19, Jul 2023
PepsiCo releases its 2022 Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Summary
India, July 19, 2023: Today, PepsiCo, Inc. (NASDAQ:PEP) published its 2022 Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Summary, sharing the first full year of reporting since the launch of PepsiCo Positive (pep+) in 2021.
pep+ is an end-to-end transformation program touching virtually every aspect of PepsiCo’s business – from how ingredients are grown; to how its iconic portfolio of products are made, moved and sold; to what choices are offered to consumers. pep+ is the framework through which all actions on setting and working toward ESG targets are driven.
In 2022, the company reported significant progress on its nutrition, agriculture, social (people and communities), water-use efficiency and safe water access goals. PepsiCo continues working toward driving down climate emissions and the use of virgin plastic.
PepsiCo reported the following results:
- For the second year, 75% of its convenient foods portfolio volume[1] did not exceed 1.1 grams of saturated fat per 100 calories
- PepsiCo initially achieved this goal in 2021, four years ahead of schedule.
- Further reduced added sugars and sodium in its portfolio of products in 2022
- PepsiCo has 56% of its beverage portfolio volume[2] containing less than 100 calories from added sugars per 12-ounce serving, up from 53% in 2021.
- PepsiCo now has 68% of its convenient foods portfolio volume[3] at or below 1.3 milligrams of sodium per calorie, up from 66% in 2021.
- More than doubled its regenerative farming footprint in 2022 to greater than 900,000 acres globally
- PepsiCo has helped farmers become more resilient and has reduced carbon emissions from agriculture by more than 330,000 metric tons – the equivalent of taking more than 73,000 cars off the road for a year.
- Surpassed the company’s goal to achieve 10% Hispanic representation in U.S. managerial positions
- PepsiCo has met this goal three years early.
- Improved water-use efficiency by 22% in operations since 2015 in high water-risk areas[4]
- PepsiCo is now approaching its 2025 goal of 25%.
- Provided safe water access to another 12 million people in 2022
- PepsiCo has now provided safe water access to more than 80 million people since 2006.
Commenting on PepsiCo’s approach to engaging farmers and leveraging regenerative agriculture practices to address climate change, National Association of Wheat Growers CEO Chandler Goule said, “PepsiCo is at the forefront, demonstrating how food companies and producers can collaborate effectively to cultivate sustainable, affordable, and safe food. PepsiCo has made meaningful investments in agriculture, and they have led the way in engaging growers from the outset to ensure sustainability objectives are both attainable and mutually beneficial.”
The company acknowledged that it aspires to greater progress for packaging and emissions reductions. PepsiCo is working on plans to help advance its goals in these areas, prioritizing actions which are expected to make the biggest difference.
Commenting on the results, Jim Andrew, Chief Sustainability Officer, said: “Decoupling our business growth from our resource use is always going to be difficult but meeting our long-term targets is critical and we are rapidly learning how and where we need to adjust. We issued $2.25 billion in green bonds since 2019, and we have made – and will continue to make – substantial investments toward key parts of our pep+ agenda, including becoming net zero and reducing the use of virgin plastics. We will also work diligently to remove barriers to progress, many of which are regulatory in nature. The challenges to addressing systemic issues are enormous and it will take a multi-stakeholder approach to get to where we all want to be.”
Additional perspective from Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Ramon Laguarta, and Jim Andrew about the progress toward PepsiCo’s planet and people goals, and the urgency of collective action to address systemic change, is provided in a video message.
PepsiCo is committed to providing transparent reporting and has been recognized by Corporate Secretary’s Corporate Governance Awards for three consecutive years, as “Best ESG Reporting” for a large cap company.
Complementing the 2022 ESG Summary, PepsiCo also published details on its approach and progress for more than 50 topics on the ESG Topics A-Z webpage. This year’s digital summary and all associated downloadable assets are available here.
