Tag: 3BL

Sappi, a leading manufacturer of speciality papers, will be introducing its extensive portfolio at the upcoming Labelexpo Americas in Chicago between 10 and 12 September 2024. Visitors to the Sappi stand (457) – with its ‘Renewable, reliable, ready’ theme – will experience highlights such as the Sol BCK release liner, designed for a significantly reduced carbon footprint and enhanced recyclability and LusterCote SG a premium face stock designed for high-end pressure sensitive label applications. Sappi will also be presenting its advanced Glassine and CCK silicone base papers, along with a range of innovative label papers produced at its upgraded Gratkorn mill.

September 10, 2024 /3BL/ – As a global leader in comprehensive solutions, Sappi delivers renewable, premium-quality products that converters, printers, brand owners as well as label and packaging designers worldwide have come to rely on. This makes Sappi a must-see at this year’s Labelexpo Americas, the largest dedicated label and package printing event in the country. Demonstrating its commitment to the market, Sappi will showcase its extensive portfolio of innovative face stock label papers, wet glue label papers, CCK papers and glassine papers, among many other exciting offerings.

Sol BCK: a release liner with a greatly improved carbon footprint

Visitors to Sappi’s stand will have an opportunity to experience Sol BCK – a release liner for visual communication and industrial applications as well as for adhesive tape products. Developed specifically for the American market, the release liner delivers a greatly improved carbon footprint by eliminating plastic coating, improved recyclability by saving plastic material as well as significant cost savings – compared to commonly used PCK-based (Polyethylene Coated Kraft) release liners. Sol BCK offers real advantages over PCK by reducing the CO2 footprint by more than 50 per cent as well as significantly better recyclability by avoiding the use of plastic PE.

Many other solutions will also be on display at the trade fair, such as Sappi’s Glassine and CCK silicone base papers which offer exceptional siliconization properties as well as easy and efficient processing. They are used as release liners for applications such as self-adhesive labels, visual communication applications, adhesive tapes and office supplies.

Outstanding label papers for self-adhesive applications

Also on show in Chicago are Sappi’s outstanding label papers including its Parade Face Semi Gloss for self-adhesive labels, formerly known as Parade Label SG. The face stock paper boasts first-class printing and finishing properties. The one-side coated, semi-gloss paper for self-adhesive label applications excels with its outstanding printability, opacity and stiffness, as well as its excellent further processing capabilities. Produced at Sappi’s Gratkorn mill, it is ideally suited for applications such as prime product labelling, general packaging, transport packaging, disposable bottles and containers.

Sappi is proud to introduce LusterCote® SG, a premium face stock for high-end pressure sensitive label applications. This new product builds on the success of LusterCote, offering enhanced brightness and a smooth semi-gloss finish for consistent and reliable performance through demanding converting processes. Manufactured at our state-of-the-art facility in Skowhegan, Maine, LusterCote® SG promises exceptional quality and durability.

Investment in wet-glue wet-strength label papers at Gratkorn

To further strengthen its label paper business, Sappi announced a significant long-term double-digit million investment project at its Gratkorn site, Austria, at the end of last year. The project, which is scheduled for completion in October 2024, focused on adapting production capacities for label papers to the increasing needs of the beverage industry – as well as capacities to produce high-quality wet-strength, alkali-resistant label paper in the future.

Paper grades such as Parade Label Pro, developed for high-quality non-wet-strength labels in the food, beverage and consumer goods industries, are greatly benefiting from integrated pulp production as well as state-of-the-art production and converting equipment, such as a new embossing calender. Sappi’s successful Parade Label Pro is the ideal choice to achieve high-impact product differentiation in retail environments. The glossy, one-side double-coated non-wet strength wet-glue label paper features an exceptionally smooth surface as well as a high degree of whiteness, while ensuring excellent printing and finishing results.

Its sister product, Parade Label WS – a double-coated, wet-strength and alkali-resistant label paper – also benefits from the Gratkorn investment. It features a functional coating on its reverse side and its outstanding surface enables users to achieve impressive printing and finishing results. Also available in embossed and non-embossed versions, it can be converted using all standard printing processes and is suitable for creating high-quality labels, e.g. for returnable bottles in the beverage sector.

