Indorama Ventures provides waste separation teaching manuals to BMA; promoting environmental education in classrooms
Indorama Ventures Public Company Limited, a global sustainable chemical company, represented by Miss Naweensuda Krabuanrat, Head of Global CSR, Global Recycling Education and Thai Advocacy (2nd from right), provided 480 sets of the “Proper Waste Separation Teaching Manual” to the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration’s Education Bureau, received by Mr. Chadchart Suttipant, Governor of Bangkok (3rd from left), Mr. Sanon Wangsrangboon, Deputy Governor of Bangkok (2nd from left), and Mrs. Somrudee Lansucheep, Deputy Director of the Education Department, BMA (1st from left) at the Bangkok City Hall (Sao Chingcha). The manual is the result of a collaboration between Indorama Ventures and the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration under the Sustainable Plastic Waste Management project, which has been ongoing for over three years. The project promotes environmental awareness and sustainable waste management among students in all 437 schools under the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, aligning with its “Mai Te Ruam” waste sorting policy. Designed as a practical tool for teachers, the manual delivers accurate plastic waste management knowledge and fosters circular economy thinking among young people from elementary school to junior high school levels.
CapitaLand Investment secures additional investor commitments for its value-add CapitaLand Ascott Residence Asia Fund II
Ascott Grows The Crest Collection in East Asia and the Middle East, Extending the Brand's Heritage-Inspired Luxury Beyond Europe and Southeast Asia
FEATURED NEWS
- June 9, 2025Business
Indorama Ventures provides waste separation teaching manuals to BMA; promoting environmental education in classrooms
Indorama Ventures Public Company Limited, a global sustainable chemical company, represented by Miss Naweensuda Krabuanrat, Head of Global CSR, Global Recycling Education and Thai Advocacy (2nd from right), provided 480 sets of the “Proper Waste Separation Teaching Manual” to the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration’s Education Bureau, received by Mr. Chadchart Suttipant, Governor of Bangkok (3rd from left), Mr. Sanon Wangsrangboon, Deputy Governor of Bangkok (2nd from left), and Mrs. Somrudee Lansucheep, Deputy Director of the Education Department, BMA (1st from left) at the Bangkok City Hall (Sao Chingcha). The manual is the result of a collaboration between Indorama Ventures and the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration under the Sustainable Plastic Waste Management project, which has been ongoing for over three years. The project promotes environmental awareness and sustainable waste management among students in all 437 schools under the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, aligning with its “Mai Te Ruam” waste sorting policy. Designed as a practical tool for teachers, the manual delivers accurate plastic waste management knowledge and fosters circular economy thinking among young people from elementary school to junior high school levels.
- June 9, 2025Business
CapitaLand Investment secures additional investor commitments for its value-add CapitaLand Ascott Residence Asia Fund II
CLARA II and its co-investors have acquired a prime mixed-use asset in Tokyo, Japan at over JPY30 billion. This is CLARA II’s third asset and second in Japan. Based on latest capital commitments, CLI’s funds under management will also increase by approximately S$470 million as a result. CapitaLand Investment Limited (CLI), a leading global real asset manager, has secured fresh capital commitments from new and existing institutional investors for its value-add lodging private fund, CapitaLand Ascott Residence Asia Fund II (CLARA II). This reflects the continued strong investor interest in the fund’s strategy to reposition underutilised assets into high-performing living assets in key Asia Pacific gateway cities. CLARA II and its co-investors have acquired a prime mixed-use asset in Tokyo, Japan at over JPY30 billion. This is CLARA II’s third asset and second in Japan. Based on latest capital commitments, CLI’s funds under management will also increase by approximately S$470 million as a result. CLI holds about 20% stake in the fund as part of its asset-light strategy and to maintain strong alignment of interests with its capital partners. Mr Kevin Goh, CEO of CLI Lodging, said: “With over 40 years of lodging experience and our strong foothold in Asia, we have built up significant scale along with deep investment and operational expertise in the region. Our on-the-ground teams bring strong market insights that enable swift execution and speed-to-market. Investors also value CLI’s expertise in the living sector, having pioneered the serviced residence concept in Asia Pacific. The additional capital commitments reinforce CLI’s reputation as a trusted steward and the continued strong investor interest in serviced residences, which have proven to be a resilient asset class with the ability to deliver attractive yields.” “With CLARA II, we are focused on refurbishment and conversion to maximise the value of their assets. Amid the global uncertainties, market dislocations in the hospitality sector have also created more opportunities for value-add and repositioning. By leveraging CLI’s lodging business unit, The Ascott Limited’s (Ascott) trusted brand reputation as well as global sales and marketing network, we are able to enhance the value of the assets under our lodging funds and deliver high-quality returns. The flex-hybrid model of our serviced residences, which caters to different lengths of stays, gives us a unique advantage. Long-stay guests provide income stability while short-stay guests allow us to capture the upside and optimise revenue,” added Mr Goh. The additional capital commitments reinforce CLI’s reputation as a trusted steward and the continued strong investor interest in serviced residences, which have proven to be a