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- By Neel Achary
19, Jul 2023
[BRO-8] Successful Launch of the 8th Satellite of Unseenlabs’ Constellation Dedicated to the Detection of Uncooperative Vessels at Sea
Rennes, France – On January 4, 2023, Unseenlabs—world leader in space-based RF detection for Maritime Domain Awareness—successfully launched its eighth satellite dedicated to the geolocation of vessels at sea from space. BRO-8 was launched with Exolaunch as part of SpaceX’s Transporter-6 Mission from Cape Canaveral, Florida. Communication with the satellite was successfully established a few hours after launch. In total, Unseenlabs has now deployed eight satellites since 2019.
The Unseenlabs constellation is designed to provide customers with reliable and frequent radio frequency data for rapid detection and monitoring of activities at sea, regardless of the time of day, or weather conditions. This capacity is ideally suited for applications such as national security, insurance, and marine area protection.
“The new satellites add essential capacities to the Unseenlabs constellation: it means more solutions and deeper analysis for our customers. If you need to know what is happening in your areas of interest, Unseenlabs provides you with an efficient solution for an exhaustive view of maritime traffic through maritime surveillance”, Clément Galic, CEO and co-founder of Unseenlabs adds.
To date, Unseenlabs has built and launched the largest fleet of independent satellites dedicated to the detection of radio frequency signals. The technology created by the company helps its customers to gain the most up-to-date analysis on maritime traffic for their area of interest.
In 2023, the French SME plans to expand the team based at its headquarters in Rennes, France. Also, the company plans to increase the number of spacecrafts to reach a constellation of 20 to 25 independent satellites, dedicated to the geolocation of vessel at sea from space.
About Unseenlabs
Founded in 2015, Unseenlabs offers a unique geolocation data service for any sea area, all around the globe. Its proprietary technology allows the geolocation of all the vessels at sea, through a single nanosatellite. Today, the company owns the most developed RF satellite constellation for Maritime Domain Awareness in the world. It allows for its clients to take quick and objective decisions based on the data we provide for sectors such as public policies at sea, or the protection of the oceans. Unseenlabs’ data can be collected regardless of the time of day and weather conditions. Contact us for more information: www.unseenlabs.space.
Press Contact
Cannelle Gaucher
Communication Manager
cannelle.gaucher@unseenlabs.fr
+33 (0) 7 68 70 83 66
19, Jul 2023
Agrizy Appoints Rajesh Chandela as the Head for Edible Nuts Category, Expanding Leadership Team with Industry Veteran
Agrizy, a leading agrifood processing company, is pleased to announce the appointment of Rajesh Chandela as the Head for Edible Nuts Category. With a career spanning over two decades, Chandela brings an extensive experience and expertise in building and scaling businesses in the agrifood industry.
Chandela’s impressive career in the agribusiness sector spans approximately 16 years, during which he has worked with renowned companies such as Ecom Agrotrade, Edelweiss Group, and Mac World Industries. He has garnered a reputation as a seasoned professional, consistently delivering exceptional results and forging strong, long-term relationships with esteemed clientele.
“We are thrilled to welcome Rajesh Chandela to the Agrizy family,” said Vicky Dodani, Co-founder of Agrizy. “His vast experience and impressive track record in the agribusiness industry make him an invaluable addition to our team. We are confident that his strategic vision and leadership will contribute significantly to our continued growth and success.”
Throughout his career, Chandela has demonstrated exceptional abilities in managing both the domestic and international markets. His roles as a P&L in charge have equipped him with invaluable insights into the intricacies of the industry. Chandela’s comprehensive understanding of market dynamics, coupled with his innate business acumen, has enabled him to drive growth and profitability in various organizations.
“I am delighted to join Agrizy, an organization renowned for its commitment to quality and excellence,” commented Chandela. “I look forward to working closely with the talented team at Agrizy to enhance the company’s offerings and deliver exceptional value to our customers. Together, we will seize the immense opportunities in the agrifood processing sector and establish Agrizy as a leader in the industry.”
