Tag: 3BL

Originally published by MSN

As the cost of youth sports continues to rise, many families are finding it harder to afford the activities their kids are passionate about. Beyond that, ensuring that families have safe, natural spaces to play is just as important. This is where Scotts, a long-standing leader in the lawn care industry, made a difference with its “Keep It Real” sweepstakes.

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About ScottsMiracle-Gro

With approximately $3.6 billion in sales, the Company is the world’s largest marketer of branded consumer products for lawn and garden care. The Company’s brands are among the most recognized in the industry. The Company’s Scotts®, Miracle-Gro®, and Ortho® brands are market-leading in their categories. The Company’s wholly-owned subsidiary, The Hawthorne Gardening Company, is a leading provider of nutrients, lighting, and other materials used in the indoor and hydroponic growing segment. For additional information, visit us at www.scottsmiraclegro.com.

In today’s fragmented global trade landscape, South America is emerging as a savvy player, striking a delicate balance between major economic powers like the United States, China, and the European Union. Thanks to its neutral stance, the region is not just weathering geopolitical tensions — it’s thriving, according to DP World’s 2025 Trade in Transition report. The annual report, co-authored with Economist Impact, examines the headwinds of global trade in 2025 and their impact around the world.

The regional South American report, “South America: Positioning for Global Connectivity” finds that by expanding trade agreements and attracting foreign direct investment (FDI), South America is positioning itself as a vital connector in the global supply chain. However, its path forward is not without challenges.

Neutrality: An Advantage in a Divided World

As the world’s largest economies engage in trade wars and protectionist policies, South America is charting a different course. According to the survey, 64% of South American executives view global trade fragmentation as a positive opportunity for the region’s exports.

This optimism reflects the region’s ability to maintain strong relationships with all three major blocs — the United States, China, and the EU — without overly aligning with any one of them.

Geopolitical tensions have created opportunities for South America to capitalize on disruptions. For instance, Brazil’s dominance in soybean exports to China, following Chinese tariffs on U.S. soybeans, underscores the region’s ability to turn trade disruptions into advantages.

Neutrality is also seen as a driver for attracting FDI, with 32% of executives pointing to this balanced approach as a way to expand manufacturing capabilities. By diversifying economic relationships, South America is building resilience against the uncertainties of relying too heavily on any single trade partner.

Trade Agreements: Building Stability Amid Uncertainty

Trade agreements are central to South America’s strategy to remain competitive in an unpredictable global market. The recently concluded EU-Mercosur trade negotiations mark a key milestone, reducing barriers and enhancing market access between South America and Europe.

Countries like Chile and Peru are leveraging free trade agreements (FTAs) with the United States and China to diversify their export markets and provide the stability businesses need in a world edging toward protectionism.

However, the region isn’t immune to the ripple effects of U.S. trade policy. Some South American businesses are adapting supply chains to mitigate potential tariffs, such as those targeting goods routed through the region from Chinese ports. This reflects the need for agility as global trade dynamics shift.

China’s Influence: A Double-Edged Sword

China’s economic footprint in South America has grown significantly, with bilateral trade increasing from $18 billion in 2002 to over $500 billion in 2024. Chinese investments in infrastructure and trade agreements have helped South America diversify its economic ties, but they also come with risks.

While deepening ties with China has strengthened trade networks, concerns remain about over-reliance on commodity exports and potential sovereignty issues. Additionally, North America’s protectionist policies could pressure South America to limit partnerships with Chinese firms. Balancing these competing relationships will be critical for long-term stability and resilience.

Infrastructure Challenges: A Roadblock to Growth

South America’s trade ambitions are constrained by its underdeveloped infrastructure. Logistical challenges such as unpaved roads, port inefficiencies, and unreliable electricity create barriers to building cost-effective, interconnected supply chains.

Addressing these issues will require significant investments, including public-private partnerships and international funding. However, infrastructure projects — especially those financed by China — often come with dual-use capabilities that could complicate global relationships.

Despite these obstacles, some countries are finding innovative ways to attract investment. Chile, for example, is positioning itself as a global leader in clean hydrogen production, leveraging its renewable energy resources to promote sustainable growth. Such initiatives highlight the potential for South America to align growth strategies with global sustainability goals.

