The automotive sector finds itself amidst a notable transformation driven by technological advancements prioritizing environmental sustainability and energy efficiency. This evolution is reflected in a growing trend towards alternatives seeking to replace the internal combustion engine, known for its high pollutant emissions and contribution to climate change.

Tata Motors, a leader in automotive innovation, recently presented its futuristic solutions for mobility at EXCON 2023, emphasising the need for sustainable commercial vehicles. With a focus on green technologies, Tata Motors has greatly boosted its investments in electric and hybrid vehicles.

Recent research found that Gen Z shoppers prioritise taste, value and affordability, as well as social justice-driven causes like sustainability and animal welfare. This means brands have the opportunity to strike a balance between creating the climate-conscious products Gen Z consumers crave at prices they can afford. Barak Bar-Cohen, founder and CEO of Sojo Industries, discusses how  F&B companies can start adding climate-responsible practices into every part of the product life cycle, from manufacturing to packaging.`

Plastic packaging has played a crucial role in ensuring consumers have affordable access to food and drinks. It’s a durable material that protects food from perishing and allows for mass production and distribution. Petroleum-based plastic has proven a boon to the food and beverage industry and to consumers everywhere, but it is also environmentally unsustainable in the long term. Globally, governments and companies are seeking new ways to reduce the accumulation of single-use plastics and other packaging, which so often ends up in landfills and the ocean. Consumers also support the drive to reduce plastic waste; a 2023 McKinsey study showed they are willing to pay more for sustainably packaged products.

There is no denying that emissions from chemical company supply chains must be reduced. But with companies faced with thousands of suppliers, the global initiative Together for Sustainability (TfS) hopes to streamline the greening process and provide a single platform to help chemical companies discuss the most practical and sustainable steps forward.

This speech marks an important moment for the European chemicals sector and the wider efforts to promote a sustainable economy in the EU. Heijnen emphasized the need for rapid action to realize the transition from fossil to sustainable carbon sources within the chemical industry. She stated that this is essential for the long-term competitiveness of the sector and for the transformation into a truly sustainable industry. 

The final episode in the latest series of the Drapers Talks podcast shone a light on the importance of collaboration to drive sustainability forwards across the fashion industry.

In the dynamic world of fashion, the winds of change are blowing strong, ushering in an era where sustainability takes center stage. From luxury to digital innovations, from traditional crafts to circular fashion, the industry is witnessing a profound shift towards more eco-conscious practices.

A majority of EU citizens would rather repair a good instead of buying a new one
New obligation for producers to repair products even after legal guarantee has expired
Vouchers and other financial incentives to encourage consumers to opt for repair

Scientists around the world agree that the planet’s climate requires immediate action to avert catastrophe. Recently, the Breakthrough National Centre for Climate Restoration in Melbourne, Australia, estimated that a “near- to mid-term existential threat to human civilization” could take place in the next 30 years if the issue isn’t addressed. According to a survey by The Economist, consumers believe that brands have as much responsibility as governments to create positive environmental change.

Retailers worldwide, especially traditional ones, are facing two major headwinds: digitalization and sustainability. It’s crucial for every retail CEO to prioritize these trends not only as challenges but also as opportunities to be taken on together as drivers of growth. 

Traditional retailers face tough competition from tech-savvy rivals. McKinsey warns that retail margins have shrunk by 2% to 3% annually, even up to 5% to 6% in some cases, from 2017 to 2022. Omnichannel retailers often outperform traditional ones. Online sales grew by 12% in mature categories in 2021, surpassing offline sales by 1.4 times, and new categories surged by 6%, seven times faster than offline.

European online fashion retailer Zalando has admitted mixed success in meeting its environmental targets in its newly published 2023 Sustainability Progress Report.

Key findings include a 78% reduction in its Scope 1 & 2 greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions since 2017 and the development of new self-assessment questionnaires for “high-risk suppliers”.

Just 16 per cent of businesses will increase spending on sustainability in 2024.
This is according to a recent Retail Sentiment Report released by the National Retail Association, which noted that implementing sustainable practices could bring significant upfront costs for businesses.

This comes as retailers across Australia field growing business costs, including wage rises, alongside hampered consumer spending and confidence, putting pressure on business margins.

According to National Retail, business owners are looking for cost saving measures in their transition to reduce carbon emissions by 2030. 

Sustainability Magazine recognises the top organisations in the automotive industry and their strategies for ESG and reducing climate change contribution
While seemingly a thankless task to rank companies based on their sustainability credentials, we endeavour to recognise the great achievements of the major industries and their strategies towards carbon neutrality.

With that said, the automotive sector is one where strategy is key at the moment and here are 10 organisations in the auto industry with big plans to change the way we drive. 

Expendable packaging, as per a recent report, may serve a vital role in international shipping and act as a backup for returnable packaging.

In the wide-ranging Food and Beverage industry, global trends are increasingly important. As cultures intertwine and borders blur, the industry must cater to a palate that is constantly evolving and universally connected.

Using cell-free biocatalysts, FabricNano aim to transform the chemical industry and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.

The chemicals industry is a $4 trillion business employing upwards of 20 million people. While a consumer of high volumes of energy and resources, it is also at the forefront of developing energy efficiencies, low carbon and renewable raw materials and fuels, chemical energy storage, and materials from CO2 capture. It is also uniquely positioned to pioneer and promote circular economy models by innovating for the easier reuse and recycling of materials.

HCM CITY —  Textile and garment businesses are making a green push with development of eco-friendly products adapted to global fashion trends and by meeting the stringent requirements under free trade agreements the country has signed, according to industry insiders.

Independent designers in Winnipeg put on a fashion show Sunday, displaying their efforts in how to make the industry more sustainable.

According to organizers of the event, Canadians throw away around billion of pounds of textiles every year. Andréanne Dandeneau, the owner of Anne Mularie is doing her best to change that with clothing that keeps the environment at the top of the list.

“There’s two big problems in the fashion industry,” Dandeneau explained. “Number one is reducing waste. Number two is carbon emissions.”

Speciality materials manufacturer Eastman has launched a collaboration with circular solutions provider Debrand to recycle textile waste to create new fibres.

Eastman is using its molecular technology to recycle 5,000 pounds of pre- and post-consumer apparel waste, collected by Debrand, to make its branded cellulose acetate yarn.

Mars Inc., is looking to tap into a network of startup companies that are poised to transform the food system, helping to progress sustainability within the company's snacking division. 

The ultimate goal of the three-year partnership with Unreasonable Group — a Colorado-based, international fellowship provider for growth-stage entrepreneurs — is to bring forward companies that can fast-track regenerative, inclusive, equitable, and sustainable food processes at Mars.

According to a company's statement, customers can look forward to enhanced shopping experiences with the implementation of AI and computer vision technology through IKEA Kreativ, enabling 3D visualization of home furnishings. The company is also rolling out sustainable shops and circular hubs in stores, promoting energy and water conservation, waste reduction, recycling, and product repair.

As a co-operative, sustainability is a central pillar of Your Co-op’s business and it is dedicated to minimising environmental impact, as evidenced in its waste reduction initiatives and achievements.  With research estimating UK retailers waste £2.4billion worth of food every year, and with food waste globally creating a carbon footprint equivalent to 3.3billion tonnes of CO2, Your Co-op partnered with Retail Insight to tackle food waste, implementing its cloud-based software solution, WasteInsight, in 2019.