Lam Research Announces 2022 ESG Report, Demonstrates Progress Towards Net Zero

Lam Research Corp. (Nasdaq: LRCX) today announced that quantifiable progress has been made toward its environment, social and governance (ESG)  goals with the release of its 2022 ESG report. 

"Semiconductors continue to play a critical role in shaping our future, but greater opportunity also means greater responsibility,” said Tim Archer, president and chief executive officer of Lam Research. “As we continue to innovate the next generation of technology breakthroughs, we must do so while considering the long-term sustainability of our industry and our planet.”

Lam’s global ESG program is rigorous, transparent, and aligned with best-in-class practices. The ninth annual report illustrates the data and stories behind Lam’s 2022 ESG accomplishments, which include becoming the first U.S.-based semiconductor equipment manufacturer to have its near-term emissions reduction targets approved by the Science Based Targets initiative.[1]

Lam’s continued progress toward its ESG goals included exceeding its 2025 goals for water savings as well as surpassing its 2025 goal for employee volunteer hours, prompting the company to update its goals for both areas.

Promoting Future Innovation

Lam sponsors and participates in numerous industry and university events which collectively address the semiconductor industry’s most pressing challenges. Its 2022 technical symposium event brought together industry and academia experts to share and discover leading-edge technologies aimed at advancing environmental sustainability for semiconductor fabrication. In addition, Lam’s venture group, Lam Capital, hosted a start-up pitch competition during the event and offered the winning team – xLight – a $250,000 investment. xLight is an energy-efficient technology for photolithography.

Supporting a STEM Talent Pipeline

To increase its impact on the development of a strong pipeline of STEM talent, Lam pledged to donate $10 million to the nonprofit FIRST® Global to help bring science and technology education to youth around the globe. With this relationship, Lam is helping to create opportunities for continuous discoveries and inspire the next generation of innovators.  

Increasing Industry Collaboration

Lam’s efforts to build a responsible and sustainable semiconductor ecosystem include working closely with companies around the world and in its industry. Lam joined the UN Global Compact, the world’s largest sustainability initiative, with an ambition for businesses to take shared responsibility for achieving a better world. Lam also worked with industry leaders to form the Semiconductor Climate Consortium, a new collaboration with SEMI to accelerate the industry’s response to climate change.

Building a Sustainable Supply Chain

In addition to collaborating closely with customers on environmental sustainability opportunities, Lam works across its supply chain with a goal to increase supplier engagement and assess suppliers’ performance on human rights and climate action. In 2022 Lam engaged 100% of its top-tier suppliers in sustainability opportunities through Lam’s climate pledge, training, and events. 

Expanding Green Product Features

Lam is focused on developing smarter, more efficient products and processes to measure and reduce the greenhouse gas emissions of its tools. New sustainability features in 2022 included the release of its latest Datum™ tool that reduces electrical usage and total carbon dioxide equivalent consumption, as well as the launch of a new ECO Mode feature for its 2300® and Sense.i® etch tools which saves on peripheral energy in idle mode and results in faster tool time recovery.

Receiving Awards and Recognition

The company received several recognitions in 2022 for its ESG efforts. For the second year in a row, Lam was named to the Dow Jones Sustainability Index for North America, a ranking by S&P Global that reflects the top 20% of sustainability performers among the 600 largest U.S. and Canadian companies in the S&P Global Broad Market Index.

Lam proudly received top supplier awards from customers in 2022, and the company was also included in various industry recognitions, including Fortune’s Worlds Most Admired Companies, Newsweek’s list of America’s Most Responsible Companies, Forbes World’s Top Female Friendly Companies, and the Human Rights Campaign’s Best Places to Work for LGBTQ+ Equality.

Further details on the company’s environmental, social and governance strategies and accomplishments are available in Lam’s 2022 ESG report.