Nearshoring: A Strategic Shift

Nearshoring is gaining traction among South American businesses as they seek to reduce logistics costs and improve supply chain resilience. According to the survey, 41% of executives cite reducing transport and logistics costs as their primary motivation for nearshoring, compared to a global average of 33%.

Countries like Argentina, under its recent free-market reforms, are striving to attract foreign investment by encouraging private enterprise and increasing competition. Similarly, other nations in the region are investing in infrastructure and reforms to establish themselves as hubs for transport and distribution.

However, these efforts depend on reliable tax incentives and clear legal frameworks. Without a stable regulatory environment, the region risks deterring the very investors it seeks to attract.

Digital Transformation: The Tech Advantage

South American firms are increasingly turning to technology to address trade challenges. Artificial intelligence (AI) is playing a growing role in reducing trade costs, improving planning, and optimizing cash management. Digital tools for inventory management and supply chain visibility are helping businesses mitigate logistical challenges tied to poor infrastructure.

While AI adoption varies across industries, its potential to enhance efficiency is undeniable. By streamlining operations and cutting costs, digital transformation is helping South America position itself as a competitive global trade partner despite its infrastructure gaps.

The Path Forward

South America stands at a crossroads, with opportunities and challenges in equal measure. By maintaining neutrality, leveraging trade agreements, and investing in infrastructure and technology, the region is navigating the complexities of modern trade with remarkable adaptability.

However, success will depend on South America’s ability to balance relationships with major powers while addressing internal challenges such as infrastructure development and regulatory stability. With the right strategies, the region can solidify its position as a vital player in the global economy.

Curious to learn more about South America’s trade dynamics? Click here to download a copy of the full report, where you can dive deeper into the findings shaping the region’s future.

Mastercard

More than 3,000 business and government leaders, academics and artists gathered in the mostly snow-less Swiss Alps for the World Economic Forum’s annual summit in Davos under the banner “Collaboration for the Intelligent Age” last week. And while all eyes were on Washington with the U.S. inauguration, the discussions on the ground emphasized the need to drive forward digital transformation — from agentic AI to blockchain to the commercialization of these technologies — that benefits everyone. 

“In a day and age where you’ve got … a disaggregated world, you want something that protects you,” said Jon Huntsman, Mastercard’s president of Strategic Growth, at a panel on stemming financial fragmentation. “We have spent a lot of money on consumer protection, on cyber, on tokenization … that allows us to gain critical insights and intelligence on who’s got your information, who might be a bad actor, and how to avoid that.”

AI remains atop the agenda

Artificial intelligence continued to dominate discussions — both its “stunning technology possibility,” in the words of former U.S. Treasury Secretary Larry Summers, and the “epic challenge” it poses for governments all over the world. Leaders discussed a number of those challenges they needed to address, including how they could meet the demands for energy and computer chips that heavy use of AI requires.

Additionally, they’ll have to confront a potential “crisis of truth” that AI could exacerbate, as Pope Francis characterized it in a written address, and find ways to upskill employees for the age of AI — even as a WEF survey earlier this month revealed that 41% of employers globally plan to downsize their workforce by 2030 due to AI automation. In fact, Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff said that the chief executives gathered in this Swiss village would be the last generation to manage all-human workforces.

Even as participants discussed the big issues of the day, they didn’t lose sight of the little things that are foundational to digital alignment and collaboration. Described by one participant as “inspired dullness,” a continued drive towards common standards came up frequently.

For small businesses, AI could be a gamechanger, but panelists acknowledged there are challenges in bringing those benefits to resource-strapped entrepreneurs. “There’s mistrust around technology. There’s time poverty. There’s a sense of overload in terms of where to start,” says Payal Dalal, an executive vice president for global programs at the Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth, at a panel hosted by the Center on driving resilience for small businesses in an AI-driven world.

“And finally,” she continued, “small businesses don’t know how AI can really help them save time and make money. So really understanding what the needs of the small businesses are and then figuring out how AI can help as opposed to just pushing AI towards small businesses is the way forward.”

And in a piece for the WEF Agenda blog published as the summit opened, Ling Hai, Mastercard’s president for Asia Pacific, Europe, Middle East and Africa, highlighted how partnerships across the public sector, nonprofit and private sector are essential to accelerating the digital journeys of small businesses, which can boost economies and drive greater inclusion and resilience.

