05/03/2025

ESG WEDNESDAY | MAR 5, 2025

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PepsiCo’s Greenhouse Accelerator programme open for application

KUALA LUMPUR: PepsiCo, a global leader in convenient foods and beverages, announced the return of its Greenhouse Accelerator (GHAC) programme in the Asia Pacific (APAC) region for the third consecutive year. The GHAC is a pilot-oriented, mentorship-based programme in the region dedicated to fostering sustainable innovation and supporting startups by providing expert business advisory and collaboration oppor tunities with PepsiCo. As a leading sustainability incubator in APAC, GHAC reinforces PepsiCo’s commitment to finding solutions that contribute to progress in circular economy, sustainable agriculture, and climate action. With 15 pilots initiated in seven markets including Malaysia through the 2023 and 2024 cohorts, the programme focuses on supporting early-stage startups developing innovations aimed at reducing environmental impact, advancing renewable energy, and promoting sustainable farming practices. GHAC continues to explore new

robust sustainability ecosystem,” said Ashley Brown, VP Supply Chain A/NZ and Chief Sustainability Officer, PepsiCo APAC. GHAC will award US$20,000 grants to each of the 10 finalists, with an additional US$100,000 granted to the winning startup. Finalists will also receive wrap-around mentorship from PepsiCo executives and business accelerator experts to help overcome challenges and catalyse growth. This year, GHAC has teamed up with GC Ventures, the corporate venture capital arm of PTT Global Chemical and long-term collaborator Circulate Capital to provide tailored feedback and guidance to participants throughout the programme. Since its launch, the programme has established a track record of successful first-of-a-kind pilots leading to further collaboration with PepsiCo and partners. To apply for PepsiCo Greenhouse Accelerator 2025 APAC Sustainability Edition, visit greenhouseaccelerator.com/apac/ or linkedin.com/company/pepsico

The Greenhouse Accelerator Programme is dedicated to empowering startups.

successfully launched 15 startup pilots across APAC with PepsiCo and partners, and engaged with 95 venture capital firms and institutions, reinforcing our focus on fostering a

tools, resources and mentorship required to drive meaningful change and scale innovations across our food systems. Over the past two years, the programme has

ideas and test solutions that can drive meaningful change over time. “PepsiCo’s Greenhouse Accelerator Programme is dedicated to empowering startups with the

Green halal’s vital role in business growth

Carlsberg strengthens market position with ESG excellence, portfolio expansion SHAH ALAM: Carlsberg Brewery Malaysia Bhd (Carlsberg Malaysia) continues to solidify its market leadership by maintaining a strong commitment to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles while expanding its premium product portfolio. Carlsberg Malaysia chief financial officer Vivian Gun Ling Ling said the company’s latest performance highlights record-breaking revenue, strategic product launches, and enhanced sustainability efforts, reinforcing its resilience in an increasingly competitive and challenging economic landscape. “A key driver of Carlsberg Malaysia’s growth has been its focus on responsible consumption. The company actively promotes responsible drinking among employees, distributors, and consumers by providing education and alternative beverage options, such as its 0.00% non-alcoholic beer. “This initiative aligns with its broader ESG goals, ensuring that its products are enjoyed in a safe and sustainable manner,” she said at Carlsberg Malaysia FY24 press briefing recently. She said Carlsberg Malaysia has also strengthened its ESG credentials by maintaining an ‘AA’ MSCI ESG Rating, further improving its corporate governance score, and being recognised as an industry leader among global beverage companies. “These achievements underscore its dedication to sustainability and ethical business practices, which are increasingly crucial for long-term value creation,” she added. In addition to its ESG initiatives, Gun noted that Carlsberg Malaysia has expanded its premium and mainstream product offerings. “The company’s innovative launches, such as artist-edition Chinese New Year cans and collaborations across key markets, have driven brand engagement and consumer demand. “The successful introduction of Sapporo and Brut has further diversified its portfolio, allowing it to capture new market segments,” she said. Ű BY AIMIE SHAZRIE sunbiz@thesundaily.com

