CIRCULAR ECONOMY -
The overarching principle for this month’s Issue in Focus is the insight that in nature there is no waste.For centuries, human industry has ignored this simple lesson. But today, a convergence of environmental and resource concerns is driving the recovery of all sorts of valuable materials.
CIRCULAR ECONOMY -
At Goodwill, we were excited to be invited to co-edit this issue dedicated to highlighting innovative solutions for eliminating and reutilizing waste streams in operations. As individuals continue to consume products and companies continue to expand, finding waste stream solutions that keep these products from stacking up in landfills has become an urgent priority.The companies we’re highlighting this month demonstrate the opportunities organizations have taken at every step of the product life cycle to limit the negative impact they have on the environment. From innovations in how products are packaged to post-use recovery efforts to partnerships that maximize both environmental and financial impact, these agencies are truly leading the way in achieving net positivity.
INNOVATION & TECHNOLOGY -
Three global automakers have signed an agreement to jointly develop a fuel cell system to power zero-emissions vehicles.
ICT AND BIG DATA -
Environmental concerns are compelling businesses to shift their primary focus from serving customers to addressing sustainability, according to a new paper published last month as part of the Thirty Third International Conference on Information Systems.
MATERIALS & PACKAGING -
A UK-based company with a reusable alternative to single-use cardboard boxes has announced plans to enter the North American market.
INNOVATION & TECHNOLOGY -
This post first appeared in Grist on January 8, 2013.LEDs are already much more efficient than any other light bulb out there, but a group of scientists figured out how to make them a whopping 55 percent more efficient — by looking at fireflies.
MATERIALS & PACKAGING -
Several major consumer brands are slated to participate in the second Packaging Innovations Conference to be held in tandem with the easyFairs Packaging Innovations show in Birmingham, England, February 27-28.
MATERIALS & PACKAGING -
The holiday season is over, and the garbage trucks have cleared away the curbside remnants that accompany the feasting and gift-giving. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, from Thanksgiving to New Year's Day household waste increases by more than 25 percent, adding an additional million tons a week to landfill waste.
CIRCULAR ECONOMY -
Global carpet tile manufacturer Interface, Inc. will soon begin using discarded fishing nets to make carpets, bringing both conservation and socioeconomic benefits to some of the world's poorest coastal communities.The company recently completed a pilot project, called Net-Works, with conservation charity the Zoological Society of London (ZSL). By establishing a community-based supply chain for discarded nets, Net-Works aims to improve the livelihood of local fishers, while providing Interface with an innovative source of recycled materials for its carpet tiles.
ICT AND BIG DATA -
Handling, storing and transporting goods in a shared network of manufacturers, retailers and transporters would benefit the U.S. economy and significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, according to a study by engineers at the University of Arkansas and Virginia Tech University. If 25 percent of the U.S. supply chain operated with this so-called “physical internet” system, profits for participating firms would increase by $100 billion, carbon dioxide emissions from road-based freight would decrease by at least 33 percent and consumers would pay less for goods, researchers said.
INNOVATION & TECHNOLOGY -
In an effort to increase customer adoption of reusable cups, Starbucks is rolling out a new low-cost reusable tumbler this week, according to reports.The plastic cups will be roughly the same size and appearance as the company’s paper cups and will cost $1. Starbucks will give a 10 cents discount to customers using the cups, so the cost is recouped after 10 uses.
PRESS RELEASE -
Game-changing breakthrough to make snack packaging more sustainable
BASF partners with Seattle Mariners to debut new compostable snack bags
SEATTLE, WA, & Wyandotte, MI, September 4, 2012 -- BASF, The Chemical Company, has made a game-changing breakthrough towards sustainable snack packaging that can help companies and communities everywhere get closer to their goal of zero-waste.
PRESS RELEASE -
People eager to check out the newest, fastest and coolest mobile handset devices will soon be able to learn about its environmental features too.
PRESS RELEASE -
UL 172 to Help Leading Manufacturers Promote Healthier, Safer, More Environmentally-Preferable Toys
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Rachel Belew, UL Environment
Phone: 678.444.4047
Email: [email protected]
Kate Rusnak
UL Environment
Phone: 613.247.0440, ext. 250
Email: [email protected]
PRESS RELEASE -
New tool enables specifiers, purchasers, and other EPD users to access critical product impact information quickly, easily, and consistently
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Rachel Belew, UL Environment
Phone: 678.444.4047
Email: [email protected]
Kate Rusnak
UL Environment
Phone: 613.247.0440, ext. 250
Email: [email protected]
PRESS RELEASE -
BASF Venture Capital invests $7.5 million in
U.S.-based company NanoH2O
BASF Venture Capital co-led a $40 million equity round
together with other investors
NanoH2O produces reverse osmosis membranes for
efficient seawater desalination
Ludwigshafen (Germany) and El Segundo (California) – April 30,
2012 – BASF Venture Capital GmbH has invested $7.5 million in the
Cascades Tissue Group, North America’s fourth largest producer of towel and tissue paper, launched a 100-percent-recycled, unbleached bathroom tissue for use in public restrooms.
Safco Dental Supply Company is the first U.S. company to complete the certification process for UPS’s Eco Responsible Packaging Program.