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Mission Possible: Achieving a green recovery for manufacturing
edie's Mission Possible campaign has evolved to focus on the green recovery, with a new series of reports outlining the challenges that businesses in key sectors face in relation to the coronavirus pandemic, and the opportunities that the green recovery will bring. First up, manufacturing.
Jaguar Land Rover targets emissions reductions through faster, lighter electric vehicles
Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) will steer a consortium-led initiative to make electric vehicles (EVs) lighter while also enabling larger batteries to be fitted to increase range.
Circular economy can slash global emissions by 39%, says major new report
A major new report, released to coincide with the original dates for the World Economic Forum's event in Davos, has found that 39% of global annual emissions could be mitigated by changing the ways in which we use natural raw materials.
Nissan to expand EV battery manufacturing at Sunderland plant
Nissan has confirmed plans to add additional electric vehicle (EV) battery production capacity to its UK plant in Sunderland, quashing concerns that the plant could downside or close after Brexit.
Heinz removes plastics from canned product packaging
Heinz is replacing plastic shrink-wrap packaging across its multipack canned products for sustainably certified paperboard, a move which will reduce the company's plastics footprint by 550 tonnes.
Unilever sets supply chain living wage aim and €2bn diversity commitment
Unilever has today (21 January) unveiled a raft of new commitments aimed at building a more equitable and inclusive society by vowing to ensure the people across its value chain earn at least a living wage by 2030 and spending €2bn annually with suppliers consisting of under-represented groups by 2025.
Five ways to ignite behavior change on energy use
This report showcases the output of edie's SPARK! event, where expert energy professionals from a range of sectors shared experiences driving engagement to change behaviours around energy use.
In action: the world's first fully commercial carbon capture and utilisation plant
Carbon Clean – in partnership with Tuticorin Alkali Chemicals and Fertilizers Limited (TFL) – has been operating the world’s first low-cost, industrial-scale carbon capture and utilisation (CCU) plant in India since October 2016. Take a look inside the project with this new download.
Six ideas to achieve your flexible energy future on the road to net-zero
This report showcases the output of edie's SPARK! event, where expert energy professionals from a range of sectors discussed the role that smart and flexible energy technologies and systems will play in the net-zero transition.
Inside the world's first fully commercial carbon capture and utilisation plant
edie has today (14 January) published a new case study, taking readers on an in-depth exploration of the world's first fully commercial carbon capture and utilisation plant in India.
Meet edie's 30 Under 30 Class of 2020: Marta Perricone, Unilever
This new series profiles the members of edie's 30 Under 30 - a nomination-based community of 30 hugely talented young sustainability and energy professionals who have already achieved great things or are showing fantastic promise. Up next: Unilever's global supply chain manager Marta Perricone.
Report: 10 million high-carbon jobs to be retrained or replaced as part of net-zero transition
Research from a new cross-party programme exploring the net-zero transition in the UK has warned that 10 million jobs will either need to be retrained or replaced if the nation is to meet its climate commitments.
Funding allocated to six projects aiming to develop world's first net-zero industrial cluster
UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) has selected six projects across the UK that will receive a share of £8m in funding to drive progress towards creating the world's first net-zero emissions industrial zone by 2040.
Lendlease outlines roadmap to reach zero carbon emissions in Europe
International property and investments group Lendlease has launched a new roadmap which outlines how eliminating diesel use on construction sites and procuring 100% renewable electricity will help the company reach net-zero emissions by 2040.
Japan Tobacco International commits to net-zero by 2030
Japan Tobacco International (JTI UK) has committed to reaching net-zero emissions in the next decade by procuring 100% renewable energy, transitioning its UK fleet to electric vehicles (EV) and diverting waste from landfill.
The Great Reinvention: Cracking the code for circular economy business model innovation
After participating in edie's 'Business Model Innovation' open roundtable at Net-Zero Live earlier this month, sustainable business expert and commentator Mike Townsend explores four key shifts in search of the 'holy grail' - how we can transition to circular business models that are sustainable and profitable, yet also attractive for customers and suppliers.