JLR Commences Delivery Of New Range Rover Velar, An Advanced Infotainment And Tech Combines With New Reductionist Design

*  Sophisticated elegance: The New Range Rover Velar epitomises Range Rover refinement, featuring a new front grille complemented by new Pixel LED headlights and Dynamic Bend Lighting

*  Compellingly desirable: Metallic Varesine Blue and Premium Metallic Zadar Grey join the exterior colour palette with Deep Garnet and Caraway colourways for the interior

*  Intriguing design: Balanced proportions and dramatic, reductive presence enhance the New Range Rover Velar with a modern luxury design approach

*  Seamless integration: Sophisticated 28.95 cm (11.4) floating curved glass touchscreen is seamlessly integrated into the bold, elegant new interior for fewer reflections and easier control

*  Calm sanctuary: Active Road Noise Cancellation offers an extremely quiet cabin experience

*  Cleaner air: Cabin Air Purification Plus helps to ensure cleaner interior air via advanced cabin filtration systems with PM2.5 filtration as well as CO2 management

*  Contemporary luxury: Serene Range Rover ride comfort is delivered by Electronic Air Suspension and the intelligent set-up makes it easy to get in and out, with Elegant Arrival automatically reducing the body height by 40 mm when exiting and entering

*  Breadth of capability: Customary Range Rover capability gives you the confidence to tackle any terrain, with a wading depth of 580 mm

*  Powerful performance: Available in Dynamic HSE with the option of a 2.0 l petrol engine and 2.0 l Ingenium diesel engine

*  Bookings open: The New Range Rover Velar bookings are now open across India. Configure your New Range Rover Velar here. Deliveries to begin from September 2023

Bookings for the New Range Rover Velar have been opened in India. The New Range Rover Velar is available in Dynamic HSE with two powertrain options - the 2.0 l petrol engine delivering a power of 184 kW and 365 Nm torque and a 2.0 l Ingenium diesel engine delivering a power of 150 kW and 420 Nm torque.

Rajan Amba, Managing Director, JLR India, said: “The New Range Rover Velar is a pure expression of trademark Range Rover refinement, featuring the latest technology and a dramatic, clean and reductive new design. Defined by perfectly optimised proportions, the Range Rover Velar embodies sophisticated elegance with a dramatic presence, which makes it that much more intriguing and desirable to our discerning clients.”

Reductive Design

The Range Rover Velar features a new front grille, alongside the introduction of new Pixel LED Headlights with jewel-like effect Signature Daytime Running Lights. At the rear, the powerful overhang provides balance and highlights the Range Rover Velar’s imposing length.

The Range Rover Velar is available in two new leather colourways – Caraway and Deep Garnet. These are complemented by a curated choice of details, including new Moonlight Chrome on the steering wheel, centre console surrounds and air vents. Tactile Shadow Grey Ash wood veneer trim finishers underline its elegance. Two new colour options join the exterior palette: Metallic Varesine Blue and Premium Metallic Zadar Grey.

Seamless Integration

New Range Rover Velar is the first to feature the next-generation Pivi Pro infotainment, which incorporates controls for all key vehicle functions within the new 28.95 cm (11.4) curved glass touchscreen.

Pivi Pro supports effortless smartphone connectivity with Wireless Apple CarPlay™ and Wireless Android Auto® while Wireless Device Charging, from a new stowage area in the centre console, provides immediate fast charging and reduces the need for wires.

Calm Sanctuary

The cosseting cabin of the Range Rover Velar minimises road noise with pioneering Active Road Noise Cancellation technology, ensuring the New Range Rover Velar offers an extremely quiet in-cabin experience.

The latest Cabin Air Purification Plus system helps promote occupant wellbeing and alertness, aiming to provide superior air quality. CO2 management and PM2.5 Cabin Air Filtration improve the cabin environment by monitoring interior and exterior air and adjusting accordingly. The system also combines nanoe™ X technology to combat pathogens and help significantly reduce odours, bacteria and allergens.

