Month: September 2025

UNEP and ICAO launch $82.5 Million project to eliminate harmful firefighting foams in African airports

Stuart Mitchell

The UN Environment Programme (UNEP) and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) have jointly launched the Fortifying Infrastructure for Responsible Extinguishment (FIRE) project, which aims to phase out the use of toxic fluorinated firefighting foams and replace them with safer alternatives at major airports in Egypt, Ethiopia, Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa.   FIRE – a $82.5 million initiative with a $10 million grant from the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and $72.5 million in co-financing from partners – will phase out firefighting foams containing PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), hazardous “forever…

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Mercedes-Benz and recycling specialist TSR launch “urban mining” pilot project for end-of-life vehicles

Stuart Mitchell

Mercedes‑Benz and TSR Group GmbH & Co. KG are continuing to drive forward their partnership, established in 2024, towards a sustainable circular economy for end-of-life vehicles. As part of an “urban mining” pilot project, the partners are setting up an innovative collection site for end-of-life vehicles for the first time. The aim is to strategically utilise urban sources of raw materials. Value chains are to be closed, and high-quality secondary raw materials recovered for use in new Mercedes‑Benz vehicles. “Our vision of sustainable mobility requires us to significantly reduce the use of primary raw materials…

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IFC Launches Initiatives to Address Gender-Based Violence and Harassment in Workplaces

Stuart Mitchell

IFC has unveiled two key initiatives, the Gender-Based Violence Center of Expertise and the Respect@Work Program, to address gender-based violence and harassment (GBVH) in workplaces around the globe. These initiatives aim to create safer, more inclusive business environments, recognizing that eliminating GBVH is essential to advancing gender equality, improving business performance, and unlocking the full economic potential of women and other marginalized groups. The Gender-Based Violence Center of Expertise will serve as a global knowledge hub, supporting IFC clients and private sector actors with toolkits, training, and provide advisory support to better…

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Amcor and Flügger introduce paint container with 50% recycled material and a fresh new look

Stuart Mitchell

Amcor, a global leader in developing and producing responsible packaging solutions, has launched, in partnership with Flügger, a new, more material-efficient and eye-catching paint container made with 50% post-consumer recycled (PCR) plastic, featuring a custom blue color that aligns closely with Flügger’s brand identity. The new container is part of Flügger’s strategic ambition to reduce the use of virgin plastic by increasing the share of recycled materials in its packaging without compromising product quality or user experience. It also meets the requirements of several voluntary labelling schemes, such as the…

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The Hague-based Skelex starts exoskeleton pilot in Westland greenhouses

Stuart Mitchell

In the Westland region, just outside The Hague, a pilot has started with exoskeletons. The pilot is an initiative of Skelex, a company based in The Hague that develops mechanical tools designed to reduce the physical strain of repetitive work and employment agency ProKonak. These exoskeletons provide support to the arms, shoulders, and lower back—areas often affected by repetitive tasks like tying plants, pruning, lifting crates, or working in squatting positions. Two models are being tested in the greenhouses. One supports workers performing overhead tasks such as tying tomato plants…

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