A reliable partner in production, availability, supply and support

Sappi has established high-performance production capabilities and seamless supply chains to guarantee 100% availability and quick delivery of its label papers. With production sites strategically located in Somerset (USA), Alfeld (Germany), Carmignano (Italy), and a significant investment in Gratkorn (Austria), Sappi is ideally positioned to ensure consistent, reliable supply of premium label papers. The company’s state-of-the-art production facilities allow for flexible production cycles, ensuring rapid availability. Innovative back-up solutions, coupled with well-established logistics networks refined over decades, support fast deliveries. All this while advanced support technologies further enable Sappi to effectively meet the diverse needs of its customers.

Visitors to Labelexpo Americas (Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, Chicago) are invited to explore and experience many different samples and mock-ups of Sappi’s products and to find out about selected references from around the world.

About Sappi

Sappi is a leading global provider of everyday materials made from woodfibre-based renewable resources. As a diversified, innovative and trusted leader focused on sustainable processes and products, Sappi is building a more circular economy by making what it should, not just what it can. Its raw materials offerings (including dissolving pulp, wood pulp and biomaterials) and end-use products (packaging papers, specialty papers, graphic papers, casting and release papers, forestry products) are manufactured from woodfibre sourced from sustainably managed forests and plantations. Many of Sappi’s production facilities use internally generated bioenergy, enabling many of its operations to be energy self-sufficient.

Sappi produces 5.5 million tons of paper, 2.6 million tons of paper pulp, 1.5 million tons of dissolving pulp per year. Globally, it has over 12,000 employees, 400,000 ha of owned and leased sustainably managed forests in South Africa. Sappi Limited (JSE) is headquartered in Johannesburg, South Africa with manufacturing operations across three continents and sells its products in more than 150 countries.

Sappi Europe is a division of Sappi Limited where its European mills hold chain of custody certifications under the Forest Stewardship Council™ (FSC™ C015022) and the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC/07-32-76) systems. Our papers are produced in mills accredited with ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 50 001 and ISO45 001 certification. We have EMAS registration at 5 of our 8 mills in Europe.

Learn more about Sappi at: www.sappi.com

Today, September 10, 2024, all Covia locations are participating in a company-wide Safety Day. The 2024 theme is Emergency Preparedness to ensure that Covia team members are exceptionally prepared to respond to any emergency. Sites will participate in emergency response simulations, annual safety performance reviews and discussions on policy and procedure changes. Additional presentations cover upcoming safety and health activities and safety tips for team members at home and on the job.

During Covia’s annual Safety Day, each site selects activities that are most relevant to their operations and takes time to focus on key risks known across the company. By participating, all Covia team members support the Safety First value and priorities.

On this year’s annual Safety Day, and every day, Covia strives to foster a culture of performance and accountability – one in which every employee understands the important role they play in ensuring a bright and sustainable future for the company, Covia’s customers and the communities Covia serves.

To learn more about safety, health and security at Covia, read our latest ESG report.

Today, September 10, 2024, all Covia locations are participating in a company-wide Safety Day. The 2024 theme is Emergency Preparedness to ensure that Covia team members are exceptionally prepared to respond to any emergency. Sites will participate in emergency response simulations, annual safety performance reviews and discussions on policy and procedure changes. Additional presentations cover upcoming safety and health activities and safety tips for team members at home and on the job.

During Covia’s annual Safety Day, each site selects activities that are most relevant to their operations and takes time to focus on key risks known across the company. By participating, all Covia team members support the Safety First value and priorities.

On this year’s annual Safety Day, and every day, Covia strives to foster a culture of performance and accountability – one in which every employee understands the important role they play in ensuring a bright and sustainable future for the company, Covia’s customers and the communities Covia serves.

To learn more about safety, health and security at Covia, read our latest ESG report.

Albertsons Companies, Inc., in collaboration with the Albertsons Companies Foundation, today announced the Million Hour Volunteer Rally to help neighbors in need. Customers, associates and partners are invited to join the company’s Nourishing Neighbors charitable program on the mission to end hunger by collectively contributing one million volunteer hours to various nonprofit organizations across the country. Now through Oct. 31, customers who volunteer and record their hours during this campaign will have the opportunity to win a grand prize of free groceries for a year and a $5,000 donation to a local hunger relief nonprofit. Additionally, 10 runners-up will receive $500 in groceries and a $500 donation to a local hunger-focused charity*.

