The British Council launches landmark research on the Future of English

The result of a series of roundtables connecting education experts from 49 countries across the globe

 

English will retain its position as the world’s most widely spoken language over the next decade and teachers will continue to be at the heart of English learning, even in the face of increased automation, AI and machine learning.

These are two of the findings in a landmark research publication, the Future of English: Global Perspectives, published by the British Council in April. It is the result of a series of roundtables connecting education experts from 49 countries across the globe.

This is the first publication in a major programme of research and global engagement started by the British Council in 2020. The Future of English research programme will shine a light on the trends driving the use of English as a global language and provide data to inform policy makers, educators, researchers, and others interested in this important topic.

Key findings:

• English is the most widely spoken language in the world. and English is likely to retain this position for the next decade and beyond.
• English will play an important role in giving more young people access to higher education opportunities.
• There is a strong connection between the desire to learn English and the need for teachers, even when new technologies are considered.
• Private sector has the potential to address the deficiencies in language education provision offered by the public sector and expand the prospects available to young people. Nevertheless, the quality of certain private offerings is inconsistent, and the report proposes increased cooperation between public and private providers.
• Policy makers should continuously review the approach to assessing English proficiency to make sure assessment practices stay relevant for today’s study, work and social interactions.
• Technology has the potential to help greater numbers of students access language learning. But the publication found that it also risks widening the divide between people who have access to technology and those who do not.
• There has been a gradual, industry led, shift away towards valuing language proficiency that is more practical and situational, rather than solely focusing on being fluent in one’s native language

The British Council will be driving data collection globally to inform future research releases globally. As part of our long-term commitment, we have initiated a major new Future of English research grant scheme, awarding the first four grants to UK-led international projects in 2022.

Alongside the new publication, the British Council is set to unveil a new Future of English touring exhibition. The multimedia exhibition will explore several of the report’s core themes – English in education, English in the workplace, and English in the community – and feature interactive elements which will ask visitors for their views on the future of the English language. Initially opening at the British Council’s headquarters in Stratford, London from 26 April, the exhibition will subsequently travel to the New Directions LATAM 2023 conference in São Paulo, Brazil from 25-27 May, the New Directions East Asia 2023 conference in Hanoi, Viet Nam on 27 and 28 October 2023. Other locations and dates will be announced for 2023, before the exhibition returns to London in early 2024.

Mark Walker, Director of English & Exams at the British Council, said:

“At the British Council, English language teaching, learning and assessment are at the heart of what we do. We champion the power of English to break down barriers and help millions of learners grow their skills, build international connections, and access life-changing opportunities.

“Now we’re collaborating with partners, thought leaders, teachers and learners around the world to open up new conversations and share global perspectives about the future of English.”

The British Council supports 100 million English learners worldwide with online resources and connects with more than four million teachers and educators online each year – the world’s largest global network of teachers. The British Council also works directly with education leaders, teacher educators and teachers of English to raise standards of English in education systems.

To read the full report :https://www.britishcouncil.org/future-of-english

Notes to Editor

For more information, or to request interviews, please contact Lamia El Idrissi, Communications Manager: lamia.elidrissi@britishcouncil.org

Methodology

A series of roundtables took place from June to December 2021 with 92 policy-makers and experts from 49 countries around the world from a range of disciplines, including applied linguistics, assessment, and sector experts as well as practitioners across British Council networks with extensive field experience.

The outcomes from these roundtable discussions were consolidated with additional data collected from desk research and surveys.

The Future of English report is authored by Mina Patel, Mike Solly and Steve Copeland and edited by Professor Barry O’Sullivan (all of the British Council) and Professor Yan Jin (School of Foreign Languages, Shanghai Jiao Tong University and member of the British Council’s Assessments Advisory Board).

About the British Council

The British Council is the UK’s international organisation for cultural relations and educational opportunities. We support peace and prosperity by building connections, understanding and trust between people in the UK and countries worldwide. We work with people in over 200 countries and territories and are on the ground in more than 100 countries. In 2021-22 we reached 650 million people.

