Marketing

RepuTex-ESG, a Hong Kong-based research firm, has launched RepuTex ESG-Connect, Asia’s first platform to provide companies, asset managers and investors with free environment, social and governance (ESG) research, data and content on Asian companies.

Avoiding the accusation of greenwashing is not easy for businesses. How do we judge whether a business is truly interested in reducing its carbon emissions and waste, or just wanting to look as if they are doing so? One way is to look at what community events a business supports. Running is a popular sport worldwide, with millions of people taking part in marathons all over the globe. These races need sponsors and race organisers across the world are trying to make their events greener. Sponsorship can help race organizers introduce green measures to their races and in turn, helps the sponsor become aligned with enabling sustainability education and action in the community.

Research company Organic Monitor has warned that consumers in Asia are being mislead by cosmetic companies claiming their products are organic or natural. With no private standards as in Europe or the US, companies are trying to win market share of the fast-growing natural and organic markets by mislabelling and making false claims.

The Singapore Business Federation (SBF) this week honoured nine companies for their leadership role in sustainability innovations and operations.

International voluntary sustainability standards - such as the Forest Stewardship Council, which certifies sustainably managed forests and forest products - are tools for verifying socially sound and eco-friendly goods and services that play an increasingly important role in global trade. However, they are still relatively new and underused in China.

Chemical giant BASF launched the Compost Asia Pledge Facebook app on World Environment Day, with the aim to keep organic waste out of landfills and incinerators.