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Danfoss and Google enter into a strategic partnership on AI
Danfoss and Google announced a strategic partnership to make use of the latest advances in artificial intelligence (AI) and promote energy efficient solutions in data centers.
Under the partnership, Danfoss, the Danish multinational engineering group, will use Google Cloud’s generative AI capabilities to optimize the customer experience, streamline internal work processes and improve productivity across the organization. This can be done, for example, by using gen AI to collect and surface information, automate knowledge, generate product descriptions, and create solutions with chatbots in e-commerce.
As a global leader in energy-efficient solutions, Danfoss is working with Google to implement sustainable cooling systems for data centers and to design systems that reuse the excess heat produced by data centers. Danfoss Turbocor® compressors provide highly reliable, highly efficient solutions when expertly applied by OEM partners and are being installed by Google to improve the energy efficiency and decarbonize heating and cooling systems in data centers.
Ravichandran Purushothaman, President- Danfoss India Region said, “Danfoss and Google strategic partnership will accelerate the digital transformation of customer experience. Leveraging latest technological advancements in AI and energy efficiency in Data center operations will help Danfoss’ customers to achieve common objectives of sustainability, operational excellence, and business performance.”
Meanwhile, Danfoss’ heat reuse modules will make it possible for Google to capture and reuse heat produced by data centers, providing a renewable energy source to supply heating on site and to neighboring commercial and residential buildings, communities, and industries that need heat for their processes. Going forward, Danfoss’ expertise in decarbonization solutions will be used to an even greater extent to advance data center sustainability in Europe, North America and beyond.
Anju Mary Kuruvilla, Director- Industry affairs, Communications, Sustainability& CSR said, “The solution will have the capability to help customers achieve their sustainability and energy transition objectives by providing advanced monitoring and optimization insights into the carbon emissions and energy usage.”
The new agreement, announced during the AHR Expo in Chicago, USA, builds on an existing collaboration between the two companies, which were among the founders of the Net Zero Innovation Hub in Fredericia, Denmark, announced in September, 2023, where a number of major players joined forces to accelerate the green transformation of data centers. Danfoss and Google are now taking a step further by entering into a broader partnership.
Jürgen Fischer, President, Danfoss Climate Solutions, said: “At Danfoss, we want to revolutionize how we build and decarbonize data centers together with our customers. When we partner up across industries, like we have done with Google, we accelerate this development towards building better and more sustainable data centers – using technologies available today.”
Google Vice President of Data Center Innovation, J.P. Clausen, is excited about the collaboration. “This is a great example of a partnership utilizing each other’s strengths and using technology to optimize the customer experience, increase productivity and reach sustainability goals. Danfoss is a leader in energy efficiency, and these solutions help support Google’s 2030 goal of running our data centers on carbon-free energy 24/7. We’re happy to deliver AI innovation through Google Cloud, enabling businesses like Danfoss to operate in new and smarter ways,” says J.P. Clausen.
Danfoss joins First Movers Coalition and commits to drive global development of sustainable aluminum
The World Economic Forum has announced that Danfoss has joined the First Movers Coalition (FMC), a global coalition to decarbonize hard-to-abate industries. Danfoss joins the FMC aluminum sector, committing that at least 10% (by volume) of all the company’s primary aluminum procured per year will be low carbon by 2030. Additionally, Danfoss commits to ensuring that at least 50% of all aluminum used annually is composed of secondary aluminum by 2030.
As a member of the FMC, Danfoss joins a group of industry players harnessing purchasing power to create a market for low-carbon aluminum, sending a strong market demand signal for the emerging technologies essential for a net-zero transition. This commitment by members focuses on creating a sustainable value chain for aluminum and achieving a 50% reduction in CO2 emissions from primary aluminum production by 2050. Danfoss has already entered into negotiations and begun contractual agreements with suppliers for low-carbon aluminum.
Ravichandran Purushothaman, President, Danfoss India Region says: “As a sustainable organization serving the world’s energy efficiency needs for 9 decades now, joining FMC is a testimony of Danfoss’ strong commitment towards decarbonization and sustainability at the global level. This development could be an inspiration for Indian manufacturing sector, industry bodies and the govt., for a consortium on this line that will drive the economy of scale for procurement and localization of netzero solutions and make them affordable as well as accessible across value chains. The initiatives like FMC will accelerate India’s net-zero transformation for a greener and sustainable tomorrow.”
