FlexSea founders named Forbes30Under30

Congratulations to FlexSea founders Carlo Fedeli and Thibaut Monfort Micheo after they were included in the prestigious Forbes30Under30 list in the Forbes Europe Manufacturing and Industry category.

FuturePlus member, FlexSea, creates a sustainable seaweed-derived biomaterial that replaces plastic film packaging and degrades in a matter of weeks.

The 300 founders and entrepreneurs featured on the 2024 Forbes Under 30 Europe list have raised more than $1 billion for companies.

Climate comedy on Business of Sustainability podcast

Award-winning comic, podcaster and climate speaker, Stuart Goldsmith (Comedy Supercharger) joined Alexandra Smith and Mike Penrose to talk 'Climate Comedy' on the latest episode of Business of Sustainability podcast.

Stuart discusses the inspiration for his climate crisis comedy show ‘Spoilers’, one of the best-reviewed shows at the Edinburgh Fringe last year, and how he's taking it to businesses.

The Business of Sustainability podcast is created in partnership with City AM, available on the link below and all major podcast platforms.

Listen here.

eBay drops selling fees on pre-owned clothing

eBay has removed fees on pre-owned clothing to encourage more people to sell items they're not using and reduce landfill waste.

From this week, second-hand clothing and new clothes with tags (excluding trainers, watches, handbags, and jewellery) will not be charged selling fees.

eBay is also introducing AI-generated item descriptions for sellers in the UK to streamline the listing process.

According to research from fashion marketplace, Depop, 18-35 year olds in the UK are making an average of £350 a year by selling unused clothing, and saving an average of £185 annually by buying secondhand.

Depop recently removed its selling fees, with CEO Kruti Patel Goyal revealing the decision would "make it easier than ever for people to take their first step into secondhand".

Workplace neurodiversity claims prompt companies to seek legal help

An article in the Financial Times has highlighted an increase in workplace neurodiversity-related employee claims, prompting more companies to seek legal advice and assistance related to neurodiversity inclusion.

A growing number of adults have been diagnosed as neurodiverse in recent years, as awareness of conditions such as ADHD, autism, and dyslexia has grown.

The article cites an analysis by the UK law firm Lewis Silkin, which reveals that the increasing demand has led to a rise in employment lawsuits. In 2023, 278 judgments issued by the employment tribunals in England, Wales, and Scotland related to disability discrimination and referenced autism, ADHD, dyspraxia, or dyslexia.

This is compared to 193 claims in 2022 and just three in 2016.

Mike’s View:**

“Recognising an employee's neurodivergent background allows employers to proactively create a work environment that benefits both the individual and the company. Discussing these needs early, rather than waiting for issues to arise, ensures a smoother and more successful working relationship.”

How to gain Sustainability Certification on Booking.com

Showcasing green initiatives for sustainable travel and lodging holds significant importance in today’s travel landscape.

According to Booking.com's 2023 Sustainable Travel Report, 76% of travellers express a desire for sustainable holiday travel, highlighting the growing interest in eco-conscious choices.

Booking.com’s third-party certification represents the highest standard in terms of recognising an accommodation’s efforts towards operating more sustainably.

Accommodation providers qualify for the certification and Sustainability Certification upon completing and verifying a FuturePlus sustainability assessment.

Find out more here.