“In the span of just two years, from 2022 to 2023, there has been a troubling 30 percent rise in food insecurity†, while the rate of formal volunteering has decreased by seven percent‡,” said Christy Duncan Anderson, President and Executive Director of Albertsons Companies Foundation. “As long-standing community partners dedicated to fighting hunger, we recognized this critical shortage of volunteers faced by numerous food banks and pantries and took action. We’re proud to invite our local communities to join the Million Hour Volunteer Rally and donate their time and skills to make a positive impact in the lives of those who face hunger every day.”

Customers can find volunteer opportunities by clicking here. Once a customer has completed their volunteer hours, they will log their hours here.

“Our food bank provides nearly one million meals worth of food every week to a community in which one in four people experience some level of hunger,” said Regi Young, executive director of Alameda County Community Food Bank. “The only way we’re able to accomplish as much as we do is with the contributions of a passionate and hard-working corps of volunteers who help us prepare much of that food for the community. Food banks like ours have faced many challenges securing volunteers in recent years, so efforts like the Million Hour Volunteer Rally are truly invaluable to this work. We’re grateful to the ongoing support we get from Albertsons Cos. and every other corporate partner that plays such an integral part in our mission.”

“The Hockomock Area YMCA relies on over 600 volunteers annually to support our mission in 15 Massachusetts communities, and their contributions are vital for our impact in youth development, healthy living and social responsibility,” said Patrick Murphy, Association Director of Community Engagement and Partnerships for Hockomock Area YMCA. “We appreciate the Albertsons Cos. Foundation and the Million Hour Volunteer Rally for offering much-needed support to organizations like ours facing volunteer challenges.”

The Million Hour Volunteer Rally partners include Albertsons Cos.’ private label brand O Organics as well as the following national brands: Kellanova, General Mills, Quaker, Coca-Cola, Unilever, Eggland’s Best, Reynolds, Hefty, Crystal Waters and Red Bull.

*Official rules and prizes
† USDA ERS – Household Food Security in the United States in 2022
‡ Volunteering and Civic Life in America Research Summary

See original press release at Albertsons Newsroom and read more about Albertsons Companies and our Recipe for Change on our website.

Albertsons Companies, Inc., in collaboration with the Albertsons Companies Foundation, today announced the Million Hour Volunteer Rally to help neighbors in need. Customers, associates and partners are invited to join the company’s Nourishing Neighbors charitable program on the mission to end hunger by collectively contributing one million volunteer hours to various nonprofit organizations across the country. Now through Oct. 31, customers who volunteer and record their hours during this campaign will have the opportunity to win a grand prize of free groceries for a year and a $5,000 donation to a local hunger relief nonprofit. Additionally, 10 runners-up will receive $500 in groceries and a $500 donation to a local hunger-focused charity*.

“In the span of just two years, from 2022 to 2023, there has been a troubling 30 percent rise in food insecurity†, while the rate of formal volunteering has decreased by seven percent‡,” said Christy Duncan Anderson, President and Executive Director of Albertsons Companies Foundation. “As long-standing community partners dedicated to fighting hunger, we recognized this critical shortage of volunteers faced by numerous food banks and pantries and took action. We’re proud to invite our local communities to join the Million Hour Volunteer Rally and donate their time and skills to make a positive impact in the lives of those who face hunger every day.”

Customers can find volunteer opportunities by clicking here. Once a customer has completed their volunteer hours, they will log their hours here.

“Our food bank provides nearly one million meals worth of food every week to a community in which one in four people experience some level of hunger,” said Regi Young, executive director of Alameda County Community Food Bank. “The only way we’re able to accomplish as much as we do is with the contributions of a passionate and hard-working corps of volunteers who help us prepare much of that food for the community. Food banks like ours have faced many challenges securing volunteers in recent years, so efforts like the Million Hour Volunteer Rally are truly invaluable to this work. We’re grateful to the ongoing support we get from Albertsons Cos. and every other corporate partner that plays such an integral part in our mission.”

“The Hockomock Area YMCA relies on over 600 volunteers annually to support our mission in 15 Massachusetts communities, and their contributions are vital for our impact in youth development, healthy living and social responsibility,” said Patrick Murphy, Association Director of Community Engagement and Partnerships for Hockomock Area YMCA. “We appreciate the Albertsons Cos. Foundation and the Million Hour Volunteer Rally for offering much-needed support to organizations like ours facing volunteer challenges.”