Podback: Coffee brands join forces on UK pod recycling scheme
Brands such as Nespresso, Nescafé Dolce Gusto and Tassimo have launched a new recycling initiative that aims to get the coffee sector collaborating on a simplistic way to enable consumers to recycle coffee pods in the UK.
£130m battery development centre gears up in Coventry
A new multi-million-pound industrialisation centre to test recyclable and innovative battery systems is ready to become operational in Coventry.
Absolut Company to go fossil-fuel-free by 2025
The Absolut Company has announced that all production of its Vodka products will be fossil-fuel-free by 2025, as part of a wider ambition to become carbon-neutral by 2030 without relying on offset use.
Can business models act as carbon sinks to reach net-zero?
To kickstart edie's Net-Zero November, carpet manufacturer Interface's head of sustainability Jon Khoo reflects on the company's own ambitious Climate Take Back strategy, as well as discussing how business mindsets and models can "act like carbon sinks" to transform corporates into zero-impact organisations.
edie launches new report detailing how the hospitality sector can achieve a green recovery
edie has launched its latest sector insight report, examining how the hospitality and leisure sector can build back better from the impacts of the coronavirus pandemic by focusing on low-carbon strategies as part of a green recovery.
Mission Possible: Achieving a green recovery for hospitality and leisure
edie's Mission Possible campaign has evolved to focus on the green recovery, with a new series of reports outlining the challenges that businesses in key sectors face in relation to the coronavirus pandemic, and the opportunities that the green recovery will bring. Up next, hospitality and leisure.
edie explains: Science-based targets
What makes emissions targets "science-based"? How can businesses go beyond 2C alignment and strive for 1.5C? And what role do these targets play in the net-zero movement? This free edie explains guide answers all of these questions and more.
#SustyTalk: Cranswick's Jim Brisby on food waste prevention during Covid-19
edie's #SustyTalk interview series continues with Cranswick's commercial director Jim Brisby discussing how the company was able to exceed its food waste reduction targets - even faced with the challenges of lockdown.
Food and retail giants to collaborate on government-backed scheme to reduce food waste
Some of the UK's largest retailers and food manufacturers, including Unilever, M&S, Nestlé and Amazon are collaborating to deliver a new network of "food waste champions" to help reduce the amount of food waste produced by the sectors.
Businesses pour £75m into Humber's zero-carbon industrial cluster
A host of organisations have submitted a public and private sector bid of £75m to build key infrastructure to create the world's first zero-carbon industrial cluster in the Humber region.
'Build Back Greener': Boris Johnson vows that UK will host 40GW of offshore wind by 2030
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has plans for every home in the UK to be powered with electricity from offshore wind farms within the decade and has unveiled a £160m pot to support the sector.
UK concrete and cement industry claims it can 'go beyond net-zero' by 2050
The trade body representing the UK's concrete and cement industry has published a roadmap for achieving 'net-negative' emissions across the sector by mid-century, in which carbon capture and storage (CCS) plays a key role.
Winning from the green recovery
Sustainability and success are two sides of the same coin, which is why manufacturers could be the biggest commercial winners from a green recovery, as Ian Hopkins, Director, Centrica Business Solutions discusses.
edie explains: Electronics and the circular economy
How can businesses create a circular economy for electronics of all kinds? What are the challenges and benefits of doing so? And how are policies affecting the e-waste changing? This free edie explains guide answers all these questions and more.
edie launches new report on achieving a green recovery for the manufacturing sector
edie has today (29 September) published the first in a new series of reports looking at how businesses from key sectors can respond to the challenges of the coronavirus pandemic by focusing on a green recovery. First up, the manufacturing sector.
How are manufacturers approaching net-zero and the green recovery?
The manufacturing sector has a rich history of innovating to overcome persistent challenges. But the twin disruptions of the net-zero transition and the Covid-19 pandemic have made the sector's green efforts paramount to business prosperity. Here, edie explores how manufacturers are navigating these challenges.
PepsiCo targets 100% renewable electricity globally
PepsiCo has confirmed it has joined the Climate Group's RE100 initiative, pledging to source 100% renewable electricity across its operations by 2030, a move that could reduce the manufacturing giant's carbon footprint by 2.5 million tonnes.