Trust must be foundational

In addition to AI, the rise of cybersecurity risks was a major topic of discussion at WEF this year. As attacks are growing in scope and scale, small businesses need help, Ling Hai wrote. “Given the pressures of running a small business, it is impossible to expect owners to keep track of the latest updates or research the best network monitoring software, but trust with customers that has taken years to build can be shattered in seconds by a cybersecurity breach.”

A new report by WEF released earlier in January on the state of cybersecurity pointed to the growing complexity of cyberspace, which is widening the opportunity gap between large and small organizations, and deepening the economic divide between developed and emerging economies.

Collaborative action, particularly between the private and public sector, is needed to ensure “we can bring innovation and data in the context of AI along, so that we can ensure that the Global South is well protected for future generations,” said Kiki Del Valle, Mastercard division president for North Latin America at a panel convened by ODI and Mastercard on leadership in an era of weakened multilateralism.

Another worrying finding of the survey: About 35% of small organizations believe their cyber resilience is inadequate, a proportion that has increased sevenfold since 2022. Meanwhile, many more large organizations are reporting that they believe they have enough cyber protections.

“Safety and security, right now, is one of the biggest threats that face us globally,” said Linda Kirkpatrick, Mastercard’s Americas president, who joined a panel on the WEF mainstage on the future of the economy in Latin America and the Caribbean.

“One positive outcome of the pandemic was that our small businesses, our consumers, got comfortable in a digitized environment,” she said. “We want everyone to have access, and we want access to drive usage. At the same time, that advancement in digitization can lead to risk in the system in the form of cyberattacks. Safety and security, right now, is one of the biggest threats that face us globally. We need to unify around a common goal to protect our digital ecosystem.”

Originally published by Mastercard

Follow along Mastercard’s journey to connect and power an inclusive, digital economy that benefits everyone, everywhere.

By Kevin Delaney

Keeping our rooms clean and safe. Maintaining personal hygiene. Staying connected with family.

For many of us, these are simple, everyday tasks. But for those with diverse abilities — including seniors and people with cognitive disabilities — handling such tasks can be a daily triumph. And they can mean the difference between independence and constant supervision.

A pilot project funded by Cisco’s Country Digital Acceleration (CDA) program, Ignite Technology, and other partners has been exploring how digital solutions can help. Under the brand name Hayla, a suite of high-tech innovations has evolved into a streamlined, secure, app-based platform that is ready for market.

“A lot of these individuals are looking to live more independently, autonomously, maybe move to a situation where they’re on their own,” explained Ignite CEO Steven Taylor. “And the Autonomous Living Project, now branded Hayla, uses technology to help people work towards the goal of self-sufficiency, independence, and greater dignity.”

The origins of Hayla began in 2021 at the Lou Fruitman Residence in Toronto, which is run by Reena, another partner in the project. The Residence houses 138 adults and seniors with diverse needs. And as part of this project, it adopted a number of technologies — including Internet of Things (IoT) sensors, automated alerts, smart-device integration, collaboration hubs, and a proprietary app — all supported by customized Cisco and Cisco Meraki products.

The concept is built around self-sufficiency, not surveillance. Through remote monitoring, smart notifications, alert services, and smart-device integration, users receive in-home support that enables them to live independently and safely. However, if the need arises — whether for an emergency, basic reminders, or emotional/mental counseling — caregivers can step in quickly.

It’s technology that’s geared to individual outcomes.

“If we’re talking to an individual and a caregiver,” Taylor said, “we don’t simply talk about the sensors they can have. We talk about the challenges they’re experiencing today, and we look at implementing a solution that leverages technology to actually help address those challenges.”

Security and simplicity for positive good

With their shared commitment to simple-to-use, secure technologies, Cisco and Ignite were ideal partners.

“Like Cisco, Ignite is committed and visionary,” said Wayne Cuervo, director of Cisco Canada’s Digital Impact Office. “They have an ideal view of how technology can not only help, but how technology can get out of the way — to simplify the experience.”

Hayla represents a big commitment in time, technology, and expertise from Cisco, particularly its CDA program.

