UN Urges Aviation Industry to Tackle Singleuse Plastics

UN Urges Aviation Industry to Tackle Singleuse Plastics

The UN urges the aviation industry to collaborate with governments to address the 6 million tons of single-use plastic waste generated annually. It highlights the potential health risks of microplastics and the importance of a global plastics agreement. Recommendations include improving recyclability throughout the plastic lifecycle (production, usage, and recycling), encouraging retailers to reduce plastic use, and establishing robust recycling systems. The call is for the aviation sector to set clear plastic reduction targets and embrace sustainable development practices to mitigate the environmental impact of single-use plastics.

01/20/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Panama Canal Expansion Poses Opportunities Challenges for Shipping

Panama Canal Expansion Poses Opportunities Challenges for Shipping

The Panama Canal expansion is highly anticipated by the shipping industry. However, the expansion is not a panacea, and shipping companies need to carefully evaluate its implications. This article analyzes the opportunities and challenges brought about by the expansion, including time costs, port efficiency, and environmental impact. It also explores how West Coast, East Coast, and Gulf Coast ports are responding to the new competitive landscape. Furthermore, it reminds shipping companies to pay attention to changes in global trade patterns and the resulting risk of compressed profit margins.

01/20/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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US Rail Freight Sees Carload Drop Intermodal Rise

US Rail Freight Sees Carload Drop Intermodal Rise

Data from the Association of American Railroads shows a decline in rail freight carloads, but an increase in intermodal volume. The rise of e-commerce, supply chain reshaping, growing environmental awareness, and technological innovation are driving factors behind this growth. Rail freight companies should increase investment in intermodal infrastructure, expand service offerings, strengthen partnerships, leverage technological innovation to improve operational efficiency, and focus on sustainable development. By embracing these strategies and capitalizing on the opportunities presented by intermodal transportation, rail companies can successfully navigate the evolving landscape and transform their businesses.

01/21/2026 Logistics
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Asiapacific Customs Intensifies Plastic Waste Crackdown with WCO Backing

Asiapacific Customs Intensifies Plastic Waste Crackdown with WCO Backing

The World Customs Organization (WCO) is assisting Indonesian and Philippine Customs in enhancing their plastic waste management capabilities through a virtual diagnostic mission, addressing the challenges posed by the Basel Convention amendments. This project aims to strengthen customs control over plastic waste in the Asia-Pacific region, combat illegal shipments, and raise awareness of the Convention. The WCO will develop an implementation plan and host regional workshops to foster cooperation and collectively address the plastic waste challenge. The initiative underscores the importance of customs in tackling environmental crime and promoting sustainable waste management practices.

02/12/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Global Trade Adopts HS Codes for Green Equipment Tracking

Global Trade Adopts HS Codes for Green Equipment Tracking

The World Customs Organization (WCO) held a series of workshops exploring the use of the Harmonized System (HS) to support environmentally sustainable trade. The workshops focused on the challenges and opportunities in identifying green technologies, incorporating perspectives from the EU, APEC, BIR, IRENA, and industry representatives. The aim was to promote the green transformation of the HS, facilitate trade in environmentally friendly machinery and equipment, and address classification challenges in the circular economy. The discussions highlighted the importance of accurate HS codes for promoting green trade initiatives and achieving environmental sustainability goals.

02/12/2026 HS Code Query
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Starbucks Targets Farmlevel Emissions for Carbonneutral Coffee by 2030

Starbucks Targets Farmlevel Emissions for Carbonneutral Coffee by 2030

Starbucks has announced its goal to achieve green coffee carbon neutrality by 2030, focusing on emissions reduction in coffee cultivation. The company plans to implement measures such as precision agriculture, promotion of climate-adapted coffee varieties, and protection of coffee-growing regions. They also aim to reduce water usage by 50%. This initiative is part of Starbucks' 'resource-positive' company vision, aiming to minimize environmental impact and actively give back to the planet. The company hopes to set a new benchmark for sustainable development within the coffee industry.

01/29/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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NRDC Report Toilet Papers Virgin Fiber Use Unsustainable

NRDC Report Toilet Papers Virgin Fiber Use Unsustainable

A Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) report reveals that major toilet paper manufacturers have made little progress in adopting recycled and alternative fibers, remaining heavily reliant on virgin wood pulp. This issue has been exacerbated by pandemic-driven market shifts and limited recycled fiber availability. The report urges companies to re-evaluate their fiber sourcing strategies, actively seek sustainable alternatives, and collaborate with environmental organizations to promote sustainability within the toilet paper industry. This includes exploring options beyond traditional virgin fiber sources for a more environmentally responsible approach.

01/29/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Chicago Rail Bypass Project Under STB Scrutiny

Chicago Rail Bypass Project Under STB Scrutiny

The U.S. Surface Transportation Board (STB) has requested Great Lakes Basin Transportation (GLBT) to supplement information regarding its proposed Chicago rail bypass project. This includes a list of served cities, financial statements, and shareholder information. The project aims to alleviate rail congestion in the Chicago hub but faces opposition from railroad companies and environmental groups, as well as challenges related to financial transparency. The STB's decision primarily addresses procedural issues, leaving the project's future uncertain. The additional information will allow the STB to properly evaluate the project's impact and feasibility.

01/28/2026 Logistics
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Freight and Manufacturing Leaders Push for Regulatory Reform

Freight and Manufacturing Leaders Push for Regulatory Reform

The US freight and manufacturing industries are grappling with increasingly burdensome and often impractical regulations. Businesses and organizations are advocating for a comprehensive overhaul of the existing regulatory framework, urging the implementation of a 'Regulatory Accountability Act.' This aims to address current regulatory challenges by enhancing transparency, strengthening data analysis, and actively soliciting public input. Regulatory reform is a complex undertaking requiring collaborative efforts from all stakeholders. The goal is to create a more efficient and effective regulatory environment that fosters economic growth and innovation while ensuring public safety and environmental protection.

01/28/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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WCO Backs African Customs Agencies to Strengthen Green Trade

WCO Backs African Customs Agencies to Strengthen Green Trade

The World Customs Organization (WCO), in collaboration with the UN Environment Programme and the Basel Convention Secretariat, conducted workshops in Kenya and Tanzania. These workshops aimed to enhance the knowledge and enforcement capabilities of the two countries' customs departments regarding the Basel Convention and the Montreal Protocol. This initiative is part of the Sida-WCO TFCM Programme, designed to promote sustainable development in Sub-Saharan Africa and strengthen the role of customs in environmental protection. The workshops focused on identifying and intercepting illegal shipments of hazardous waste and ozone-depleting substances.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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