KeyBank

Nielsen

IBM: Reusing IBM Z® and IBM Power® To Avoid Waste

KeyBank Ranks Among Top SBA Lenders in Washington State

Climate Central and Nielsen Release Climate Report: Connecting the Dots

<img alt="People standing together on a red carpet along with a blue mascot, holding awards" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7a9b4ad4-7100-4dae-bbc1-0c6e7bc3a0d4" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/shapes-futures-through-stem-education_THE-CHEMOURS-COMPANY_041824.jpg" width="640" class="align-center" height="900" loading="lazy" />For the team at Chemours, the communities where we operate are also where we live work and play, and our mutual success is one and the same. We invest time and resources in our communities to make a meaningful difference. That’s the driving force behind our <a href="https://www.chemours.com/en/sustainability/2030-goals/community-impact/vibrant-communities" target="_blank">goal of building vibrant communities</a> by investing $50 million in expanding access to Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) education, sustainable environment programs, and safety initiatives. One way we do this is through the Chemours Future of Engineering, Science, Trades, and Technology School Partnership Program (<a href="https://www.chemours.com/en/sustainability/2030-goals/community-impact/vibrant-communities/chemfest" target="_blank">ChemFEST</a>).

Last year, <a href="https://www.chemours.com/en/about-chemours/global-reach/belgium" target="_blank">Chemours Belgium</a> joined hands with Technische Scholen Mechelen (TSM) to establish the company’s first ChemFEST partnership outside of the US. This 3-year agreement was intended to promote the significance of STEM education and inspire students to explore their love for science and technology. Isabel Welters, a Nafion™ Technical Service Specialist at Chemours, led the multi-faceted plan to transform the school's STEM facilities, with plans to inaugurate the refurbished technical lab and classrooms by the second half of 2024.

Beyond the ChemFEST partnership, Welters, in collaboration with the Belgium Chapter of the Chemours Women's Network (CWN), has been integral to other STEM-related activities. An event titled "Str@ffe Madammen" co-organized by Welters and the CWN saw participation from over 150 female students from TSM, who were provided with insights into career opportunities in STEM. Additionally, the team recently hosted a unique STEM day at the Mechelen plant for 40 students, showcasing their Coatings Production facilities and Technical Services.

Back in our headquarters state of Delaware, the Chemours team recently celebrated an important milestone towards the opening of the Chemours STEM Hub at EastSide Charter School in Wilmington. After breaking ground on the facility in February 2023, Chemours team members joined with community partners and school officials to commemorate the placing of the final beam in the 24,000-square-foot facility.

The Hub—expected to open by early 2025—will serve as a premier access point for STEM education and other development opportunities in the Wilmington community. Made possible in part by a $4 million grant from Chemours in 2021 through the ChemFEST program, the Chemours STEM Hub will offer public spaces for learning and improve access for more students from more backgrounds to be exposed to, excited by, and interested in STEM. 

“We know that shaping the world's future requires great innovators and problem solvers from all backgrounds; it’s why we are committed to taking action and championing change toward a more diverse STEM workforce. Through partnerships – like our ChemFEST school partnership program – we’re helping to support future STEM talent by nurturing students and members of communities who have been underserved, under-resourced, and often overlooked,” said Chemours Chief Brand Officer, Alvenia Scarborough.

And earlier this year, the team at our <a href="https://www.chemours.com/en/about-chemours/global-reach/chambers-works" target="_blank">Chambers Works</a> manufacturing site in New Jersey continued a more than three-decades-long tradition of sponsoring the <a href="https://www.3blmedia.com/news/chemours-supports-35th-annual-salem-county-new-jersey-science-fair" target="_blank">Salem County Science Fair</a>. This science fair allows students to apply what they have learned in STEM education in hopes of advancing to the Delaware Valley Science Fair and beyond.

Students concentrate on an area of special interest, collecting and analyzing data while following the scientific method and presenting their findings to volunteer judges.

The various winners received a total of $2,500 from Chemours. This event sponsorship is part of a broader $275,000 Vibrant Community grant where the Chambers Works team partners with Salem Community College (SCC) and the local middle schools to support hands-on learning opportunities to instill a lifelong love of STEM.

Brian Boettler, Chemours Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) Senior Consultant, leads the partnership on the site's behalf. 

"Partnering with the local schools and community college is rewarding. We all contribute in our own way to help support the next generation, and that is on full display at the Science Fair,” Brian explained.

These are a few examples of Chemours’ commitment to fostering greater interest and diversity in STEM careers by supporting students in our communities. We are proud to play a key role in shaping the future of our industry and making a positive impact on communities by inspiring the next generation of STEM leaders.

Chemours Shapes the Future Through STEM Education

<img alt="Volunteers posed in front of a large blue arch outside." data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="89d69195-448e-40db-a9b7-452b619fa752" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/BioHolidayPark_fedex_041124.jpg" width="640" class="align-center" height="675" loading="lazy" />When Marja Kienhuis, from the FedEx Express P&amp;E European Road Network team, found out that a vacation park dedicated to helping families who need special accommodations was looking for support, she seized the opportunity.

