Entergy Corporation

Owens Corning

Schneider Electric

Entergy Texas’ First Solar Resource Helps Customers Meet Sustainability Goals

Our People Making a Difference: Paul Ferrara, Senior Safety Lead

Schneider Electric Sustainability Impact Program Continues Progressing in Q1 2024

Summary 
Schrödinger has published its second annual Corporate Sustainability report, which provides a comprehensive overview of the company's progress developing and executing on its strategy for addressing environmental, social and governance (ESG) matters. 
Throughout 2023, the company advanced every aspect of its ESG performance and created a road map that includes setting goals for each of its identified material ESG topics in alignment with its Corporate Sustainability strategy. This strategy is grounded in the concept of shared value, which the company has labeled VALUE2: “When we add value to the world, we create value for our company, and when we build value for ourselves, we generate value for the world.” 2023 Report Highlights Social

<ul><li>Schrödinger and two City University institutions were co-awarded a $1 million National Science Foundation grant to increase underrepresented students' access to industry-leading technology.</li>
	<li>To ensure a cohesive corporate strategy for social impact initiatives and provide employees consistent guidance, Schrödinger launched its inaugural Global Social Impact Policy in 2023.</li>
	<li>Schrödinger advanced its work with universities and K-12 schools to further STEM education and careers through multiple programs and initiatives.</li>
	<li>Building on its comprehensive suite of employee benefits, Schrödinger introduced new health and well-being options for its employees, including holistic health and mindful return for new parents.</li>
	<li>Advancing its diversity, equity and inclusion commitments, Schrödinger introduced new focus areas for its employee resource groups (ERGs), aiming to increase engagement, accountability, and growth opportunities.</li>
</ul>Environmental

<ul><li>Schrödinger completed an inventory of its operational environmental footprint, including energy use, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, water usage and waste generation.</li>
	<li>Based on its operational environmental footprint inventory, Schrödinger reported environmental data in 2023 for the first time, including Scope 3 GHG emissions.</li>
	<li>Schrödinger signaled its intention to establish science-based emissions reduction targets aligned with the Science Based Targets initiative by the end of 2025.</li>
	<li>The company released its first Environmental Policy that sets forth its commitments and methods for achieving them.</li>
	<li>Through its computational platform, Schrödinger continued to facilitate better environmental outcomes for its life science and materials development customers.</li>
</ul> Governance

<ul><li>As part of its commitment to strong corporate governance, Schrödinger updated and strengthened a host of company policies and developed, or is in the process of developing, policies covering:
	<ul><li>Health &amp; Safety</li>
		<li>Supplier Code of Conduct</li>
		<li>Human Rights</li>
	</ul></li>
	<li>Schrödinger established its first Ombuds Office, a neutral and independent third-party reporting channel for employees, business partners, customers, and members of the public to report concerns about the company.</li>
	<li>The company continued implementing its cybersecurity policies, processes, and technology in alignment with the National Institute of Standards and Technology Cybersecurity Framework.</li>
</ul>Guided by its mission to improve human health and quality of life by transforming how therapeutics and materials are discovered, Schrödinger is dedicated to continued progress on its Corporate Sustainability commitments. 
Schrödinger’s 2023 Corporate Sustainability Report references the Global Reporting Initiative Standards and the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board Biotechnology &amp; Pharmaceuticals and Software &amp; IT Services standards. Access the report <a href="https://www.schrodinger.com/company/corporate-sustainability/" target="_blank">here</a>. 
  About Schrödinger 
Schrödinger is transforming the way therapeutics and materials are discovered. Schrödinger has pioneered a physics-based computational platform that enables discovery of high-quality, novel molecules for drug development and materials applications more rapidly and at lower cost compared to traditional methods. The software platform is licensed by biopharmaceutical and industrial companies, academic institutions, and government laboratories around the world. Schrödinger’s multidisciplinary drug discovery team also leverages the software platform to advance a portfolio of collaborative and proprietary programs to address unmet medical needs. 
Founded in 1990, Schrödinger has approximately 850 employees and is engaged with customers and collaborators in more than 70 countries. To learn more, visit <a href="https://www.schrodinger.com/" target="_blank">www.schrodinger.com</a>, follow us on <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/schr-dinger/" target="_blank">LinkedIn</a> and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/schrodinger.inc/" target="_blank">Instagram</a>, or visit our blog, <a href="https://extrapolations.com/" target="_blank">Extrapolations.com</a>. Media contact <a href="mailto:allie.nicodemo@schrodinger.com" target="_blank">Allie Nicodemo</a> 
Schrödinger, Inc. 
617-356-2325

