Tag: 3BL

FRANKFURT, Germany, September 11, 2024 /3BL/ – LyondellBasell (LYB) is investing in a new closed-loop preparation center in Lich, Germany. This sophisticated recycling center is transforming plastic waste into high-quality feedstock for high-performance materials, supporting the circular economy and contributing to industry sustainability goals. This new recycling center brings the collective expertise of a service provider, a university supporting the process and analytics used and the dedicated team at LYB.

The closed-loop preparation center supports the LYB integrated hub strategy, bringing together existing assets with new advanced sorting and recycling capabilities to create operational scale, reduce cost and capture value from plastic waste. This new center marks a significant leap in waste processing capabilities for durable goods, such as automotive and white good appliance parts. The requirements for recycling durable goods once they’ve reached their end-of-life are complex. The materials need to be stripped of any paint, metal and other additives to get to a plastic suitable for a high-quality feedstock.

“These efforts are unlocking new ways of recycling durable goods into new materials for high-quality applications,” said Frank Nöltgen, Vice President of Advanced Polymer Solutions Europe at LYB. “By investing in sorting, recycling and the development of proprietary recycling technologies, we are taking significant steps towards a sustainable future.”

The recycling center employs mechanical recycling to transform end-of-life automotive and appliance plastics, such as bumpers and trim, into high-quality recycled materials. These recycled materials will be incorporated into the LYB CirculenRecover product range, offering more sustainable solutions based on recycled content for demanding applications in the automotive and white goods sectors, including structural parts, interior components, and visible applications.

“We are excited to support automotive and durable white goods manufacturers in achieving their sustainability targets,” added Erik Licht, Director New Business Development of Advanced Polymer Solutions Europe at LYB. “This closed-loop preparation center ensures that valuable plastic materials are kept in circulation, reducing reliance on virgin resources and enabling products with a lower carbon footprint compared to virgin products.”

The Lich recycling center is expected to reach commercial scale in the fourth quarter of 2024. This investment aligns with the company’s ambitious goal to produce and market at least 2 million metric tons of recycled and renewable-based polymers annually by 2030.

About LyondellBasell

We are LyondellBasell – a leader in the global chemical industry creating solutions for everyday sustainable living. Through advanced technology and focused investments, we are enabling a circular and low carbon economy. Across all we do, we aim to unlock value for our customers, investors and society. As one of the world’s largest producers of polymers and a leader in polyolefin technologies, we develop, manufacture and market high-quality and innovative products for applications ranging from sustainable transportation and food safety to clean water and quality healthcare. For more information, please visit www.lyb.com or follow @LyondellBasell on LinkedIn.

Forward-Looking Statements

The statements in this release relating to matters that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements. Actual results could differ materially based on factors including, but not limited to, our ability to meet our sustainability goals, including the successful expansion and operation of the facilities described, the ability to increase production of recycled and renewable-based polymers to meet our targets and forecasts and our ability to procure feedstock to meet these goals. Additional factors that could cause results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements can be found in the “Risk Factors” section of our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, which can be found at www.lyb.com on the Investor Relations page and on the Securities and Exchange Commission’s website at www.sec.gov. There is no assurance that any of the actions, events or results of the forward-looking statements will occur, or if any of them do, what impact they will have on our results of operations or financial condition. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they were made and are based on the estimates and opinions of management of LyondellBasell at the time the statements are made. LyondellBasell does not assume any obligation to update forward-looking statements should circumstances or management’s estimates or opinions change, except as required by law.

LYB Media Contact: 
Chelsea Clark 
Business Communication Manager – Advanced Polymer Solutions 
+13302852686 
Chelsea.Clark@lyondellbasell.com

Join us on this episode of RENEWables, as we embark on an exciting journey with Kristin Edie, the VP of Enterprise Sustainability at Hallmark. It’s a conversation that goes far beyond greeting cards, delving into Hallmark’s profound commitment to sustainability and its remarkable achievements.