“Our team is always eager to help people who need it through FedEx Cares. When I heard that the <a href="https://www.biovakantieoord.nl/en/" target="_blank">Bio Holiday Park</a> resort nearby was looking for volunteers to do repairs and improvements on their grounds and buildings, I thought it would be a perfect opportunity for us to get involved,” says Marja.

The Bio Holiday Park is a unique vacation spot for families who have children with disabilities. The public spaces and vacation bungalows are fully adapted and have the necessary aids to enable families to enjoy a welcome break in safe surroundings. The resort has an adapted swimming pool, an equestrian center with professional guidance tailored for guests, a real cinema, and a variety of other activities.
<img alt="Volunteers doing landscaping work at a park." data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="41a983d7-6619-48e5-a398-270e7b1ed0a7" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/volunteers_fedex_041124.jpg" width="640" class="align-center" height="675" loading="lazy" />Last fall, team members from the Netherlands spent an afternoon doing projects like carpentry and maintenance jobs; reinforcing water holes; replacing old woodwork in the forest to ensure wheelchair access and safety; and landscaping, weed pulling, and other outdoor jobs.

“As a team, we greatly value the opportunities FedEx Cares provides to support local communities. For me, volunteering is very rewarding and it’s a pleasure to lend a hand where I can. At the same time it brings us closer as a team,” says Marja.

Vacation Park for Children With Special Needs Gets Makeover From FedEx Netherlands

<img alt="2024 ESG Leadership Awards" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b1f8bc90-ae26-4d3f-a41f-670add19e09e" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/2024-ESG-Leadership-Awards_The-Conference-Board_041824.png" width="640" class="align-center" height="400" loading="lazy" />April 18, 2024 /CSRwire/ - It’s time to celebrate organizations that have moved beyond their public sustainability commitments by integrating sustainability into their business—making a positive impact on the company, stakeholders, society at large, and the environment. Join us as we honor Corning Incorporated, J.M. Huber Corporation, and Michelin North America during the <a href="https://www.conference-board.org/events/ESG-Leadership-Awards" rel="noreferrer" target="_blank">ESG Leadership Awards dinner on May 16 in New York</a>.  
By shining a light on exemplary companies, The Conference Board inspires the broader business community to follow in their footsteps. The dinner will provide support to The Conference Board’s programming and publications specifically focused on a key challenge facing corporations today: defining and determining the ROI of Sustainability ESG.  
If you are interested in learning more about sponsorship and attendance, contact Brian Teagle at <a href="mailto:bteagle@tcb.org" rel="noreferrer" target="_blank">bteagle@tcb.org</a>.  
You can read more about our impressive award recipients <a href="https://www.conference-board.org/events/ESG-Leadership-Awards" rel="noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a>.  
Accepting the award on behalf of their organizations:  
Thomas French  
Board of Directors  Corning Incorporated  
Gretchen McClain  
President &amp; CEO  J.M. Huber  
Alexis Garcin  
President &amp; CEO  Michelin North America, Inc.  Media Contact:  <a href="mailto:jdiblasi@tcb.org" target="_blank">Joe Diblasi</a>

<a href="https://www.conference-board.org/events/ESG-Leadership-Awards" target="_blank">Read More</a>

You’re Invited to the ESG Leadership Awards Dinner

<img alt="A group of children and an adult posed in front of an exhibit with sea creatures." data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a474baf7-52d1-4491-9c18-5c2ab2f88be1" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/dropbydrop_LasVegasSands_041624.jpg" width="640" class="align-center" height="801" loading="lazy" /><a href="https://www.sands.com/news/drop-by-drop-project-partners-make-progress/" target="_blank">Las Vegas Sands</a>

In 2019, Sands and The WASH Foundation (previously the Clean the World Foundation) established the Drop by Drop Project to support innovative water stewardship projects through grants to local environmental champions in Sands’ host communities of Macao and Singapore.

Managed and operated by The WASH Foundation, the Drop by Drop Project supports initiatives that increase local water resiliency, reinvigorate ecosystems, incubate new water solutions and engage the community. Drop by Drop Project partners have reported significant progress on their identified goals for the program this past year.

Macao

The University of Saint Joseph (USJ), the Drop by Drop Project partner in Macao, has used its funding to study the role of mangroves in reducing plastic pollution in coastal wetlands, marking the university’s third year of participation in the program.

Through its latest Drop by Drop Project grant, USJ collected 100 sediment samples along coastal areas in Macao, and preliminary analysis of results show higher amounts of microplastics in the mangrove areas than areas without vegetation, indicating mangroves’ success in entrapping plastic to preserve ecology. The USJ team also measured the impact of water movement on pollution and found that mangrove forests in Macao, particularly areas with more mature trees, are able to attenuate waves.

Both outcomes demonstrate the capacity for mangrove forests to capture plastic pollution and point to the value of nature-based solutions to address environmental issues. USJ is using these results to educate and advocate for the protection of coastal wetlands through community engagement activities such as clean-up programs, native wetland vegetation plantings and educational initiatives. In addition, the university is preparing an article on its research results for peer-reviewed journals, as well as presenting at scientific conferences and meetings.

USJ also invested some of its Drop by Drop Project resources into awareness activities and engaged approximately 40,000 students and community members, including Sands China Team Members, in an array of initiatives. Activities included conducting public lectures about plastic pollution, holding a mangrove planting event in collaboration with the Macao government and creating a mobile exhibit for school visits.

