Ho Chi Minh to Host Asia’s Longest Running Sustainability Event – The 17th Annual Global CSR & ESG Summit and Awards 2025

Asia’s longest-running sustainability event, the 17th Annual Global CSR & ESG Summit and Awards™ 2025, will take place on 26th February at the Mai House Saigon Hotel in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. This premier gathering is an annual cornerstone for professionals from the Asian sustainability community to reconnect, foster relationships, and collaborate on cutting-edge solutions. With a focus on climate change, community resilience, and shaping a sustainable future, the event brings together leaders in clean energy, sustainability, and green finance to drive meaningful impact across industries.

This year’s theme, Scaling Impact and Redefining Value in Sustainability, reflects the pressing need for businesses to transition from compliance-based approaches to creating measurable value through sustainable practices. The summit aims to spotlight Asia’s unique role in driving global sustainability initiatives while addressing the challenges and opportunities faced by organizations worldwide. The summit will conclude with the 17th Annual Global CSR & ESG Awards™, a highly respected industry award recognizing individual and corporations for their outstanding contributions to sustainability. On the following day, delegates will be treated to a cultural tour where they will experience the vibrant culture and dynamic energy of Ho Chi Minh City, a city that harmonizes tradition and modernity.

Key Highlights of the Summit:

  • Transition Finance Focus: Discussions will explore frameworks like green bonds and renewable energy investments, empowering carbon-intensive sectors to profitably transition to sustainable practices.
  • Innovative Carbon Reduction Solutions: Experts will showcase scalable technologies, including carbon capture and nature-based solutions, to help industries achieve net-zero targets.
  • Integrating ESG into Core Operations: Attendees will gain insights into leveraging circular economy practices, strengthening resilient supply chains, and enhancing ESG reporting through data and technology.

Current Esteemed Speakers:

The summit will feature 19 distinguished speakers, including:

1. Prof. Dr. Geoffrey Williams – Founder & Director, Williams Business Consultancy Sdn Bhd
2. Matthias Gelber – Co-Founder, ESG Innovation Hub
3. Mai Lam Dong – Cluster President, Schneider Electric Vietnam & Cambodia
4. Nguyen Phi Anh Dao – Marketing & Product Management Director, ASEAN Head of Marketing, AkzoNobel Vietnam
5. Paul Choo – Chief HR Officer (HR & CSR), Bridgestone (China & Asia Pacific)
6. Jakub Kudrna – Chief Strategy Officer, Home Credit Vietnam & Chairperson, ESG Steering Committee
7. Dung Tran – ESG Research & Stewardship, VinaCapital Group
8. Phuong Nguyen – Consulting Director, FPT Digital
9. Adam Brennan – Group Director, Sustainability, Thai Union Group
10. Hoang Quoc Anh – Deputy Secretary General, VNDIA
11. Nguyen Thi Huong Thu – Managing Director, Greenviet Green Building Consultancy Co., Ltd
12. Harry Cahyono – Mining Sustainability Lead, PT Hengjaya Mineralindo
13. Le Hoang Anh – Internal Control Manager, VINAMILK
14. Don Tuan Phuong – Founder & Director, Center for Sustainable Development Studies; Founder & President, Volunteers for Peace Vietnam
15. Ha Do – ASPAC Head of Government, ASPAC Head of International Development Advisory Services, KPMG
16. Abhinav Goyal – Director, Capital Projects and Infrastructure, PwC Vietnam
17. Pragas Nadaraja – Director of Environmental & Sustainable Design for Buildings, Ramboll
18. Aru David – Director, ASSIST, Mekong Region (Vietnam, Cambodia, and Thailand)
19. Rishi Pathania – Vice President (Global Head) CSR, UPL Group

This year, more than 70 companies from the region have confirmed their participation, making it a truly global platform for meaningful discussions on sustainability and corporate responsibility.

For more information, visit the event website at https://globalcsr.pinnaclegroup.global/.

Event Details:

Date: 26th February 2025
Venue: Mai House Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City
Time: 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM (GMT +7)

For Media Inquiries or Further Information:

Eric Khoo (Mr.)
Head of Global Events and Partnerships
The Pinnacle Group International
Email: eric.khoo@pinnaclegroup.global
Tel: +65 8383 2480

Asian Financial Forum returns as Region’s First Major International Financial Assembly in 2025

– Bringing together scholars, financial officials and business leaders for discussions on the theme ‘Powering the Next Growth Engine’

  • Themed “Powering the Next Growth Engine”, the 18th Asian Financial Forum 2025 (AFF), will be the region’s first major international financial and business event of the year.
  • Heavyweight speakers include Prof Justin Lin YifuChief Economist and Senior Vice President of the World Bank (2008-2012); Prof Stuart Russell, Co-Chair of the World Economic Forum’s Council on AI; Dr Kai-Fu Lee, Chairman of Sinovation Ventures; and Joe Tsai, Chairman of the Alibaba Group.
  • The event brings together scholars, financial officials and business leaders from Mainland China, ASEAN, the Middle East, Europe and the United States to share invaluable insights.

The 18th Asian Financial Forum 2025 (AFF), co-organised by the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), will be held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC) on 13 and 14 January (Monday and Tuesday). Themed “Powering the Next Growth Engine”, AFF will be the first major financial and business event in the region in the new year, bringing together more than 100 global policymakers, business leaders, financial experts and investors, entrepreneurs, tech giants and economists to share their views on issues related to political leadership, geopolitical tensions, monetary policy shifts, macroeconomic challenges and more. These industry heavyweights will discuss the latest developments in financial markets and investment opportunities and explore how Hong Kong can leverage its strengths as an international financial centre to seek breakthroughs in a period of change.

Harnessing Hong Kong’s unique advantages to demonstrate financial excellence
Launched in 2007, the AFF has become a flagship financial event for Hong Kong and the broader region, showcasing the city’s status as an international financial centre and its role as a connector in spearheading regional financial activities. Against the backdrop of a constantly shifting global economic landscape, Hong Kong has been leveraging its unique geographical position, professional services and global perspective to continue fostering collaboration and ensuring mutual success between Asia and the world.

Luanne LimChairperson of the AFF Steering Committee and Chief Executive Officer, Hong Kong, of HSBC, said: “The geopolitical and economic landscape of 2025 is set to be fraught with challenges, underscoring the importance of international collaboration. The Forum adopts the theme ‘Powering the Next Growth Engine’, bringing together influential speakers and thought leaders to share insights, dissect the evolving global landscape and spotlight emerging investment opportunities. Key areas of focus include the growth potential of emerging markets such as Mainland China, ASEAN and the Middle East, as well as advancements in sectors like artificial intelligence, fintech, sustainability, philanthropy and family offices. The Forum continues to provide a premier platform for renowned global investors and fundraisers to collaborate and ignite new engines for growth with its strong international influence and diverse perspectives.”

