Tag: 3BL

LEADERSHIP COMMITMENT
“2023 was another year of NBK’s steadfast dedication to sustainable practices, which was marked by the launch of our 3-year ESG Strategy Roadmap. Our roadmap lays out key goals and commitments in areas where we can significantly contribute to a sustainable and just transition to a low carbon economy. These are designed to make positive environmental and social impacts on the communities we serve. On behalf of NBK, I extend my gratitude to all our stakeholders for their consistent support. We’re confident that together, we can fulfil our ESG commitments, achieving tangible results towards a sustainable, socially fair future. Let’s continue forward to seize the opportunities that our shared commitment to sustainability offers.”
Hamad Mohamed Al-Bahar
Chairman

ABOUT 2023 NBK SUSTAINABILITY REPORT

This is NBK’s eighth consecutive annual Sustainability Report and factsheet focusing on the 2023 fiscal year. The report provides a detailed summary of the Bank’s significant ESG and sustainability matters, threats, and performance data. Here we also covered our entire ESG policies, strategies, and pledges for the reporting period. Our report is centered around the four pillars of NBK’s enhanced ESG Strategy Framework. Moreover, this report is aligned with both domestic and global sustainability or ESG reporting standards and frameworks including the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), Sustainable Accounting Standards Board (SASB), United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDG), Boursa Kuwait’s ESG Reporting Guidelines, and Kuwait Vision 2035.

ABOUT NBK

NBK was established in 1952 and is the first shareholding company and a domestic bank within GCC to be locally founded. Currently, NBK is the leading conventional banking group in Kuwait. The bank also boasts about its credit ratings and brand value, positioning it among the top regional banks. NBK operates in 13 countries and boasts a network of more than 140 branches spread across 4 continents with its headquarters located in Kuwait. NBK’s primary business operations include Consumer Banking, Corporate Banking, NBK Wealth and Islamic Banking (through subsidiary Boubyan Bank).

ESG AT NBK

Leadership at NBK believes that sustainability is crucial for the bank’s success and is strongly committed to integrating sustainability efforts with our core business actions, risk management, services, and operations. The ESG Strategy aims to support economic growth and act as an example of sustainable development. This strategy is built around four main pillars: Governance for Resilience; Responsible Banking; Capitalizing on our Capabilities; and Investing in our Communities.

GOVERNANCE FOR RESILIENCE

NBK upholds strong ethical standards and comprehensive strategic planning, supported by transparent governance structures. Combined with our robust risk management that buffers against various risks, these key elements assure stakeholders of our powerful leadership, oversight, and accountability. In 2023, NBK launched a modular ESG governance framework with Board oversight. NBK also adopted measures to handle climate and ESG risks and opportunities. In this context, NBK institutionalized alignment with the recommendations of Taskforce on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) during the year and developed a roadmap for adequately integrating climate-related matters in the bank’s enterprise risk management framework.

Key Highlights in 2023:

The Board approved the Group ESG Strategy, setting a formal implementation mandate.ESG metrics have been integrated into the Board and Executive Management’s responsibilities.A Sustainability & Climate Change Committee, headed by the Vice Chairman & GCEO, has been established.Five Sustainability Sub-Committees have been created, delegating ESG roles to the Executive Management.NBK joined the UNGC to enhance international alignment and stakeholder engagement.Maintained a score of ‘C’ from CDP, for both the Climate Change and Forest categories.

RESPONSIBLE BANKING

NBK intends to enhance sustainable finance offerings and support clients’ transition to sustainable business models. NBK recently incorporated ESG metrics into their client credit assessments, covering aspects like safety, environmental protection, succession planning, and governance. Moreover, we persistently monitor and handle our energy and water usage, greenhouse gas emissions, and material usage and disposal, while also ensuring it is all accurately reported

Key Highlights in 2023:

Sustainable Finance:

Approximately USD 3.65 billion in Sustainable Assets.Expanded bank offerings to Eco-friendly EV and Housing Loans.Updated procurement policies to include ESG principles.

Energy Management:

Reduced electricity consumption by 5.75% YoY and 15.8% compared to our baseline year (2021) through proactive energy management.Installed Building Energy Management System (BEMS) in 22 local branches

Climate Change and Decarbonization:

Reduced overall disclosed GHG emissions by 10.43% compared to baseline year (2021).

Responsible Procurement:

NBK has revised its Procurement Policy with the inclusion of ESG, implementing a more sustainable procurement strategy and methodology.Local suppliers comprised 70% of NBK’s total suppliers and 84% of the total procurement spending.