Last June, Sands China hosted USJ’s Sea of Plastic exhibit, which featured installations made from recycled plastic, at The Venetian Macao. Created mostly by local students and artists, art pieces included sculptures of marine and coastal organisms with scientific display boards to provide essential information on the harmful effects of plastic pollution in the oceans.
<img alt="A group of people cleaning a beach." data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="511c1e16-f9bf-4f3e-b016-643b560ab5ef" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/beachclean_lasvegassands_041624.jpg" width="640" class="align-center" height="900" loading="lazy" />Singapore

Conservation International, an organization that supports research, education and awareness about the need to responsibly and sustainably care for natural resources, has been a Drop by Drop Project partner for the past two years. The international nonprofit organization is using its grant funding to advance its Singapore priority on educating youth about the importance of sustainability and empowering them to be advocates for environmental responsibility.

Conservation International used its Drop by Drop Project grant to propel two key programs. First, the grant has enabled the organization to continue its five-part Ocean Conservation Virtual Learning Series, which features educational videos, interactive activities and informational guides to promote ocean conservation literacy and environmental advocacy among youth leaders.

Conservation International also took a big step forward with its advocacy work in Singapore by implementing the inaugural 10 for Zero award program, which identified and empowered 10 Singapore youth leaders who are advocating for a future of net zero carbon emissions and zero waste.

With Drop by Drop Project funding, Conservation International built the award program’s infrastructure and identified the first 10 for Zero recipients, who were honored in a ceremony at Marina Bay Sands last May. Awardees are now working with the nonprofit to curate their experience in the program and will participate in local and international environmental research, climate summits and workshops through December 2024. Conservation International also will connect award recipients to an exclusive network of global conservation experts for mentorship and coaching.

“The Drop by Drop Project is fueling significant contributions to promote sustainability and raise awareness of these organizations’ important work, which has a multiplier effect as more people become educated about environmental issues,” Manohar Shenoy, executive director of The WASH Foundation, said. “Our partnership with Sands as the funder of these leading organizations and their critical priorities has injected resources into Macao and Singapore to propel critical advancements in protecting their local habitats and natural ecology.”

Sands’ support for the Drop by Drop Project is part of the Sands ECO360 global sustainability program, which guides Sands’ work to minimize environmental impact and promote sustainable practices in regions around the world.

To learn more about the Drop by Drop Project, visit: <a href="http://cleantheworldfoundation.org/dropbydrop" target="_blank">cleantheworldfoundation.org/dropbydrop</a>. To learn more about Sands ECO360, read the company’s latest ESG report: <a href="https://www.sands.com/resources/reports/" target="_blank">https://www.sands.com/resources/reports/</a>

Drop by Drop Project Partners Make Progress in Advancing Environmental Sustainability Through Grants From Sands

Dine Brands Global, Inc. (NYSE: DIN), the parent company of Applebee's Neighborhood Grill + Bar®, IHOP®, and Fuzzy’s Taco Shop® restaurants, released its 2023 ESG report which speaks to priorities and progress within the focus areas of People, Planet, Food, and Governance. 
“Dine Better, Together is how we describe our intention to combine business growth and competitive strength with our ESG commitments,” says John Peyton, CEO of Dine Brands. “At Dine we remain motivated to provide more than an exceptional dining experience, and we recognize the opportunities to make meaningful impact in the communities that we serve.” 
The 2023 Dine Better, Together report highlights include the following:

<ul><li>Achieved the Great Place to Work Certification™ for the second consecutive year.</li>
	<li>13.6 metric tons of food donated by Dine’s Glendale and Pasadena Restaurant Support Center as well as Applebee's and IHOP U.S. Franchisees and their Distribution Centers.</li>
	<li>$1.7 million raised by Applebee's U.S. franchisees to support Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation.</li>
	<li>$708,471 raised by IHOP Puerto Rico and Mexico franchisees as of 2023 to support children's charities.</li>
	<li>$627,000 raised by Fuzzy’s since 2014 for No Kid Hungry.</li>
	<li>565,362 free meals served to U.S. active-duty military and veterans on Veterans Day at Applebee's and IHOP.</li>
	<li>100% Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) free achieved at Applebee’s and IHOP, one year ahead of goal.</li>
	<li>11 million Applebee’s gift cards transitioned from plastic to paper stock, certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC).</li>
	<li>48 million pieces of IHOP to-go packaging transitioned away from carbon black pigment, which prevented the containers from being recycled.</li>
	<li>35.2% of eggs for U.S. restaurants were cage-free, exceeding the 33% target set for 2023. The company is on track to achieve 100% cage-free eggs in the U.S. by the end of 2025.</li>
</ul> 
The report showcases Dine’s momentum in operating with ESG at the core, driven by our strong partnership with team members, franchisees and their restaurant employees, suppliers, and communities. This year’s publication highlights Dine’s progress and emphasizes the integration of these efforts in alignment with our business operations. 
For more information on the 2023 Dine Better, Together report, please visit <a href="https://www.dinebrands.com/en/social-good" target="_blank">https://www.dinebrands.com/en/social-good</a>. About Dine Brands Global, Inc. 
Based in Pasadena, California, Dine Brands Global, Inc. (NYSE: DIN), through its subsidiaries and franchisees, supports and operates restaurants under the Applebee's Neighborhood Grill + Bar®, IHOP®, and Fuzzy’s Taco Shop® brands. As of December 31, 2023, these three brands consisted of over 3,500 restaurants across 18 international markets. Dine Brands is one of the largest full-service restaurant companies in the world and in 2022 expanded into the Fast Casual segment. For more information on Dine Brands, visit the Company’s website located at <a href="https://www.dinebrands.com/" target="_blank">www.dinebrands.com</a>.