Schrödinger Shares Corporate Sustainability Progress in 2023 Report

Boston Scientific released its <a href="https://www.bostonscientific.com/en-US/corporate-responsibility.html" target="_blank">2023 Performance Report</a> highlighting the company’s actions to improve patient outcomes while prioritizing environmental, social and governance (ESG) progress. 
“Because we know that patient health is interconnected with the health of communities and of the planet, we take seriously our responsibility to make sustainable progress,” said Mike Mahoney, chairman and chief executive officer, Boston Scientific. “This dedication is shared by our more than 48,000 employees worldwide, whose talent and commitment to the highest standards of quality allow us to raise the bar, year after year.” 
The report describes how teams across the company applied the science and transformation that define Boston Scientific’s business to advance its ESG priorities and goals, focused on advancing innovative care, empowering people and contributing to a healthier planet, while performing with integrity. 
Highlights of Boston Scientific’s 2023 ESG progress include:

<ul><li>Helping improve the lives of more than 37 million patients around the world with nearly 90 product launches and $1.4 billion invested in research and development.[1]</li>
	<li>Advancing health and addressing inequities by increasing diversity in clinical trials, donating more than $76 million to fund global medical research, fellowships, education and charitable organizations.</li>
	<li>
	Increasing workforce diversity, with mid-level leadership[2] roles now held by 43.5% of women globally and 22.6% by multicultural employees in the U.S., including Puerto Rico.
	</li>
	<li>Achieving 82% renewable electricity,[3] bringing the company closer to meeting its goal of 100% by the end of 2024.</li>
	<li>
	Further defining the company’s path to net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.[4]
	</li>
	<li>Delivering more than 40 million products and spending approximately $340 million on small and diverse suppliers.</li>
</ul>The Boston Scientific 2023 Performance Report was prepared with reference to the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) Standards as well as alignment with the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB) standards for the Medical Equipment &amp; Supplies industry and the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) recommendations. 
Detailed information about the company’s progress is available on its <a href="https://www.bostonscientific.com/en-US/corporate-responsibility.html" target="_blank">corporate responsibility website</a>. 
All data as of December 31, 2023, unless otherwise specified. About Boston Scientific 
Boston Scientific transforms lives through innovative medical technologies that improve the health of patients around the world. As a global medical technology leader for more than 40 years, we advance science for life by providing a broad range of high-performance solutions that address unmet patient needs and reduce the cost of health care. Our portfolio of devices and therapies helps physicians diagnose and treat complex cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, oncological, neurological and urological diseases and conditions. Learn more at <a href="http://www.bostonscientific.com/" target="_blank">www.bostonscientific.com</a> and connect on <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/boston-scientific/" target="_blank">LinkedIn</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/bostonsci" target="_blank">X</a>, formerly Twitter. Contact 
Media: Emily Anderson +1 617.515.2000 
Investors: Jon Monson +1 508.683.5450

[1] Represents GAAP R&amp;D expense per Annual Report on Form 10-K. 
[2] Mid-level leadership includes managers, principals, senior managers and fellows. 
[3] Includes renewable electricity generated onsite and purchased electricity matched with electricity from renewable sources. Inclusive of all manufacturing and key distribution sites only. 
[4] Across the company's entire value chain (scopes 1, 2 and 3) with a base year of 2019 as approved in 2022 by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) Net-Zero Standard.

Boston Scientific Reports 2023 Actions Toward a Healthier, More Equitable World

<img alt="Two smiling children looking at an open laptop while sitting on an outdoor table." data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="75c3003d-266d-47ac-92df-60c75c8a6c99" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/closingdivide_comcast_041724.jpg" width="640" class="align-center" height="563" loading="lazy" />For more than a decade, Comcast has been dedicated to closing the digital divide. Achieving digital equity is at the heart of the work we do because we know how life-changing a reliable home Internet connection can be in today’s digital economy.

