As higher education institutions work to meet ambitious climate commitments, Loyola University Chicago is demonstrating how sustainable procurement can become a measurable driver of environmental progress.

A new case study from the Global Electronics Council examines how Loyola integrated sustainability standards into its purchasing strategy to advance its carbon neutrality goals while improving operational efficiency and reducing lifecycle environmental impacts.

Over a three-year period from 2022 to 2024, Loyola procured nearly 5,900 EPEAT registered products across computers, monitors, printers, scanners, and servers. These purchases contributed to approximately 1.5 million kg CO2-equivalent emissions reductions and more than 5.3 million kWh in energy savings, supporting the university’s broader sustainability commitments.

As the first university in the Chicago area to achieve carbon neutrality, Loyola has embedded sustainability into procurement policies, supplier engagement, and campus operations. The case study outlines how collaboration between procurement, information technology, and sustainability teams enabled the university to align day-to-day purchasing decisions with institutional climate goals.

“Loyola University Chicago is deeply committed to sustainability, and integrating EPEAT into our procurement strategy has been instrumental in ensuring our electronics purchasing aligns with those core values. We are proud to share our journey and the tangible environmental impact of prioritizing sustainable technology in this case study,” Aaron Durnbaugh, Sustainability Director, Loyola University Chicago.

The case study also highlights Loyola’s focus on circularity and responsible lifecycle management. By prioritizing EPEAT Gold and Silver registered products, the university supports longer-lasting, more repairable technology while reducing waste and strengthening supply chain transparency.

Loyola’s approach demonstrates how mission-driven institutions can transform procurement into a strategic climate action tool while generating measurable environmental and economic benefits.

Read the full case study:
Loyola University Chicago Case Study

About the Global Electronics Council

The Global Electronics Council (GEC) envisions a world with only sustainable electronic technology that enhances the well-being of people and planet. Our mission is to accelerate the transformation of markets toward prioritizing the most sustainable electronic products and services.

As stewards of the EPEAT ecolabel, we set global standards for electronics that empower brands, their value chains and their buyers to achieve ambitious sustainability goals. Through our thought leadership, advocacy, and EPEAT ecolabel, GEC is helping to reshape the electronics industry into a driving force for environmental preservation and global well-being.

Our EPEAT Ecolabel

EPEAT is a leading global ecolabel that enables manufacturers to follow strict third-party verified standards while providing transparency for buyers.

Since its launch in 2006, procurement professionals have reported purchases of more than 3.2 billion EPEAT products, generating cost savings exceeding $39 billion USD and reducing greenhouse gas emissions by more than 370 million metric tonnes.

Erik Fessler 

Senior Manager, Global Communications 

Global Electronics Council

Direct Line: +1 (971) 380-4088

U.S. Eastern Time Zone

efessler@gec.org

Under this three-year cooperative framework, CNH provides agricultural equipment—including tractors, front blades, ploughs and harrows, to support community-led development initiatives. In parallel, CNH delivers structured theoretical and practical training to the Foundation’s field personnel, ensuring safe operation, maintenance, and effective use of the equipment.

The Pidthong Lang Phra Foundation, which operates across 33 provinces to systematically implement Royal Initiative development frameworks, oversees the localized deployment of the machinery. All equipment supported under this MOU will be dedicated to public, non-commercial use, supporting water resource management, environmental preservation, and sustainable income generation for rural citizens.

Access to modern agricultural machinery and technical expertise strengthens our ability to implement development initiatives effectively at the community level. This collaboration supports a more structured and sustainable approach to land and water development across our target provinces,” said Mr. Krissada Boonrach, Chairman of the Board of the Foundation.

Read the full story here.

Produced at Tetra Pak’s U.S. and Canada headquarters in Denton, Texas, the 48 oz Tetra Brik^® Aseptic Edge carton features a distinctive sloped top and clean, rectangular face that differentiates brands on the refrigerated shelf while supporting extended product shelf life.

The package features the LightWing 30 tethered cap, a one-step, hinged flip cap that snaps closed for later consumption and stays attached to the carton to help prevent litter through cap loss. 

