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Musim Mas Signs its first Sustainability-Linked Loan with Rabobank and HSBC Bank

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SINGAPORE, Aug. 28, 2024 /CNW/ — Musim Mas is proud to announce its inaugural Sustainability-Linked Revolving Credit Facility, marking a significant step in its commitment to sustainable business practices. Partnering with Rabobank as sustainability coordinator and HSBC as other lender, the Musim Mas Group’s marketing arm, Inter-Continental Oils & Fats Pte. Ltd., and its Spain and Italy Biofuel entities will convert its EUR 150 million uncommitted Revolving Credit Facility (RCF) into a sustainability-linked loan.

Musim Mas is strategically leveraging the Sustainability-Linked Loan (SLL) to seamlessly integrate environmental and social sustainability into its financial framework, reinforcing its dedication to responsible business practices, in line with the LMA Sustainability-Linked Loan Principles. The Sustainability-Linked Loan will be anchored on three Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) – RSPO certification of independent smallholders, training of independent smallholders, and maintaining a deforestation-free palm oil supply chain. External verification of Musim Mas’ annual progress will be conducted by reputable assessors, ensuring transparency and accountability.

The selection of these KPIs was carefully driven by various factors, such as materiality and level of ambition of the targets. Independent smallholders operating on smaller-scale oil palm farms represent an important opportunity for advancing sustainable palm oil production. To sustainably increase the overall output volume of independent smallholders, who make up an estimated 41% of the production area[1], there is a need to improve the yield of these farmers. By empowering these smallholders to adopt sustainable farming methods, Musim Mas not only enhances livelihoods and promotes social equity but also advances toward its long-term goals of eliminating deforestation and fostering a resilient and responsible palm oil supply chain.

As the sustainability coordinator for the facility, Rabobank facilitated the integration of sustainability principles into the financing structure. Rabobank and HSBC serve as joint lenders for the RCF.

Gregory Vandeler, Head of Trade & Commodity Finance, Rabobank Asia, commented: “Rabobank is honoured to have acted as the lead sustainability coordinator for Musim Mas in their inaugural sustainability-linked loan. Partnering with Musim Mas – one of our longstanding clients and a true leader in sustainability in the palm oil industry – in this inaugural deal, reflects the trusted relationship we have with them. Linking sustainability performance to financing is a way to support our clients in their sustainability commitments while simultaneously enhancing productivity, resilience, and farmer livelihoods. There is great potential in making the agri-food sector more sustainable. In our role as a leading food, agriculture and trade commodity bank, we are committed to taking a leading role in working closely with our clients in their sustainable transition journeys.”

Priya Kini, Head of Commercial Banking, HSBC Singapore, said: “We have a longstanding relationship with Musim Mas, and we are glad to be able to further deepen our support with their first sustainability-linked loan. Musim Mas wants to embed ESG principles into their core business operations and financing activities, and we are pleased to help them do so. This collaboration is a clear demonstration of HSBC’s ongoing efforts to support our clients’ transition to a more sustainable future.”

This Sustainability-Linked Loan marks another step in Musim Mas’ commitment to incorporating environmental and social considerations into its financing activities. In 2021, the company secured a Green Trade Financing Facility with a Singapore bank, with RSPO certification as a key performance indicator under the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS)’ Green Finance Industry Taskforce’s Green and Sustainable Trade Finance and Working Capital Framework. In 2024, Musim Mas collaborated with a leading bank to implement an innovative Sustainable Account with a Liquidity Management Structure. This initiative was designed to optimize the Group’s cash flow and working capital across its entities, while seamlessly integrating environmental, social, and governance (ESG) considerations.

“Contracting a sustainability-linked loan with ambitious, meaningful, and measurable targets is a testament to Musim Mas’ deep-rooted commitment to sustainability and responsible corporate behavior. Musim Mas is reinforcing to our stakeholders—financial banks, customers, and employees—about our dedication to driving positive environmental and social impact while delivering long-term value.”, said Mr Alvin Lim, Chief Financial Officer and Executive Director, Musim Mas.