Through the federal government’s <a href="https://www.fcc.gov/acp" target="_blank">Affordable Connectivity Program</a> (ACP), more than 23 million households across America – <a href="https://www.bsgco.com/acp-fact-sheet" target="_blank">nearly 50% of which are military families</a> – are able to get online at little to no cost. Unfortunately, the ACP is only fully funded through April and is expected to lapse by May. This puts at risk all the progress we have made in keeping Americans connected to this critical resource.

<a href="https://corporate.comcast.com/stories/funding-affordable-connectivity-program-critical-for-our-countrys-future" target="_blank">As I said in January</a>, we believe that Congress and the White House should find a way to extend the ACP so people can stay connected and benefit from the Internet for education, healthcare, workforce development, veterans’ assistance, and so much more.

At Comcast, we remain committed to doing our part to help including:

Partial ACP Credit – To help ease the transition, all ACP customers will receive a federally funded ACP credit of $14 on their Xfinity bills ($35 on Tribal lands) for the month of May as the government program winds down.

Internet Essentials – We continue to offer <a href="https://www.xfinity.com/learn/internet-service/internet-essentials" target="_blank">Internet Essentials</a> – our reliable, low-cost high-speed Internet service – for $9.95/month. That is the exact same price it has been since 2011, when it was first introduced, despite inflation, while speeds have increased five times for no additional cost. Millions of Americans have been connected to Internet Essentials, which has become the largest and most comprehensive private-sector Internet adoption program in the country. All current ACP customers are eligible to switch to Internet Essentials tiers during this transition.

Internet Essentials+ – For customers looking for even faster speeds, Internet Essentials Plus offers double the speed – up to 100 Mbps – for $29.95/month.

Xfinity Mobile Savings – For those looking to save money on their monthly bills, we’re also offering discounts to customers who bundle their Internet service with <a href="https://www.xfinity.com/mobile/?CMP=KNC-43700053507087418-GOOGLE-694334329635-c-xfinity%20mobile-e-XM_Brand+Only_BR_Exact_North&amp;gad_source=1&amp;gclid=EAIaIQobChMIpcmetaOrhQMVkXNHAR2NmwxvEAAYASAAEgLYlvD_BwE&amp;gclsrc=aw.ds" target="_blank">Xfinity Mobile</a>. New Internet Essentials Plus customers can take advantage of a free line of Xfinity Mobile for one year. Additionally, current customers enrolled in ACP with Comcast who add Xfinity Mobile can get an additional free unlimited line for one year, potentially saving them hundreds of dollars per year.

NOW WiFi Pass – For individuals and families on the go, Comcast has introduced <a href="https://www.xfinity.com/learn/internet-service/wifi?CMP=KNC-43700075421305697-GOOGLE-680335120269-c-buy%20wifi%20pass-p-Wifi_Pass_NB_Phrase_National&amp;gad_source=1&amp;gclid=EAIaIQobChMI0oXQta2phQMV3XJHAR3pVQusEAAYASAAEgLdwPD_BwE&amp;gclsrc=aw.ds" target="_blank">NOW WiFi Pass</a>, which connects them to our 23 million+ Xfinity WiFi hotspots nationwide. Now through June 30, customers can get online for $10/month with no additional equipment required, no long-term commitments, or any cancellation fees.

Lift Zones – Individuals, whether they’re our customers or not, can access one of our more than 1,250 WiFi-connected <a href="https://corporate.comcast.com/impact/digital-equity/lift-zones" target="_blank">Lift Zones</a> across the country. Working with our extensive network of nonprofit partners, Lift Zones provide free Internet access in neighborhood locations like nonprofits, community centers, gyms, and parks and recreation facilities. Additionally, many locations have <a href="https://corporate.comcast.com/impact/project-up/digital-navigators" target="_blank">Digital Navigators</a> – trusted and trained individuals who help them get online and learn digital skills.

Internet Essentials Partnership Program – Our <a href="https://corporate.comcast.com/impact/digital-equity/internet-essentials-partnership-program" target="_blank">Internet Essentials Partnerships Program</a> (IEPP) provides the opportunity for school districts and other organizations to fund and connect large numbers of students and families to broadband access at home. Since 2020, IEPP has collaborated with hundreds of entities across the country to help connect K-12 students.