“We consider Hayla to be one of our most important projects,” said Cuervo. “It’s a profound story that helps transform the lives of people. And we feel it’s very scalable to other use cases around the world.”

As for the outcomes so far, Jessica Noftle, day program supervisor for another partner, the Toronto-based family-support organization Creating Alternatives, weighed in from a caretaker’s perspective.

“With Hayla’s expertise, innovation and devices,” she said, “we have successfully been able to help more than 10 supported individuals transition out of fully supported days, to semi-independent living. Hayla’s dedication, along with their mentorship, has been a huge success for us at Creating Alternatives. We hope to continue to work alongside them for years to come.”

A scalable solution for aging populations

Hayla makes it all happen with a foundation of Cisco technology.

“At the core of the hardware is a Cisco firewall router and an access point,” Taylor stressed. “That access point communicates with the Meraki IoT sensors in the unit, which monitor things like the refrigerator, doors, and showers. Essentially, you have your network equipment — that is, access points, firewalls, and switches for larger implementations, – and IoT sensors that are set in the environment for safety and peace of mind. Maybe it’s actually detecting water leakage, smoke in units, or simply helping to track daily living tasks.”

Communication, of course, is equally critical. And Cisco Webex — either through handheld devices or hardware like the Cisco DeskPro, combined with Webex Calling — keeps users, their families, and caregiving teams connected on both emotional and practical levels.

“Webex Calling is part of our custom software that we’ve integrated,” Taylor continued. “This allows individuals to call a parent, caregiver, or therapist simply by clicking their picture. Everything is handled on the back end, so it’s just one button to call.”

Security is a key concern, especially when sensitive medical or personal data is shared among vulnerable populations. So, Cisco and Meraki’s built-in end-to-end security ensures further confidence in the system. Despite a constant flow of data coming from sensors, monitoring is automated and intuitive.

“All of this is managed on the back end through the Meraki Dashboard and Cisco Control Hub,” Taylor added. “We have automated alerts through Meraki dashboard.”

For Cuervo — and Cisco’s Country Digital Acceleration program — supporting Ignite’s effort to bring Hayla to market is a great opportunity. CDA’s mission is to use technology for positive transformation around the world (in more than 50 countries so far), and Hayla is a perfect fit.

“We’re all about using technology to address challenges and doing it in a way that benefits society,” Cuervo said. “Hayla is significant at an individual level, but also at a national and global scale. In Canada and other countries, populations are aging, increasing the demand for social services, while the number of caregivers is shrinking. This solution enables caregivers to be more effective while improving the quality of life for those in need. For us, it’s a perfect combination of technology excellence and real-world, positive impact.”

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Originally published on PSEG NewsRoom

NEWARK, N.J., February 4, 2025 /3BL/ – Public Service Electric & Gas (PSE&G), New Jersey’s largest utility, is proud to announce that J.D. Power has recognized PSE&G as the top utility for residential customer satisfaction in both the electric and gas customer service categories in the East Large Segment for 2024. This achievement marks the second time PSE&G has earned this prestigious dual recognition for its residential customer satisfaction. 

No. 1 Ranking in all Residential Electric Factors 

In the Residential Electric study, PSE&G ranked first in the east large segment in every measured category: power quality and reliability, customer care, billing and payment, corporate citizenship, price and communications. 

These top rankings reflect PSE&G’s continued investment in infrastructure and innovation, as well as a customer-focused approach to delivering safe, reliable, affordable, and sustainable energy solutions. 

Leading Residential Gas Customer Satisfaction 

PSE&G secured the top position for residential gas customer satisfaction in the East Large region, excelling in the key areas of reliability, billing, and communications. This achievement underscores the utility’s dedication to providing safe, reliable, and cost-effective natural gas service to its customers. 

“These awards from J.D. Power are based on feedback from our residential electric and gas customers and are a testament to our team’s relentless dedication to excellence in serving our customers,” said Dave Johnson, PSE&G’s vice president Customer Care and Chief Customer Officer. “Ranking #1 in both residential electric and gas customer satisfaction reflects the hard work and commitment of every PSE&G employee. We are focused on creating meaningful connections with the people and communities we serve, supporting their energy needs and becoming their trusted energy advisor.” 