resilient asset class with the ability to deliver attractive yields. - Mr Kevin Goh, CEO of CLI Lodging Mr Kevin Goh, CEO of CLI Lodging lyf Shibuya Tokyo achieved over 70% occupancy within three months of opening, demonstrating CLI's ability to transform underutilised assets into high-performing lodging investments Mr Mak Hoe Kit, Managing Director, Lodging Private Equity Funds, CLI Mr Mak Hoe Kit, Managing Director, Lodging Private Equity Funds, CLI, said: “Japan is one of Asia’s most developed and liquid real estate markets, supported by deep capital pools. Leveraging our local expertise, we secured this off-market opportunity at an attractive entry price. CLARA II’s earlier assets — lyf Shibuya Tokyo and lyf Bugis Singapore — have been successfully repositioned and launched. lyf Shibuya Tokyo achieved over 70% occupancy within three months of opening, demonstrating our ability to transform underutilised assets into high-performing lodging investments.” “Through our first lodging private fund, Ascott Serviced Residence Global Fund (ASRGF), we have built a strong track record of delivering alpha, with successful divestments of lyf Ginza Tokyo and Somerset Shinagawa Tokyo at premiums above target returns. Building on this momentum, we see a growing opportunity to bring our lodging fund strategy to Europe, where demand for modern, sustainable living and hospitality assets in gateway cities like London, Paris, Berlin, Amsterdam and Barcelona continues to rise. Private capital is well-positioned to meet this demand,” added Mr Mak. In Tokyo, Japan’s revenue per available room (REVPAR) in 2024 was 43% higher than the pre-COVID levels in 2019. The strong growth continued in February 2025 with REVPAR rising 19% year-on-year (y-o-y)[1]. The number of foreign visitors to Japan rose 28.5% y-o-y to a record 3.91 million in April 2025. The country welcomed 14.4 million visitors in the first four months of the year, a rise of 24.5%. Japan aims to almost double tourist numbers to 60 million annually by 2030. A well-connected asset in one of Tokyo’s most popular shopping, entertainment and business districts The prime mixed-used asset is in Shinjuku, one of Tokyo’s most popular shopping, entertainment and business districts. It currently comprises hotel, residential, as well as ancillary office and retail components. The hotel and residential components will be upgraded and converted into a serviced residence, with improved amenities to enhance guests’ experience and uplift the property’s profitability and value. Ascott will manage the 179-unit serviced residence. The property will be rebranded as Citadines Shinjuku Tower Tokyo and is set to be launched in phases from 2H 2026. The 22-storey Citadines Shinjuku Tower Tokyo will have a mix of studio suites as well as one- to three-bedroom apartments, targeting guests with different lengths of stays. The property will cater to corporate guests on extended stay from the nearby offices as well as domestic and international leisure travellers. Citadines Shinjuku Tower Tokyo will also benefit from the Shinjuku Masterplan 2040, which will see the district attracting more business travellers as more large-scale commercial assets are developed. Citadines Shinjuku Tower Tokyo offers a host of lifestyle, retail, dining and entertainment options in the vicinity. The nearest metro station is just a two-minute walk away, providing guests easy access to the rest of Tokyo. From the nearby Shinjuku station, guests can also travel to the rest of Japan via the country’s extensive high-speed rail network. Narita International Airport and Haneda Airport are also easily accessible from the property via train in about 70 or 40 minutes respectively. Facilities at the serviced residence will include a gymnasium, function rooms, a restaurant, a café and a laundromat. --------- Note [1] STR Data, 2025
- June 9, 2025Business
JD Logistics Deploys 500,000 New Reusable Cold Chain Delivery Boxes, Targeting 127,000 Tons in Carbon Reductions
On June 5, which is World Environment Day and the 8th anniversary of JD.com’s Green Stream Initiative, JD Logistics, also known as JINGDONG Logistics, announced that it will bring 500,000 new reusable cold chain delivery boxes into service for fresh products, marking the largest deployment of its kind in the industry. Each of these boxes will be collected and reused after delivery, significantly reducing single-use waste. With each reuse cutting carbon emissions by approximately 850 grams, the new boxes are expected to reduce emissions by an estimated 127,000 tons over their lifecycle. This move comes as China’s express delivery sector hits a new peak of 174.5 billion parcels in 2024, topping global rankings for the 11th consecutive year. However, the growing demand has led to rising environmental concerns, especially around packaging waste and limited consumer-friendly recycling options. JD Logistics has been working to address this challenge since 2015 by promoting reusable packaging solutions. So far, more than 3 million reusable cold chain boxes have been put into use. In 2024 alone, 960,000 boxes are in active circulation, helping to cut 72,000 tons of CO₂ emissions—equivalent to the annual electricity use of 77,000 households. The new upgraded boxes are engineered for durability and performance, having passed rigorous insulation and drop tests. Each box supports up to 300 reuses—nearly twice the lifecycle of earlier models—and features improved sealing to preserve freshness more effectively. To ensure precision and accountability, every reusable delivery box is embedded with a unique barcode and RFID tag, enabling full lifecycle tracking via JD Logistics’ proprietary circular packaging management system. Real-time backend updates provide data on each box’s usage count, condition, and logistics path. In conjunction with the rollout of the upgraded boxes, JD Logistics has partnered with over 300 fresh food brands to offer green delivery services throughout JD.com’s 618 Grand Promotion, China’s largest mid-year shopping festival. These partnerships transform the high-consumption event into a full-chain carbon reduction campaign. This is just one part of JD.com’s “Green Stream Initiative.” Launched in 2017, the Green Stream Initiative represents the company’s long-term commitment to a responsible supply chain. From AI-driven optimization and green energy adoption to recyclable packaging and smart transportation, the company continues to build a next-generation, environmentally responsible supply chain, and set the standard for green innovation in the logistics industry. ( [email protected] )