New York, NY – April 25, 2023 – In a Fast-Track SWIFT challenge brought by Comcast Cable Communications Management, LLC, the National Advertising Division (NAD) of BBB National Programs recommended that T-Mobile discontinue the “Don’t you worry ‘bout speed” claim in reference to T-Mobile’s Home Internet (T-HINT) service.

Fast-Track SWIFT is an expedited challenge process designed for single-issue advertising cases brought to NAD. NAD determined that the Comcast challenge was appropriate for Fast-Track SWIFT because it presented the single issue as to whether T-Mobile’s claim “Don’t you worry ‘bout speed” is supported.

T-HINT operates on the same wireless network that T-Mobile smartphones run on, and thus does not use a wired infrastructure to deliver internet. Customers are provided a gateway device that acts as a router and modem which converts T-Mobile’s signal to WiFi and provides a WiFi signal to devices in the home.

After considering the messages reasonably conveyed by the challenged commercial, NAD determined that, given the context which offers T-HINT as an alternative to fixed wired internet, the “Don’t you worry ‘bout speed” claim conveys a message that consumers can get the speed they need to do whatever they want on the internet without limitation.

In addition, NAD determined that  T-Mobile’s unqualified “Don’t you worry ’bout speed ” claim    conveys the message that internet speeds are sufficient to provide worry-free internet service that will allow users to perform nearly all typical activities on the internet, including intensive uses like gaming or streaming on multiple devices at any time of day..

NAD found that T-Mobile’s evidence was not a good fit for its broad unqualified performance claim “Don’t you worry ‘bout speed” and recommended that it be discontinued with respect to T-Mobile’s T-HINT service.

In its advertiser statement, T-Mobile stated that it “will comply with NAD’s recommendations, but strongly disagrees with NAD’s determination that the challenged commercial communicates an unsubstantiated message.”

All BBB National Programs case decision summaries can be found in the case decision library. For the full text of NAD, NARB, and CARU decisions, subscribe to the online archive.

 

About BBB National Programs: BBB National Programs, a non-profit organization, is the home of U.S. independent industry self-regulation, currently operating more than a dozen globally recognized programs that have been helping enhance consumer trust in business for more than 50 years. These programs provide third-party accountability and dispute resolution services that address existing and emerging industry issues, create a fairer playing field for businesses, and a better experience for consumers. BBB National Programs continues to evolve its work and grow its impact by providing business guidance and fostering best practices in arenas such as advertising, child-and-teen-directed marketing, data privacy, dispute resolution, automobile warranty, technology, and emerging areas. To learn more, visit bbbprograms.org.

About the National Advertising Division: The National Advertising Division (NAD) of BBB National Programs provides independent self-regulation and dispute resolution services, guiding the truthfulness of advertising across the U.S. NAD reviews national advertising in all media and its decisions set consistent standards for advertising truth and accuracy, delivering meaningful protection to consumers and leveling the playing field for business.

New York, NY – April 24, 2023 – A panel of the National Advertising Review Board (NARB), the appellate body of BBB National Programs, determined that Verizon Communications, Inc.’s use of the phrase “you need a better network” in the context of the “Tis the Season” television commercial was puffery.

The advertising at issue had been challenged by AT&T Services, Inc. Following NAD’s decision (Case No. 7171), Verizon appealed NAD’s recommendation that it discontinue the claim “you need a better network” on the grounds of puffery, arguing that the challenged claim did not reference AT&T or any other carriers and was nothing more than a playful, spendthrift-themed vignette that builds up to Verizon’s ‘Free 5G Phone’ offer.

The challenged claim appeared in a 30-second holiday-themed commercial promoting Verizon’s wireless network and featured well-known actors Paul Giamatti, as the Dickens character Scrooge, and Cecily Strong. In the commercial, Giamatti as Scrooge holds up his mobile phone, scowls, and complains that he can “barely get reception…” In response, Strong recommends that he “need[s] a better network. Tis the season to switch to Verizon.”

A majority of the NARB panel concluded that in the context of the “Tis the Season” commercial, the phrase “you need a better network” did not convey a superiority message, thus upholding Verizon’s puffery position.

The NARB panel noted that in a different context, the use of “better network” would not necessarily be puffery and could convey a superiority message requiring substantiation.

Verizon stated that it “is pleased with the Panel’s decision.”