Impactful sessions spotlight global issues
The Forum will feature a distinguished line-up of speakers, with a two-day programme featuring various panels and workshops, including plenary sessions, policy dialogues, keynote luncheons, breakfast panels and fireside chats, as well as thematic workshops focusing on development and innovation across different industries. It will continue to stage well-received sessions such as Global Economic OutlookChina Opportunities and CIO InsightsGlobal Economic Outlook will analyse international economic trends and provide insights into business opportunities and wealth accumulation in emerging industries and regions in 2025. China Opportunities will focus on examining the investment outlook in Mainland China under the acceleration of technological innovation and its impact on global businesses. CIO Insights will explore new opportunities for cross-regional cooperation from macroeconomic and asset allocation perspectives, offering participants insights and strategies that can help realise long-term growth. 

Financial pioneers share insights on future economy
One of the keynote speakers at AFF will be Prof Justin Lin Yifu, a globally renowned economist and Chief Economist and Senior Vice President of the World Bank (2008-2012). Prof Lin will deliver an in-depth analysis of the shifting global economic landscape and the impact on Mainland China and international markets, exploring strategies for achieving stable growth and driving rapid economic development amid a complex international environment.

The Forum will also bring together scholars, financial officials and business leaders from the mainland, ASEAN, the Middle East, Europe and the United States to shed light on a range of key topics, including macroeconomics, China opportunities, investment prospects, artificial intelligence (AI) and fintech as well as sustainability.

As the world’s second largest economy, the mainland’s economic and industrial development plays a significant role in driving global economic growth. Heavyweight speakers include Dr Fred Hu, Founder and Chairman of Primavera Capital Group; Jin Liqun, President and Chair of Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank; Li Yimei, Chief Executive Officer of China Asset Management, and Joe Tsai, Chairman of Alibaba Group, will take the stage at AFF to share their views.

Emerging markets such as the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the Middle East will also be spotlighted. Speakers from ASEAN will include Satvinder Singh, Deputy Secretary-General for ASEAN Economic Community of ASEAN while a new session will highlight the opportunities in financial cooperation and investment between the Middle East and Hong Kong, featuring speakers from the two places.

A stellar line-up of speakers and company representatives from Europe and the US will offer new impetus at various panel discussions. Featured speakers include Edward Dolman, Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Phillips Auctioneers; Christopher Donahue, President & Chief Executive Officer of Federated Hermes, Inc; Antoine Gosset-Grainville, Chairman of the Board of Directors of AXA; Dr Hou Yang, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Greater China Region and Global Senior Vice President of Microsoft; Philip Lane, Chief Economist and Member of the Executive Board of the European Central Bank; Vincent Mortier, Group Chief Investment Officer of Amundi; and Dr Olli Rehn, Governor and Chairman of the Board of the Bank of Finland.

AI and fintech are having a profound impact as they become more broadly adopted in the financial services sector. Prof Stuart Russell, Co-chair of the World Economic Forum Council on AI; Dr Kai-Fu Lee, Chairman of Sinovation Ventures and Ken Wong, Executive Vice President of Lenovo and President of Lenovo Solutions & Services Group, will address the latest industry developments and prospects at the AFF. Prof Russell, Distinguished Professor of Computer Science at the University of California, Berkeley and Co-chair of the World Economic Forum’s Council on AI and the OECD’s Expert Group on AI Futures, will explore the prospects of AI becoming a new engine for global economic growth.

Sustainable development is another key topic at the AFF. In different sessions of the Forum, Sue Lloyd, Vice Chair of the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB); Martin Neubert, Partner and Group Chief Investment Officer of Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners, and Jiadi Yu, Chief Investment Officer of International Finance Corporation (IFC), will share views on how the adoption of the ISSB will contribute to market confidence in Hong Kong’s capital markets.

Diverse exhibition zones create opportunities, innovative technologies drive growth
The Fintech Showcase, InnoVenture Salon, FintechHK Start-up Salon and Global Investment Zone will be assembled at the AFF to help fintech companies, start-ups and international investment agencies from around the world to connect businesses, showcase the latest technological innovations and promote collaboration.

In addition to offering pitching and startup advisory sessions, the InnoVenture Salon features an exhibition of innovative technologies across various fields such as regtech, deep tech, green tech, health tech and food tech and agri-tech. This capacity-building support will connect entrepreneurs with potential clients, users and investors from different regions and industries, helping businesses refine their strategies, expand operations and thrive in the global market. Additionally, AFF Deal-making, a unique deal-sourcing and matching session, will build on the success of previous years to connect sources of funds and deals from around the world through one-on-one meetings.

AFF – Hong Kong’s major annual financial event
International large-scale events play a strategically important role for Hong Kong. As the first major financial event of the year, the AFF is designed to provide industry professionals with the latest insights and help them explore new opportunities. Early bird registration is now open for participants. The AFF is collaborating with various organisations to provide special travel, dining and shopping discounts and privileges for overseas participants, encouraging them to make the most of their stay and experience the vitality of Hong Kong. More details regarding the content, speaker lineup and media registration arrangements for the AFF will be announced at a press conference on 7 January 2025.

Websites
– Asian Financial Forum: https://www.asianfinancialforum.com/conference/aff/en/about-aff
– Programme: https://www.asianfinancialforum.com/conference/aff/en/info-programme
– Speaker list: https://www.asianfinancialforum.com/conference/aff/en/speakers

Members of the media interested in interviewing speakers at the Asian Financial Forum should email ayiu@yuantung.com.hk or lsong@yuantung.com.hk by 8 January 2025.

Photo download: https://bit.ly/3Bz8p9t

image
image

Media enquiries

Yuan Tung Financial Relations:
Agnes Yiu Tel: (852) 3428 5690 Email: ayiu@yuantung.com.hk
Louise Song Tel: (852) 3428 5691 Email: lsong@yuantung.com.hk

HKTDC’s Communications & Public Affairs Department:
Katy Wong Tel: (852) 2584 4524 Email: katy.ky.wong@hktdc.org
Clayton Lauw Tel: (852) 2584 4472 Email: clayton.y.lauw@hktdc.org

HKTDC Media Room: http://mediaroom.hktdc.com

About HKTDC
The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is a statutory body established in 1966 to promote, assist and develop Hong Kong’s trade. With 50 offices globally, including 13 in Mainland China, the HKTDC promotes Hong Kong as a two-way global investment and business hub. The HKTDC organises international exhibitionsconferences and business missions to create business opportunities for companies, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), in the mainland and international markets. The HKTDC also provides up-to-date market insights and product information via research reports and digital news channels. For more information, please visit: www.hktdc.com/aboutus.

Loop Industries Completes Convertible Preferred Financing With Reed Societe Generale Group and Sells First Technology License For An Infinite Loop Manufacturing Facility in Europe

  • REED SOCIETE GENERALE GROUP INVESTS €10 MILLION IN LOOP VIA A CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED SECURITY AT A $4.75 CONVERSION PRICE.
  • LOOP COMPLETES ITS INAUGURAL SALE OF AN INFINITE LOOP™ TECHNOLOGY LICENSE, GENERATING AN UPFRONT PAYMENT OF €10 MILLION.
  • FORMATION OF A EUROPEAN PARTNERSHIP TO DEPLOY INFINITE LOOP™ MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY.
  • PROCEEDS TO SUPPORT CONSTRUCTION OF THE INFINITE LOOP™ FACILITY IN INDIA AND FINANCE LOOP’S OPERATIONAL CASH REQUIREMENTS.

