Florida, US, March 26, 2025 – Policane Co., LLC, a Florida-based food tech company developing sustainable sugar production, today announced a strategic partnership with Zero by Fifty, a global accelerator for climate-positive startups. The partnership aims to expand Policane’s patented sugarcane-based sweetener—a healthier, sustainable replacement for traditional refined sugar—in U.S. and international markets.

 

Policane is dehydrated sugar cane juice made using a patented process that retains key nutrients and policosanols, resulting in a sweetener with a dramatically lower glycemic impact. A recent study by IFP Suisse found that Policane has a low glycemic index, making it a strong candidate for health-focused food, beverage, and nutrition brands.

Additionally, SCS Global Services has certified Policane for its reduced carbon footprint, validating its contribution to more sustainable food production practices.

 

“We created Zero by Fifty to help the most promising climate solutions scale with purpose, and Policane is exactly that,” said Martin Gil, Managing Partner at Zero by Fifty. “It delivers performance, taste, and environmental responsibility all in one.”

 

Under the partnership, Zero by Fifty will support Policane with market positioning, business development, and key brand introductions. Together, the organizations plan to bring the sweetener to retailers, CPG companies, and global food and beverage brands seeking healthy and sustainable alternatives to refined sugar.

 

“Our goal has always been to deliver a better sugar—better for people and better for the planet,” said Jorge E. Gonzalez, CEO and Founder of Policane Co., LLC. “This partnership with Zero by Fifty gives us the strategic platform and network to scale our innovation globally.”

 

This alliance comes at a pivotal time, as both consumers and brands seek alternatives that meet rising demands for wellness, clean labels, and sustainability.

 

Visit Policane’s website here

 

Visit Zero by Fifty’s website here

KUTZTOWN, PA. February 24th, 2025 – As Americans grapple with unprecedented challenges to civil liberties and food security, author Peter Karch releases “P.E.T.S. The Best Kept Secret,” a thriller that mirrors current societal tensions through the lens of a near-future crisis. The novel arrives at a pivotal moment in American history, when debates about food sovereignty, resource allocation, and civil liberties dominate national discourse.

The novel examines how a society’s desperate need for resources can lead to the erosion of fundamental human rights. Against the backdrop of today’s headlines about refugee policies, civil rights restrictions, and growing food insecurity, “P.E.T.S.” presents a stark warning about the consequences of sacrificing moral principles for survival. Through its exploration of a society under pressure, the book raises urgent questions about the true cost of maintaining our way of life.

“P.E.T.S. The Best Kept Secret” follows characters navigating an increasingly authoritarian society where food security becomes the justification for extreme measures. The narrative explores themes particularly resonant in 2025: the gradual erosion of individual rights, the manipulation of public fear, and the use of resource scarcity to justify unprecedented government control. As the characters uncover layers of institutional corruption, they face choices that mirror the moral dilemmas confronting many Americans today.

In the tradition of Margaret Atwood’s “The Handmaid’s Tale” and Cormac McCarthy’s “The Road,” the novel extrapolates current trends to their logical, frightening conclusions. The story examines how societies rationalize increasingly extreme measures when faced with scarcity and fear, a theme that takes on new significance amid current political developments and policy shifts. The novel’s careful attention to the psychology of social change reveals how quickly accepted norms can shift under pressure.

Early readers have noted the novel’s unsettling parallels to contemporary headlines, particularly in its exploration of how governments can use basic needs—like food security—to implement sweeping changes to civil liberties. The story raises pressing questions about the price of survival and the subtle ways rights can be exchanged for security. Through its diverse cast of characters, the novel examines these issues from multiple perspectives, offering a nuanced look at how different segments of society respond to mounting pressures.

The novel’s timing coincides with national discussions about food sovereignty, civil rights, and the balance between security and freedom. Its narrative particularly resonates with recent policy changes affecting resource allocation, immigration, and civil liberties, offering a provocative glimpse of where current trends might lead. The story’s exploration of food security as a mechanism of control speaks directly to current debates about resource distribution and social justice.

