THE NEXT ECONOMY -
“We are confident that we will be able to reach these targets by 2030, but we are ambitious to get there sooner; because that is what the planet needs and
what our consumers are asking for.” — Christopher Davis, The Body Shop
PRODUCT, SERVICE & DESIGN INNOVATION -
With health concerns momentarily outweighing mindful consumption, global efforts to wean the world off of single-use plastics have ground to a halt — and
suddenly, in the race to protect citizens, plastic is everywhere. Thankfully, lockdown has also triggered radical, sustainable innovation and ingenuity.
PRODUCT, SERVICE & DESIGN INNOVATION -
The Plastic Neutral Certification enabled these brands to immediately address the growing concerns of their customer base, tell unique stories on their sustainability commitment, and differentiate themselves from the competition on the aisle and in the customer’s mind.
CHEMISTRY, MATERIALS & PACKAGING -
In a recent Sustainable Brands webinar, Lenzing Group and a panel of experts discussed the implications and applications of biodegradable alternatives to fossil-based plastic products such as wet wipes; as well as efforts to engage the public on their benefits.
LEADERSHIP -
In 10th and final year of the company’s Sustainable Living Plan, CEO Alan Jope reinforces commitment to sustainability leadership; calls for renewed action to
tackle social inequality and the climate crisis in post-COVID world.
CHEMISTRY, MATERIALS & PACKAGING -
As part of an
effort
to recognize and learn from a wide array of organizations about the ways we can
each make a positive impact on people and the planet,
Shaw is spotlighting 10
diverse organizations intently focused on products and initiatives that support the wellbeing of people and the planet.
CHEMISTRY, MATERIALS & PACKAGING -
While Starbucks trials a NextGen coffee cup solution, COVID-19 concerns lead to reusable cup bans around the globe. Meanwhile, a UK soft drink manufacturer rolls out beverages in seaweed cachets.
NEW METRICS -
Developed for companies, the PLP guidelines provide businesses at all stages of the value chain with a robust, standardized method for calculating and reporting
estimates of plastic and microplastic leakage at both the corporate and product level.
THE NEXT ECONOMY -
Faced with shortages of suitable recycled material, a growing consumer backlash and a hostile regulatory environment, it is no wonder that some companies are shifting away from plastics. But encouraging this shift towards material choices that do little to improve end-of-life environmental impact would be the worst possible outcome for the planet.
THE NEXT ECONOMY -
While the concept of a circular economy has made its way into the public consciousness; unfortunately, as of 2018, circularity globally is only at 9%. In order for circularity to deliver on its potential in this decade, we’ll need to see more of the following …
MARKETING AND COMMS -
While a circular economy will present huge challenges to most brands' conventional business models, there are huge opportunities for those who embrace and adapt to this change — while those who drag their heels with incremental changes will undoubtedly fall behind.
WASTE NOT -
Waste is a fact, but it doesn’t have to be feared. We can tackle this through collection, sorting and processing; and by understanding where and why trash is finding its way into the environment, so we can stop it.
COLLABORATION -
Our global community of innovators is always abuzz with activity, but momentum generated from three initiatives this year have us particularly excited to follow them in the year to come.
BEHAVIOR CHANGE -
The Ocean Legacy Foundation's new EPIC Program gives communities a four-step program for dealing with plastic pollution — education, policy interventions, improved infrastructure and ongoing clean-up efforts.
CHEMISTRY, MATERIALS & PACKAGING -
Chemistry may not be the first thing that comes to mind when one thinks of sustainability, but it has a big role to play, particularly in a circular economy. We caught up with Christoph Jäkel, BASF’s Head of Sustainability Strategy, to learn more about how BASF is working to improve our everyday lives.
CHEMISTRY, MATERIALS & PACKAGING -
The plastics industry has become acutely self-aware. Directive targets must be met; new processes researched, developed and launched; and consumer education delivered. And looming over all of this is the spectre of sustainability, and the demonisation of plastics.
NEW METRICS -
“Sustainability” is so last year. This week at New Metrics ’19, we explored the growing range of tools and tricks needed to keep up with demand for next-level goals such as plastic-neutrality, 100% circularity and properly quantified social and product impacts.
PRODUCT, SERVICE & DESIGN INNOVATION -
AI, a conscientious credit card, social plastic and underwater forests are just a few of the solutions showcased at SB Oceans that can help us restore their abundance.
COLLABORATION -
Over the course of three action-packed days, the inaugural Sustainable Brands Oceans (14-16 Nov) in Porto, Portugal convened a stellar lineup of business leaders laser-focused on saving the ocean while there’s still time. Here’s what we learned from
some of the practitioners and storytellers …
THE NEXT ECONOMY -
The report provides first-of-its kind, systematic and comparable baseline collection rates for PET bottles in Southeast Asia; and identifies a series of priority actions to transform the post-consumer PET landscape in the region.