Led by the World Economic Forum and the US Government, the FMC targets hard-to-abate sectors including aluminum, aviation, chemicals, concrete, shipping, steel, and trucking, which are responsible for 30% of global emissions. For these sectors to decarbonize at the speed needed to keep the planet on a 1.5-degree pathway, they require low-carbon technologies that are not yet competitive with current carbon-intensive solutions.
Jürgen Fischer, President, Danfoss Climate Solutions, says: “Our customers are increasingly demanding products with a lower carbon footprint – and they’re right to do so. By joining the First Movers Coalition we are responding to this demand by fostering the critical development of low-carbon aluminum production, and thereby accelerating its entry to market. Being part of the coalition also aligns with our own commitment as a leader in the green transition, to achieve carbon neutrality across Danfoss’ global operations by 2030 and to reduce our value chain emissions by 15% by 2030.”
FMC member companies commit to purchasing a percentage of near-zero or zero-carbon solutions from suppliers, which may come at a premium cost. If a critical mass of global companies commits a certain percentage of their future purchasing to clean technologies in this decade, this will create a market tipping point that will accelerate their affordability and drive long-term, net-zero transformation across industrial value chains. The FMC is currently composed of 82 members, all global players in their markets.
Rob van Riet, Interim Head, First Movers Coalition, said: “We are thrilled to welcome Danfoss to the First Movers Coalition, and are eager to work together towards the scaling up of the low-carbon aluminum market globally. Our joint focus will be on surfacing solutions to decarbonize aluminum and accelerate their deployment with committed organizations like Danfoss, aiming to bring these solutions to commercial scale.”
The aluminum industry generates approximately 2% of global emissions but it also has the strongest potential to become carbon negative by 2050. Switching to low-carbon electricity is the biggest step the industry can take to deliver a sector compatible with net zero targets
Deel Expands Immigration Support With Business Visas and First In-House License
New service simplifies short-term business travel with faster, compliant, and scalable visa management, as Deel secures its first standalone immigration license in the UAE
Deel, the leading global HR and payroll platform, announced the launch of Business Visas, a new immigration service that makes short-term international business travel faster, safer, and easier to manage. Built within Deel’s comprehensive platform and powered by WorkFlex, Business Visas delivers real-time tracking, expert-reviewed applications, and compliance for teams operating in more than 150 countries. Deel has also secured its first standalone immigration services license in the United Arab Emirates, as they roll out their in-house immigration capability. Together, these milestones expand Deel Immigration to cover both long-term relocation and short-term travel, giving clients a complete solution for global mobility.
Frequent, short-term business trips are a growing challenge for global employers. Unlike long-term relocation, these trips often fall outside standard global mobility protocols, leaving HR teams to rely on fragmented solutions like external law firms, spreadsheets, and emails. This creates serious compliance risks, especially around immigration and tax, while increasing the administrative burden for HR and mobility managers. With global business travel projected to return to pre-pandemic levels by 2026, and 71% of companies already reporting increased travel volumes, the pressure on employers to manage these trips efficiently has never been higher. Missed deadlines, lack of visibility, and delays can result in lost opportunities and frustrated team members.
With Business Visas, Deel brings these scattered processes into a single platform. Companies can manage every step of the process, from eligibility checks to application submission, with speed and transparency. Every application is reviewed by experts, eligibility is confirmed, and quotes are delivered instantly. Through its integration with WorkFlex, Deel automates eligibility checks, keeps global travel rules up to date, and streamlines documentation, ensuring speed, accuracy, and compliance at scale.
Unlike traditional providers that handle cases individually, Deel’s Business Visas are designed for scalability. Clients of any size can seamlessly track and manage dozens, or even hundreds, of travelers at once across offsites, client meetings, or conferences, without creating bottlenecks for HR, while still getting support when needed. In addition, individual professionals such as founders, freelancers, and consultants can quickly manage their own travel requirements without needing dedicated legal teams.
