Latest news with #RVM
Mid East Info
05-08-2025
- Automotive
- Mid East Info
Al-Futtaim and Masdar Youth 4 Sustainability Partnership Empowers Next Generation of Sustainability Leaders in the UAE
Al-Futtaim and Masdar jointly provided real-world insights into sustainability practices being undertaken across sectors including retail, mobility and real estate Dubai, United Arab Emirates;August 2025: Al-Futtaim, a diversified and progressive privately held regional business headquartered in Dubai, and Masdar's Youth 4 Sustainability (Y4S) initiative today announced the successful completion of their six-month collaborative programme. Under the initiative, Al-Futtaim co-hosted three impactful events to provide around 100 Y4S young cohorts with unique insights into real-world sustainability practices to solve challenges across retail, mobility and real estate sectors. The partnership aimed to advance educational opportunities and practical experiences for young people, fostering a deeper understanding of sustainability goals and ambitions across various sectors. The programme kicked off with an immersive session hosted by IKEA at Yas Island in Abu Dhabi, where participants gained firsthand knowledge of IKEA's sustainability strategy, including a comprehensive store tour highlighting green initiatives, waste management, and EV charging infrastructure. The second event, held at the Al-Futtaim Electric Mobility Training Centre in Dubai, focused on the future of sustainable transportation. Hosted by Al-Futtaim Automotive, the session provided an in-depth look at the e-mobility expertise within Al-Futtaim, an introduction to the EV Training Centre and IMI Level Safety Awareness training. The closing session, held at Dubai Festival City Mall, focused on the integration of sustainability in the real estate sector and explored forward-thinking strategies for energy efficiency, waste management, as well as the role of smart technologies in shaping future cities. Commenting on the collaboration, Ellora-Julie Parekh, Chief Sustainability Officer at Al-Futtaim, said: 'Our partnership with Masdar's Y4S programme has been an incredibly rewarding journey, reinforcing Al-Futtaim's commitment to nurturing future leaders and raising awareness around sustainable practices. Witnessing the enthusiasm and innovative thinking of these young individuals has been truly inspiring. This collaboration underscores our belief in the power of education and practical exposure to build a more sustainable future for the UAE and beyond.' Participants also enjoyed a site walk in the Dubai festival City Mall, where they experienced the Reverse Vending Machine (RVM) in action—an ongoing initiative that aligns with Al-Futtaim's sustainability strategic priority on creating a circular economy through our supply chain. This hands-on experience demonstrated how RVMs are supporting recycling efforts, contributing to waste reduction and advancing sustainability goals within the real estate sector. Dr. Lamya Fawwaz, Executive Director of Brand & Strategic Initiatives at Masdar said: 'The Y4S programme continues to provide participants with meaningful, real-world exposure to sustainability practices across a range of industries. These sessions have deepened their understanding of sustainability challenges and solutions, while equipping them with the practical skills needed for future careers. We're pleased to work with partners like Al-Futtaim, whose involvement supports our shared goal of empowering the next generation of sustainability leaders.' Throughout the session, attendees participated in interactive challenges including an Eco-Team Challenge and a Sustainability Quiz, encouraging them to think critically about sustainability while promoting teamwork and innovative thinking. A participant shared their positive experience: 'I am incredibly grateful for the invaluable opportunity provided by both Al-Futtaim and Masdar through this programme. It has been truly inspiring to see sustainability in action across diverse industries, from waste management at IKEA to groundbreaking EV technology and sustainability in real estate. This experience has significantly deepened my understanding and fuelled my passion for contributing to a sustainable future.' This collaboration is part of Al-Futtaim's broader commitment to sustainability, encompassing initiatives aimed at reducing environmental impact, improving operational efficiencies, and creating a more sustainable future. It also underscores both Al-Futtaim's and Masdar's shared dedication to empowering the next generation with the knowledge and skills necessary to champion sustainability and contribute to a greener, more resilient future. Y4S provides training and mentorship programmes, enabling students and young professionals to gain the necessary skills to become future sustainability leaders, while also providing the opportunity to participate across a variety of global engagements and forums. By providing essential training, knowledge and platforms, Y4S supports participants to take their sustainability development forward and shape their careers. About Al-Futtaim: Established in the 1930s as a trading business, Al-Futtaim today is one of the most diversified and progressive, privately held regional businesses headquartered in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Operating across 18 countries in the Middle East, North Africa and Asia, the Group spans key sectors including automotive, financial services, real estate, retail, and health. Al-Futtaim's work is driven by a clear purpose: to enrich lives and elevate communities through practical, forward-looking solutions. Employing a workforce of nearly 33,000 people, Al-Futtaim represents a portfolio of over 200 of the world's most recognised and trusted brands, including Toyota, Lexus, IKEA, ACE, Marks & Spencer, and many more. With a strong focus on digital innovation and artificial intelligence, sustainable growth, strategic partnerships, and empowering its people, Al-Futtaim's approach is anchored in long-term value creation. Its integrated business model positions the Group as a reliable partner to stakeholders—supporting customers, communities, and collaborators alike in navigating the needs of today while planning for tomorrow. Underpinned by the values of respect, excellence, collaboration, and integrity, Al-Futtaim continues to build a legacy that reflects its responsibility to people, progress, and the planet.