###

Media Contact: 
Lauren Costabile 
Dine Brands Communications <a href="mailto:MediaInquiries@dinebrands.com" target="_blank">MediaInquiries@dinebrands.com</a>

Dine Brands Releases 2023 Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Report

<img alt="SR23 Report cover collage" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="cdfc7ad2-92ea-4b40-89fa-c771e308cb03" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/SR23-report-alert-visual-final.png" width="640" class="align-center" height="1584" loading="lazy" />At Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, we are committed to tackling some of the most critical global challenges facing us today. Our efforts to create a fairer, healthier and more sustainable world center around three main goals: achieving human progress for more than one billion people through sustainable science and technology, fully integrating sustainability into our value chains, and becoming climate neutral while reducing resource consumption. Our <a href="https://www.emdgroup.com/en/sustainability-report/2023/" target="_blank">2023 Sustainability Report</a> details our encouraging progress toward meeting these goals. Our ongoing commitments to climate and environmental action 
In 2023, we continued on our path toward achieving <a href="https://www.emdgroup.com/en/sustainability-report/2023/environment/climate-action.html" target="_blank">climate-neutral operations</a> across our value chain by 2040. We decreased our direct and indirect emissions across scopes 1 and 2 by 17% compared to the previous year. At the same time, we increased the global share of electricity we procured from renewable sources to over 50%, progressing toward our target of 80% by 2030. The Virtual Power Purchase Agreements (VPPAs) we have in place mean that by 2025, renewable energy certificates will cover 100% of our electricity purchases in Europe, 90% in North America and 70% in all other regions. 
In addition, we enhanced our <a href="https://www.emdgroup.com/en/sustainability-report/2023/strategy-management.html" target="_blank">sustainability strategy</a> by intensifying our focus on biodiversity and a circular economy. For example, we conducted comprehensive biodiversity impact assessments for our sites, which will provide a baseline for further quantitative analysis. These efforts help us to more effectively prioritize future biodiversity initiatives and restore our natural environment. As part of working toward a circular economy, we have set a new target of achieving a 70% circularity rate across our entire Group by 2030. Diversity, equity and inclusion – empowering women in management positions 
We remain committed to fostering <a href="https://www.emdgroup.com/en/sustainability-report/2023/employees/diversity-equity-inclusion.html" target="_blank">diversity and equity</a> and creating a genuinely inclusive culture for all employees. We reinforced this commitment with our goal to achieve gender parity in management positions globally by 2030. In this year’s report, we are pleased to announce we increased the share of women in management roles to an all-time high of 39%. Sustainability in our supply chains – driving change across the industry 
We are continually working to make our <a href="https://www.emdgroup.com/en/sustainability-report/2023/business-ethics/suppliers/supply-chain-management.html" target="_blank">value chains</a> more sustainable. One of the key first steps has been gaining a better understanding of our global supplier network. Two-thirds of our suppliers now have a valid sustainability assessment, a significant improvement compared to 46% the previous year. Additionally, in 2023, we began including primary greenhouse gas emission data from service providers (scope 3.1) in our calculations. We also continuously strive to create more sustainable innovations and technologies for our customers. For example, in our Life Science business sector, we grew our Greener Alternative Products portfolio to 2,500 products in 2023, a 34% increase from the previous year. Access to medicines – continuing the fight against schistosomiasis 
For the last 15 years, we have been on a dedicated mission to eliminate the neglected tropical disease <a href="https://www.emdgroup.com/en/sustainability-report/2023/products/health-for-all/global-health.html" target="_blank">schistosomiasis</a>. In 2023, we donated over two billion Praziquantel tablets and supported various programs that combat this dangerous parasitic illness in Sub-Saharan Africa and other tropical areas. In addition, we treated 84 million patients and secured approval for an innovative pediatric treatment designed for young children aged three months to six years. Thanks to these milestones and our ongoing collaboration with strong, long-term partners, we are steadily progressing toward eliminating schistosomiasis as a public health concern by 2030. Sharing sustainability insights 
Transparently communicating our sustainability efforts helps to maintain the trust of our patients, customers, partners, employees and suppliers. Therefore, our 2023 Sustainability Report provides an interactive experience using a variety of digital formats. In <a href="https://www.emdgroup.com/en/sustainability-report/2023/stories.html" target="_blank">a unique story section</a> of the report, we highlight a broad range of hands-on topics and projects on issues such as Green Chemistry, digital ethics in AI, sustainability in R&amp;D and access to health, illustrating our commitment to sustainable progress. 
We prepared our 2023 Sustainability Report in accordance with the 2021 GRI Standards. The report also reflects the requirements of the <a href="https://www.emdgroup.com/en/sustainability-report/2023/facts-figures/sasb-index.html" target="_blank">SASB standards</a> and the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (<a href="https://www.emdgroup.com/en/sustainability-report/2023/facts-figures/tcfd-index.html" target="_blank">TCFD</a>). Our <a href="https://www.emdgroup.com/en/annualreport/2023/management-report/non-financial-statement.html" target="_blank">non-financial statement</a>, in accordance with the German Commercial Code (HGB) and applicable <a href="https://www.emdgroup.com/en/annualreport/2023/management-report/non-financial-statement/further-topics/reporting-in-accordance-with-the-eu-taxonomy-regulation.html" target="_blank">EU Taxonomy Regulation disclosures</a>, forms part of our 2023 Annual Report. About Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany 
Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, a leading science and technology company, operates across life science, healthcare and electronics. Around 63,000 employees work to make a positive difference to millions of people’s lives every day by creating more joyful and sustainable ways to live. From providing products and services that accelerate drug development and manufacturing as well as discovering unique ways to treat the most challenging diseases to enabling the intelligence of devices – the company is everywhere. In 2023, Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, generated sales of € 21 billion in 65 countries. 
The company holds the global rights to the name and trademark “Merck” internationally. The only exceptions are the United States and Canada, where the business sectors of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, operate as MilliporeSigma in life science, EMD Serono in healthcare and EMD Electronics in electronics. Since its founding in 1668, scientific exploration and responsible entrepreneurship have been key to the company’s technological and scientific advances. To this day, the founding family remains the majority owner of the publicly listed company. Social Media: 
Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/emdgroup" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/emdgroup</a> 
Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/EMDGroup" target="_blank">https://twitter.com/EMDGroup</a> 
LinkedIn: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/emd-affiliates-of-merck-kgaa-darmstadt-germany" target="_blank">https://www.linkedin.com/company/emd-affiliates-of-merck-kgaa-darmstadt-germany</a> 
YouTube: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/MerckKGaADarmstadtGermany" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/c/MerckKGaADarmstadtGermany</a> Media Contact Info: <a href="mailto:judith.rahner@merckgroup.com" target="_blank">Judith Rahner</a>: 
+49 6151 72 7694 <a href="mailto:timo.breiner@merckgroup.com" target="_blank">Timo Breiner</a>: 
+49 151 1454 2512