Lego unveils $400m investment to drive low-carbon transition and single-use plastic phase-out
Toymaker Lego Group has unveiled a swathe of new sustainability commitments around plastics, waste, emissions and the circular economy, backed up with a $400m (£310m) investment package.
Flurry of corporate plastic announcements hints at a new normal for the circular economy
In what has been a bumper week for news stories on single-use plastics, edie explores how corporates are forging ahead with new collection and take-back schemes for recyclable packaging that had been delayed by the coronavirus pandemic.
Absolut to trial 2,000 paper-based drinks bottles
The Absolut Company will trial 2,000 paper-based bottle prototypes across Sweden and the UK later this year, to test the viability of paper as an alternative to single-use plastics in beverage applications.
The Sustainability Reporting and Communications Handbook 2020
Updated in September 2020, the Sustainability Reporting and Communications Handbook provides expert advice on engaging key stakeholders with your sustainability strategy; along with fresh insights to shape, deliver and share a compelling sustainability report.
Recycled aluminium could help Jaguar Land Rover reduce emissions by a quarter
Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) has revealed that its ongoing project to recover and reuse aluminium from drinks cans and end-of-life vehicles into new car products could reduce its carbon emissions by up to 26%.
McCain to invest £25m to support sustainable farming
The UK's largest manufacturer of frozen potato products, McCain, has today (12 August) launched a new £25m investment to support British potato farmers during the coronavirus pandemic by encouraging sustainable growing practices.
Novo Nordisk reaches 100% renewable electricity, sets 2030 net-zero target
Global healthcare firm Novo Nordisk has achieved its ambition to use 100% renewable electricity to power its production facilities.
Mastercard unveils biodegradable, ocean-bound and recyclable plastics card drive
Mastercard has launched a new initiative to get its customers to switch to cards made from recycled, biodegradable and ocean plastics, in a bid to reduce the amount of excess plastic that is landfilled each year.
Apple targets net-zero emissions across operations, value chain and products
Apple has announced major plans to become net-zero emissions across its business, supply chains and products by 2030, pledging to reduce emissions by 75% and develop carbon removal solutions for the remaining 25%.
Diageo unveils 'world's first' plastic-free, paper-based spirits bottle
Diageo has unveiled a plastic-free, paper-based spirits bottle, which will debut on the company's Johnnie Walker range of Scotch Whisky early next year, with PepsiCo and Unilever joining the brewer in creating a new consortium for plastic-free packaging.
VW to remove petrol and diesel vehicle manufacturing lines from key factory
Volkswagen (VW) is set to remove production lines for all internal combustion engine vehicles from one of its key factories this year, replacing them with electric vehicle (EV) production capacity.
Fast fashion giants face mounting pressure to protect supply chain workers through Covid-19
Extinction Rebellion (XR) activists are gathering on London's Oxford Street this week to urge fast fashion brands to financially support suppliers overseas throughout the pandemic, as media exposés drawing links between Leicester's Covid-19 spike and its garment manufacturing industry emerge.
Lucozade Ribena Suntory targets net-zero value chain by 2050
Beverage giant Lucozade Ribena Suntory (LRS) has pledged to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions across its entire multinational value chain by mid-century.
Kimberly-Clark vows to halve emissions by 2030
Kimberly-Clark has pledged to halve its direct, power-related and supply chain emissions by 2030, as part of a string of new climate targets approved by the Science-Based Targets Initiative (SBTi).
ArcelorMittal Europe and Atos launch net-zero carbon roadmaps
Europe's largest steelmaker has vowed to reduce its carbon emissions by 30% by 2030 and bring them to net-zero by 2050, in the same week that ICT services giant Atos set a 2035 net-zero deadline.
L'Oréal targets carbon neutrality by 2025 under new sustainability strategy
Global cosmetic firm L'Oréal has unveiled a new sweeping set of sustainability targets, pledging to reach carbon neutrality by 2025, halve carbon emissions, use 100% renewables and ensure all plastic packaging comes from recycled or bio-based sources.
