Sustainability
New York sues chemical titans over alleged PFAS exposure
New York State Attorney General Letitia James filed a lawsuit in the New York Supreme Court on July 9, alleging that 3M, DuPont, Chemours, Corteva, and Corteva's subsidiary EIDP knowingly sold products containing PFAS for decades despite knowing the risks, polluting the state's natural resources and violating consumer protection laws. The state seeks undisclosed damages, including $5,000 per violation for false advertising or deceptive business practices, and demands that the companies surrender illegal profits.
JBS axes 2040 net-zero goal, citing ‘immense’ execution challenges
JBS, the world's largest beef and poultry producer, announced in its latest sustainability report released on Wednesday that it is withdrawing its 2040 net-zero emissions target. The company stated that a system-wide net-zero goal covering dozens of countries and hundreds of thousands of independent agricultural producers faces 'enormous' execution challenges. The new strategy no longer includes Scope 3 emission reduction targets, instead focusing on direct emissions (Scope 1 and 2), which account for only about 3% of the company's overall carbon footprint.
Manufacturing conferences and trade shows to watch in 2026
As U.S. manufacturing navigates a transitional period marked by both policy incentives and employment pressures, the 2026 series of industry conferences will focus on the adoption of automation technologies and navigating trade policy uncertainties. Events such as IMTS, The Battery Show, Semicon West, Fabtech, and the American Food Manufacturing Summit will bring together global experts, executives, and policymakers to showcase the latest technologies and discuss the industry's future.
EPA’s ‘Actual Construction’ permitting rule a ‘win for manufacturers’: NAM
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a proposed rule on May 11 to redefine 'commencement of physical work,' allowing companies to build non-emitting components or structures before obtaining major New Source Review (NSR) permits, in support of manufacturing, electricity, and data center development. The National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) welcomed the move, stating it will reduce uncertainty in the permitting process and accelerate key project progress. The comment deadline is June 29.
Entergy signs with Hyundai Steel-Posco as part of recent metals deals
U.S. steel and aluminum producers are expanding operations to meet demand from automotive, industrial, and data center projects. Entergy will supply power to Hyundai Steel-Posco's plant in Louisiana, Alcoa is investing $65 million to expand its Norwegian smelter, and FabArc Steel Supply has broken ground on a new headquarters in Alabama.
CalRecycle publishes SB 54 guidance for packaging producers
Following California's finalization of SB 54 regulations on May 1, CalRecycle released multiple guidance documents on May 11 to help producers understand compliance requirements. The guidance includes a producer identification flowchart, definitions of covered materials (single-use plastic packaging and food service ware), exclusion categories (such as reusable packaging, medical device packaging, etc.), and the submission process for exclusion notifications for food and agricultural packaging. Producers must complete registration or submit data by June 1, and the Circular Action Alliance's draft plan is due to be submitted on June 15.
CitroTech, Hexion form fire-retardant joint venture
CitroTech and Hexion announced in April the formation of the joint venture HexiTech, each holding a 50% stake, which will combine CitroTech's flame-retardant intellectual property with Hexion's production and commercial capabilities to develop and sell a new generation of fire-resistant wood products. Hexion will also provide CitroTech with a loan facility of up to $6 million. The technology aims to overcome the limitations of borate-treated wood, and its products, made from grains, fruits, and vegetables, have received EPA Safer Choice certification.
Rocky Mountain starts steel production, makes delivery to Union Pacific
Rocky Mountain Steel officially commenced operations at its new plant in Pueblo, Colorado, and delivered the first batch of long rails to Union Pacific Railroad, marking the launch of the $1.2 billion project and the start of a seven-year contract.
Dow names former packaging leader as CEO
Dow Chemical announced senior leadership changes: current Chief Operating Officer Karen Carter will become CEO on July 1, 2025, succeeding Jim Fitterling, who has led the company since 2018. Carter has been with Dow for over 30 years and previously headed its largest business unit, Packaging & Specialty Plastics.
Inlyte Energy, Ervin Industries ink deal to strengthen US battery storage supply chain
Inlyte Energy and Ervin Industries announced an agreement on March 24 to collaborate on developing new iron powder formulations. If successful, the partnership will help improve Inlyte's battery performance, expand its U.S. supplier base, and reduce reliance on overseas materials. Both parties will invest resources to advance the project, with Inlyte planning to begin commercial delivery of domestically produced sodium battery systems by 2027.