logo
Podcast: Can Sustainability Survive? Highlights of SJ's Sustainability Report

Podcast: Can Sustainability Survive? Highlights of SJ's Sustainability Report

Yahoo31-03-2025

Can sustainability survive?
The political will toward sustainability is constantly shifting, and with the official exit from the Paris Agreement and a 'drill, baby drill' fossil fuel mentality, that answer becomes murkier every day. This has created a climate of uncertainty for eco-minded businesses seeking support from government sustainability requirements. That said, the underlying drivers of a sustainable future—innovation, tapping into cost-efficient renewable energy, and consumer demand for ethical practices—remain intact. In other words, eco-champions are a tenacious bunch.
More from Sourcing Journal
How Brands Can Bridge Consumers' Sustainability Knowledge and Behavior Gaps
Panama Canal Opens 'Net-Zero' Transit Slot for Low-Emissions Ships
Coach and Gen Phoenix Talk Circularity and Partnership
Sourcing Journal dug into the situation with its State of the Industry Sustainability Report, released the same day as its Sustainability Summit in New York. In this podcast, Lauren Parker, director of Fairchild Studio, chats with Jasmin Malik Chua, SJ's sourcing and labor editor, and Alex Harrell, SJ's sustainability & innovation reporter, about the industry's progress.
To listen to the podcast,

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

China and US Return to Terms of May Trade Truce
China and US Return to Terms of May Trade Truce

Yahoo

time9 hours ago

  • Yahoo

China and US Return to Terms of May Trade Truce

The United States and China have agreed to a 'handshake' deal that will enable the two superpowers to resume the terms of their provisional trade agreement. Following two days of talks between senior state officials in London, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick told reporters on Tuesday that the parties had 'reached a framework to implement the Geneva consensus and the call between the two presidents,' referring to a discussion between the leaders that took place last week. China Commerce Ministry international trade representative Li Chenggang echoed that a consensus had been reached 'in principle.' More from Sourcing Journal US Imports Set for Summer Spike as Retailers Race Tariff Clock Tariff Fallout Hits LA Port: Cargo Decline Leaves Half of Dockworkers Idle Hapag-Lloyd Bookings Double on China-US Route in Weeks After Tariff Truce Lutnick, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer traveled overseas to meet with the Chinese delegation, following up on the call between President Donald Trump and Chinese president Xi Jinping on Thursday. Trump wrote on Truth Social last week that he had spoken to Xi for more than an hour on a 'very good phone call' where they discussed 'some of the intricacies' of the recent deal. The heads of state sought to mend fences following an escalation in trade tensions over the course of recent weeks, wherein both China and the U.S. accused the other of violating the terms of a provisional trade deal brokered in Geneva in mid-May. During the Switzerland talks, the U.S. and China delegations hashed out an agreement to suspend for 90 days the implementation of reciprocal duties which were drastically rolled back to much lower rates. Heading back to Washington following this week's meetings, Lutnick said he and Greer will convene with the president to ensure that he approves of upholding the terms of the Geneva truce. If Xi also approves the conclusions arrived at during the talks, 'We will implement the framework,' the Commerce Secretary said. The original three-month agreement came crashing down on May 30 when Trump Truthed that China 'totally violated' its terms. At the time, Greer elucidated that China was 'slowrolling' compliance with the deal and accused Beijing of placing U.S. companies on blacklists and restricting the export of rare earth minerals used in American industries like automotives and robotics.

Sany seals PPA and CfD deal for Alibunar project in Serbia
Sany seals PPA and CfD deal for Alibunar project in Serbia

Yahoo

time11 hours ago

  • Yahoo

Sany seals PPA and CfD deal for Alibunar project in Serbia

Sany Renewable Energy has announced the signing of a power purchase agreement (PPA) and contract for difference (CfD) for its Alibunar wind power project in Serbia. The Alibunar project is located in eastern Serbia, an area renowned for its wind resources. It will commence commercial operations by 2028 and have an operational lifespan of 25 years. The facility has an installed capacity of 168MW and is projected to generate 480 million kilowatt hours (kWh) of electricity annually upon completion. It will supply Serbia with clean energy, aiding in restructuring the local energy mix away from fossil fuels towards more sustainable sources. The project represents Sany's inaugural investment in the country. The company plans to utilise its technical expertise to guarantee smooth progress and consistent performance post-completion. The company's on-site professional operation and maintenance team will provide extensive support throughout the life cycle of the project. Sany Renewable Energy chairman Zhou Fugui stated: 'The Alibunar wind project is of great importance to us, marking our entry into the wider European market. 'We will actively co-operate with local partners and introduce advanced wind power technologies and solutions to help Serbia realise its energy transition and sustainable development goals.' Sany has prioritised climate action within its sustainability strategy, aligning with the Paris Agreement's objective of limiting global warming to 1.5°C. In 2024, the company's wind turbines produced 135.8 billion kWh of electricity, resulting in a reduction of CO₂ emissions by 72.87 million tonnes, equivalent to planting 3.3 billion trees. Additionally, Sany is committed to promoting environmentally friendly turbine design and to increasing the recyclability of mainstream models to 95% by 2030, based on 2020 levels. In October 2024, Sany secured a contract to supply wind turbines with a capacity of more than 1.3GW to three subsidiaries of the JSW Group, an Indian multinational conglomerate. "Sany seals PPA and CfD deal for Alibunar project in Serbia" was originally created and published by Power Technology, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data

