Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages pioneers packaging circularity innovation with breakthrough rPET technology

20th June 2024: Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages (HCCB), one of India’s leading FMCG companies, pioneering sustainability efforts, introduced a new packaging innovation enhancing circularity. The latest Affordable Small Sparkling Package (ASSP) features breakthrough PET (Polyethylene terephthalate) package technology designed to use a minimal amount of PET content while maintaining optimum carbonation retention and shelf life.

This new packaging technology not only reduces plastic usage and carbon emissions but also aligns with global sustainability goals. The ASSP 250ml design achieves a significant reduction in PET material use and offers a 100% recyclable package that can be processed in the same stream as regular PET. This also leads to a reduction in carbon emissions by approximately 70%, significantly advancing carbon reduction goals under the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi) for Climate Change. As a part of this effort, PET bottles are collected and recycled to make new ASSP bottles thus further contributing to sustainability.

The Khurda plant of HCCB in Odisha spearheaded the launch of this eco-friendly packaging aimed at achieving the dual goals of reducing carbon emissions and minimizing the use of virgin plastics.

Commenting on the launch, Mr Himanshu Priyadarshi, Chief Public Affairs, Communications & Sustainability Officer, Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages, said, “While constantly innovating to improve efficiencies, making a positive difference and refreshing the world remains the core of our sustainability ethos. With our new Affordable Small Sparkling Package (ASSP), we are working towards lightweight, pioneering circularity in packaging, reducing plastic use and carbon emissions. This step in our journey towards a better, shared world enables a significant reduction in the use of PET along with 100% recyclable packaging. We look forward to continuing the momentum in bringing positive, sustainable changes in the ecosystem.”

Furthering its commitment to The Coca-Cola Company’s ‘World Without Waste’ initiative, HCCB has implemented 100% rPET (Recyclable Polyethylene Terephthalate) usage in the ASSP 250 ml pack size, leading to a substantial 72% reduction in carbon emissions compared to its non-ASSP counterparts using virgin PET. This initiative demonstrates HCCB’s commitment to creating a more sustainable future while maintaining the quality and integrity of its products.

Flipkart launches its Grocery fulfillment center in Jaipur, Rajasthan; offers delivery slots as per consumer’s choice

Jaipur, Rajasthan –20th June 2024: Flipkart, India’s homegrown e-commerce marketplace, has launched its new grocery fulfillment center (FC) in Jaipur, Rajasthan, furthering its commitment to offer delivery slots tailored to consumer preferences. Flipkart’s first grocery FC in the state will help meet increasing consumer demand for online groceries through enhanced speed and serviceability across the region. Leveraging local consumer insights, the new FC will offer a diverse selection of over 5,000 products across staples, foods, beverages, snacks, personal care and household cleaning aids. The products will include several popular local brands, such as Gainda, Saras, Gowardhan, Mahakosh, Rajdhani, Desi Choice, Laxmi Bhog, Tagore and more, to cater to the distinct palates of varied consumers in the state.

Rajasthan is emerging as a fast-growing state, witnessing strong demand for online groceries. With a large population, untapped e-commerce potential, and the absence of Quick commerce services, Rajasthan presents a significant growth opportunity for Flipkart. By expanding into this market, Flipkart will cater to the increasing need for e-grocery and serve value-seeking consumers beyond metropolitan regions. Spread over 69,000 square feet, the center has a dispatch capacity of over 6,500 orders per day across Jaipur and its neighboring cities such as Bikaner, Jaipur, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur and Kota. The FC will generate more than 600 direct and indirect job opportunities while uplifting the livelihood opportunities of numerous small businesses, MSMEs, and local farmers in the region. The launch highlights Flipkart’s commitment to providing consumers convenient access to a diverse range of quality grocery products in the delivery slot of their choice.