With large, forward-facing panels that fully engage shoppers at the shelf, the carton’s height and distinctive shape help brands to command attention while providing ample surface area for creative branding and messaging using solutions such as Tetra Pak^® Custom Printing.

The carton’s base is engineered for supply chain efficiency by optimizing packing, palletization and transport. It’s also recyclable and made mainly from renewable materials, including responsibly sourced paperboard from Forest Stewardship Council^® (FSC^®)-certified forests and other controlled sources.

“The introduction of the 48 oz Tetra Brik^® Aseptic Edge package meets the evolving needs of both customers and consumers,” said Raghu Chakravarthi, vice president of Packaging Portfolio for Tetra Pak U.S. and Canada. “Its sleek design stands out on shelves while the improved functionality and efficient logistics of this package, when compared to competing refrigerated formats, make it a strong choice for those seeking premium beverage products.”

The Tetra Brik^® Aseptic Edge 48 oz (1,420 mL) format is now available in the U.S. and Canada. To learn more about this new size opportunity in the Tetra Brik^® Aseptic family, visit www.tetrapak.com/en-us/solutions/packaging/packages/aseptic-packages/tetra-brik-aseptic/Tetra-Brik-Aseptic-1420-Edge.

About Tetra Pak 

We’re here to make food safe and available. It’s why we provide advanced food production systems. In collaboration with our customers and suppliers, driven by more than 24,000 dedicated employees worldwide, we protect food sustainably every day for hundreds of millions of people in more than 160 countries. Because we’re here to fulfill a purpose: We commit to making food safe and available, everywhere, and we promise to protect what’s good: food, people and the planet. 

More information about Tetra Pak is available at tetrapakusa.com.

Media contact 

Stephanie Ward

Communications Manager, Tetra Pak U.S. and Canada

stephanie.ward@tetrapak.com

940-380-4635

The automotive industry is under pressure from every direction. Electrification, software-defined vehicle architecture, lightweighting, manufacturing transformation, repair and recycling are not isolated challenges. They are interconnected demands that automakers and suppliers are being asked to solve simultaneously, and faster than ever before.

3M’s new digital platform, “The Next Gear,” is designed to help. The interactive online experience brings together 3M science, technologies and materials in one place, allowing customers to explore how 3M supports the automotive industry as it works to build lighter, smarter, and more efficient vehicles.

Solving connected challenges across the vehicle lifecycle

“The automotive industry is undergoing a fundamental transformation — one that touches every part of the mobility ecosystem, from manufacturers and suppliers to infrastructure,” said Wendy Bauer, group president of 3M Transportation and Electronics Business Group. “As electrification, lightweighting, software-defined vehicles, advanced manufacturing and next-generation in-cabin experiences reshape mobility, the need for material innovation has never been greater. 3M brings deep expertise across automotive, electronics, manufacturing and advanced materials to help customers solve complex challenges, accelerate development and bring next-generation mobility solutions to market faster. ‘The Next Gear’ provides a comprehensive look at 3M solutions across the mobility ecosystem and demonstrates how we help customers move faster toward what’s ahead.”

The platform highlights the critical role that 3M solutions can play at every stage of the automotive lifecycle, focusing on engineering and design, manufacturing, on-road performance, personalization, and repair and end-of-life applications.

A closer look at automotive innovation

“The Next Gear” features multiple 3M solutions for lighter-weight vehicle design, including materials that reduce weight while supporting durability and performance, as well as noise, vibration and harshness solutions that improve comfort and design flexibility.

Manufacturing efficiency, quality and ergonomics get equal attention. Among the spotlighted technologies is the 3M Finesse-it Robotic Paint Repair System, which automatically detects topcoat defects, recommends a precise repair strategy, and delivers the solution in real-time as the vehicle moves along the line — offering more consistent quality at a faster pace.

Supporting electric, connected and personalized vehicles

This interactive platform also showcases 3M technologies that support electric and connected vehicles, including thermal management and battery-related solutions, as well as products that help protect and enhance displays, camera sensors, driver monitoring systems and other user interfaces.

