PRODUCT, SERVICE & DESIGN INNOVATION -
The reusable packaging platform’s transition from ecommerce to in-store marks the conclusion of its hugely successful pilot and the beginning of Loop’s next phase of growth, which will see it available in-store across five countries and on four continents.
THE NEXT ECONOMY -
The Index ranks 144 countries based on their ICT infrastructures and ecosystems, including how well they are utilizing ICT to create more sustainable economies. For Tau Institute founder Roger Strukhoff, what sets the nations that will succeed apart is “a certain willingness to think beyond their front door.”
MARKETING AND COMMS -
New partnership enables foodservice operators to easily guide diners toward climate-friendly food choices. Nestlé Professional Cool Food Meals will
incorporate plant-based proteins from Sweet Earth Foods, which will be carbon neutral by 2025.
THE NEXT ECONOMY -
As circular business models continue to increase in popularity, Chairish’s report finds the resale furniture industry projected to grow by 54% over the next five years; two-thirds of consumers surveyed think resale will play a significant role in the future of sustainability.
THE NEXT ECONOMY -
Many people are becoming more aware of their environmental footprint and the impact they have on people and the planet. This awareness can be harnessed by the tourism industry to shift passive sea-and-sun tourists into more conscientious, actively engaged travelers.
FROM PURPOSE TO ACTION: BUILDING A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE TOGETHER -
While the use of green chemistry is critical to mitigating adverse
environmental impacts, there remains a gap in education of chemists and an overall lack of awareness in the industry. We sat down with John Warner, one of the founders of the field, to better understand how green chemistry is helping to enable a more sustainable future through science.
WASTE NOT -
Whether it’s using the carrot of incentives or the stick of regulations, change is possible — and strongly desired. So, what can brands do? Be proactive and make the extra effort to find and choose recycled plastic whenever possible.
SUPPLY CHAIN -
Whether in our personal lives or in business, doing only what is required or expected is generally unsatisfying. If your plan of action means doing the bare minimum, the status quo is the likely result.
THE NEXT ECONOMY -
As the global chip shortage drags on and demand for electronics exceeds supply, we hope that the market for refurbished electronic devices and a circular economy will gain more traction.
COLLABORATION -
The consumer goods giant has shared a new Climate Transition Action Plan, new science-based targets and a goal of net-zero emissions — Scope 1-3 — by 2040.
SUPPLY CHAIN -
New data from the IPCC shows that more frequent, intense droughts could squeeze the food sector with too little water. This year, we are getting a glimpse of what that might look like.
WASTE NOT -
Ray Onovwigun and his startup, Romco Metals, have seized the opportunity to build the capacity and infrastructure Africa needs to become a global player in the recovery and recycling of valuable metals.
MARKETING AND COMMS -
The brewing giant joins 16 other global companies in signing onto the World Federation of Advertisers’ Planet Pledge, which aims to change marketing from a driver of consumption into a catalyst for more sustainable thinking and behavior.
THE NEXT ECONOMY -
The first consumer electronics company to provide detailed carbon-impact data on all of its products, Logitech says all of its products and operations will be carbon neutral by the end of 2021.
WASTE NOT -
When COVID hit in 2020, tourism frantically tried to carry on, with hygiene at the crux — often by wrapping everything in plastic. As travel struggles to regain its footing, responsibility and sustainability must once again be given priority to futureproof the industry.
SUPPLY CHAIN -
With novel flavors and tough farming standards in tow, the Idaho startup is bringing healthier “softer” drinks to a hardy corner of the beverage market — in a way that really links the farmer to the cup.
NEW METRICS -
Accor, Hilton, Hyatt, IHG Hotels & Resorts, and Marriott International collaborated with WWF and Greenview on the industry-wide waste-measurement methodology.
FROM PURPOSE TO ACTION: BUILDING A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE TOGETHER -
Although progress is being made to advance a circular economy, converting difficult-to-recycle flexible plastics and films, such as plastic bags, into new products has largely been untouched by recycling innovators. Dow,
Circulate Capital and Lucro Plast-e-cycle are partnering to change that.
PRODUCT, SERVICE & DESIGN INNOVATION -
Retailers and brands that view themselves as leaders in a customer's online shopping journey, and want to keep their trust in sustainability initiatives, need to solve the root of the return culture problem: Fit. Sizeable advancements in AI and machine learning have put the perfect fit in the hands of everyone.
PRODUCT, SERVICE & DESIGN INNOVATION -
The retailer is piloting the service, which helps customers prolong the life of their furniture, at IKEA Conshohocken for a limited time — with a goal of
expanding it to all of its US stores in the future.