CAPITALIZING ON OUR CAPABILITIES

NBK’s strategy of ‘Capitalizing on our Capabilities’ is primarily focused on promoting sustainable business growth through organizational resilience. This starts with how we manage our workplace. Our policies, culture, practices, and programs are all designed to encourage a bank-wide transformation that aligns with our sustainability goals, achieved through extensive employee engagement and development programs. Alongside outlining our HR practices, we also state our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. We strive to foster health, safety, and wellbeing, and continuously work towards establishing a flexible work environment that embraces digital solutions.

Key Highlights in 2023:
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion:

Women represent 44.0% of the workforce, with 28.8% females in managerial positions.Awarded by MEED: “Best Implementation of Diversity & Inclusion Initiatives”.41.9% of new hires are female.84.5% of new hires are Kuwaitis.

Employee Development:

Provided Sustainability Champions across the Bank with training on Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) Standards.Introduced the Sustainability Essentials Training Program Group-wide, enhancing employees’ understanding of key sustainability concepts.147,701 total training hours. On average, each employee received 6.1 training hours.Over 3,300 training hours on ESG-related topics with focus on Sustainability Awareness, Sustainable Finance, and Climate Risk Management.

Employee Engagement and Wellbeing:

Implemented an Employee Grievance Policy, accessible to all employees via the NBK Group website.Launched the Employee Engagement Survey “Your Voice Matters” in 2023 to foster a better and more inclusive workplace.

Digital Transformation:

Introduced a new mobile banking experience titled “Tailored for You”, offering NBK Customers the latest digital services

INVESTING IN OUR COMMUNITIES

Giving back to the community is an integral part of NBK’s mission and therefore ‘Investing in our Communities’ is a critical component of our ESG Strategy. Our community investments primarily aim to offer superior customer service, promote financial inclusion, enhance financial literacy and accessibility, and provide customer security, including data privacy. In addition, NBK has an extensive history of making sizeable financial contributions to community development. We are continuously focused on maximizing the positive social impact of our Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) investments, in alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDG).

Key Highlights in 2023:
Nationalization:

76.7% Nationalization rate.Launched the NBK Tech Academy in 2023, offering innovative digital transformation programs for Kuwaiti youth.

Community Development:

Community Investments totaled KD 28 million in 2023 (USD 91 million), a 22% increase from 2022.“Best Bank for Corporate Responsibility in the Middle East 2023” by Euromoney.NBK organized a Media Awareness Workshop on Sustainability and Climate Change, the first-of-its-kind in Kuwait.Committed KD 3.0 (USD 9.8) million for the restructuring of Shuwaikh Beach Waterfront in line with NBK’s corporate responsibility and sustainability principles.

Financial Inclusion:

Launched new designs for all our cards aligned with our inclusivity goals, including design themes especially for the visually impaired.Launched the “BANKEE” financial literacy program in Kuwait’s schools, with 15,940 students and around 3,400 teachers participating.

Women Empowerment:

Excellence in Inclusion, Equity, and Diversity Bronze Winner for NBK RISE by SHRM.Awarded by MEED: “Best Initiative for Women in Business”.Launched “She’s Next” initiative in partnership with VISA, a global advocacy program that aims to support women-owned small businesses.

The 2023 NBK Sustainability Report can be found at:
https://www.nbk.com/sustainability/sustainability-reports.html
The 2023 NBK Annual Report can be found at:
https://www.nbk.com/investor-relations/latest-annual-report.html

For additional information about NBK’s sustainability work, please contact:
Hisham Abouali
Sustainability Manager
sustainability@nbk.com
Tel: +965-22295188

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Nominations to join the Supervisory Board, Global Sustainability Standards Board and Due Process Oversight Committee 

September 9, 2024 /3BL/ – A global recruitment call is underway to appoint new members to three of the Global Reporting Initiative’s governance bodies, which underpin the continued success of GRI – the provider of the world’s most widely used sustainability reporting standards.

With a total of eight vacancies, GRI is looking for experienced professionals from diverse backgrounds to apply to join the following governance bodies, from 1 January 2025:

Supervisory Board: the body responsible for overseeing GRI’s long-term priorities and strategy. Candidates to fill one vacancy are being sought, with applicants particularly encouraged from the ASEAN and Latin America regions.Global Sustainability Standards Board (GSSB): the independent entity responsible for developing and setting the GRI Standards. With four vacancies, applications from all stakeholder constituencies are welcome, especially those representing investor institutions and civil society organizations.Due Process Oversight Committee: the body that ensures GSSB standard-setting activities are conducted in accordance with its due process. There are three vacancies open to applicants from the business enterprise, investor institution and mediating institution constituencies, particularly those from the Latin America and ASEAN regions.

Jessica Fries, Chair of the Supervisory Board said:

“Bringing together diverse representation from across GRI’s global, multi-stakeholder communities is at the heart of our work, ensuring that our strategy is responsive and delivers maximum impact. It is also key to developing robust standards that respond to the needs of different audiences. If you want to play a central role in shaping how organizations understand and report on their sustainability impacts, I encourage you to apply.”

