Author: Duncan MacRae

Alexandra Palt is a leading sustainability speaker and changemaker, renowned for her work at the intersection of corporate responsibility, environmental action and social justice. As the chief corporate responsibility officer of L’Oréal and CEO of the L’Oréal Foundation, she has helped redefine what sustainability means for a global business. We spoke to Alexandra to explore the role of gender equality in sustainability, how brands can lead ecological transformation, and what it takes to embed purpose at the heart of corporate strategy. Why is gender equality an essential pillar in any company’s sustainability strategy? And what are the broader societal and…

Established in the UK in 1952, Owen Mumford designs, develops and manufactures medical device solutions for customers, including some of the world’s leading pharmaceutical and diagnostic companies. The company is known for its expertise in drug delivery systems, blood sampling, and diabetes care, producing innovative solutions like auto-injectors and safety lancets. With a global presence spanning the UK, US, France, Germany and Malaysia, Owen Mumford is committed to sustainability, earning B Corp certification and actively working toward net-zero carbon emissions by 2045. The problem: The race to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 is well and truly on. With rising…

The race to net-zero emissions is in full swing, with corporations across the globe pledging to slash their carbon footprints in the coming decades. But as we edge closer to crucial climate deadlines, a pressing question looms: are companies truly on track to meet their net-zero commitments, or are these promises more rhetoric than reality? In response to mounting climate concerns, businesses from every sector have set ambitious targets to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, aligning with the Paris Agreement’s goal of limiting global warming to 1.5°C. Tech giants like Microsoft and Apple have committed to becoming carbon-negative, while major…

As the world grapples with the urgent need to address climate change, the ambition to achieve net zero emissions by mid-century has become a pivotal goal for governments, industries and environmental organisations. Net zero refers to balancing the amount of greenhouse gases emitted with the amount removed from the atmosphere. While renewable energy, energy efficiency and electrification play significant roles in reducing emissions, one technology has gained increasing attention for its potential to help tackle emissions that are more difficult to eliminate: carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS). Understanding Carbon Capture Carbon capture refers to the process of capturing carbon…

Packaging traceability technology firm, Polytag, has opened four Polytag Plastic Detection Units at Material Recycling Facilities (MRFs) in Wales. The new sites in Conwy, Gwynedd, Pembrokeshire and Anglesey mark a significant step in Polytag’s Ecotrace Programme, an industry-led initiative empowering brands, retailers and waste management businesses with real-time data on the recycling of single-use plastic. The four units have joined Re-Gen’s MRF in Newry (Northern Ireland) and Biffa facilities in Edmonton and Teesside in the programme. Using Polytag’s technology brands will gain data visibility on the 146,000 tonnes of waste that enters the recycling and recovery stream across the four Welsh sites…

As the world faces increasing environmental challenges, the push toward a sustainable future has never been more urgent. From tackling climate change to conserving resources, companies across industries are stepping up with ground-breaking innovations to make a positive impact on the planet. These trailblazers are at the forefront of the green tech revolution, developing cutting-edge solutions that promise to reshape how we produce, consume, and interact with energy, food, water, and beyond. In this feature, we spotlight 10 visionary companies that are not only leading the charge in green technology but are also driving the transformation toward a cleaner, greener…

As the world grapples with the growing waste crisis, innovative startups are leading the charge to revolutionise recycling.  From turning ocean plastic into new products to transforming waste into energy, these trailblazing companies are reshaping how we think about waste and sustainability. In celebration of Global Recycling Day on March 18, we shine a light on eight game-changing startups that are not only tackling the waste problem head-on but are also building a more circular economy for the future. 1. Terracycle (USA) – Founded in 2001 Focus: Recycling hard-to-recycle waste. Innovation: Terracycle is famous for tackling waste that traditional recycling…

With second-hand marketplaces rising and sustainability regulations tightening, businesses are rethinking their approach to technology procurement.  Neil Pein, CEO of BNP Paribas Leasing Solutions, believes Product-as-a-Service (PaaS) can offer a long-term solution to e-waste, affordability and global shortages – bringing in a new era of circular IT strategies. “Second-hand marketplaces are booming, with cost and sustainability-conscious consumers flocking to websites and apps for electronics, clothes, homeware, and beauty products,” he says. Vinted, traditionally known for second-hand fashion, has recently launched its first dedicated electronics category, attracting customers with pre-loved smartphones, wearable tech, and audio devices.  “This shift extends beyond consumers…

IPP is one of the leading European poolers of sustainable wooden pallets – arguably one of the oldest logistics technologies not only operating but optimising global supply chains. It provides a diverse selection of mainstream pallets and boxes to meet the varied needs of its clients in the retail, manufacturing and industrial sectors. It is on these reusable assets that palletised consignments move billions of items through multiple supply chains every day. From sustainably grown saplings through manufacture, repair, repatriation and re-use, IPP’s assets operate in the circular economy. Part of what the business refers to as ECOnomics – where…

Verizon, in collaboration with Samsung Electronics and Qualcomm Technologies, has deployed multi-vendor RAN Intelligent Controller (RIC) functionality in its commercial network. This deployment marks a significant advancement in Open Radio Access Network (O-RAN) technology and demonstrates yet another way Artificial Intelligence (AI) is being used in Verizon’s network to drive operational efficiency and ensure Verizon customers are always connected to the very best network experience. In this first multi-vendor deployment, Verizon integrated Samsung’s AI-powered Energy Saving Manager (AI-ESM) with Qualcomm DragonwingTM RAN Automation Suite’s RIC to integrate energy efficiency into its network.  Adam Koeppe, senior VP of Network Technology, Strategy…