Performance and Capability

Trademark Range Rover ride comfort and refinement is provided by advanced chassis and suspension set-ups in the Range Rover Velar. Electronic Air Suspension provides serene comfort, maintaining composure on rougher roads while smoothing out bumps with Adaptive Dynamics, an advanced chassis system that continuously varies the damping forces at each wheel.

Terrain Response 2® is accessible through Pivi Pro and allows the driver to adjust vehicle settings to suit the driving environment, with a choice of Eco, Comfort, Grass-Gravel-Snow, Mud-Ruts, Sand, Dynamic and Automatic mode. Each alters the calibration of the engine, transmission, all-wheel drive system, suspension, and stability control systems for optimum traction and composure.

The New Range Rover Velar is available to order now with deliveries from September 2023 onwards. For more information visit www.landrover.in

Castrol Reveals New Campaign #BadhteRahoAage—Fueling Truckers’ Journey To Progress

* Aims to build the importance of business, finance, health, and the role of technology for the trucker community.

* Tells the story of truckers’ lives with Castrol CRB TURBOMAX as a trusted engine oil partner.

Castrol, India’s leading lubricant player, unveiled a new marketing campaign, #BadhteRahoAage, focusing on the opportunity of remarkable progress and success of truckers who prefer Castrol CRB TURBOMAX. The campaign, developed in collaboration with Ogilvy marks a significant milestone for Castrol in reinforcing its commitment to the progress and success of truckers.

Commercial vehicles and truck drivers serve as the backbone of the Indian transportation and logistics industry. Truck drivers tirelessly navigate highways, delivering essential products that power various sectors, thereby connecting businesses, industries, and communities. Castrol's #BadhteRahoAage campaign recognises the importance of truckers and aims to empower them with superior engine protection, enabling them to progress and drive the economy forward.

Speaking about the campaign, Jaya Jamrani, Vice President – Marketing, Castrol India Limited, said, "Our new campaign #BadhteRahoAage is a special ode to the unwavering support of truckers in helping move commerce. This is one of the many ways in which Castrol’s reignited vision of accelerating progress comes to life. Our aim is to fortify our bond with this extraordinary community, reaffirming our unwavering commitment as their trusted allies in the pursuit of progress."

The first leg of the campaign includes an engaging TVC featuring two contrasting characters: Sukhi, a young and progressive trucker who consistently chooses Castrol CRB TURBOMAX, and Dukhi, who regularly experiences engine failures and repairs due to inappropriate engine oil choices. Through this quirky narrative, the TVC demonstrates vividly how CRB TURBOMAX engine oil empowers truckers to forge ahead in their businesses while emphasising the critical importance of selecting the right engine oil.

Dushyant Kumar, Sr Vice President, Ogilvy Mumbai, said, "#BadhteRahoAage campaign weaves a compelling narrative of the role of engine oil in driving truckers’ progress. It’s simplicity and relatable storytelling will deeply resonate with truckers, complemented by a memorable jingle that amplifies its impact. The campaign aims to inspire truckers to keep moving forward."

In addition to the TVC, the campaign will feature an extensive on-ground activation component specifically tailored to support truckers in their pursuit of progress. Castrol also plans to establish strategic collaborations with entities that will provide essential resources to further enhance the growth and success of truckers and driving the importance of business, finance, health, and the role of technology for the trucker community. This nationwide campaign will target truck owners and truck drivers across India and will be amplified through television, digital platforms, on-ground activations, and impactful out-of-home advertising.

Castrol CRB TURBOMAX features advanced DuraShieldTM Technology, which is meticulously crafted to provide 3X Protection to the engine by addressing the primary factors of Heat, Deposits and Wear which contribute to engine damage. This exceptional formulation not only safeguards against the accumulation of harmful soot particles but also shields critical surfaces from wear and tear. By forming a durable protective layer on moving metal surfaces, the Castrol CRB TURBOMAX engine oil resolutely withstands challenging conditions, ensuring long-lasting performance and reliability.

