A strategic combination of brick-and-mortar stores and sustainability has come of age to help create a society free of hunger and waste—a commitment that is all but likely to foster the ESG performance of food grocery retailers. A holistic approach and concerted efforts for a circular economy have unlocked avenues of opportunities to underscore sustainability, complementing good governance, transparency, ethics, diversity, health & wellbeing, renewable energy and greenhouse gas reduction. Grocery CEOs, shoppers, vendors, investors, NGOs and government organizations are zeroing in on ESG ta ..read more

Grocery CEOs, consumers and grocers envisage online shopping as the next big thing, spurred by technological advancements and greater convenience. The COVID-19 onslaught was partly attributed to online grocery flooding the market. While leading players and startups jumped on the bandwagon, ESG watchdogs were wary of the sustainable impact the industry would have on the planet. Stakeholders are expected to harness gender equality, fair wages, waste reduction, responsible sourcing of farm produce and sound corporate governance.  The ease of browsing, getting items ticked off and q ..read more

Concerted efforts to boost water conservation have prompted bottled water brands to bank on environmental, social and governance (ESG) pillars. Maintaining the delicate balance between the ecosystem and human needs will foster environmental sustainability. Brands are vying to bolster their sustainability journey with commitments across packaging, climate change, water and sourcing. Moreover, emphasizing labor management, supply chain labor standards, corporate governance, board diversity and transparency will develop resiliency and help produce high-quality and safe products.  P ..read more

Business goals in the healthcare and medical sectors are increasingly linked with big data, so much so that life science analytics has become a major proponent of environmental, social and governance (ESG) practices. At a time when life science companies are painstakingly emphasizing the manufacturing and distribution of medicines, research and development and innovation, sustainable reporting has become instrumental in solidifying their brand positions. ESG reporting can be the silver bullet to retain talent and drive business results with a positive influence on society and the bes ..read more

Financial institutions and technology vendors have repurposed their strategies on digital payments—more so—on the back of a dip in physical cash. Add to it the technological innovations that have leveraged online banking. Cash may still be the king; electronic payment, however, is giving a run for the money. An exponential rise in smartphone usage, surging internet penetration and growth in e-commerce have made electronic payment a force to reckon with. Meanwhile, the luxury of contactless and fast payments comes with caveats—environmental, social and governance challenges.  Amidst c ..read more

Environmental, social and governance (ESG) reporting in the healthcare sector has received a further push with the European pharmaceutical industry players confronting climate change and exploring challenges and opportunities, including strategies for product marketing and developing technologies and policies. In April 2021, the European Commission issued a legislative proposal for the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), requiring companies to report in line with European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS). Furthermore, in July 2023, the EC adopted the first s ..read more

C-suite executives and board members in the antibiotics industry have become increasingly aware of ESG and how it affects their strategy, companies’ future performance and their value. An ominous rise of antibiotic-resistant bacteria has sent shockwaves among manufacturers, compelling them to integrate ESG into their business operations. The Lancet noted in its 2021 study that antibiotics helped minimize the mortality of under-fives to 39 deaths (from 216) per 1,000 live births between 1950 and 2017. Meanwhile, the overuse of antibiotics has led to a notable outcry towards the emerge ..read more

The ubiquity of plastic package has put the spotlight on environmental, social and governance (ESG) as industry leaders take a leap towards decarbonization and circular economy. Incumbent manufacturers are harnessing sustainable packaging solutions to protect the environment, foster the planet and underscore society. There is no denying that packaging ensures product quality and safety; however, pervasive plastic pollution has been the major bottleneck towards sustainability goals. According to UNEP, humanity produces over 430 million tons of plastic annually, while 280 million tons ..read more

Pharmaceutical manufacturing has repeatedly stepped up during global crises, including the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Industry leaders are recognizing the significance of environmental, social and governance (ESG) pillars, including climate change, diversity, equity & inclusion (DEI), product innovation, business ethics, equitable access & pricing and product quality. The need to embed and align responsible business practices for strategic decisions, governance and business operations will augur well for purpose-driven pharmaceutical manufacturing organizat ..read more

The global legal services industry has witnessed a significant shift in recent years, with a growing emphasis on sustainability and responsible business practices. As corporations, governments, and consumers strive to make a positive impact, the integration of Environment, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles into the legal sector has become a key trend. Through the adoption of advanced technologies and a focus on sustainability, the industry is not only enhancing efficiency but also contributing to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDG). In this article, we will ..read more