18, Jul 2023
Say ‘I Do’ to a Stress-Free Wedding Journey with these Professional Planners
Weddings are in the league of fairy tales. It is an occasion marking a lifelong commitment of faith, duty and love. As couples cherish one another, share life’s splendors and miseries, achievements and setbacks, they are transformed and become one. The entire family rejoices in wedding celebrations making it one of most momentous occasions in one’s life which must be nothing short of perfect.
Here are the most competent professionals who understand the significance of your big day and know how to elevate the experience to make it memorable for everyone.
1. Resh&Co.
Taking a holistic approach, they create an awe-inspiring experience rather than just planning an event. Each of the planners work out of the Resh&Co offices in India, USA, and Italy. They also have an in-house production and décor team to ensure there is seamless execution in all elements of a wedding.
Providing bespoke wedding aesthetics suited to the tastes and preferences of their clients is their expertise. They have immense experience having planned 500+ events in more than 18 countries and more than 100 weddings at world heritage properties in India.
Resh&Co. has hosted weddings for some of their notable clients like Mr. Rakesh Singh’s ( IAS ) officer daughter’s wedding, Ms. Amrita and Mr. Rohit renowned award-winning architect of India at Hampi a world heritage property, Wedding of Cafe Coffee Day CFO’s daughter to name a few.
2. The Wedding Design Company:
They goes to great lengths to deliver exquisite weddings that scream class and sophistication. At the helm of this company is Vandana Mohan who has oversaw Deepika Padukon’s and Ranvir Singh’s wedding. It has also put together events for brands like Gucci, Chanel and Ferragamo in its eventful past which is testament to their commitment to quality.
3. Vivah Luxury Wedding:
They organizing events that are traditional yet in line with the latest trends of the industry is their speciality. Also, they have an inhouse reproduction team which adds to their efficiency. Vivah is a renowned wedding planner that has conducted 348 weddings and 520 parties in destinations. They completely understand the value and importance of tradition and rituals. Therefore, they provide the best of both worlds; modern and traditional. They were also the winners of the Wedding Sutra Award.
18, Jul 2023
Fully integrated community ophthalmology program in Urban slums
First of-its-kind screening for Glaucoma at grass root level over 10k screened already.
Hyderabad, 18th July 2023: City Health Care NGO, Helping Hand Foundation, has launched a first of its kind screening for Glaucoma at one of its Primary Health Care centers it runs in association with SEED-USA from a Mosque situated in Wadi e Mahmood, Rajendranagar.
The Glaucoma screening will be an additional feature added to the existing Integrated & Upgraded Community Ophthalmology set up under one roof, which comprises of screening for refractive errors, fundus examination for retinopathy, cataract surgeries and now screening for glaucoma all done free of cost under a highly experience Ophthalmologist and Staff.
HHF-SEED, clinics are the only ones doing such free comprehensive and integrated eye care under one roof. Such integrated eye care facilities which are brought so near to most vulnerable sections without any cost will go a long way in prevention of blindness and other eye issues, said Mr. Mazharuddin Hussaini, Executive Director, SEED-USA a partner in this venture.
With poor awareness levels and lack of affordable and easily accessible eye care at the Community level in the Urban slums – eye health is neglected and is the single largest cause of blindness in many vulnerable groups like this said Mr. Mujtaba Hasan Askari of Helping Hand Foundation.
The NGO has so far screened over 10062 patients in the last one year, across all its primary health care centers in 50 different Urban Slums of the city. Patients with Non-Communicable diseases are the first to get screened for refractive errors, cataracts, retinopathies and now glaucoma.
58% of the patients screened were found to be having refractive errors, in which 45% had Uni Focal vision, 35% had bi focal vision & 20% had reading glasses hitherto undiagnosed and perhaps the single largest cause of blindness in India. Free spectacles were provided to 5000 plus vulnerable sections mainly children in the slums who hitherto had no access to eye care.