Hallmark has launched a 4-point sustainability plan focused on product and content, renewable energy, sustainable forestry, and transportation. Kristin explores these four pillars, shares inspiring stories, and gives us valuable insights into Hallmark’s mission to lead the charge in sustainability. Whether you’re a sustainability enthusiast or simply curious about the future of our planet, this episode is a must-listen.

Plus, Kristin shares a very special announcement about their newest sustainability project and collaboration with BioStar Renewables.

Listen to the full episode here and be part of the journey toward a more sustainable future!

You can learn more about Hallmark and their sustainable mission here.

Listen to full episode here. 
Listen on Spotify. 
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RENEWables, A Sustainability Podcast is a podcast focused on the energy landscape of today. Everything from emerging renewable energy technologies to sustainability practices to why brands are changing the way they think, RENEWables is a source for current and dynamic conversation about the energy transition. 

Be the first to hear new episodes by subscribing to our email list here.

Learn more about BioStar Renewables.

The sun beat down on the large tent in the bustling parking lot as the crowd gathered in its shade. Parked next to the tent, a brand new canteen truck shimmered in the sunlight. A bright red ribbon held the vehicle captive. It was no ordinary truck. It was a lifeline, a symbol of hope and resilience. On August 14th, in St. Marys, Georgia FedEx made its 25th donation of a mobile canteen to The Salvation Army.

At the event, the atmosphere was charged with anticipation. The Salvation Army uses mobile canteens to bring relief to people in crisis. Responding to hurricanes and floods, fires and blizzards, the mobile kitchens are a constant presence, offering hot meals, clean water, and a sense of comfort.

Cheers erupted when the red ribbon was cut, celebrating the relief that the vehicle will bring to so many. Something most attendees didn’t know was that even before the ribbon cutting event, the canteen had already been put to work. Just a week earlier, Hurricane Debby had swept through the region, leaving a trail of destruction. The Salvation Army had immediately deployed the mobile canteen to provide aid to those impacted by the storm.

As the event wrapped up, a sense of gratitude washed over the crowd. They had witnessed the power of generosity and compassion. The 25th mobile canteen is more than just a vehicle; it is a symbol of hope, a lifeline for those in need.

The Salvation Army Service Center in St. Marys, Georgia is now the home of the new canteen. The region, known for its coastal beauty, is no stranger to hurricanes. The canteen will be stationed there, ready to respond to any disaster that might strike.

Its mission won’t be limited to emergencies. It will be used year-round to serve people in need. It will be a mobile beacon of hope, offering comfort and support to those facing hardship.

FedEx began donating mobile canteens to The Salvation Army in 2006. The canteens have helped people affected by flooding in Brazil, fires in Australia, hurricanes in Florida, homelessness in California, and earthquakes in Puerto Rico. They’ve served people in 18 cities across the U.S. and in 7 other countries.

These rolling kitchens of compassion are making a difference as they serve those in need around the world.

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

Twisters, from Universal Pictures, Warner Bros., and Amblin, is a current-day chapter of the 1996 blockbuster. The filmmakers were committed to incorporating the latest climate and tornado science into this modern-day story.

The cast and crew were joined by real-life tornado experts throughout production to bring accurate science to the film. This included Kevin Kelleher, former director of the National Severe Storms Laboratory in Norman, Oklahoma, who served as a technical consultant on Twisters as well as the original film. They were also advised by other scientific experts, including NRDC’s Rewrite the Future team who consult across many Universal projects.

Researchers have found that tornado alley – the area of the central U.S. where tornadoes occur most frequently – has been expanding into more highly populated areas of the south-central and southeastern U.S. These changes are making tornadoes more difficult to predict and therefore more difficult for communities to prepare – a dynamic that moviegoers see play out in Twisters. The film partnered with the American Red Cross to support disaster relief efforts.

But it’s not all doom and gloom. Filmmakers also worked to bring modern-day climate solutions into the film, with on-screen representation of Oklahoma’s powerful wind industry – where wind energy accounts for more than 40% of total in-state electricity generation1.