With the addition of Business Visas, Deel Immigration now covers both long-term relocation and short-term travel. This means companies can rely on Deel for everything from work permits and permanent relocation, to temporary visas for offsites, events, and client visits.
In addition, Deel is now officially licensed as a standalone immigration services provider in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This milestone marks the beginning of Deel’s in-house immigration capability, enabling clients to access services directly under a Deel license for the first time. The UAE is the first country to launch, with more countries coming soon.
Business Visas serve HR managers, global mobility leads, and operations teams coordinating staff travel, as well as independent professionals. Every type of worker can enjoy a simple, traveler-friendly experience with self-service tracking, clear next steps, and automated reminders that reduce admin and back-and-forth.
“Short-term business travel is critical for global companies. Whether it’s closing deals, running offsites, or attending industry events,” said Pearce Dolan, Head of Product at Deel. “With Business Visas powered by WorkFlex, Deel is the first global payroll and HR platform to offer support for all types of visas, making compliance simple while giving travelers and HR teams a seamless experience.”
“Partnering with Deel to power Business Visas allows us to bring speed, accuracy, and compliance to short-term international travel at scale,” said Patrick Koch, Co-Founder of WorkFlex. “Our platform ensures every application is expertly reviewed and eligibility is automatically verified, giving HR teams confidence while reducing administrative burden.”
Anna Luisa Grebe, Manager Visa & Assignment at WorkFlex, added: “For employees and independent professionals alike, this means a smoother, traveler-friendly experience. With real-time tracking, clear next steps, and automated reminders, short-term business trips are no longer a source of stress, but a seamless part of global operations.”
EMFAI hosts a landmark meeting between EVMS members and 30+ Electric Mobility financiers in Delhi
EMFAI, the ELECTRIC MOBILITY FINANCIERS ASSOCIATION OF INDIA, has taken a substantial stride in bolstering the growth of e-Rickshaws in India. Spearheading a landmark gathering in Delhi, EMFAI brought together members from E rickshaw OEM associations EVMS and over 30 financiers. This convergence marked a pivotal moment in shaping the future landscape of electric mobility financing in the country.
The associations of OEMs, EVMS and financiers EMFAI, met recently to deliberate on best practices, challenges, opportunities and strategies to make this industry scalable and sustainable.
India has become the biggest market for electric three-wheelers globally, recording a sales figure of over 5,80,000 in 2023, according to the International Energy Agency’s latest Global Electric Vehicle Outlook 2024. These 3w EVs, serving passengers and cargo, play a crucial role in revolutionizing India’s last-mile transportation, offering a sustainable, economical, and eco-friendly mode of travel. Their widespread acceptance has reduced pollution and carbon emissions, spurred job creation and improved livelihoods for many.
These collaborative efforts will lead to the identification of opportunities and strategies to make this industry scalable and sustainable. This partnership will help expand the reach and penetration of electric vehicles across India at a much faster pace.
Expressing the enthusiasm of EMFAI members towards the collaborative endeavour, Sameer Aggarwal, President EMFAI, said, “The electric rickshaw sector has positively influenced the lives of over 30 million individuals in India, while also promoting emission-free last-mile transportation for countless others. This meeting represents a significant stride in our journey towards a cleaner, greener future for India”
The President of the EVMS, Mr. Ashwani Sehgal echoed this sentiment, stating, “This collaboration between electric vehicle manufacturers and financiers represents a significant step toward promoting the widespread adoption of electric three-wheelers. Together, we can pave the way for India’s sustainable and prosperous future.”
ENEOS India Creates History: Guinness World Records Largest Bottle Cap Word
ENEOS India, one of the world’s leading companies in the automotive lubricants industry, has marked their name in the Guinness World Records with the attainment of the title of the Largest Bottle Cap Word in the world. Pushing thousands of bottle caps for 1,00,500 caps, ENEOS displayed their endurance and strong will, which was in the spirit of the brand genome: “Test Your Limits.” This project is proof of their ambition to go beyond the limits and perform the impossible.
Breaking the Guinness World Record involved careful planning, where coordination among ENTI employees and channel partners was essential in arranging thousands of bottle caps into the form of the ENEOS logo. The artwork indeed represented teamwork and creativity during its execution since all details were executed according to the stringent standards that the establishment had set for Guinness World Records. This record-breaking feat solidifies the company’s leadership position in the automotive lubricant market.