LOOP MANAGEMENT TO HOLD UPDATE CALL AT 8:45 AM ET on December 13, 2024

Loop Industries, Inc. (Nasdaq:LOOP) (the Company, Loop, we, us, or our), a clean technology company whose mission is to accelerate a circular plastics economy by manufacturing 100% recycled polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic and textile-to-textile (T2T) polyester fiber, has secured €10 million through a convertible preferred security financing with Reed Societe Generale Group, a European investment firm majority-owned by the bank Societe Generale. Additionally, as part of the Reed Societe Generale Group transaction, Loop has finalized the sale of its first Infinite Loop™ technology license, generating an initial €10 million payment, with additional milestone-based payments from Reed Societe Generale Group to follow.

The Reed Societe Generale Group transaction marks a pivotal step in Loop’s commercialization strategy, enabling the deployment of its patented recycling technology across Europe and supporting capital investment in cost-effective manufacturing regions, including its joint venture in India with strategic partner Ester Industries Ltd. Proceeds from the financing and licensing deal will fund the Indian project and Loop’s operational cash flow needs.

Key terms of the €10 million convertible preferred security include:

  • 13% PIK dividend rate
  • 5-year term
  • Convertible to Loop common stock at $4.75 per share or redeemable in cash

The technology license will be granted to a European partnership owned 90% by Reed Societe Generale Group and 10% by Loop, which is being formed to develop Infinite Loop™ manufacturing facilities in Europe. Loop retains the right to increase its equity stake in the European manufacturing facility, as well as potential future facilities, to a maximum of 50% for each facility. The license is to build one Infinite Loop™ manufacturing facility in Europe. Future facilities under this partnership will require the purchase of additional technology licenses from Loop.

The license sale underscores the commercial readiness of Loop’s technology, validated by four years of successful operations at its Terrebonne facility, which supplies bottle-grade PET resin for consumer packaging and T2T polyester fiber to advance circular fashion for apparel brands. Loop is committed to expanding the reach of its proven solution to the plastic waste global issue by partnering with well-financed, reliable customers through technology licenses and engineering services. This strategy allows Loop to address global demand in regions where it does not plan to build facilities, driving further growth and value creation while focusing Loop’s internal resources and capital on direct equity investments.

With regulatory approval for Societe Generale’s acquisition of a 75% stake in Reed Societe Generale Group finalized, it is positioned to deploy capital into this and other projects. The previous condition precedent to closing relating to government funding is no longer applicable, although Loop expects that such additional financing will be available when the Indian project is approved to begin construction. Funding for both the financing and the initial payment for the technology license is expected within seven business days following the incorporation of the European partnership company.

Julien Touati, CEO of Reed Societe Generale Group, commented: “Reducing dependency on virgin plastics is a global challenge. We are proud to support the rollout of Loop’s technology in Europe by becoming the majority shareholder of this European partnership. This strategic investment allows us to leverage Loop’s unique expertise and strong relationships with world-class brands committed to decarbonizing their supply chains. It fits perfectly with our ambition to actively contribute to the industrialization of Europe’s circular economy, significantly reduce pollution, and foster sustainable growth.”

“The sale of our first technology license is a transformative milestone, proving the scalability and market readiness of our Infinite Loop™ technology,” said Daniel Solomita, CEO and Founder of Loop Industries. “Our financing agreement and partnership with Reed Societe Generale Group propels us into a new phase of growth – expanding into Europe with strategic precision while advancing our flagship Infinite Loop™ project in India. These strategic steps align with our long-term investment vision and underscore our commitment to innovation, scalability, and delivering exceptional value for our shareholders. I look forward to working closely with Julien and his team at Reed Societe Generale Group in leading the circular economy in plastic packaging and circular fashion in Europe.”

Corporate Update Call
Senior Management of Loop will host a corporate update call, followed by a question-and-answer session, which can be accessed via the dial-in numbers below.

Date: Friday, December 13, 2024
Time: 8:45 am Eastern Time

Participant joining details (by Telephone):
United States (Local): +1 404 975 4839
United States (Toll-Free): +1 833 470 1428
Access Code: 625641

OR

Registration Link: https://www.netroadshow.com/events/login?show=2e808989&confId=75536

– Avoid wait time – Bypass speaking with an operator to join the call
– Receive a Calendar Invitation with call access details including your unique PIN

About Loop Industries
Loop Industries is a technology company whose mission is to accelerate the world’s shift toward sustainable PET plastic and polyester fiber and away from our dependence on fossil fuels. Loop Industries owns patented and proprietary technology that depolymerizes no and low-value waste PET plastic and polyester fiber, including plastic bottles and packaging, carpets and textiles of any color, transparency or condition and even ocean plastics that have been degraded by the sun and salt, to its base building blocks (monomers). The monomers are filtered, purified and polymerized to create virgin-quality Loop™ branded PET resin suitable for use in food-grade packaging and polyester fiber, thus enabling our customers to meet their sustainability objectives. Loop™ PET plastic and polyester fiber can be recycled infinitely without degradation of quality, successfully closing the plastic loop. Loop Industries is contributing to the global movement towards a circular economy by reducing plastic waste and recovering waste plastic for a sustainable future.

Common shares of the Company are listed on the NASDAQ Global Market under the symbol “LOOP.”

For more information, please visit www.loopindustries.com. Follow Loop on Twitter: @loopindustries, Instagram: loopindustries, Facebook: Loop Industries and LinkedIn: Loop Industries

Forward-Looking Statements
This news release contains “forward-looking statements” as defined in the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements may be preceded by the words “intends,” “may,” “will,” “plans,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “should,” “could,” “projects,” “predicts,” “estimates,” “aims,” “believes,” “hopes,” “potential” or “continue,” the negative of such terms or similar words. These forward-looking statements include, without limitation, statements about Loop’s market opportunity, its growth strategies, plans and timelines for completing the €10 million convertible preferred stock financing and technology license sale, plans for use of expected proceeds, ability to improve and expand its capabilities and seek additional financing, and plans for future growth and future operations including expansion in Europe and advancing the joint venture in India. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, are based on certain assumptions and are subject to various known and unknown risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond Loop’s control, and cannot be predicted or quantified and consequently, actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such risks and uncertainties include, without limitation, risks and uncertainties associated with among other things: (i) our ability to commercialize our technology and products, (ii) the status of our relationships with our partners, (iii) development and protection of our intellectual property and products, (iv) industry competition, (v) our need for and ability to obtain additional funding relative to our current and future financial commitments, (vi) our ability to continue as a going concern, (vii) engineering, contracting, and building our manufacturing facilities, (viii) our ability to scale, manufacture, and sell our products in order to generate revenues, (ix) our proposed business model and our ability to execute it, (x) our ability to obtain the necessary approvals or satisfy any closing conditions in respect of any of our proposed partnerships, (xi) our joint venture projects and our ability to recover certain expenditures in connection them, (xii) adverse effects on the Company’s business and operations as a result of increased regulatory, media, or financial reporting scrutiny, practices, rumors, or otherwise, (xiii) public health issues, such as disease epidemics, which may lead to reduced access to capital markets, supply chain disruptions, and government-imposed business closures, (xiv) war, regional tensions, and economic or other conflicts that could impact market stability and our business; (xv) the effect of the continuing worldwide macroeconomic uncertainty and its impacts, including inflation, market volatility and fluctuations in foreign currency exchange and interest rates, (xvi) the outcome of any Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) investigations or class action litigation filed against us, (xvii) our ability to hire and/or retain qualified employees and consultants, (xviii) other events or circumstances over which we have little or no control, and (xix) other factors discussed in Loop’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 29, 2024 filed with the SEC and in Loop’s subsequent filings with the SEC. More detailed information about Loop and the risk factors that may affect the realization of forward-looking statements is set forth in Loop’s filings with the SEC. Investors and security holders are urged to read these documents free of charge on the SEC’s web site at http://www.sec.gov. Loop assumes no obligation to publicly update or revise its forward-looking statements as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, unless otherwise required by law.