Smt. Manju Sharma, Member of Parliament, Jaipur, said, “Flipkart’s first grocery fulfillment center in Rajasthan is a significant milestone in our state’s digital and economic growth. We are happy that Flipkart’s expansion in its supply chain infrastructure in the state will provide local consumers with faster and more convenient access to essential goods. At the same time, it will empower the local MSMEs and farmers, thereby uplifting the overall livelihood opportunities of the local ecosystem. I commend Flipkart for their commitment to enhancing our PM Shri Narendra Modi ji’s vision of ‘Digital India’ by giving benefits of digital commerce and contributing to enriching the economy of our New Bharat.”

Rajneesh Kumar, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer at Flipkart Group, said, “As a customer-first organization, Flipkart leverages its homegrown technology to keenly identify high-demand hotspots and address consumer needs for quality grocery products. The launch of our first grocery fulfillment center in Jaipur marks a significant advancement in our efforts to enhance delivery services and meet the growing consumer demand for online groceries in Rajasthan. As we continue to expand our footprint, the new FC aligns with our commitment to strengthening partnerships with local farmers, MSMEs and other local businesses. We remain committed to furthering our vision of empowering these communities economically and fostering sustainable growth while creating new livelihood opportunities.”

Hari Kumar G, Vice President, Head of Grocery, Flipkart, said, “We have been witnessing significant demand for online groceries among local consumers of Rajasthan, which offers an opportunity to bridge the digital gap and make online shopping more convenient for consumers. With the launch of the new FC, consumers will now have access to a vast assortment of high-quality local and national selections at the right value at the delivery slot of their choice. We aim to address the needs of value-seeking consumers of tier 2 and 3 cities by elevating consumer satisfaction and improving the growth of the overall regional ecosystem.”

Speaking on the launch Vivek Walia, Vice President, Gainda said, “Opening of an FC will expand the network of Flipkart, thereby helping us in widening our reach. This will be beneficial to our Brand Gainda, as we can penetrate the local markets well, moving the customer base from offline to online. It will also help us reach and acquire new customers.”

Earlier, reliant on the Dharuhera FC in Haryana, consumers in Rajasthan and nearby regions will now receive their grocery deliveries quickly and at the right value. Customers can also avail of services such as cash on delivery, pay later, no-cost EMI, easy cancellation, and UPI-enhancing digital payment options. These customer-centric innovations focus on providing seamless and convenient shopping experiences. Features such as voice-enabled shopping, regional language support, credit offerings, and open-box delivery continue to revolutionize Flipkart’s grocery shopping experience, setting new standards for convenience, accessibility, and customer satisfaction in the online marketplace.

Blue Dart Successfully Commences Drone Deliveries

Hyderabad/Mumbai, 20th June 2024 – Blue Dart, South Asia’s leading courier and integrated express package distribution company, has successfully launched drone deliveries in collaboration with Skye Air, a leader in drone technology. This move marks a significant advancement towards cleaner and more efficient delivery solutions. Building on their pioneering VLOS trials in Vikarabad, Hyderabad, in September 2021, and BVLOS trials under the Telangana Government’s ‘Medicine from the Sky’ initiative, Blue Dart continues to lead in utilizing drone technology for logistics.

Initially focusing on the growing e-commerce sector, this innovative approach is set to revolutionize last-mile delivery by offering same-day delivery for shipments, significantly reducing delivery time and environmental impact. This milestone achievement notably coincided with World Environment Day, emphasizing Blue Dart’s commitment to sustainable logistics practices.

On this initiative, Balfour Manuel, Managing Director, Blue Dart, says, “The logistics sector in India is experiencing an exhilarating phase. The nation’s robust economic growth, coupled with the aspirations of its consumers and growth in Tier 2 & Tier 3 cities, has significantly boosted purchasing power. This surge in demand emphasizes the need for innovative solutions that drive growth while ensuring efficiency and sustainability. As we witness the marvel of drone technology, we eagerly anticipate extending this service further, with plans to cover additional pin codes in subsequent stages with our partners.”

