Organic Zero-Packaging Store Opens In Paris

Retail consumer goods shops in Europe are testing the idea of zero packaging: selling products loose. Customers brings their own glass or plastic jars, recyclable cotton pouches, etc., and end up saving as much as 15 percent, London has Unpackaged, Berlin has Original Unverpackt, and now Paris has one hundred percent organic Biocoop 21. The shop is testing ways to sell 250 products without packaging, including yogurt, honey, olive oil, wine, body wash and health products. The idea not only saves shoppers money, it is good for the environment, helping to eliminate waste.

"Paris’s First 100% Organic, Zero Packaging Shop Opens Its Doors", Konbini, November 05, 2015

SC Johnson Gains EPA Recognition For Use Of Earth-Friendly Power

SC Johnson said it was ranked number 71 on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s 2015 National Top 100 list of the largest users of green power. In 2015, the company used more than 73 million kilowatt-hours of sustainably soured electricity, enough to satisfy 43 percent of the company’s electricity requirement in the country. Also, the company was ranked number 10 on the EPA’s Top 30 On-Site Generation list of companies that generate and consume environment-friendly power on-site within the Green Power Partnership.

"SC Johnson Earns National Recognition for Continued Commitment to Green Power", SC Johnson, November 19, 2015

Sustainability Drives Business Growth, Unilever CEO Polman Says

According to Unilever CEO Paul Polman, the move toward sustainable development and adoption of environment-friendly business practices can help companies gain access to new technologies, financing, lower costs, and the ability to generate economic growth. As part of its 2020 Sustainability Plan, Unilever achieved in 2014 its goal of sourcing agricultural materials from sustainable sources. Also, the world’s top 500 companies have saved $1.1 billion by adopting climate-friendly measures, which are also adopted by and benefit smaller companies.

"'Green' is a growth engine", The Nation , November 23, 2015

Unilever Plans To Go Renewable Energy All The Way By 2030

Unilever said it would switch to using only renewable energy by 2030 and would stop using coal-based energy by 2020. Part of the group of 81 companies that have agreed to set emissions targets for their businesses, Unilever joins the group’s campaign to limit global warming to less than 2 degrees Celsius. Unilever CEO Paul Polman, a leading proponent for the idea that sustainability makes good business sense, is one the world’s business leaders calling on governments to commit to zero net emissions by 2050.

"Unilever aims to use only renewable energy by 2030", Reuters, November 26, 2015

French Companies Call On World Leaders To Sign Global Climate Change Deal

In France, a group of 39 companies, including retail giant Carrefour, is calling on the French COP21 presidency and all governments attending the United Nations Framework Agreement on Climate Change meeting in Paris to sign a global agreement that would help reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Seeking a deal that would help keep global warming at a maximum of 2 degrees Celsius, the companies believe that putting an economic value on carbon in major economic regions will help business leaders to see the impact of GHG emissions linked to their companies’ operating, investment, and R&D decisions. Some of the concrete steps being taken by these companies to improve sustainability include the use of active and passive energy-efficient solutions, development of low-carbon capacities, and reduction of emissions from the production and use of raw materials, products, or facilities.

"French companies act on climate ", Carrefour, November 26, 2015

Walmart Highlights Sustainability And CSR Achievements

Walmart said it has met its goal of reducing by 20 million metric tons the greenhouse gas emissions from its global supply chain. Made at the retailer’s Global Sustainability Milestone Meeting, the announcement also revealed the company was able to double fleet efficiency and expand its commitment to preserve wildlife habitat. Also, Walmart said it has completed several food and nutrition commitments and received an award from the Partnership for a Healthier America for its efforts to open stores in areas described as “food deserts.”

"Walmart Marks Fulfillment of Key Global Responsibility Commitments", Walmart, November 17, 2015

Henkel Joins CEO Climate Leaders' Call On World Leaders To Take Action On Global Warming

Henkel revealed that it has joined the CEO Climate Leaders pledge, an open letter signed by chief executives of 78 global companies urging world leaders to come up with a meaningful climate deal at the UNFCCC’s Conference of the Parties in Paris. With their companies accounting for a total revenue of $2.13 trillion, the signing CEOs assert that climate action will help create jobs and economic growth in developed and emerging markets.

"Henkel Signs CEOs’ Pledge for Climate Action", Henkel , November 24, 2015

New Palm Oil Council Signals Dark Times Ahead For Sustainability

Euromonitor wonders about the future of sustainable palm oil, now that Malaysia and Indonesia have set up a bilateral council to regulate production currently monitored by industry led voluntary frameworks such as the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO). The new Council of Palm Oil Producing Countries (CPOPC) could force companies into making difficult decisions regarding their palm oil purchasing policy, according to Euromonitor. The CPOPC has asked palm oil companies to roll back plans to enforce the 2014 Indonesian Palm Oil Pledge whose goal is to curb deforestation in palm oil production. The key question: will big palm oil users, like Mars, Mondelez and PepsiCo, have to realign their palm oil sustainability commitments due to pressure from CPOPC?

"CPOPC Could Spell Trouble for Sustainable Palm Oil", Blog, Euromonitor International, November 16, 2015

Chip In A Bottle Heralds New Era Of Smart, Reusable, Drink Containers

An Australian company whose goal is to reduce the tons of waste generated by disposable coffee and other beverage cups has developed a “SmartBottle.” An  embedded chip allows a merchant to scan the owner’s bank information prior to filling. The SmartBottle can hold cold or hot drinks; it fits in handbags, backpacks, car cup holders and bike bottle holders. The SmartBottle is available online in several colors for $25.28.

"‘SmartBottle’ allows customers to fill up and pay with bottle’s microchip", Australian Food News, November 18, 2015