Carol Adams, Chair of the GSSB said:

“It is an exciting time to be on the GSSB. With increased global focus on sustainable development, the GSSB is at the centre of GRI’s mission to upscale the actions and accountability of organizations for their impacts. Our work involves engaging with national and global frameworks and standard setters, and is supported by GRI’s experienced Standards Division and operations teams.”

Kathrin Madl, Chair of the DPOC, added:

“The Due Process Oversight Committee is an integral part of the GRI governance structure, ensuring that GRI’s standard-setting actions and processes increase public and stakeholder confidence and aligns with the public interest. We are seeking highly experienced individuals in the reporting landscape to contribute their knowledge and unique perspectives by joining the Committee.”

The call for new members is open until Friday 27 September 2024, 23:59 CEST. Appointments to all GRI governance bodies are on a voluntary basis and members serve a term of three years. GRI is seeking balanced representation that spans global regions – ensuring a wide range of interests, knowledge and backgrounds are reflected.

The adoption of EVs is on the rise with some reports predicting that the number of passenger EVs on the road will reach a staggering 730 million worldwide by 2040. To continue this growth, automotive manufacturers are focused on next-gen materials that meet consumer preferences—such as reliability, extended driving range, and faster charging—while meeting the thermal, chemical, and electrical needs of EVs. At Chemours our innovative products and technologies are helping drive the growth and evolution of better-performing and more sustainable EVs – from the battery to cabin comfort.

A key example is the use of advanced fluoropolymers in battery manufacturing, which can help accelerate the production process for battery components and eliminate the use of hazardous solvents traditionally used in lithium-ion battery production. This not only makes the manufacturing of EVs more cost-effective but also leads to more sustainable energy-efficient vehicles.

At the same time, the durability and reliability of EVs are greatly improved with the use of Chemours’ high-performing fluoroelastomers and fluoropolymers. These resilient materials are used in critical parts such as cables, seals, and gaskets, and can withstand the harshest conditions. This not only enhances the performance of the vehicles but also extends their lifespan.

Cabin comfort and the quality of the ride are also top priorities for drivers. Chemours’ low global warming potential fluorinated gases play a critical role in heating and cooling the cabin, but also enabling current and future performance improvements, such as battery cooling, extended driving ranges, faster charging and weight reduction, all while reducing total vehicle emissions. Moreover, Chemours’ advanced lubricants and fluoropolymers are engineered to reduce vibration in components and decrease outside noise, making journeys smoother and more enjoyable.

Chemours continues to focus on driving sustainable innovation for EVs. With the recent opening of the Chemours Battery Innovation Center, we are working with partners and customers to iterate, pilot, and adopt novel approaches to battery technology that will help make better-performing EVs a reality.

As we commemorate World EV Day, Chemours is proud to be a pioneer in the industry. Our unique chemistry and world-class products enhance EV sustainability and performance while effectively meeting consumer needs. Our role in advancing the future of electric mobility is key to our commitment to creating a more sustainable future.

Learn more about how Chemours is accelerating an electric future.

We are #SAICproud to share SAIC’s fifth annual Corporate Responsibility Report. This report details our progress in environmental stewardship, employee well-being, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) as well as ethics and corporate governance.

What to Know

This report reaffirms how SAIC integrates our core values of innovation, inclusion and integrity across every aspect of our work. With a theme of Integrity in Action, we continue to build a one-enterprise mindset as part of our new growth strategy – with integrity as our foundation.

Why it Matters

SAIC is a mission integrator, helping our customers solve the world’s most complex challenges. As you dive into the report, you’ll see that our Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) goals are designed to fulfill SAIC’s mission: advancing technology and innovation to serve and protect our world – for our customers, employees, shareholders and communities. We encourage you to take a moment to review our 2024 Corporate Responsibility Report and watch the highlight reel showcasing our collective achievements.

About SAIC
SAIC® is a premier Fortune 500® technology integrator focused on advancing the power of technology and innovation to serve and protect our world. Our robust portfolio of offerings across the defense, space, civilian and intelligence markets includes secure high-end solutions in mission IT, enterprise IT, engineering services and professional services. We integrate emerging technology, rapidly and securely, into mission critical operations that modernize and enable critical national imperatives. 

