Contargo Expands Electric Fleet with 33 DAF XD Electric Trucks, Advances Towards 2045 CO2 Neutrality Goal
German transport company Contargo has significantly expanded its electric truck fleet by deploying 33 new DAF XD Electric trucks. This addition brings their total electric truck count to 90, reinforcing the company's commitment to achieving CO2 neutrality by 2045. The trucks, featuring a 525 kWh battery capacity and over 500 km range, will operate across 15 German locations for container transport.
Mido 2026 Eyewear Fair Opens in Milan, Showcasing Global Industry Trends and Innovation
The Mido 2026 eyewear fair has commenced in Milan, Italy, running from January 31 to February 2 at Fiera Milano Rho. The event gathers approximately 1,200 exhibitors from 50 countries and expects over 40,000 visitors, highlighting the latest in eyewear design, technology, and sustainability.
Canada Invests $7.5 Million in Kap Paper Inc. to Boost Northeast Ontario Sawmills and Employment
The Government of Canada has announced a $7.5 million investment through the Strategic Response Fund for Kap Paper Inc. in Kapuskasing, Ontario. This funding will support a Front End Engineering Design study to explore a pivot towards a new medium-density fibreboard facility, aiming to secure regional employment and strengthen the forestry sector.
CDU/CSU Economic Wing Proposes Restrictions on 'Lifestyle Part-Time' Work in Germany
Germany's CDU/CSU parties are debating a proposal from their economic wing to restrict the legal right to part-time work, particularly for 'lifestyle' reasons. The move, aimed at boosting the economy and addressing skilled worker shortages, has sparked significant political and social debate across Germany. Exemptions would apply for childcare, caring for relatives, or training.
Metlen Invests €295.5 Million in Greece for Europe's First Industrial Gallium Production
Metlen has announced a €295.5 million investment to establish Europe's first industrial gallium production unit in Greece. Located at the Aluminium of Greece plant, this strategic project aims to produce 50 metric tonnes annually by 2028, significantly reducing Europe's reliance on critical raw material imports and bolstering its strategic autonomy.
Kanishk Aluminium India Limited Launches ₹29.20 Crore IPO
Kanishk Aluminium India Limited's Initial Public Offering opened for subscription on January 28, 2026, aiming to raise ₹29.20 Crores. The fixed-price issue, with shares priced at ₹73 each, will close on January 30, 2026, and is slated for listing on the BSE SME platform.
UPS to Eliminate Up to 30,000 Jobs in Major Cost-Cutting and Strategic Shift
United Parcel Service (UPS) announced plans to cut up to 30,000 operational jobs in 2026, primarily through attrition and voluntary buyouts. This move is part of a broader strategy to reduce costs by $3 billion and decrease reliance on lower-profit Amazon deliveries, following 48,000 job reductions in 2025.
Pope Leo XIV Urges Ethical Mining Practices in Vatican Meeting with Industry Leaders
Pope Leo XIV met with senior mining and energy executives at the Vatican on January 26, 2026, under the 'Building Bridges Initiative'. He advocated for ethical resource extraction, emphasizing human rights, decent work, and 'integral ecology', echoing themes from 'Laudato Si''. The meeting included CEOs from BHP, Vale, Ivanhoe Mines, and Sigma Lithium.
Pope Leo XIV Urges Ethical Mining Practices in Vatican Meeting with Industry Leaders
Pope Leo XIV convened a significant meeting with senior mining and energy executives at the Vatican on January 26, 2026. The discussions, part of the 'Building Bridges Initiative,' focused on promoting ethical resource extraction, human rights, decent work, and 'integral ecology' within the global industry.
UK and European Retailers Urge New Amazon Soy Safeguards Following Moratorium Abandonment
Leading British and European retailers are calling for urgent new safeguards for Amazon soy, after the long-standing Amazon Soy Moratorium was abandoned by international traders and Brazilian lawmakers. The move raises concerns about increased deforestation in the vital rainforest.
Arc'teryx to Open First Brand Store in Denmark, Located in Central Copenhagen
Canadian outdoor apparel brand Arc'teryx is set to open its inaugural brand store in Denmark during spring 2026. The new retail location will be situated at Pilestræde 16 in central Copenhagen, marking a significant expansion into the Danish market and strengthening the company's Nordic presence.
Poundland Completes Major Restructuring, Closes 149 Stores and Cuts 2,200 Jobs
Discount retailer Poundland has concluded a significant restructuring plan, resulting in the closure of 149 stores and the elimination of 2,200 jobs. The company, now owned by Gordon Brothers, is refocusing on its core £1 item proposition and relaunching its Pep & Co clothing brand after facing a £51 million pre-tax loss in 2024.
Saudi Arabia Drastically Cuts Mining Permit Timeline to Attract Global Investment
Saudi Arabia has significantly streamlined its mining licensing process, reducing the time to obtain a permit to between 30 and 90 days. This move, announced by Minister Bandar Al-Khorayef at the World Economic Forum, is a key part of Vision 2030 to diversify the economy and unlock the Kingdom's estimated $2.5 trillion mineral wealth.
ArcelorMittal Luxembourg Urges Swift EU Action to Safeguard Steel Industry Amid Global Challenges
ArcelorMittal Luxembourg has called for urgent European measures to protect its competitive, low-carbon steel industry. The appeal, made at a recent New Year's ceremony, highlights severe challenges including global overcapacity, intense import pressure, and escalating energy costs impacting the European steel sector.
ArcelorMittal Luxembourg Urges Swift EU Action to Safeguard Steel Industry Amid Global Challenges
ArcelorMittal Luxembourg has called for rapid European measures to protect a competitive, low-carbon steel industry. The company highlighted significant challenges including global overcapacity, intense import pressure, and escalating energy costs impacting the sector's viability.
Japan and EU Strengthen Critical Mineral Supply Chain Cooperation at Davos WEF
Japan's Minister Akazawa Ryosei and EU Executive Vice-President Stéphane Séjourné met at the World Economic Forum in Davos on January 21, 2026, to bolster cooperation on critical mineral supply chains, reaffirming commitments under the Japan-EU Competitiveness Alliance and leveraging the EU's RESourceEU action plan.
IMS Highlights Diversity Charter Luxembourg at Networking Event
Inspiring More Sustainability (IMS) hosted a networking event and workshop on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, at Société Générale Luxembourg. The event highlighted the Diversity Charter Luxembourg, a national commitment text promoting diversity and inclusion, and unveiled the program for Diversity Day 2026. IMS, a leading non-profit for corporate responsibility, leads the Charter project, which boasts over 325 signatories.
IMS Luxembourg Hosts Event Highlighting Diversity Charter and 2026 Initiatives
Inspiring More Sustainability (IMS) Luxembourg recently hosted a networking event and workshop in Luxembourg-Ville to spotlight the Diversity Charter Luxembourg. The event, held on January 20, 2026, reviewed the successes of Diversity Day 2025 and unveiled the upcoming program for Diversity Day 2026, emphasizing the ongoing commitment to diversity and inclusion in the Grand Duchy.
The UAE's Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation has set a binding minimum wage of AED 6,000 per month for Emirati citizens in the private sector, effective January 1, 2026. This move, part of the Emiratisation strategy, aims to enhance national participation and ensure competitive compensation. Companies have until June 30, 2026, to comply or face penalties.
Irish sustainable data centre design leader Ethos Engineering has acquired UK-based technology design consultancy 3DEC Ltd. This strategic move, Ethos' second acquisition since Exponent's 2024 investment, expands its expertise in ICT, audiovisual, and BIM-led design, adding over 40 engineers to its growing team.