The Sun
29-07-2025
- The Sun
The abandoned miniature railway that was once a much-loved family attraction, reopens to the public
AN abandoned miniature railway has reopened to the public for the first time in seven years. With the kids now off school for six weeks, it can be tricky to think of an endless list of activities to keep them entertained. 5 5 5 Many holiday camps and kids clubs can be extremely expensive, so for any parents looking for a budget day out the Basildon Miniature Railway at Wat Tyler Country Park offers a perfect solution. The beloved attraction finally opened its doors again last weekend, after months of renovation. First opened way back in 1988, the miniature train fell into disrepair in the 21st century and became overgrown with bushes and weeds. It closed down in 2019, but thanks to the help of locals and train enthusiasts, the quaint attraction is now back up and running, with visitors able to ride the train around the large country park, for just £4. A spokesperson for Basildon Miniature Railway said: "After a successful weekend of providing trips with members of the public riding the train for the first time in 7 years, we are pleased to announce we are open for business. "Thank you to a great team of volunteers, Hastings Miniature Railway, and Ropley Miniature Railway for helping to make this happen." Dan Radcliffe, a member of the Hastings Miniature Railway group, added: "Over the past year, we have been working with Basildon Miniature Railway to help bring this much-loved railway back into operation after seven years of closure. "The new operator and his team have worked tirelessly repairing the rails, stations, and crossing points, clearing back years of foliage, etc, and yesterday was finally the day that showed all of this hard work had been worth it." "We at Hastings have assisted along the way, giving advice, building the new road crossing, and supplying new coaches and our own Cornish pixie. "Ropley miniature railway has recently been assisted by lending them another familiar locomotive - RVM built Hasty. English seaside town to transform abandoned beach shelters into new attraction "This has been a fantastic project to have been involved in, and we take our hats off to Dan and his team at Basildon in bringing back to life a railway that had been feared may never reopen." The tiny railway track was originally just 1200 yards long and in 2012 was extended towards the park's northern entrance, making the new track one kilometre long. It takes roughly 20 minutes to take a trip on the miniature railway, which is one of the longest in Essex. The train is open on weekends, and during school holidays, from April until the end of September. THE summer holidays are here, but entertaining the kids need not cost a fortune. Here, we reveal where you can get free and cheap meals for your little ones during the 'endless' summer holidays. ASDA CAFE: Nip into an Asda cafe to feed the kids after the weekly shop. Under-16s get a hot or cold meal for £1 at any time of day. Little ones are covered, too. Kids under 18 months get a free Ella's baby food pouch with any purchase. BEEFEATER: This family-friendly pub chain makes mornings a breeze. Two kids under 16 eat for free with the purchase of an adult breakfast for £10.99. It's available from 6.30am to 10.30am midweek and 7am to 11am at weekends. BELLA ITALIA: Book a table and order an adult meal at the Italian eatery for kids aged two to 11 to get three courses and a drink for £1. Offer valid between 4pm and 6pm on Sundays to Wednesdays. On Thursdays, kids eat free all day when an adult meal is ordered from the a la carte menu. DUNELM: Make homeware shopping a fun day out. Dunelm's Pausa Cafes are offering free kids' meals for every £4 spent on their food or drink. Available all day, every day. BILL'S: Dine in at a Bill's restaurant to get up to two free kids' meals (normally £6.95 each) with an adult meal. Valid weekdays only until August 30. IKEA: Make it a food day at the Swedish home store. On every day except Fridays, enjoy a pit stop at their famous cafe from 11am to get a kids' pasta or mac and cheese dish for 95p. Other mini meals are available for £1.50. PIZZA EXPRESS: Kids up to age ten can get a free three-course Piccolo meal including dough balls, pizza or pasta and dessert with every adult meal purchased. The offer runs every day until August 11. TESCO: Pop to the supermarket cafe from Monday to Friday until August 30 for free kids' meals when an adult buys any item in the cafe. You must have a Clubcard to redeem the offer. THE RANGE: Kids under 16 get one free meal per adult main purchased at The Range cafes. Options include sandwiches, a cooked breakfast and fish and chips. All kids' meals come with a piece of fruit and a drink. Daniel Harrison, who volunteered with the railway back in the 1980s, was given a contract to renovate it, after the previous owner's death. 'I used to go down there with my parents on Sunday day trips", he said. "We got talking to the owner and I volunteered my time. "I was quite young at the time, about 12.' Despite the success of the renovation, Daniel admitted that it hasn't all been plain sailing. "The biggest challenge has been the railroad crossing; if you take any railway regardless of gauge across a road it's fraught with difficulties like complying with certain standards, being safe to operate, and it was a particular challenge." 5 5
Scoop
24-07-2025
- Business