Amazon to invest $2bn in low-carbon innovations
Amazon will invest at least $2bn (£1.6bn) in smaller firms creating technologies or services aimed at reducing carbon emissions to net-zero, the e-commerce giant announced on Tuesday (23 June).
Food and drink industry 'unable to meet net-zero without policy support for renewables and hydrogen'
The UK's food and drink manufacturing sector will be able to slash emissions by almost two-thirds by 2050, against a 2012 baseline, but will require further action and ambition from the government if it is to go further and align with the national net-zero goal.
Rolls-Royce commits to net-zero carbon operations by 2030
Manufacturing giant Rolls-Royce has announced an intention to become a net-zero carbon business by 2030, alongside a wider ambition to enable sectors it sells to in becoming net-zero by 2050.
World's first plastic-free PPE equipment launched to combat coronavirus pandemic
The world's first plastic-free PPE protective equipment has been launched today by campaign group A Plastic Planet, in a bid to assist the fight against coronavirus without harming the natural environment.
John Elkington on Green Swans, Covid-19 and green market shifts
In a viewpoint written exclusively for edie's Mission Possible 2020 report, Volans' chairman and chief pollinator John Elkington discusses a new "age of miracles" whereby the once impossible belief that sustainability could dictate market actions now becomes the core lever of an economic recovery.
Adidas and Allbirds to develop sports shoes with 'lowest recorded' carbon footprint
Sporting giant Adidas has teamed up with shoe brand Allbirds to develop solutions that would create one of the lowest carbon footprints ever recorded for a sports shoe.
Zero-carbon Humber cluster to rollout carbon capture and hydrogen production
Plans to create the world's first zero-carbon industrial cluster in the Humber region reached another milestone this week, as Phillips 66 and Uniper signed an agreement to deploy a carbon capture and storage (CCUS) and hydrogen production facility.
Mission Possible: The 2020 report
This exclusive edie report explores how a green recovery from Covid-19 can be achieved across six of the UK's biggest industries: Utilities, Manufacturing, Construction, Retail, Hospitality & Leisure, and the Public Sector.
Carbon scorecards and working groups: Engineers gear up to support UK's net-zero ambition
The National Engineering Policy Centre (NEPC) has outlined the steps that the engineering sector can take to assist with the UK-wide decarbonisation to reach net-zero emissions by 2050, while WSP has led an economy-wide call for strengthened net-zero policies.
Intel targets net-positive water use and world's 'most sustainable' PC
IT manufacturer Intel has unveiled new sustainability targets for 2030, committing to achieving net-positive water use, being powered by 100% renewables and launching the "most sustainable and energy-efficient PC in the world".
Beware of jobs vs. climate clash in virus aftermath, EU warned
Governments in Europe and beyond should pay "utmost attention" to avoid a "jobs versus climate" confrontation in the recovery phase from the COVID-19 crisis, said Fatih Birol, the executive director of the International Energy Agency (IEA).
The decentralised energy toolkit for business
This free Decentralised Energy Toolkit breaks down how organisations can utilise distributed energy solutions to take control of their energy use and realise various competitive and environmental benefits – from increased energy resilience and better efficiency to reduced emissions, lower costs and new revenue streams.
Centrica and Lotus partner up on electric vehicle energy storage
Centrica, the parent company of British Gas, has announced a new strategic partnership with auto manufacturer Lotus to give electric vehicle (EV) owners more viability to store electricity and reduce household emissions.
Wooden turbines and Schneider Electric's net-zero homes: The sustainability success stories of the week
As part of our Mission Possible campaign, edie brings you this weekly round-up of five of the best sustainability success stories of the week from across the globe.
Unilever's Alan Jope on repairing capitalism, Covid-19 and Sustainable Living Plans
Providing an update to Unilever's flagship Sustainable Living Plan as it enters its 10th and final year, chief executive Alan Jope reflects on the need to double down to protect the planet and society during the pandemic by "driving a new model of capitalism".
Why science, society and sustainability will matter more for business post-pandemic
Ball Corporation's President for Beverage Packaging Europe, Middle East & Africa, Ron Lewis outlines his thoughts on why sustainability will continue to be an important boardroom topic post-pandemic, and why a focus on society and the environment will be a focus moving forward.