The Business of Beauty Global Forum: Connection in the Age of Disruption
The Business of Beauty Global Forum: Connection in the Age of Disruption

Business of Fashion

time15 hours ago

  • Business of Fashion

The Business of Beauty Global Forum: Connection in the Age of Disruption

NAPA, CALIFORNIA — On the final day of The Business of Beauty Global Forum, speakers unpacked strategies for building bridges in a time of division. 'Turning on the news or scrolling on social media at the moment can feel a bit disheartening, dystopic and chaotic,' said Imran Amed, founder and editor-in-chief of The Business of Fashion as he opened the floor for the last session of the day. 'At times, the most powerful, life-affirming parts of the human experience, helping one another and learning from each other, have given away to division, insularity and isolation,' he said. 'But here at The Business of Beauty Global Forum, we still see value in the threads of connection, of unity and of togetherness.' Conversations spanned the power of vulnerability, brands' ability to connect with their audiences and the importance of finding purpose. Making Meaning in a Time of Chaos The Business of Fashion Presents the Business of Beauty Global Forum 2025 - Day 2 NAPA, CALIFORNIA - JUNE 10: Varun Soni speaks onstage at "Connection in the Age of Disruption" during The Business of Beauty Global Forum 2025 presented by The Business of Fashion at Stanly Ranch on June 10, 2025 in Napa, California. (for The Business of Fashion) Amid geopolitical turmoil, economic uncertainty and a climate crisis, Varun Soni, dean of religious studies at the University of Southern California, kicked off the session with an address on finding meaning in challenging times, or what he calls true north. 'Embracing the three Ts of time, tribe and transcendence can be a powerful spiritual practice at a time when we all need it most,' said Soni. 'Asking three simple questions, how do I spend my time, who are my people and what takes my breath away can help us calibrate our internal compass to point to true north.' Throughout challenges like the January 2025 wildfires in Los Angeles, where Soni lives, reframing his perception of the situation to focus on what he could control — his three Ts — has made all the difference. 'Even though I couldn't find meaning in it, I could make meaning out of it,' he said. The wildfires turned out to be the most destructive in Los Angeles history, leaving $50 billion of damages in their wake. As the Los Angeles Fire Department worked to contain the fires on January 20, US President Donald Trump pulled out of the Paris Agreement and halted environmental funding to the United Nations on his first day in office. Beauty founders who lived in areas ravaged by the fires including Sheena Zadeh, founder of Kosas; Amy Liu, founder of Tower 28; Iván Pol, facialist and founder of The Beauty Sandwich; and Stacy Cunningham, owner of Silhouette Hair Studio gathered on stage to discuss how they 'moved from survival to resilience,' said Zadeh. At the height of the wildfires, Los Angeles-based brands rallied together to support their community with donations. Shortly after being evacuated from her home in Pacific Palisades, Liu jumped straight into action, organising the LA Fires Community Support event and donating 70,000 pieces of product to 1,500 impacted families. 'It feels good to do something, sometimes we all feel so helpless,' she said. All four founders underscored the importance of community amid adversity. 'It's a very difficult and scary way to learn how much people actually love you,' said Zadeh. 'What I realised through this situation is how much I needed people.' Creating Trust in Science and Wellness The Business of Fashion Presents the Business of Beauty Global Forum 2025 - Day 2 NAPA, CALIFORNIA - JUNE 10: Sydney Towle speaks onstage at "Connection in the Age of Disruption" during The Business of Beauty Global Forum 2025 presented by The Business of Fashion at Stanly Ranch on June 10, 2025 in Napa, California. (for The Business of Fashion) Influencer Sydney Towle quickly became a hot topic when she shared she had a rare form of cancer, cholangiocarcinoma, on social media in 2023. Followers on TikTok expressed their support, while others on Reddit accused her of lying because she still had her hair, travelled and appeared 'too optimistic,' according to Towle. Despite the noise online, Towle has continued to share her experiences, driven by the connections she made. For instance, one follower reached out to her saying she got a mammogram and caught her own breast cancer early, and Towle said moments like these reinforce the sense of meaning in telling her story. 'Vulnerability is a superpower,' she said. As science becomes increasingly politicised and misinformation runs rampant on social media, influencers have a responsibility to champion the truth, Towle argued. 'People come to me not for medical knowledge, but for a sense of connection,' she said. 