For more information about Musim Mas, visit our website at this link.

[1] Herdiansyah, H., Negoro, H. A., Rusdayanti, N., & Shara, S. (2020). Palm oil plantation and cultivation: Prosperity and productivity of smallholders. Open Agriculture, 5(1), 617–630. https://doi.org/10.1515/opag-2020-0063

 

CONTACT: Devane Sharma, communications@musimmas.com

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3M announces collaboration with GSEO to advance Expanded Beam Optical manufacturing and development

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ST. PAUL, Minn., Oct. 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — 3M (NYSE: MMM) today announced a collaboration with Genius Electronic Optical Co., Ltd. (GSEO, Taiwan: 3406), an optical technology company, to advance technology development and manufacturing for 3M’s Expanded Beam Optical (EBO) solutions. In support of these efforts, 3M expects to make a strategic investment to acquire approximately 4.7% of GSEO’s common shares as part of the company’s private placement of newly issued shares, subject to customary closing conditions.

The collaboration brings together 3M’s EBO technology leadership, optical interconnect expertise, materials science, manufacturing scale and customer relationships with GSEO’s precision optics manufacturing capabilities and production scale. Together, the companies aim to support EBO commercialization and long-term capacity expansion to meet growing demand from hyperscale data centers and other advanced connectivity applications.

“3M is investing in capabilities and partnerships that can accelerate innovation for our customers,” said William Brown, 3M Chairman and CEO. “By selecting GSEO as a manufacturing partner and investing in the company, we are strengthening the path to scale next-generation optical connectivity solutions for high-performance data center infrastructure.”

GSEO’s existing precision optics manufacturing capabilities and technical development experience are expected to support manufacturing readiness for 3M’s EBO ferrules, co-packaged optics solutions and related optical interconnect applications. The collaboration is part of 3M’s broader EBO ecosystem strategy, which includes continued work with customers and partners across the optical interconnect market.

“GSEO is pleased to expand its relationship with 3M as we work together to advance optical interconnect solutions for next-generation data center infrastructure,” said Micro Kuo, GSEO CEO and President. “This collaboration brings together complementary technology and manufacturing strengths to support continued innovation and help meet the performance demands of high-growth connectivity markets.”

3M expects the strategic investment to close in the fourth quarter of 2026, subject to customary closing conditions.

Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements in this release are considered “forward-looking statements” under the federal securities laws, including the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended, and are intended to enjoy the protection of those laws. Forward-looking statements may appear throughout this release and are typically identified by the words “aim,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “can,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “evaluate,” “expect,” “forecast,” “future,” “goal,” “guidance,” “impact,” “initial,” “intend,” “likely,” “may,” “outlook,” “plan,” “possible,” “potential,” “predict,” “probable,” “project,” “seek,” “should,” “strategy,” “target,” “will,” “would,” and other words that are similar to, or have the opposite meanings of, those words. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, 3M assumes no duty to update those statements, and readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any of those statements. Forward-looking statements are based on certain assumptions and expectations of future events and trends that are subject to risks and uncertainties, including those described in Part I, Item 1A, “Risk Factors” of 3M’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2025.

About 3M
3M (NYSE: MMM) is focused on transforming industries around the world by applying science and creating innovative, customer-focused solutions. Our multi-disciplinary team is working to solve tough customer problems by leveraging diverse technology platforms, differentiated capabilities, global footprint, and operational excellence. Discover how 3M is shaping the future at 3M.com/news.

Contacts
3M
Investor Contact:
Diane Farrow, 612-202-2449
Media Contact:
3MNews@mmm.com 

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Scott Vicknair Personal Injury Lawyers Announces Second Annual Operation Fur-Ever Home Pet Adoption Event at Lafreniere Park

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NEW ORLEANS, Oct. 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Scott Vicknair Personal Injury Lawyers is excited to announce the return of its second annual Operation Fur-Ever Home, a free community pet adoption event taking place on Saturday, November 14, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Lafreniere Park in Metairie, Louisiana.