<a href="https://www.emdgroup.com/en/sustainability-report/2023/" rel=" noopener" target="_blank">Read More</a>

Harnessing Science and Technology for a Fairer, Healthier and More Sustainable World

<img alt="Cork headphones" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="49fb9489-a4cb-4e78-af48-ceb109806d58" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/Cork%20Explore%201.jpg" width="640" class="align-center" height="540" loading="lazy" /><a href="https://blog.logitech.com/2024/04/21/beyond-plastic-logitechs-innovation-approach-to-alternative-materials/" target="_blank">Logitech Blog</a>

Kicking off with Earth Day, this first article in a three-part series invites readers to learn how Logitech’s design innovation culture is pushing next-level solutions with Design for Sustainability.

Designing for sustainability in consumer electronics

Setting the stage for breakthrough innovation takes more than a commitment to delivering next-level ideas. It lives deep within the company culture and starts with fostering a workplace environment that both encourages the unreasonable and nourishes employee confidence to iterate and learn through failures.

This innovation story began with an idea to keep Logitech’s youngest user safe and engaged. Safe for kids and safe from kids. The concept was to introduce a product made with materials to be proud of, be loud about, and love. One with the potential for materials to be circular, renewable, biodegradable, or possibly even a carbon sink.
<img alt="cork mouse" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e1d5f950-f793-4bf0-9076-17dc23e1bef2" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/Cork%20Explore%20mouse%201.jpg" width="640" class="align-center" height="540" loading="lazy" />Cork

More than a trendy material, cork has the potential to be an alternative to plastic in everyday life. It’s a natural material well known for being very lightweight, naturally heat resistant, and impermeable to liquids and gasses. It’s a favorite material for manufacturers and designers to explore. It’s no wonder Logitech’s design, engineering, and materials innovation teams jumped at the opportunity to think unconventionally about it.

Logitech’s focus is to design smarter with less environmental impact. It embeds Design for Sustainability (DfS) capabilities throughout all aspects of its design-led manufacturing process, including prototyping with materials that reduce environmental impact. Its goal is to transcend current solutions that not only redefine new aesthetics for consumer desirability but also create a vision for the future without the use of hidden impacts.

Every project at Logitech entails research, experimenting, and physical prototyping to evaluate the benefits for People, Planet, and Brand. The idea to prototype a cork headset was chosen to learn about manufacturing challenges and scalability, less about trying to deliver a cork-based product.

Not only is cork naturally durable, but in its natural form it has a lower carbon impact per gram of material than many other rubber and plastic material options currently used in electronic devices. However, cork cannot be manufactured using a typical process of injection molding, so the team looked at two possible routes.

First, it could be pressed into shapes using compressed cork to replace large plastic parts. Second, the team experimented with mixing cork and plastic together to create a cork composite that could be injection molded.