Mr. Junichi Nakamura (Managing Director, ENEOS) enthusiastically stated, “We made it to the Guinness World Records for the Largest Bottle Cap Word! This accomplishment exemplifies our brand’s dedication to innovation, creativity, and collaboration. In this endeavour, we have taken an everyday element of our product – the bottle cap – into a powerful symbol of strength and resilience. That is part of why we will continue pushing the boundaries of what is possible because delivering high-performance solutions to our customers drives us.”
ENEOS has an extensive OEM network, collaborating with leading international and Indian automotive companies. With this global footprint, and its offerings in automotive motor oil, OEM, and industrial oil, ENEOS consistently ensures top-tier reliability and performance across a wide range of applications. In addition to their proactive presence in the Indian market, ENEOS also participates in prestigious global motorsports events like MotoGP and SuperGT. These solid partnerships are not just a showcase of high-performance lubricants in extreme conditions but also drive the continuous development of advanced technologies that are at the core of the brand’s modern solutions.
ENEOS India prides itself on achieving this Guinness World Record, one of the many other milestones in the brand’s journey towards leadership and driving growth. The company offers everyone the opportunity to be on a journey of innovation and “Test Your Limits.”
EnVision 2025: India’s First Energy Festival Returns with the Theme ‘Ground Zero for Net-Zero’
The climate crisis demands immediate action and collective effort across countries, industries, and communities with local, indigenous innovations and advanced, worldwide technological advancements coming together to achieve a sustainable, net-zero future. To accelerate this momentum, IIT Madras Research Park (IITMRP), India’s leading deep-tech innovation and startup incubation ecosystem, and India Energy Storage Alliance (IESA), in association with the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) is set to host Envision 2025 for its third edition from January 30 to February 1, 2025. With the theme for this edition, ‘Ground Zero for Net-Zero’, the event will feature expert sessions, panel discussions, deep-dive workshops, and technology showcases uniting grassroots initiatives and global stakeholders in a combined call to action.
As a special highlight, renowned innovator and climate activist Sonam Wangchuk will feature in an exclusive dialogue on sustainable development and energy innovation The three-day event will feature discussions alongside key dignitaries such as Mr. Sudeep Jain, Additional Secretary – MNRE, Ms. Sudha Ramen from the State Planning Commission, Tamil Nadu, and Ms. Halima Hollan from the British Deputy High Commission for Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, and Silai Zaki, Australian Consul General in Chennai, among others. Leading IITM professors and industry experts from organizations such as First Solar, Ohmium, Indian Oil Corporation Limited, JSW, and more will also share their insights on the future of sustainable energy solutions. An exclusive screening of a short film on the effects of climate change centered around Pulicat Lake featuring a community-led cast along with actors such as Adithi Balan and Charles Vinoth, will also be held.
Building on the success of Envision 2024, which attracted over 500 attendees, this year’s conference aims to amplify its impact with a focus on 12 technological areas including Green Buildings. Strengthening the Grid for Renewables, Motors and Controllers, Carbon Capture, Waste to Energy, Solar and Wind Energy, Electric Mobility, Energy Storage, Nuclear Energy, Climate Finance, Climate Policy, Circular Economy, and Green Hydrogen. This year’s conference will also host the second edition of “Pitch to Win” inviting innovative climate tech solutions from startups.
Envision 2025 presents a pivotal opportunity to shape a sustainable, economically viable, and socially inclusive energy future for the nation. IIT Madras Research Park encourages everyone’s participation in this crucial dialogue to advance climate action. To know more, visit https://10x.respark.iitm.ac.in/envision2025
Epson becomes the first in the Japanese manufacturing industry to fully transition to 100% renewables
Seiko Epson Corporation (TSE: 6724, “Epson”) is pleased to announce that, as of December 2023, all electricity used at Epson Group sites around the globe1 is from renewable sources. This makes Epson the first2 in the domestic manufacturing industry to complete the transition to renewable electricity at all of its sites worldwide, including Japan. The Epson Group consumes approximately 876 GWh3 of electricity per year. By sourcing renewables to cover this demand, Epson expects to reduce its annual carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 400,000 tonnes.