We are approximately 24,000 strong; driven by mission, united by purpose, and inspired by opportunities. SAIC is an Equal Opportunity Employer, fostering a culture of diversity, equity and inclusion, which is core to our values and important to attract and retain exceptional talent. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, SAIC has annual revenues of approximately $7.4 billion. For more information, visit saic.com. For ongoing news, please visit our newsroom.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements in this release contain or are based on “forward-looking” information within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by words such as “expects,” “intends,” “plans,” “anticipates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “guidance,” and similar words or phrases. Forward-looking statements in this release may include, among others, estimates of future revenues, operating income, earnings, earnings per share, charges, total contract value, backlog, outstanding shares and cash flows, as well as statements about future dividends, share repurchases and other capital deployment plans. Such statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risk, uncertainties and assumptions, and actual results may differ materially from the guidance and other forward-looking statements made in this release as a result of various factors. Risks, uncertainties and assumptions that could cause or contribute to these material differences include those discussed in the “Risk Factors,” “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and “Legal Proceedings” sections of our Annual Report on Form 10-K, as updated in any subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and other filings with the SEC, which may be viewed or obtained through the Investor Relations section of our website at saic.com or on the SEC’s website at sec.gov. Due to such risks, uncertainties and assumptions you are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. SAIC expressly disclaims any duty to update any forward-looking statement provided in this release to reflect subsequent events, actual results or changes in SAIC’s expectations. SAIC also disclaims any duty to comment upon or correct information that may be contained in reports published by investment analysts or others.

Media Contact:
Caralyn Duke
757.784.4546 | caralyn.duke@saic.com 

Eaton AbleEdge smart breakers add intelligent load management to extend backup duration during grid outages and optimize energy use Collaboration and interoperability make it easier and faster for customers to integrate residential solar, energy storage systems  

PITTSBURGH, September 9, 2024 /3BL/ – Intelligent power management company Eaton announces a planned collaboration with Tesla designed to boost the functionality and adoption of home energy storage and solar installations in North America. Targeting early 2025, Tesla’s Powerwall would support Eaton’s new AbleEdgeTM smart breakers and make it easier and faster for installers and homeowners to achieve intelligent load management functionality that helps optimize energy use and extend backup duration during a grid outage.  

This would align with Eaton’s Home as a Grid strategy by creating flexible power systems that manage energy consumption in an integrated way and transforms what is possible for the home as an energy source. The Eaton and Tesla solutions will be on display during RE+ 24 at Eaton booth D32011 and Tesla booth D22041 in Anaheim, California from September 10 through 12. 

“Until now, installing energy storage with load management was a complex and time-consuming process. By leveraging the joint expertise and expansive installed base of Eaton and Tesla, we’re planning to bring a solution to the mainstream market that utilizes dynamic, automated energy load management to intelligently extend available battery duration in an outage,” said Paul Ryan, general manager of Connected Solutions and EV Charging at Eaton. “Ensuring your Powerwall and renewable energy assets can power precisely what you need, when you need it.”

Eaton’s AbleEdge smart breakers will be able to be integrated into to any Eaton BR loadcenter and meter breaker in a flexible, scalable and modular design optimized to reduce equipment cost and installation time. The Tesla Powerwall is expected to integrate with the Eaton smart breakers and will provide energy storage with novel load management. Built upon a foundation of secure connectivity, the interoperable solution will help reduce complexity by enabling homeowners and installers to use Tesla’s app to install, commission and control both technologies. 

“This collaboration will enhance what’s possible within the home energy ecosystem, allowing our customers to get even more value from their Powerwall and Solar and furthering our mission to accelerate the world’s transition to sustainable energy.” said James Bickford, Director Global Sales, Residential Energy Products at Tesla.

The joint solution is intended to integrate security protocols at every phase of product creation, demonstrating the leadership of Eaton and Tesla in supporting trusted environments. Eaton’s components are backed by the company’s secure-by-design philosophy that ensures its products meet rigorous cybersecurity and safety design standards. 

Learn more about Eaton’s home energy management system and Home as a Grid approach. 

Eaton is an intelligent power management company dedicated to protecting the environment and improving the quality of life for people everywhere. We make products for the data center, utility, industrial, commercial, machine building, residential, aerospace and mobility markets. We are guided by our commitment to do business right, to operate sustainably and to help our customers manage power ─ today and well into the future. By capitalizing on the global growth trends of electrification and digitalization, we’re accelerating the planet’s transition to renewable energy sources, helping to solve the world’s most urgent power management challenges, and building a more sustainable society for people today and generations to come. 

Eaton was founded in 1911 and has been listed on the New York Stock Exchange for more than a century. We reported revenues of $23.2 billion in 2023 and serve customers in more than 160 countries. For more information, visit Eaton.com. Follow us on LinkedIn.

Contact:

Kristin Somers
+1.919.345.3714
Kristincsomers@eaton.com

Regina Parundik 
Cobblestone Communications
+1.412.559.1614
Regina@cobblecreative.com 

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Curiosity Cube mobile science lab offers students and teachers an opportunity to spark curiosity beyond the classroom Research signals need to bring hands-on science to students to fill future STEM job pipeline 

BURLINGTON, Mass., September 9, 2024 /3BL/ – MilliporeSigma, the U.S. and Canada Life Science business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, a leading science and technology company, is partnering with the Emmy® and Golden Globe® Award-winning ABC series “Abbott Elementary” to promote the Curiosity Cube—a solar-powered shipping container turned mobile science lab—program’s mission of raising awareness around STEM education. The partnership adds several stops to the Curiosity Cube tour, increasing access to high-quality, hands-on science experiences in some of the biggest cities in the U.S., including Boston, Houston, New York City, Philadelphia, and Washington D.C.

