MultiBriefs - Your source for industry specific News Briefs

Study: Why wood pallets are better for the environment than plastic

Scott E. Rupp Distribution & Warehousing

If you've ever wondered whether wood or plastic shipping pallets are more eco-friendly, the fight is over, and a winner has been declared. Wood is better for the environment. This is according to Penn State researchers, who, after conducting a series of detailed comparisons, say that the shipping pallets made of wood are slightly more environmentally friendly and sustainable than those made of plastic. "Few people realize the significance of this issue — there are about 700 million pallets produced and recycled each year in the United States alone," said Chuck Ray, associate professor of ecosystem science and management.

US employers add 225,000 jobs; unemployment ticks up to 3.6%

Seth Sandronsky Business Management, Services & Risk Management

In January, U.S. nonfarm payrolls grew by a total of 225,000 after December's gain of 145,000, while the rate of unemployment rose to 3.6% from 3.5% the previous month, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. In 2019, the average monthly gain of jobs was 175,000. The total number of unemployed persons rose to 5.9 million in January from 5.8 million in December. January's data showed that unemployment among major worker groups experienced little or no change versus December's numbers.

The most intriguing ammo lines from the 2020 SHOT Show

John McAdams Recreation & Leisure

The 27 Nosler was far from the only new product unveiled at the 2020 SHOT Show. Indeed, just like in 2019, the major outdoor brands had several new ammunition lines to show off this year as well. Today, I’m covering three especially intriguing ammunition lines that made a big splash at the SHOT Show this year.

Infographic: How eating plants improves health and reduces disease

Brian Wallace Food & Beverage

In the past decade, 75% of Americans have changed their diet to be healthier, and 43 million Americans regularly eat plant-based alternatives to meat. A whole-food, plant-based diet may reduce inflammation factors associated with cancer and heart disease. Furthermore, 86% of Americans who regularly eat plant-based protein don't identify as vegetarian or vegan. So, what does a plant-based diet really mean? Find out more with this infographic.

Can Instagram work for B2B marketers?

Suzanne Mason Marketing

Author and digital marketing pioneer Seth Godin once said, “Marketing is no longer about the stuff you make, but the stories you tell.” As we start a new year and a new decade, B2B marketing continues its ongoing evolution thanks to an ever-evolving customer base.

CBD trend for food, beverage shows no signs of slowing, despite legality…

Bambi Majumdar Food & Beverage

The cannabidiol (CBD) industry is witnessing phenomenal growth, and this is expected to continue through 2020 and beyond. CBD oil and other topical products, which are said to relieve pain and insomnia and reduce stress and anxiety, are growing in sales, though these claims are mostly unproven. In the food and beverage space, CBD-infused coffee, brownies, cookies, and other food items are rapidly expanding. However, the absence of clear federal guidance has raised consumer safety concerns.

Workplace fatalities are at their highest levels since 2008. What’s…

Terri Williams Business Management, Services & Risk Management

In December 2019, the U.S. Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics released workplace injury data from 2018. There were 5,250 fatal workplace injuries, which represents a 2% increase over 2017. This is also the highest amount since 2008, and it should be noted that from 2009-15, workplace fatalities were in the 4,500 to 4,600 range. Two particular causes of workplace fatalities increased significantly. Deaths from unintentional overdoses as a result of nonmedical consumption of drugs or alcohol while at work increased 12%. Work-related suicides increased by 11%.

How to prevent ‘passive clone syndrome’ in your organization

Simma Lieberman Business Management, Services & Risk Management

I recently watched a Bruce Willis movie called "Surrogates" for the second time. People stay home, send their surrogates to work and use remote controls to interact with them. The surrogates are exact clones of their "owners." Although "Surrogates" is in the future, it made me think about workplaces today. Willis is an FBI agent who sends his FBI surrogate to solve a murder, until he realizes that he needs to personally be involved. He leaves the house and takes his true self to work to find the killer. Are your employees sending their clones to work?

The cost of changing jobs

Anne Rose Business Management, Services & Risk Management

What is the cost of changing jobs? Make no mistake, there is always a cost involved that has nothing to do with salary. Gone are the days when the norm was to work one job at one company until retirement. We have a much more mobile workforce with more opportunities, and people change jobs often to avail themselves of perceived advantages, better pay, and better work-life balance. But sometimes when you change jobs, the benefits don't materialize as you'd expected, and regrets ensue.

Third-party suppliers can jeopardize your small business

Patrick Gleeson Business Management, Services & Risk Management

One of the less-glamorous aspects of contemporary business is the essential role played by third-party suppliers. Their increasing use allows businesses to rapidly scale up to meet increased product demand. Often, they can supply parts or processes for far less than it would cost a company to produce them in-house. But what is becoming increasingly understood is that these third-party suppliers can also threaten your business — that they present several different kinds of third-party supply risk.

Industries