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Manulife Investment Management Shares Analysis and Investment Insights within Natural Capital, TCFD and SRI Reports

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TORONTO, Aug. 23, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Manulife Investment Management (Manulife IM), the world’s largest manager of natural capital with over $16 billion in assets under management in timberland and agriculture1, has recently released three reports detailing how it incorporates financially material climate- and nature-related investment considerations into its asset management and portfolio construction capabilities. Interested market participants can use the insights from Manulife IM’s Natural Capital Sustainability reportTask Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) report and Sustainable and Responsible Investing (SRI) report, for deeper awareness about sustainable investing and to assess various investment risks and opportunities across public and private market asset classes.

The reports highlight Manulife IM’s commitment in seeking to deliver strong long-term investment performance, the importance of natural capital to human health, and the opportunity for timberland and agriculture assets to bring value to portfolios and to the planet.  As an example, within its climate and natural capital investment solutions, Manulife IM has a strategy that provides investors with an opportunity to invest in timberlands in a way that creates high integrity carbon credits through enhanced management practices which purposefully add to the stored carbon in the forest. 

“We are excited to share these reports with market participants as we believe that climate-related risks and other sustainability factors can have a material effect on long-term financial value and, as a result, on our clients’ investment objectives,” said Paul Lorentz, President & CEO of Manulife IM. “Throughout all of our investment processes, we seek to incorporate all financially material risks, including sustainability factors, as our primary goal is to enhance the returns of the capital we manage on behalf of our clients.”

Manulife IM’s most recent Natural Capital Sustainability report highlights the importance of natural capital to institutional investment portfolios, the dependency the world has on these assets, and how these investments can create value beyond the physical products they generate. Highlights include:

Manulife IM’s timberland investment properties planted over 50 million seedlings, produced lumber to build more than 100,000 houses, enough fiberwood to make approximately 2.2 million tons of paper, and yielded enough biomass to produce electricity for the equivalent of 1,500 American homes for a year;Manulife IM’s integration of regenerative practices across its agriculture portfolio continues to focus on producing more food with a smaller footprint. During 2023, 100% of client properties reported using at least one regenerative practice and 78% of properties use four or more regenerative practices; andProgress reports on the firm’s five nature targets, aligned with the Finance for Biodiversity Pledge that are on track to be fulfilled by 2025. The targets include improving collaboration and knowledge sharing on assessment methodologies, incorporating biodiversity into ESG policies, assessing the impact of investments on biodiversity, using science-based targets to improve biodiversity impact, and annual reporting to measure and assess progress toward biodiversity goals.

“Natural capital is not just a concept; it’s a measurable and monetizable reality that has intrinsic value in supporting the global economy,” said Brian Kernohan, Chief Sustainability Officer, Manulife Investment Management. “We believe nature is a mispriced asset that provides true economic and societal value for the benefit of all.”

The latest TCFD report outlines how Manulife IM incorporates climate-related risks and opportunities into investment decisions through appropriate governance, strategy, risk management, and metrics and targets.

Highlights from the TCFD report include:

90% of Manulife IM ‘s global real estate equity portfolio earning certification of a green building standard, such as LEED, ENERGY STAR, or BOMA BEST;2Manulife IM removing an estimated 1.5 million tons of CO2e from the atmosphere by its managed forests and farms on a five-year rolling average; andManulife IM seeks to increase access to the number and variety of sustainable investing options available to its clients.

Manulife IM’s latest SRI report provides insight into the firm’s approach to sustainable investing, including its governance, stewardship information, its scorecard from the Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI), and other sustainability milestones and outcomes.

Highlights from the SRI report this year include the firm’s:

Publication of its inaugural nature report aligned with the recommendations of the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD), outlining the firm’s approach to managing nature-related risks and opportunities in its timberland and agriculture businesses;Achievement of a GRESB 5 Star rating for the sixth consecutive year;3Formalization of its sustainable investing strategy for its private equity and credit platform, which included establishing near-term priorities and longer-term commitments;Development of a firmwide client-directed exclusions framework; andPublication of its water statement, which recognizes the fundamental importance of water to human health, livelihoods, ecosystems, the global economy, and the future of asset management.

“As we navigate this dynamic space, our reporting looks to provide comprehensive insights to help drive positive change and foster long-term sustainability through our investment strategies. We’re committed to continue enhancing our reporting so that all our stakeholders can get a clear picture of our efforts to manage climate impact and risk exposures as well as enhance long-term value creation,” concluded Mr. Kernohan.

Please find more information about Manulife IM’s approach to sustainable investing online here:  https://www.manulifeim.com/institutional/global/en/sustainability.

About Manulife Investment Management

Manulife Investment Management is the brand for the global wealth and asset management segment of Manulife Financial Corporation (NYSE: MFC). Our mission is to make decisions easier and lives better by empowering investors for a better tomorrow. Serving more than 19 million individuals, institutions, and retirement plan members, we believe our global reach, complementary businesses, and the strength of our parent company position us to help investors capitalize on today’s emerging global trends. We provide our clients access to public and private investment solutions across equities, fixed income, multi-asset, alternative, and sustainability-linked strategies, such as natural capital, to help them make more informed financial decisions and achieve their investment objectives. Not all offerings are available in all jurisdictions. For additional information, please visit manulifeim.com.