With growing consumer demand for automotive personalization and repair options, the platform highlights ways 3M supports vehicle appearance, maintenance, repair and resource recovery. These solutions span wrap films, paint protection, collision repair technologies and approaches that can help advance serviceability and recycling.

By bringing together solutions that span design, manufacturing, vehicle performance, personalization, repair and resource recovery, “The Next Gear” provides a holistic view of how 3M helps customers address the interconnected challenges shaping the future of mobility.

Explore “The Next Gear” experience here: https://nextgear.3m.com

FAQ

What is “The Next Gear”? “The Next Gear” is an online interactive platform that showcases how 3M technologies and materials can help address major automotive industry challenges.

Who is the platform for? It is designed to help a broad audience understand the diverse scope of 3M automotive solutions, including auto makers, industry suppliers and others interested in the future of mobility.

What topics does the platform cover? It highlights 3M technologies and solutions for automotive engineering and design, manufacturing, on-road technologies, fueling and charging, personalization, and repair and end-of-life solutions.

Does the platform include electric vehicle solutions? Yes. It highlights 3M technologies related to thermal management, battery materials and connected vehicle interfaces.

Where can I explore the experience? Readers can visit the platform at: https://nextgear.3m.com

DALLAS, June 10, 2026 /3BL/ – The Mary Kay Ash Foundation^®, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, which raises and distributes funds to invest in breakthrough cancer research to find cures for cancers affecting women and ending domestic violence against women, marks its 30^th anniversary with one powerful milestone. More than $100 million has been invested in life-saving cancer research and critical domestic violence prevention and support programs across the United States, impacting millions of women and their families. For three decades, the Foundation has been a driving force for change – empowering women, advancing breakthroughs in cancer care, and ensuring survivors find safety, healing, and hope.

Founded in 1996 to honour Mary Kay Ash’s vision of enriching women’s lives, the Foundation has grown into a national leader tackling two of the most rampant issues affecting women today: cancer and domestic violence. Its impact is measured not only in dollars, but in lives transformed.

By the Numbers: 30 Years of Impact

• $100+ million donated to fund women’s cancer research and end domestic violence
• $41+ million invested in innovative cancer research, clinical trials, and support programs
• $60+ million granted to domestic violence shelters and support services nationwide
• 300+ cancer researchers funded, accelerating breakthroughs in detection, diagnosis, and treatment
• 5 years of clinical trials supported, advancing cutting-edge solutions for women’s cancers
• 2,800+ domestic violence shelters and organizations supported
• More than 4 million women and children impacted through life-changing services and programs
• 750,000+ hours of cancer research enabled
• 13 international cancer research fellows sponsored, expanding global innovation
• $30,000 Matching Gift Challenge successfully funded by The Mary Kay Family Foundation (Feb. 2026)

Read the full Mary Kay Ash Foundation 30th Anniversary Report and personal testimonials from community supporters on how the Foundation’s impact has positively changed lives for the better.

A Mission Rooted in Urgency and Hope

The Foundation’s work addresses staggering realities:

• 1 in 3 women in the U.S. will be diagnosed with cancer in her lifetime. (American Cancer Society)
• 1 in 4 women will experience domestic violence. (National Domestic Violence Hotline)

Through strategic partnerships, research funding, and frontline support, the Mary Kay Ash Foundation is rewriting these outcomes – delivering hope where and when it is needed most.

“The Mary Kay Ash Foundation remains unwavering in its commitment to creating a world where women feel seen, supported, empowered, and hopeful during some of life’s most vulnerable moments,” said Michael Lunceford, President, Board of Directors, Mary Kay Ash Foundation. “For more than 30 years, we have earnestly carried the responsibility and privilege of advancing a mission rooted in protecting and enriching the lives of women. It is an honor to turn generosity into action, advocacy into progress, and partnerships into transformative impact in pursuit of a safer, healthier future for women.”

Fueling Breakthroughs in Women’s Cancer Research

For 30 years, the Foundation has championed innovative translational research, helping scientists turn discoveries into real-world treatments.

Notably:

• 80% of funded researchers report advancing paradigm-shifting insights in cancer research.
• 72% developed new techniques or technologies, shaping the future of care.
• 71% saw their work translated into clinical settings, directly impacting patient outcomes.

