Today’s ESG Updates
- EU Introduce Competitive Compass: The European Commission has unveiled the Competitiveness Compass to make Europe competitive and sustainable.
- Costco Pressured to Drop Diversity Policies: Costco is under pressure from Republican State attorneys to drop its DEI policies, citing Trump’s order.
- Energizer Launches 100% Recyclable Packaging: Energizer has introduced plastic-free, fully recyclable packaging for its battery range.
- TotalEnergies Signs 15-Year Renewable Power Deal: TotalEnergies and STMicroelectronics have signed a 15-year renewable energy deal.
EU Competitive Compass introduced to drive sustainability
Over the last two decades, Europe has fallen behind other major economies; as such, the European Commission has introduced the Competitiveness Compass. The Compass aims to set the path for Europe to become the place of future pioneering innovation and sustainability practices. At the core of the action is innovation, decarbonisation and security, which the EU aims to achieve by simplifying sustainability reporting and increasing financial competitiveness. Businesses can get ahead of this curve by implementing ESG solutions.
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Further reading: An EU Compass to regain competitiveness and secure sustainable prosperity
Republican state attorneys urge Costco to abandon diversity policies
A group of 19 Republican attorneys general, led by Virginia’s Jason Miyares, is urging Costco to end its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies, claiming they discriminate unlawfully. The group referenced a 2020 executive order by President Trump advocating for a halt to DEI practices in the private sector. Despite shareholder rejection of a proposal to review these policies, the attorneys general demanded Costco either repeal its DEI practices or explain their continuation. Costco has yet to respond publicly.
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Further reading: Republican state attorneys pressure Costco to drop diversity policies
Energizer launches plastic-free packaging for battery range
Energizer Holdings has introduced 100% recyclable, plastic-free packaging for its battery range, using paper-based materials. The new redesign addresses a major consumer-want for more sustainable solutions and offers a user-friendly design. It marks a milestone in Energizer’s commitment to environmental stewardship. Once all Energizer retail partners complete the packaging transition, more than 90% of the brand’s North American portfolio will be plastic-free. The new packaging will be put into use from March in North American retailers.
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Further Reading: Energizer launches plastic-free battery packaging
TotalEnergies and STMicroelectronics signs 15-year renewable power deal
TotalEnergies and STMicroelectronics have signed a 15-year Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) to supply renewable electricity to STMicroelectronics’ sites in France, starting in January 2025. STMicroelectronics will supply 1.5 terawatt-hours (TWh) of renewable electricity from TotalEnergies’ two new wind and solar farms. The deal is the first for France to sign a long-term contract deal for renewable power. Coupled with ESG solutions, renewable energies are an option for businesses to reduce carbon emissions.
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Further reading: Renewable Power: TotalEnergies Will Supply 1.5 TWh to STMicroelectronics in France Over 15 years
Editor’s Note: The opinions expressed here by the authors are their own, not those of impakter.com — Cover Photo Credit: Farah Almazouni