- June 9, 2025Business
FPT and FTREIT successfully complete bond sales to investors collectively worth THB 3,900 million
Frasers Property (Thailand) Public Company Limited or “FPT”, and Frasers Property Thailand Industrial Freehold & Leasehold REIT or “FTREIT” , an industrial trust under the Frasers Property Thailand group, garnered strong investor support for their respective debenture offerings. FPT raised THB 2,150 million across two tranches: 3-year zero-coupon bonds with a discount rate of 2.43%, and 3.5-year bonds with an interest rate of 2.65% per annum, offered to institutional investors over 14-15 May 2025. There was strong interest in the bonds with 1.5 times oversubscribed. Meanwhile, FTREIT received an excellent response from institutional and high-net-worth investors for its bonds offering on 27-28 May 2025. The offering comprised three tranches: 3.5-year zero-coupon bonds with a discount rate of 2.78%, 5-year bonds with an interest rate of 3.23%, and 7-year bonds with an interest rate of 3.50% per annum. Total issuance amounted to THB 1,750 million and was successfully closed as targeted. The successful fundraisings by both entities are particularly notable amid the challenging economic pressures and uncertainties facing businesses domestically and globally, in particular felt by the local real estate sector with multiple headwinds affecting investor sentiment. However, the positive market response underscores the confidence investors place in FPT – a leading integrated real estate platform covering residential, industrial, and commercial asset classes, and FTREIT – Thailand’s top industrial REIT with over 2.3 million sqm of high-quality logistics and industrial assets under management in strategic locations. Both the company and the trust, including their bonds, have received "A" credit ratings with "Stable" outlooks from TRIS Rating. Proceeds from the bonds will be used for debt repayment. FPT and FTREIT continue to demonstrate stable business performance. In the first six months of FY 2025 (October 2024 – March 2025), FPT generated revenue of THB 6,298 million, a decrease of 4.4%, whilst achieving net profit of THB 550 million, an increase of 12.9% compared to the same period last year. Meanwhile, FTREIT recorded total revenue of THB 2,091 million, an increase of THB 116 million or 5.9%, with net profit on investment increasing 8.8% or THB 113 million to THB 1,388 million, compared to the same period last year.
- June 9, 2025Business
MOVE works with Philippine Government in upholding industry-wide safeguards for Customer Protection
MEDIA STATEMENT Please attribute to: Nadia Omer, CEO of MOVE MOVE reiterates its commitment to reliable, accessible, and affordable travels MOVE, the only foreign-registered OTA, in full compliance with local regulations - paying Philippine taxes and providing employment to Filipinos AirAsia MOVE (MOVE) today reaffirms its commitment to join hands with the government in the Philippines in pushing for industry-wide safeguards that ensure customer protection. During the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) inquiry on Thursday, MOVE clarified its position regarding the alleged overpricing as a result of a fare discrepancy in Tacloban involving a domestic flight carrier. No manual fare manipulation AirAsia MOVE CEO Nadia Omer appeared before CAB officials to clarify the supply chain process in the Online Travel Agency (OTA) industry , and emphasized the following key points: MOVE’s pricing mechanism is automated; There is no manual intervention or manipulation of fares on the platform; All fares are sourced from third-party aggregators, not set by OTAs like MOVE. “We thank the CAB for giving us the opportunity to be heard at a proper venue in the observance of due process. The issue at hand has become a platform to proactively engage and educate stakeholders on how the supply chain works within OTAs. “We want to clarify that OTAs operate through third-party aggregators, aside from direct airline partners. These third-party aggregators directly engage with various airlines to sell their seats. OTAs work with these third-party aggregators as a marketing arm or platform. Therefore, OTAs do not have the ability to manually alter prices passed on from these suppliers or airline partners.” “We also want to clarify that there is no overpricing and manipulation as these go against the very principle of our company – to provide affordable fares and a wide range of options to make traveling more accessible and inclusive for every consumer, on every budget,” Omer said. MOVE flags third-party suppliers Following the cease and desist order, MOVE immediately took action by calling out the attention of the third-party suppliers, requesting for an immediate removal of the fares in question. During its internal investigation, MOVE confirmed that no booking transaction was made . Likely, no passengers were affected by the displayed fare . Omer adds, “Other than facing intense public scrutiny, MOVE did not gain any commission out of the fares in question. We immediately asked our third-party suppliers to provide a written explanation to ensure full clarity on the issue.”' Forging strong collaboration, advocating consumer protection In the Philippines, airline fares are regulated by the CAB, which sets price ceilings and ensures any fare adjustments are approved accordingly. Meanwhile, the Department of Tourism (DOT) monitors accommodation rates. However, complaints about pricing on OTAs are typically referred to the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). “As a company that advocates consumer protection , MOVE is ready to work closely with the government in setting up a task force and developing policies to monitor pricing across to ensure alignment not just on booking platforms, but across the third-party supply chain. Omer adds, “We ask that the government also strike a balance between monitoring and regulating OTAs to ensure equal protection while encouraging economic activity and driving tourism. OTAs, like MOVE, are here to democratize travel by providing a wide range of options that suits every traveler’s budget requirements and travel aspirations.” ***END***