About Castrol India Limited

Castrol India Limited is one of India’s leading lubricant companies with brands such as Castrol CRB, Castrol GTX, Castrol Activ, Castrol MAGNATEC and Castrol VECTON, which are the brands of choice for millions of consumers and customers across the country. The Company also operates in select segments like High Performance Lubricants and metalworking fluids used in a wide variety of industries such as automotive manufacturing, mining, machinery, and wind energy. Castrol has a large manufacturing and distribution network in India with three blending plants and a distribution network of 350 distributors who reach consumers and customers through over 100,000 retail outlets. For more information, visit www.castrol.co.in

Ferns N Petals' BabyBless Launching In 5 Cities, Plans Pan-India Expansion By 2025

BabyBless, the premier brand redefining parenting and childcare experiences by renowned Ferns N Petals recently announced its expansion to 5 new cities this year, marking the beginning of  its strategic advancement into the untapped market. The brand is launching in cities such as Hyderabad, Pune, Chandigarh, Bangalore and Chennai. The aim with this expansion by BabyBless is to solidify its commitment to providing exceptional services to new parents and families across the named cities.

Launched in early 2022, BabyBless by Ferns N Petals is a one-stop solution, BabyBless provides a distinctive bouquet of fitness, emotional well being, services, and information solutions for maternity and child care. It is dedicated to catering to all baby and mother needs, from the early stages of pregnancy to baby's first year and beyond. In all the expanding cities (Hyderabad, Pune, Chandigarh, Bangalore, and Chennai), a significant population of nuclear couple families is actively seeking support and care. To cater to their needs, BabyBless has set its sights on becoming their trusted caretaker.

Since the launch, the brand has catered to around 25,000 families providing them the best of its services. BabyBless has also recorded a growth of 5X since the launch. The brand's dedication to innovation, quality, and safety has resulted in a steady increase in revenue, with a projected growth rate of 20% Y-O-Y. 

Vikaas Gutgutia, Founder & MD, BabyBless & Ferns N Petals quotes on the announcement “We at BabyBless have so far garnered a dedicated customer base around Delhi NCR and have received huge recognition for quality and customer satisfaction. We aim to continue the same in the cities we are expanding to and henceforth across India. We are confident that our expansion plans will not only benefit our customers but also contribute to the overall growth of BabyBless vertical at Ferns N Petals.” 

Since inception, BabyBless has experienced remarkable growth and success, attributed to its commitment to excellence and customer-centric approach. The brand is confident that its expansion into 5 cities and the subsequent PAN-India expansion will further bolster its market presence and drive substantial revenue growth. In line with its long-term vision, BabyBless further envisions to unveil its PAN-India expansion plan, with the objective of reaching 1 lakh families across India by 2025 end. With maternity and baby care becoming the need of the hour, Babybless keeps a clear vision of celebrating motherhood and "to make it a hassle-free" one-stop destination that provides all quality services.

For media inquiries, contact: kunika.k@fnpweddings.com, 

Renault Monsoon Camp’ To Be Held From July 17 Till July 23 2023, At All Its Dealerships

Continuing its commitment to enhance customer satisfaction along with providing an enriched brand ownership experience, Renault India, the leading European brand in India, announced the commencement of a nationwide after-sales service initiative, “Renault Monsoon Camp”. The Monsoon Camp will be held at all Renault dealership facilities across India till July 23rd, 2023. 

The primary objective of organising the Monsoon Camp is to ensure optimal performance of the vehicles which is imperative during the monsoon season. The camp will offer Renault owners a complementary car check-up as per the guidelines stipulated by Renault India, enabling a detailed examination of all key functions of the car. Vehicles will be checked by skilled and well-qualified service technicians for safe and problem-free driving during monsoon season. Such periodic checks ensure necessary actions for enhanced performance of the car and provide customers a satisfying ownership experience. 

Talking about the initiative, Mr Sudhir Malhotra, Vice President of Sales & Marketing, Renault India, "We are delighted to announce the nationwide launch of the 'Renault Monsoon Camp' for our valued customers across India. At Renault, our priority is to ensure customer satisfaction and provide an exceptional brand ownership experience. With the Monsoon Camp, we aim to optimize the performance and safety of Renault vehicles during the challenging monsoon season. Through complimentary car check-ups conducted by our skilled technicians, attractive offers, and engaging activities, we strive to create an unforgettable experience for our customers.” 