McKinsey: Reaching 1.5C a ‘daunting’ and unparalleled transition for all sectors
The global transition to limiting global temperature increases to 1.5C by 2050 has been labelled as a "daunting task", that would require unprecedented levels of decarbonisation for key sectors, with the world currently on course to exceed its carbon budget by 2031.
Allbirds running shoe made from renewable materials to feature 'carbon count' label
B Corp Allbirds has debuted a new running shoe made from renewable and natural materials and is the first product from the company to feature a physical "carbon count" label, detailing the lifecycle emissions of the product to consumers.
Onshore wind and solar 'cheapest' form of energy for two-thirds of global population
Utility-scale solar PV and onshore wind are now the cheapest forms of new-build energy generation across two-thirds of the global population, according to new analysis from BloombergNEF (BNEF) that shows that costs for renewables and battery storage have plummeted in recent years.
Coronavirus and globalisation: What next for supply chain sustainability?
Covid-19 has brought global economies to a standstill and knocked the confidence in global and connected trade. Would businesses benefit from pivoting to more localised value chains, or do global supply chains enable a global shift towards a climate-resilient future?
First funding phase approved for Humber net-zero industrial cluster
Plans to develop the world's first zero-carbon industrial cluster in the Humber region have been boosted after leading energy companies joined an existing consortium of project partners in the same week that Government funding was secured for the project.
Building sustainable, climate-resilient supply chains for your business
This one-hour webinar will explore how businesses are moving from ‘risk’ to ‘resilience’ with their supply chains by championing sustainability, increasing transparency, and engaging suppliers with climate action.
Almost half of UK's carbon emissions not accounted for under net-zero target, report warns
The UK's net-zero target is failing to account for emissions from overseas manufacturing of products imported into the country, a figure which a new report from WWF claims accounts for 46% of the UK's annual carbon footprint.
#SustyTalk: General Motors' Dane Parker on the impacts of coronavirus on manufacturing and electric vehicles
With the UK on lockdown and edie readers working remotely or on furlough, this brand new series of video interviews keeps you connected to the inspirational business leaders who are continuing to drive sustainability and champion climate action from their own homes.
LG's solar arm targets carbon neutrality by 2030
LG Electronics' solar division has unveiled a new strategy of measures that will enable the business to become carbon neutral by 2030.
Tesla to unveil 400-mile range Model 3 as production ramps up in China
Tesla has placed a new electric vehicle (EV) onto the Chinese market with a driving range of more than 400 miles, with the firm's Shanghai facilities now manufacturing more vehicles than before the shutdown caused in the country by the coronavirus.
BYD to offer electric vehicle components to auto rivals
Chinese automaker BYD has announced that it will "open its technology and products to the whole world" by sharing its electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing components with rivals and the rest of the industry, on the same week that it fully formed a joint research venture with Tesla.
Investors write to businesses calling for action on human rights
Hundreds of investors have written to global companies deemed to be performing poorly on human rights indicators, calling for immediate action to improve standards across operations and value chains.
Coronavirus: Tesla pauses EV production at two key sites as BYD pivots manufacturing
Tesla will temporarily suspend production at two of its US factories from the end of today's (23 March) working hours - making it the latest electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer to scale back plant operations in light of the Covid 19 pandemic.
Coronavirus: Carmakers including Nissan pause EV manufacturing
Several of the world's largest carmakers, including Nissan and Toyota, have paused manufacturing lines in light of the coronavirus pandemic, including those producing electric vehicles (EVs).
Samsonite, Neste, make fresh carbon-neutral commitments
Luggage giant Samsonite has pledged to become a carbon-neutral company by 2025, in the same week that innovative fuel producer Neste unveiled a plan to achieve carbon-neutral production by 2035.
Solar demand could fall for first time in 30 years due to Coronavirus
BloombergNEF (BNEF) analysis suggests that the ramifications of the Coronavirus (Covid-19) will lead to downgrades in forecasts for renewables deployment and electric vehicle (EV) development, with solar capacity set to fall 16% compared to previous estimates.
