Latest news with #EnvironmentalResponsibility
Associated Press
12-08-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Three Pillars of SMX's Material Efficiency Technology: Trace It, Prove It, Trust It (NASDAQ: SMX)
NEW YORK, NY / ACCESS Newswire / August 12, 2025 / In July 2025, the Plastic Pollution Coalition filed a complaint challenging recyclability claims made about certain types of multilayer plastic packaging. Their argument? That while these materials are often marketed as 'recyclable,' they rarely make it through real-world recovery systems. Whether you agree with the case specifics or not, the core message is hard to ignore: consumers are losing patience with sustainability claims that don't match reality. When packaging says one thing and the system delivers another, it erodes trust-not just in brands, but in the entire concept of environmental responsibility. That frustration is justified. But it shouldn't be the end of the conversation-it should be the start of a more productive one. Because this moment isn't about tearing down the work that's been done; it's about building on it. Past programs, even when flawed, were born out of genuine intent. They raised awareness, drove early innovation, and set the stage for the progress we can make now. The challenge today is proving the claims those programs set in motion. And that's where SMX (Security Matters) (NASDAQ:SMX) technology excels-providing the tools to turn ambition into verifiable truth, and through its Plastic Cycle Token (PCT), transforming verified circularity into a marketable asset. A Platform That Doesn't Guess-It Knows… SMX wasn't built to defend legacy recycling practices. It was created to evolve beyond them-embedding molecular-level intelligence directly into materials so their history travels from creation to recovery in a continuous, verifiable loop of circularity. With SMX, plastics don't need printed labels to tell their story. They carry their own record of origin, composition, and movement. From the moment a product is made to the point it's reused, recycled, or recovered, the data travels with the material. Invisibly. Permanently. That means when a company says a package is 'recycled' or 'recyclable,' the claim isn't based on estimates-it's backed by substance and traceable through every step of the value chain. For consumers, that's confidence. For regulators, it's enforceability. For brands, it's protection from backlash when good intentions collide with outdated systems. And for manufacturers, it's a new kind of opportunity-monetizing compliance through the PCT. The Packaging Has Changed; Now the Standards Must Too… What the Plastic Pollution Coalition highlighted is something we all have to confront: too many materials are marketed as circular when they're anything but. Yet the materials themselves-and the thinking behind them-are evolving. We're seeing smarter formats. Cleaner polymer blends. Refillable and reuse-friendly systems. And with mounting pressure from regulators, investors, and the public, brands are investing in meaningful innovation. These are steps worth recognizing. But what's been missing- until now -is a way to verify it all. To close the gap between what's possible and what's provable. That's where SMX becomes essential. Not as a workaround, and certainly not as a greenwashing tool-but as a truth engine. A system that holds every link in the chain accountable and rewards those who are truly building a circular economy. This isn't about producing more plastic. It's about producing fewer excuses-and with the PCT in play, it's also about creating measurable economic value for doing things right. Aligned in Mission, Enhanced by Technology… The recent complaint from the Plastic Pollution Coalition wasn't an isolated critique. It was part of a broader call for change-one we support and are uniquely equipped to advance. Like them, we believe reduction, reuse, and refill must be the cornerstones of tomorrow's packaging ecosystem. But ambition alone can't close the loop. We need tools that make claims measurable, performance transparent, and compliance effortless to prove. That's what SMX provides-a platform that shields consumers from empty promises, a system that gives brands the confidence to stand behind their words, and a technology that turns every material into a source of verified truth. Because trust isn't built through slogans-it's earned through transparency. And as trust becomes the new currency in sustainability, SMX is helping restore it-one product, one package, and one data point at a time. For manufacturers ready to lead, the PCT makes that trust tradable-turning integrity into competitive advantage and financial gain. The world gains the benefit of truth in labeling and less waste headed to landfills. That, in short, is the ultimate win-win proposition. About SMX As global businesses face new and complex challenges relating to carbon neutrality and meeting new governmental and regional regulations and standards, SMX is able to offer players along the value chain access to its marking, tracking, measuring and digital platform technology to transition more successfully to a low-carbon economy. Forward-Looking Statements The information in this press release includes 'forward-looking statements' within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding expectations, hopes, beliefs, intentions or strategies regarding the future. In addition, any statements that refer to projections, forecasts or other characterizations of future events or circumstances, including any underlying assumptions, are forward-looking statements. The