As communities across America face growing challenges with food accessibility and civil rights protections, “P.E.T.S.” provides a framework for understanding how seemingly small compromises can lead to fundamental changes in society. The novel’s examination of institutional power and individual choice offers readers a lens through which to view current events and consider their long-term implications.

The book’s narrative structure interweaves personal stories with larger societal themes, demonstrating how national policies affect individual lives. Through its careful world-building, the novel creates a believable scenario that helps readers understand the potential consequences of current political and social trends. The story’s focus on food security as a central theme resonates with growing concerns about climate change, resource allocation, and social equity.

Published in both paperback and Kindle formats, “P.E.T.S. The Best Kept Secret” arrives at a crucial moment in American political discourse. The novel serves as both a compelling thriller and a thought-provoking examination of contemporary social issues. Its release comes at a time when many Americans are seeking to understand the broader implications of current political decisions and their potential impact on future generations.

About Peter Karch

Peter Karch is an author whose work examines how societies navigate moral complexities during times of political upheaval and social change. His writing is informed by decades of studying human behavior and ethical systems.

For media inquiries, review copies, or interview requests, please contact:
Peter Karch
press@peterkarch.com
PeterKarch.com

P.S. To view the book on Amazon, click here! 

Zero Carbon Quest Highlights Sustainability Pioneers in the Game Industry.

AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS. 27th August, 2024 – Midgard, the leading carbon accounting platform for the game industry, is excited to launch a new category of carbon accountable games. These titles, made by developers or publishers that tracked their carbon emissions during development, will be highlighted through an event on both GOG and Steam from Nov 19-26 and Nov 25-Dec 1, 2024, respectively. 

This event is taking a unique approach to sustainability in the game industry. Midgard’s event is featuring games that do not necessarily have an eco theme. Instead, its sustainability aspect comes from the developers or publishers tracking and publicly disclosing their carbon footprint. It’s a line-up of more than 20 titles ranging from Kickstarter success stories like Spilled! and Atomic Owl, to Finnish Game of the Year Nominee Lempo, to indie hits like Paper Trail, Don’t Scream, & Songs of Silence.

With 72% of gamers being climate conscious, Midgard believes that this event is the perfect way to shed light on an upcoming issue that most developers are not aware of: carbon disclosures. Starting in 2025, game studios of a certain size have to start tracking their carbon emissions. Failure to do so can result in high fines and ineligibility to get grants and financing. 

Jerome Ibanez, Founder at Midgard, said: “Of the dozens of games that we have worked with, only one or two have an explicit climate theme. We want to show the world that games can be made sustainably, regardless of their story, theme, genre, or size of a team. By supporting the titles in our line-up, gamers can help to start doing their part in solving climate change by doing what they love the most – play games.”

Bartosz Kwietniewski, Head of Business Development at GOG, said: “For CD PROJEKT Group, that GOG is a proud part, care for the environment has always been part of its DNA. For the last couple of years, we have been investing in transforming the property complex which now houses our corporate HQ into a “green campus”. We introduced numerous eco-friendly solutions on-site, including the installation of electric car charging stations for the use of our employees and we invested in renewable energy sources with 400 solar panels deployed throughout our campus. The group has also published sustainability reports in 2021, 2022 and 2023. That’s also exactly why GOG supports initiatives such as Midgard – to encourage bigger and smaller companies to talk more about their impact and what can we collectively do to change for the better.”

Developers and publishers interested in joining the event are encouraged to submit their applications via this link. Zero Carbon Quest will be live on GOG from Nov 19-27 and Steam from Nov 25-Dec 2 2024 with both sales starting at 3PM  and ending at 9AM CET.

BERKSHIRE, UK. July 1st, 2024 – EES Group is proud to announce its inclusion in The Times 100 list of fastest-growing privately owned companies.