The first film inspired so many people to get into weather science and research. I would love if that would happen with this movie and inspire the next generation of scientists.
– Lee Isaac Chung, Twisters director

Twisters and Universal also went beyond the script to engage audiences. This included creating an in-theater sustainability video featuring Twisters director Lee Isaac Chung to help inspire moviegoers in the weeks leading up to the release, as well as participating in the 2024 Hollywood Climate Summit.

Twisters was one of the first films to be greenlit under Universal’s recently launched GreenerLight Program, an initiative that aims to incorporate sustainability across the entire filmmaking process through development, production, and distribution.

Behind the scenes, Twisters had a dedicated sustainability team focused on reducing fuel, plastic, and waste. This included use of mobile batteries, grid ties, and solar-powered trailers to reduce the need for diesel generators, as well as a no-idling policy for cars and trucks. The team also donated excess food from catering, and set materials went to local organizations such as Habitat for Humanity.

Twisters received a Green Seal from the Environmental Media Association, which recognizes efforts in sustainable production.

1 Source: https://www.eia.gov/state/analysis.php?sid=OK#:~:text=Wind%20and%20natural%20gas%20together,and%20natural%20gas%20fueled%2043%25.

By Lisa Bryant

At Dow, we have a long-standing commitment to investing in the health and safety of our employees.

We all have tremendous responsibilities, at work and at home. Managing professional life, family life, and caregiving affects me and thousands of members of Team Dow every day.

The challenges confronting working caregivers have reached unprecedented levels. According to a Stanford study, 75% of working parents struggle to find reliable childcare services. At the same time, the cost of childcare has increased 32% in the last 5 years. And it’s not just about childcare. Caregiving for older individuals, both friends and family members, is a growing demand on working adults, and spans demographic groups.

The employee Total Rewards concept

At Dow, we have a long-standing commitment to investing in the health and safety of our employees. One way we do that is through offering a robust portfolio of employee Total Rewards benefits and wellbeing programs.

Supporting our workforce beyond just the paycheck, with benefits that take into consideration the real demands in people’s lives, is more than just nice to do. This support can lead to lower stress levels, improved employee experiences, higher retention rates, and give employers an edge in attracting and retaining top talent.

That is why we offer a variety of Total Rewards to help our colleagues navigate their lives—from caregiving support, to time away from work, to income protection and other benefits that can help make balancing everything a little easier.

Total Rewards strategies for caregivers

We are always considering the changing world and the needs of employees. To that end, I am excited to say we recently launched a new Childcare Assistance Program and have two new partnerships to enhance the Total Rewards offerings that specifically provide caregiver support.

We recognize the financial commitment related to childcare costs, that’s why, through our new Childcare Assistance Program we provide financial support for dependent care to US employees who qualify, determined by their annual base pay and/or job grade. Through this program, employees who qualify can enroll to receive a $1,500 contribution from Dow to their Dependent Care Flexible Savings Account to use towards qualifying childcare expenses.

The first new partnership is with Cariloop—a leading comprehensive caregiver support platform. Through Cariloop, our North American employees can access a robust content library and suite of digital tools to help plan and manage the care of their loved ones.

When employees need more support, they can work with a Cariloop Care Coach who can guide them through their caregiving journey as well as remove some of the burdens that come with researching and vetting resources.

Our second new partner is TOOTRiS—a trailblazing tech platform specializing in childcare solutions. Through this partnership, Dow employees will gain exclusive access to a diverse range of childcare solutions tailored to each family’s needs.

More options

TOOTRiS offers access to over 200,000 programs across the country including centers, family childcare programs, drop-in, after-school, summer camps, babysitters/nannies, and more.

Improved affordability

In addition to providing access to more options, Dow provides a stipend to help working parents reduce childcare costs when our colleagues are needed to report to work unexpectedly, and emergency childcare is needed.

Real-time availability

Parents will receive 24/7 access to TOOTRiS to easily search and enroll directly with licensed childcare providers and see real-time availability up to 12-months in advance.

Global standards for parental and family support

We put great care into considering the unique needs of families and employee benefits for caregivers. Back in 2021, we set global standards for paid time off for new parents.

