When it comes to living well in this aging modern world, one major challenge is dysphagia, a condition where swallowing becomes difficult due to illness or old age. In Japan, where glutinous rice pounded into a sticky dough called mochi is traditionally eaten in various forms at New Years, choking accidents happen among older people every January. While many would likely accept that they can’t eat mochi because of the dangers, being able to eat what you want is an essential part of living happily. For older people and caregivers confronted with this dilemma, the okayu daifuku made by Kikyoya Orii are major news. Daifuku are confections made of soft mochi, and while they are beloved by young and old, their elastic texture can make them difficult to swallow. Named after okayu rice porridge, this new creation is easy to eat—even for those who have trouble swallowing—and boasts an elegant sweetness that could only be crafted by a time-honored traditional wagashi confectionary maker. How was this delicacy developed? To find out, we spoke with Yoshihide Nakamura, the 18th-generation head of wagashi maker Kikyoya Orii. Read More...
For decades, automotive regulations have been viewed as hurdles to overcome. Today, leading OEMs are flipping the script — seeing evolving end-of-life and circularity standards not as limitations, but as launchpads for innovation. From materials science to seat design, the next wave of mobility growth is emerging from the intersection of compliance and creativity. Read More...
Global demand for palm oil is growing 4% a year, threatening millions of hectares of tropical forest. But what if we could meet that demand with fermentation tanks instead of plantations? Dutch startup NoPalm Ingredients is proving it’s possible — converting food industry side streams into microbial oils that rival palm oil’s versatility while slashing its footprint. It’s not just a new ingredient — it’s a blueprint for a circular, deforestation-free oil economy. Read More...
Today’s sustainability executives operate at the fault line of competing priorities. Markets demand immediate results; the planet demands long-term commitment. In this shifting landscape, leaders like Suzanne Fallender of Prologis are proving that resilience, integration, and focus—not speed alone—are what sustain progress. Read More...
In New Zealand, where pastoral landscapes sustain both livelihoods and ecosystems, Silver Fern Farms is proving that valuing nature isn’t a cost of doing business—it’s the key to its future. By reframing soil, water, and biodiversity as assets rather than inputs, the company is helping thousands of farmers build resilience in the face of a changing climate. Read More...
If innovation had a lab soundtrack, it wouldn’t be a triumphant drumroll—it would be the quiet hum of “try again.” Dow’s research in food packaging and recycling technology reflects that rhythm: every experiment, win or lose, adds something vital to the story of progress. Read More...
As carbon markets evolve, one truth is becoming clear: the credibility of climate action depends on the precision of its measurements. Through Rebellion’s work plugging orphan wells and quantifying methane, we’ve learned that engineering excellence and methodological transparency must advance hand-in-hand to build a trustworthy carbon economy. Read More...
What if the key to your next major climate breakthrough isn’t a new technology or policy, but the people already on your payroll? Across industries, employees are eager to help meet climate goals—but often don’t know how. EDF’s new cross-functional model gives them the tools, structure, and permission to act. Read More...
The most dangerous time for a company isn’t when regulations tighten—it’s when they ease. As ESG oversight softens, many organizations assume their risk profile has too. In reality, weaker rules create wider blind spots, leaving companies more vulnerable to the kind of failures that damage trust, disrupt supply chains, and erase market value overnight. Read More...
Social purpose has become the north star for many companies—but too often, it floats above the messy realities of risk. Without thoughtful consideration of the risks that come with a stated purpose, organizations leave their credibility exposed. The next frontier is clear: to unlock purpose’s full potential and safeguard your company’s reputation, leaders must integrate purpose into risk management. Read More...
In this Innovation Watch, five of the most compelling solutions proving the future of concrete can be not just low-carbon but smart, circular and resilient. Read More...
Scottish biotech startup MiAlgae is upcycling whisky waste into algae-derived Omega-3s — a regenerative, circular solution for distilleries, fisheries and more. Read More...
Digital carbon tools are helping more companies increase customer engagement and transparency around their climate efforts. We spoke with ClimeCo Chief Commercial Officer Emma Cox to learn more. Read More...
By amplifying stories of innovation and resilience, organizations can build trust, strengthen their sustainability leadership and inspire others to act. Read More...
We hope that by sharing our approach, we’ll continue to inspire other companies to take similar action — driving more climate progress across their organization and the world. Read More...
PIC’s new FDA-approved, disease-resistant pigs aim to protect herds from the devastating impacts of PRRS and lower both antibiotic use and environmental impact. Read More...
Working with farmers in Poland, the program will yield sustainable rapeseed oil for PepsiCo’s Lay’s and Doritos brands and regenerative wheat for Mars’ pet care brands. Read More...
As EPR laws take hold and consumer expectations rise, the window for proactive collaboration is closing. Brands can put aside their fears around collaboration or risk falling behind. Read More...
In new WWF survey, an overwhelming majority feels protecting nature is crucial for clean air, water and stable food systems – and their own health and wellbeing. Read More...
In this Innovation Watch, we spotlight five technologies helping fashion brands to future proof both supply chains and the industry at large. Read More...