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Category: 3. Business

  • Celebrities help rev up sales of fatigue recovery clothing items

    Celebrities help rev up sales of fatigue recovery clothing items

    Sales of “recovery wear,” clothing marketed as promoting blood circulation and easing fatigue through the effects of far-infrared radiation, are surging.

    Combined annual sales across major suppliers now exceed 3 million pieces, and the market is projected to continue expanding.

    Many companies have been aggressively running advertisements featuring celebrities such as model Ai Tominaga, singer Sho Sakurai and actor Yo Oizumi.

    This year, the term was shortlisted for the Buzzword of the Year award.

    The garments are typically made from fabrics woven with finely processed minerals and other materials.

    Recovery wear was officially recognized as a category of general medical devices in 2022 under the name of “home-use far-infrared clothing for promoting blood circulation,” which allowed companies to advertise certain therapeutic effects on the body.

    Workman Co., a major workwear retailer, sold 1.6 million pieces from its Mediheal autumn-winter line between September and October. This led to the company revising its full-year earnings forecast upward in its interim financial report released in November.

    Including spring items, total sales since January have reached about 2 million pieces.

    A long-sleeved shirt costs just 1,900 yen ($12), exceptionally inexpensive relative to competing products.

    Tential Inc., which was listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange’s Growth Market in February, sold more than 1 million pieces of its Bakune functional pajamas as of August.

    Other major suppliers include Venex Co., a small company in Atsugi, Kanagawa Prefecture, that first commercialized recovery wear 15 years ago. Another is MTG Co., known for its beauty line Refa, which launched a dedicated recovery wear brand, Red, in July.

    JMA Research Institute Inc. projects that domestic retail sales of recovery wear will see an increase of roughly ninefold to 170 billion yen in the year leading up to summer 2030 compared to the 18.9 billion yen recorded in the year through summer 2024.


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  • Soft Commodities Forum 2025 Annual Report

    Soft Commodities Forum 2025 Annual Report

    Scaling Deforestation- and Conversion-Free (DCF) Soy Across the Cerrado 

    The 2025 Annual Report of the Soft Commodities Forum (SCF) outlines the shared commitment to decouple soft commodity production from deforestation and native vegetation conversion. The Soft Commodities specific focus is on Brazil’s Cerrado biome, one of the world’s most biodiverse and climate-critical regions.

    Led by ADM, Bunge, Cargill, COFCO International, and Louis Dreyfus Company, the SCF continues to scale up a regenerative and sustainable DCF soy supply chain, while transforming landscapes and strengthening producer-led resilience.

    This year’s report highlights the consolidation of Cerrado-wide Deforestation- and Conversion-Free (DCF) monitoring, farmer-centered investment, and collective co-funding mechanisms that are unlocking impact at landscape scale.

    1. Transforming Transparency: Full Cerrado Monitoring & Reporting

    After expanding the SCF’s Deforestation- and Conversion-Free (DCF) reporting scope to the whole Cerrado biome, we consolidated Cerrado-wide monitoring and disclosure for DCF soy. 

    This marks the first sector-wide baseline for transparency and accountability across one of the world’s most important soy-producing regions. 

    Sectoral DCF Performance (2024/2025) 

    The SCF established a permanent basis for measurable action, supported by an enhanced risk-based methodology and third-party verification, which enabled SCF members to report 93-99% of their Cerrado 2023/24 soy volumes as DCF. 

    2. Driving Impact on the Ground: Farmer First Clusters (FFC) 

    Monitoring is only meaningful when paired with action. 
    The SCF’s Farmer First Clusters (FFC) initiative puts producers at the center of landscape transformation by combining technical assistance, financial incentives, and collaborative solutions in high-priority Cerrado regions. 