For More Information:
Investor Relations:
Kevin C. O’Dowd, Investor Relations
Loop Industries, Inc.
+1 617-755-4602
kodowd@loopindustries.com

Media Inquiries:
Andrea Kostiuk, VP Marketing & Communications
Loop Industries, Inc.
+1 (450) 951-8555
akostiuk@loopindustries.com

SOURCE: Loop Industries

DIFC announces decarbonation strategy, achieving Net Zero by 2045 at Future Sustainability Forum 2024

– DIFC has announced its Decarbonisation Strategy, reinforcing its commitment to being a sustainability leader in the region
– DIFC is playing a key role in the UAE’s Net Zero 2050 Goals, aiming to reach net zero by 2045, with targeted emission reductions across operations, construction, and supply-chain
– The Centre published its inaugural Sustainability Progress Report, titled “Building a Sustainable Future: DIFC’s Path to Impact”
– The Future Sustainability Forum 2024, brought together 3,000 industry leaders, government officials, and sustainability experts to explore innovative solutions to achieve net-zero targets, advance sustainable finance, and drive green innovation

“The Future Sustainability Forum serves as a critical platform that enables global collaboration, knowledge sharing, and finding practical solutions for climate change and sustainable development. In light of COP29 outcomes, we are pleased to announce DIFC’s Decarbonisation Strategy, where we are setting new standards for environmental leadership. We remain at the forefront of solidifying Dubai’s position as the leading sustainable financial city in the region. Today, we are setting a new benchmark for decarbonisation within global financial centres and aim to achieve Net Zero in 2045, five years ahead of the UAE’s targets.” – His Excellency Essa Kazim, Governor of DIFC

Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), the leading global financial centre in the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia (MEASA) region, today announced several updates at the 2nd edition of the Future Sustainability Forum, that advance its position as the region’s leading sustainability finance hub.


Building on the outcomes of COP29, the legacy of COP28 with its landmark UAE Consensus, which was hosted in Dubai last year, DIFC has unveiled its Decarbonisation Strategy, reinforcing its commitment to being a sustainability leader in the region. The Centre will play a vital role in contributing to the UAE Net Zero 2050 strategic initiative, by committing to achieve its Net Zero targets by 2045. In its Decarbonisation Strategy, DIFC targets reducing emissions in areas it directly controls relating to its operations, construction activities and supply chain, setting an example for financial centres worldwide. DIFC’s Strategy aims to achieve real Net Zero, without offsetting or trading carbon emissions.

The event also served as a platform to launch DIFC’s inaugural Sustainability Progress Report titled ‘Building a Sustainable Future: DIFC’s Path to Impact’ detailing achievements and a roadmap for sustainability.

The Forum also hosted the Climate Tech World Cup. Organised by Trescon and powered by Ignyte, it is a call to action for entrepreneurs, innovators, and visionaries from across the globe. Participants were encouraged to present their ideas and solutions to the pressing environmental challenges of our time. Finalists included Acklo, Baynunah Watergeneration Technologies, Green Worms, Mahawa, The Surpluss, Sirius Energy and Zeroe.

COP29 signified the midpoint of the “COP Presidencies Troika”, a collaborative effort between the UAE (hosted COP28) and Brazil (host to COP30 in 2025) that aims to accelerate progress toward the 1.5°C goal. DIFC’s Future Sustainability Forum and announcements come amidst new targets and outcomes from COP29, which will strengthen the UAE’s efforts to mitigate climate risk.

His Excellency Essa Kazim, Governor of DIFC, commented: “The Future Sustainability Forum serves as a critical platform that enables global collaboration, knowledge sharing, and finding practical solutions for climate change and sustainable development. In light of COP29 outcomes, we are pleased to announce DIFC’s Decarbonisation Strategy, where we are setting new standards for environmental leadership. We remain at the forefront of solidifying Dubai’s position as the leading sustainable financial city in the region. Today, we are setting a new benchmark for decarbonisation within global financial centres and aim to achieve Net Zero in 2045, five years ahead of the UAE’s targets.”

Figures from Bloomberg’s Capital Markets League Tables has showed that annual issuances of green social, sustainable, and sustainability-linked bonds (GSSB) in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) in 2023 hit a new record of USD 24bn, driven by the UAE and Saudi Arabia. The UAE leads regional green bond issuance, recently reaching USD 10.7bn, up nearly 170 per cent and capturing approximately 45 per cent of regional totals.

As a leader in global climate action, the UAE has strengthened its role in driving efforts to mobilise climate finance with several global initiatives. These efforts advance the global climate agenda, further international co-operation in environmental sustainability, and support the green transition. DIFC is also bolstering its position as a regional and global hub for sustainable finance, innovation, and leadership, building on the dialogues initiated during COP28 and enhanced through COP29.

Launched during COP28, the DIFC Sustainable Finance Catalyst is a cornerstone initiative in supporting start-ups and innovation in the sustainable economy by scaling sustainable financial flows from Dubai to USD 100bn by 2030, enabled by the first AI-driven sustainability knowledge hub. A workstream for the Future Sustainability Forum will be added to the 2025 Dubai FinTech Summit, creating opportunities for cross-sectoral growth between sustainability, ESG and innovation.

Bringing together 3,000 industry leaders, government officials, and sustainability experts to explore innovative solutions for achieving net-zero targets, advancing sustainable finance, and driving sustainability-led innovation, the Future Sustainability Summit hosted over 500 global investors and more than 100 speakers.