These enhancements mean a guaranteed minimum of 16 weeks of parental leave for all new parents, regardless of gender and inclusive of children welcomed through adoption and fostering. At the same time, we set in place a policy for up to 3 weeks of paid time off to care for sick or injured family members.

I am a firm believer that a thoughtfully selected benefits package like Dow’s Total Rewards program leads to improved employee wellbeing, a more resilient workforce, and stronger business outcomes.

But what about you? Could you see yourself on Team Dow?

I invite you to join our Talent Community to learn more about what life at Dow could be like for you—including leads on job opportunities based on your interests.

Lisa Bryant, Chief Human Resources Officer

We can’t say they’re baaaaaaaack . . . because they just arrived for the first time.

What we can say is this. “Ewe” might not believe what you’re seeing this summer in a drive past Enbridge’s Sarnia Solar Project, one of the largest solar energy facilities in Canada.

With help from local sheep farmers Brenten and Meika Pelleboer, we’ve embarked on a novel approach to vegetation management on an 85-acre section of the Sarnia Solar property.

As of mid-July, the Pelleboers’ flock of about 270 Rideau Arcott sheep, plus trusty livestock guardian dogs Ivy and Ned, have moved right in.

It “cud” be the beginning of a beautiful friendship.

“When we’re working with our sheep on the solar site, we often find them lying underneath the panels happily chewing their cud, which is a sign of a happy sheep,” says Brenten, adding the panels provide the sheep with a cool, dry place whenever shelter is needed.

Deploying grazing sheep, or goats, to help manage vegetation has been gaining popularity across North America for several years. For a solar facility like Sarnia Solar, there are a litany of potential benefits that the wooly summer interns are sure to provide.

“It’s a pilot program but we’re confident there will be a range of positive outcomes,” says Enbridge Saria Solar Project operations supervisor Ian Robertson. “Debris from conventional mowers can damage panels and there’s risk from motorized equipment igniting dry vegetation. The sheep are also very effective—because they graze right in close to the infrastructure.”

Enbridge will also be watching for potential benefits to the overall biodiversity of the lands, which cover 1,100 acres, house about 1.3 million solar energy panels and generate 80 MW of electricity. The fluffy, four-legged mowers could eliminate the need for pesticides, and also support the growth of native flowering plants like clover, which are preferred by insects, including bees.

Enbridge began operations at Sarnia Solar in 2008. We’ve taken a thoughtful approach when considering the ecosystem across the property, which at one time was farmland.

Along the way, we’ve worked with the Return the Landscape organization to preserve endangered plants and restore woodlands and wetlands. We even saw the introduction of five full honeybee colonies—an estimated total of 400,000 bees—six years ago as part of an ongoing pollinator program.

Our hope is that happily foraging sheep will now take their place in a closely interconnected landscape.

It could be the bee’s knees.

Or “shear” genius.

Or . . . a lamb dunk.

Authenticity is critical to leadership. That means trying to be yourself — this involves some self-disclosure, admitting what you don’t know and being willing to ask questions. 

-Robert S. Kaplan, Emeritus Professor of Leadership at the Harvard Business School

North American Container’s (NAC) specialty products may not be the first thing people think of when IP comes to mind, but it is a team that is quickly making a strong impact with customers. NAC Specialty is thriving because of its leadership team. Marcez Mitchell is the VP of NAC Specialty, and his ability to lead with grace and intentionality has helped this team become what it is today.

NAC Communications Coordinator, Michelle Winetrout, had the opportunity to sit down with Marcez and learn about his leadership philosophy and what his plans are for the future of NAC and IP.

A graduate of Clemson University, Marcez started his IP career as a summer intern in 1999 and gained an array of experiences across the company, including forest resources, procurement and supply planning. By 2020, Marcez took on a director role in Supply Chain, and later, he became general manager for NAC’s bag and molded fiber business in April of 2023. He was promoted to his current leadership role in November of 2023.

Marcez attributes his success to being as authentic as possible, even in challenging situations. He strives not to let a title, department or business modify his DNA, thus allowing him the freedom to be real and personable whether he is in the office or at home, just like his father.