With a focus on fostering long-term relationships with clients in the NHS, Local Authorities, Education, and Commercial sectors, EES Group has experienced a significant surge in demand for its renewable energy solutions, quadrupling within a mere 12-month period. This growth comes amidst rapidly changing industry requirements, prompting EES Group to invest in cutting-edge renewable energy solutions centred around LED lighting, solar PV, and electric vehicle charging.

Not only has EES Group bolstered its technological offerings, but the company has also developed state-of-the-art monitoring and evaluation systems for its energy-saving solutions, providing clients with real-time data insights. Furthermore, EES Group has prioritised investment in its workforce, expanding its team and offering comprehensive training and development opportunities, ranging from asbestos and test and inspection training to IPAF and PASMA certifications and project management qualifications.

Recognising the pressing environmental challenges facing the global community, EES Group remains committed to sustainability initiatives. The company actively participates in efforts to combat climate change and reduce carbon footprints, implementing measures such as office recycling programs and car-sharing initiatives. EES Group also ethically disposes of obsolete fluorescent lighting through Lumicom and is certified by Greener Edge, aligning its practices with the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Additionally, EES Group’s environmental management systems adhere to the ISO 14001, 9001, 45001 standards, underscoring its commitment to compliance and a better future for our people and planet.

Paul Daly, CEO of EES Group said: “We are honoured to be recognised as one of The Times 100 fastest-growing private companies. This achievement is a testament to our unwavering commitment to sustainable solutions and customer-centric approach. We look forward to continuing to drive innovation and growth in the renewable energy sector.”

For more information about The Times 100 list, visit www.thetimes.com/sunday-times-100-fast-growth.

ENDS

PARIS, FRANCE. 12th February, 2024 – After successful trials to reduce the water and chemicals required for retanning, Mégisserie Richard, which specialises in producing leather for luxury bags, garments and shoes, is moving forward with Qualus to start using SferesTM for production at its tannery in Millau, France.

Having successfully trialled Qualus’ system to reduce water by 40% and chemicals by 15% in retanning at small scale over the last year, the company has decided to move to the next step of using Sferes at production scale. Already a Leather Working Group (LWG) silver rated tannery, Mégisserie Richard is targeting gold with the additional water savings. Sferes are already in use for footwear, fashion, and automotive leather production at multiple tanneries in Asia and Latin America, but Mégisserie Richard is the first tannery in France to embrace this innovation, leading the path towards sustainability for the luxury leather sector.

“Our company is fully committed to achieving Net Zero and we are constantly in search of innovations that will enable us to deliver this goal. We have taken numerous steps in that direction in recent years and Qualus’ Sfere technology helps us to continue to further improve the environmental footprint of our tannery while maintaining the unique quality of our products.” remarked Geoffrey Talpe, CEO of Mégisserie Richard.

“We are proud to have the opportunity to work with such an iconic tannery and to be able to provide a technology that meets Mégisserie Richard’s exacting standards, supporting it in its drive to lead the luxury industry in not only the uniqueness of its products but also the sustainability of its operations.” added Vikrant Pratap, Qualus’ CEO.

About Mégisserie Richard
Mégiserrie Richard was founded in the mid-19th century as part of the Richard Glove Factory to manufacture high quality leather for its renowned luxury gloves. Today the tannery specialises in lambskins for high-end luxury products: bags, shoes, garments and accessories. In 2013, Mégisserie Richard obtained the Entreprise du Patrimoine Vivant (EPV) certification, a recognition from the French State of companies with artisanal and industrial savoir-faire. Being fully committed to environmental improvements, the tannery has been a Leather Working Group certified supplier since 2020, earning a Silver rating in its most recent audit in 2022. For more information visit www.megisserierichard.com.

About Qualus
Qualus provides a patented system to reduce both the environmental footprint and cost of leather production, helping tanneries and brands accelerate their journey to Net Zero. The company has operations in India, Mexico and Brazil, and leather made with its system is now in the supply chains of leading footwear, luxury and automotive brands. For more information visit www.qualus.com.

