Albaugh released its 2024 Sustainability Report, “Our Future is Rooted in Action,” highlighting the company’s progress across key sustainability pillars, including safety, environmental protection, governance, ethics and employee development.
Structured with reference to the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) standards, the report provides quantitative data as well as real-world examples of how Albaugh is advancing sustainability across its global operations. Notable achievements in 2024 include the launch of the company’s Global Safety Audit Program, Scope 3 emissions quantification using a global platform and strengthened commitments to human rights through the annual Statement on Forced Labor and Child Labor in Supply Chains.
“As a global provider of crop protection and seed treatment solutions, Albaugh’s ability to meet the growing food needs of the planet must go hand-in-hand with safe manufacturing practices and environmental protection.” said chief executive officer Kurt Pedersen Kaalund. “Our 2024 sustainability report demonstrates purposeful action — focusing on improving workplace safety to advancing sustainable products and reinforcing strong governance. These actions not only help us fulfill our responsibilities today but also position Albaugh as a trusted sustainability leader for the future.”
The 2024 report outlines ongoing environmental improvements at the facility level, with initiatives in North and South America to reduce packaging waste and increase recycling participation, as well as highlighting investments in new wastewater treatment and exhaust gas systems in Kunshan, China.
Albaugh stated its commitment to people is also emphasized with global training programs on ethics and compliance, Lean Six Sigma certification opportunities and recognition of employees through initiatives such as the Brazil Leadership Academy and participation in the U.S. Manufacturing Institute’s Women MAKE Awards. The report also details community support projects that reflect Albaugh’s dedication to empowering employees and strengthening the communities where the company operates.
“Looking ahead, we see many exciting opportunities for Albaugh to meet the pressing worldwide need for more and better-quality food, using products that boost yields while also protecting the environment and strengthening communities and the planet,” Kaalund said. “As this report shows, sustainability is central to this mission and a driving force behind our impact and success.”
Weed Man hosts second annual Grassroots Giving Food Drive
Last year, Weed Man collected more than 76,000 pounds of food (the equivalent of 64,000 meals) for local families across the U.S. and Canada during their inaugural Grassroots Giving Food Drive. This year, the company is rolling out their trucks again and franchisees to try to collect even more.
The second Annual Grassroots Giving Food Drive will take place from Sept. 8 to Nov. 21, as Weed Man franchisees across North America partner with their local Food Banks to collect non-perishable food items for donation.
“Weed Man has always been a family business, and we’ve never felt more like a family than we did last year during Grassroots Giving,” said Jen Lemcke, CEO of Weed Man. “The response and enthusiasm we saw from our local franchisees was nothing short of incredible. Everyone wanted to give back to their community. I cannot wait to see what we’re able to do this year.”
How to participate:
Until Nov. 21 (exact dates will vary based on location), Weed Man customers are encouraged to leave food donations on their front porch on the day of their scheduled lawn service for their technician to pick up.
They’re seeking shelf-stable, non-perishable items such as canned goods, pasta, rice, peanut butter and more. Customers are encouraged to contact their local Weed Man location or visit the Grassroots Giving website for more information about the specific needs of their community, including the most-needed items and any restrictions on donations.
After all the donations have been collected, each Weed Man franchisee will weigh the total amount of food they have collected during the campaign, while awards and recognition will go to the franchisees who collect the most food.
“Few problems are felt more on a local level than food insecurity, both in the United States and Canada,” said Lemcke. “We wanted a North America-wide initiative that could have a real impact on a community level. By taking part in Grassroots Giving, our franchisees have a real opportunity to give back to the communities they live and work in.”
Massey Services donates $50,000 to support arts education programming in Florida
Central Florida Vocal Arts (CFVA) revealed a $50,000 gift from Massey Services to support Arts Education for All programming. This generous investment will fund inclusive arts education programming for youth and underserved populations across Central Florida — advancing CFVA’s mission to transform lives through the power of performing arts.
CFVA provides free music education and community classes weekly to students across Orange and Osceola Counties, with the expectation of serving 50,000 individuals this year through private lessons, community classes and public performances. CFVA’s programs are uniquely designed to address critical community issues, including youth mental health, by providing healthy outlets for self-expression and actualization.
“At Massey Services, we believe access to the arts is essential for building stronger, more vibrant communities,” said Andrea Massey-Farrell, president and CEO of the Harvey and Carol Massey Foundation and senior vice president of community relations with Massey Services. “By supporting Central Florida Vocal Arts and their Arts Education for All programming, we are helping to ensure that future generations have opportunities to learn, grow and thrive through the power of the arts.”
The support from Massey Services underscores a shared commitment to building healthier, safer, more compassionate communities. The company stated that just as Massey Services works to protect families and strengthen neighborhoods, CFVA nurtures well-being through creativity and connection.
This funding comes at a pivotal time as CFVA plans to build an Arts Conservatory in 2026 — a permanent home for the organization that will centralize teaching, rehearsal, performance and community programming. The Conservatory is part of a plan to continue expanding CFVA’s capacity to offer classes, workshops and performances to the community; building a lifelong pipeline of arts education.
Unique Lighting Systems celebrates 30th anniversary
Unique Lighting Systems, a global provider of solutions for outdoor lighting, is celebrating 30 years in business.
What began as a frustrated attempt to solve voltage drop challenges sparked the innovation of a groundbreaking multi-tap transformer — and ultimately led to the founding of Unique Lighting Systems. Over the last three decades, Unique Lighting Systems has evolved and established itself as a staple in low-voltage outdoor lighting, according to the company.
“Unique Lighting Systems set itself apart from the beginning 30 years ago,” said Dan Winterton, senior product marketing manager at Unique Lighting Systems. “It is more than just selling lighting products and has always been about the system — it says so right in the name.”
After developing the multi-tap transformer, Unique Lighting Systems continued with more installation innovation. The company stated that among them is the patented HUB wiring system, the ultimate in-line fuse protected wiring system that reduces the number of connections needed, simplifies installation and takes the guess work out of troubleshooting.
“The HUB system is a testament to the innovation Unique Lighting Systems creates in the low voltage lighting industry,” said John Davis, product manager at Unique Lighting Systems. “It creates a bright and beautiful, consistent design for homeowners and a system that is a breeze for contractors to install and perform maintenance.”
Unique Lighting Systems also has a deep commitment to lighting professionals. In addition to transformative systems, high-quality products and in-depth educational opportunities, the company offers the Landscape Lighting Design Assistance Program, a free service that provides CAD-based lighting design support to help pros save time, win jobs and install confidently.
Unique Lighting Systems will be celebrating the 30th anniversary throughout the year. Look for more details, features and information at the company’s trade show booths and on the Unique Lighting website.