Epson publicly committed to becoming carbon negative and underground resource4 free in its Environmental Vision 2050. The use of renewable electricity is a key means by which Epson seeks to reach its goal of achieving decarbonization. In line with this, Epson declared, in March 2021, that it would switch to 100% renewable electricity to meet the electricity needs at all Epson Group sites1 around the world by 2023. In November 2021, the switch was completed in Japan. The global switch to renewable electricity was completed on schedule in December 2023.
In addition to sourcing renewable electricity, Epson will promote the broader adoption of renewable energy, including by generating more of its own power and by supporting the development of new power sources through co-creation5. Epson will reduce the amount of energy associated with production and products and will pursue further advances in resource circulation to attain the goal of becoming carbon negative.
Steps taken to switch to 100% renewable electricity use at all Epson Group sites1
March 2021: Publicly committed to switching to 100% renewable electricity at all sites
April 2021: Switch completed at all sites in its local area of Nagano Prefecture, Japan
November 2021: Switch completed at all sites in Japan
December 2023: Switch completed at all global sites
Global President Yasunori Ogawa said, “For eight decades, Epson has demonstrated a proactive approach to environmental action. We have maintained the founder’s commitment to preserving the cleanliness of nearby Lake Suwa and became the world’s first company to eliminate CFCs from our manufacturing processes. Now we have successfully completed the switch to 100% renewable electricity at all Epson Group sites in just two years and ten months since declaring our commitment to doing so in 2021. This will not only help us to achieve our own goals but will also help to facilitate a broader adoption of renewable electricity within society by spreading awareness. Our goal of realizing social sustainability is a bigger issue, one fraught with difficulty, but we will act with determination to address the issues with a spirit of creativity and challenge.”
Epson believes that its philosophy of efficient, compact and precise innovation enriches lives and helps create a better world, and it will continue to engage in practices that are aligned with this purpose, thereby advancing toward its aspirational goal of achieving sustainability and enriching communities in tandem with its customers and partners.
ESFL Sets New Standard by Incorporating More Than 50% Post-Consumer Recycled Material
Essen Speciality Films Limited (ESFL) has once again reaffirmed its commitment to sustainability by incorporating more than 50% post-consumer recycled materials into its artificial plants and flowers. This groundbreaking initiative underscores the company’s dedication to reducing environmental impact while promoting responsible manufacturing practices.
Driving a Greener Future, One Product at a Time
Essen Speciality Films Limited is dedicated to designing products that beautify homes while preserving the environment. By incorporating sustainable materials and processes, Essen continues to make a positive impact. Many of ESFL’s products, including artificial plants, yoga mats and table covers, are manufactured from post-consumer recycled materials, reducing plastic waste and minimizing reliance on virgin materials. ESFL sources its recycled inputs from Global Recycled Standard (GRS) certified suppliers, ensuring ethical and environmentally responsible practices. Additionally, Essen’s products are made from BPA-free materials, further support sustainable and healthy lifestyles.
A Testament to Excellence: Finalist at PRS Awards 2024
Essen Speciality Films Limited’s innovative approach has earned industry recognition, as the company was a proud finalist in the Recycled Plastic Product category at the Plastic Recycle India Awards (PRS Awards) 2024. This honor highlights ESFL’s unwavering commitment to leveraging recycled materials and creating eco-friendly products, setting a benchmark in the industry.
Commenting on this milestone, Mr. Pallav Doshi, Whole-Time Managing Director of Essen Speciality Films Limited, stated, “At Essen, our commitment towards sustainability remains strong in all product offerings. We understand the importance of reducing our carbon footprint and have introduced several initiatives to cut waste, save resources, and encourage responsible manufacturing. By integrating environmental care into our business strategies, we are proud to support a more sustainable future for our planet.”
This recognition highlight ESFL’s dedication to innovation and sustainability. Essen continues to inspire industries to adopt greener practices and remains steadfast in its mission to create products that harmonize with nature.