    FFC Results (2025) 

    $ 4.3M USD invested by SCF members in farmer incentives and local sustainable development approaches leading to: 

    • 262 farms enrolled with 1.4M ha of farm area and 300k ha of native vegetation area 
    • Over 150 ha of degraded land under restoration and 28K ha under integrated systems implementation  
    • Over 46k ha of surplus legal reserve leading to 2.7M tons of potential CO2e collectively avoided, with R$2.5M paid to farmers as payment for ecosystem services.  

    This progress throughout 2025 is an indication that this model works and now the focus is entirely on scaling up and bringing in more investments to have an even bigger impact.  

    3. Scaling Landscape Impact: Results from the Sustainable Landscape Partnership (SLP) 

    The Sustainable Landscapes Partnership (SLP), launched in 2024, accelerates solutions across the Cerrado through collaboration among SCF, Consumer Goods Forum’s Forest Positive Coalition, and local technical partners. 

    SLP Outcomes (2023–2026) 

    US$10M invested through the FFC and FPC with + US$2.4M leveraged from the Land Innovation Fund and other partners, leading to: 

    • 720 farms benefitted 
    • >800k ha of potential DCF and sustainable production area 
    • 400k ha of ecosystems protected 

    These results demonstrate that landscape transformation is possible when companies, producers, finance, and NGOs work together. 

    The Path Forward 

    The SCF represents the advanced and collaborative efforts to align agribusiness action with sectoral and landscape transformation. As land use and food systems become central to the climate agenda, the SCF’s work provides a clear, operational model for how companies can contribute todeforestation-free soy value chains. 

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  • Investigation regarding an audit of Shell plc by Ernst & Young LLP

    This Press Notice concerns the opening of an investigation into one or more Statutory Auditor(s) and/or Statutory Audit Firm(s)[1]
    . The investigation does not relate to any persons or entities other than the relevant Statutory Auditor(s) and/or Statutory Audit Firm(s) and it would not be fair to treat any part of this announcement as constituting or evidencing an investigation into any other persons or entities. The opening of an investigation does not indicate that the FRC has made, or will make, any findings of breach of Relevant Requirements.

    The Financial Reporting Council (FRC) has commenced an investigation in relation to the statutory audit conducted by Ernst & Young LLP (EY) of the consolidated financial statements of Shell plc (Shell) for the financial year ended 31 December 2024.

    On 2 July 2025 Shell announced to the London Stock Exchange that EY had reported non-compliance with audit partner rotation rules, including exceeding the time limitations for partner rotation under the UK FRC’s Revised Ethical Standard[2]
    . The investigation will include consideration of whether Relevant Requirements relating to partner rotation have been breached.

    The decision to open the investigation was made at a meeting of the FRC’s Conduct Committee on 21 October 2025.

    The investigation will be conducted by the FRC’s Enforcement Division under the Audit Enforcement Procedure.

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  • Philips agrees to acquire SpectraWAVE Inc.

    Philips agrees to acquire SpectraWAVE Inc.

    Sources

     

    [1] The SpectraWAVE HyperVue Imaging System and the Starlight Imaging Catheter is a US Class 2 device cleared by FDA through K221257 and K230691. The SpectraWAVE X1-FFR Software is a US Class 2 device cleared by FDA through K251355.
    [2] Compared with angiography-guided Percutaneous Coronary Interventions.
    [3] AI-derived algorithms are deployed on the device to support vessel segmentation and contouring. Analytical (non-AI) models are used for generating FFR values.
    [4] Stark, B., Johnson, C., & Roth, G. A. (2024). Global prevalence of coronary artery disease: An update from the Global Burden of Disease Study. Journal of the American College of Cardiology, 83(13 Suppl), 2320. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0735-1097(24)04310-9 
    [5] Mandurino-Mirizzi, A., Munafò, A. R., Rizzo, F., De Francesco, R., Raone, L., Germinal, F., Montalto, C., Mussardo, M., Moci, M., Vergallo, R., Rocco, V., Fischetti, D., Dionigi, F., Godino, C., Colonna, G., Oreglia, J., Burzotta, F., Crimi, G., & Porto, I. (2025). Comparison of different guidance strategies to percutaneous coronary intervention: A network meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials. International Journal of Cardiology, 422, 132936. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijcard.2024.132936 
    [6] Stone, G. W., Christiansen, E. H., Ali, Z. A., Andreasen, L. N., Maehara, A., Ahmad, Y., Landmesser, U., & Holm, N. R. (2024). Intravascular imaging-guided coronary drug-eluting stent implantation: An updated network meta-analysis. The Lancet, 403(10429), 824–837. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(23)02454-6 
    [7] Gaster, A. L., Slothuus Skjoldborg, U., Larsen, J., Korsholm, L., von Birgelen, C., Jensen, S., Thayssen, P., Pedersen, K. E., & Haghfelt, T. H. (2003). Continued improvement of clinical outcome and cost effectiveness following intravascular ultrasound guided PCI: Insights from a prospective, randomized study. Heart, 89(9), 1043–1049. https://doi.org/10.1136/heart.89.9.1043