'But in doing that, I think that it does lead to more awareness and to people going to the doctors, and actually seeking out a source of truth.' Next Gen Brands, Next Gen Consumers The Business of Fashion Presents the Business of Beauty Global Forum 2025 - Day 2 NAPA, CALIFORNIA - JUNE 10: Sumin Lee, Co-Founder, Beauty of Joseon speaks onstage at "Connection in the Age of Disruption" during The Business of Beauty Global Forum 2025 presented by The Business of Fashion at Stanly Ranch on June 10, 2025 in Napa, California. (for The Business of Fashion) As beauty shoppers in 2025 are more knowledgeable than ever before, exceptional product formulation is a non-negotiable when it comes to driving success. But in a saturated landscape, a unique brand identity is also key. The indie brands that are winning today excel in these areas, and 'know what beauty shoppers want before they even know what they want themselves,' said Pryia Rao, executive editor of The Business of Beauty. K-beauty brand Beauty of Joseon, for instance, became viral in recent years, driven by the appeal of its traditional Korean ingredients and SPF formulation. But beyond its hero product, the brand is focused on 'building the ecosystem of our BOJ world,' said founder Sumin Lee. 'We don't want to be considered as a one-hit wonder on TikTok.' Australian suncare line Ultraviolette launched when the prestige suncare category didn't really exist in its native country. 'When you do one category, you have to do it really, really well,' said the brand's founder, Ava Matthews. Excelling in product innovation has been the business's guiding light, but building a 'strong brand story' was also crucial in a 'boring category' such as sunscreen, she said. Byoma founder Marc Elrick built his brand for Gen-Z who are 'playing chemist in their bathrooms' with the countless beauty products on offer, he said, with the aim of simplifying their routines and helping customers make educated choices around skin barrier health. Byoma products are rooted in clinical trials; 'if we can't do it better than anyone else, we don't do it,' Elrick said. For prestige brands to compete in today's crowded playing field, there are two crucial levers to pull, according to Mary Carmen Gasco-Buisson, chief executive of Unilever Prestige in conversation with BoF chief business officer Johanna Stout. The first goes back to one of the oldest adages in luxury: desirability. 'There are some products that we just have to have, and that multiplier is really important, particularly today, where ...There's so much information,' said Gasco-Buisson. The second lever is providing a product that caters to an unsolved consumer need. 'When that product changes something that really matters to you, it becomes unforgettable,' she said. Finding a Path to Your Next Act The Business of Fashion Presents the Business of Beauty Global Forum 2025 - Day 2 Yasmin Sewell of Vyrao speaks onstage at "Connection in the Age of Disruption" during The Business of Beauty Global Forum 2025 presented by The Business of Fashion at Stanly Ranch on June 10, 2025 in Napa, California. (for The Business of Fashion) Fragrance brand Vyrao founder Yasmin Sewell did not get her start in the beauty industry. She began her career as a fashion buyer and it was only after deciding to take a break in her role at Farfetch following a divorce that she decided to make a change. The leap into beauty was intuitive, she said; Sewell has always had an interest in wellness, energy and spirituality — all of which lie at the core of her new brand. When the idea for Vyrao came to her, the vision was 'crystal clear' — to help transform people's energy through her products. And while she had the aesthetic eye from her career in fashion, she needed to bring the right partners, including seasoned perfumers and bottling experts, into the mix to bring her idea to life. But following her gut has always been what has guided her decision-making. 'I lead with intuition, but I use the brain as a tool,' she said. Breaking Beauty's Barriers The Business of Fashion Presents the Business of Beauty Global Forum 2025 - Day 2 Priya Rao and Hailey Bieber embrace after at the "Connection in the Age of Disruption" discussion during The Business of Beauty Global Forum 2025 presented by The Business of Fashion at Stanly Ranch on June 10, 2025 in Napa, California. (for The Business of Fashion) In the news that broke the internet on May 28, Hailey Rhode Bieber sold her beauty company, Rhode, to e.l.f. for $1 billion. The Gen-Z cult favourite, which gained its notoriety with products like Peptide Lip Tint and Glazing Milk essence, has grown rapidly since its founding in 2022. Bieber has managed to break the mould of celebrity-led brands with her genuine interest in beauty. 'It's me come to life in this world that I've built, I don't even know how to separate it. Rhode is my world,' she said. Her knack for brand-building has been another defining factor in Rhode's success. From her viral branded phone cases to buzzing pop-ups, Bieber has built a universe around Rhode that resonates with young consumers like no other. 'It's not just about the product, it's the whole entire world of Rhode,' Bieber said. 'It's the way I want people to feel something when they get the products, when they use them. I want them to feel that they are a part of something.' The Business of Beauty Global Forum 2025 is made possible in part by our partners Front Row, Unilever Prestige, Citi, McKinsey & Company, Getty Images, Grown Alchemist and Stanly Ranch and our awards partners L'Oréal Groupe and Sephora. If you are interested in learning about partnership opportunities, please contact us here.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store