“Abbott Elementary” follows a group of dedicated, passionate teachers — and a slightly tone-deaf principal — in a Philadelphia public school where, despite the odds stacked against them, they are determined to help their students succeed in life. Ahead of the season four premiere this fall, students at 14 schools in five major U.S. cities will interact with real scientists at the Curiosity Cube. MilliporeSigma has a strong history of promoting STEM education, with its global employee volunteer program, SPARK™, engaging more than 439,000 students through hands-on science lessons since 2016.

“Working with Abbott Elementary, we are raising the visibility of STEM to inspire and empower students and teachers with ‘aha’ moments from hands-on learning experiences, which is critical to sparking interest in science,” said Tim M. Jaeger, Chief Strategy and Transformation Officer for the Life Science business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany. “We hope visiting the Curiosity Cube will spark students’ scientific curiosity with a fun experience that helps lead to a future career in STEM.”

The STEM sector is outpacing other U.S. occupations, driving the demand for a diverse, skilled workforce. While 61% of middle schoolers show interest in STEM careers, 47% struggle to envision themselves as scientists, according to a MilliporeSigma survey conducted by Wakefield Research. Research shows that hands-on learning can bridge this gap by boosting confidence and critical thinking skills.

The Curiosity Cube allows visitors to connect with scientists who look like them and learn first-hand about STEM careers right in their own communities. This year, students will explore sustainability and the lifecycle of a t-shirt through three interactive experiments using modular electronics, digital microscopes and other scientific instruments, all led by local MilliporeSigma employees.

Since 2017, the Curiosity Cube has reached over 200,000 students in 14 countries across North America and Europe. For 2024, the goal is to impact 45,000 students or more, prioritizing those in underserved and under-resourced communities. In 2023, 95% of the schools that the Curiosity Cube visited identify as Title 1 schools, highlighting this commitment.

Season four of “Abbott Elementary” premieres on Wednesday, October 9, at 9:30 p.m. ET/PT on ABC, next day on Hulu. Previous seasons are available to stream on Hulu.

Visit TheCuriosityCube.com to learn more about the Curiosity Cube mobile science lab, view the 2024 tour schedule and experience the Curiosity Cube app. Follow the Curiosity Cube on Instagram @curiositycube_milliporesigma.

About the Life Science business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany  

The Life Science business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, which operates as MilliporeSigma in the U.S. and Canada, has more than 28,000 employees and more than 55 total manufacturing and testing sites worldwide, with a portfolio of more than 300,000 products focused on scientific discovery, biomanufacturing and testing services. Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, a leading science and technology company, operates across healthcare, life science and electronics.  

Around 63,000 employees work to make a positive difference to millions of people’s lives every day by creating more joyful and sustainable ways to live. From providing products and services that accelerate drug development and manufacturing as well as discovering unique ways to treat the most challenging diseases to enabling the intelligence of devices – the company is everywhere. In 2023, Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, generated sales of € 21 billion in 65 countries. 

The company holds the global rights to the name and trademark “Merck” internationally. The only exceptions are the United States and Canada, where the business sectors of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, operate as MilliporeSigma in life science, EMD Serono in healthcare and EMD Electronics in electronics. Since its founding in 1668, scientific exploration and responsible entrepreneurship have been key to the company’s technological and scientific advances. To this day, the founding family remains the majority owner of the publicly listed company. For more information about Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, visit www.emdgroup.com.  

Follow MilliporeSigma on Twitter @MilliporeSigma, on Facebook @MilliporeSigma and on LinkedIn.  

All Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany news releases are distributed by email at the same time they become available on the EMD Group website. In case you are a resident of the U.S. or Canada please go to www.emdgroup.com/subscribe to register again for your online subscription of this service as our newly introduced geo-targeting requires new links in the email. You may later change your selection or discontinue this service.  

About Abbott Elementary

In this workplace comedy, a group of dedicated, passionate teachers — and a slightly tone-deaf principal — are brought together in a Philadelphia public school where, despite the odds stacked against them, they are determined to help their students succeed in life. Though these incredible educators may be outnumbered and underfunded, they love what they do — even if they don’t love the school district’s less-than-stellar attitude toward educating children.