7% of screened were found with cataract and 60% of them were operated free of cost. 3% were diagnosed with diabetic & hypertensive retinopathy.
Another 6% with other eye issues like VKC, AED, stye, chalazion, blepharitis, episcleritis, conjunctivitis, pterygium, foreign body sensation, corneal foreign bodies, conjunctival foreign bodies, dry eye, NLD, and DCR, requiring specialized treatment and care & the rest 27% did not have any eye issues.
It is estimated that the Community health eye care program of HHF-SEED has helped save approx. Rs 75 lacs worth of Out-of-pocket expenses for poor patients through the eye screening program in the last one year.
Early detection and management of glaucoma is essential for preserving vision and preventing further damage. Glaucoma is a progressive disease, meaning that it will continue to worsen over time if left untreated. Early detection and treatment can slow the progression of the disease and help preserve vision, said Dr. Arshiya Akbar, Ophthalmologist and Ocular surgeon associated with this program at the Clinic.
The Tonometer for Glaucoma screening costing Rs 5 lacs was donated by Mrs. Habiba Akhil, a donor of HHF-SEED from USA in memory of her parents.
18, Jul 2023
Fashion e-commerce Brand Styched Acquires Shark Tank India 2 Fame D2C Casual Sneaker brand Flatheads
18th July 2023, New Delhi, India: Styched, a prominent online youth fashion brand, is thrilled to announce its acquisition of Flatheads, a Direct-to-Customer (D2C) online casual sneaker startup that gained fame on Shark Tank India season 2. This strategic move marks Styched’s first acquisition, solidifying its position as a leader in the fashion industry. The deal, structured as an all-equity transaction, represents Styched’s foray into the footwear segment.
Founded in 2018 by Ganesh Balakrishnan and Utkarsh Biradar Bangalore based Flatheads is an innovative D2C brand specializing in designing all-day wear casual sneakers for the urban audience. Notably, they are the first Indian brand to introduce bamboo fiber shoes, catering to the unique needs of the tropical Indian climate. It raised funds from We Founder Circle, LetsVenture, and angel investors, among others.
Bengaluru based Styched, already known as a production-on-demand fashion apparel brand, will expand into the footwear sector with the acquisition of Flatheads. Leveraging their expertise in production, Styched plans to incorporate its production-on-demand technology into the footwear category, enabling the seamless expansion of Flatheads’ existing collection.
On the acquisition Soumajit Bhowmik, CEO at Styched affirmed “We have been following Flatheads for quite some time, and I have personally interacted with Ganesh earlier. The acquisition opportunity came to us through a common investor, and we felt it would be a perfect deal for us considering we wanted to launch sneakers in a big way within Styched as well. The technical know-how of Flatheads would really help us create a wide range of affordable sneakers collection. So, while Styched will continue to play in the sub-1000 INR segment, the semi premium segment would have Flatheads as the flagship brand.
“The Flatheads-Styched deal gives new wings to our idea of creating unique footwear for the young Indian. Styched has changed the operating model of creating and delivering fashion, and I’m very excited to see Flatheads taking the next leap together. Young Indians are just starting to flaunt their sneakers as a new fashion and lifestyle statement. The market is evolving, and it will be a unique journey for the category, different from other parts of the world. It will be fulfilling to see Flatheads being an integral part of the market creation and growth,” said Ganesh Balakrishnan, Co-Founder of Flatheads.
Initially, Flatheads will continue offering its existing range of products, with all departments now being operated and managed by Styched. This development will be followed by an aggressive hiring phase aimed at strengthening the footwear department within Styched, ultimately elevating the overall offering.
With this acquisition, Styched reinforces its commitment to providing fashion-forward choices for the youth market, expanding its product range, and embracing innovation in the rapidly evolving fashion landscape.