With a rich legacy spanning over four decades, Blue Dart has set the standard for reliability, resilience, and responsiveness in the express logistics industry. The successful initiation of drone delivery operations further solidifies Blue Dart’s position as an industry leader, reaffirming its commitment to continuous innovation and top-notch service.

4 Premium Smart TVs to Look Out for in 2024

Halfway through 2024, the world of home entertainment is just getting bigger and better, and more exciting than ever. Premium smart TVs have become the cornerstone of modern living rooms, offering a blend of cutting-edge technology, stunning visuals, and immersive audio experiences.

Various brands and various models are on a spree to set new benchmarks in the industry, bringing unparalleled innovation and quality to consumers. Here is a list of top 4 smart TVs that are sure to leave you spellbound with their exceptional picture quality, smart features, and overall performance.

TCL C655 QLED TV
Powered by Google TV OS, TCL’s C655 enhances its distinguished QLED TV lineup by integrating movies, shows, and live TV from a wide array of OTT apps and subscriptions. This next-gen TV features a Uni-body ultra-slim design, offering an improved visual effect and optimized space utilization. Available in multiple screen sizes—43”, 50”, 55”, 65”, and 75”—it is tailored to fit various home spaces. Equipped with 4K Quantum Dot Pro, the C655 elevates the standard viewing experience to a cinematic level, featuring precise light control and a superior picture quality chip that significantly enhances color contrast, brightness, and saturation across a wide color gamut.

Samsung UA65CUE60AKLXL Crystal iSmart 4K LED TV
This 4K Ultra HD smart TV, with a resolution of 3840 x 2160 and a 50 Hertz refresh rate, offers an exceptional viewing experience. Connectivity options include three HDMI ports for connecting set-top boxes or gaming consoles, one USB port for hard drives or other USB devices, Ethernet, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth. The sound system delivers a powerful 20W output through 2-channel speakers, enhanced by OTS Lite and Adaptive Sound, with dual audio support via Bluetooth and Buds Auto Switch for seamless audio transitions. Smart TV features encompass a wide range of supported apps like Netflix, Prime Video, and YouTube, along with screen mirroring, Universal Guide, Media Home, Tap View, mobile camera support, AI speaker, easy setup, app casting, Wireless DeX, SmartThings, Smart Hub, IoT sensor, and a web browser. The display boasts a 4K Ultra HD Smart Panel with a Crystal Processor 4K, Pur Color, HDR 10+, Mega Contrast UHD Dimming, 3-side bezel-less design, Motion Xcelerator, Contrast Enhancer,
and Filmmaker Mode for a truly immersive visual experience.

TCL P755Pro 4K QLED TV
TCL’s 4K QLED TV lineup, the P755Pro range, features T-Screen technology for outstanding detail and comes in various screen sizes: 55″, 65″, and 75″. It boasts 3x contrast enhancement, 16% lower energy consumption, and an impressive >178-degree viewing angle. The HDR capability delivers richer details with higher contrast, a wider color gamut, and vivid colors for an enhanced viewing experience. Utilizing MEMC technology, the P755Pro ensures sharp, blur-free action scenes, making it perfect for fast-paced content. Additionally, gamers will love the new DLG (Dual Line Gate) technology, which employs unique algorithms to achieve a higher refresh rate and lower latency, offering an exceptional gaming experience.

Haier 4K Ultra HD Smart LED Google TV
This 4K Ultra HD smart TV, with a resolution of 3840 x 2160 and a 60 Hertz refresh rate, offers a stunning visual experience enhanced by a 178-degree wide viewing angle. Connectivity is robust, featuring four HDMI ports for connecting set-top boxes, Blu-ray players, and gaming consoles, as well as two USB ports for hard drives and other USB devices. The sound system delivers a 24-watt output with Dolby Audio, ensuring rich and immersive audio quality. Smart TV features include Google TV, Watchlist, Google Assistant, Google Play, Chromecast, Netflix, and Amazon Prime Video, providing seamless access to a variety of content and apps. The display is further enhanced with MEMC and 4K HDR, offering smooth motion and high dynamic range for a superior viewing experience.