- June 5, 2025Business
Coles awards $3.5 million to champion Aussie producers doing things differently
This World Environment Day, Coles has awarded $3.5 million in grants to 11 small and medium-sized businesses at the forefront of innovation and sustainability, as part of the latest round of the Coles Nurture Fund. Now in its eleventh year, the Coles Nurture Fund has awarded more than $40 million in financial support to 119 Australian producers across a wide range of industries. The latest round of Coles Nurture Fund recipients have been awarded grants of up to $500,000 to turn innovative ideas into real-world solutions that benefit producers, the environment and customers, including micro-bat vineyards, cyclone-proof food lockers and virtual livestock fences. Western Australian chilli supplier Blazing Saddles has been awarded $250,000 to introduce new cardboard punnets that will see the business remove up to 98% of its plastic waste. The grant will be used to purchase specialised packing machinery and equipment that will help make sustainable choices more accessible for Coles customers. Blazing Saddles Director and Owner Lance Fitzgerald said the innovation was a first for the category and a major step for the family-run business. “As a small grower, we never thought we’d be leading the charge on packaging innovation, but this grant will help us invest in the right equipment and drive positive change in the industry,” he said. “This kind of technology has been used in fruit and veg here, but never in herbs. The move to recycled cardboard punnets will significantly reduce plastic packaging and we thank Coles for supporting this step forward – for the environment, our business and for customers.” Family-owned winery and Coles Liquor supplier Fowles Wine in Victoria has been awarded $500,000 to engineer BatNavs – a technology that helps micro-bats to navigate the vineyard and feed on pests, reducing the need for pesticides and promoting biodiversity. Fowles Wine Owner and Director Matt Fowles said the Australian-first project is about rethinking how farming and nature can work together. “We live by the idea of 'farming in nature's image' which means finding ways to work with nature, rather than against it. Working with microbats to manage pests in the vineyard is a great example of this ethos,” he said. “The potential benefits of this project are massive, not just for Fowles Wine, but also for the broader wine industry here in Australia. Based on our research, we estimate savings of $50 million per year in pesticides and a reduced environmental impact.” “Farming can be a fairly lonely pursuit, so it is really nice to have your ideas and hard work recognised. The Coles Nurture Fund has put wind in our sails and allowed us to think big.” The Coles Nurture Fund reflects Coles’ ongoing commitment to supporting local producers and communities, as the supermarket remains Australia’s top corporate giver by percentage of profit for the fifth year running. Coles Group Chief Commercial and Sustainability Officer Anna Croft said this year’s recipients stood out for their forward-thinking projects that drive innovation across the industry. “We’re proud to support these businesses that are pioneering smart and practical solutions that will help to create a more sustainable future,” she said. “It’s exciting to see such a strong pipeline of ideas with the potential to make a real impact, not just on production methods here in Australia, but on the communities and environments they are part of.” “At Coles, we know sustainable growth needs collaboration and the Coles Nurture Fund plays a vital role in helping producers bring these ambitious ideas to life.” Other recipients include: Dates Farms Australia (Walkerie, SA) will use a grant of $500,000 to build a solar-powered date processing facility and expand its planting of Medjool dates, helping reduce the industry’s reliance on imports and put more Australian-grown dates on Coles’ shelves. Cudgen Road Farms (Cudgen, NSW) is a family-owned sustainable sweet potato farm awarded $450,000 to build and design a new harvester that reduces crop damage, extends shelf life and reduces waste. Hearman Ag (Charley Creek, WA) is a fourth-generation orchard and cattle farm in Charley Creek that will use a $138,000 grant to install an AI-driven solar pumping system to reduce its water usage, support more consistent apple production and reduce the orchard’s carbon footprint. Healthy Tech (Bowden, SA) will use a grant of $175,000 to help bring real-time veterinary support to remote Australian piggeries, helping farmers detect health issues earlier and improve animal welfare. K&M Farming Trust (Manypeaks, WA) will use a grant of $245,000 to expand its’ eShepherd virtual fencing program, using solar-powered GPS trackers to manage cattle more efficiently, reduce labour and improve land use. Salamanca Pastoral (Hotspur, VIC) will use a grant of $90,000 to install native shelter belts and a new freshwater system, improving animal welfare and sustainable use of land. Talwali Coffee Roasters (Hampton Park, VIC) will use a grant of $400,000 to help become the first Indigenous-owned business to grow coffee locally using an innovative system powered entirely by renewable energy. Topsoil Organics (Forbes, NSW) will use a grant of $500,000 to build a compost bagging facility that turns Coles’ non-edible food waste into nutrient-rich compost, helping reduce landfill, improve soil health and accelerate our transition to a circular economy. Foodbank SA & NT (Edwardstown, SA) will use a grant of $250,000 to install cyclone-proof food lockers in remote Northern Territory communities, ensuring essential supplies are accessible during natural disasters and helping to build resilience in regional communities. Find out more about Coles Nurture Fund Round 13 recipients here For media enquiries, please contact Coles Media Line (03) 9829 5250 or [email protected] or [email protected]