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  • Medicinal cannabis firm to create 100 jobs in Scotland expansion

    Medicinal cannabis firm to create 100 jobs in Scotland expansion

    Reuters An illuminated cannabis plant with a dark backgroundReuters

    Breathe Life Sciences will open its first Scottish manufacturing and distribution centre next year

    A multi-national medical supply company is expanding into Scotland with a cannabis manufacturing facility in the Borders.

    Breathe Life Sciences (BLS) will create 36 jobs when the production and distribution centre opens towards the end of next year – with a three year plan for the workforce to increase to around 100.

    The Sydney-based firm already has licensed overseas manufacturing sites in Manchester, Prague, and the Japanese city of Nagoya.

    CEO Sam Watson said: “This is a fast-growing industry and coming to Scotland is part of our plans for meeting demand.”

    A dark haired man with a grey suit jacket and white shirt looks at the camera

    Sam Watson is the CEO of Breath Life Sciences

    Since medicinal cannabis was legalised by the UK government in 2018, the market has grown to a current annual value of around £250m.

    The number of active patients is expected to increase, according to industry research, from 80,000 just now to more than 190,000 by the end of the decade.

    It is both the growing market and two locally based directors – Gavin and Andrew Ogilvie from Melrose – that convinced BLS to open a new factory in the central Scottish Borders.

    Mr Watson said: “In the whole of the European market, the UK is the quickest growing area.

    “There are very few manufacturers of these products in the UK – most are imported – so we will be building a Scottish pharmaceutical manufacturing infrastructure to satisfy that market.

    “Public sentiment was at the forefront of the legalisation of medicinal cannabis, which is rigorously tested, quality-assured, more affordable, and of course fully legal.”

    Press Association Someone holding a cannabis leaf in one gloved hand and a sample bottle in the other. More sample bottles on a table in the backgroundPress Association

    Medicinal cannabis is now prescribed to over 80,000 people in the UK

    Cannabis-based medicine is available through the NHS – as well as purchased privately – to help relieve symptoms of epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, and the side effects of chemotherapy.

    Clinical trials are also ongoing to determine how effective it is for chronic pain relief.

    BLS plans to use its Scottish base for manufacturing and distributing patient-ready products to meet both the domestic and international markets.

    The expansion has been aided by a grant of almost £350,000 – and further loan of £500,000 – from South of Scotland Enterprise (SOSE).

    Chairman Russel Griggs said: “With a surge in the number of life sciences companies wanting to come to our region, the south is quickly positioning itself as a hub for innovation and growth in the emerging medicinal cannabis industry.

    “BLS will bring further investment and skilled jobs, and are the latest company to recognise that the south of Scotland is a fantastic place to do innovative business.”

    A bald-headed man with glasses, wearing a brown jacket and cream top, looks at the camera

    Gavin Ogilvie is a director of Breath Life Sciences

    Although no cannabis will be grown on site, the manufacturing plant will still require a licence from the Home Office.

