San Francisco — Brilliant Earth Group, Inc., an innovative, global leader in ethically sourced fine jewelry, has announced that the Science Based Targets initiative has verified the company’s long term target to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions across its operations (Scopes 1 and 2) and its supply chain (Scope 3) by 2050. This validation reinforces Brilliant Earth’s commitment to reach net-zero GHG emissions by 2050 and addresses the urgent need to try to limit global temperature increases to less than 1.5°C, below catastrophic levels, in line with the Paris Agreement. …
supply chain
Louisville, Ky. — On Oct. 8, Yum! Brands, Inc. released its annual Global Citizenship & Sustainability Report, detailing its advancements in reducing carbon emissions, improving packaging and more. The company has a longstanding dedication to responsible business practices, investing strategically in its three priority pillars of People, Food and Planet. “In 2023, we experienced a year of remarkable growth and remained focused on greenhouse gas reduction, sustainable packaging and having a positive community impact,” says David Gibbs, CEO of Yum! Brands. “Our ‘Good Growth’ strategy has propelled our sales and …
Danbury, Conn. — An Ethan Allen distribution center located in Old Fort, N.C., was recently impacted by the significant flooding caused by Hurricane Helene. The distribution center, which primarily ships custom-made home furnishings to select wholesale customers, has not yet resumed daily shipping operations due to limited road accessibility for tractor trailers. Recovery efforts have already begun, including restoration of electricity and internet connectivity. The company’s major upholstery operations, which are located in central North Carolina, were not significantly disrupted by Hurricane Helene and are currently operating at normal capacity. …
San Antonio — Whataburger® has appointed Todd Huetinck as its new chief supply chain officer. With nearly two decades of global supply chain leadership, Huetinck has expertise across sourcing, distribution, logistics, food safety, supplier quality management, continuous improvement and product commercialization. His first day at Whataburger was Oct. 1. Huetinck joins Whataburger from CKE Restaurants, where he most recently served as senior vice president, supply chain management, overseeing operations for 3,000 Carl’s Jr. and Hardee’s restaurants. Throughout his 18 years at CKE, he took on increasingly responsible roles, making significant …
Salisbury, N.C. and Minneapolis — Recognizing the importance of collaboration across the value chain, Ahold Delhaize USA and General Mills have teamed up to create an innovative approach to address Scope 3 greenhouse gas emissions within their shared value chain. Through co-investments in priority supply sheds — or geographic growing regions where key ingredients are sourced — the two companies will support farmers as they adopt regenerative farming practices. Utilizing expertise from Ecosystem Services Market Consortium (ESMC), a nonprofit member-based consortium, farmers will receive technical and financial support to implement …
Prep Now for HVAC Manufacturer Backlogs, Service Delays in 2025
An approaching shift in refrigerants for heat pumps and air-conditioning systems will have far-reaching implications for restaurant and retail operators, potentially delaying the availability of new equipment, replacement parts and access to the service providers needed to install or repair them. “In the months before a rule change like this, everybody starts to scramble to get ready,” says John Brightwell, regional project manager at facilities repair service provider MaintenX. “We’ve budgeted for this and have adjusted our equipment, tools and training to install and service the new systems; but if …
Herzogenaurach, Germany — Sports company PUMA has appointed Indrajeet Sen as senior vice president, PUMA group sourcing, taking over the operational responsibilities of the chief sourcing officer role. PUMA’s chief sourcing officer, Anne-Laure Descours, has decided not to extend her board contract and will support the company as an external advisor in the field of sustainability. In his new position, Sen will oversee the global sourcing and development of footwear, apparel and accessories, as well as operations and sustainability, reporting directly to PUMA’s chief product officer, Maria Valdes. He will …
— By Ray Hatch — The shocking truth about food waste: how businesses can drive positive change. Each year, a significant portion of the United State’s food supply goes unsold and uneaten, leading to about 145 billion meals ending up in landfills annually. This accounts for 38% of all food in America, with over half of the food waste originating from the food and grocery industry. As consumers are increasingly seeking environmentally friendly practices and a diverse range of high-quality food options, this puts pressure on food purchases, inventory management …
Newport Beach, Calif. — The chairman and CEO of Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc., Brian Niccol, has accepted the role as chairman and CEO of Starbucks and will be leaving Chipotle on August 31, 2024. Niccol has served as Chipotle’s CEO since 2018 and as chairman of the board since 2020. Chipotle’s board of directors has appointed Scott Boatwright, chief operating officer, as interim CEO. Boatwright joined Chipotle in 2017 and has been instrumental in driving restaurant operations for the company’s more than 3,500 restaurants. He also led the integration of …
Pittsburgh, Pa. — DICK’S Sporting Goods plans to construct an 800,000-square-foot regional distribution center in Fort Worth, Texas, which is expected to bring 300 new full-time jobs to the region over the next 10 years. The Fort Worth location joins five existing DICK’S distribution centers in Atlanta; Conklin, N.Y.; Goodyear, Ariz.; Plainfield, Ind.; and Smithton, Pa. The next-generation facility will support DICK’S business in Texas and provide distribution capabilities to more than 100 DICK’S Sporting Goods stores across several states. DICK’S selected Fort Worth for its business-friendly environment, qualified and …