Growing up, Marcez watched his father take on many titles in the church where he worked. No matter the title, his father continued to be himself and was someone people could always rely on. It made him an effective leader.

Marcez strives to reflect his father’s ability to lead the people around him by being authentic, true and, most importantly, “being able to deliver tough news in the way that people can digest rather than pushing people away.” Marcez believes that a great leader can tell the truth with grace no matter the situation. He says that this quality “provides a level of transparency, and with transparency, [one] can more easily develop trust.,” Trust, he asserts, is what builds a great team.

His father also taught him to deliver good news in a “manner that people feel appreciated along the way.” Great leaders learn from the leaders before them, and that is exactly what Marcez has done.

Trust…is what builds a great team.

This leadership philosophy, when applied to NAC Specialty, guides the team towards success through innovation and finding new ways to say “yes” to the customer. Marcez believes that in order to strengthen the NAC Specialty businesses — paper bags, molded fiber, Enhanced Graphics Solutions, SpaceKraft®, and the specialty retail and packaging display group — they have to take risks and take on new ideas that build off of older practices. NAC Specialty has always made money, he says, but being satisfied with that will only move the business horizontally. To move vertically, they have embraced the profitability mindset. NAC Specialty has just begun to scratch the surface of what they can offer to IP.

There is a world of opportunity for NAC Specialty, and Marcez is ready to lead the group every step of the way. He believes that this is one of the most exciting areas of IP to be a part of given the magnitude of opportunity on the horizon. The growing support behind the Specialty business has allowed for the team’s innovative ideas and rapid growth, and, through any successes or failures, Marcez has held close to his values and is diligently leading NAC Specialty with authenticity and trust.

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/.

Sofidel

According to the Global Sustainable Investment Alliance (GSIA), in 2023 sustainable investments in major financial markets will reach a 44% share of all assets under management in the U.S., Canada, Japan, Australia, and Europe, totaling $44 billion invested in green assets. The European fund market is the second largest in the world after the United States, with nearly €12 trillion of assets under management distributed in 30,000 funds, and according to data collected from MSCI – an international rating company – at the end of April 2023, the majority of this amount, i.e. €7 trillion, is invested in ESG funds or strategies.

The growth of sustainable finance is evident. According to the rating company Morningstar, since the SFDR (Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation) came into effect in 2021, the number of European sustainability-related investment funds have grown from 3,700 to 6,150, an increase of 66%. Morningstar points out, however, that after some checks, more than 1,200 funds were removed from the list of sustainable investments due to ambiguities in official communication.

Read more about topics related to environmental and social sustainability, themes and projects close to us in terms of culture and corporate modus operandi on our Soft&Green blog.

CHARLOTTE, N.C., September 11, 2024 /3BL/ – In response to Hurricane Francine’s projected landfall along the U.S. Gulf Coast this afternoon, Truist Foundation today announced it will donate $250,000 to support relief and recovery efforts in communities impacted by the storm. The funds will be distributed to the American Red Cross and the Center for Disaster Philanthropy’s Atlantic Hurricane Season Recovery Fund.

“As this year’s record hurricane season continues to affect communities across the country, Truist Foundation is committed to caring for those in the path of these unexpected disasters,” said Lynette Bell, president of Truist Foundation. “We are proud to put our purpose into action, leaning in before the storm makes landfall, to ensure the impacted families and communities have the resources they need for immediate relief as well as long-term recovery and rebuilding support.”

The selected organizations will use their grant funds to identify and deliver the most critical immediate community needs such as access to food, shelter and medical services. A portion of the donation will be focused on medium- and long-term recovery informed by disaster experts in partnership with those in the affected communities. Restoration efforts may address needs such as rebuilding homes, providing mental health, legal and disaster case management services, and other urgent challenges identified as recovery efforts progress.

Additionally, earlier this year, Truist Foundation donated $1 million to the American Red Cross Annual Disaster Giving Program, designed to deploy assistance quickly to communities impacted by events such as Hurricane Francine. Those funds help provide food, shelter, emotional support, comfort kits and other immediate relief supplies to thousands of families and individuals impacted by such disasters.

