SUPPLY CHAIN -
On Wednesday, a federal court ruled in favor of the U.S. Forest Service regarding the lawsuit filed by environmental groups that sought to halt Nestlé Waters North America’s water-bottling operations in the San Bernardino Mountains. The motion was filed by the Courage Campaign, The Story of Stuff Project and the Center for Biological Diversity following a discovery that Nestlé’s permit might have expired 28 years ago.
LEADERSHIP -
A new forecast by DNV GL concludes that while progress will be made towards many of the United Nations’ (UN’s) 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs, or Global Goals), there is a very real risk that they will not be met by 2030. The report predicts that action will not be fast nor fair enough, and will come at an unacceptable environmental cost — but reminds us that there is still time to reset the course of our “Spaceship Earth.”
CHEMISTRY, MATERIALS & PACKAGING -
Business magnate Bill Gates and energy giant Total have backed biofuels company Renmatix in a $14 million investment round. Renmatix developed a new process called Plantrose® that makes converting biomass into cellulosic sugars – the critical intermediary for second-generation biochemicals and biofuels – more affordable for biorefineries.
The investment will help fund the process’ commercialization, which will expand the supply of cost-competitive alternatives to petroleum-derived molecules.
PRESS RELEASE -
New York-listed Dow Chemical Company is working closely with six non-profit organizations in Cebu to help address pressing local challenges. Through the company's Leadership in Action (LIA), 40 DOW employees have formed teams to work on six important projects in Cebu that seek to advance access to water, increase production of high-quality food crops, and support product commercialization, among other challenges.
The Philippines is the second country in Asia selected by the company to develop solutions to address local critical needs. The program also enables new leadership development opportunities for Dow employees and a chance for them to learn more about realities of international business and identify new business opportunities.
PRODUCT, SERVICE & DESIGN INNOVATION -
News Deeply, in partnership with Sustainable Brands, has produced a series of profiles looking at how brands are tackling some of the world’s biggest challenges. The goal is to examine trends and gather insights from a new wave of corporate citizenship – in an era when the private sector is increasingly expected to play a positive role in improving our lives and societies. This is the 9th article in the series.
PRESS RELEASE -
MILLERCOORS LAUNCHES MONTHLONG VOLUNTEER EFFORT TO PROTECT WATER
Thousands of Employees Volunteer to Protect Water Resources During Great Water Month
PRESS RELEASE -
Representatives from over 200 environmental organizations, government bodies and institutions, including HSBC, are converged on Stockholm from 28th August - 2nd September for World Water Week.
Officials from HSBC are actively participating in sessions during the week, including hosting a special event in conjunction with the Bank's environmental partners to highlight the achievements and the impacts of the five-year HSBC Water Programme. HSBC Malta's Catch the Drop is a part of the programme.
BEHAVIOR CHANGE -
While consumers have become more aware of food waste issues thanks to media campaigns and numerous initiatives led by startups and large companies alike, such efforts tend to overlook the intricate relationship between food production and water scarcity.
PRESS RELEASE -
PepsiCo, Inc. today announced continued progress against the company's strategy to help protect and conserve global water supplies and provide people access to clean, safe water to communities around the world.
In 2015, PepsiCo reduced its operational water use per unit of production by 26 percent versus a 2006 baseline. This exceeded the company's previously stated goal to reduce operational water use by 20 percent by the end of 2015.
PRESS RELEASE -
7 million trees planted in 52 countries around the world
Foundation to award millions in environmental grants
US 08/31/16
WASTE NOT -
Water is the primary ingredient in Coca-Cola’s and PepsiCo’s beverages, and both companies recognize that increasing stress on supply is a risk to their businesses. This week, both beverage giants announced progress updates for their global stewardship efforts.
THE NEXT ECONOMY -
Under the theme Water for Sustainable Growth, some 3,000 people from over 120 countries are meeting in Stockholm this week for the 26th annual World Water Week.
STAKEHOLDER TRENDS AND INSIGHTS -
Nelson Switzer, Chief Sustainability Officer for Nestlé Waters North America, has called for ‘aggressive new leadership’ in collective action through partnerships to solve shared water challenges. At an event on August 11, Switzer said all stakeholders – including businesses, industry associations, governments, civic groups and communities – “owe each other more,” and must work together to create shared value.
PRODUCT, SERVICE & DESIGN INNOVATION -
Currently, 663 million people lack access to safe drinking water, and by 2025, half the world’s population could be living in water-stressed areas.
SUPPLY CHAIN -
In the south of Spain, unsustainable water use is threatening Doñana National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Europe’s most important wetlands. Located southwest of Seville, the Park supports millions of migratory birds and is a stronghold of the endangered Iberian lynx.
PRESS RELEASE -
CHICAGO (July 18, 2016) – MillerCoors released its 2016 Sustainability Report, which provides a comprehensive review of the company’s 2015 efforts in the areas of alcohol responsibility, environmental stewardship and community investment. The nation’s second largest brewer continues to help prevent drunk driving and underage consumption, reduce water use and brewery waste, and create equal opportunities for women in beer.
ORGANIZATIONAL CHANGE -
In 2015, Target wrapped up its five-year goals and built the foundation for the future of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) practice, which is to make wellness a way of life; pursue sustainability for products and business operations; champion a more inclusive society; and invest and engage in their communities. Summarizing their progress and capturing important projects and milestones, Target’s 2015 Corporate Social Responsibility Report was released this week.
PRESS RELEASE -
Mattel recently became a California water agency’s newest recycled water customer, which will save about 2 million gallons of drinking water per year in the drought-stricken state. The global toy maker, whose brands include Barbie, Fisher-Price and Hot Wheels, among others, said that using recycled water for irrigation at its El Segundo corporate campus will also save money.
“It does cost less for Mattel to purchase recycled water rather than potable water for irrigation,” said Sarah Levine, Mattel global sustainability manager. “The city of El Segundo and [water district] West Basin both sell recycled water for reduced rates.”
CHEMISTRY, MATERIALS & PACKAGING -
This week, we examine two innovations that not only divert plastic waste but turn it into stronger, more beneficial materials: IBM has discovered a way to convert polycarbonates into plastics safe for water purification, fiber optics and medical equipment; while shredded plastic waste is helping to create more durable, weather-resistant roads in Chennai, India.
CHEMISTRY, MATERIALS & PACKAGING -
On Monday, The Dow Chemical Company released its 2015 Sustainability Report, culminating Dow’s decade-long 2015 Sustainability Goals, which centered on producing solutions to global challenges including the areas of food, water and energy and continuing its commitment to operational excellence.