- June 5, 2025Technology
Bytewells Launches Revolutionary Web Scraping Platform with AI-Powered Data Enrichment — Empowering Businesses to Unlock the Full Potential of Online Data
A web scraping platform announced the official launch of its innovative service, which is designed to simplify data extraction and enhance it with powerful AI enrichment. With an intuitive user interface, ready-made scrapers, customizable AI agents, and flexible pricing, Bytewells is set to transform how businesses, researchers, and developers access and utilize web data. In today’s data-driven world, gathering and analyzing online information is critical for competitive advantage. Bytewells addresses this need by offering a comprehensive platform that extracts data from various websites and enriches it with AI-generated insights , making raw data more actionable and valuable. Bytewells’ platform is designed with simplicity and power in mind. Users can quickly extract structured data from popular sources such as Google Maps, e-commerce sites, government portals, and industry-specific platforms. The platform’s standout feature is its AI enrichment capability, which leverages advanced AI agents — including integrations with ChatGPT — to add meaningful context and additional information to scraped data. For example, businesses can extract business listings from Google Maps and automatically generate detailed descriptions, contact information, and other relevant metadata with a single click. This seamless combination of scraping and AI enrichment saves time, reduces manual effort, and enhances data quality. Bytewells offers a vast library of pre-built scrapers tailored for popular websites across industries such as finance, healthcare, real estate, e-commerce, and more. Users can start scraping immediately without the need for technical expertise. Bytewells provides custom scraper development services for unique or niche data needs, ensuring clients get the required data. The platform’s AI agents enrich scraped data by adding new columns with valuable information like names, emails, addresses, and descriptive content, enabling more profound insights and smarter decision-making. Bytewells’ user-friendly dashboard allows users to monitor data extraction progress, manage projects, and visualize results effortlessly. Users can access their data programmatically via Bytewells’ API, facilitating integration with internal systems, CRMs, marketing tools, and analytics platforms. Bytewells operates on a pay-per-result credit system , eliminating monthly fees and long-term commitments. Users only pay for the data they acquire, with credits rolling over and volume discounts available for large-scale projects. Bytewells prioritizes data privacy, securely storing all user data and never sharing it with third parties, ensuring compliance with industry standards. One of Bytewells’ flagship offerings is the Google Maps Scraper, which enables users to extract comprehensive business listings, including names, addresses, phone numbers, and reviews. This tool is invaluable for sales teams, marketers, and researchers who rely on accurate local business data to drive outreach, competitive analysis, and market research. The Google Maps Scraper is complemented by the Google Maps Reviews Scraper, which collects customer reviews and ratings, providing rich sentiment data to inform customer experience strategies. Bytewells has developed over 200 custom scrapers tailored to specific industries and websites, including Canadian platforms like Curvehero.com for dental services, Pilottraining.ca for aerospace, Realtor.ca for real estate, etc. This extensive catalog allows users to quickly find and deploy scrapers relevant to their sector, accelerating data acquisition and analysis. With over 1 billion data points scraped and over 5 years of combined team experience, Bytewells has established itself as a trusted partner for businesses seeking reliable and scalable web scraping solutions. The company boasts a 100% support ticket resolution rate within 24 hours, reflecting its commitment to customer success. Independent reviews and user feedback from platforms such as G2, TrustPilot, Product Hunt, and Reddit highlight Bytewells’ ease of use, competitive pricing, superior AI enrichment capabilities, and responsive customer support compared to other scraping tools like PhantomBuster, Oxlyabs, and Lobstr. To encourage adoption and demonstrate the platform’s capabilities, Bytewells offers a free trial with 500 credits and no credit card required. This allows users to explore the platform, test ready-made scrapers, and experience AI enrichment firsthand without financial commitment. “We believe data should be accessible, actionable, and affordable for everyone,” said the Bytewells team. “Our platform empowers users to unlock the full potential of web data by combining powerful scraping technology with intelligent AI enrichment. Whether you’re a small business, a freelancer, or a large enterprise, Bytewells makes data extraction and analysis simple, fast, and cost-effective.” About Bytewells: Bytewells is a leading web scraping and AI enrichment platform dedicated to helping businesses and individuals easily extract, enrich, and utilize web data. Founded by a team of data and AI experts, Bytewells combines advanced scraping technology with AI-powered agents to deliver high-quality, structured data tailored to user needs. The platform supports various industries and offers flexible pricing models to suit projects of all sizes.
