Epcon Industrial Systems

April has been a particularly challenging month. It began with the President’s “Liberation Day” announcement on April 2nd, introducing a new round of tariffs. These latest tariffs were directed primarily at automobiles and  automobile parts , with China singled out for significantly higher rates. The announcement introduced considerable uncertainty across the markets; the Dow Jones Industrial Average fell sharply, and global economists and business leaders raised serious concerns about the broader impact on global trade and supply chains. Additional volatility followed when the President publicly expressed dissatisfaction with Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell over interest rate policy. Discussions surrounding potential changes to Fed leadership further fueled market instability. Despite these broader economic headwinds, conditions are beginning to show signs of improvement. There is cautious optimism that tariff pressures may ease, bringing greater stability and supporting co...

Managing Director, Tasha Jamaluddin, shares tips for cultivating an authentic ESG narrative based on her experiences at Epcon. The old days of mission and vision statements are over. To be competitive in today’s marketplace, a company must be able to clearly define its Environmental Social Governance (ESG) values and practices in place. In fact, many companies require ESG policies to even consider partnering to do business. One aspect that makes the ESG development process complicated is that many of the individual elements – the Es, the Ss and the Gs – are themselves intertwined; social criteria overlap with environmental and governance through compliance with EPA regulations and labor laws, as well as broader concerns about sustainability, safety, and wellbeing. This step-by-step guide will not only demonstrate how to define a company’s ESG values and it will suggest methods to effectively promote them to help it stand out. Continue to the Full Article: https://www.fugiti...

As we step into 2025, we find ourselves in a world of shifting dynamics, both politically and economically. The recent election of Donald Trump has set the stage for bold policy moves, with his administration wasting no time in implementing its agenda. One of the most immediate actions has been illegal immigration. The government has launched a large-scale deportation initiative. While some view these measures as long overdue, others express concern about the economic and social consequences that may follow. Trade policy is another area undergoing significant transformation. Tariffs have already been imposed - 25% on imports from Mexico and Canada, and 10% on Chinese goods. More are expected to follow, affecting industries across the globe. These moves have unsettled markets and raised concerns among world leaders, yet many believe Trump sees tariffs as a negotiating tool rather than a long-term economic stance. He has built his career on deal-making, and there is widespread hope t...

Managing Director, Tasha Jamaluddin, shares tips for cultivating an authentic ESG narrative based on her experiences at Epcon. The old days of mission and vision statements are over. To be competitive in today’s marketplace, a company must be able to clearly define its Environmental Social Governance (ESG) values and practices in place. In fact, many companies require ESG policies to even consider partnering to do business. One aspect that makes the ESG development process complicated is that many of the individual elements – the Es, the Ss and the Gs – are themselves intertwined; social criteria overlap with environmental and governance through compliance with EPA regulations and labor laws, as well as broader concerns about sustainability, safety, and wellbeing. This step-by-step guide will not only demonstrate how to define a company’s ESG values and it will suggest methods to effectively promote them to help it stand out. Continue to the Full Article: https://www.fugiti...

Research has shown that two-thirds of the average company’s ESG footprint lies with suppliers. Environmental, social, and governance is the measurable evolution of Corporate, Social, Responsibility (CSR). Environmental covers issues around climate change, such as pollution, carbon emissions and footprint, deforestation, and more; the Social covers everything from health and safety, human rights, diversity, equality, and community impact; while Governance deals with business ethics in general, encompassing compensation, bribery and corruption, as well as legal and regulatory compliance. Sustainable Purchasing practices can incorporate ESG into day-to-day operations as it directly determines what is purchased, from whom, how it is delivered, and product lifecycle sustainability, while indirectly influencing both suppliers and consumer behaviour. Furthermore, increase in demand for sustainable products and services is reflected in a company’s buying decisions, and has a broader eff...