Participants are early-stage companies selected based on potential to accelerate their novel or innovative technology through access to Mondelēz personnel and capabilitiesCohort represents potential global solutions to help address sustainability, mindful snacking, and consumer trends8-week program is designed to help participants advance and scale technologies

CHICAGO, September 6, 2024 /3BL/ – Mondelēz International, Inc. (Nasdaq: MDLZ) announced 10 companies selected for its second CoLab Tech program, an accelerator led by the global snack company’s research and development team. This year’s cohort represents technologies that can help advance the future of snacking in areas such as cocoa processing solutions, well-being snacks and ingredients, more sustainable packaging and manufacturing, and elevated sensory experiences.

Development of innovative technologies is important as consumers increasingly prioritize snacking. Mondelēz’s 2024 State of Snacking Report revealed that, over the last five years, six in 10 consumers increasingly prefer snacks to traditional meals. With demand for snacking anticipated to continue to grow, new and innovative technologies are important catalysts to help maintain and drive continued growth. CoLab Tech was created to help Mondelēz advance its “Vision 2030” growth agenda by identifying emerging technologies with new capabilities and helping accelerate and scale those technologies for possible future use by the company in its mission to lead the future of snacking.

“As one of the world’s largest snack companies, we are thinking creatively – including by seeking access to the newest technologies – to be ready and able to meet the opportunities we see coming in snacking,” said Ian Noble, Vice President for Global Ingredient Research & Development at Mondelēz International. “This year’s CoLab Tech cohort brings exciting, disruptive technologies across the entire value chain. We are very eager to work with and learn from them, while also providing the resources and expertise that can help enable them to grow and scale.”

This year’s CoLab Tech program received nearly 100 applications from all over the globe. The 10 companies selected include:

Bread Free: This Spain-based company developed technology in the gluten free category that essentially neutralizes the gluten in wheat flour to deliver the same eating experience as mainstream baked goods and snacks, but without gluten.Enginzyme: This Sweden-based creator of enzyme-enabled biomanufacturing processes is developing a sustainable and cost-efficient method of making a prebiotic trisaccharide, or ‘gut-friendly sugar’ that can lower overall sugar content and calories without compromising the taste and texture of food products.Enjay: This Sweden-based company is the first in the world to create a system that can recover and recycle waste heat generated by manufacturing facilities, restaurants and other exhaust sources, and then re-introduce it into the production cycle as a new energy/heating source that also lowers CO2 emissions.hs-tumbler GmbH: This Germany-based company has created a ‘new age industrial mixer’ without stirrer that is a faster, gentler and highly efficient way of stirring, rolling and mixing ingredients. Utilizing ultrafast micro-batches it can be programmed to deliver personalized, consistent, smooth end products.Kokomodo: This Israel-based company uses cell-cultured technology to navigate supply chain challenges by creating real, controlled, climate-resilient cocoa. This allows cocoa to be consistently produced year-round and anywhere in the world without relying on specific climates.Luminescent: This Israel-based clean energy start-up has developed a thermodynamic cycle that uses liquid instead of gas to dramatically improve the efficiency and economics of heat-to-electricity and electricity-to-heat conversion. Luminescent’s suite of solutions includes a heat engine that converts heat into zero-emission electricity, a heat pump, and long-duration energy storage.Outlander Materials: This Netherlands-based company has created a technology that upcycles food industry waste into a flexible, lightweight packaging alternative to single-use plastics. The company’s product, “Unplastic,” is compostable, toxin free and has a 70% lower carbon footprint than conventional films.Savor: This United States-based company’s technology can produce fat and oil using 1,000 times less energy than commodity agricultural production, and at economic parity with the production of tropical oils such as coconut and palm. Savor’s process can deliver net-zero, deforestation-free fats.Tasteomics: this Switzerland based company has created “Peakaroma” – a plant-based product with no inherent off-flavors that takes the Kokumi flavor and sensory experience to new, novel levels. Kokumi enhances the intensity and mouthfeel of basic tastes – and Peakaroma can take that beyond the current levels with the added potential of reducing MSG, fat and calories.Yangi: This Sweden-based sustainable packaging start-up uses a proprietary technology called Cellera to convert cellulose pulp into 3D molded products. By using no added process water and less energy, Cellera can reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 70% compared to traditional packaging solutions.

The cohort will participate in an 8-week curriculum that includes hands-on experiences, virtual sessions, 1:1 mentorship and access to Mondelēz International’s global network of partners and experts. Learn more at snackfutures.com.

About Mondelēz International 
Mondelēz International, Inc. (Nasdaq: MDLZ) empowers people to snack right in over 150 countries around the world. With 2023 net revenues of approximately $36 billion, MDLZ is leading the future of snacking with iconic global and local brands such as Oreo, Ritz, LU, Clif Bar and Tate’s Bake Shop biscuits and baked snacks, as well as Cadbury Dairy Milk, Milka and Toblerone chocolate. Mondelēz International is a proud member of the Standard and Poor’s 500, Nasdaq 100 and Dow Jones Sustainability Index. Visit www.mondelezinternational.com or follow the company on Twitter at www.twitter.com/MDLZ.