words 'anticipate,' 'believe,' 'contemplate,' 'continue,' 'could,' 'estimate,' 'expect,' 'forecast,' 'intends,' 'may,' 'will,' 'might,' 'plan,' 'possible,' 'potential,' 'predict,' 'project,' 'should,' 'would' and similar expressions may identify forward-looking statements, but the absence of these words does not mean that a statement is not forward-looking. Forward-looking statements in this press release may include, for example: matters relating to the Company's fight against abusive and possibly illegal trading tactics against the Company's stock; successful launch and implementation of SMX's joint projects with manufacturers and other supply chain participants of gold, steel, rubber and other materials; changes in SMX's strategy, future operations, financial position, estimated revenues and losses, projected costs, prospects and plans; SMX's ability to develop and launch new products and services, including its planned Plastic Cycle Token; SMX's ability to successfully and efficiently integrate future expansion plans and opportunities; SMX's ability to grow its business in a cost-effective manner; SMX's product development timeline and estimated research and development costs; the implementation, market acceptance and success of SMX's business model; developments and projections relating to SMX's competitors and industry; and SMX's approach and goals with respect to technology. These forward-looking statements are based on information available as of the date of this press release, and current expectations, forecasts and assumptions, and involve a number of judgments, risks and uncertainties. Accordingly, forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as representing views as of any subsequent date, and no obligation is undertaken to update forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date they were made, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required under applicable securities laws. As a result of a number of known and unknown risks and uncertainties, actual results or performance may be materially different from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. Some factors that could cause actual results to differ include: the ability to maintain the listing of the Company's shares on Nasdaq; changes in applicable laws or regulations; any lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on SMX's business; the ability to implement business plans, forecasts, and other expectations, and identify and realize additional opportunities; the risk of downturns and the possibility of rapid change in the highly competitive industry in which SMX operates; the risk that SMX and its current and future collaborators are unable to successfully develop and commercialize SMX's products or services, or experience significant delays in doing so; the risk that the Company may never achieve or sustain profitability; the risk that the Company will need to raise additional capital to execute its business plan, which may not be available on acceptable terms or at all; the risk that the Company experiences difficulties in managing its growth and expanding operations; the risk that third-party suppliers and manufacturers are not able to fully and timely meet their obligations; the risk that SMX is unable to secure or protect its intellectual property; the possibility that SMX may be adversely affected by other economic, business, and/or competitive factors; and other risks and uncertainties described in SMX's filings from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission. EMAIL: [email protected] SOURCE: SMX (Security Matters) press release
Zawya
21-07-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Africa Finance Corporation secures inaugural AED937.5mln sustainability-linked loan backed by United Arab Emirates (UAE) Banks
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates / -- Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) ( the continent's leading infrastructure solutions provider, has secured an inaugural Sustainability-Linked Term Loan Facility, marking a significant milestone in the Corporation's innovative funding strategy and deepening its financial ties with the UAE. The AED 937.50 million (US$255 million) facility reflects AFC's commitment to use financial innovation tools to optimise funding for transformative infrastructure. Along with further expanding AFC's geographical funding base, the transaction aligns future borrowing costs with measurable environmental outcomes through predefined Sustainability Performance Targets (SPTs). The structure allows AFC to benefit from reduced loan costs upon achieving key sustainability targets, signaling to investors and stakeholders the importance of environmental responsibility to its infrastructure investment mandate. The loan facility was anchored by a syndicate of prominent UAE-based financial institutions. Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank PJSC, Emirates NBD Capital Limited, First Abu Dhabi Bank PJSC, Mashreqbank PSC, and the National Bank of Ras Al Khaimah (P.S.C.) acted as Initial Mandated Lead Arrangers and Bookrunners (IMLABs). Mashreqbank PSC additionally served as Global Coordinator and Documentation Agent, while First Abu Dhabi Bank PJSC acted as Sustainability Coordinator and Emirates NBD Bank (P.J.S.C.) acted as the Facility Agent. 'This facility represents a key milestone in AFC's journey,' said Banji Fehintola, Executive Board Member & Head, Financial Services, AFC. 