These efforts have contributed to major breakthroughs in the most common and aggressive forms of cancers affecting women including breast, ovarian, uterine, endometrial, and others.

Creating Lifelines for Survivors of Domestic Violence

Since 2000, the Foundation has invested deeply in the fight to end domestic violence:

• Funding over 2,800 organizations nationwide providing shelter, advocacy, and recovery services
• Supporting millions of women and children on their journey to safety and independence
• Partnering with leading organizations like the National Domestic Violence Hotline to expand life-saving resources and education nationwide.

A Movement Powered by Ambassadors

It takes a village to create change, and the Mary Kay Ash Foundation Ambassadors are no exception. This group comprised of thousands of advocates spanning from coast to coast, work tirelessly to advocate, fundraise, and bring awareness to the mission in their local communities. Becoming a Mary Kay Ash Foundation Ambassador is quick and easy with endless opportunities to make a real impact. Complete the online Ambassador application.

Looking Ahead

With three decades down and more work to be done, the Foundation is not slowing down in its commitment to accelerating women’s cancer research, expanding access to care, and building safer communities for women and their families. With momentum stronger than ever, the Mary Kay Ash Foundation is poised to make the next 30 years even more impactful. Visit www.marykayashfoundation.org to support the mission, become an ambassador, or join the movement in your local community to create a safer, healthier world for women.

***

About the Mary Kay Ash Foundation^® 

Celebrating its 30^th anniversary, guided by Mary Kay Ash’s dream to enrich the lives of women everywhere, the Mary Kay Ash Foundation^® raises and distributes funds to end domestic violence and invest in breakthrough cancer research to find cures for women-related cancers. Since 1996, the Mary Kay Ash Foundation has contributed more than $100 million to organizations aligned with its two-fold mission. In addition, the Foundation supports awareness initiatives, community outreach programs, and advocates for legislation to ensure women are healthy and safe. Together, we can make the world better for women. To learn more about how to educate, advocate, volunteer, donate, and join life-saving work to support and empower women, visit marykayashfoundation.org, or find us on Facebook and Instagram.

###

Mary Kay Inc. Corporate Communications
newsroom.marykay.com
972.687.5332 or media@mkcorp.com

Click here for the Louisiana Case Study

Traditional work zones rely on static cones and signage, but this initiative demonstrates that modern construction equipment can broadcast live operational data directly to a centralized digital system, significantly reducing risks for roadside crews and drivers alike.

By leveraging connected equipment, telematics, and digital mapping solutions, the project builds a pipeline of real-time data that achieves three core operational milestones:

Real-Time Driver Alerts: Funneling active work zone coordinates into consumer navigation apps and connected vehicle (V2X) platforms warns drivers well before they reach the site.

Granular Asset Tracking: Fleet managers gain a comprehensive, digitized view of equipment deployment, usage, and roadside conflict zones.

Data-Driven Safety Audits: Traffic engineers can analyze stored digital records to optimize work zone layouts and systematically reduce risk over time.

This project reinforces The Ray’s ethos through innovative, multisector collaboration. Transportation modernization requires technological integration to enable data-driven decision-making that enhances public safety. Creating a “digital twin” of the on-the-ground environment makes real-time construction zone alerts a reality.

Unifying Data to Drive Collective Highway Safety

Louisiana’s success story is a powerful proof of concept, but safety cannot stop at state lines. To transform construction corridors nationwide, the industry must move past fragmented deployments and establish a unified approach for how contractor equipment, state agencies, and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) exchange information.

To scale this momentum, the Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT) is leading the Connected Construction Data Alliance Transportation Pooled Fund study (Solicitation 1663). This multi-year effort unites state DOTs, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), and industry stakeholders to establish standardized contractor-to-DOT data pipelines.