KUALA LUMPUR: The concept of “green halal”, despite being unfamiliar to many, plays a vital role in driving business growth by merging halal and sustainable practices, said Alliance Islamic Bank Bhd (AIS). CEO Rizal IL-Ehzan Fadil Azim said the integration offers expanded business opportunities that balance profitability with purpose. He also emphasised that green halal helps businesses adapt to changing market demands that increasingly prioritise sustainability and good values. “By aligning halal and sustainability practices, green halal enables businesses to build resilience, stay competitive, and meet the growing demand for products and services that are both halal and environmental, social and governance (ESG)-oriented,” he told Bernama. He noted that many businesses operate within the halal parameters but are unaware of the sustainability or ESG impact of their business. “Similarly, there are ESG-oriented businesses that could do well to expand their appeal via the halal market. “We want to promote the halal economy while ensuring the businesses are operating in a way that creates a positive impact on the economy, environment, and society,” he said. Rizal IL-Ehzan said the bank is enabling the adoption of the green halal concept among small and medium enterprises (SMEs) through initiatives such as the “halal in one” (HiO) programme and the Islamic sustainability financing (ISF) programme. He said the HiO programme is AIS’s flagship initiative, designed to help businesses venture into and succeed in the halal industry. “It is built around three core components. The first component is ‘set up halal,’ where we support SMEs at the start of their halal journey by guiding them through the halal certification process. “The second component is ‘grow halal,’

o Integration offers opportunities that balance profitability with purpose: Alliance Islamic Bank

energy, and adopting eco-friendly materials. These changes enhance competitiveness and prepare businesses for challenges like rising costs or environmental risks, he said. For halal-certified companies targeting international markets, he said the concept helps them align with sustainability regulations, ensuring that they avoid tariffs, maintain access to international markets, and strengthen their position in global supply chains. He stated that businesses already committed to sustainability but not yet halal compliant could use green halal to expand into new markets like food, cosmetics, and logistics, where demand for halal products is surging. According to the Halal Development Corporation, the halal market, fuelled by the growing demand for halal products, is now valued at over US$3 trillion (RM4.4 trillion) and is projected to reach US$5 trillion by 2030. “This highlights its global appeal driven by strong ethical and sustainable attributes. “Malaysia’s leadership in this sector reflects its continued innovation and dedication,” he said. For companies new to halal and sustainability, green halal provides a practical and strategic way for businesses to begin integrating halal and sustainability practices into their operations. “It provides businesses with clear and simplified steps to incorporate ethical practices such as responsible sourcing, waste reduction and energy efficiency without overwhelming the businesses. “This guidance makes it easier for the businesses to build towards compliance with halal standards and ESG goals,” he concluded. – Bernama

where we help them scale by expanding their market reach through business matching and market access propositions,” he said. He said that “fund halal” is the third key component of HiO, which offers shariah compliant financing for certification, premise renovation, capital expenditures, and working capital. Meanwhile, the ISF programme supports businesses transitioning to sustainable practices by offering three types of financing options, namely, solar financing, working capital financing for sustainable sectors and projects, and general working capital financing to support broader business needs while transitioning to sustainability. Rizal IL-Ehzan explained that the green halal concept has a unique impact, as it intersects halal and sustainability, offering a strategic approach to creating positive benefits for businesses, the environment, and society. “This concept allows businesses to meet both halal and sustainability goals, appealing to a broader range of customers. “It encourages innovation and long-term growth by aligning ethical and sustainable practices with business strategies,” he said. He added that adopting green halal practices demonstrates a business’s readiness to propagate responsible business models and reflects its commitment to making a positive societal and environmental impact. Rizal IL-Ehzan said the green halal concept is versatile and applicable to businesses of all sizes and industries, regardless of where they are in their halal compliance or sustainability journey. He added green halal provides solutions for halal-certified businesses that go beyond shariah compliance by reducing waste, saving

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