A Legacy of Excellence 

This latest recognition follows PSE&G’s 2023 win for both Residential and Business Electric Customer Satisfaction and 2022 win for both Residential Gas and Electric Satisfaction in the East Large region, cementing the company’s legacy of industry leadership and a focus on customer satisfaction. 

“Sending outage text alerts, emailing infrastructure updates and proactively communicating ways to save money and energy are a few of the ways Utilities demonstrate the value of their utility service to their customers,” said Mark Spalinger, director of utility intelligence at J.D. Power. “Additionally, these communication topics tend to generate increased customer satisfaction.” 

Looking Ahead 

PSE&G remains focused on enhancing the customer experience by investing in advanced technologies, clean energy initiatives, and infrastructure improvements to meet the evolving needs of its customers while driving the energy future forward. 

About the Studies 

For more information about the U.S. Electric Utility Residential Customer Satisfaction Study, visit https://www.jdpower.com/business/resource/electric-utility-residential-customer-satisfaction-study. 

For more information about the Gas Utility Residential Customer Satisfaction Study, visit https://www.jdpower.com/business/resource/us-gas-utility-residential-customer-satisfaction-study. 

About PSE&G 
Public Service Electric & Gas Co. is New Jersey’s oldest and largest gas and electric delivery public utility, as well as one of the nation’s largest utilities. PSE&G has won the ReliabilityOne® Award for superior electric system reliability in the Mid-Atlantic region for 23 consecutive years. For the third consecutive year, PSE&G is the recipient of the ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year award in the Energy Efficiency Program Delivery category. In addition, in 2023 J.D. Power named PSE&G number one in customer satisfaction with residential and business electric service in the east among large utilities. PSE&G is a subsidiary of Public Service Enterprise Group Inc., (PSEG) (NYSE:PEG), a predominantly regulated infrastructure company focused on a clean energy future and has been named to the Dow Jones Sustainability Index for North America for 17 consecutive years (www.pseg.com). 

About J.D. Power 
J.D. Power is a global leader in consumer insights, advisory services, and data and analytics. A pioneer in the use of big data, artificial intelligence (AI) and algorithmic modeling capabilities to understand consumer behavior, J.D. Power has been delivering incisive industry intelligence on customer interactions with brands and products for more than 55 years. The world’s leading businesses across major industries rely on J.D. Power to guide their customer-facing strategies.

J.D. Power has offices in North America, Europe, and Asia Pacific. To learn more about the company’s business offerings, visit JDPower.com/business. The J.D. Power auto-shopping tool can be found at JDPower.com.

Contact:

Media Relations
Rebecca Mazzarella
973-430-7734 

The story of Bacardi began on February 4, 1862, when Don Facundo Bacardí Massó opened a small tin-roofed distillery on the outskirts of Santiago de Cuba. He had long envisioned creating a smooth, light-bodied rum for all Cubans to enjoy. After close to a decade of experimentation and pioneering the rum-making process, his dream became a reality when he introduced a clear-bodied rum the likes of which the world had never seen before: BACARDÍ® rum.

Ever the entrepreneur, Don Facundo knew that a great product needed great branding. One day, his wife Doña Amalia spotted fruit bats hanging in the original distillery rafters. A symbol of good health, fortune and family unity, Doña Amalia recognized their presence as a good omen and suggested the adoption of the bat to the label of her husband’s budding rum business. Soon, locals in Cuba began to ask for ‘el ron del murcielago’, and the rum of the bat was born.

As the love of BACARDÍ spread around the world, the company established distilleries in Mexico and Puerto Rico in the 1930s. These two rum distilleries were the company’s saving grace when all Bacardi operations and assets in Cuba were illegally confiscated without compensation by revolutionary government forces on October 14, 1960, just shy of the company’s 100th anniversary. Devastated, the family fled Cuba in exile to rebuild the company elsewhere around the world.

Despite this monumental setback, the company and family came back stronger than ever. 
Today, after 163 remarkable years of rum, cocktails and connection, the legacy of Don Facundo lives on. Bacardi remains family-owned and is proudly headquartered in Hamilton, Bermuda, now boasting more than 200 brands and labels. To discover more about the Bacardi legacy, its brands, and learn how to join the family, visit www.bacardilimited.com.