- June 5, 2025Business
Green Fulfilment Launches Netherlands Fulfilment Centre for Faster EU Shipping
Fast-growing British sustainable 3PL fulfilment leader, Green Fulfilment – a certified B Corporation – today announced a game-changing international expansion with the formation and incorporation of Green Fulfilment BV and the opening of its new EU fulfilment centre in Venlo, Netherlands. This pivotal move is set to revolutionise how UK and US brands serve their European customers, enabling them to hold inventory directly within the EU and ship orders with unprecedented speed and efficiency across all member states. The new Dutch operation will uphold the same high standards of social and environmental performance that define its UK operations. The establishment of the 2200m² fulfilment centre in Venlo, a prime European logistics location, is a direct solution for businesses seeking to overcome cross-border trade complexities and enhance their competitive edge in the EU market. It follows a robust period of UK expansion for Green Fulfilment, including last year's strategic acquisition of Omni Channel Fulfilment LTD (also a certified B Corp), which strengthened its UK network. The first orders from the new Venlo fulfilment centre are set to ship in July 2025. Rukhsar Ahmed, Managing Director of Green Fulfilment, said: "For UK and US brands, our new Venlo fulfilment centre is a strategic gateway to accelerated European growth. It allows them to strategically position stock on the continent, drastically cut down on shipping times to EU customers, simplify customs processes, and significantly enhance the overall buyer experience. As a B Corp, we’re proud to offer this advantage within a framework of sustainable and ethical practices, empowering businesses to expand responsibly and effectively across Europe." The Venlo location was meticulously chosen for its unparalleled logistical infrastructure. By leveraging this new EU fulfilment centre , UK and US brands can bypass common hurdles associated with cross-border shipping, such as import delays and individual customs declarations for each order. This in-market presence means quicker dispatch, faster delivery, and potentially lower shipping costs for European consumers, fostering greater customer satisfaction and loyalty. Green Fulfilment BV will also serve as a critical launchpad for EU-based clients aiming to penetrate the lucrative UK and US markets. Cain Fleming, Chief Operating Officer at Green Fulfilment, said: "This is about giving our clients a tangible competitive advantage. The ability to hold inventory in our Venlo EU fulfilment centre and fulfil orders directly from within the EU single market means UK and US businesses can now offer their European customers the same rapid and reliable delivery standards they expect domestically. Following our successful UK expansion, this new facility is a key part of our strategy to build a seamless, efficient, and sustainable logistics network that truly supports our clients' international ambitions. We are ready to help them conquer the European market, one swift, green shipment at a time, starting next month." Sustainability and ethical operations, cornerstones of the B Corp movement, remain central to Green Fulfilment's identity. The new Dutch entity and its EU fulfilment centre will uphold the company's commitment to eco-friendly practices, including sustainable packaging, waste reduction programmes, and carbon-conscious logistics solutions. About Green Fulfilment: Green Fulfilment is a UK-headquartered, award-winning leader in sustainable eCommerce order fulfilment services. Founded by Rukhsar Ahmed and Cain Fleming, the company provides innovative and environmentally responsible logistics solutions for online businesses. Green Fulfilment LTD is a certified B Corporation, reflecting its commitment to meeting high standards of social and environmental performance, public transparency, and legal accountability. Its acquired subsidiary, Omni Channel Fulfilment LTD, also holds B Corp certification. With the establishment of Green Fulfilment BV and its EU fulfilment centre in Venlo, Netherlands, the company extends its unique, ethical service model, empowering businesses to seamlessly hold inventory and rapidly deliver to customers across the UK, EU, and US markets. Headquartered in Glasgow, Green Fulfilment operates six fulfilment centres across Scotland, England, and The Netherlands, along with strong US partnerships, to process thousands of direct-to-consumer (DTC) and business-to-business (B2B) orders for expanding SME brands.