The 2nd edition of the Future Sustainability Forum is supported by:

Strategic Government Partners: Dubai Municipality, Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure
Strategic Partner: DIFC Sustainable Finance Catalyst
Presenting Sponsor: Commercial Bank of Dubai
Powered By: Mashreq
Platinum Sponsors: Deloitte, Esyasoft
Gold Sponsor: Emirates NBD
Mobility Partner: Salik
Silver Sponsors: Barclays, S&P Global, Hedge5, Ahya, Blue Sun
Roundtable Sponsors: LSEG, Vision Bank
Corporate Pledge Partner: TIGRUS Restaurant Holding
Bronze Sponsors: White Hydrogen, Zero, Al Masaood, United Arab Bank, GIM-UEMOA, Pasqal, Ajman Bank, Lafarge, TRST01, TENDERD
Official Media Partner: Arabian Business
Ecosystem Partner: Entrepreneur Middle East
Financial Sustainability Media Partner: The Fintech Times
Official Sustainable Economy Partner: Finance World Magazine
Technology Media Partner: Mena Tech

About Dubai International Financial Centre

Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) is one of the world’s most advanced financial centres, and the leading financial hub for the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia (MEASA), which comprises 77 countries with an approximate population of 3.7bn and an estimated GDP of USD 10.5trn.

With a 20-year track record of facilitating trade and investment flows across the MEASA region, the Centre connects these fast-growing markets with the economies of Asia, Europe, and the Americas through Dubai. 

DIFC is home to an internationally recognised, independent regulator and a proven judicial system with an English common law framework, as well as the region’s largest financial ecosystem of 43,800 professionals working across over 6,150 active registered companies – making up the largest and most diverse pool of industry talent in the region. 

The Centre’s vision is to drive the future of finance through cutting-edge technology, innovation, and partnerships. Today, it is the global future of finance and innovation hub offering one of the region’s most comprehensive FinTech and venture capital environments, including cost-effective licensing solutions, fit-for-purpose regulation, innovative accelerator programmes, and funding for growth-stage start-ups.  

Comprising a variety of world-renowned retail and dining venues, a dynamic art and culture scene, residential apartments, hotels, and public spaces, DIFC continues to be one of Dubai’s most sought-after business and lifestyle destinations. 

For further information, please visit our website: difc.ae, or follow us on LinkedIn and X @DIFC.

For media enquiries, please contact: 

Nivine William | Nisha Celina
Burson | bursonglobal.com
nivine.william@bursonglobal.com | nisha.celina@bursonglobal.com

Rasha Mezher | Dubai International Financial Centre Authority  
Manager, Marketing & Corporate Communications
+9714 3622451
Rasha.Mezher@difc.ae

Shadi Dawi
Senior Director – PR & Media
+971 55 498 4989
shadi@tresconglobal.com 

DIFC opens 2nd Future Sustainability Summit to accelerate global transition to low-carbon, climate-stable future

  • DIFC convenes more than 3000 industry leaders, 3000+ attendees, 100+ companies, 500+ investors, 100+ global speakers, 50+ countries to collaborate and share insights
  • Event highlights UAE’s sustainable practices in decarbonisation and comprehensive financial mechanisms in the roadmap to achieving Net Zero goals by 2050
  • Events sets the stage for signing of agreements in line with the commitment to transitioning to a sustainable economy

Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), the leading global financial centre in the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia (MEASA) region, today welcomed more than 3,000 industry leaders, government officials, and sustainability experts to the 2nd Future Sustainability Summit 2024. The event convened global experts to ideate, collaborate and inspire with insights, to accelerate the global transition towards a low-carbon, climate-resilient future, and showcase the UAE’s sustainable practices, specifically in the financial environment.

The first day of the Future Sustainability Forum showcased thought leadership in panel discussions on topics including facilitation and development of green financing mechanisms, enhancing stakeholder engagement for sustainable development, decarbonisation of the energy sector, prominence of building a circular economy, ESG reporting, and a roadmap to a sustainable 2025. The second day of the event will see industry-focused discussions surrounding innovation, digital transformation and smart cities.

The event attracted 100 global speakers from 50-plus countries, highlighting the importance of the UAE’s sustainability initiatives. Notable speakers at the event included H.E Eng. Saeed Ghumran Al Remeithi, Group Chief Executive Office, Emirates Steel Arkan (EMSTEEL), Eng.  Yousif Al Ali, Chief Executive Officer, Etihad Water & Electricity (EtihadWE), Capt. Saif Al Mheiri, Chief Executive Officer and Chief Sustainability Office, Abu Dhabi Maritime and AD Ports Group, Yasser Zaghloul, Group Chief Executive Officer, National Marine Dredging Company (NMDC), Dr. Manfred Braunl, Chief Executive Officer, Porsche Middle East and Africa FZE, Dr. Bernd Van Linder, Chief Executive Officer, Commercial Bank of Dubai, Vijay Bains, Chief Sustainability Officer and Group Head of ESG, Emirates NBD, Oliver Philips, Regional Head of Sustainable Finance, Middle East and Africa, Barclays, and Jane Goodland, Group Head of Sustainability, London Stock Exchange Group.

Among the attendees were over 500 global investors, and more than 20 per cent of those investors represent funds with portfolios of USD100mn and above. This robust investor presence emphasised a strong focus on climate technology and renewable energy, underscoring the forum’s role in driving sustainable investment and actionable insights in these critical areas.

Alya AlZarouni, Chief Operating Officer at DIFC Authority and Co-Chair of the Dubai Sustainable Finance Working Group, commented, “DIFC is committed to establishing synergies worldwide with governments, organisations, industries, investors and more, to drive the transition to Net Zero with sustainable finance mechanisms. The Future Sustainability Forum enables this transition through collaboration and knowledge sharing that inspires learning. Sustainability requires innovation, considerable finance, education, reporting, and capacity building. At DIFC, we are poised to reinforce our leadership in contributing to the UAE’s climate action strategies and economic development by driving the future of finance.”

Since the UAE ratified the Paris Agreement in 2016 to contribute to climate action, there has been considerable progress in transitioning the country to a more sustainable, climate-resilient, and low-carbon economy. The UAE’s Net Zero agenda is a long-term plan aiming to achieve the sustainable development goals within the country. As a result, sustainable finance has been gaining momentum evidenced by the growth in green bond issuance, implementation of key international and regional projects to foster sustainability and other decarbonisation initiatives within the finance sector.

Dubai – and DIFC – have championed efforts towards driving climate finance mobilisation in the region. At COP28, DIFC announced the launch of its Sustainable Finance Catalyst, a strategic initiative to grow sustainable finance flows from Dubai to USD100 bn by 2030. The future of sustainability lies in innovation, global collaboration, and the transition to a circular economy.

The 2nd edition of the Future Sustainability Forum is supported by:

Strategic Government Partners: Dubai Municipality, Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure
Strategic Partner: DIFC Sustainable Finance Catalyst
Presenting Sponsor: Commercial Bank of Dubai
Powered By: Mashreq
Platinum Sponsors: Deloitte, Esyasoft
Gold Sponsor: Emirates NBD
Mobility Partner: Salik
Silver Sponsors: Barclays, S&P Global, Hedge5, Ahya, Blue Sun
Roundtable Sponsors: LSEG, Vision Bank
Bronze Sponsors: White Hydrogen, Zero, Al Masaood, United Arab Bank, GIM-UEMOA, Pasqal, Ajman Bank, Lafarge, TRST01, TENDERD
Official Media Partner: Arabian Business
Ecosystem Partner: Entrepreneur Middle East
Financial Sustainability Media Partner: The Fintech Times
Official Sustainable Economy Partner: Finance World Magazine
Technology Media Partner: Mena Tech

About Dubai International Financial Centre

Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) is one of the world’s most advanced financial centres, and the leading financial hub for the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia (MEASA), which comprises 77 countries with an approximate population of 3.7bn and an estimated GDP of USD 10.5trn.