Partnerships and Project UP – We also continue to work with our network of thousands of nonprofit partners nationwide who are on the front lines of closing the digital divide. We’re investing in organizations that train thousands of trusted Digital Navigators who connect people to the Internet; and partners who advance economic mobility and open doors for the next generation of innovators, entrepreneurs, storytellers, and creators. This is all backed by <a href="https://corporate.comcast.com/impact/project-up" target="_blank">Project UP</a>, our $1B commitment to advance digital equity and help build a future of unlimited possibilities.

While we have all these products and services available today, we will continue to create even more packages and options to offer our customers and the communities we serve. We’ve made so much progress closing the digital divide and we remain committed to doing our part to ensure more Americans stay connected and that no one gets left behind.

Broderick D. Johnson is Executive Vice President, Public Policy, and Executive Vice President, Digital Equity for Comcast Corporation.

Comcast Remains Dedicated to Closing the Digital Divide

<figure role="group" class="align-center"><img alt="&quot; &quot;" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e9c3cfbe-03e1-475f-891b-cc3e2f87b5e4" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/1-stage_AEG_042423.jpeg" width="640" height="1800" loading="lazy" /><figcaption>AEG's Cali Vibes stages powered by solar energy captured by Overdrive Energy Solutions’ battery power stations.</figcaption></figure>Organizing large-scale music festivals is often associated with significant environmental challenges. Festivals can generate massive amounts of waste, from attendees discarding single use-items like plastic cups and food containers, to emitting high levels of Co2 emissions from the generators powering each stage.

AEG’s Goldenvoice is challenging convention by pioneering sustainable practices in festival organizing and utilizing its three-day music festival in Long Beach, CA, Cali Vibes, as a blueprint for greening their own festival operations.

Now for the second consecutive year, Goldenvoice’s Cali Vibes, has partnered with Three Squares Inc., a Los Angeles-based environmental consulting firm, to develop a comprehensive sustainability program aimed at reducing emissions, minimizing waste, educating attendees and staff, and fostering eco-friendly practices throughout its operations.
<figure role="group" class="align-center"><img alt="&quot; &quot;" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c382e8e4-6f61-433d-bd79-ca945245f046" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/2-festival_AEG_042423.jpeg" width="640" height="801" loading="lazy" /><figcaption>Through its partnership with r.World,  the festival utilized r.Cup reusable cups.</figcaption></figure>Welcoming 25,000 fans per day, Cali Vibes allowed sustainability to take the main stage by adopting the following green initiatives:

<ul><li>Food Waste Reduction – All extra food at the festival was donated to local community shelters. Additionally, roughly 20% to 30% of the food vendors at Cali Vibes provided vegan menu options, with all vendors required to offer at least one vegetarian option.</li>
	<li>Reusable Cup Program: Through its partnership with r.World, the festival utilized r.Cup reusable cups and eliminated approximately 300,000 single-use plastic cups. Water was served in aluminum cans, and refill stations were located throughout the festival.</li>
	<li>Reducing Energy: To reduce on site energy consumption, Cali Vibes sourced Overdrive Energy Solutions’ battery power stations to capture solar energy to power light towers in parking lots, merch stations and bathroom zones. Energy efficient lighting systems relied on battery-powered LED lights. By sourcing locally-produced renewable diesel to power generators and heavy equipment, Cali Vibes eliminated 43 tons of carbon emissions at this year’s festival.</li>
	<li>Reducing Emissions: The festival promoted public transit use by offering attendees free or discounted public transit rides through a partnership with L.A. Metro. Festival organizers also implemented a “no idling” rule to reduce emissions by requiring cars and gas-powered golf carts to be turned off when not in motion.</li>
</ul>In addition to greening its festival operations, the team at Goldenvoice partnered with AEG's Social Impact department to nurture the next generation of environmental stewards by hosting an AEG Futures event at the festival. The career program brought together [50] underrepresented high school and college students to learn about sustainability-focused career opportunities available in live entertainment. The program offered students a chance to learn from industry experts about career opportunities, meet sustainability vendors who spoke to them about the specific Cali Vibes initiatives, participate in mentoring sessions, and explore the festival grounds, fostering a deeper understanding of sustainable practices in the live music space.
<figure role="group" class="align-center"><img alt="&quot; &quot;" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a789b741-dec4-4c03-8319-427e4a7374f3" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/3-hydration-station_AEG_042423.jpeg" width="640" height="801" loading="lazy" /><figcaption>Water was served in aluminum cans, and refill stations were located throughout the festival.</figcaption></figure> 
<figure role="group" class="align-center"><img alt="&quot; &quot;" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b11615e4-6f1b-4f0d-8309-fb0f5cabe09d" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/4-no-idling_AEG_042423.jpeg" width="640" height="801" loading="lazy" /><figcaption>Cali Vibes implemented a “no idling” rule to reduce emissions by requiring cars and gas-powered golf carts to be turned off when not in motion.</figcaption></figure> 
<figure role="group" class="align-center"><img alt="&quot; &quot;" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="21eb160c-dab3-4918-a724-5cc38d7cb980" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/5-reusable-cups_AEG_042423.jpeg" width="640" height="801" loading="lazy" /><figcaption>Utilizing r.Cups reusable cup system, Cali Vibes eliminated approximately 300,000 single-use plastic cups at the festival in 2024.</figcaption></figure> 
<figure role="group" class="align-center"><img alt="&quot; &quot;" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="872bafe1-32f9-427a-af68-e93ba59c1c49" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/6-minimise-waste_AEG_042423.jpeg" width="640" height="801" loading="lazy" /><figcaption>Cali Vibes aiming to minimize waste and implement eco-friendly practices throughout its operations.</figcaption></figure>

