Coca-Cola and Danone invest in advanced bioplastics for drinks packaging
A consortium of companies, including Coca-Cola and Danone, have announced that they are to provide technology provider Avantium with €36 million in financing for a commercial-scale facility for producing the bioplastic PEF (polyethylene furanoate). PEF is a 100% renewable plant-based polymer that can be used in multiple applications such as bottles, fibres and film. An independent life cycle analysis study by the Copernicus Institute at the University of Utrecht has demonstrated that the carbon footprint of PEF is between 50-70% lower than oil-based PET. “With this investment, we re-affirm our objective to launch a 100% bio-based bottle, not in direct competition with food, and 100% recyclable, and our wish to accelerate this launch on the market,” said Frederic Jouin, who heads up Danone’s Research Packaging Centre. Avantium says it has performed extensive safety testing of PEF and has filed a food-safety application for PED with the European Food Safety Association, while it plans to also apply for food safety certification with the FDA in the USA. (Edie)
UK and Chinese governments issue ‘ground-breaking’ climate change pledge
The UK and Chinese governments have agreed to co-operate to tackle the issues around climate change and energy security. The governments have signed a civil nuclear agreement in the hopes of diversifying the energy mix of both countries while tackling climate change. A £20 million research programme has also been launched, which will include studies on offshore renewables, low-carbon manufacturing processes and technologies and low-carbon cities. The China-UK agreement follows China’s announcement of its intention to set legal limits on carbon dioxide emissions starting from 2016. It is expected that China’s demand for thermal coal will peak between 2015 and 2030 and is likely to have an impact on the competiveness of coal power. Anthony Hobley, CEO of the think tank the Carbon Tracker Initiative, commented, “This announcement follows news that China could implement an absolute CO2 cap and a national carbon market in its next five-year plan – a clear indication of their assault on polluting industries and willingness to support a low carbon transition.” (Blue and Green Tomorrow)
Consumers
People want to buy green in Asia and Africa more than in the US, study shows
According to a new survey from Neilsen, sustainable efforts enhance brands with consumers. The Nielsen Global Survey on Corporate Social Responsibility polled 30,000 consumers in 60 countries and found that more than half (55%) said they were willing to pay more for products and services provided by companies that are committed to making a positive impact on society and the environment. The study found that consumers in the Asia-Pacific region were the most likely to say they cared about buying from companies committed to CSR (64%), with Latin America and the Middle East/Africa following close behind (both 63%). The survey also illustrated that millennials, aged 21-34, were most prepared to pay extra for sustainable products. Nielsen has run this survey for the last three years and the numbers have been steadily increasing at an average of 10 percentage points globally. (Forbes)
Employees
Starbucks partnering with ASU to offer employees free college tuition
Starbucks has announced the Starbucks College Achievement Plan, which will provide eligible part-time and full-time employees the opportunity to complete a Bachelor’s Degree with full tuition reimbursement through a collaboration with Arizona State University’s (ASU) online degree program. “There’s no doubt, the inequality within the country has created a situation where many Americans are being left behind. The question for all of us is, should we accept that, or should we try and do something about it,” said Starbucks president and CEO Howard Schultz. The plan aims to provide working students with flexibility, financing and comprehensive support to complete their degree while not requiring any commitment from graduates to remain at the company after graduation. This is the latest in a string of groundbreaking partnerships for ASU, whose School of Sustainability has recently teamed up with the City of Phoenix on a comprehensive waste-diversion campaign called “Reimagine Phoenix,” and the Dutch municipality of Haarlemmermeer to create the world’s first regional plan based on the principles of a circular economy. (Sustainable Brands)
Responsible Investment
15,000 students sign petition to get UK universities to divest from fossil fuels
People & Planet, a student pressure group, has delivered 15,000 signatures to Universities UK, an advocacy organisation, in an effort to persuade British higher education institutions to cut their ties with the fossil fuels industry. “The Fossil Free campaign is the fastest growing climate change campaign in the UK and we hope that our vice chancellors take note of today’s action, and invest in their students’ future,” said Helena Dunnet-Orridge, a student from the Fossil Free Birmingham campaign. People & Planet has previously suggested that higher education establishments have over £5.2 billion invested in the industry. Earlier this month, University of Oxford academics publicly called for the school to divest its £3.8 billion endowment in fossil fuel companies and participated to a large demonstration. In the US, the divestment movement has gained support among a growing number of universities, religious institutions and local authorities. (Blue and Green Tomorrow
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