Based on preliminary DfS insights, compressed cork provided an excellent opportunity to add to its growing list of lower-carbon impact materials. However, cork composites (cork mixed with plastic) were trickier to establish insights. Interestingly, compressed cork and cork composite boasted a comparable low carbon footprint to the recycled plastic currently used in Logitech products – but cork composites are not widely recycled at the end of their life. Combining a natural material such as cork with conventional plastics poses challenges for recyclers, hindering the reuse of these materials. An effective approach to this challenge could involve setting up a closed-loop recycling system under Logitech’s direct management. Picture the possibilities of a future where we utilize lower-impact materials and contribute to achieving our Circularity goals.

Proof of concepts emerged for a headset, a mouse, a tablet case, and a stylus. The cork headset prototype allowed the collaborative design, engineering, and materials teams to envision, learn, and vet materials beyond the traditional foam, plastic, and rubber. “The headset was a catalyst to inspire and create conversations around radical thinking,” said Jasper Phua, Head of Global CMF at Logitech. “Projects like this challenge Logitech to leapfrog on sustainability innovation because not only are they exciting to work on, but they inspire us to act on differentiating ourselves in the marketplace.” The teams are enthusiastic to see what the future holds for the adoption of compressed cork.
<img alt="cork materials" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b883309f-95c0-4618-b8a7-b6bef98a3651" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/Cork%20material.jpg" width="640" class="align-center" height="540" loading="lazy" />Alternatives to virgin plastic

Setting cork aside, what is sitting at the heart of materials innovation? Plastic. Almost <a href="https://www.statista.com/topics/5401/global-plastic-waste/#topicOverview" target="_blank">400 million metric tons</a> of plastic was produced globally in 2021, doubling since the beginning of the century. Although the average lifespan of a plastic product is around 10 years, its composition and disposal can take up to 500 years to decompose. That means your grandchildren’s grandchildren would be able to drink from the plastic cup that was thrown into the trash today. It’s time to change how we produce, consume, and dispose of plastic. Alternative materials hold the key to creating this shift.

Post-consumer recycled plastic is material made from items that people recycle every day. It’s still plastic, but it’s one of the critical pathways to reducing the environmental impact of plastic products and the pollution it generates. More importantly, recycled plastic is a proven, scalable solution to reducing carbon impact in products made with plastic. The trick is getting the plastic back into the system. In the US, only <a href="https://www.technologyreview.com/2023/10/12/1081129/plastic-recycling-climate-change-microplastics/" target="_blank">5-6% of plastics</a> are recycled each year. That’s barely above doing nothing.

Logitech calls post-consumer recycled plastic <a href="https://www.logitech.com/en-us/sustainability/post-consumer-recycled-plastic.html" target="_blank">Next Life plastic</a> because it has been given a second life. Nearly 2 in 3 Logitech products use Next Life plastic across the portfolio. Not only does Next Life plastic have a lower carbon footprint compared to virgin plastic because it requires less water, fossil fuels, and energy to produce, but it is also an essential component of the circular economy. Leveraging and expanding the use of Next Life plastic across a variety of products is only the beginning. Because of Logitech’s persistence in innovating with Next Life plastic, there is an array of mice, keyboards, and webcam options in over 40 exciting colors. Having the option to choose from vibrant colors beyond grey or black mice and keyboards allows everyone to express their personality.

Eliminating single-use plastic

Several years ago, Logitech formalized a <a href="https://www.logitech.com/content/dam/logitech/en/sustainability/pdf/resources/public-wwp-230367-single-use-plastic-policy.pdf" target="_blank">commitment</a> to reducing and eliminating as much single-use plastic as possible and began to transition packaging to paper-based alternatives, expanding its FSC-certified packaging program. When the <a href="https://www.logitechg.com/en-us/aurora-collection.html" target="_blank">Aurora Collection</a> launched, packaging for the G735 headset used a molded paper pulp tray, a wood fiber tissue wrap, and a paper pulp hang-tab eliminating the need to use plastic labels, plastic hang-tabs, and single-use plastic bags. More than 99% of the packaging, by weight, is paper. The combined outcome of eliminating these elements across 50+ product lines amounted to removing 500 tons of plastic packaging at Logitech in 2022. There is more work ahead, but this marks a positive stride towards completely removing single-use plastic.

We all have a role to play

Next time you’re considering a purchase, shop sustainably. Choose products made with recycled plastic when you have the option or choose not to purchase plastic entirely. Let’s take broader steps to turn off the tap on plastic pollution. It’s time for everyone (including businesses) to know our impact and take action. We all hold the power to drive change. Here are simple steps you can take to tackle excess plastic.

<ul><li>Choose reusable options. Carry your own water bottle.</li>
	<li>Recycle your plastic in curbside bins and bring end-of-life electronic devices to proper <a href="https://www.logitech.com/en-us/sustainability/recycling.html" target="_blank">recycling centers</a>.</li>
	<li>Be an advocate for change and ask local suppliers or restaurants to ditch the plastic.</li>
	<li>Join a beach clean-up or pick up plastic trash in your neighborhood.</li>
	<li>Look for products made with alternative or renewable materials like paper and cork.</li>
</ul>

Kicking off with Earth Day, this first article in a three-part series invites readers to learn how Logitech’s design innovation culture is pushing next-level solutions with Design for Sustainability.