LONDON, UK 29th March 2023 – Zopeful Climate, a climatetech company, has announced the launch of its Carbon Removal Portfolio. It’s designed to help combat climate change and ineffective avoidance greenwashing claims, and to support the scaling of a transparent voluntary carbon market. Available for consumers and companies, the portfolio builds on their already robust educational offering and is the first of its kind to allow anyone to invest in a curated range of durable, additional and high quality carbon removal projects.

The Carbon Removal Portfolio consists of a dedicated fund that will be used to support a variety of carbon dioxide removal (CDR) pathways, including Direct Air Capture and Storage, Enhanced Rock Weathering, Biochar and BiCRS, Bio-oil, reforestation/afforestation, ocean-based solutions, and more. The portfolio will identify and evaluate projects using a custom methodology, primarily based on permanence, additionality and verifiability.

“Human-caused Climate Change is the biggest challenge and opportunity this century, and it requires a concerted effort from all of us to address it,” said Adam Oskwarek-Sanford, Founder of Zopeful. “CDR has the potential to make a real difference as we race to create a decarbonized world. We’re proud to launch our Carbon Removal Portfolio-1. It makes durable CDR more accessible to a wider range of buyers to help grow the proportion of critical carbon removal projects in the voluntary carbon markets.”

The Carbon Removal Portfolio will provide a new way for individuals, businesses, and organizations to contribute to the fight against The Climate Crisis. By supporting carbon removal projects that safely drawdown and store carbon for centuries to millennia, members will reduce their environmental impact. Zopeful will work with a range of inspiring partners to promote the portfolio and encourage greater participation in this crucial new industry.

“At Zopeful, we believe that everyone has a role to play in addressing climate change. Big or small, it all matters,” said Oskwarek-Sanford. “By launching a ready-made Carbon Removal Portfolio, we’re providing a new way for people to get involved and make a meaningful impact. We hope that this initiative will inspire others to take action and work together to both reduce and remove emissions so we can keep climate change within the safer range that science shows us is highly desirable.”
 

Everyone is welcome to join their existing portfolio members from the US, UK, Australia, France, Netherlands, Germany, Switzerland and Spain. 

The Carbon Removal Portfolio is just one of several initiatives that Zopeful is pursuing to combat climate change. The company is also working on a range of educational resources and services, based on the latest science, to lower barriers for people wanting to live their best climate lives. 

For more information on the portfolio, partners and how to get involved, visit the Zopeful Carbon Removal Portfolio Announcement page on their website.

Have hope, make progress

Team Zopeful

hey@zopeful.com

Journey beyond emerald canopy fronds and explore a rich mix of jungle-inspired colours, wildlife, vivid fauna and hidden landscapes with Far Afield’s latest collection for Spring/Summer 2022: ‘Wild Safari Society’.

 

The local Brighton design brand showcases a whimsical tropical safari-inspired menswear-meets-unisex collection, featuring sustainable fabrics and a range of prints inspired by classic naturalists, such as Ernst Haeckel and Mark Catesby. Amongst shirts in vibrant floral prints and deep green leaves, discover leaping jaguars, crouching pumas and half-submerged alligators, as well as rainbow-billed toucans, multicoloured macaws, and spotted dart frogs.

 

Underpinned with thoughtfulness for the planet, the ‘Wild Safari Society’ collection uses fabrics ranging from Italian textured cotton to water-resistant waxed cottons, as well as camouflage ripstop. Perfect for hot summer conditions, shirts are also made from a variety of lightweight, breathable materials including hemp, linen and Tencel. For those fancying a dip on a humid day, all swimwear pieces are made from a base fabric that uses recycled plastic bottles. To keep warm on crisp evenings, the collection uses a multitude of organic cottons, non-mulesed merino wools and viscose blends in a range of vintage-inspired knitwear pieces.

 

The ‘Wild Safari Society’ SS22 collection is a true taste of tropical wilderness, combined with the vital message of care and kindness for the planet.