It should not be assumed that any ESG or sustainability initiatives, standards, or metrics described herein will apply to each asset in which Manulife Investment Management invests or that any ESG or sustainability initiatives, standards, or metrics described have applied to any individual prior investment of Manulife Investment Management. There is no guarantee that any initiatives or anticipated developments described herein will ultimately be successful or achieve anticipated outcomes. Environmental, social and governance (ESG) factors are only some of many considerations that Manulife Investment Management takes into account when making investment decisions, and other considerations can be expected in certain circumstances to outweigh ESG considerations. Any ESG or sustainability initiatives described will be implemented with respect to a portfolio investment solely to the extent Manulife Investment Management determines such initiative is consistent with its broader investment goals. Individual portfolio management teams may hold different views and make different investment decisions for different clients, and views may change over time. Investors should always read the current investment services information or fund offering documents before deciding to select an investment manager or to invest in a fund.

1.

IPE research, as of February 2024. Ranking is based on total natural capital assets under management (AUM), which includes forestry/timberland and agriculture/farmland AUM. Firms were asked to provide AUM and the as of dates vary from 12/31/2022 to 12/31/2023.

2.

Based on square footage of the gross floor area or building size, of properties in the global portfolio. Totals from different certification standards do not sum as properties with multiple certifications are only counted once. Certifications are provided by LEED, ENERGY STAR Certification, BOMA BEST, GBCA Green Star, BCA Green Mark, NABERS, CASBEE, BOMA 360, and Fitwel.

3.

Based on GRESB results released October 2023 that cover the 2022 time period. Manulife Investment Management paid a per fund submission fee, per year. The GRESB Rating is an overall measure of how well sustainability issues are integrated into the management and practices of companies and funds. For more information about the GRESB Real Estate Assessment, please see gresb.com/nl-en/real-estate-assessment.

Asia:
Carl Wong
Carl_KK_Wong@manulifeam.com

North America and Europe:
Elizabeth Bartlett
Elizabeth_Bartlett@manulife.com

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/manulife-investment-management-shares-analysis-and-investment-insights-within-natural-capital-tcfd-and-sri-reports-302229433.html

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Danish Publisher Automates Digital Textbook Delivery with Integrated WooCommerce-Webdoxx Solution

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Danish educational publisher eliminates manual processing errors and delivers instant access to more than 20 digital learning products

LONDON, May 3, 2026 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Forlaget 94, a Danish educational publisher serving commercial colleges and vocational schools since 1994, has transformed its digital textbook distribution by implementing a fully automated WooCommerce-Webdoxx solution.

“Using the Webdoxx-WooCommerce integration we have achieved full automation of order processing, fewer errors, and happier customers,” Tom Gertsen, IT Manager at Forlaget 94

Previously, Forlaget 94 relied on manual processes to distribute digital textbooks to customers. As demand for online educational materials grew, the publisher required a faster, more reliable way to manage orders, provision access, and reduce the risk of administrative errors.

Through its integration of WooCommerce with Webdoxx, Forlaget 94 now runs more than 20 educational products through a 100% automated workflow. The solution automatically processes customer orders and provides instant access to purchased digital textbooks, improving the experience for both customers and internal teams.

“The result is full automation of order processing, fewer errors, and happier customers,” said Tom Gertsen, IT Manager at Forlaget 94 and architect behind the WooCommerce-Webdoxx integration. The automated system has enabled Forlaget 94 to eliminate manual errors, accelerate customer processing, and increase customer satisfaction through immediate access provisioning. The implementation demonstrates how educational publishers can modernize digital content delivery while maintaining secure, managed access to learning materials.

Webdoxx, a service created and managed by Drumlin Security Ltd, provides online DRM and managed document delivery services for publishers, educational organizations, institutions, and commercial content providers.

About Forlaget 94

Forlaget 94 is a Danish educational publisher established in 1994, providing educational products for commercial colleges and vocational schools.

About Webdoxx

Webdoxx is an online DRM and managed document delivery service created and managed by Drumlin Security Ltd. The platform supports secure access to digital publications and documents across a range of sectors, including education, healthcare, government, finance, and publishing.

Media Contact

Mike de Smith, Drumlin Security Ltd, 44 7768404712, info@drumlinsecurity.com, https://www.drumlinsecurity.com/

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prweb.com/releases/danish-publisher-automates-digital-textbook-delivery-with-integrated-woocommerce-webdoxx-solution-302759942.html

SOURCE Forlaget 94

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139th Canton Fair Phase 3 Advances Toward a Better Life with New and Strengthened Product Zones

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GUANGZHOU, China, May 3, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The 139th China Import and Export Fair (Canton Fair) has rolled out nine newly established product zones. Phase 3 features an expanded and upgraded Intelligent Healthcare zone and the inaugural presentation of a Functional & Technical Fabrics zone.