Beyond Plastic: Logitech’s Innovation Approach to Alternative Materials

<img alt="World Earth Day April 22" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="9fc6744a-a370-46d6-bb91-8a929b30e8c7" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/earthday_Keysight_42224.jpeg" width="640" class="align-center" height="619" loading="lazy" />As we celebrate <a href="https://www.earthday.org/earth-day-2024/" target="_blank" title="Earth Day on April 22, 2024">Earth Day on April 22, 2024</a>, the theme “Planet vs. Plastics” highlights one of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time. Plastic pollution has become a global crisis, with harmful consequences for ecosystems, wildlife, and human health.

Plastic has undoubtedly revolutionized industries and transformed modern life with its versatility, durability, and convenience. However, this convenience comes at a cost. Single-use plastics, in particular, have inundated our oceans, rivers, and landscapes, choking wildlife, contaminating ecosystems, and leaching harmful chemicals into the environment.

<a href="https://www.earthday.org/planet-vs-plastics/" target="_blank" title="Earth Day 2024">Earth Day 2024</a> calls for a 60% reduction in the production of all plastics by 2040 and a phase out of all single-use plastics by 2030. This call to action presents an opportunity to confront the plastic crisis head-on and shift towards a more sustainable, plastic-free future. The theme “Planet vs. Plastics” underscores the urgency of the situation and calls for decisive action at all levels of society.

<ol><li>Reduce and Refuse: The first line of defense against plastic pollution is to reduce our reliance on single-use plastics and avoid products with excessive packaging. By committing to reusable alternatives, such as water bottles, shopping bags, and containers we can significantly reduce our plastic footprint and decrease the demand for new plastic production.</li>
	<li>Recycle Responsibly: Proper waste management and recycling are essential components of tackling plastic pollution. Individuals, businesses, and governments must prioritize recycling initiatives, invest in infrastructure, and promote closed-loop systems to ensure that plastic waste is diverted from landfills and efficiently recycled.</li>
	<li>Innovation and Educate: Innovation plays a crucial role in finding sustainable alternatives to plastic and developing technologies for plastic recycling and pollution prevention. Earth Day 2024 encourages collaboration among researchers, entrepreneurs, and policymakers to drive innovation in materials science, waste management, and circular economy solutions. Furthermore, education and awareness-raising efforts are vital for fostering a culture of environmental stewardship and empowering individuals to make informed choices about plastic consumption.</li>
</ol>At Keysight, we focus on continuous improvements to maintain incremental forward progress in creating greater sustainability across the globe. We approach waste management by looking at our processes and determining where we can reduce any potential waste. Our aim is to constantly analyze our processes and look at ways to improve. With this approach, our successes range from diverting batteries from landfills, expanding our composting program, and increasing our employee environmental awareness, to subscribing to a circular economy model for our product lifecycle. After an inspiring initiative at our Penang, Malaysia site, Keysight facilities eliminated single-use plastic straws globally. In addition, we have eliminated, or are phasing out single-use plastics in our onsite cafeterias, break rooms, and coffee stations, and recycled old instrument parts instead of being sent out for disposal.

Keysight strives to limit the environmental impact of our product stream through design efforts, materials sourcing, product lifecycle, take-back and trade-in programs, refurbished equipment, and vast service offerings. Keysight’s main contribution to a Circular Economy is by designing and producing solutions that support an extensive use phase. We design our products to support up to 40 years of active service through calibration, repair, and remarketing services to divert waste. Supporting our circular economy, our equipment is maintained, repaired, refurbished, and recycled.

Considering our busy lifestyles where grabbing a quick meal on the go is common, I have decided to add reusable eating utensils and food storage containers to my essentials, alongside my reusable tote bags and water bottle. So, my checklist before leaving the house might be getting longer: phone, keys, wallet, water bottle, tote bags, utensils, food containers. But if everyone contributes to reducing or eliminating single-use plastics, we can collectively work towards a healthier future for everyone.

As we celebrate Earth Day on April 22, 2024, the theme “Planet vs. Plastics” highlights one of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time. Plastic pollution has become a global crisis, with harmful consequences for ecosystems, wildlife, and human health.

Keysight Technologies: Earth Day 2024

<img alt="A tree in a field with a blue sky" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="240f0052-b1ff-4246-9e64-3b11703e498f" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/earth-day-blog_Cisco_042224.png" width="640" class="align-center" height="675" loading="lazy" /><a href="https://www.earthday.org/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Earth Day</a> was founded in the United States on April 22, 1970, to mark the emergence of the modern environmental movement, and it inspired more than 20 million Americans to take action. By 2020, Earth Day had grown to become an international movement, with more than 1 billion worldwide participating in Earth Day actions.

More than fifty years later, the world is more connected than ever before, but we’re suffering from new forms of disconnection: from each other, from our health, and from the health of the planet.

As the Executive Director of the Cisco Foundation, I’m proud to lead a team that is focused on enabling our social and environmental systems to thrive. We partner with organizations to create and scale innovative digital solutions that promote a healthy planet and advance the well-being and self-reliance of underserved communities globally.