With a 20-year track record of facilitating trade and investment flows across the MEASA region, the Centre connects these fast-growing markets with the economies of Asia, Europe, and the Americas through Dubai. 

DIFC is home to an internationally recognised, independent regulator and a proven judicial system with an English common law framework, as well as the region’s largest financial ecosystem of 43,800 professionals working across over 6,150 active registered companies – making up the largest and most diverse pool of industry talent in the region. 

The Centre’s vision is to drive the future of finance through cutting-edge technology, innovation, and partnerships. Today, it is the global future of finance and innovation hub offering one of the region’s most comprehensive FinTech and venture capital environments, including cost-effective licensing solutions, fit-for-purpose regulation, innovative accelerator programmes, and funding for growth-stage start-ups.  

Comprising a variety of world-renowned retail and dining venues, a dynamic art and culture scene, residential apartments, hotels, and public spaces, DIFC continues to be one of Dubai’s most sought-after business and lifestyle destinations. 

For further information, please visit our website: difc.ae, or follow us on LinkedIn and X @DIFC.

For media enquiries, please contact: 

Nivine William | Nisha Celina
Burson | bursonglobal.com
nivine.william@bursonglobal.com | nisha.celina@bursonglobal.com

Rasha Mezher | Dubai International Financial Centre Authority  
Manager, Marketing & Corporate Communications
+9714 3622451
Rasha.Mezher@difc.ae

Shadi Dawi
Senior Director – PR & Media
+971 55 498 4989
shadi@tresconglobal.com 

#CTS24 Concluded Last Week, Advancing Net-Zero Goals and Sustainable Solutions

 The 3rd edition of the London Climate Technology Show concluded last week, paving a vital roadmap towards fully decarbonising our planet through sustainable technologies. The event brought together policymakers, eco-technology leaders, industry professionals, and innovators, all unified in their call for an immediate shift to sustainable and green solutions to secure a better future for the planet.

The two-day event opened on 27th November with an inspiring keynote by Felicity Burch, Executive Director of the Responsible Technology Adoption Unit at the Department for Science, Innovation, and Technology (DSIT), who spoke about AI Innovation in Clean Energy and the DSIT’s Manchester Prize. Following her, Ing. Abigail Cutajar, CEO of the Climate Action Authority, talked about Pioneering the Surge Towards Climate and Energy Transitions.

The conference unfolded over two dynamic days, featuring a packed agenda of insightful presentations and engaging panel discussions. It delved into actionable strategies for decarbonisation, advancements in AgriTech, the evolving carbon market, eco-funds, energy, CCS, built environment and other groundbreaking innovations in climate technology.

Notable discussions highlighted the need for farmers to balance carbon stewardship with food production over the next few decades, the importance of consistent government policies to enable businesses to plan and innovate effectively, and the urgency of addressing digital and engineering skill shortages to ensure a successful green energy transition. Industry experts also called for common sustainability metrics to measure corporate efforts fairly, emphasized the value of collaboration over competition to accelerate the green transition, and underscored the need for farmers to access landscape-level data to enhance biodiversity.

The exhibition hall featured groundbreaking innovations and solutions in sustainability and climate technology, including carbon capture and storage (CCS) from companies like CGI and Terra CO2 Technology, carbon management and accounting solutions by Greenly and Gaia Carbon Accounting, and emerging climate technologies from innovators such as Nabla Flow and Luna 9. Other exhibitors showcased AI-driven solutions, sustainable energy systems, and innovative carbon reduction technologies, presenting a comprehensive snapshot of the future of climate tech.

#CTS24 also hosted interactive side events, including startup acceleration programs and hands-on workshops, providing participants with opportunities for learning, networking, and collaboration. These sessions empowered attendees to adopt transformative technologies and take decisive climate action.

Attendee Experiences

The event received overwhelming positive feedback:

  • Mark Haley, Co-founder of Cero3, shared, “We’re so proud to have unveiled our sustainable travel planner. The feedback and interest exceeded our expectations.”
  • Satyajit Mohanan, Projects and Business Development Coordinator at Cambridge Cleantech, remarked, “It was a pleasure to be part of this event. I met amazing people and look forward to the next edition.”
  • Dennis Chacko, Senior Sales Manager at the British Board of Agreement, shared his excitement over a unique sustainable pen: “Once used, you can plant it to grow something new—a powerful reminder of how everyday items can contribute to a greener future.”

As this successful edition concludes, the organisers are already planning for a bigger, more impactful 4th Edition, with expanded content and greater opportunities to drive meaningful change toward a sustainable future.

For further information, please reach out to us at press@valiantandcompany.com.

COP29: Indonesian Special Envoy Hashim Djojohadikusumo Announces EUR 1,2 Billion Green Funding

MoU with PT PLN (Persero) and KfW (Germany) to develop Pumped Storage Hydropower Plant (PLTA) and Transmission

The Indonesian Government, through Special Presidential Envoy of the Republic of Indonesia Hashim Djojohadikusumo, announced EUR 1.2 billion in green funding for the Indonesian power sector from German state development bank Kreditanstalt für Wiederaufbau (KfW) at the COP29 World Climate Conference in Baku, Azerbaijan, on Wednesday (11/13). The conference runs through Friday (11/22).

COP29 MoU: Indonesian Special Presidential Envoy Hashim Djojohadikusumo (second left), with PLN President Commissioner Burhanuddin Abdullah (second right), PLN President Director Darmawan Prasodjo (right), and Kreditanstalt fur Wiederaufbau (KfW) Chief Sustainability Officer Jurgen Kern at the signing, themed “Leading the Charge: Strategic Partnership to Catalyze Decarbonization” in Baku, Azerbaijan on Wednesday, Nov 13.

The agreement was marked by the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between PT PLN (Persero) and KfW to support Indonesia’s energy transition towards self-sufficiency with the development of various green power and clean energy projects, centered on the Pumped Storage Hydroelectric Power Plant (PLTA) and transmission network connecting with green power plants. 

Hashim emphasized that the government is committed to accelerating the energy transition. By fostering collaborations at the global level, the shift towards renewable energy is expected to support energy self-sufficiency and drive national economic growth. “We have developed a new strategy over the next five years to achieve a minimum of 8% sustainable economic growth,” Hashim affirmed. 

He stated that the development of clean energy sources is crucial for enhancing industrial competitiveness. Over the next 15 years, Indonesia’s renewable energy generation capacity is targeted to increase by 75% from the total addition of 100 gigawatts (GW) in electricity capacity. 

“We will be a major country fulfilling our responsibility to protect the environment’s future. We deeply appreciate the established international cooperation as a joint effort toward reaching the Net Zero Emissions (NZE) target,” Hashim explained. 