    While much of the new building has already been fitted out and senior positions have been filled, the expansion plans and facilities will still require rigorous scrutiny before permission is granted.

    BLS hopes that wider recruitment will take place after the summer with production starting before the end of the year.

    Director Gavin Ogilvie is delighted his company is creating a base in the Borders.

    He said: “This is where I grew up and when we discussed setting up the new manufacturing base in the UK, it was important for me to drive the direction towards the Borders.

    “We will offer highly skilled pharmaceutical jobs – both at entry level and for people with experience.

    “We are indebted to both South of Scotland Enterprise and Scottish Borders Council for helping to make this happen.”

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  • Driving community impact with Fortescue Innovation Grants

    15 December 2025

    Eight Pilbara initiatives have shared in $152,000 of funding in the 2025 round of our Fortescue Innovation Grants Program.

    Eight Pilbara initiatives have shared in $152,000 of funding in the 2025 round of our Fortescue Innovation Grants Program.

    These community-driven projects will introduce a new wave of creative ideas and sustainable initiatives, helping tackle environmental challenges, strengthen local connections and create lasting benefits across the Pilbara.

    The Innovation Grants program provides up to A$25,000 for eligible projects focused on sustainability, green innovation and community-led environmental change. Initiatives must be based within the council boundaries of the Town of Port Hedland, City of Karratha, Shire of Ashburton or Shire of East Pilbara.

    From eco-events and youth climate programs to waste reduction trials and community gardens, these grants empower local organisations to make a real difference.

    Rosli Wheelock, Director Approvals, Communities and Services, said “Community-led innovation is at the heart of these grants and we are proud to support ideas that not only drive sustainability but strengthen the social fabric of our Pilbara communities.”

    To celebrate the power of community partnerships, our Communities team recently hosted events in Port Hedland and Karratha, showcasing the success of our community grants programs across the Pilbara. These gatherings brought together local organisations, partners and community members to hear firsthand from recent grant recipients.

    Their stories highlighted the incredible difference these projects are making in people’s lives.

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  • ‘We were sacked from Rockstar North for trying to unionise’

    ‘We were sacked from Rockstar North for trying to unionise’

    Sacked production co-ordinator Sarah Blackburn said the public and political support has helped her deal with the situation.

    “It’s massively heartening to hear actually and in a way, I’d say validating,” she said.

    “We’ve had a lot of support coming from places that I genuinely didn’t expect.

    “We’ve had people who were in unions who previously fought fights in different industries basically just expressing solidarity and support. It’s a flex of power and it’s been painful to be on this side of it, but I think the support has been great.”

    In a statement, Rockstar North told BBC Scotland News: “Rockstar Games took action against a small group of individuals, across the UK and internationally, who distributed and discussed confidential information (including specific game features from upcoming and unannounced titles) in a public forum, in breach of company policy and their legal obligations.

    “Claims that these dismissals were linked to union membership or activities are entirely false and misleading.”

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  • Launch Time and Launch window of MICHIBIKI No. 5, Quasi-Zenith Satellite System (QZS-5) aboard the 8th H3 Launch Vehicle (H3 F8) [Rescheduled]

    Launch Time and Launch window of MICHIBIKI No. 5, Quasi-Zenith Satellite System (QZS-5) aboard the 8th H3 Launch Vehicle (H3 F8) [Rescheduled]

    Launch Time and Launch window of MICHIBIKI No. 5, Quasi-Zenith Satellite System (QZS-5) aboard the 8th H3 Launch Vehicle (H3 F8) [Rescheduled]

    Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency

     Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) set up the schedule for the launch of MICHIBIKI No. 5, Quasi-Zenith Satellite System (QZS-5) aboard the 8th H3 Launch Vehicle (H3 F8) as specified below.

    Launch date : December 17, 2025
    Launch time : 11:10:00 (JST)*1
    Launch Window : 11:10:00 through 11:24:30 (JST)*1*2
    Reserved launch period : December 18, 2025 through January 31, 2026
    Launch site : Yoshinobu Launch Complex at the JAXA Tanegashima Space Center

    *1 The time is the 24-hour clock

    *2 The launch window during the reserved launch period will be decided for each launch date.

