DEI, Plastic Pollution & the Met Gala: May’s Top Stories

Why is Marriott Doubling Down on DEI?

6 May 2025

As many companies scale back diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives amid rising political scrutiny, Marriott International has taken a firm and public stand.

The company is reinforcing its DEI initiatives as a non-negotiable pillar of its operations and culture. 

The global hospitality leader used its platform at the 2025 Great Place to Work For All Summit to reassert this position, making clear that inclusivity remains central to its 98-year legacy.

Why Walmart, Nestlé, Mars & More Have Left US Plastics Pact

23 May 2025

The US Plastics Pact has witnessed a mass exodus of some of its most prominent members, including Walmart, Mondelēz, Mars, Nestlé and L'Oréal USA.

The pact is one of the world’s largest frameworks for addressing the problem of plastic waste, with a specific focus on the fast-moving consumer goods industry.

The departure of several high-profile companies represents a hammer blow to the pact’s aims, raising questions about the corporate world’s commitment to packaging sustainability.

The series of exits, as reported by Packaging Dive, come as the US Plastics Pact is set to transition from its original 2025 targets to more ambitious goals extending to 2030.

This follows PepsiCo’s revisions to its sustainability goals, which included changes to its goals on plastic reuse.

Liverpool FC Launches World-First Carbon Negative Jersey

8 May 2025

This year’s Premier League champion Liverpool FC has unveiled a commemorative jersey in partnership with American carbon capture company 1PointFive, marking two decades since its legendary Champions League triumph in Istanbul.

The special edition shirt is the world’s first carbon-neutral football jersey, with atmospheric CO₂ equal to its production footprint being removed through 1PointFive's Direct Air Capture technology.

The new shirt celebrates the club's famous comeback against AC Milan in 2005, which is widely considered one of the greatest football matches of all time, meaning that this jersey blends historical significance with environmental innovation.

Merck Votes Overwhelmingly in Support of DEI Amid Backlash

28 May 2025

Merck’s shareholders have rejected a proposal from the National Legal & Policy Centre (NLPC) urging the company to end its diversity, equity and inclusion programmes.

The vote – which took place on 27 May at the pharmaceutical giant’s AGM – was a landslide, with 99% of shareholders voting to stand behind the company’s DEI policies.

Paul Chesser, who delivered the NLPC’s proposal at the meeting, told Merck’s shareholders that they were being “gaslit” by the company and that Merck’s executives were being “materially misleading” in their communications with shareholders regarding DEI.

The overwhelming result is a clear endorsement of the company's commitment to DEI in the face of growing pressure from conservative activist groups and government officials across corporate America.

Fashion & Influence: How Sustainable is the Met Gala?

2 May 2025

On 5 May, hundreds of celebs will be dressed in their best for the 2025 Met Gala. 

The event celebrates and raises money for the Costume Institute at the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s spring exhibition, this year titled “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style”.

Co-Chairing the evening are Anna Wintour, Lewis Hamilton, Pharrell Williams, ASAP Rocky, Colman Domingo and Honorary Chair LeBron James.

The event is sure to bring some incredible outfits – and millions of eyes – to fashion. 

The majority of outfits worn at this annual prestigious event are custom-made and unlikely to ever be worn again. 

Each year, the event has a different theme to showcase the creativity of those in fashion and celebrate the annual exhibit in the museum it supports.