The Million Hour Volunteer Rally partners include Albertsons Cos.’ private label brand O Organics as well as the following national brands: Kellanova, General Mills, Quaker, Coca-Cola, Unilever, Eggland’s Best, Reynolds, Hefty, Crystal Waters and Red Bull.

*Official rules and prizes
† USDA ERS – Household Food Security in the United States in 2022
‡ Volunteering and Civic Life in America Research Summary

See original press release at Albertsons Newsroom and read more about Albertsons Companies and our Recipe for Change on our website.

Southern Company today issued its 2023 Sustainability Summary report.

“Southern Company’s primary responsibility is to provide our customers with clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy. Balancing these priorities to help ensure the long-term sustainability of our businesses for the benefit of customers and communities is complex,” said Chris Womack, chairman of the board, president and CEO of Southern Company. “The energy industry is currently facing simultaneous opportunities and challenges that compound these complexities: rapidly growing demand, potentially the greatest infrastructure investment cycle in a generation, a desire to decarbonize, a prolonged inflationary environment pressuring customer rates and an evolving regulatory landscape. We believe our people, business strategies, corporate culture and stakeholder engagement efforts position us to meet these opportunities and challenges in a sustainable manner.”

Southern Company’s 2023 Sustainability Summary highlights the company’s five sustainability pillars:

Serve Our CustomersAdvance Clean EnergyLead Through InnovationInvest in Our PeopleElevate Our Communities

The summary also highlights Southern Company’s approach to corporate governance and policy engagement and serves as a short-form report for stakeholders who want to learn more about Southern Company’s sustainability efforts. The annual Sustainability Summary is a companion to the robust sustainability section of the company’s website and the full suite of sustainability-related documents available on the company’s Data, Downloads and Reports page.

Key highlights from the 2023 Sustainability Summary include:

Continued shift toward zero- and lower-carbon sources of electric generating capacity such as renewables, nuclear and natural gas, with a 49% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions relative to 2007 levels.Ongoing focus on the affordability of energy costs for customers, maintaining expense discipline across businesses, implementing efficiency measures and keeping customers at the center of everything we do.Significant investment in the transmission and distribution systems of Southern Company subsidiaries, including a wide range of projects designed to enhance resilience and facilitate the addition of zero- and lower-carbon resources.Continued commitment to working closely with local and state officials, organizations and customers.Investing heavily in workforce development initiatives and providing enhanced training, leadership and mobility opportunities for employees as Southern Company builds an energy workforce for the future.

2023 Sustainability Summary.

Southern Company today issued its 2023 Sustainability Summary report.

“Southern Company’s primary responsibility is to provide our customers with clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy. Balancing these priorities to help ensure the long-term sustainability of our businesses for the benefit of customers and communities is complex,” said Chris Womack, chairman of the board, president and CEO of Southern Company. “The energy industry is currently facing simultaneous opportunities and challenges that compound these complexities: rapidly growing demand, potentially the greatest infrastructure investment cycle in a generation, a desire to decarbonize, a prolonged inflationary environment pressuring customer rates and an evolving regulatory landscape. We believe our people, business strategies, corporate culture and stakeholder engagement efforts position us to meet these opportunities and challenges in a sustainable manner.”

Southern Company’s 2023 Sustainability Summary highlights the company’s five sustainability pillars:

Serve Our CustomersAdvance Clean EnergyLead Through InnovationInvest in Our PeopleElevate Our Communities

The summary also highlights Southern Company’s approach to corporate governance and policy engagement and serves as a short-form report for stakeholders who want to learn more about Southern Company’s sustainability efforts. The annual Sustainability Summary is a companion to the robust sustainability section of the company’s website and the full suite of sustainability-related documents available on the company’s Data, Downloads and Reports page.

Key highlights from the 2023 Sustainability Summary include:

Continued shift toward zero- and lower-carbon sources of electric generating capacity such as renewables, nuclear and natural gas, with a 49% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions relative to 2007 levels.Ongoing focus on the affordability of energy costs for customers, maintaining expense discipline across businesses, implementing efficiency measures and keeping customers at the center of everything we do.Significant investment in the transmission and distribution systems of Southern Company subsidiaries, including a wide range of projects designed to enhance resilience and facilitate the addition of zero- and lower-carbon resources.Continued commitment to working closely with local and state officials, organizations and customers.Investing heavily in workforce development initiatives and providing enhanced training, leadership and mobility opportunities for employees as Southern Company builds an energy workforce for the future.