LINCOLN, Neb., February 4, 2025 /3BL/ – The Arbor Day Foundation has now engaged tree planters in 95% of U.S. neighborhoods since 2022 according to the nonprofit’s community tracking data. The work involved community tree plantings and distributions, tree nursery purchases, and shipments to the Foundation’s more than one million members.

“This milestone is a testament to the incredible scope of the network we’ve spent more than 50 years building. It represents our many members who have planted trees in their back yards, online customers who have had trees delivered to their homes, corporate partners supporting impactful work, and local planting partners with their hands in the dirt,” said Dan Lambe, chief executive of the Arbor Day Foundation. “It’s exciting to know we have tree advocates bringing the layered benefits of good to most U.S. neighborhoods. Now it’s time for the Arbor Day Foundation and its community of supporters to grow our reach, deepen our impact, and sharpen our focus in underserved neighborhoods.”

There are approximately 80,000 total neighborhoods across the U.S. according to the 2020 Census and the Arbor Day Foundation has connected with 95%. That work included a focus in the country’s 23,500 neighborhoods of greatest need.

Research shows trees create layers of good, extending well beyond the yard in which it is planted and into the neighborhood and beyond. In low-canopy neighborhoods can reduce heat-related illness, lower rates of respiratory illness, and boost mental well-being.

The Arbor Day Foundation is working toward a goal to help plant 500 million trees by June 2027, with a focus on neighborhoods and forests of greatest need. The initiative, launched in 2022, required the organization to track its impact to new depths so it could identify and guide more work to areas where trees are most in need.

Click here to learn how the Arbor Day Foundation is getting trees into neighborhoods in need.

About the Arbor Day Foundation 

The Arbor Day Foundation is a global nonprofit inspiring people to plant, nurture, and celebrate trees. They foster a growing community of more than 1 million leaders, innovators, planters, and supporters united by their bold belief that a more hopeful future can be shaped through the power of trees. For more than 50 years, they’ve answered critical need with action, planting more than half a billion trees alongside their partners. And this is only the beginning.

The Arbor Day Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit pursuing a future where all life flourishes through the power of trees. Learn more at arborday.org.

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AMSTERDAM, HONG KONG, OAKLAND, Calif., February 4, 2025 /3BL/ – Cascale, the global nonprofit alliance formerly known as the Sustainable Apparel Coalition, today announced the purchase of key assets of Better Buying Institute (BBI), including the widely-recognized Better Buying Purchasing Practices Index (BBPPI) and the Better Buying Partnership Index (BBPI).  This milestone reflects Cascale’s commitment to advancing responsible purchasing practices and promoting fair, accountable, and socially just supply chains.

The purchase of key BBI assets strengthens Cascale’s ability to address critical supply chain challenges such as unfair purchasing practices—behaviors like last-minute order changes, delayed payments, and below-cost pricing—that harm manufacturers and workers while destabilizing supply chains. By integrating BBI’s tools and methodologies and employing the BBI staff, Cascale is more equipped to promote the adoption of fair purchasing practices with brands and manufacturers, empowering facilities to plan effectively, improve labor conditions, and ensure fair wages. This directly aligns with Cascale’s Support Decent Work for All strategic pillar, which addresses systemic labor challenges and works to drive safe, fair, and dignified working conditions throughout global supply chains.

“Incorporating Better Buying’s tools into Cascale is a pivotal step in transforming supply chain relationships,” said Colin Browne, CEO of Cascale. “These proven methodologies will enable us to tackle systemic challenges such as unfair purchasing practices, amplify supplier voices, and advance meaningful industry-wide change. Moreover, this work will align seamlessly with our Decent Work for All strategic pillar, furthering our mission to foster fairer, more equitable supply chains that prioritize people and the planet.”

Guided by Dr. Marsha Dickson’s vision, BBI has been instrumental in putting responsible purchasing practices firmly on the global agenda. Dr. Dickson, president and co-founder of BBI, said, “Better Buying Institute’s decision to align with Cascale is a strategic choice to ensure our mission—to improve purchasing practices—can achieve greater scale and impact. By integrating our tools and methodologies into Cascale, we can continue driving positive change while benefiting from Cascale’s extensive networks and strategic resources to maximize industry transformation. Cascale and BBI already share significant alignment on mission and goals, as well as many members and subscribers, and the acquisition of these valuable assets by Cascale is perhaps the most logical solution for them.” 