The upgraded Intelligent Healthcare zone brings together 50 companies presenting a full spectrum of intelligent medical solutions, spanning AI-powered diagnostics, surgical robotics, and next‑generation eldercare technologies. Exhibits highlight how medical devices are becoming smaller, more precise, and increasingly non‑invasive. Capsule endoscopy systems demonstrate how gastrointestinal screening can be completed without discomfort, while AI‑enabled traditional Chinese medicine analyzers compress the inspection and inquiry process into minutes. Wearable glucose monitors make chronic disease management easier and more convenient.

Robotic technologies play a prominent role as well. Endoscopic and orthopedic surgical robots showcase enhanced precision through integrated human‑machine coordination, while bionic prosthetic hands use non‑invasive myoelectric sensing to independently control each finger. Intelligent rehabilitation systems, including lower‑limb exoskeletons and hand‑training devices, provide consistent support for patients recovering mobility. Companion‑style eldercare robots, equipped with monitoring and telemedicine functions, signal the rise of integrated home‑based health services.

The debuting Functional & Technical Fabrics zone highlights how the traditional textile industry is moving toward higher-end and smarter products. Exhibitors present materials that combine multi‑layered performance with intelligent responsiveness. Textiles featuring temperature‑regulating fibers, phase‑change materials, and light‑ or heat‑sensitive color‑shifting effects illustrate how fabrics are evolving into adaptive platforms capable of responding to environmental conditions.

Sustainability emerges as a defining theme. Bio‑based fibers, degradable films, recycled polyester, and organic cotton reflect a shift from isolated eco‑products toward full‑chain green manufacturing. High‑performance outdoor and protective applications further shape the narrative. Materials engineered for waterproof breathability, UV resistance, flame retardancy, and long‑term durability address rising demand across sportswear, professional protection, and medical environments. Smart textiles with embedded health‑monitoring modules demonstrate how apparel is beginning to function as a continuous wellness interface.

Both technology‑driven healthcare and advanced textiles are converging around a shared pursuit of a better life. As these advancements continue to evolve, they reflect a manufacturing landscape increasingly shaped by innovation, resilience, and a commitment to improving everyday living.

For pre-registration, please click: https://buyer.cantonfair.org.cn/register/buyer/email?source_type=16

 

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/139th-canton-fair-phase-3-advances-toward-a-better-life-with-new-and-strengthened-product-zones-302760704.html

SOURCE Canton Fair

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CupidFeel Insights Show How Shared Interests Affect Initial Connection Outcomes

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New behavioral insights from CupidFeel offer a carefully considered look at how shared interests influence whether an initial connection on a dating platform is sustained or abandoned in those first critical exchanges.

GIBRALTAR, May 3, 2026 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — The findings by CupidFeel are not dramatic, but they are telling. People who referenced a shared interest — whether a genre of music, a type of cuisine, a sport, a creative practice, or even a shared discomfort with small talk — within the first few exchanges of a new conversation were found to be measurably more likely to continue that conversation beyond the initial contact window. The effect was not uniform across all interest categories; certain types of shared interest appeared to carry more relational weight than others.

It was also observed by CupidFeel that the timing of when shared interests entered a conversation mattered. Connections where common ground was discovered organically — through the natural flow of exchange rather than prompted by a profile field or a direct question — showed stronger indicators of sustained interest. The discovery, in other words, carried more meaning when it felt like something found rather than something declared.

Among the most quietly striking findings in the CupidFeel data was the role of specificity. Broad shared categories — “we both like travel,” “we both enjoy cooking” — were associated with polite, often brief exchanges that rarely extended past pleasantries. But when specificity entered the picture — when one person mentioned a particular documentary that had stayed with them, or a city they had visited and could not stop thinking about — the conversational energy shifted. Something opened up.

In a CupidFeel review of trends in profile engagements, those whose profiles reflected specific, idiosyncratic interests — rather than broadly appealing ones — also showed higher rates of receiving first messages, a finding that runs gently counter to the instinct many people have to present themselves in the most universally appealing terms possible.

What seemed to matter most was not the quantity of overlap but whether the overlap that existed was felt — whether it produced a sense of being seen in some particular, non-generic way. A CupidFeel review of early conversation patterns suggests that a single deeply resonant shared interest may be more generative for early connection than a long list of surface-level commonalities that, taken together, feel more like a demographic profile than a person.

About CupidFeel

CupidFeel is an online dating platform built around the belief that meaningful connections begin with emotional honesty and the willingness to let a conversation go somewhere real. It came into being for people who are less interested in the mechanics of dating and more drawn to the possibility of something that feels grounded — exchanges that move at their own pace, guided by genuine curiosity rather than performance.

A CupidFeel review of its own design principles returns consistently to the same question: what does it take for a first message to feel like it might be worth the journey? The platform makes room for the kind of interaction that doesn’t always have a clear destination but feels, from the first exchange, like something real. CupidFeel is a place where the unexpected is not something to be managed, but something to be welcomed.

Media Contact

Timothy Albers, CupidFeel, 1 14845691657, smm@cupidfeel.com, https://cupidfeel.com/

View original content:https://www.prweb.com/releases/cupidfeel-insights-show-how-shared-interests-affect-initial-connection-outcomes-302759951.html

SOURCE CupidFeel

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