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  • How water and clay shape archaelogical record at Murujuga

    New research has shown that water movement in clay-rich soils can lift stone artefacts toward the surface – exerting a natural influence on how archaeological materials are distributed across the surface of some landscapes.

    The study, published in Archaeometry, was part of the Dating Murujuga’s Dreaming project and focused on a clay-rich sediment basin in the newly listed UNESCO World Heritage Murujuga Cultural Landscape in Western Australia’s Pilbara region.

    Researchers from The University of Western Australia and collaborators highlighted the importance of understanding soil mineralogy and moisture processes when interpreting cultural landscapes, particularly in clay-dominated environments common across northern Australia.

    The project brought together archaeologists, soil scientists, geomorphologists, geochemists, and Murujuga Aboriginal Corporation members, to conduct wetting and drying experiments on different soil types.

    It combined soil analysis with CT-scanning and 3D image analysis to reveal how water interacts with the clay minerals and track artefact movement within the soil.

    The project investigated swelling clays that expand as water is absorbed and contract as it dries.

    The wetting and drying cycles caused subtle but persistent soil movement that pushed stone artefacts upwards over time, which can create mixing within the soil profile.

    The outcome of soil movement was a surface concentration of stone artefacts that did not reflect the original archaeological context and that may have been deposited at any time within the human past.

    Lead author Dr Caroline Mather, from UWA’s School of Agriculture and Environment, said the work demonstrated why interdisciplinary collaboration was essential for accurate archaeological interpretation.

    “Clay soils are dynamic materials that respond to wet and dry cycles and are common on Earth’s surface,” Dr Mather said.

    “The results highlight why we need to consider soil and water processes alongside standard archaeological approaches when interpreting what we see on the surface and within soil and sediment profiles.”

    The findings reinforce that water is a powerful driver of change in both environmental and cultural systems at Murujuga, shaping how artefacts move, and ultimately become visible.

    The study also demonstrated the value of working closely with Traditional Owners and Custodians to understand how scientific and cultural knowledge intersect in this globally significant cultural landscape.

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  • City of Fremantle Christmas and New Years opening hours 2025-26 

    City of Fremantle Christmas and New Years opening hours 2025-26 

    The following City of Fremantle services and facilities will have a change in operating hours over the Christmas and New Year period. 

    Residential Waste and recycling collection  

    Due to Christmas and New Years, the below bin collections will move one day later. 

    FOGO and Waste
    THU 25 DEC to FRI 26 DEC
    FRI 26 DEC to SAT 27 DEC 

    FOGO and Recycling
    THU 1 JAN to FRI 2 JAN
    FRI 2 JAN to SAT 3 JAN 

    FOGO and Waste
    SAT 3 JAN to SUN 4 JAN 

    Fremantle Recycling Centre  

    WED 24 DEC: CLOSED
    THU 25 DEC: CLOSED
    FRI 26 DEC: CLOSED
    SAT 27 DEC: 8am-4pm
    SUN 28 DEC: 8am-4pm
    MON 29 DEC: CLOSED
    TUE 30 DEC: CLOSED
    WED 31 DEC: CLOSED
    THU 1 JAN: CLOSED
    FRI 2 JAN: Normal hours resume. 

    Containers for Change Refund point  

    WED 24 DEC: CLOSED.
    THU 25 DEC: CLOSED
    FRI 26 DEC: CLOSED
    SAT 27 DEC: 10am-4pm
    SUN 28 DEC: 12-4pm
    MON 29 DEC: 8am-4.30pm
    TUE 30 DEC: 8am-4.30pm
    WED 31 DEC: CLOSED
    THU 1 JAN: CLOSED
    FRI 2 JAN: 8am-4.30pm 

    Open every day throughout January, including Wednesdays. 