- June 5, 2025Business
CATL and APM Terminals Join Hands to Advance Energy Transition of the Terminals Industry
Contemporary Amperex Technology Co., Limited (CATL), a global leader in new energy innovative technologies, and APM Terminals, an independent division within A. P. Moller - Maersk (Maersk), announced a strategic partnership to collaborate in the energy transition of the global logistics industry. "We're happy to extend our strong partnership with CATL through this strategic agreement, which supports our aim to decarbonise terminal operations with battery-electric container handling equipment." said Morrison, head of APM Terminals global asset category management. "APM Terminals and CATL have been on a journey to accelerate the adoption of battery-electric container handling equipment through the Zero Emission Port Alliance and shared our initial learnings earlier this year. We expect the strategic partnership to further accelerate the development of industry-leading solutions and reduce greenhouse gas emissions at terminals." said Akin Li, executive president of CATL overseas car business. Combining CATL's advanced energy technologies with APM Terminals' global terminal network and supply chain expertise, this partnership aims to create industry-leading solutions for battery-electric container handling to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the industry. CATL will provide high-performance batteries and system-level solutions for APM Terminals' container handling equipment, such as electric terminal tractors, jointly promoting the electrification of the industry in line with the aim the parties also share via the Zero Emission Port Alliance (ZEPA). Co-founded by APM Terminals and other industry leaders, ZEPA, with members in all parts of the value chain, aims to accelerate the decarbonisation of terminal operations globally. The cooperation between the two parties covers the full lifecycle of the batteries, from the development of advanced battery products to after-sales support and battery recycling. CATL will share best practices and optimisation strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions across the battery lifecycle, supporting APM Terminals in achieving its Scope 3 decarbonisation aims. APM Terminals operates in more than 60 countries globally, with several terminals under development. Together with Maersk, the terminal operator has set an industry-leading ambition to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040. APM Terminals aims to reach this by deploying battery-electric equipment powered by renewable energy sources such as solar and wind, while also reducing energy consumption through more efficient operations, shorter dwell times and energy-efficient buildings. With a shared vision to reduce greenhouse gas emissions across the industry, APM Terminals and CATL intend to strengthen their collaboration in technology, market development and resource sharing, jointly promoting innovation in the logistics and terminal sector.
- June 5, 2025Travel & Leisure
Cathay Pacific’s direct flights between Hong Kong and Rome take off
Cathay Pacific made its eagerly anticipated return to Italy’s capital today with the launch of its non-stop flight between Hong Kong and Rome. The new summer seasonal service is the fourth new destination to join Cathay Pacific’s global network so far in 2025, as the Cathay Group nears 100 passenger destinations around the world. So far this year, Cathay Pacific has launched new passenger services to four destinations, including Hyderabad, Dallas-Fort Worth, Urumqi and now Rome. Meanwhile, low-cost carrier HK Express has launched services to Sendai, Nha Trang, Ishigaki, Komatsu, Changzhou and Yiwu already in 2025. Cathay Chief Customer and Commercial Officer Lavinia Lau said: “Rome has long been an important destination for Cathay Pacific and a popular one among our customers. We first launched flights to the city in 1986 and we are thrilled to be back once again connecting our home, Hong Kong, with the Eternal City. We look forward to welcoming customers onboard with our signature Cathay Pacific service. “In addition to Rome, we will also be launching flights to Munich and Brussels this summer. In total, we will be operating close to 100 return flights per week to 12 European destinations, providing our customers with even greater connectivity between Hong Kong and this important region.” Operating three times per week on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays, Cathay Pacific’s new Hong Kong-Rome service will be operated by one of the most modern and fuel-efficient aircraft in the airline’s fleet, the Airbus A350-900 aircraft, offering 38 flat-bed seats in Business, 28 seats in Premium Economy and 214 in Economy. Hong Kong-Rome (5 June-25 October 2025): Rome is Cathay Pacific’s second destination in Italy, joining the airline’s existing daily return flights to Milan. The airline also operates flights to Amsterdam, Barcelona, Frankfurt, London Heathrow, Madrid, Manchester, Paris and Zurich in Europe. Customers travelling from Europe can connect to the Cathay Group’s extensive network of destinations in Asia-Pacific and beyond, including 22 destinations in the Chinese Mainland served by Cathay Pacific and HK Express. Cathay Pacific and HK Express are launching passenger services to 16 destinations around the world in 2025, with more announcements to come. Within the first half of this year, the Cathay Group’s combined passenger network will reach 100 destinations across the globe. For more information on Cathay Pacific, please visit www.cathaypacific.com.
