Procter & Gamble Wants 20 Percent Of Hired Trucks Running On Natural Gas In North America

Procter & Gamble said it plans to convert up to 20 percent of its North American truck shipments to natural gas vehicles within two years from July 2013. By working with eight transportation carriers to meet this goal, will realize savings for the converted lanes and cut greenhouse gas emissions by almost 5,000 metric tons. During the initial phase of the initiative, seven percent of P&G’s for-hire transportation in North America will be converted to natural gas powered trucks. This will enable the company to use the trucks on routes that are much longer than the average route for the dedicated fleet model, while supporting the expansion of public natural gas refueling stations.

"P&G to Convert 20 Percent of Its For-Hire Truck Loads to Natural Gas", Procter & Gamble, June 27, 2013

Burt's Bees Joins National Pollinator Week, Gives Away Wildflower Seed Packs

Burt's Bees announced it is giving away 85,000 bee-friendly wildflower seed packs through its web site as part of its participation in the 2013 National Pollinator Week. Also, the personal care company announced it intends to create 10,000 acres of healthy pollinator forage by 2020 using sustainable agriculture and pollinator forage projects funded by Burt's Bees Greater Good Foundation. Results of studies showed honeybee populations in the U.S. have been declining rapidly since 2006, due to various challenges, including poor nutrition. Last winter saw 31.1 percent of all colonies in the country affected by losses.

"Burt's Bees Is Creating A Buzz...", Happi, June 19, 2013

About A Quarter Of U.S. Consumers Buy Products From Eco-Friendly Companies, Study Shows

In the United States, 24 percent of consumers buy green products from environment-friendly companies, according to a study by marketing communications firm Shelton Group. These early adopters are affluent, generally the most loyal consumers, and are willing to pay more for the brands they trust. Data from the EcoPulse 2013 study labeled these consumers as "actives"; their purchasing decisions are made based on their values, which align with "social justice, equality and protecting the environment." Results of the survey also revealed consumers are concerned more about how companies manufacture their products than what they produce. One-third of respondents said a company's corporate social responsibility activities play a role in their purchasing decision; however, only 8 percent said they had actually bought a product based on nonprofit partnerships or donations.

"Consumer Buying Goes Green With Economic Recovery", Environmental Leader, June 28, 2013

Unilever's Smaller Deodorant Packs Find Support Among Consumers, Study Shows

Unilever's introduction of versions of its Sure, Vaseline, and Dove deodorants with smaller packaging received positive reaction from consumers, according to a market study conducted by packaging consultant ThePackHub. Results of the study, which was conducted using the consulting firm's CSI smartphone application, showed consumers had positive views about the products' compressed size. Consumers were also asked about their opinions on why Unilever reduced the products' size. ThePackHub founder Paul Jenkins described the survey results as "on-the-whole encouraging" but stressed that Unilever must keep its promise that the smaller products last as long as the larger versions.

"Unilever’s sustainable deodorant pack push pays off", Cosmetics Design , June 18, 2013

Cargill's Program Supports Sustainable Palm Oil Production In Malaysia

Cargill partnered with Malaysia-based social enterprise Wild Asia and international nongovernment organization Solidaridad to launch a sustainability support program for independent smallholder oil palm growers in the country. One of the first programs in the country aimed at promoting sustainable palm oil production by establishing partnerships with independent smallholders, palm oil dealers, mills, and refiners, the initiative will offer technical assistance, training, and capacity building to more than 2,500 oil palm smallholders. It also supports the government’s sustainability objectives for the industry, especially the small producers.

"Cargill launches innovative oil palm smallholder sustainability program in Malaysia", Cargill , June 25, 2013

Henkel Partners With C-LEcta To Develop New Enzymes For Anti-Stain Detergent

Henkel signed a joint research agreement with c-LEcta to develop new enzymes for more sustainable laundry detergents aimed at hard-to-remove and consumer-relevant stains on textiles. As part of the collaboration deal, c-LEcta will identify substances based on its proprietary enzyme engineering technologies. Relying on its extensive experience in developing detergent enzymes and formulations, Henkel will determine which ingredients are most capable of removing stains with just one wash. Enzymes are commonly used in modern detergents, playing a lead role in efficient removal of various kinds of stain while reducing damage to clothing during washing.

"High-performance enzymes for laundry detergents", Henkel, June 19, 2013