This social investment strategy is closely aligned with Cisco’s corporate environmental sustainability strategy, the “<a href="https://blogs.cisco.com/csr/the-plan-for-possible-connecting-a-regenerative-future" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Plan for Possible</a>,” which includes three main strategic priorities: clean energy transitions, circular transformation, and investing in resilient ecosystems. Cisco and the Cisco Foundation take a holistic approach to addressing environmental and social issues because these issues are closely intertwined. Communities that can adapt to a changing climate have the right skills, infrastructure and economic foundation to build resilient communities that can better withstand the consequences of climate change.

Please continue to read to learn more about these connections and how we’re investing in technology today to make a healthier tomorrow for our people, communities, and the planet.

Clean energy transitions

Clean energy transitions means accelerating clean and renewable energy adoption and global net zero ambitions.

<a href="https://jazaenergy.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Jaza Energy</a> is revolutionizing clean energy access in Tanzania and Nigeria with its solar hubs. By leveraging digital tools and advanced batteries, Jaza addresses the energy deficit impacting 600 million people in sub-Saharan Africa, where annual fossil fuel expenditure reaches $27 billion.

In Tanzania, 66% of households still use kerosene for energy needs. Jaza hubs offer a sustainable alternative to those reliant on kerosene and generators, illuminating over 11,500 homes and benefiting 90,000 people.

Jaza’s model provides opportunities to build livelihoods as well. They employ over 250 local women as “Jaza Stars,” employees responsible for sales and community development – further amplifying their impact. One Jaza Star said, “After working with Jaza, I participate in decision-making in my family,” highlighting the economic empowerment brought by these roles.

Jaza Energy exemplifies our dedication to innovative, sustainable solutions, aligning with the Cisco Foundation’s vision of sustainable community development and Cisco’s goal to accelerate clean energy adoption.

Circular transformation

Circular transformation means designing waste out of our business, and transitioning from an economy that extracts resources and eventually wastes them, to a circular one which finds new uses for products and their materials.

<a href="https://greenwolfcr.org/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Green Wolf Costa Rica (GWCR)</a> evolved from a movement of young environmentalists and technology professionals to support the social challenges that impacted the local community due to environmental actions from surrounding and developed cities. Since 2019, GWCR has removed over 70 tons of beach waste and planted hundreds of trees in collaboration with community and corporate volunteers.

GWCR offers climate education and activation efforts involving a technical approach to address the socio-economic inequality that puts the underserved community of Gaucalillo at greater risk to environmental dangers and social challenges. Gaucalillo is a coastal community located in one of the poorest areas of the country. Its geographical location, close to the mouth of the Rio Grande de Tarcoles, brings with it a significant problem of solid waste arriving on its shores.

In 2023 alone, Green Wolf mobilized over 20,000 volunteer hours across all of their projects, including 120 hours from Cisco Meraki volunteers in Guacalillo. With grant support and matching gift donations from Cisco and the Cisco Foundation, GWCR 1) develops sustainable souvenirs from wood and plastics recovered from the coastline, 2) explores solutions for plastic reuse, such as using it for filling in items such as hacky sacks, 3) collaborates with academics, skilled professionals, and local organizations to educate and raise awareness of waste impact among visitors and volunteers and 4) creates economic opportunities for residents of the community.

Investing in resilient ecosystems

Investing in resilient ecosystems means helping humans and nature navigate a changing climate. Our value chains benefit from resilient ecosystems, both financial and ecological.

<a href="https://www.human-i-t.org/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Human-I-T </a>is at the forefront of creating resilient ecosystems by bridging the digital divide and combating e-waste. Through innovative solutions and a dedication to digital equity, Human-I-T has made significant strides in connecting students and their households with the technology they need to thrive in an increasingly digital world.

In recent years, Human-I-T has achieved remarkable growth in its mission to provide equitable access to opportunity for communities on the wrong side of the digital divide – all while supporting a circular economy model. By refurbishing and redistributing tens of thousands of electronic devices, including laptops and computers for students, Human-I-T has empowered young learners with the tools they need to succeed academically and unlock their full potential.

Human-I-T’s commitment to educational digital equity extends beyond device distribution. By providing students and their families with access to internet connectivity, digital skills training, and technical support, Human-I-T ensures that recipients are equipped not just with devices but with the knowledge and resources to navigate the digital world effectively.

In 2023 alone, Human-I-T distributed 60,000 devices to communities across the United States, trained 5,000 people with digital literacy skills, and diverted 3.4 million pounds of e-waste from landfills.

As Human-I-T continues to collaborate with businesses, organizations, and government entities to divert technology from landfills and deliver comprehensive digital inclusion programs, it exemplifies the power of investing in regenerative solutions and technologies to create a more sustainable and equitable future, ensuring that students have the tools they need to thrive in and out of the classroom.

Learn how Cisco and the Cisco Foundation support social and environmental impact:

<a href="https://www.cisco.com/c/m/en_us/about/csr/esg-hub/global/social-investment.html" target="_blank">Cisco ESG Reporting Hub</a>

View original content <a href="https://blogs.cisco.com/our-corporate-purpose/earth-day-how-were-helping-our-social-and-environmental-systems-heal-and-thrive" target="_blank">here</a>.

Earth Day was founded in the United States on April 22, 1970, to mark the emergence of the modern environmental movement, and it inspired more than 20 million Americans to take action.

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