All BBB National Programs case decision summaries can be found in the case decision library. For the full text of NAD, NARB, and CARU decisions, subscribe to the online archive.

 

About BBB National Programs: BBB National Programs, a non-profit organization, is the home of U.S. independent industry self-regulation, currently operating more than a dozen globally recognized programs that have been helping enhance consumer trust in business for more than 50 years. These programs provide third-party accountability and dispute resolution services that address existing and emerging industry issues, create a fairer playing field for businesses, and a better experience for consumers. BBB National Programs continues to evolve its work and grow its impact by providing business guidance and fostering best practices in arenas such as advertising, child-and-teen-directed marketing, data privacy, dispute resolution, automobile warranty, technology, and emerging areas. To learn more, visit bbbprograms.org.

About the National Advertising Review Board (NARB): The National Advertising Review Board (NARB) is the appellate body for BBB National Programs’ advertising self-regulatory programs. NARB’s panel members include 85 distinguished volunteer professionals from the national advertising industry, agencies, and public members, such as academics and former members of the public sector. NARB serves as a layer of independent industry peer review that helps engender trust and compliance in NAD, CARU, and DSSRC matters.

New York, NY – April 20, 2023 – A panel of the National Advertising Review Board (NARB), the appellate body of BBB National Programs, recommended that Smile Prep, LLC:

• Discontinue the claim that rankings on Smile Prep are based on an “extensive five-point analysis of each company’s effectiveness, affordability, convenience, appearance and customer support” or modify its advertising to reflect its analysis and ranking criteria.
• Discontinue certain performance claims about the products and services of Smile Prep’s affiliate partners.
• Avoid conveying the message that Smile Prep does not give preferential treatment to its affiliate partners.
• Avoid conveying that its rankings, reviews, and product information are objective (i.e., impartial) and free from bias in favor of its affiliate partners.
• Clearly and conspicuously disclose that Smile Prep’s rankings, reviews, and product information of the clear aligners of its affiliate partners are advertising.

 

The advertising at issue had been challenged before the National Advertising Division (NAD) by Smile Direct Club, LLC. Following NAD’s decision (Case No. 7131), Smile Prep appealed.

The challenged claims appeared on the SmilePrep.com website, which presents its reviews and ranking of clear aligner companies and their products and services as editorial content. Smile Prep has affiliate relationships with some, but not all, of the companies whose clear aligner products and services Smile Prep reviews and ranks on their website.

The NARB Panel agreed with NAD on its key finding – that Smile Prep’s editorial process is impacted by the reality that Smile Prep is a for-profit entity and that its only source of revenue are the commissions generated by affiliate links and paid to it by its aligner-supplier affiliates/partners. As NAD found in the underlying decision, the NARB Panel concluded that Smile Prep’s editorial staff is aware of the affiliate relationships, as these relationships are disclosed on the website.

Clear Aligner Rankings and Reviews Claims

The NARB Panel affirmed NAD’s conclusion that Smile Prep failed to demonstrate that it uses its five-point analysis in formulating its aligner rankings.

Product Claims

In agreement with NAD, the NARB Panel concluded that, because of the material financial relationship between Smile Prep and its aligner partners, Smile Prep is obligated to have proper support for aligner performance claims promoting the products and services of its partners.

Because Smile Prep produced no testing or other evidence that would support these product claims, nor did it provide evidence to show that its editorial staff has the training or expertise to assess technical aspects of aligner performance, the NARB Panel recommended that claims such as the following be discontinued:

• Byte’s home aligners can achieve/deliver “results in as few as four months for some customers.”
• “Byte is one of the most effective at-home teeth straightening services on the market.”

 

Claims of Independent, Unbiased Assessment

In agreement with NAD, the NARB Panel concluded that Smile Prep’s reviews and assessments are influenced by the commissions earned from the aligner affiliates and that Smile Prep should not be representing, directly or by implication, that its assessments are independent and unbiased.

Further, the NARB Panel determined that the Affiliate Disclosures on the website are not sufficiently prominent to overcome the implied message of independence and, in fact, downplay the significance of the commission arrangements.

Disclosure Recommendation

In the underlying decision, NAD recommended that Smile Prep clearly and conspicuously disclose that Smile Prep’s rankings, reviews, and product information of the clear aligners of its affiliate partners are advertising.