By presenting a unified voice to OEMs and telematics providers, the Alliance will develop standardized guidelines for equipment data exchange and comprehensive operational workflows for safety, material tracking, and quality assurance. Pooling resources nationally allows us to accelerate the transition toward an interoperable transportation network that prevents accidents from occurring in construction zones. Click here to Join the Pooled Fund Study

We often think of agricultural waste, such as crop residues, forestry byproducts, or even manure, as an end-of-the-line byproduct. But what if it were actually a valuable resource? Enter Biochar. Heating organic matter in a low-oxygen environment through a process called pyrolysis creates a material, biochar, that acts as a fortress for soil health and a vault for carbon. It’s a simple, circular solution that helps our farms thrive.

Demand for biochar is surging as it gains recognition as both a powerful carbon removal tool and a solution for soil health. The market reflects this momentum, with a valuation reaching $1.7 billion in 2023 and a projected annual growth rate of over 13% through 2030 (Zion Market Research, 2025). This growth is primarily fueled by two sectors: the carbon market, where biochar accounts for roughly 90% of all durable carbon removal credits (BeZero, 2023), and the agricultural sector, where farmers are increasingly adopting it to boost soil fertility, improve water retention, and increase crop productivity.

The Cisco Foundation Regenerative Future Fund has supported two early-stage biochar companies: Applied Carbon in the United States and Poas Bioenergy in Costa Rica. These companies are aiming to optimize their climate impact and reduce carbon footprints of biochar operations by diversifying feedstocks and lowering production and transportation costs through decentralized production. Traditional biochar producers have typically avoided processing this type of residue because it is costly to move, store, and control.

Tackling Diverse Feedstocks for more Circular Agro-Economies

Rather than relying solely on conventional woody biomass, Applied Carbon and Poas are converting hard-to-recycle, high-volume agricultural residues into biochar using customized pyrolysis technologies. Applied Carbon tackles corn stover, wheat straw, sugarcane waste, and other agricultural residues that dominate agri-waste in the United States, while Poas focuses on the wet agri-residues of more tropical agricultural climates, such as those of coffee and pineapple.

Jason Aramburu, founder of Applied Carbon, elaborates, “Each year billions of tonnes of agricultural residue are wasted or underutilized in North America. With the right technology, these resources can be efficiently converted into value-added products like biochar and carbon removal credits.”

This not only addresses problematic waste streams but also helps to generate social and ecological co-benefits, such as habitat restoration and circular resource use.

Poas Founder Jose Alfaro shares, “We have spoken with other biochar producers who tell us they would never touch the wet agri-residues Poas does. However, these residues are the ones causing the most environmental harm and pain to the wallets of the producers. Worldwide there are more than 160 million tons of wet coffee and pineapple residues per year, the residues Poas currently utilizes, and they cause pests, odors, and methane emissions. So, it’s not just a differentiator for us, it’s a multiplier for the impact we can have.”

Decentralizing Production for Amplified Impact

Unlike large, centralized facilities, flexible, decentralized, and smaller systems like those deployed in both Applied Carbon and Poas can operate on farms, forestry operations, or remote locations, enabling the conversion of local agricultural residues and invasive plant species into valuable biochar on-site. This not only reduces logistical challenges and costs but also makes biochar production accessible to smallholder and resource-limited farmers worldwide.

According to Applied Carbon, their “…decentralized operation is critical to reducing the cost of carbon dioxide removal and biochar production in North America. With the wide geographic scope of agriculture in the United States, distributed, modular solutions are optimal for scale.”

Agriculture remains the dominant end market for biochar. These technologies empower communities to enhance soil fertility, boost crop yields, and sequester carbon using available resources, all while promoting circular economies and minimizing waste. By decentralizing production, mobile and modular systems are helping to unlock new opportunities for scalable impact in agricultural landscapes.

For example, Poas’s first commercial pilot is at a coffee mill in Costa Rica, where over 900 smallholder farmers deliver their product. “Every dollar Poas saves the mill in waste management by converting their residues to biochar goes directly to the bottom line of their farmers,” Jose says. “Furthermore, it gives us a channel to advertise the benefits biochar can have on their soils and a ready-made distribution center.”

As we look to the future, the next frontier for biochar lies not just in carbon credits, but in a world of uncharted opportunities — transforming waste, protecting water, and building more resilient communities.

View original content here.