During the week-long initiative, customers visiting the dealerships can also avail of attractive offers including 10% discount on Select Parts, upto 50% discount on Selected Accessories, along with 15% discount on labour charges. In addition, My Renault Customers (MYR) will also get additional 5% discount Selected Parts & Accessories, special offers on select tyre brands and complimentary car top wash. Renault India will also be offering 10% discount ‘Renault Secure’ and “Renault Assist” which offers Extended Warranty and Roadside Assistance. In addition to the comprehensive car check-up facilities and special offers, several fun-filled activities will be organised for the customers with assured gifts, making it an exciting and memorable experience for them. 

Renault Service Camps consistently received an overwhelming response from customers across nation and the company will continue to build on such customer connect activities as it expands its presence in India. Over the last few years, Renault has dedicated its efforts on establishing a strong base in India. Together with a strong product offensive strategy, Renault has been continuously undertaking strategic measures across all key business dimensions, ranging from product, network expansion, pioneering customer-centric activities and numerous innovative marketing initiatives to ensure unmatched customer satisfaction. 

ABOUT RENAULT  

Renault India Pvt. Ltd. is a fully owned subsidiary of Renault S.A.S. France. Renault India cars are manufactured in the manufacturing facility located in Oragadam, Chennai, with a capacity of 480,000 units per annum. Renault India also has a widespread presence of close to 500 sales and 530 service touchpoints, which include 250+ Workshop on Wheels locations across the country, with benchmark sales and service quality.   

Union Bank of India Celebrated 1st Anniversary of Its "Empower Her And Power Him" Initiatives

Union Bank of India proudly celebrated its first anniversary of the Empower HER and Power HIM Committees which were launched last year as a part of its flagship HR initiative ‘Prerna’ to promote employees career trajectory and improve diversity & inclusivity in the Bank. 

The event was chaired by Ms. A Manimekhalai, MD & CEO, Union Bank of India, graced by Executive Directors Shri.Nitesh Rajan, Shri. Nidhu Saxena, Shri Ramasubramanian S and attended by all the Senior Management of the Bank along with more than 120 Committee members of the Empower HER and Power HIM across the country. Ms. A Manimekhmalai spoke about the importance of the role of these Committees as they are instrumental in empowering and fostering growth and well-being of the organisation. 

Esteemed speakers, Ms. Radhika Gupta, CEO of Edelweiss Asset Management Fund, and renowned author, Mr. Gurcharan Das, captivated the august gathering by directing and counselling the Committee members on various topics like how to lead with passion and purpose for building a stronger and successful Union Bank. They also interacted with the committee members with open chat sessions with enriching experiences. 

The event also showcased the initiatives undertaken by the Committee members that embody the Bank’s commitment to driving positive change and fostering sustainable business growth with a vision that aims to unlock the true potential of women and men alike, creating a diverse and inclusive environment that fuels collective success. The challenges faced in past one year were discussed with a view to convert them into opportunities of the future. 

As a part of the celebration, a team-building activity was organized wherein the teams together assembled 20 bicycles which were donated under CSR activity to underprivileged children from tribal areas in the outskirts of Mumbai. This initiative aimed to provide mobility and bring smiles to the faces of the young ones, symbolizing the committee's commitment to empowering and contributing positively to society. 

GJC Plans To Make India A Major Jewellery Tourism Hub

* Organises country’s first India Jewellery Shopping Festival to give an impetus to the jewellery industry

All India Gem and Jewellery Domestic Council (GJC), the apex trade body that unites jewellery manufacturers, wholesalers, retailers, and exporters, today announced the first of its kind India Jewellery Shopping Festival (IJSF) that will be held in 300 cities across the country from 12th October to 17th November. The nation-wide shopping festival is expected to witness participation from over 5000 of jewellery retailers, and distributors and will help boost the overall business sentiment across the industry. IDT Gemmological Laboratories Worldwide is the Title sponsor and Divine Solitaires is the Powered by sponsor for this event.