The NARB Panel concluded that NAD’s recommendation is appropriate, noting that under the circumstances presented the rankings and reviews of the affiliates/partners are advertising, and a clear and conspicuous disclosure will alert consumers to the true nature of the website.

Smile Prep stated that it “agrees to carefully consider the NARB’s decision and modify its website in a good faith effort to address each of the concerns identified.” However, Smile Prep expressed concern that the decision “imposes a standard of disclosure that goes well beyond the existing guidance the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has issued for third-party reviewers, as well as current industry norms.” Smile Prep further stated that it “believes that it is presently in full and robust compliance with the law and all applicable FTC guidance regarding affiliate disclosure practices, and that any changes to that framework should be applied industry-wide.”

All BBB National Programs case decision summaries can be found in the case decision library. For the full text of NAD, NARB, and CARU decisions, subscribe to the online archive.

 

About BBB National Programs: BBB National Programs, a non-profit organization, is the home of U.S. independent industry self-regulation, currently operating more than a dozen globally recognized programs that have been helping enhance consumer trust in business for more than 50 years. These programs provide third-party accountability and dispute resolution services that address existing and emerging industry issues, create a fairer playing field for businesses, and a better experience for consumers. BBB National Programs continues to evolve its work and grow its impact by providing business guidance and fostering best practices in arenas such as advertising, child-and-teen-directed marketing, data privacy, dispute resolution, automobile warranty, technology, and emerging areas. To learn more, visit bbbprograms.org.

About the National Advertising Review Board (NARB): The National Advertising Review Board (NARB) is the appellate body for BBB National Programs’ advertising self-regulatory programs. NARB’s panel members include 85 distinguished volunteer professionals from the national advertising industry, agencies, and public members, such as academics and former members of the public sector. NARB serves as a layer of independent industry peer review that helps engender trust and compliance in NAD, CARU, and DSSRC matters.

New York, NY – April 13, 2023 – In response to a BBB National Programs National Advertising Division (NAD) challenge, brought as part of NAD’s routine monitoring of national advertising for truth and transparency, Vegamour, Inc. voluntarily discontinued advertising claims regarding its Gro Ageless Anti-Gray Hair Serum.

Vegamour is a holistic hair wellness company that offers consumers a line of hair care products including serums, shampoos, conditioners, and hair boosting supplements.

NAD inquired about the advertiser’s Facebook and Instagram posts that link to reviews for Vegamour’s serum for delaying gray hair. The posts stated “FINALLY a serum that can delay grey hair. Does it Work? We tried it and here’s our review.” The post then linked to reviews of Vegamour’s Gro Ageless Anti-Gray Hair Serum on hairheathsecrets.com and longhairtrends.com.

NAD’s inquiry focused on whether the Instagram and Facebook posts convey the message that the reviews on the hair health secrets and long hair trends websites reflect independent, honest opinions of the reviewers. NAD noted that advertisers must clearly and conspicuously disclose material connections and relationships with a reviewer or a review site. NAD has long held that if the review site is not independent, then the opinions shared are “advertising.”

During the proceeding, Vegamour informed NAD that it had elected to discontinue the Instagram and Facebook posts and make the review sites private until they could add appropriate disclosures. Therefore, NAD did not review the claims on the merits.

All BBB National Programs case decision summaries can be found in the case decision library. For the full text of NAD, NARB, and CARU decisions, subscribe to the online archive.

About BBB National Programs: BBB National Programs, a non-profit organization, is the home of U.S. independent industry self-regulation, currently operating more than a dozen globally recognized programs that have been helping enhance consumer trust in business for more than 50 years. These programs provide third-party accountability and dispute resolution services that address existing and emerging industry issues, create a fairer playing field for businesses, and a better experience for consumers. BBB National Programs continues to evolve its work and grow its impact by providing business guidance and fostering best practices in arenas such as advertising, child-and-teen-directed marketing, data privacy, dispute resolution, automobile warranty, technology, and emerging areas. To learn more, visit bbbprograms.org.