About Truist Foundation

Truist Foundation is committed to Truist Financial Corporation’s (NYSE: TFC) purpose to inspire and build better lives and communities. The foundation, an endowed private foundation established in 2020 whose operating budget is independent of Truist Financial Corporation, makes strategic investments in a wide variety of nonprofit organizations centered around two focus areas: building career pathways to economic mobility and strengthening small businesses to ensure all communities have an equal opportunity to thrive. Embodying these focus areas are the foundation’s leading initiatives — the Inspire Awards and Where It Starts. Learn more at Truist.com/Foundation.

# # #

Media Contact:

Kristen Fraser

media@truist.com

KeyBank and the KeyBank Foundation proudly announced an investment of $480,000 in Ohio’s only public Historically Black College or University (HBCU) and 1890 Land-Grant Institution, Central State University (CSU). Grant dollars given to the university will establish the KeyBank Scholars (KBS) Program to implement summer bridge programs, providing tuition support for 40 students over a five-year period.

The KBS Program will become a part of CSU’s Student and Institutional Success Model (SISM) geared to improve student academic outcomes. The program will be a robust scholarship and student development intervention to enhance the student experience and promote long term student success outcomes.

“All of us at KeyBank are so proud to partner with Central State University to establish the KeyBank Scholars Program,” said Jeff Bardonaro, Dayton KeyBank Market President. “We are committed to helping local students and families thrive by providing tuition support to help them reach their goals. This investment will help ensure a bright future for many CSU students and build even stronger communities in our region for years to come.”

“Central State University is deeply honored to partner with KeyBank in establishing the KeyBank Scholars Program,” said President Dr. Morakinyo A.O. Kuti ,Central State University. “This significant investment underscores the importance of providing our students with not only financial support but also the developmental resources they need to thrive. The program aligns perfectly with our commitment to fostering academic excellence and long-term success for our students. Through this partnership, we are building a brighter future for our scholars, empowering them to become leaders who will make a lasting impact in their communities and beyond.”

Over the grant period, 40 students will take part in a summer bridge program for five weeks prior to their first year of college with the objective to adjust participants to academic and social undergraduate experience. Participants will receive $2,000 per year for four years in scholarships upon meeting program criteria. Those enrolled in the program must maintain a 3.0 GPA to receive scholarship awards.

Previous CSU summer bridge program results show that 83% of participants are on track to graduate within regular program schedule with an average GPA of 3.15. In comparison, the national four-year graduation rate for all students is 45%, African American students is 26%.

ABOUT KEYCORP

KeyCorp’s roots trace back nearly 200 years to Albany, New York. Headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, Key is one of the nation’s largest bank-based financial services companies, with assets of approximately $187 billion at June 30, 2024.

Key provides deposit, lending, cash management, and investment services to individuals and businesses in 15 states under the name KeyBank National Association through a network of approximately 1,000 branches and approximately 1,200 ATMs. Key also provides a broad range of sophisticated corporate and investment banking products, such as merger and acquisition advice, public and private debt and equity, syndications and derivatives to middle market companies in selected industries throughout the United States under the KeyBanc Capital Markets trade name. For more information, visit https://www.key.com/. KeyBank Member FDIC.

ABOUT CENTRAL STATE UNIVERSITY

Central State University is a public HBCU and 1890 Land-Grant Institution with an over 135-year tradition of preparing students from diverse backgrounds and experiences for leadership, research, and service. The University fosters academic excellence within a nurturing environment and provides a solid liberal arts foundation and STEM-Ag curriculum leading to professional careers and advanced studies globally.

EEO Statement: Central State University, an 1890 Land-Grant Institution, offers its programs and activities to people of diverse backgrounds and does not discriminate on the basis of age, ancestry, race, color, disability, gender identity or expression, genetic information, HIV/AIDS status, marital or family status, military status, national origin, political beliefs, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran status. The University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Institution. For inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies or accessibility, please contact the Department of Human Resources at 937-376-6540.