2023 Sustainability Summary.

By Kim Borges

Regions Bank supports workforce development programs that help people get ready to succeed in well-paying jobs. One of those programs is conducted by Peer Power Foundation in Memphis, Tennessee, a tutoring and mentoring nonprofit Regions supports financially and through the volunteerism of Regions Private Wealth Management leader Lance Cowles. Here, we view the work Peer Power is doing to help break the cycle of poverty through the lens of the visionary director who’s guiding it.

In August of 2023, Marlon Ross Jr. delivered a presentation as if his life depended on it.

“I stood in front of 100 students encouraging them to take a chance on this opportunity,” he said.

His motivation? Knowing his audience’s lives depended on it more.

“Some of these young men have been through some really, really hard circumstances,” he said.

Ninety percent of Peer Power’s Workforce Development students have witnessed a homicide. Some have been justice-involved themselves committing misdemeanors.

But that night, Ross, director of Workforce Development with the Memphis nonprofit, offered a chance to change that trajectory.

“We had 17 enroll in our program,” he said of the first class. “We have 24 in our second class.”

A year before giving that speech, Ross himself was at a crossroads.

“I’d been a history teacher at two schools but felt confined and frustrated seeing graduation rates of 15 and 20 percent,” he said. “I wanted to be able to do more.”

Knowing Peer Power Foundation’s impact from serving as a peer mentor while enrolled at the University of Memphis made returning to work there an easy decision.

I grew up in a low-income family with a single mom. This is a calling I’m very grateful to have in my life. I thank God to be in this position. I truly believe I’m living my purpose.

Marlon Ross Jr., director of Workforce Development for Peer Power Foundation

“I’m from Memphis, born and raised,” he said. “I grew up in a low-income family with a single mom. This is a calling I’m very grateful to have in my life. I thank God to be in this position. I truly believe I’m living my purpose.”

Yes, that purpose includes teaching skills like operating a forklift, advanced metalworking and supply chain logistics – but it involves far more.

“We’re not here to simply get young men jobs,” said Ross. “We use the word ‘careers.’ We also teach what we call ‘essential skills’ – professionalism, workplace etiquette, financial education, a fitness component. We also build in therapy. We believe in a holistic approach.”

Ross and team also teach hard work yields success.

“We have a saying: ‘Either deal with the pain of discipline or deal with the pain of regret,’” he explained. “We say it’s much better to deal with the pain of discipline.”

And there’s more wisdom where that came from.

“I tell them, ‘Sometimes, we just have to push through,’” Ross said. “‘No’ is unacceptable. Those are your limits; they aren’t mine. I’m going to hold you accountable. I’m not going to lower my standards.”

As we build this program, we want to be a solution for the workforce needs of Memphis and our country … I truly feel like the sky’s the limit for this program.

Marlon Ross Jr., director of Workforce Development for Peer Power Foundation

What else moves Ross? Seeing the profound change people experience.

“Week after week, they are growing,” said Ross. “It’s a beautiful thing to see them hold themselves accountable and hold their peers accountable.”

It’s a lesson he’s also taken to heart.

“This program has been a learning process for me as well,” Ross said. “There are some hard days in this work. But when you get those text messages and calls from parents saying the changes they’ve seen in their kids, it makes it all worthwhile. I’ve learned I, too, can do harder things.”

He added, “As we build this program, we want to be a solution for the workforce needs of Memphis and our country … I truly feel like the sky’s the limit for this program.”

What Peer Power means to those who are creating a better future.

“This program has opened my eyes to the fact that going the solo route in life isn’t the best option. It’s taught me the importance of building and growing relationships. This program has also taught me that to get ahead and be successful in life, you have to make sacrifices you may not like but it will pay off.” – DeRon

“Mr. Ross has helped change my perspective on life and how to navigate life as a young Black man. Mr. Ross has taught me to be a better man.” – Chris

“This program is a life-changing experience. This program has helped shaped our perspectives and empowered us to write our own story. Everyone should know about Peer Power. They wouldn’t regret it.” – Jeremy

By Kim Borges

Regions Bank supports workforce development programs that help people get ready to succeed in well-paying jobs. One of those programs is conducted by Peer Power Foundation in Memphis, Tennessee, a tutoring and mentoring nonprofit Regions supports financially and through the volunteerism of Regions Private Wealth Management leader Lance Cowles. Here, we view the work Peer Power is doing to help break the cycle of poverty through the lens of the visionary director who’s guiding it.