Held at the Well Living Lab in downtown Rochester, Minnesota, in the heart of the Destination Medical Center (DMC) district, the event was planned in conjunction with DMC’s annual Real Estate & Investment Summit and welcomed developers, builders, healthcare leaders, researchers, and community stakeholders for conversations centered on the future of residential wellness and housing innovation.

Attendees explored the Home Innovation Lab renderings, educational displays, research insights, and interactive experiences highlighting how residential environments can better support health and well-being through evidence-based design. Key focus areas included indoor air quality, lighting, sleep, stress recovery, biophilic design, and technology-enabled solutions that support aging in place and long-term wellness.

“The Home Innovation Lab reflects the kind of forward-thinking collaboration that continues to position Rochester as a leader in innovation and as America’s City for Health,” said Patrick Seeb, Executive Director, DMC EDA. “As communities nationwide navigate evolving housing needs and demographic shifts, initiatives like this demonstrate how technology and cross-industry partnerships can help shape healthier homes and more resilient communities.”

“We are seeing a major shift in the market, with consumer demand rising fast for healthy homes, which we know can play a critical role supporting human health and well-being,” said Rachel Hodgdon, President and CEO, International WELL Building Institute. “Initiatives like the Home Innovation Lab — alongside the growing momentum behind WELL for residential — demonstrate how research, technology and thoughtful residential design can come together to support healthier living environments for people across every stage of life.”

Construction on the Home Innovation Lab is anticipated to begin in the fourth quarter of 2026, with the Lab expected to be fully operational by the second quarter of 2027.

# # #

About Urbaneer

Urbaneer is a wellness real estate and residential intelligence company focused on creating healthier, technology-enabled living environments that support comfort, safety, and well-being across all stages of life. With more than a decade of specialized expertise, Urbaneer has completed more than 30 residential projects across five states and continues to advance technology-driven approaches that support health and healthcare delivery within the home. For more information, visit urbaneerliving.com or contact Bruce Thompson, CEO, at bruce@urbaneerliving.com.

About the Well Living Lab

The Well Living Lab, founded in 2016 as a collaboration between Delos and Mayo Clinic, is the first research facility dedicated exclusively to studying the real-world impact of indoor environments on human health and well-being. To date, the Well Living Lab has completed 43 studies and generated 45 peer-reviewed publications, with formal academic affiliations including the University of Minnesota. For more information, visit welllivinglab.com or contact Barb Spurrier, Executive Director, at barbara.spurrier@delos.com.

Contact: Sarah Kelling, Director of Communications & Marketing, Well Living Lab

507.421.9864 | sarah.kelling@delos.com

The joint roadmap outlines three key pillars to establish a Safe System Approach for the nation’s rural roads:

Predictive Risk Assessment: Evaluating a road’s physical characteristics rather than its crash history to address danger before accidents happen. The work shows that targeting just 6% of high-risk rural networks can prevent up to 20% of severe traffic incidents.

Eliminating Data Deserts: Utilizing AI-driven vision models to automatically generate high-fidelity digital inventories of road assets. This removes the technical burden from understaffed local agencies and gives small communities equal grant readiness.

Network-Wide Safety Treatments: Prioritizing funding for low-cost, high-impact countermeasures like rumble strips and enhanced signage. These Whole-of-Network analysis tools allow rural practitioners to simulate benefits and secure competitive federal funding.

A Blueprint for Prevention

Geographic location should never dictate a community’s safety. By leveraging geospatial and AI analysis, this partnership provides small towns and Tribal Nations with the data fidelity needed to win federal grants. The Ray and its partners are proud to offer the USDOT an actionable path toward a culture of risk prevention and long-term infrastructure resilience.

Read more.

The LME is the world’s largest industrial metal exchange. The majority of all non-ferrous metals futures business is transacted on the LME platform. Last year, 191 million lots were traded, equating to $21 trillion and 4 billion tonnes notional, with a market open interest high of 2.1 million lots.

This full recognition by LME marks an important milestone for the RMI, with all RMI standards now independently assessed as fully OECD-aligned and achieving regulatory recognition under the EU Conflict Minerals Regulation or market recognition by the LME. The RMI’s recognized standards support due diligence and market access for producers, traders, and end users across 10 LME-traded non-ferrous and EV metals, including tin, nickel, and cobalt. A majority of LME Track A deliverable tin and cobalt producers currently use RMI assessments to meet LME responsible sourcing disclosure requirements.