About the National Advertising Division: The National Advertising Division (NAD) of BBB National Programs provides independent self-regulation and dispute resolution services, guiding the truthfulness of advertising across the U.S. NAD reviews national advertising in all media and its decisions set consistent standards for advertising truth and accuracy, delivering meaningful protection to consumers and leveling the playing field for business.

New York, NY – April 12, 2023 – In a challenge brought by Actegy Health Inc., the National Advertising Division (NAD) of BBB National Programs recommended that Fitness Cubed, Inc. discontinue express and implied claims that its Cubii Seated Elliptical Trainer:

• Improves quality of life, mobility, stiffness and balance;
• Allows users to become more independent;
• Reduces pain;
• Provides benefits comparable to walking;
• Adds strides, burns calories, improves circulation, and boosts energy;
• Increases energy expenditure;
• Works more than half the body’s muscle groups;
• Provides its benefits in a short amount of time; and
• Can be used as a replacement for certain types of rehabilitation programs, including exercise that has been prescribed as the standard of care after surgery or an injury.

 

NAD also recommended that Fitness Cubed discontinue quantified performance claims made in conjunction with some of the above-referenced benefits. The challenged claims appeared in four television commercials, with most claims presented in the form of testimonials from users of Cubii or medical professionals dressed in lab coats.

After carefully reviewing the evidence submitted by Fitness Cubed in support of its health-related claims, NAD determined that such evidence was not sufficiently reliable and recommended that all of the challenged claims be discontinued.

NAD concluded that an online survey of Cubii users who responded to questions about perceived changes in pain, activity levels, mood, sleep, range-of-motion, use of balance aids, and reliance on pain medication was not sufficiently reliable. NAD noted that self-reporting surveys can be unreliable, especially when the questions require respondents to report on conditions that are very personal and difficult to objectively measure, like pain, mobility, and quality of life. Further, a survey based on subjective measures of improvement that does not control for variables that may affect outcomes, such as lifestyle, diet, medications, etc., does not provide reliable evidence that the product (Cubii) is responsible for the claimed benefits, and not the other variables.

NAD also determined that other evidence relied on by Fitness Cubed could not support any of its claims.

During the proceeding, Fitness Cubed voluntarily agreed to permanently discontinue certain claims, including that Cubii reduces mortality and morbidity, and treats chronic conditions. Therefore, NAD did not review these claims on the merits.

In its advertiser statement, Fitness Cubed agreed to comply with NAD’s recommendations and stated that it “takes truth in advertising seriously and appreciates the opportunity to participate in the NAD’s self-regulatory process.” The advertiser further stated that while it “stands behind the accuracy of the advertising claims at issue, and paid third parties to conduct studies regarding many of the claims, it will agree to discontinue the claims pursuant to the NAD’s recommendation.”

All BBB National Programs case decision summaries can be found in the case decision library. For the full text of NAD, NARB, and CARU decisions, subscribe to the online archive.

 

About BBB National Programs: BBB National Programs, a non-profit organization, is the home of U.S. independent industry self-regulation, currently operating more than a dozen globally recognized programs that have been helping enhance consumer trust in business for more than 50 years. These programs provide third-party accountability and dispute resolution services that address existing and emerging industry issues, create a fairer playing field for businesses, and a better experience for consumers. BBB National Programs continues to evolve its work and grow its impact by providing business guidance and fostering best practices in arenas such as advertising, child-and-teen-directed marketing, data privacy, dispute resolution, automobile warranty, technology, and emerging areas. To learn more, visit bbbprograms.org.

About the National Advertising Division: The National Advertising Division (NAD) of BBB National Programs provides independent self-regulation and dispute resolution services, guiding the truthfulness of advertising across the U.S. NAD reviews national advertising in all media and its decisions set consistent standards for advertising truth and accuracy, delivering meaningful protection to consumers and leveling the playing field for business.

The International Awards Offers a Platform for Schools, University Students and Corporate Professionals to Showcase Innovative Ideas and Projects

 

Sharjah, UAE: BEEAH Education, a subsidiary of BEEAH Group, the region’s sustainability pioneer and digital expert, has announced a new edition of the Future Pioneers Awards, an international award aimed at recognizing and rewarding innovative ideas and projects that have the potential to shape the future of sustainability. The awards are open to all individuals, including school students, university students, and professionals from various industries; and provides a platform to showcase their sustainability efforts and ideas which will have positive impacts on communities.

