All Things Sustainable

Ahead of Earth Day on April 22, we’re continuing our series on plastic with a look at steps some companies are taking to address the growing plastic pollution problem.   The ESG Insider podcast launched the series ahead of international plastic treaty talks taking place in Ottawa, Canada April 23-29. More than 170 countries will gather to negotiate a legally binding instrument on plastic pollution, with a view to agreeing on a global treaty by the end of 2024.  In today’s episode, we talk to Dow, one of the world’s largest chemical and plastic production companies, to hear how it is approaching the challenge of pollution and waste alongside growing demand for plastic.  We talk with the company's Lead Sustainability Director Jihane Ball and with Stephanie Kalil, Senior Global Business Director, Packaging & Specialty Plastics at Dow. Stephanie explains how Dow is working to change its business model for plastics.   "We're shifting the business model from what has historically been a largely linear business model — where you basically make, sell, consume, then dispose — to more of a circular model, which is going to start with us designing with the end in mind so that we can ensure that all the products that we make are recyclable and delivering the lowest carbon footprint," Stephanie says.  We hear the perspective of a company that uses plastic in its products and packaging in our interview with Allison Lin, Global Vice President of Packaging Sustainability at Mars, one of world’s the largest food and confectionary companies.     And we hear about some of the emerging technology solutions for plastic waste in an interview with Adela Putinelu, Head of Policy and Sustainability at plastics recycling company Plastic Energy.  Listen to the first episode in this series, titled "How plastic impacts companies, investors, public health and the environment": https://www.spglobal.com/esg/podcasts/how-plastic-impacts-companies-investors-public-health-and-the-environment   Listen to the second episode in this series, titled "What's at stake in UN plastic pollution treaty talks:" https://www.spglobal.com/esg/podcasts/what-s-at-stake-in-un-plastic-pollution-treaty-talks  And listen to our interview with Kevin Rabinovitch, Global Vice President of Sustainability and Chief Climate Officer at Mars: https://www.spglobal.com/esg/podcasts/how-one-of-world-s-largest-food-companies-is-rethinking-supply-chains  This piece was published by S&P Global Sustainable1, a part of S&P Global.       Copyright ©2024 by S&P Global       DISCLAIMER       By accessing this Podcast, I acknowledge that S&P GLOBAL makes no warranty, guarantee, or representation as to the accuracy or sufficiency of the information featured in this Podcast. The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this Podcast are for general information only and any reliance on the information provided in this Podcast is done at your own risk. This Podcast should not be considered professional advice. Unless specifically stated otherwise, S&P GLOBAL does not endorse, approve, recommend, or certify any information, product, process, service, or organization presented or mentioned in this Podcast, and information from this Podcast should not be referenced in any way to imply such approval or endorsement. The third party materials or content of any third party site referenced in this Podcast do not necessarily reflect the opinions, standards or policies of S&P GLOBAL. S&P GLOBAL assumes no responsibility or liability for the accuracy or completeness of the content contained in third party materials or on third party sites referenced in this Podcast or the compliance with applicable laws of such materials and/or links referenced herein. Moreover, S&P GLOBAL makes no warranty that this Podcast, or the server that makes it available, is free of viruses, worms, or other elements or codes that manifest contaminating or destructive properties. S&P GLOBAL EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ANY AND ALL LIABILITY OR RESPONSIBILITY FOR ANY DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL OR OTHER DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF ANY INDIVIDUAL'S USE OF, REFERENCE TO, RELIANCE ON, OR INABILITY TO USE, THIS PODCAST OR THE INFORMATION PRESENTED IN THIS PODCAST. 

Willemijn Peeters, an expert in plastic recycling and circularity, discusses strategies to reduce plastic pollution. Stakeholders emphasize the need for a global treaty to tackle the crisis. Industry perspective highlights the ongoing demand for plastic despite environmental concerns.

Dr. Philip Landrigan discusses the health impacts of plastics, Richard Wielechowski shares insights on plastic pollution, and Aarthi Ananthanarayanan emphasizes the need for a change in approach to the plastic problem. Recycling alone isn't enough to tackle plastic pollution, and a broader perspective is needed to combat the environmental challenges posed by plastics.

Key industry leaders discuss energy transition at CERAWeek, highlighting debates on emission reduction, electricity demand shifts, AI role in energy optimization, talent challenges in sustainability goals, and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries' green solutions. Strategic partnerships with industry leaders drive innovation in CO2 capture and clean power generation

Dr. Jennifer Holmgren, CEO of Lanzatech, discusses carbon recycling tech and advice for women in leadership. Dr. Enass Abo-Hamed, CEO of H2GO Power, shares insights on green hydrogen storage challenges and offers advice for young entrepreneurs. The podcast highlights innovative approaches to carbon reuse, economic challenges in cleantech, and the importance of passion in technology development.

Martine Ferland, CEO of Mercer, discusses her decision to step down and leadership style. She talks about bringing emotional intelligence to business decisions, turning down the CEO role twice before accepting it, and the importance of empathy in leadership. The podcast also explores challenges of longevity, work-life balance as a parent, and the significance of personal values in leadership.

On World Water Day, the CEO of Water.org discusses the solvability of water challenges. Topics include the intersection of water challenges and climate change, the role of infrastructure and finance in addressing water needs, and the importance of public-private collaboration in solving water challenges. The podcast highlights the innovative models of organizations like Water.org and WaterEquity in providing capital and resources to address global water challenges

Ana Carolina Oliveira from ING discusses financing low-carbon technologies at CERAWeek. She highlights the challenge of the finance gap for energy transition. The podcast explores ING's efforts in sustainable finance, bridging finance gaps in energy technologies, and navigating capital challenges. It also delves into ING's approach to biodiversity and the urgency for action in finance.

A special episode featuring Sinead Kaufman from Rio Tinto discussing the company's approach to energy transition and nature. Learn how Rio Tinto aims to be part of the solution for the next 150 years by decarbonizing its business and providing materials for the energy transition. This episode captures insights from S&P Global's CERAWeek conference in Houston, where global leaders gather to discuss energy strategies and transitions.

A Fortune 500 energy company, AES Corporation, discusses its net-zero goals and transition from coal to gas at CERAWeek. The importance of regional differences in energy transitions is highlighted, with a focus on phasing out coal and fuel oil for natural gas. The challenges and strategies for global decarbonization are explored, along with AES's initiatives in renewable energy and tech partnerships for emissions reduction.