CHEMISTRY, MATERIALS & PACKAGING - Researchers at Kobe University have engineered bacteria to produce a plastic modifier that makes bioplastic more processable, more fracture resistant and highly biodegradable —which holds great potential for enabling sustainable plastic production.
THE NEXT ECONOMY - It’s clear we need a fundamental shift in how we perceive and manage our finite resources. But as more and more businesses shift away from profit at all costs to profit with purpose, hopefully we will all soon 'share more, waste less.'
FINANCE & INVESTMENT - W23 Global is the first retailer-led venture fund to seek entrepreneurs and early-stage ventures offering solutions to a range of common sustainability challenges.
PRODUCT, SERVICE & DESIGN INNOVATION - Alma del Jaguar Tequila and Mutiny Island Vodka are using their small but growing footprint to protect jaguars in a volatile borderland and expand the potential of an underused superfood, respectively.
THE NEXT ECONOMY - In what it’s calling a new chapter of trust and standardization for the voluntary carbon market, the Integrity Council for the Voluntary Carbon Market gives three carbon-crediting programs its seal of approval.
WASTE NOT - New initiatives from Kiehl’s, Sephora, Shoppers Drug Mart and Ulta lay further groundwork for reducing the beauty industry’s massive plastic footprint.
PRODUCT, SERVICE & DESIGN INNOVATION - Dalan Animal Health introduces the inaugural USDA conditionally licensed vaccine for honeybees, providing a prophylactic solution to safeguard the global honeybee population from lethal infectious diseases.
CHEMISTRY, MATERIALS & PACKAGING - While Walkers and the British Crisp Co shift to paper, Mars embraces digital simulation software to slash its amount of plastic needed.
MARKETING AND COMMS - In this, the biggest election year in history, Changing Markets Foundation investigates the damaging spread of misinformation online concerning the meat and dairy industry and how it is influencing both policy and public opinion.
CHEMISTRY, MATERIALS & PACKAGING - Wine packers such as Sonoma-based Free Flow Wines are taking advantage of the reduced stigma of stainless steel-bound wine, along with increased ambitions from winemakers to reduce their packaging footprint.
PRODUCT, SERVICE & DESIGN INNOVATION - More conscientious catch methods and the rise of cultivated seafood could help take the pressure off of overfished marine ecosystems — whose health is critical for planetary health.
WASTE NOT - IKEA has created a collection made from recycled coworker uniforms; while Dr. Martens’ Genix Nappa collection features recycled-leather remakes of three of the iconic shoe brand’s signature styles.
FINANCE & INVESTMENT - 'Carbon Bankroll 2.0' illuminates the huge, untapped climate impact of the US financial system — how it is undermining leading companies’ climate action, and why companies’ financial management may be their greatest lever for climate progress.
ORGANIZATIONAL CHANGE - The campaign from the Center for Employment Opportunities calls out the barriers justice-impacted people face in obtaining employment as a result of overreliance on background checks.
PRODUCT, SERVICE & DESIGN INNOVATION - Kind Traveler’s responsible-tourism model now helps San Luis Obispo, California further its tree-planting efforts and progress toward its goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2035.
MARKETING AND COMMS - As we work to find a balance between greenwashing and greenhushing sustainability claims, here are several tips for brands to keep authentically guiding consumers toward better purchases.
SUPPLY CHAIN - With major markets passing environmental and human rights due-diligence requirements, sustainable commodity sourcing may soon no longer be optional — and brands that have invested and built relationships with farmers will be the winners.
THE NEXT ECONOMY - Online resale is expected to more than double in the next 5 years, reaching $40B by 2028; 40% of voters say they’re more likely to vote for a candidate that supports circularity in fashion.
FROM PURPOSE TO ACTION: BUILDING A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE TOGETHER - In celebration of Women’s History Month, we spoke to four women at Dow who recognize the importance of continuing to drive inclusion, diversity and equity as we advance the materials-science industry.
SUPPLY CHAIN - With $77B under threat due to water risk in supply chains, 50% of large corporate buyers now engage suppliers on water issues; but only 14% financially incentivize senior leaders to act on water.