Goldenvoice’s Cali Vibes Executes Comprehensive Sustainability Program 

2023 was a transformative year for Vertex. The company made significant advances toward delivering on its core mission of creating transformative medicines for people with serious diseases and ushering in a new era of diversification. Vertex’s differentiated strategy, investment in scientific innovation, and unique culture have enabled the company to extend its leadership in cystic fibrosis, expand into new disease areas with the regulatory approvals of CASGEVY™ (exagamglogene autotemcel), rapidly advance its robust research and development (R&amp;D) pipeline, and drive positive impact for patients, employees and its communities. The company remains committed to making a difference — for patients and families impacted by serious diseases, for its communities, and for each other. Vertex’s differentiated strategy and unique culture, along with its drive and dedication, will fuel the company’s ability to deliver results and operate its business responsibly. About Vertex 
Vertex is a global biotechnology company that invests in scientific innovation to create transformative medicines for people with serious diseases. The company has approved medicines that treat the underlying causes of multiple chronic, life-shortening genetic diseases — cystic fibrosis, sickle cell disease and transfusion-dependent beta thalassemia — and continues to advance clinical and research programs in these diseases. Vertex also has a robust clinical pipeline of investigational therapies across a range of modalities in other serious diseases where it has deep insight into causal human biology, including acute and neuropathic pain, APOL1-mediated kidney disease, autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease, type 1 diabetes, myotonic dystrophy type 1 and alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency. 
Vertex was founded in 1989 and has its global headquarters in Boston, with international headquarters in London. Additionally, the company has research and development sites and commercial offices in North America, Europe, Australia, Latin America and the Middle East. Vertex is consistently recognized as one of the industry's top places to work, including 14 consecutive years on Science magazine's Top Employers list and one of Fortune’s 100 Best Companies to Work For. For company updates and to learn more about Vertex's history of innovation, visit <a href="https://www.vrtx.com/" target="_blank">www.vrtx.com</a> or follow us on <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/vertex-pharmaceuticals" target="_blank">LinkedIn</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/VertexPharmaInc" target="_blank">Facebook</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/vertexpharmaceuticals/" target="_blank">Instagram</a>, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@VertexPharmaceuticalsGlobal" target="_blank">YouTube</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/VertexPharma" target="_blank">Twitter/X</a>.  Media Contact: <a href="mailto:sarah_dsouza@vrtx.com" target="_blank">Sarah D’Souza</a>, 857-329-8495

In a Transformative Year, Vertex Advances Its Commitment to Corporate Responsibility; Announces 2023 CR Report

<img alt="electric vehicle at charging station " data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f9a3cf30-420a-4a99-b1b6-f1c208515172" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/DP%20World%20electric%20trucks%20Peru.jpeg" width="640" class="align-center" height="675" loading="lazy" />Here at <a href="https://www.dpworld.com" target="_blank">DP World</a>, we understand the environmental toll of global trade. Port operations are notoriously carbon-intensive; the transportation sector creates one-third of the world’s total greenhouse gas emissions, of which <a href="https://www.oecd.org/ocean/topics/ocean-shipping/#:~:text=The%20main%20transport%20mode%20for,comes%20with%20opportunities%20and%20challenges." target="_blank">shipping accounts for nearly 3%</a>. 