Forward-Looking Statements 
This press release contains forward-looking statements. Words, and variations of words, such as “will,” “may,” “expect,” “plan,” “continue” and similar expressions are intended to identify these forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, statements of belief or expectation and statements about Mondelēz International’s leadership position in snacking. These forward-looking statements are subject to change and to inherent risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond Mondelēz International’s control, which could cause Mondelēz International’s actual results or outcomes to differ materially from those projected or assumed in these forward-looking statements. Please also see Mondelēz International’s risk factors, as they may be amended from time to time, set forth in its filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including its most recently filed Annual Report on Form 10-K and subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. There may be other factors not presently known to Mondelēz International or which it currently considers to be immaterial that could cause Mondelēz International’s actual results to differ materially from those projected in any forward-looking statements it makes. Mondelēz International disclaims and does not undertake any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement in this press release, except as required by applicable law or regulation.

Contacts:  Desiree Battaglia (Media) Shep Dunlap (Investors)   1-847-943-4772 1-847-943-5454   news@mdlz.com ir@mdlz.com 

Participants are early-stage companies selected based on potential to accelerate their novel or innovative technology through access to Mondelēz personnel and capabilitiesCohort represents potential global solutions to help address sustainability, mindful snacking, and consumer trends8-week program is designed to help participants advance and scale technologies

CHICAGO, September 6, 2024 /3BL/ – Mondelēz International, Inc. (Nasdaq: MDLZ) announced 10 companies selected for its second CoLab Tech program, an accelerator led by the global snack company’s research and development team. This year’s cohort represents technologies that can help advance the future of snacking in areas such as cocoa processing solutions, well-being snacks and ingredients, more sustainable packaging and manufacturing, and elevated sensory experiences.

Development of innovative technologies is important as consumers increasingly prioritize snacking. Mondelēz’s 2024 State of Snacking Report revealed that, over the last five years, six in 10 consumers increasingly prefer snacks to traditional meals. With demand for snacking anticipated to continue to grow, new and innovative technologies are important catalysts to help maintain and drive continued growth. CoLab Tech was created to help Mondelēz advance its “Vision 2030” growth agenda by identifying emerging technologies with new capabilities and helping accelerate and scale those technologies for possible future use by the company in its mission to lead the future of snacking.

“As one of the world’s largest snack companies, we are thinking creatively – including by seeking access to the newest technologies – to be ready and able to meet the opportunities we see coming in snacking,” said Ian Noble, Vice President for Global Ingredient Research & Development at Mondelēz International. “This year’s CoLab Tech cohort brings exciting, disruptive technologies across the entire value chain. We are very eager to work with and learn from them, while also providing the resources and expertise that can help enable them to grow and scale.”

This year’s CoLab Tech program received nearly 100 applications from all over the globe. The 10 companies selected include:

Bread Free: This Spain-based company developed technology in the gluten free category that essentially neutralizes the gluten in wheat flour to deliver the same eating experience as mainstream baked goods and snacks, but without gluten.Enginzyme: This Sweden-based creator of enzyme-enabled biomanufacturing processes is developing a sustainable and cost-efficient method of making a prebiotic trisaccharide, or ‘gut-friendly sugar’ that can lower overall sugar content and calories without compromising the taste and texture of food products.Enjay: This Sweden-based company is the first in the world to create a system that can recover and recycle waste heat generated by manufacturing facilities, restaurants and other exhaust sources, and then re-introduce it into the production cycle as a new energy/heating source that also lowers CO2 emissions.hs-tumbler GmbH: This Germany-based company has created a ‘new age industrial mixer’ without stirrer that is a faster, gentler and highly efficient way of stirring, rolling and mixing ingredients. Utilizing ultrafast micro-batches it can be programmed to deliver personalized, consistent, smooth end products.Kokomodo: This Israel-based company uses cell-cultured technology to navigate supply chain challenges by creating real, controlled, climate-resilient cocoa. This allows cocoa to be consistently produced year-round and anywhere in the world without relying on specific climates.Luminescent: This Israel-based clean energy start-up has developed a thermodynamic cycle that uses liquid instead of gas to dramatically improve the efficiency and economics of heat-to-electricity and electricity-to-heat conversion. Luminescent’s suite of solutions includes a heat engine that converts heat into zero-emission electricity, a heat pump, and long-duration energy storage.Outlander Materials: This Netherlands-based company has created a technology that upcycles food industry waste into a flexible, lightweight packaging alternative to single-use plastics. The company’s product, “Unplastic,” is compostable, toxin free and has a 70% lower carbon footprint than conventional films.Savor: This United States-based company’s technology can produce fat and oil using 1,000 times less energy than commodity agricultural production, and at economic parity with the production of tropical oils such as coconut and palm. Savor’s process can deliver net-zero, deforestation-free fats.Tasteomics: this Switzerland based company has created “Peakaroma” – a plant-based product with no inherent off-flavors that takes the Kokumi flavor and sensory experience to new, novel levels. Kokumi enhances the intensity and mouthfeel of basic tastes – and Peakaroma can take that beyond the current levels with the added potential of reducing MSG, fat and calories.Yangi: This Sweden-based sustainable packaging start-up uses a proprietary technology called Cellera to convert cellulose pulp into 3D molded products. By using no added process water and less energy, Cellera can reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 70% compared to traditional packaging solutions.