Anant Ahuja, director, ESG and sustainability at Shahi Exports and BBI board member, said, “Advancing responsible purchasing practices is central to driving a sustainable fashion industry. This transition presents a crucial opportunity to strengthen accountability across the apparel value chain and foster greater alignment between brands and manufacturers. This is a pivotal moment to reinforce shared responsibility and build more equitable and collaborative business relationships.”

“This milestone underscores Cascale’s role in uniting stakeholders and driving accountability across the industry,” said Fiona Sadler, Cascale board director and global head of responsible sourcing at Marks & Spencer, a Better Buying Partnership Index subscriber. “Cascale’s global reach and resources provide a powerful platform to scale the impact of Better Buying tools, ensuring their reach extends further than before. By integrating these proven methodologies in Cascale, we can empower companies to strengthen supplier relationships, improve purchasing practices, and drive measurable progress in labor conditions and environmental performance. This transformative step paves the way for a future where buyers and suppliers collaborate more effectively to address shared challenges, from workers’ rights to sustainability, creating lasting systemic change.”

Alexander Kohnstamm, executive director at Fair Wear, said, “As Cascale’s content partner on decent work and responsible purchasing practices, we support Cascale’s investment in Better Buying’s future. We look forward to continued work with Cascale and other key stakeholders to create a strong ecosystem of approaches and tools aligned towards the goal of equitable partnerships between brands and suppliers. This is a crucial factor in improving working conditions for the people who make our clothes.”

Cascale is committed to maintaining data protection, trust, and continuity throughout this transition. Suppliers will continue contributing their data and insights anonymously and securely, with all existing safeguards remaining fully intact. The integration process will be seamless, ensuring no immediate changes to pricing or access for BBI tool subscribers and Cascale members. 

ABOUT CASCALE 

Cascale is the global nonprofit alliance empowering collaboration to drive equitable and restorative business practices in the consumer goods industry. Spanning over 300 retailers, brands, manufacturers, governments, academics, and NGO/nonprofit affiliates around the globe, we are united by a singular vision: To catalyze impact at scale and give back more than we take to the planet and its people. Formerly known as the Sustainable Apparel Coalition, Cascale owns and develops the Higg Index and a unified strategy for industry transformation.

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ABOUT BETTER BUYING INSTITUTE

In February 2025, Cascale, the global nonprofit alliance formerly known as the Sustainable Apparel Coalition, announced the purchase of key assets of Better Buying Institute (BBI). BBI reimagines supply chain sustainability, leveraging data to strengthen supplier-buyer relationships and improve purchasing practices that drive profitability while protecting workers and the environment. Its programs provide retailers, brands, suppliers, and the industry with data-driven insights to help drive lasting improvements in global purchasing practices. BBI’s activities fall into three main areas: conducting independent research; operating a ratings and evaluation platform that provides buyers and the public with information about buyer purchasing practices; and conducting projects and training on supply chain industry practices to support innovation and promote change. 

SWORDS, Ireland February 3, 2025 /3BL/ – Trane Technologies (NYSE:TT), a global climate innovator, has been named to the JUST 100, ranking 6th overall. The annual list, led by JUST Capital and published in partnership with CNBC, recognizes America’s largest public companies that are doing right by workers, customers, communities, shareholders and the environment.

“We are honored to be recognized by JUST Capital as a global leader in sustainability, delivering value to stakeholders including customers, communities, and the planet,” said Mauro Atalla, Senior Vice President, Chief Technology and Sustainability Officer, Trane Technologies. “This recognition, and our achievements, would not be possible without the commitment and talent of our global team who bring our purpose of challenging what’s possible for a sustainable world to life.”

This marks the fourth consecutive year Trane Technologies has been named to the JUST 100 and the third consecutive year it’s been recognized as the best company in the Building Materials & Construction industry. The company also achieved top scores in its industry for workers, customers and communities – three of the five key issues that JUST Capital uses to evaluate companies in the rankings.

Broadly acknowledged for its industry-leading transparency, credibility and accountability, Trane Technologies has recently been featured in several rankings for climate action including Corporate Knights’ 2025 Global 100 the Dow Jones Sustainability World and North American Indices and TIME’s inaugural list of the World’s Best Companies for Sustainable Growth.

