976, the Christian housing organization has since grown to become a leading global nonprofit working in local communities across all 50 states in the U.S., Puerto Rico, and more than 70 countries. Families and individuals in need of a hand up partner with Habitat for Humanity to build or improve a place they can call home. Habitat homeowners help build their own homes alongside volunteers and pay an affordable mortgage. Through financial support, volunteering or adding a voice to support affordable housing, everyone can help families achieve the strength, stability and self-reliance they need to build better lives for themselves. Through shelter, we empower. To learn more, visit habitat.org.

About Whirlpool Corporation

Whirlpool Corporation (NYSE: WHR) is a leading kitchen and laundry appliance company, in constant pursuit of improving life at home and inspiring generations with our brands. The company is driving meaningful innovation to meet the evolving needs of consumers through its iconic brand portfolio, including Whirlpool, KitchenAid, JennAir, Maytag, Amana, Brastemp, Consul, and InSinkErator. In 2023, the company reported approximately $19 billion in annual sales, 59,000 employees, and 55 manufacturing and technology research centers. Additional information about the company can be found at WhirlpoolCorp.com.

We recently hosted an electrifying Careers in Energy Week Expo. Over 200 middle and high school students from New Castle County, including those from Academia Antonia Alonso Charter School, Odessa High School, Appoquinimink High School, Freire Charter Wilmington, Smyrna Middle School, Middletown High School, and William Penn High School, gathered to explore the diverse career opportunities at Delmarva Power.

The students were captivated by a variety of interactive exhibits, including a cutting-edge Virtual Reality Module (VRM), Electric Operations, Gas Operations, and Environmental Management. These hands-on experiences provided invaluable insights into the energy sector and showcased the exciting possibilities within the industry.

As part of the industry-wide Careers in Energy Week initiative, our event aimed to inspire the next generation of energy professionals by highlighting the numerous opportunities in the energy sector. We are proud to have been a part of this initiative and are committed to continuing our support and inspiration for future leaders in the energy industry.