In an era where environmental sustainability is no longer optional but imperative, DP World is investing in decarbonizing its port operations and steer trade towards a more sustainable future.

On April 4, 2024, we unveiled the first charging station for electric trucks at our terminal on the South Dock of the Port of Callao in Peru. This initiative makes Callao the first port terminal in Latin America to feature this type of infrastructure, promoting decarbonization, environmental stewardship, and operational efficiency.

Electrification at the Forefront

Our latest venture in Callao is another step forward in DP World’s efforts to become carbon neutral by 2040 and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. The station, which is powered by 100% renewable energy, features 10 fast chargers of 200 KW each, and will be used to charge our fleet of 20 electric ITVs (internal transport trucks). This setup not only supports our fleet but also propels the port towards carbon neutrality.

The charging station, equipped with a 2-megawatt substation and dual-vehicle CCS2-type connectors, also incorporates a smart charge management platform that monitors energy consumption and CO2 emissions savings. Supplementing this, 60 KW of rooftop solar power is used to power the station, further reducing our grid energy dependency.

A Sustainable Milestone

The introduction of this electric charging station is projected to reduce DP World's carbon emissions significantly, preventing the release of 2,145 metric tons of CO2 equivalents annually at the Port of Callao. Given Peru's standing as 38th globally for air pollution (according to the 2022 World Air Quality Report), this reduction is not just a corporate achievement but a national benefit, highlighting our commitment to enhancing air quality and reducing environmental impacts.

Broadening the Impact

DP World's commitment extends beyond Callao. In our continuous pursuit of innovation, last year we also <a href="https://www.csrwire.com/press_releases/788796-dp-world-bolsters-green-initiatives-perus-port-callao-15-electric-cranes" target="_blank">integrated 15 new electric cranes</a> into our operations at the port. DP World has also been making other investments in sustainability at the Port of Callao. 

This electrification project is not just about adopting new technologies; it's about setting a precedent for the maritime and logistics industries worldwide. By pioneering such initiatives, we aim to encourage widespread adoption of clean energy practices, not just in Peru but across the globe.

Pioneering Sustainable Trade: DP World Implements Charging Station for Electric Trucks at Peru’s Port of Callao

<img alt="A black and white vanity, sink and mirror. A plant to one side." data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="17252c1c-2523-420b-970d-b33aafb3f225" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/recycledsink_kohler_040324.jpg" width="640" class="align-center" height="533" loading="lazy" />KOHLER, Wis., April 30, 2024 /CSRwire/ - Kohler’s industry-leading manufacturing waste reuse business, KOHLER WasteLAB, announces its first bathroom sink, constructed of more than 70 percent recycled materials. These materials have been repurposed and reused to create a one-of-a-kind Vox sink, diverting manufacturing waste from landfills.

The Kohler WasteLAB Vox handcrafted bathroom sink features a soft minimalist form, offered in a vessel style, with a stone-like aesthetic that is unique to each sink. The sink production uses an innovative recycling process with both ceramic and cast iron waste, making each piece a truly unique creation.

“The new WasteLAB Vox sink is not only a new category for our WasteLAB business, but also a completely new material set. This will allow us to look at a wider range of products that can reuse waste and help reach our goal of zero waste to landfill, as well as providing consumers with another path for sustainable living,” Monty Stauffer, Kohler WasteLAB Lead Industrial Designer, Product and Process. “The sink has the look and feel of natural granite or polished stone, tying together a sense of high design with materials that previously were considered scrap. What we do at KOHLER WasteLAB is a game changer on how people will look at waste moving forward.”

Since 2017, KOHLER WasteLAB has been looking for ways to reimagine waste using nature as a model for sustainable processes – within nature’s cycle of growth and decay, waste simply doesn’t exist. At WasteLAB, we mapped out our waste streams from our products so that we could see exactly where they came from and what they were made of. We redefined waste streams as not “waste”, but as ingredients and valuable materials for new products – and most importantly, as opportunities for innovation. From 2019 through 2023, sales of KOHLER WasteLAB tile have diverted more than 73,426 pounds of waste from landfills, exemplifying Kohler's commitment to achieving net-zero waste to landfill by 2035.