- June 5, 2025Business
TOPPAN Security Strengthens Market Leadership in Asia with Acquisition of dzcard Group
TOPPAN Security, a global leader in secure identity and payment solutions, announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire dzcard Group, a prominent provider of smart card solutions and personalization services across Asia and Africa. This strategic acquisition immediately positions the TOPPAN Group as the clear leader in the Asian payment card market. The acquisition significantly expands the company‘s footprint by doubling its banking cards manufacturing capacity and its network of personalization centers. Building on its established presence in the Middle East, Africa, Latin America, and Europe, TOPPAN Security will now offer localized banking card services to clients in high-growth markets including Thailand, the Philippines, Malaysia, India, Morocco, and East Africa. With a significant youth demographic, these nations are actively investing in modern, secure payment infrastructure and financial inclusion initiatives, making them key strategic regions. “Integrating dzcard Group into the TOPPAN Group marks a key milestone in our global expansion,” said Jean-Pierre Ting, President of TOPPAN Security. “By combining TOPPAN Security’s global scale with dzcard Group’s regional strength, we are building a future-ready secure solutions business designed for long-term growth, innovation, and strategic agility. This acquisition is a clear indication of our broader strategic ambitions and is one of the many steps in our expansion plans.” Renaud Adam, CEO of dzcard Group, said: “Joining the TOPPAN Group marks an exciting new chapter for dzcard Group. We share a strong cultural alignment with TOPPAN Security, grounded in a mutual commitment to quality, client service, ambitious growth, and team spirit. Together, we’ll accelerate investment, unlock economies of scale, enhance our capabilities, and drive innovation across all our markets.” This acquisition highlights TOPPAN Security’s commitment to delivering end-to-end, high-quality physical and digital payment solutions. The combined organization will operate an expanded network of personalization and manufacturing facilities, providing the scale necessary to effectively support financial institutions, global banks, and fintechs across five continents. About Us dzcard Group dzcard Group is the leading smart cards manufacturer in Southeast Asia and Africa. dzcard Group is securing everyday lives in a connected world. dzcard Group aims to provide solutions to the increasingly complex and fragmented digital lives by securing transactions, protecting identities, and ensuring connections. It is empowering payment, fintech, telecom, and governmental institutions with trustworthy products & solutions. dzcard Group is a fully integrated company and offers an entire range of products: cards, packaging, personalization, digital solutions, and encrypted authentication. With more than 1,000 collaborators, operations in 3 continents, 2 manufacturing plants, and 7 scheme-certified personalization centers, dzcard Group is delivering its solutions to clients all around the globe. For more information, visit www.dzcard.com/ TOPPAN Security TOPPAN Security is a global leader in systems integration and mission-critical identity and payment technologies, providing advanced solutions that enhance security, trust, and efficiency. It serves as the international development arm of the TOPPAN Group, focusing on advancing security solutions across global markets. The company specializes in secure document and card manufacturing, biometric authentication, encryption, and identity verification solutions, supporting governments and businesses in building resilient digital ecosystems. Through partnerships with governments and businesses worldwide, TOPPAN Security continues to push boundaries, set industry benchmarks, and develop cutting-edge technologies that enhance physical and digital security and transform citizen experiences. For more information, visit www.toppansecurity.com or contact [email protected] Company TOPPAN Holdings Inc. Category Erhoeht-X Tag Global Security Alliances/ Investment
- June 5, 2025Land & Property
Newly Launched Dry Capital Reports Strong Initial Momentum in European Real Estate Recap Market
Dry Capital , a Brussels-based start up real estate launched in March 2025 has reported a strong early traction, conducting roadshows with international partners within its first month of operation, which focuses purely on structured recapitalizations of mid-to large-cap ESG projects via holding companies. Chadha, 43, a British, Canadian and Belgian national, having worked on the principal side for almost 20 years in the European commercial real estate markets, brings firsthand knowledge of entry and exit, tax structuring, and optimal capital and operational strategies. The firm’s model focuses on structured corporate recapitalizations of office,living, residential, and build-to-rent properties valued between €30 million and €150 million where the demand from owners, mainly developers, is extremely high. Tightening financing and lending conditions, geopolitical issues and lower liquidity reserves had led to a high demand from owners seeking to either JV, recap or seek new long-term partners. Real Estate, which since the Ukraine war, has not recovered and is going through a huge disruption. “Since Covid and the onset of the Ukraine war, we've seen a fundamental shift in real estate demand, from office spaces and the impact of AI to residential living. Today, the key is to anticipate the needs of tomorrow, especially looking beyond 2030. Unfortunately, not every player in the market has the luxury of time to make that pivot alone. They need the right partners to step in. At Dry Capital, we’re building a strong, forward-looking pipeline of high-potential deals, offering more than 10 percent returns through creative structuring and alternative financing strategies.” says Chadha. Dry Capital’s early traction reflects pent-up demand for liquidity solutions as European banks scale back real estate exposure and the traditional M&A markets are still difficult. Leveraging founder Sheelam Chadha’s decades-long experience in European markets, the firm accesses off-market opportunities through a proprietary network built on longstanding relationships. Chadha’s commitment to inclusion extends beyond the boardroom. At KU Leuven, a leading university in Belgium, she co-founded and teaches a pioneering private equity course tailored for young professionals navigating the intersection of real estate and capital markets. She is also a member of the Forte Foundation, supporting gender equity in finance across the Atlantic. Chadha’s tri-national background: Belgian, British, and Canadian, shapes Dry Capital’s cross-border strategy. With regular presence in London and upcoming keynotes at both the PERE Europe and Americas Summits, she positions the new firm as a trusted bridge between global capital and projects within Benelux and Western Europe’s stable markets. Within its first year, Dry Capital aims to solidify its role as a preferred recapitalization partner for mid-to large cap real estate sponsors across Europe, bridging international capital with future-ready assets and setting the standard for a more inclusive, agile, and resilient real estate finance model. About Dry Capital Dry Capital specializes in GP-led secondary transactions and strategic recapitalizations across Europe. Founded in 2025, the firm focuses on mid-cap ESG-compliant assets requiring operational repositioning.
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- CapitaLand Investment secures additional investor commitments for its value-add CapitaLand Ascott Residence Asia Fund II
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- Fableration Calls for Change in the Publishing Industry with “The Brokenomics of Creativity”
- Office Corporate Launches New Brand Platform: OfficeFurnitureDesigns.com.au to Lead Australia’s Workspace Revolution
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