Global Executives Upbeat on International Growth Despite Dimmer Outlook, Lean on Technology

Washington, DC, June 19, 2024 — Factum Global, an international consulting firm specializing in helping organizations expand and operate across global markets, today released the results of their latest Factum Global Business Sentiment Survey assessing the outlook for global business and technology.

While the overall positive outlook on global business has dipped since Q3 2023, the survey found that 77.2% of executives still plan to continue or increase their international expansion over the next six months, leaning heavily on emerging technologies like AI, cybersecurity, and process automation.

The survey found 84.2% of executives believe doing international business is good for their organization based on their global economic forecast for the next six months, down slightly from Q3 2023. However, the overall positive outlook on global business scored just 0.521, an 8.1% decrease from Q3 2023 amidst volatility.

“While economic and geopolitical headwinds have dampened sentiment somewhat, the majority of leaders still view an international footprint as critical,” said Francisco Gomez, Founder & CEO of Factum Global. “They’re turning to innovations like AI, enhanced cybersecurity, and automation to optimize operations, roll out new services, and meet evolving customer needs across borders.”

Many respondents specifically highlighted plans to increase activities in high-growth markets across Asia like Japan, Korea, Singapore, and Vietnam, as well as Eastern Europe, Brazil, Mexico, and Sub-Saharan African nations such as South Africa and Kenya. Cost and time-saving opportunities, and leveraging international conferences and events aligned with strategic objectives were noted as key priorities.

Despite persistent challenges, “the data signals that international business remains central to corporate growth strategies in 2024 and beyond, but with a sharpened focus on unlocking new efficiencies through technology,” added Gomez.

The Factum Global Business Sentiment Survey, conducted in collaboration with Global Chamber®, TechFides, and ASIS International from March 6 to May 10, 2024, was answered anonymously by nearly 150 business executives (C-Suite to Director level). Respondents represented a wide range of industries (financial, information technology, manufacturing, professional services, and nonprofits), company sizes, and functional specialties. 39% of respondents were North America-based and 61% were headquartered in more than 30 countries across Asia-Pacific (37.6%), Europe (15.3%), South America (4.7%), and Sub-Saharan Africa (3.5%).

Spring EQ Adds Fixed-Rate HELOC to Home Equity Loan Suite of Products

Philadelphia, PA, June 19, 2024 — Spring EQ, a leading provider of home equity financing solutions, announced today that it has added Fixed Rate Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) products to its range of home equity and mortgage solutions.

The Fixed-Rate HELOC product will offer 15-, 20- or 30-year terms, and be available across all of Spring EQ’s business units, including retail, partner, and TPO broker. It is expected to launch in the Correspondent channel in the coming weeks.

“We’re excited to offer this new fixed-rate HELOC,” said Spring EQ Chief Executive Officer Jerry Schiano. “It’s an innovative product, and we believe homeowners will appreciate the flexibility of a HELOC along with the reliability of a fixed rate and payment.”

“The Fixed-Rate HELOC allows us to offer another solution to more homeowners,” said Joe Steffa, Executive Chairman of Spring EQ. “With today’s rate environment and record amounts of tappable equity across the nation, it’s a key differentiator for us to offer the widest, deepest range of solutions. This product helps us continue to do just that.”

One of the fastest-growing non-bank home equity lenders in the nation, Spring EQ adds Fixed Rate HELOCs to a product suite including Variable Rate HELOCs offering multiple draw periods, and Fixed-Rate Home Equity Loans with terms ranging from 5 to 30 years. Spring EQ extends eligibility to self-employed property owners, and loans are available for primary homes, secondary homes and investment properties.