- Scoop
New World Launches New Zealand's First Reverse Vending Machine At A Supermarket
Auckland's New World Birkenhead is proudly trialling New Zealand's first supermarket-based reverse vending machine (RVM), giving locals the chance to recycle single-use drink containers while raising funds for their local schools and charities. Delivered in partnership with TOMRA, the world's largest manufacturer of RVM's and technology supporting return schemes, the trial is designed to showcase how RVMs work, test consumer appetite for this collection method, and demonstrate how this technology can boost recycling rates and improve the quality of materials recovered. RVMs are widely used in Europe and other parts of the world. The machines accept empty plastic and glass bottles, and aluminium cans. Customers simply remove the cap, insert the container, and the machine uses sensors to identify and sort materials by type. The goal is to understand consumer support for a future rollout of a regulated container return scheme in Aotearoa. 'We're really excited to be giving this a go at New World Birkenhead,' says Sandy Botterill, Head of ESG for Foodstuffs, the co-operative behind the nations New World, PAK'nSAVE and Four Square stores. 'People here have already gotten in behind other recycling efforts like soft plastics and caps and lids, so we're pretty sure they'll back the reverse vending machine too, especially with the chance to help out local schools at the same time.' Every container returned through the machine contributes 10 cents to one of four local schools. Customers choose where their donation goes with the monthly New World Birkenhead donation capped at $1,500 per month. New World Birkenhead was chosen for the trial because locals are already keen recyclers and the lids and caps collection at the store have been significant. Local school principal, Thomas Bigge, from Kauri Park School in Beachhaven, says the initiative is a win-win: "It's a great way to get tamariki thinking about recycling and making a tangible difference in their community. Every bottle or can they bring back helps their school. It's a fantastic incentive." Auckland Council is backing the idea as it is in line with its continued advocacy for a nationwide container return scheme, and its goal to achieve zero waste by 2040. North Shore Ward Councillor, and Chair of Auckland's Policy and Planning Committee Richard Hills said: "It is great to see this innovative trial taking place in our community, and with the opportunity to spread citywide, if successful.' 'The fact that it involves and supports our local schools at the same time is an awesome incentive to reduce waste to landfill, in addition to the clear environmental benefits. Congratulations to New World Birkenhead, Foodstuffs, and everyone involved." Foodstuffs supports researching how a regulated, nationwide container return scheme with voluntary participation of supermarkets could deliver consistency and scale. "We see this as an important step towards learning what the public thinks about recycling in this way," says Botterill. "This trial will help us understand how to successfully integrate reverse vending machines into a supermarket environment on a voluntary basis, and support community recycling at the same time. It's not about rolling anything out, more about seeing what's possible.'
Finextra
02-07-2025
- Business
- Finextra
Verification of Payee: The role of RVMs & Conformance
Joining the FinextraTV studio at EBAday 2025 in Paris, Paulo Barbosa, COO, Banfico helped to provide an understanding of what a routing and verification mechanism (RVM) is and how it is impacting the verification of payee landscape. Barbosa provided an up-to-date look at what is currently evolving ahead of the October deadline, whilst sharing clarifications around the role RVM's play alongside banks to provide greater speed, experience and compliance.
Time of India
29-06-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Tejashwi promises commission for Vaishya community
Patna: Leader of opposition, Tejashwi Prasad Yadav , on Sunday promised to form Vaishya commission for the welfare of the community and deployment of police outside major markets for the security of traders, if the Grand Alliance govt was formed after the assembly elections. He asked the Vaishya community members to vote for the RJD and the Grand Alliance partners. Tejashwi was addressing the Rashtriya Vaishya Mahasabha (RVM) conference here. The RVM is led by former industries minister Sameer Kumar Mahaseth. "You have given around 20 years to them (CM Nitish Kumar-led NDA govt). Give me an opportunity to serve the state as its CM for five years. We will develop Bihar and also initiate welfare activities for all of you," Tejashwi said. Tejashwi said the RJD has always given political representation to the Vaishya community. "The Grand Alliance had given tickets to 12 candidates from the trading communities. Of them, eight won, including five on the RJD ticket. We have honoured leaders like Ram Chandra Purbe, and Prem Gupta, has been Rajya Sabha member for 30 years," Tejashwi said. The RJD leaders from the trading communities present on the occasion called Tejashwi a "visionary young leader. " Pointing out that around 100 traders had been killed in different parts of the state this year till June this year, he said, "We will improve the law and order situation, and no one will be spared, whosoever he is."