Half of corporates unable to prove they are protecting human rights , report finds
An analysis of 200 of the world's biggest corporation has found that 95 are unable to prove they are taking action to protect and improve human rights for their direct employees, supply chains and the communities they serve.
Can the coronavirus outbreak teach us how to clean up the planet?
A microbe has changed how we interact with our surroundings across the globe, inadvertently cleaning the planet in the process. But how do we keep up the climate battle after the virus is gone?
Lifecycle approach required: Government's plastics policies could triple UK packaging emissions
The UK Government's ban on unnecessary single-use plastics could inadvertently triple the carbon emissions associated with packaging, unless policies are introduced to prioritise an "overall need to use less material" and to improve the energy efficiency associated with material production and recycling.
Ball Corporation achieves ASI certification and meets 100% renewables target
Aluminium packaging manufacturer Ball Corporation has been certified to Aluminium Stewardship Initiative (ASI) standards for environmental, social and governance impacts, while also revealing it is powering its operations in the UK, European Union (EU) and Serbia with 100% renewable electricity.
Firmenich powered by 100% renewables globally
Perfume company Firmenich has announced that its global operations are now powered by 100% renewable electricity, meetings its commitment to the RE100 initiative as a result.
Britvic signs for £400m sustainability-linked loan
Beverage manufacturing giant Britvic has signed for a £400m loan, whereby it will pay lower margins if it delivers progress against its plastics, emissions and nutrition targets.
Government focuses on hydrogen in £90m industrial decarbonisation funding
The UK Government has announced £90m in funding to help cut emissions from industrial processes and the built environment, including the backing of two low-carbon hydrogen production plants.
RBS's climate goals and Aldi's plastic bag crackdown: The sustainability success stories of the week
As part of our Mission Possible campaign, edie brings you this weekly round-up of five of the best sustainability success stories of the week from across the globe.
Why 2020 is the year of the collaborative circular economy
"The moment of crisis has come. We can no longer prevaricate." Naturalist and veteran broadcaster Sir David Attenborough pulled no punches in a recent BBC interview. If we are to keep global warming below 1.5C, greenhouse gas emissions must almost halve by 2030.
Lego to ditch virgin fossil plastics by 2030
Lego has vowed to eliminate virgin fossil-based plastics from its products within a decade, by investing heavily in recycled and bio-based materials.
Carlsberg slashes emissions by 30% as its closes in on zero-emission breweries
Global brewer Carlsberg has slashed carbon emissions across its group by 13% over a 12-month period, and 30% since 2015, as it pushes towards its corporate strategy to achieve zero emissions at breweries.
Creating a sustainable food system depends on a shared mentality as well as collaboration
Like most industries, food and drink is grappling with how to create a sustainable and, where possible, circular system. At the heart of that challenge is dealing with the huge and extremely complex global food system, which encompasses the way we grow, make and consume food.
edie's guides to net-zero carbon continues with the public sector
The fifth report in the series of edie guides on net-zero carbon has launched with a focus on the public sector.
Manufacturing giants slash food waste by 30%
The UK's largest food and drinks manufacturers have collectively reduced their food waste by 30% over the past eight years, on a per capita basis.
Industrial Decarbonisation Champion to steer £20m innovation centre for net-zero transition
Professor Mercedes Maroto-Valer has been appointed as an "Industrial Decarbonisation Champion" to oversee the development of a £20m research and innovation centre at Edinburgh's Heriot-Watt University that will drive the delivery of the UK's net-zero emissions target.
8 steps for overcoming the behavioural change challenge
During the SPARK 2.0 event, energy and sustainability professionals discussed the barriers to behaviour change and how businesses could harness the wider awareness of the climate strikes to engage all staff members on the need to manage energy use.
edie's guides to net-zero carbon continues with construction sector
The fourth report in the series of edie guides on net-zero carbon has launched with a focus on the construction sector.
Kingspan and Cargill unveil Paris-aligned climate strategies
Construction materials giant Kingspan and agri-food multinational Cargill have both unveiled new science-based emissions targets at the UN's COP25 summit in Madrid.