 

British Design brand, Far Afield, was founded in the UK by brothers Chris and Mark Scholes in 2016. Together they have 12 years’ experience in menswear design, production, sourcing, and retail. Far Afield makes a conscious approach to sourcing products from reliable and ethically sound suppliers. All clothing and accessories are sourced globally, with a dedication to high quality and ethics.

 

Collections are heavily influenced by global travel – the colours, textures, sights, and experiences. Be it a rainy city in England, or a tropical setting in a faraway land, the brand takes these experiences and combines them with a passion for design. Far Afield is contemporary British menswear with a global inspiration.

 

Get 15% off your first Far Afield order.

For PR enquiries, product requests and images, please contact stu@farafield.uk.
https://vimeo.com/685476266/b8d82d156e

Shared transport technology provider Liftango today announced the appointment of Jonathan Ewert as Chairman of its Board of Directors.

Based in the United States, Mr. Ewert has extensive executive board experience and brings a wealth of knowledge in scaling early and growth-stage businesses. 

Over the last 25 years, Mr. Ewert has held executive and board roles for a variety of technology-enabled companies and has successfully positioned organisations to provide strong growth as they develop and mature.

“I am honoured to take on the position and see a bright future for Liftango,” said Ewert. “The ability to build resilience into communities with affordable, reliable and sustainable transport technologies provides a pathway for strong economic growth whilst having a positive social and environmental impact.”

“We see strong demand coming out of the U.S. for our services. So it made sense to our Board that we searched for a suitable US-based Chairman to help accelerate our growth. Jonathan’s background and experience are the right combination and put Liftango in a great place to expand our U.S. presence,” said Kevin Orr, CEO and Co-Founder.

Liftango is a global shared-mobility provider with offices in Europe, the United States, Canada, and Australia and powers over 130 shared transport networks in 13 countries.

Through its technology platforms, Liftango enables public transport agencies and authorities, large corporates, universities, cities and fleet operators to provide equitable and sustainable transport to those that need it most.

With a smartphone app, passengers can access various modes of shared transport in a convenient and reliable way, allowing people in need of transport to travel when and where they want. 

Transport operations and administration teams gain access to scope-3 quantification data and performance metrics to power sustainability initiatives and improve fleet utilisation.

Mr. Ewert is currently a board member of CapZone Impact Investments, the first national Opportunity Zone investment platform focused solely on large-scale and resilient ESG investments that drive equity capital to low-income communities. CapZone is a Corporate Partner of the Global Resilience Institute at Northeastern University (GRI).

Liftango powers some of the most successful on-demand shared transport systems across the world. Our technology reinvents a fixed-route bus into a flexible form of transport capable of servicing passengers wherever they are.

We help cities, communities and organisations reduce congestion and combat climate change by providing equitable access to shared transport through a technology platform that makes the best use of the capacity of any vehicle whilst giving passengers the freedom to travel the way they want to.

We are helping:

We believe access to transportation is a fundamental right for people in modern society and through our technology, we provide convenient, efficient and sustainable transportation for the people that need it the most.

For media enquiries, please contact:

 

JJ O’Brien
+61 429 845 355
jj.obrien@liftango.com

This groundbreaking electric skateboard combines Evolve’s rich 13-year legacy in the industry with Loaded Boards’ unrivalled expertise in deck design, resulting in the creation of a uniquely functional and exhilarating ride.

Los Angeles, CALIFORNIA. August 31st, 2023 – Evolve Skateboards and Loaded Boards proudly announce the launch of their most innovative creation yet: the Onirique. Derived from the French word for “dreamlike,” the Onirique promises to transport riders to a realm where exhilaration knows no bounds and every commute becomes a rad journey. This is the first time that these two iconic skateboard brands have developed a board together. 

“What could be a more perfect match than teaming up with a company that shares the same passion, while also boasting exceptional technical expertise in all their products? When they’ve already got the technology, the innovative shapes, the concave, and premium materials – it’s a no-brainer to combine forces and transform it into an incredibly exciting product”, said Jeff Anning, founder of Evolve Skateboards. 