Held under the patronage of Her Excellency Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Board of Trustees and President of the American University of Sharjah, the Future Pioneers Awards, previously known as the Environmental Excellence School Award (EESA), sets a new international benchmark for sustainability innovation offering a total award prize of one million dirhams to the winners. A premier national environmental award, the EESA set new standards for sustainable excellence for over a decade, with over 2,600 entries from participating schools across the UAE.

Speaking on the launch of the Future Pioneers Awards, Khaled Al Huraimel, Group CEO of BEEAH Group, said “The Future Pioneers Awards celebrate and recognize the sustainable efforts and achievements of people who are committed to making a difference for a better future. As a sustainability pioneer, the BEEAH Group aims to encourage individuals who are innovating and implementing solutions that tackle emerging challenges. With UAE observing 2023 as the Year of Sustainability, we believe awards like the FPA will support and advance our national goals for a net-zero, sustainable tomorrow.”

BEEAH Education recognizes the importance of sustainability for the future and hopes to inspire and recognize passionate individuals, groups, and organizations that champion sustainability efforts in the shared journey towards a better tomorrow. The Future Pioneers Awards aims to celebrate changemakers of all generations, who play a key role in shaping the future of the planet.

Hind Al Huwaidi, Managing Director of BEEAH Education, commented, “Our aim with the new, international, and pan-demographic model of the Future Pioneers Awards is to celebrate the spirit of sustainability innovation and creativity among individuals, groups, and organizations of all generations. We believe that sustainability is the key to the future, and through the FPA, we hope to inspire and recognize passionate minds who are making a difference in their communities and supporting our region’s future-forward and net-zero ambitions.”

The Awards offers four categories for submissions, each with its specific eligibility criteria and evaluation. The mobile application category requires an original, interactive app designed and developed by the individual/group that reflects the chosen theme and represents digital innovation. In the prototype or invention category, the project must offer a solution to a challenge under the chosen theme, use safe and environmentally friendly materials, be well- assembled and in excellent working condition, and have a mock-up resembling the finished product. The social media campaign category requires creative and original content on two platforms, a clear plan, and meaningful name, and good engagement. Finally, the documentary video category requires a 15 to 30-minute video showcasing a scenario with a clear message, script, intent, and inspiration, as well as clear visual composition and sound effects. For more information on the awards and categories, interested individuals may visit https://futurepioneersaward.com

BEEAH Education was launched as a new business vertical of BEEAH Group at the World Future Energy Summit (WFES) during the 2023 Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW). The subsidiary aims to consolidate and enhance the Group’s efforts to empower and recognize individuals, schools, institutions, corporations, and government entities in the field of sustainability. BEEAH Education will continue to lead and build upon several environmental awareness, education, and awards programmes; including the Academy of Sustainability; The Great Battery Challenge, in partnership with Duracell; and the newly launched Future Pioneers Awards. BEEAH Education also manages the Institute of Environmental Management and Sustainability (IEMS) Academy, a training and certification institution for professional and vocational courses, which prepare individuals for careers in sustainability.

About BEEAH Education:

BEEAH Education is BEEAH Group’s environmental education and awarding organisation for businesses and individuals contributing to a sustainable future. It aims to inculcate, incentivise and encourage sustainable action, from the grassroots level among schools and communities to professionals and organisations. Every year, BEEAH Education reaches thousands of teachers and students through competitions, interactive games and by introducing principles of sustainability into school curriculum. BEEAH Education also has a flagship venture, the Institute of Environmental Management and Sustainability, to deliver cutting-edge learning and development programs for early professionals as well as specialised industry specific qualifications. In addition to reaching external organisations, BEEAH Education is responsible for internal training programs within BEEAH Group. BEEAH Education’s rewards program is accessible to millions of people across communities and cities in the region, incentivising recycling, proper waste segregation and driving action towards a circular economy and a zero-waste to landfill future. For more information about BEEAH Education, please visit: https://www.beeahgroup.com/services/beeah-education/

About BEEAH Group:

