@Risk

Last week, the world population reached 7 billion. Almost concurrently, NRG Expert released new forecasts which show that, given the current rate of population growth, global electricity supply is not likely to keep pace with future energy needs.

According to the new study, the energy tipping point is only about 20 years from now. NRG Expert predicts that 2032 will be the pivotal year where global electricity demand is likely to surpass supply based on global generation.

Of course, population growth isn’t the only factor that impacts the sustainability of the world’s energy supply. As NRG Expert points out, depleted natural resources and the phasing out of nuclear power in developed and developing countries also play a role.

A new report from Capgemini seems to draw a similar conclusion. The 13^th edition of the European Energy Markets Observatory (EEMO) found that energy consumption growth in developing countries, the Fukushima accident and the slowing down of the needed investments made by utilities all will have negative consequences on the security of energy supply and greenhouse gas emissions in Europe. (more…)

Earlier this year, ten leading garment brands and retailers signed a “Call to Action” designed to ban denim sandblasting, a hazardous process that can cause illness and even death for workers.

“Jeans are one of the most popular items of clothing and a very profitable segment of the market is for ‘distressed’ jeans,” explained Patrick Itschert, General Secretary of the International Textile, Garment and Leather Workers’ Federation (ITGLWF). “The method of choice for giving jeans a faded look is sandblasting, but it is a process which is very damaging to workers’ health. Sandblasting releases dust which, when inhaled, causes scarring in the lungs. This can cause silicosis, an incurable and potentially fatal respiratory disease.”

Most countries banned sandblasting decades ago. However, it still occurs in numerous illegal workshops, putting thousands of workers at risk –and threatening the reputation and supply chain integrity of garment brands and retailers from throughout the globe.

Initially, the Call to Action to end sandblasting was signed and supported by Aurora Fashions, Bestseller, C&A, Carrefour, Esprit, Hennes & Mauritz AB (H&M), Inditex, Karen Millen, Levi Strauss & Co. and New Look.

Now, The Independent is reporting that the Italian fashion giant Versace has also agreed to throw its weight behind the effort. From the article: (more…)

Do the plastic pallets you use contain decabrominated diphenyl ether?

Decabrominated diphenyl ether (often referred to as DecaBDE or deca) is one of a group of commonly used “brominated flame retardants.” These polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) have raised concerns for public health experts because animal studies have shown that PBDEs can affect brain development and function, disrupt endocrine, reproductive and immune systems and possibly cause cancer.

Now, Oregon has joined other states (Maine, Vermont, Rhode Island, Illinois, Washington and Massachusetts) in banning some or all PBDEs.

Effective January 1, 2011, it is unlawful for any person to: 1) introduce into commerce; or 2) deliver for introduction into commerce in the state of Oregon any product containing more than 0.10% by mass of deca.

According to Pallet Enterprise, this ban could have a major impact on Intelligent Global Pooling Systems (iGPS) and its customers, because the second generation iGPS pallet uses deca to improve the fire rating of its design. (more…)

The authors of Basware’s new research report, “Cost of Control: The Real Price of Cost Cutting,” describe it as “a true call to arms” for CFOs and CPOs. I agree. This study explores the fundamental relationships between finance and procurement professionals and concludes –rightfully so –that success in today’s volatile, ultra-competitive economy depends on a coordinated and collaborative response between CFO (purse string) controllers and CPO (supply chain) gatekeepers.

Here are a few key insights from the report: (more…)

What  are the directors of leading companies focused on these days?

You guessed it: Risk.

In fact, according to the 8th Annual “What Directors Think” survey released last week by PricewaterhouseCoopers and Corporate Board Member magazine, 69%
of the directors polled believe that their risk has increased over the last year — a substantial jump from the 38% who answered so in 2008. (more…)