18, Jul 2023
Federal Bank celebrates Indian sports and athletes in preparation for the upcoming Paris Olympics and Paralympics
Mumbai, 18 July 2023: Federal Bank as part of its CSR activity is contributing to support the celebration and recognition of Indian sports and our athletes in preparation for the upcoming Paris Olympics and Paralympics scheduled to take place in July-August 2024. The Bank is sponsoring a physical and mental health conclave, as well as 15 weekly talk shows on various aspects of sports, health and education.
The first show is aired with Manasi Joshi, the Paralympic badminton star and Boria Majumdar, author and sports commentator where the importance of mental well-being in the world of Sports is discussed. Other athletes who will be featured are Bhavina Patel, Ekta Bhyan, Palak Kohli, Deepa Malik and a host of others.
These initiatives aim to provide guidance and encouragement to our talented athletes, understand the challenges they face and help them prepare for success on the international stage. The project is being carried out in partnership with RevSportz.
Ajith Kumar K K, Chief Human Resources Officer, Federal Bank said, “Federal Bank is committed to celebrating nationally recognized sports, including Paralympic and Olympic sports, and we believe that documenting the stories of athletes and the challenges they face is crucial for the growth and success of Indian sports. By organizing the physical and mental health conclave, and weekly talk shows, we aim to provide a platform for athletes to receive guidance and gain valuable insights from experts in their respective fields.”
Boria Majumdar, founder of RevSportz said, “These shows will help deep dive into issues that are little discussed in the public domain and in turn help us better understand and celebrate our athletes. These narratives will help in making us a better society which believes in equality and sensitivity.”
Federal Bank expects these initiatives to create a positive impact on the sporting landscape of the nation.
18, Jul 2023
Empowering India: 5 Indian Startups Revolutionizing Financial Literacy
Financial literacy plays a crucial role in empowering individuals to make informed financial decisions and achieve their goals. In India, where financial awareness is often limited, several startups have emerged to bridge the gap and provide valuable resources for financial education. Let’s explore five Indian startups that are revolutionizing financial literacy and empowering individuals across the nation.
MoneyTree: Simplifying Personal Finance
MoneyTree aims to bridge the financial literacy gap in India by offering user-friendly financial planning tools, budgeting assistance, and investment advice. Their platform equips users with the knowledge and tools to make informed financial decisions.
YPay: #BharatKaSmartCard
YPay is a prepaid smart card that offers Indian teens and young adults the option to make payments independently. It also provides parents and schools with a secure and monitored means of financial transactions.
FinEdu: Educating the Masses
FinEdu leverages technology to deliver financial education programs to individuals and organizations across India. Their comprehensive courses cover topics like budgeting, saving, investment strategies, and retirement planning, empowering people with essential financial knowledge.
Piggy: Making Investing Easy
Piggy is an Indian startup that focuses on demystifying investment concepts and making investing accessible to all. Their user-friendly app provides educational content, personalized recommendations, and a seamless investing experience for beginners, enabling them to grow their wealth.
Chalo Paisa: Digitalizing Financial Literacy
Chalo Paisa is a digital platform that offers interactive and informative content on various financial topics, including banking, insurance, loans, and taxes. Their engaging content, available in multiple regional languages, helps individuals across India gain financial literacy at their own pace.
These Indian startups are taking significant strides in providing financial literacy to people across the nation. By leveraging technology, innovation, and a commitment to education, they are transforming lives and ensuring a financially empowered future for India.
18, Jul 2023
Baird Medical Obtains NMPA Approval of Class III Registered Microwave Ablation Needle for Thyroid Nodules
Guangzhou, China, July 18, 2023 – Baird Medical Investment Holdings Limited (“Baird Medical” or the “Company”), a leading microwave ablation (“MWA”) medical device developer and provider in China, announced today that the Company’s independently developed and produced disposable MWA needle for the treatment of benign thyroid nodules received approval from China’s National Medical Products Administration (the “NMPA”) on July 13, 2023. The approval follows the registration of the first Class III thyroid MWA device and its accessories in China on November 18, 2021, by Nanjing Changcheng Medical Equipment Company Limited, a subsidiary of Baird Medical. This accomplishment marks the first independently registered product of its kind in China.