This LME full recognition of the RMI’s All Minerals Standard builds on existing regulatory recognition of the RMI’s standards. The RMI’s Responsible Minerals Assurance Process (RMAP) Tin and Tantalum Standard, RMAP Tungsten Standard, and RMAP Gold Standard are recognized as equivalent under the EU Conflict Minerals Regulation (Regulation (EU) 2017/821), reflecting regulatory recognition of their alignment with OECD due diligence requirements for 3TG minerals. In parallel, the London Metal Exchange’s Track A full recognition of the RMI’s Tin and Tantalum Standard and the All Minerals Standard confirms market acceptance of the RMI’s due diligence framework within the LME responsible sourcing system. Together, these recognitions reflect the RMI’s role in providing a coherent, OECD‑aligned due diligence framework that responds to both regulatory requirements and market‑based responsible sourcing expectations across all minerals.

“LME full recognition of the RMI’s All Minerals Standard gives companies throughout the value chain an important, OECD-aligned tool for due diligence across mineral supply chains, including battery materials such as nickel, cobalt, lithium, and natural graphite,” said Jennifer Peyser, Executive Director of the Responsible Minerals Initiative (RMI). “With all RMI standards now fully aligned with OECD Guidance, our portfolio offers unique value through its comprehensive minerals coverage to inform company due diligence and support compliance with minerals due diligence regulations.”

“The LME welcomes continued collaboration with the RMI, following the All Minerals Standard and associated assessments reaching full approval as an option for meeting LME Responsible Sourcing requirements,” said Mingyou Yang, Sustainability Manager, London Metal Exchange (LME). “This provides LME Brands with a fully approved Track A compliance pathway applicable to battery and critical minerals producers, including multi-metal facilities.”

The RMI will continue working with regulators, exchanges, and stakeholders across minerals supply chains to ensure its standards remain responsive to evolving expectations and support credible implementation of responsible sourcing practices globally. While the EU Battery Regulation does not currently include a mechanism for formal recognition of due diligence standards, the RMI is closely monitoring developments related to recognition processes and intends to engage as such mechanisms emerge.

Learn more about the RMI’s Responsible Minerals Assurance Process (RMAP) on the RMI website and contact RMI@responsiblebusiness.org for more information on the RMAP.

View the LME’s Sustainability Spotlight – March 2026 here to view the LME’s statements on the RMI’s full recognition.

About the Responsible Minerals Initiative (RMI)

The Responsible Minerals Initiative (RMI), an initiative of the Responsible Business Alliance (RBA), is a multi-industry initiative with more than 500 member companies. Its members contribute to the development and international uptake of a range of tools and resources focused on minerals supply chain due diligence, including independent third-party assessments for smelters, Minerals Reporting Templates, supply chain risk assessment tools, and guidance documents on responsible sourcing of all minerals/metals. The RMI’s standards are grounded in the OECD Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Supply Chains of Minerals from Conflict-Affected and High-Risk Areas. Together, the RMI’s standards provide a structured framework that supports companies in identifying, assessing, and responding to supply chain risks in line with internationally recognized due diligence expectations. RMI members also have access to specialized due diligence tools, including country of origin data and the RMI Facility Database. The RMI runs regular workshops on responsible sourcing issues and contributes to policy development with civil society organizations and governments. For more information, visit ResponsibleMineralsInitiative.org.

About the London Metal Exchange

The London Metal Exchange is the world centre for the trading of industrial metals – the majority of all non-ferrous metal futures business is transacted on the LME platform. Last year, 191 million lots were traded, equating to $21 trillion and 4 billion tonnes notional, with a market open interest high of 2.1 million lots. The metals community uses the LME, an HKEX Group company, as a venue to transfer or take on price risk, as a physical market of last resort and as the provider of transparent global reference prices.

Media Contact

Jarrett Bens, Senior Director of Communications
Responsible Business Alliance
Phone: +1 571.858.5721
jbens@responsiblebusiness.org