About Kohler WasteLAB  
At the Kohler WasteLAB, we look for ways to see the world differently. Specifically, we look to nature as a model for sustainable processes. Through nature’s cycles of growth and decay, waste simply doesn’t exist. The WasteLAB applies such an approach in its manufacturing process, using landfill-bound pottery, wastewater sludge and other forms of waste to design and produce stunning products. The KOHLER WasteLAB is just one of the several success stories to come out of Kohler’s innovative start-up Innovation for Good (ifG). For more information, visit <a href="https://www.kohlercompany.com/sustainability/footprint-reduction/wastelab" target="_blank">https://wastelab.kohler.com/</a>.

About Kohler Co.

For 150 years, Kohler Co. has been a global leader in design and innovation, dedicated to providing gracious living through kitchen and bath products; luxury cabinetry, tile and lighting; distributed energy solutions – home energy, industrial power systems, and powertrain technologies – and luxury hospitality experiences and major championship golf. Kohler's Whistling Straits golf course hosted the 43rd Ryder Cup in 2021. Privately held <a href="https://www.kohlercompany.com/" target="_blank">Kohler Co</a>. was founded in 1873 and is headquartered in Kohler, Wisconsin. The company also develops solutions to address pressing issues, such as clean water and sanitation, for underserved communities around the world to enhance the quality of life for current and future generations.  
KOHLER <a href="https://www.kohlercompany.com/our-brands/kitchen-bath/" target="_blank">Kitchen &amp; Bath</a>, <a href="https://www.kohlercompany.com/our-brands/energy/" target="_blank">Energy</a>, <a href="https://www.kohlercompany.com/our-brands/golf-resort-destinations/" target="_blank">Golf + Resort Destinations</a>  
Media Contact:  
Kohler Public Relations  
Jillian Rosone  <a href="mailto:jillian.rosone@kohler.com" target="_blank">jillian.rosone@kohler.com</a>

Kohler’s industry-leading manufacturing waste reuse business, KOHLER WasteLAB, announces its first bathroom sink, constructed of more than 70 percent recycled materials.

From Scrap to Style at Kohler

<img alt="Close up of a hand holding a lipstick " data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f2dc2f5f-dee2-4164-a7ba-7636d57321f5" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/closeup-hand-holding-lipstick_Eastman_040424.jpeg" width="640" class="align-center" height="1417" loading="lazy" /><a href="https://www.eastman.com/en/media-center/news-stories/2024/eastman-cristal-renew-creating-sustainable-lipstick-packaging" target="_blank">Eastman</a>

The challenge

Axilone, a renowned luxury cosmetics packaging producer with a history of developing sustainable solutions, is passionate about reducing its environmental impact. That includes lipstick packaging, which usually ends up in the landfill. Consumers increasingly want more sustainable material and packaging solutions but expect zero tradeoffs in aesthetics or performance.

Recycling cosmetics poses many challenges. They are often made with a variety of materials and include extensive decoration. Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) — a material commonly used in color cosmetics such as lipstick, mascara and compact cases — creates environmental concerns and hinders recycling efforts.

Axilone’s solutions include biobased materials and recycled content, enhancing recyclability with mono-material packaging, and promoting reuse with refillable packaging.

The solution

Axilone and Eastman’s technical service team have long collaborated on cosmetics innovations. When Axilone needed lipstick packaging solutions, the team knew Eastman provided best-in-class service, along with eco-friendly commitments to innovation.

The two companies took up the challenge to create a lipstick design with the environmentally conscious cosmetics consumer in mind. Their goal was to create a recyclable, refillable lipstick with no materials of concern.

The first step was to replace ABS with Eastman Cristal™ One Renew 100 EN059 PET resin. Since it is compatible with the PET recycling stream for all the components, the mono-material packaging does not require disassembly before recycling. The packaging design is refillable and reusable. It also addressed Axilone’s need for a fully smooth-glide operation in the mechanism, which is difficult to achieve with most other recyclable resins.

The result

The newly developed lipstick has a life that extends beyond its initial use. Users can buy refill cartridges and recycle the containers when finished with them. Consumers can feel good knowing their purchase supports the circular economy. The lipstick’s primary packaging is made from 100% certified recycled content* using Eastman's molecular recycling technologies. The new design is also compatible with standard decoration options, delivering a glossy outer finish, perfect color compatibility and exceptional durability.