The Company expects the acquisition of the Class III certificate for the MWA needle will simplify sales processes and streamline the admission procedure for Baird Medical’s MWA needles. It will also expand the range of available specifications and models, allowing the company to customize its sales strategy for different disease types.
Baird Medical has actively complied with the policy and regulatory requirements set by the NMPA, conducting a comprehensive series of activities related to the Class III registration of MWA products. These included design enhancements and extensive efficacy and safety experiments, including animal and clinical trials, to help ensure the product’s safety and quality prior to launch. By offering safe, advanced MWA products for the treatment of thyroid diseases, Baird Medical aims to provide minimally invasive treatment options and solutions for patients. These solutions are particularly valuable to those with large thyroid cysts, nodular goiters, and individuals who are unable to undergo surgery.
Minimally invasive ablation technology for thyroid nodules has gained significant recognition over the past two decades due to its many potential applications. Thyroid nodule ablation technology has continuously advanced during that time, and its safety and effectiveness are well-established. Compared to surgical procedures, thyroid ablation technology offers advantages such as precise local anesthesia and real-time ultrasound-guided tumor ablation. Potential benefits for patients include reduced operation times, lower costs compared to open surgery, fewer complications, reduced damage to surrounding tissues, avoiding surgical scars, and effectively preserving thyroid function post-surgery. Thermal ablation is currently endorsed as one of the treatment options for benign thyroid nodules by multiple international and domestic guidelines.
Ms. Haimei Wu, Founder and CEO of Baird Medical, commented, “our recent approval from China’s National Medical Products Administration for our Class III disposable MWA needle is a testament to our unwavering commitment to scientific rigor, quality, and safety. We are proud of the strides we have made as a leading force in the development and provision of MWA devices. At Baird Medical, we remain steadfast in our pursuit of transformative solutions that offer minimally invasive, efficient, and more affordable treatment options for patients. Our success in developing this solution is another step in our continued journey to provide the highest standard of care to patients worldwide.”
18, Jul 2023
SlamBall Signs Comprehensive Partnership with U.S. Integrity
LAS VEGAS, NV (July 18, 2023) – Today U.S. Integrity (“USI”) announced a comprehensive partnership with SlamBall, the fast-paced, gravity-defying sport that combines elements of basketball, football, hockey and trampoline, as they aim to protect the integrity of its sport and future events. The 2023 SlamBall League: Series 6, will begin July 21 at Cox Pavilion in Las Vegas and runs for seven weeks, live on ESPN, ESPN2 and ESPN+.
U.S. Integrity will provide integrity monitoring services via its proprietary dashboard to SlamBall that will encompass data intelligence and fraud prevention. U.S. Integrity conducts analyses across dozens of data sets to proactively identify irregular contest-level & wagering patterns.
“We fully endorse this partnership as the growth of SlamBall and its appeal to fans will reach new heights heading into the 2023 season. The expectation is as our sport evolves, so will sports betting markets. The timing is right to put the correct process in place with a major focus being integrity protection and fraud prevention.” said Mason Gordon, SlamBall co-creator and CEO.
“U.S. Integrity is proud to partner with SlamBall as wagering interest on their events continues to grow across the regulated sports wagering market,” says Matthew Holt, U.S. Integrity’s CEO & co-founder. He continued, “U.S. Integrity’s mission is to provide conflict-free, best in class insights & compliance solutions to our clients. We’re thrilled to collaborate with the outstanding team at SlamBall. There’s a commitment to integrity from all our partners, and this partnership with SlamBall validates that standard.”