PLN President Director Darmawan Prasodjo expressed full support for the government’s initiatives in advancing the energy transition. Various collaborations and initiatives have been implemented by PLN to ensure the success of sustainable electricity projects. Darmawan noted that KfW’s involvement in PLN’s green projects is expected to attract more international partners to collaborate. 

This will create a synergy of sustainable strategic, technical, and investment collaboration in global climate action. “This collaboration signifies PLN’s proactive steps in expanding international partnerships to enhance national energy self-sufficiency in line with global climate actions,” Darmawan stated.

KfW Group’s Sustainability Officer, Jurgen Kern, explained the KfW support for Indonesia represents Germany’s commitment to international cooperation for green transformation. Further, Jurgen highlighted that PLN is at the center of Indonesia’s energy transition. PLN is strongly committed to greening the energy sector while ensuring reliable energy access.

“Therefore, we believe that Indonesia and Germany can continue strengthening their partnership in the energy sector, especially in clean energy projects like geothermal, hydropower, and transmission. Achieving the NZE target requires solid collaboration and partnership,” Jurgen said.

– Antara, for PT PLN (Persero), https://web.pln.co.id/en/sustainability/sustainability/.
– Indonesia: https://indonesia.go.id/,  KfW Germany: https://www.kfw.de/kfw.de-2.html 

COP29: PLN Encourages Global Collaboration for Energy Transition Towards Sustainable Energy Self-Sufficiency

PT PLN (Persero) is promoting participation with the global community during the 29th Conference of the Parties (COP29) hosted in Baku, Azerbaijan, from November 11 to 22, 2024. This initiative is in harmony with the nation’s objective of an energy transition towards sustainable energy self-sufficiency.

Hashim Djojohadikusumo, Indonesia's Special Envoy to COP29
Hashim Djojohadikusumo, Indonesia’s Special Envoy to COP29

Hashim Djojohadikusumo, Indonesia’s Special Envoy to COP29, stated that under President Prabowo Subianto’s leadership, Indonesia is committed to sustaining existing commitments made by preceding presidents to accelerate the energy transition and mitigate climate change.

“We will keep our commitments and develop new programs led by President Prabowo. Among these is an initiative to add 100 gigawatts of new power generation over the next 15 years, with renewable energy accounting for 75% (75 gigawatts). This ambitious initiative will necessitate USD 235 billion in investment,” Hashim remarked at the opening of the Indonesian Pavilion at COP29 on Monday, November 11.

Hashim also highlighted additional commitments, such as carbon emission reduction through Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) technology. Indonesia is prepared to collaborate with multinational companies and other stakeholders interested in investing in this sector.

“Indonesia is blessed with vast saline aquifers, both onshore and offshore, providing an estimated carbon storage capacity of 500 gigatons,” Hashim said.

Indonesia invites international stakeholders to join in combating global warming, he noted, as the impact of climate change in Indonesia is part of a broader global challenge. 

“This journey will take years; it cannot be done overnight. It requires funding, technology, and knowledge,” Hashim emphasized. 

Minister of Environment Hanif Faisol Nurofiq expressed optimism about the role of the Indonesian Pavilion at COP29, not only for Indonesia but also as a platform for global collaboration on climate mitigation solutions.

“The COP29 theme strongly aligns with our (Indonesian) pavilion theme, ‘Sustainability Stronger Together.’ This concept reflects our belief that through cooperation among nations, sectors, and communities, we can address climate change effectively,” Faisol noted.

The Indonesian Pavilion has three main objectives: representing Indonesia’s climate diplomacy, promoting Indonesia’s comprehensive climate mitigation efforts, and exploring new ideas, partnerships, and opportunities for strengthening climate resilience worldwide. 

Minister of Forestry Raja Juli Antoni emphasized that economic growth must be balanced with environmental protection, particularly forest conservation. He urged all stakeholders to participate in these efforts to achieve sustainable economic growth. 

“I encourage everyone to address our current forestry issues together. Collaboration is our collective responsibility to protect and conserve our forests, making them a source of prosperity for future generations,” Raja Juli remarked. 

PLN CEO Darmawan Prasodjo reiterated PLN’s commitment to support the Indonesian government’s goal of adding new power generation capacity to achieve sustainable energy self-sufficiency. He noted that PLN has developed a roadmap and is expanding partnerships with local and global stakeholders.

“As the backbone of Indonesia’s energy security, PLN is optimistic about achieving this target through a transition strategy focused on renewable energy and continuous sustainable development,” Darmawan explained. 

To meet these goals, PLN has planned a Green Enabling Transmission Line to deliver clean energy from renewable sources in remote areas. Spanning 70,000 kilometers, this transmission network will connect Indonesian islands and transport clean electricity to urban demand centers. Darmawan also stressed that PLN continues to increase its renewable energy generation capacity and harness Indonesia’s clean energy potential. 

“PLN is committed to developing supporting infrastructure, including smart grids, smart control systems, intelligent distribution, and battery storage systems to maximize renewable energy use,” he stated. Collaboration, Darmawan emphasized, is essential. “PLN actively participates in global events like COP29 to strengthen partnerships for achieving sustainable energy self-sufficiency.” 

“Global community efforts, including sustainable investments, technology transfer, and supportive policies for renewable energy development, are crucial,” Darmawan concluded.


Source: Antara for PLN ( https://web.pln.co.id/en/sustainability/sustainability )

SIG expands its SIG Neo filling machine portfolio with the global launch of SIG Neo Slimline 15 Aseptic during Gulfood Manufacturing

Groundbreaking industry news: Catering to the industry’s need for fast growth and flexible production

SIG, a leading packaging solutions provider, announced the expansion of its SIG Neo filling machine portfolio, featuring the world’s fastest and most flexible aseptic carton filling machine for multi-serve formats. With the debut presentation of SIG Neo Slimline 15 Aseptic at Gulfood Manufacturing in Dubai, held from November 5-7, SIG launched another cutting-edge filling machine for multi-serve aseptic carton packs, capable of filling up to 15,000 SIG SlimlineBloc packs per hour – a 25% increase in output compared to SIG’s standard filling machines for family-sized formats.

(Photo: SIG)
(Photo: SIG)

As food and beverage manufacturers face an increasing need for high output and flexibility, TCO-improved, and sustainable options, the SIG Neo technology platform offers groundbreaking solutions. The new SIG Neo Slimline 15 Aseptic machine not only accelerates production speed, but also maintains a compact footprint, making it an ideal solution for producers looking to increase capacity without costly facility expansions. In an industry where floor space is at a premium, flexibility and quality are essential and the total cost of ownership is a priority, SIG’s ability to significantly boost output per square meter is a game-changer.

The SIG Neo technology represents a major leap forward in filling machine innovation. Designed to meet the evolving needs of the F&B sector, it enables manufacturers to seamlessly switch between 1L, 750mL and 500mL packaging volumes, products from multiple categories and packaging materials.