The festival will offer benefits to both the B2B and the B2C segment. Business owners can be a part of the festival by paying an enrolment fee and choosing from one of the several subscription plans that are available to them. The scheme for the B2B segment will run from 1st June to 31st October. 

Mr Saiyam Mehra, Chairman, Chairman GJC, said, “IJSF holds immense potential for the entire jewellery fraternity, with notable interest already expressed by major industry players. This event enables jewelers to attract customers and boost their sales, while consumers can explore and reserve truly distinctive pieces for weddings and other significant events. The Gem and Jewellery Council (GJC) anticipates the participation of the complete value chain in this program, which promises significant revenue opportunities. Furthermore, this event serves as a platform to promote the industry and incentivize consumers. GJC encourages the involvement of reputable jewellers with established business models, promoting professionalism and adherence to the best business practices.”

Mr Dinesh Jain, GJC Director & IJSF Convenor, said, “India's Gem & Jewellery exports reached USD 39.45 billion in 2021-22, marking an impressive 54.68% surge from the previous year. Among the approximately 200 countries worldwide, only 10% engage in jewellery manufacturing, highlighting immense potential within the industry. The launch of IJSF aims to foster jewellery tourism in India, leveraging its globally recognized intricate designs and exceptional craftsmanship. Our goal is to position India as a premier destination for jewellery enthusiasts and establish it as a global jewellery hub. Collaborating with the Tourism Ministry, we intend to promote jewellery tourism by offering enticing tour packages. Additionally, we are in talks with the Government to facilitate import duty and GST refunds for departing tourists. Our vision for IJSF is to emulate the success of Dubai Shopping Festival, which garners substantial attention from global business leaders and consumers.

IJSF will have attractive offers and give them a chance to win upto 40kg gold, jewellery worth Rs.3 cr and 100 gold coins studded with Divine Solitaire diamonds. Besides these mega prizes, 3000 kg worth of limited-edition Amrit Mahotsav silver coins dedicated to India’s 75 years of Independence will be distributed as assured gifts to customers on every purchase of Rs.25000/-. 

This fully digitised initiative is expected to attract 2.4 million end consumers and generate sales worth INR 12000 crores. The expected contribution from the Jewellery value chain is over INR 100 crores and INR 3,000 crore from foreign currency. 

Mr. Manoj Jha, Joint Convenor, said, “We want the entire industry as well as the customers to benefit from this event. We are implementing various initiatives to enhance event participation. One of the exciting offers is a grand prize of 1kg of gold, along with regular prizes of 25 grams of gold. We have several such compelling offers for the customers which will make jewellery buying during the festival beneficial. The coupon tracking and transfer is fully digitised to ensure complete transparency in the process. We have also partnered with EY who will monitor the entire process.”

For more information on Terms and Conditions of IJSF please visit www.ijsfindia.org 

About GJC: All India Gem and Jewellery Domestic Council is a national trade body established with the objective to address the industry, its functioning, and its cause with a 360° approach to promote and progress its growth, while protecting the industry’s interests. GJC, since the last 18 years, has been serving as a bridge between the Government and the trade as well as undertaking various initiatives on behalf of and for the industry.

For further information, please feel free to contact All India Gem and Jewellery Domestic Council (GJC): Mr. Ninad Mundhe- Manager; Mobile: 8433956622; Email: ninad@gjc.org.in

Photo Caption: (Left-Right) Mr. Suresh Dhruv, Director, Gems and Jewellery Council (GJC), Mr. Manoj Jha, Joint Convenor, IJSF, Mr. Saiyam Mehra, Chairman, GJC and Mr. Sreedhar, Past Chairman, GJC at the press conference of India Jewellery Shopping Festival 2023 held in the city, today.