Essen Speciality Films Limited Celebrates the Win at Nayi Peedhi Entrepreneurs Award 2024
Essen Speciality Films Limited proudly announces its remarkable achievements at the Nayi Peedhi Entrepreneurs Award 2024, held in association with PLASTICS TODAY Sanyukt Vyapar. Mr. Pallav Doshi, representing Essen Speciality Films Limited, have been honored with the prestigious “Nayi Peedhi Entrepreneurs Award” as the icon of New Generation Entrepreneurs for their outstanding contributions to the industry.
Essen Speciality Films Ltd stands out as one of the few manufacturing companies in India championing gender equality and women-empowerment. The company’s commitment to inclusivity is evidenced by its implementation of night shifts for women in production, ensuring equal participation at all levels round the clock.
Moreover, the company reaffirms its dedication to business sustainability through the horizontal expansion of its product range and the acquisition of new customers globally. The company has recently added new customers in the USA, India, and Sweden, introducing innovative products such as desk mats, artificial plants, and shower curtains with hooks to diverse markets.
Mr. Pallav Doshi, Managing Director of Essen Speciality Films Limited, expressed his gratitude for the recognition, stating, “Receiving the Nayi Peedhi Entrepreneurs Award as the icon of New Generation Entrepreneurs is truly an honor for us. These accolades not only recognize our individual efforts but also acknowledge the collective dedication of our team towards driving innovation and sustainability in the industry. At Essen, we believe in pushing the boundaries of what’s possible, and these awards serve as a testament to our commitment to excellence and positive change.“
In line with its commitment to operational and manufacturing sustainability, Essen has made significant strides. The complete phasing out of diesel forklifts in favour of electric forklifts demonstrates the company’s eco-conscious operational practices. Furthermore, the implementation of a solvent recovery system underscores Essen’s proactive approach to drastically reduce environmental impact by recovering and reusing solvents.
Investments in cutting-edge technology further solidify company’s position as a leader in innovation. The acquisition of a state-of-the-art X-Rite’s (parent organization of PANTONE) color booth, Photospectrometer Ci62 UV equipped with advanced software and analytics, exemplifies the company’s commitment to precision, quality, and efficiency in production.
As ESFL continues to innovate and expand its global footprint, the company remains committed to driving positive change within the industry while delivering exceptional products and services to its customers.
Essen Speciality Films Limited Leads Way in Empowering Women Night Shift Workers
On this special occasion, Mr. Pallav Doshi, CEO of Essen Speciality Films Limited, said, “Empowering women is ingrained in our DNA. Since our inception in 2002, we have always maintained a workforce with at least 50% women. Although the regulatory landscape initially posed challenges, our commitment to our core values drove us to successfully implement night shifts.
With these additional 12 working hours now available, we are significantly closer to our goal of maximizing female participation. The response has been overwhelming, with numerous applications pouring in, reflecting the enthusiasm and determination of women eager to contribute financially.
The support from their families and the community is truly inspiring and heartening. It’s common to see a mother-in-law dropping off a daughter-in-law on a scooter, husbands picking up their wives at night, and brothers-in-law delivering tiffins at our gates. These daily scenes motivate us, even on the rainiest days. It’s truly a joy to be part of this transformative journey”.
The company has implemented various initiatives to ensure the well-being, safety, and professional growth of its female night shift employees. To ensure their security, Essen provides secure and reliable transportation, guaranteeing safe travel to and from the workplace. Robust on-site security measures, including 24×7 surveillance and security personnel, further enhance safety. Additionally, Essen has obtained the necessary permissions from local police authorities to operate night shifts for women, ensuring compliance with legal requirements.
In addition to safety measures, the company prioritizes the health and wellness of its employees. On-site medical facilities and emergency services are available to promptly address any health concerns, while comprehensive counseling services support women in maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Furthermore, Essen is committed to the continuous development of its workforce through regular safety training sessions that educate employees about safety practices and emergency procedures. Continuous skill development programs empower women with the necessary tools to excel in their roles, promoting gender equality and fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace.
Pallav Doshi added, “The presence of women in night shifts at Essen reflects a significant change in societal attitudes and workplace policies, contributing to a more inclusive and diverse workforce in the manufacturing sector.”
By showcasing the achievements and experiences of its female night shift employees, Essen aims to inspire more women to pursue careers in the manufacturing sector and break free from traditional gender roles.