– Tesco’s Bright Idea: Laser-Etched Avocados to Zap Plastic Waste
– Companies Going the Extra Mile for ESG-Friendly Deals
– Power Players Unite: Tech Titans and Energy Giants Forge Path for Carbon-Free Future
– Investors Shift Gears Towards Social and Environmental Gains
Market Recap
In line with broader markets, the ESG indices fell for the week, with the ESG Universal index falling the least (-0.52%).
(1 week performance from 27/05/24 to 31/05/24))
Tesco lasering avocados in test to ditch stickers
Britain’s biggest supermarket group, is using lasers to etch product information on some of its avocados to avoid using barcoded stickers, in a trial it says will reduce plastic waste. The high-powered lasers remove a minute section of the top layer of avocado skin, leaving a tattoo that shows information for customers and cashiers, such as the size or variety of the fruit.
All UK supermarkets are seeking to reduce plastic usage to meet their environmental commitments. Tesco is targeting net zero carbon emissions by 2050 across its operations together with those generated by the products it sells and its supply chains.
Over 70% of Companies Have Abandoned Acquisitions Over ESG Concerns: Deloitte Survey
Sustainability considerations are becoming increasingly central in the mergers and acquisitions dealmaking process, with more than 70% of M&A leaders reporting abandoning potential acquisitions over ESG concerns, and a vast majority saying they would be willing to pay more for targets with strong ESG attributes, according to a new survey released by global professional services firm Deloitte.
Amazon, Google, Microsoft, Nucor Pioneer New Clean Energy Investment, Risk Sharing Models with Duke Energy
Tech giants Amazon, Google and Microsoft, steel producer Nucor, and electricity provider Duke Energy announced agreements aimed at exploring new approaches to support the deployment of carbon-free energy generation, including the development of new rate structures to share risk for new clean energy projects based on emerging technologies.
Announced at the White House Summit on Domestic Nuclear Deployment, the agreements include proposals for new rate structures in North Carolina and South Carolina, designed to lower the long-term costs of investing in clean energy technologies through early commitments.
Survey Shows Increasing Investor Interest in Responsible and Impact Investing
A recent survey conducted by RBC Wealth Management reveals more positive investor sentiment around responsible investing and evolving preferences toward impact investing.
When asked about responsible investing strategies, impact investing – defined as investing in assets to create a measurable positive social or environmental impact – is more attractive to respondents than in previous years, with 63% being interested in applying impact investing to their current portfolios versus 49% in 2023.
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Sources.
Anthony Walters – Head of ESG at Clever Adviser Technology Ltd (Clever)
Market recap Data sourced from FE FundInfo & Koyfin (quoted in Pounds Sterling).
Over 70% of Companies Have Abandoned Acquisitions Over ESG Concerns: Deloitte Survey, by ESG today, 03/06/24
RBC Wealth Management Survey Shows Increasing Investor Interest in Responsible and Impact Investing by ESG News, 3/06/24
Survey Shows Increasing Investor Interest in Responsible and Impact Investing by ESG News, 03/06/24
27/05/24
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