'By tapping the UAE Dirham market and embedding sustainability performance into our funding terms, we are not only diversifying our funding sources but also aligning our financing strategy with our mission to catalyse infrastructure-driven economic growth and industrial development across Africa. This transaction is a testament to the strength of our partnerships in the UAE and our continued commitment to sustainable infrastructure development across Africa.' This facility builds on AFC's strong momentum in diversified and sustainable capital raising. Following a record US$1.16 billion syndicated loan in 2024, AFC debuted a US$500 million hybrid capital issuance and a US$400 million Murabaha facility in 2025. The Corporation also expanded its climate finance instruments - having issued a CHF150 million Green Bond in 2020, and in 2024, pioneering Green Shares with a US$30 million equity investment from the African Development Bank. These efforts complement AFC's strategic stake in Lekela Power, through Infinity, forming Africa's largest renewable energy platform with over 1 GW of clean power capacity, reaching 1.2 million homes and avoiding 7.9 million tonnes of CO₂ emissions annually. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Africa Finance Corporation (AFC). About AFC: AFC was established in 2007 to be the catalyst for pragmatic infrastructure and industrial investments across Africa. AFC's approach combines specialist industry expertise with a focus on financial and technical advisory, project structuring, project development, and risk capital to address Africa's infrastructure development needs and drive sustainable economic growth. Eighteen years on, AFC has developed a track record as the partner of choice in Africa for investing and delivering on instrumental, high-quality infrastructure assets that provide essential services in the core infrastructure sectors of power, natural resources, heavy industry, transport, and telecommunications. AFC has 45 member countries and has invested over US$15 billion in 36 African countries since its inception.
The Independent
02-07-2025
- Politics
- The Independent
EPA forced to auction off 20,000 lab rats, mice, and rabbits as Trump shuts down research projects
Cuts to the Environmental Protection Agency are forcing it to curb much of its research work, leaving it with an abundance of lab animals — so it's holding an adoption drive. EPA staff at a research office in North Carolina have launched an adoption campaign for their lab rats and zebrafish in response to cuts to its research projects introduced by the Donald Trump administration, according to the Wall Street Journal. A research and development official at the EPA said that scientists were having a difficult time obtaining supplies for even basic testing, which led to an oversupply of lab animals. The EPA has about 20,000 animals in its labs, including rabbits, mice, and rats. The animals are generally used to gauge the safety of environmental pollutants. For those interested in having their own rat or zebrafish, the animals are available at the EPA's Research Triangle complex in North Carolina, according to a report by the Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility. The EPA is in the process of shuttering its Office of Research and Development, and will instead replace it with a much smaller office called the Office of Applied Science and Environmental Solutions. It will use the acronym OASES. The new office will focus on shorter-term projects that are "statutorily required functions" rather than long-term research, like the effects of potentially harmful chemicals, according to a fact sheet that was emailed to the office's employees. The plan will result in the elimination of more than 1,000 science positions, which accounts for three quarters of the total office's staff. The reductions are currently on hold pending a preliminary federal court injunction challenging the cuts. PEER Science Policy Director Kyla Bennett, a scientist and attorney formally with EPA, said the cuts amounted to the EPA "abandoning its status as a premier scientific organization." 'Scientific research is vital to EPA's core mission of protecting public health and the environment, but that mission is quickly eroding," she said in a PEER press statement. PEER warned that the cuts would make the EPA more dependent on research from chemical companies, which may be incentivized to hide the harmful effects of certain chemicals, and will force the agency to abandon ongoing research that relies on lab animals. Lee Zeldin, Trump's administrator of the EPA, told the Wall Street Journal that changes at the agency reflect the priorities that Trump campaigned on and that voters supported. He described the changes as eliminating waste and "fraud" that the Biden administration allegedly tolerated. A group of approximately 400 EPA employees signed a public letter sent to Zeldin on Monday claiming that the Trump administration is ignoring science for the benefit of corporate polluters. Amelia Hertzberg, an environmental protection specialist at the EPA who signed the letter told the Wall Street Journal that Zeldin under Trump is "fundamentally changing the mission of the EPA when he focuses on industry needs above human health and the environment." An EPA spokeswoman told the paper that the agency was "bound by laws established by Congress — not what some would like the laws to say." Bennett said the EPA is "undergoing an ill-advised scientific self-lobotomy." 'Instead of developing a strategic plan for meeting its scientific needs, Trump's EPA has decided to largely abandon scientific research except when it is specifically mandated by law, thus embracing some short-term savings to its long-term detriment.'