In August of 2023, Marlon Ross Jr. delivered a presentation as if his life depended on it.

“I stood in front of 100 students encouraging them to take a chance on this opportunity,” he said.

His motivation? Knowing his audience’s lives depended on it more.

“Some of these young men have been through some really, really hard circumstances,” he said.

Ninety percent of Peer Power’s Workforce Development students have witnessed a homicide. Some have been justice-involved themselves committing misdemeanors.

But that night, Ross, director of Workforce Development with the Memphis nonprofit, offered a chance to change that trajectory.

“We had 17 enroll in our program,” he said of the first class. “We have 24 in our second class.”

A year before giving that speech, Ross himself was at a crossroads.

“I’d been a history teacher at two schools but felt confined and frustrated seeing graduation rates of 15 and 20 percent,” he said. “I wanted to be able to do more.”

Knowing Peer Power Foundation’s impact from serving as a peer mentor while enrolled at the University of Memphis made returning to work there an easy decision.

I grew up in a low-income family with a single mom. This is a calling I’m very grateful to have in my life. I thank God to be in this position. I truly believe I’m living my purpose.

Marlon Ross Jr., director of Workforce Development for Peer Power Foundation

“I’m from Memphis, born and raised,” he said. “I grew up in a low-income family with a single mom. This is a calling I’m very grateful to have in my life. I thank God to be in this position. I truly believe I’m living my purpose.”

Yes, that purpose includes teaching skills like operating a forklift, advanced metalworking and supply chain logistics – but it involves far more.

“We’re not here to simply get young men jobs,” said Ross. “We use the word ‘careers.’ We also teach what we call ‘essential skills’ – professionalism, workplace etiquette, financial education, a fitness component. We also build in therapy. We believe in a holistic approach.”

Ross and team also teach hard work yields success.

“We have a saying: ‘Either deal with the pain of discipline or deal with the pain of regret,’” he explained. “We say it’s much better to deal with the pain of discipline.”

And there’s more wisdom where that came from.

“I tell them, ‘Sometimes, we just have to push through,’” Ross said. “‘No’ is unacceptable. Those are your limits; they aren’t mine. I’m going to hold you accountable. I’m not going to lower my standards.”

As we build this program, we want to be a solution for the workforce needs of Memphis and our country … I truly feel like the sky’s the limit for this program.

Marlon Ross Jr., director of Workforce Development for Peer Power Foundation

What else moves Ross? Seeing the profound change people experience.

“Week after week, they are growing,” said Ross. “It’s a beautiful thing to see them hold themselves accountable and hold their peers accountable.”

It’s a lesson he’s also taken to heart.

“This program has been a learning process for me as well,” Ross said. “There are some hard days in this work. But when you get those text messages and calls from parents saying the changes they’ve seen in their kids, it makes it all worthwhile. I’ve learned I, too, can do harder things.”

He added, “As we build this program, we want to be a solution for the workforce needs of Memphis and our country … I truly feel like the sky’s the limit for this program.”

What Peer Power means to those who are creating a better future.

“This program has opened my eyes to the fact that going the solo route in life isn’t the best option. It’s taught me the importance of building and growing relationships. This program has also taught me that to get ahead and be successful in life, you have to make sacrifices you may not like but it will pay off.” – DeRon

“Mr. Ross has helped change my perspective on life and how to navigate life as a young Black man. Mr. Ross has taught me to be a better man.” – Chris

“This program is a life-changing experience. This program has helped shaped our perspectives and empowered us to write our own story. Everyone should know about Peer Power. They wouldn’t regret it.” – Jeremy

AMSTERDAM, HONG KONG, and Oakland, Calif., September 10, 2024 /3BL/ – Today, Cascale, the global nonprofit alliance formerly known as the Sustainable Apparel Coalition, and the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at advancing sustainability and promoting environmental and socially responsible practices within the apparel sector. This announcement took place during Cascale’s Annual Meeting in Munich, where 600 consumer goods industry leaders united to accelerate climate action and catalyze impact at scale through a unified approach to sustainability.

After an inspirational keynote address given by Miran Ali, BGMEA vice president, Cascale CEO Colin Browne joined him on stage to sign the MoU, cementing both organizations’ commitment to collectively drive positive transformation throughout the supply chain.