When designing with Cristal Renew, brands can choose up to 100% certified recycled content packaging. This helps keep plastic waste out of landfills or incinerators. Part of the Eastman Cristal™ One family of resins, Cristal One Renew EN059 is compatible with the PET recycling stream.

“Reducing the environmental impact of our products is at the heart of Axilone’s vocation,” said Reynald Trochel, Innovation Director at Axilone. “Through our partnership with Eastman, and with this mono-material lipstick made with Cristal Renew with 100% certified recycled content, we can simultaneously enhance their recyclability and reinforce the flows of the circular economy with a refillable package.”

Together, we’re making sustainable beauty packaging a reality.

*Certified recycled content is allocated using ISCC mass balance.

Axilone, a renowned luxury cosmetics packaging producer with a history of developing sustainable solutions, is passionate about reducing its environmental impact. That includes lipstick packaging, which usually ends up in the landfill. 

Eastman Cristal™ Renew: Creating Sustainable Lipstick Packaging

<figure role="group" class="align-center"><img alt="&quot; &quot;" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="ceedcefa-e90b-492b-8664-99f92e8322c4" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/Omaha-homes_U.S.%20Bank_4.26.24A.jpeg" width="640" height="675" loading="lazy" /><figcaption>U.S. Bancorp Impact Finance provided $18.1 million in equity to Malcom’s Place in Omaha, Nebraska, to finance 62 affordable housing units.</figcaption></figure><a href="https://www.usbank.com/about-us-bank/company-blog/article-library/omaha-community-celebrates-more-affordable-housing.html" target="_blank">Originally published on U.S. Bank company blog</a>

Omaha, Nebraska residents, community leaders, government officials and key collaborators, including U.S. Bank, recently gathered to celebrate the groundbreaking of MLK Square, the final phase of the North 30th Street Choice Neighborhoods Implementation effort.

U.S. Bancorp Impact Finance, a subsidiary of U.S. Bank, provided a federal and state Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) equity commitment of $18.1 million to Malcom’s Place to finance 62 affordable housing units. Malcom’s Place features 95 units overall, including some at market rates.

“This development is significant to the Omaha community because it not only provides much-needed affordable housing, but it also offers programs and services to residents and makes investments in the neighborhood,” said Kellie Johnston Dorsey, assistant director, Housing &amp; Community Development, for the City of Omaha Planning Department.

The housing is provided in a mixed-income format, with about one-third project-based voucher units, one-third affordable units and one-third market rate units, so units are available at multiple rent levels.
<figure role="group" class="align-center"><img alt="&quot; &quot;" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f3952c09-1817-4d37-b342-dee51b1e9cb0" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/Omaha-team_U.S.%20Bank_4.26.24B.jpg" width="400" height="252" loading="lazy" /><figcaption>Local U.S. Bank employees, from left, Roberta Gibson, Dolores Terwey, Calla Janke and Patrick Spethman visit the Omaha project.</figcaption></figure>Malcolm’s Place is located at the former Spencer Homes West site in North Omaha and is expected to be completed this summer. Some phases of the neighborhood are finished while others are still in development.

The <a class="external-linked" href="https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/public_indian_housing/programs/ph/cn" target="_blank">Choice Neighborhoods program</a> uses public and private dollars to support local strategies designed to address struggling neighborhoods with distressed public or HUD-assisted housing through a comprehensive approach to neighborhood transformation.

“Choice Neighborhoods Implementation brings hope to communities and is a wide-scale revitalization centered around housing,” said Vihar Sheth, Impact Finance managing director of Affordable Housing. “U.S. Bank is a reliable partner through the life of these neighborhoods because there are multiple phases of the investment, and we are both big enough and committed enough to be there for the long haul and bring all parts of the bank to the overall effort.”

A <a class="external-linked" href="https://vimeo.com/932712581?share=copy" target="_blank">video featuring the neighborhood</a> shares local perspectives.

At completion, North 30th Street will contain nearly 450 units of new mixed-income, energy-efficient housing and include new infrastructure, playgrounds, retail storefronts, and community space.

Omaha, Nebraska residents, community leaders, government officials and key collaborators, including U.S. Bank, recently gathered to celebrate the groundbreaking of MLK Square, the final phase of the North 30th Street Choice Neighborhoods Implementation effort.

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