The Independent
01-07-2025
- Politics
- The Independent
EPA staffers are trying to get people to adopt lab rats as Trump team shuts down research projects
Cuts to the Environmental Protection Agency are forcing it to curb much of its research work, leaving it with an abundance of lab animals — so it's holding an adoption drive. EPA staff at a research office in North Carolina have launched an adoption campaign for their lab rats and zebrafish in response to cuts to its research projects introduced by the Donald Trump administration, according to the Wall Street Journal. A research and development official at the EPA said that scientists were having a difficult time obtaining supplies for even basic testing, which led to an oversupply of lab animals. The EPA has about 20,000 animals in its labs, including rabbits, mice, and rats. The animals are generally used to gauge the safety of environmental pollutants. For those interested in having their own rat or zebrafish, the animals are available at the EPA's Research Triangle complex in North Carolina, according to a report by the Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility. The EPA is in the process of shuttering its Office of Research and Development, and will instead replace it with a much smaller office called the Office of Applied Science and Environmental Solutions. It will use the acronym OASES. The new office will focus on shorter-term projects that are "statutorily required functions" rather than long-term research, like the effects of potentially harmful chemicals, according to a fact sheet that was emailed to the office's employees. The plan will result in the elimination of more than 1,000 science positions, which accounts for three quarters of the total office's staff. The reductions are currently on hold pending a preliminary federal court injunction challenging the cuts. PEER Science Policy Director Kyla Bennett, a scientist and attorney formally with EPA, said the cuts amounted to the EPA "abandoning its status as a premier scientific organization." 'Scientific research is vital to EPA's core mission of protecting public health and the environment, but that mission is quickly eroding," she said in a PEER press statement. PEER warned that the cuts would make the EPA more dependent on research from chemical companies, which may be incentivized to hide the harmful effects of certain chemicals, and will force the agency to abandon ongoing research that relies on lab animals. Lee Zeldin, Trump's administrator of the EPA, told the Wall Street Journal that changes at the agency reflect the priorities that Trump campaigned on and that voters supported. He described the changes as eliminating waste and "fraud" that the Biden administration allegedly tolerated. A group of approximately 400 EPA employees signed a public letter sent to Zeldin on Monday claiming that the Trump administration is ignoring science for the benefit of corporate polluters. Amelia Hertzberg, an environmental protection specialist at the EPA who signed the letter told the Wall Street Journal that Zeldin under Trump is "fundamentally changing the mission of the EPA when he focuses on industry needs above human health and the environment." An EPA spokeswoman told the paper that the agency was "bound by laws established by Congress — not what some would like the laws to say." Bennett said the EPA is "undergoing an ill-advised scientific self-lobotomy." 'Instead of developing a strategic plan for meeting its scientific needs, Trump's EPA has decided to largely abandon scientific research except when it is specifically mandated by law, thus embracing some short-term savings to its long-term detriment.'