The cohort will participate in an 8-week curriculum that includes hands-on experiences, virtual sessions, 1:1 mentorship and access to Mondelēz International’s global network of partners and experts. Learn more at snackfutures.com.

About Mondelēz International 
Mondelēz International, Inc. (Nasdaq: MDLZ) empowers people to snack right in over 150 countries around the world. With 2023 net revenues of approximately $36 billion, MDLZ is leading the future of snacking with iconic global and local brands such as Oreo, Ritz, LU, Clif Bar and Tate’s Bake Shop biscuits and baked snacks, as well as Cadbury Dairy Milk, Milka and Toblerone chocolate. Mondelēz International is a proud member of the Standard and Poor’s 500, Nasdaq 100 and Dow Jones Sustainability Index. Visit www.mondelezinternational.com or follow the company on Twitter at www.twitter.com/MDLZ.

Forward-Looking Statements 
This press release contains forward-looking statements. Words, and variations of words, such as “will,” “may,” “expect,” “plan,” “continue” and similar expressions are intended to identify these forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, statements of belief or expectation and statements about Mondelēz International’s leadership position in snacking. These forward-looking statements are subject to change and to inherent risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond Mondelēz International’s control, which could cause Mondelēz International’s actual results or outcomes to differ materially from those projected or assumed in these forward-looking statements. Please also see Mondelēz International’s risk factors, as they may be amended from time to time, set forth in its filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including its most recently filed Annual Report on Form 10-K and subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. There may be other factors not presently known to Mondelēz International or which it currently considers to be immaterial that could cause Mondelēz International’s actual results to differ materially from those projected in any forward-looking statements it makes. Mondelēz International disclaims and does not undertake any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement in this press release, except as required by applicable law or regulation.

Contacts:  Desiree Battaglia (Media) Shep Dunlap (Investors)   1-847-943-4772 1-847-943-5454   news@mdlz.com ir@mdlz.com 

In this webcast, KPMG professionals explore the intricacies of CSRD scoping for both EU and non-EU companies. The presentation has been curated to provide a broad-ranging understanding of the CSRD on in-scope companies in the EU and Non-EU, potential scoping strategies for companies and available reporting options and exemptions. Additionally, the KPMG presenters shall delve into assurance readiness, with the aim of equipping companies with the knowledge to prepare for upcoming reporting requirements.

The session agenda:

Global ESG Reporting Landscape covering CSRD, ISSB, SEC, California rules and CSDDDOverview of CSRD regulation and impact on companiesScoping of CSRD on EU companiesDeep dive into scoping on non-EU companies and focus on reporting options and scoping strategies including artificial consolidationScoping for private equity companies based on Luxembourg law requirementsAssurance readiness requirements of CSRD

Presenters:

Jan-Hendrik Gnändiger, Global ESG Reporting Lead, KPMG International & Partner, KPMG in GermanyMarco Frikkee, ESG Reporting Lead, KPMG in the NetherlandsJulie Castiaux, ESG Reporting Lead, KPMG in LuxembourgKatharina Gädeke, Senior Manager, ESG Service Group, KPMG in GermanyJan Alexander Müller, Senior Manager, EMA Department of Professional Practice, KPMG in Germany

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We are proud to announce that the KOHLER Loope toilet was named in Fast Company’s 2024 World Changing Ideas Awards, as a finalist in the Developing World Technology category and honorable mention in the Water category.

The container-based, waterless toilet provides an accessible and affordable option for the more than 1.5 billion people worldwide who are living without safe toileting, particularly those in urban and water-depleted areas. Developed by our team of Innovation For Good engineers and designers, Loope can be easily integrated to meet the needs of people living in informal settlements where proper infrastructure is lacking. The cost-effective and thoughtful design operates without sewage systems or electricity to provide a comfortable, dignified, and gracious experience.

This recognition embodies our Safe Water For All commitment and is a testament to the bold innovators working to bring safe sanitation to all people in all communities.

Learn more about our world-changing idea: https://www.kohlercompany.com/social-impact/innovation-for-good/ifg-products/kohler-loope/