“With the SIG Neo platform, we’re addressing key industry challenges,” said Christoph Wegener, Chief Markets Officer at SIG. “Our customers are seeking higher production capacity, improved efficiency, and the ability to adapt to changing consumer trends. The SIG Neo Slimline 15 Aseptic delivers uniquely on all these fronts. It offers the industry-leading waste rate of less than 0.5%, smart digitalization in operations, and up to 15% reduced Total Filling Costs compared to SIG’s standard filling machines for multi-serve aseptic cartons. With this top-tier performance, we enable our customers to scale up their filling line capacity to up to 70 million packs per year. Of course, our SIG Neo filling machine portfolio is designed to run our SIG Terra suite of even lower carbon aseptic carton packaging materials.”

Additional features of the SIG Neo Slimline 15 Aseptic filling machine include the state-of-the-art SIG Neo HMI (Human-Machine Interface) for intuitive operation and to generate smart insights on the filling machine’s performance. Added to this is SIG Neo Shield for enhanced sterile airflow and shielding during bottom sealing and pre-folding making it possible to remove up to 95% particles from the air, leading to top quality and extended production cycles. Furthermore, semi-automatic cleaning capabilities will be included on the SIG Neo platform providing superior cleaning results and shorter downtime.

Gavin Steiner, Chief Technology Officer at SIG: “As the food and beverage industry continues to evolve, SIG is setting a standard for fast, flexible, and sustainable filling technology. The SIG Neo Slimline 15 Aseptic is a testament to SIG’s commitment to innovation, helping manufacturers achieve growth, efficiency, and quality like never before. This is particularly interesting for manufacturers who want to grow fast – even with limited space. I am proud of the SIG team, who have succeeded in developing a ground-breaking technology that meets the industry’s need for rapid growth and flexible production.”

Going forward, SIG plans to bring these cutting-edge SIG Neo technology advancements to further aseptic carton filling machines for even more packaging formats in both its multi-serve and single-serve portfolio.

About SIG
SIG is a leading solutions provider of packaging for better – better for our customers, for consumers, and for the world. With our unique portfolio of aseptic carton, bag-in-box, and spouted pouch, we work in partnership with our customers to bring food and beverage products to consumers around the world in a safe, sustainable, and affordable way. Our technology and outstanding innovation capabilities enable us to provide our customers with versatile packaging systems and solutions for innovative products and smart operations, all to address the ever-changing needs of consumers. Sustainability is integral to our business and guides us on our journey to create packaging for better – packaging that gives more to people and the planet than it takes out.

Founded in 1853, SIG is headquartered in Neuhausen, Switzerland, and is listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange. The skills and experience of our approximately 9,000 employees worldwide enable us to respond quickly and effectively to the needs of our customers in over 100 countries. In 2023, SIG produced 53 billion packs and generated €3.2 billion in revenue. SIG also has an AA ESG rating by MSCI, a 13.9 (low risk) score by Sustainalytics, Platinum CSR rating by EcoVadis, and is included in the FTSE4Good Index. For more information, visit our website.

For insights into trends that drive the food and beverage industry, visit the SIG blog.

Picture caption:
SIG announced the expansion of its SIG Neo filling machine portfolio, featuring the world’s fastest and most flexible aseptic carton filling machine for multi-serve formats. With the debut presentation of SIG Neo Slimline 15 Aseptic at Gulfood Manufacturing in Dubai, held from November 5-7, SIG launched another cutting-edge filling machine for multi-serve aseptic carton packs, capable of filling up to 15,000 SIG SlimlineBloc packs per hour – a 25% increase in output compared to SIG’s standard filling machines for family-sized formats.

Photo: SIG

Your contact for media inquiries:
PRecious Communications for SIG
Email: sig@preciouscomms.com

Selayang Mall Environment Week 2024 Unites Community for a Greener Future

Selayang Mall, owned by AmanahRaya Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) and managed by Knight Frank Malaysia (Knight Frank),  launches its inaugural Selayang Mall Environment Week 2024 as part of a bold initiative to champion environmental sustainability. The event gathered over 3,000 attendees, including families, local community groups, and eco-enthusiasts, all committed to celebrating and learning about environmental conservation.

The week-long event offered interactive exhibits, live demonstrations, and educational workshops, making it a key platform for raising environmental awareness in the Selayang community. Highlights included sessions on local biodiversity, eco-friendly practices, and fun hands-on activities for all ages, which sparked meaningful discussions about safeguarding Selayang’s natural heritage.

Selayang Mall donated RM16,000 worth of essential supplies to Pusat Pemulihan Dalam Komuniti in conjunction with Selayang Mall Environment Week.
Selayang Mall donated RM16,000 worth of essential supplies to Pusat Pemulihan Dalam Komuniti in conjunction with Selayang Mall Environment Week.

Supported by renowned local entities, such as the Majlis Perbandaran Selayang, Forest Research Institute Malaysia (“FRIM”), and 99 Wonderland Park, the Environment Week saw the involvement of schools, private organisations, and community advocates. Tunku Rozita Tunku Abdul Malek, Managing Director of AmanahRaya-Kenedix REIT Manager Sdn. Bhd. (“AKRM”), and other key figures, including Dato’ Dr Ismail Haji Parlan, Director General of FRIM, lent their presence and support, underscoring the event’s significance.

Mohd Yusof Tawil, Chairman of Pusat Pemulihan Dalam Komuniti; Nazatul Syima, Head of Operation of AmanahRaya-Kenedix REIT Manager Sdn. Bhd.; Tunku Rozita, Managing Director of AmanahRaya-Kenedix REIT Manager Sdn. Bhd.; Yuen May Chee, Director of Knight Frank Malaysia; Benoit Cazin, Centre Manager of Selayang Mall; Hazwani Izzati, Marketing Manager of Selayang Mall [L-R]
Mohd Yusof Tawil, Chairman of Pusat Pemulihan Dalam Komuniti; Nazatul Syima, Head of Operation of AmanahRaya-Kenedix REIT Manager Sdn. Bhd.; Tunku Rozita, Managing Director of AmanahRaya-Kenedix REIT Manager Sdn. Bhd.; Yuen May Chee, Director of Knight Frank Malaysia; Benoit Cazin, Centre Manager of Selayang Mall; Hazwani Izzati, Marketing Manager of Selayang Mall [L-R]

Benoit Cazin, Centre Manager of Selayang Mall, said, “Selayang Mall Environment Week represents our commitment to inspiring positive change. This gathering exemplifies what’s possible when our community comes together for a common cause. Our goal is not only to promote environmental protection but to also position Selayang as a must-visit location with vibrant attractions.”

Beyond awareness, the initiative extended its impact through a substantial donation of RM16,000 in essential supplies to children at Pusat Pemulihan Dalam Komuniti Selayang, underlining Selayang Mall’s broader commitment to social and environmental sustainability.

The success of Selayang Mall Environment Week marks a significant step for community-driven environmental action. The organisers aim to continue building momentum, creating a lasting legacy that encourages a deeper connection with nature and sustainable practices across Selayang.

For media enquiries, please contact:
Hazwani Izzati Khirrudin – Asst Marketing Manager
Email: hazwani.khirrudin@my.knightfrank.com

Noor Atiyya Binti Mahmud
Email: nooratiyya@akrm.com.my 

Mandy Tan
Email: m.tan@swanconsultancy.biz