The free, family-friendly event will give attendees the opportunity to meet adoptable pets from local animal shelters, learn about responsible pet ownership, and potentially welcome a new furry companion into their homes. Those who preregister for the event will also be entered for a chance to win a Soundcore speaker and a free pet adoption.

“Last year’s event was everything we hoped it would be, and we are incredibly excited to bring Operation Fur-Ever Home back for a second year,” said David Vicknair, founding partner of Scott Vicknair Personal Injury Lawyers. “There is something special about watching a family meet a pet that could become part of their lives for years to come. We wanted to create another opportunity to make those connections while supporting the organizations that work tirelessly to care for animals in our community.”

Building on the success of the first event, this year’s event continues the firm’s commitment to supporting local animal shelters and creating meaningful opportunities for families throughout Southeast Louisiana.

“Giving back to our community has always been an important part of who we are as a firm,” said Vicknair. “Whether we are helping students prepare for school, recognizing deserving teachers, or supporting local animal shelters, our goal is to make a positive difference in the communities we serve.”

Operation Fur-Ever Home is free and open to the public. Families, animal lovers, and anyone interested in adopting a pet are encouraged to attend and preregister.

About Scott Vicknair Personal Injury Lawyers

Scott Vicknair Personal Injury Lawyers is a New Orleans-based personal injury firm committed to providing exceptional legal representation while also investing in the communities it serves. Their experienced team of dedicated attorneys specializes in car accidents, personal injury, and wrongful death cases in New Orleans. With diverse personal and professional backgrounds, they craft legal strategies tailored to each client’s specific case and needs.

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Can we produce low-cost omega-3s without relying on fish?

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GOLD COAST, Australia, Oct. 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Southern Cross University researchers are aiming to halve the cost of producing omega-3 supplements to make these essential nutrients more accessible to pregnant women and infants in low-income countries, backed by the University’s first-ever grant from The Gates Foundation.

The research takes a novel approach: rather than relying on fish oil, the team is going closer to the original source of omega-3. Fish don’t produce omega-3 themselves – they accumulate it from marine microorganisms lower in the food chain.

Led by Professor Dirk Erler from Southern Cross University’s Faculty of Science and Engineering, the team is investigating how these naturally omega-3-producing microorganisms can be grown more cheaply through precision fermentation, including the use of agricultural and food-processing by-products as a source of fermentation sugar.

Omega-3 is an important nutrient during pregnancy and early life, supporting brain and nervous system development in babies. But the cost of supplements remains a significant barrier to access in many low-income countries.

“The main barrier for the uptake of omega-3s as supplements in pregnant women is the cost,” Professor Erler said.

“The whole objective of our project is to reduce that cost and make omega-3 supplements more available.”

The research team at Southern Cross University, which includes biomedical scientist Dr Nedeljka Rosic, Dr Shane McIntosh, postdoctoral researcher Dr Jasmine Haskell and PhD researcher Michael Ingram, is focused on growing omega-3-producing marine microorganisms known as thraustochytrids – or ‘throstys’ for short.

“By growing those microorganisms on land through precision fermentation, we have an alternative way of producing omega-3s that is both reliable and highly targeted,” Professor Erler said.

Precision fermentation allows the researchers to grow thraustochytrids under controlled conditions to produce omega-3 oils. The team is investigating whether expensive feedstocks used in the process can be replaced with lower-cost agricultural and food-processing by-products, helping drive down the overall cost of production.

The approach could also reduce reliance on wild-caught fish as a source of omega-3 oil and create a more reliable, scalable, and local supply.

For biomedical scientist Dr Nedeljka Rosic, the production challenge is ultimately about what greater access to omega-3 could mean for women and babies.

“As a biomedical scientist, my purpose is to find ways to use science to improve people’s health,” Dr Rosic said.

“This project is important because it aims to improve the health of pregnant women and children and reduce preterm births through simple dietary improvements.”

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SOURCE Southern Cross University

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