This joint effort between BGMEA, one of the largest trade organizations representing export-oriented garment manufacturers in Bangladesh, and Cascale, which unites over 300 members worldwide, marks a significant step forward in the global effort to transform the industry into one that is both equitable and sustainable.

“Global cooperation is crucial for the apparel industry, and we are proud to collaborate with Cascale in Bangladesh,” Ali said. “For too long, we have all been lost trying to find complicated answers when we really know the priorities are simple and clear.”

“Now more than ever, our commitment to sustainable practices must guide our actions,” Browne said. “It is essential that we work to reduce the burden on manufacturers while fostering greater transparency and collaboration across the supply chain. This collaboration with BGMEA is an important step in aligning the industry and transitioning toward more carbon-neutral, environmentally and socially responsible practices.”

Opportunities provided through the collaboration include Cascale and BGMEA working together to harmonize data sharing and to promote evaluation assessments, such as Cascale’s Higg Index tools, to reduce the number of social and environmental assessments, standardizing protocols for voluntary social and technical audits, thus aiming to promote transparency and minimize the burden on manufacturers and workers worldwide. Additionally, the two organizations will explore aligning impact programs to drive industry-wide decarbonization in line with internationally recognized targets and to collaborate on advocacy efforts to amplify manufacturers’ voices and perspectives in legislative initiatives, measures, and policy.

The announcement comes at a critical time for Bangladesh, a key player in global apparel production and an essential partner for Cascale’s valued members and affiliates. As the country faces significant instability, posing substantial challenges to its citizens and industries, the collaboration between Cascale and BGMEA is both timely and crucial. This collaboration underscores the importance of continued support to the Bangladesh apparel industry, which is a lifeline for millions of workers and their communities. By prioritizing human rights, responsible business practices, and decarbonization efforts, Cascale and BGMEA are committed to helping the industry navigate this period of transition and beyond, ensuring its long-term sustainability while aiming to safeguard the livelihoods and landscapes of those who depend on it.

On August 20, Cascale joined organizations representing 3,000 international brands, retailers, suppliers, and workers in global supply chains and signed a joint statement coordinated by the Ethical Trading Initiative, which urged companies operating and sourcing from Bangladesh to conduct business responsibly. Earlier in the month, Cascale published a statement calling for brands sourcing or engaging in Bangladesh to engage proactively to promote decent work for all, one of Cascale’s core impact pillars. Cascale cited the increased importance of best practices and resources provided by its affiliate members, partners, and key stakeholders, including the Common Framework for Responsible Purchasing Practices and Fair Wear’s continued guidance.

The MoU signing took place at the first Annual Meeting since Cascale – previously the Sustainable Apparel Coalition – rebranded in February 2024, and it marks a major milestone in the organization’s evolution. Themed “A New Era of Unified Impact,” the event unites over 600 attendees from around the world, who will hear from more than 80 global industry experts. To learn more and view the program for Cascale’s Annual Meeting 2024, sponsored by Nike, VF Corporation, Zalando, Sympatex, Lululemon, TÜV Rheinland, Haelixa, TrusTrace, Puma, CottonConnect, GSCS International, IDFL, Artistic Milliners, Made2Flow and REN energy, click here.

Cascale Press Contact

Email: cascaleforster@forster.co.uk

ABOUT CASCALE

Cascale is the global nonprofit alliance empowering collaboration to drive equitable and restorative business practices in the consumer goods industry. Formerly known as the Sustainable Apparel Coalition, Cascale owns and develops the Higg Index, which is exclusively available on Worldly, the most comprehensive sustainability data and insights platform. Cascale unites over 300 retailers, brands, manufacturers, governments, academics, and NGO/nonprofit affiliates around the globe through one singular vision: To catalyze impact at scale and give back more than we take to the planet and its people.

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ABOUT BGMEA

Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) is one of the largest nationwide trade organizations representing the export-oriented readymade garment sector in Bangladesh. Established in 1983, BGMEA plays a pivotal role in advocating for the interests of the garment industry, which is a major contributor to the country’s economy. BGMEA is dedicated to supporting the industry through policy advocacy, member services, and promoting sustainable practices that ensure social and environmental responsibility. With a commitment to advancing industry standards, BGMEA collaborates with local and international stakeholders to drive positive change and foster a sustainable future for the global apparel sector.