With a range of up to 15.5 miles on a single charge and a top speed of 22 mph, riders can embark on extended journeys without worry. The powerful dual 1500-watt motors allow riders to go uphill, up to 30% gradient, without breaking a sweat. It comes with the Orangatang Caguama 85mm Street Wheels, which provide maximum roll speed for commuting and carving. 

This electric skateboard features a three-layer bamboo deck ensconced within fibreglass/epoxy layers, striking the perfect balance between lightweight maneuverability and robust durability. Bamboo veneers on the top and bottom not only enhance the deck’s aesthetic appeal but also contribute to its functionality. Aggressive grip tape ensures secure footing for both casual cruising and high-speed electric skateboarding.

The heart of the Onirique’s allure lies in its functional design. A wide deck platform, mild concave, and strategically positioned flares ensure stability, responsiveness, and optimal foot placement. These features encourage an intuitive stance that keeps riders constantly aware of their board position. Whether cruising, carving, or pushing the boundaries of e-skate performance, the Onirique adapts to the rider’s style.

“The Onirique deck was made with electric skateboarding in mind. It’s wide enough to stay steady and narrow enough to be quick and easy to move from side to side. This allows seamless edge-to-edge shifts, enhancing control, all while ensuring stability to handle the motors’ speed and power effectively”, said Don Tashman, founder of Loaded Boards.

Inspired by progressive surfboard shapers like Tomo and Album, the Onirique’s performance-driven outline conceals intricate curvatures within a seemingly simple and appealing shape. The graphic design, skillfully crafted by Nanastudio, captures the dreamlike essence of the deck’s name and the exhilarating riding experience it offers.

The Onirique electric skateboard is now available for pre-order through the official websites of Evolve Skateboards https://www.rideevolve.com/products/onirique-board

PaperTale was invited by Science Park Borås to showcase their technology in a limited edition collection created by Gina Tricot. 

 

The range features PaperTale’s blockchain-based technology, making it possible to track each garment individually back to the cotton farms in Australia. The CO2 emissions and amount of water used to produce that particular product are automatically calculated and shown to the consumers through a mobile app and NFC tag. The technology also connects each product with the craftsmen & farmers involved in its manufacture, bringing a new level of human connection.   

 

PaperTale’s solution is based on Blockchain, so each process is automatically given a unique ID in their network as it occurs. Scanning the garment with PaperTale’s app, consumers can access the verified supply chain, unique to that item. Other features include calculating exact CO2 and water impacts on an individual garment level, meaning this solution has become even more relevant regarding the onset of carbon tax laws.

 

Today, clothing brands invest incredible sums in sustainability and the importance of this market is still growing. Brands tend to communicate this to their consumers by certificates, but the problem is that the trust in these labels is diminishing over time. 
 Consumers do not want to pay for an investment which they neither easily comprehend, nor fully trust. This is where PaperTale makes the difference.

 

“By zooming in on the production stages connected to each individual product and verifying each transaction, the consumers have all the evidence they need to be assured that the item has been made corruption and slavery free” – Bilal Bhatti, Founder and CEO 

 

 

Johan Öljemark, Head of marketing 

Email : johan.oljemark@papertale.org 

 

Izzy Spinley, UK representative 

Email : izzy.spinley@papertale.org

  

Website : www.papertale.org 

PaperTale is also represented on LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook 

 

Headquartered in Malmö, Sweden, PaperTale AB (publ) is building a public blockchain based technology solution; while this platform is currently just being offered to fashion brands, it will be available to other consumer goods industries as it develops. The aim of the technology is to bring radical transparency to the consumer and develop incentive based innovative solutions for brands and factories. Since its inception in 2019, PaperTale’s concept has received widespread recognition from the academics, media and the industry. Today it is en route to fixing a fractured supply chain model, (once thought to be impossible) and building a more honest future.