    Community Safety Officers  

    Community Safety Patrols finish earlier at 7pm on Christmas day. 

    MON 22 DEC: 7am-9pm
    TUE 23 DEC: 7am-9pm
    WED 24 DEC: 7am-12am
    THU 25 DEC: 7am-7pm
    FRI 26 DEC: 7am-2am
    SAT 27 DEC: 7am-2am
    SUN 28 DEC: 7am-7pm
    MON 29 DEC: 7am-7pm
    TUE 30 DEC: 7am-7pm
    WED 31 DEC: 7am-2am
    THU 1 JAN: 7am-2am
    FRI 2 JAN: 7am-2am 

    Customer Service  

    WED 24 DEC: 8am-4pm.
    THU 25 DEC-THU 1 JAN: CLOSED
    FRI 2 JAN: Normal hours resume. 

    *Cashier will be closing at 3.30pm on 24 December 2025. 

    JP Service 

    WED 24 DEC- SUN 4 DEC: CLOSED
    MON 5 DEC: Normal hours resume. 

    Fremantle Library / Walyalup Civic Centre  

    WED 24 DEC: 8am-4pm
    THU 25 DEC: CLOSED
    FRI 26 DEC: CLOSED
    SAT 27 DEC: 9am-5pm
    SUN 28 DEC: 11am-3pm
    MON 29 DEC: 8am-6pm
    TUE 30 DEC: 8am-6pm
    WED 31 DEC: 8am-4pm
    THU 1 JAN: CLOSED
    FRI 2 JAN: Normal hours resume. 

    Fremantle Toy Library  

    THU 25 DEC- FRI 2 JAN: CLOSED
    MON 5 JAN: Normal hours resume. 

    Fremantle History Centre 

    THU 25 DEC- FRI 2 JAN: CLOSED
    MON 5 JAN: Normal hours resume. 

    The Meeting Place 

    THU 25 DEC- FRI 2 JAN: CLOSED
    MON 5 JAN: Normal hours resume. 

    Fremantle Leisure Centre 

    WED 24 DEC: 5.30am-3pm
    THU 25 DEC: CLOSED
    FRI 26 DEC: CLOSED
    SAT 27 DEC: 6am-6pm
    SUN 28 DEC: 6am-6pm
    MON 29 DEC: 5.30am-8.30pm
    TUE 30 DEC: 5.30am-8.30pm
    WED 31 DEC: 5.30am-3pm
    THU 1 JAN: CLOSED
    FRI 2 JAN: 5.30am-8.30pm 

    Walyalup Fremantle Arts Centre  

    WED 24 DEC: Normal hours. 
    THU 25 DEC: CLOSED
    FRI 26 DEC: CLOSED
    SAT 27 DEC: Normal hours.
    SUN 28 DEC: Normal hours.
    MON 29 DEC: Normal hours.
    TUE 30 DEC: Normal hours.
    WED 31 DEC: Normal hours.
    THU 1 JAN: CLOSED
    FRI 2 JAN: Normal hours resume. 

    Moores Building Art Space 

    MON 22 DEC-SAT 10 JAN: CLOSED 

    Walyalup Aboriginal Cultural Centre 

    SAT 20 DEC-TUE 6 JAN: CLOSED 
    WED 7 JAN: Normal hours resume. 

    Fremantle Legal Centre  

    MON 15 DEC-SUN 4 JAN: CLOSED.
    MON 5 JAN: Normal hours resume. 

    Visitor Centre 

    WED 24 DEC: 9am-4pm
    THU 25 DEC: CLOSED
    FRI 26 DEC: CLOSED
    SAT 27 DEC: 9am-4pm
    SUN 28 DEC: 10am-4pm
    MON 29 DEC: 9am-5pm
    TUE 30 DEC: 9am-5pm
    WED 31 DEC: 9am-4pm
    THU 1 JAN: CLOSED
    FRI 2 JAN: 9am-5pm 

     

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