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About Trane Technologies 
Trane Technologies is a global climate innovator. Through our strategic brands Trane® and Thermo King®, and our portfolio of environmentally responsible products and services, we bring efficient and sustainable climate solutions to buildings, homes and transportation. For more on Trane Technologies, visit www.tranetechnologies.com.

About JUST Capital 
The mission of JUST Capital, an independent nonprofit, is to demonstrate how just business – defined by the priorities of the public – is better business. Our goal is to help companies create value for all their stakeholders – their workers, customers, communities, the environment, and shareholders – by focusing on the issues that matter most to Americans. To date, we’ve polled more than 182,000 Americans on the issues they believe companies should prioritize when it comes to just business behavior, and those insights guide our work. We believe that business and markets can and must be a force for the greater good and that by shifting the resources of the $21.6 trillion private sector, we can drive competition to build a better future for all. Our research, rankings, indexes, initiatives, and new offerings like the JUST Jobs Scorecard help track, analyze, incentivize, and scale corporate stakeholder performance. JUST Capital publishes the annual list of America’s Most JUST Companies, the JUST 100, in partnership with CNBC. To learn more, visit: https://justcapital.com/.

Most recently, their expertise and generous contributions were key to the success of our Flying Eye Hospital training project in Bangladesh. For those unfamiliar, the Orbis Flying Eye Hospital is no ordinary aircraft. It’s a state-of-the-art, fully-accredited teaching hospital housed within an MD-10 aircraft—donated by FedEx employees in 2016.

It travels across the globe, offering sight-saving medical care while providing world-class ophthalmic training to local medical teams. The goal is to leave a legacy of improved eye care, even long after our team has departed. However, the logistics and resources needed to make this happen are immense, and it’s in this area that FedEx truly shines.

FedEx plays a crucial role in supporting the Flying Eye Hospital by providing essential logistical support. They offer a strategic location to park and maintain the aircraft between our sight-saving medical projects, as well as ship critical medical supplies and aircraft parts.

FedEx ensured the timely delivery of backup lenses for specialized microscopes used in retina surgeries, guaranteeing continuous care in case equipment fails. They have also sent batteries for defibrillators and fiber optic cables for laser equipment—giving these life-saving devices a new lease of life. 

Most importantly, FedEx has shipped biomedical engineering tools and repair parts for our Alcon Constellation machine, ensuring that this vital equipment is fully operational. This support, always delivered with efficiency and professionalism, is just what FedEx does best. It’s this behind-the-scenes support that helps Orbis focus on what matters most—providing sight-saving surgeries and training local eye care teams.

Before we arrived in Bangladesh, we needed to restock our medical supplies. FedEx coordinated pre-clearance with the local shipping teams and utilized their facilities at Clark International Airport to receive, store, and prepare materials for the Flying Eye Hospital. Just as critically, Orbis needed to test and set up our ground equipment, which had been removed from the aircraft’s cargo hold.

The FedEx Clark ramp team handled this task seamlessly, ensuring everything was in place and ready before our patients arrived. The hospitality and dedication of the FedEx team have been truly inspiring. Each time the Flying Eye Hospital arrives in Clark; we are welcomed like family. Their hard work, friendly smiles, and willingness to pitch in makes our work smoother and more efficient.

In addition to the logistical support, FedEx also served as the Title Sponsor for week two of our Bangladesh Flying Eye Hospital project—a vital role that comes with significant recognition. Thanks to FedEx’s exceptional support, we were able to provide life-changing surgeries and equip local medical teams with the skills to continue this work long after the Flying Eye Hospital departs.

FedEx’s contributions to Orbis go far beyond their remarkable logistical and financial support. It’s the countless hours of behind-the-scenes work, often unnoticed by the public, that truly showcase the depth of FedEx’s commitment. Their genuine care and support are what make this relationship so special.

On behalf of everyone at Orbis, we extend our heartfelt thanks to the FedEx team. Your incredible sponsorship has helped us deliver more than just eye care—you’ve helped deliver hope and brighter futures to individuals, families, and entire communities.

By: Aleesa Radoncic, Senior Manager of Aircraft Operations, Orbis

Click here to learn about FedEx Cares, our global community engagement program.