BEEAH Group is the region’s leading sustainability and digitalisation expert, renowned for groundbreaking environmental innovations and smart solutions for future-ready cities. Recognising sustainability and technology as the pillars for a modern economy, BEEAH Group has invested in a comprehensive, full-circle strategy for the future, and expanded into the fields of renewable energy, sustainable transport, consulting, education, and technology. Raising the bar for quality of life in the region, BEEAH Group businesses continue to set industry benchmarks in sustainable, smart solutions; and has helped countries across the region in creating and executing their roadmap for a socially responsible future. The Group is currently operational in the UAE, Egypt and KSA. For more information, please visit https://www.beeahgroup.com/ and connect with us on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter @beeahgroup

Etex’s sustainable answers to urgent challenges in 2022

Etex Annual Report 2022 – First-ever combined report

Etex, the global building material manufacturer and pioneer in lightweight construction, released its first-ever combined annual report. In this report, the company presents on an equal footing its economic, social and environmental footprint and performance. The document highlights how Etex brought sustainable answers to the urgent challenges of 2022. Sustainability milestones include a decrease of almost 20% of absolute CO? emissions (scopes 1 and 2) and 26.5% less waste sent to landfill in the past five years. The report is available here : https://www.etexgroup.com/annualreport2022

This press release is also available in French, Dutch and Spanish (click on links). 

Exceptional performances for an exceptional year

Etex delivered record revenues of EUR 3,714 million, a 25.0% increase compared to 2021, and its highest ever absolute value for REBITDA at EUR 645 million for a 13.2% increase. This is despite an unfavourable business context in 2022 with the world still recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic, along with the invasion of Ukraine by Russia, the energy crisis and unprecedented global inflation. Etex’s lightweight construction solutions prove to be a great fit to answer the current needs in both renovation and new build given their intrinsic sustainable value. These solutions are up to 45% less emission-intensive to produce compared to traditional construction methods, they provide up to seven times better thermal and sound insulation which increases energy-efficiency and emissions, and they are more recyclable, flexible and adaptable. All details regarding Etex’s Full-Year 2022 results can be found here.

Advancing on Etex’s Road to Sustainability 2030

In 2022 Etex launched its Road to Sustainability 2030 plan, with clear targets in terms of health, safety and well-being, diversity, equity and inclusion, circularity, decarbonisation and customer engagement. Some of the progresses already achieved and presented in the annual report include:

• Decrease of 19.9% of absolute CO? emissions (scopes 1 and 2) between 2018 and 2022.
• 100% of the electricity consumed in Europe and Latin America – and 74% worldwide – is certified green electricity, partly produced by photovoltaic installations at Etex’s manufacturing sites.
• 5% less waste sent to landfill since 2018.
• Etex’s insulation business URSA uses 75% recycled and reprocessed glass in its glass wool products, a 7% increase compared to 2019.
• For the fifth time in a row, Etex received an improved ESG risk rating for Sustainalytics of 16.9 which puts the company as eighth of the “Building Products” category.

Adding insulation to Etex’s sustainable offering

With its second largest acquisition ever, close to EUR 1 billion, the company URSA was added to Etex’s portfolio through a fifth division: Insulation. URSA is a European leader in glass mineral wool and extruded polystyrene (XPS). With its strategic focus on sustainability and recycling programme, URSA already delivered significant growth in 2022 and its products proved to be in high demand for both renovation and newbuild.

Engaging teammates, in Ukraine and beyond

Etex is proud to have taken immediate supportive actions for its 250 Ukrainian teammates and their families as soon as the conflict started in their country. These actions include daily contacts, help to move within Ukraine or Europe, financial support, job relocations, training and fund raising. Etex has already set up different legal and operational mechanisms to play an active role in the rebuilding of Ukraine.

The third edition of the ‘Me & Etex’ employee engagement survey registered again a high 84% participation rate and showed an 84% engagement rate across Etex, a 1% decrease compared to last year but still 4% above the global manufacturing norm. The results show resilience in teams after two years of COVID-19 and will help Etex to further improve on its engagement journey.

Other recent developments

• In March 2023, Etex acquired Skamol, a manufacturer of high temperature insulation materials. This acquisition further consolidates Etex’s portfolio of sustainable solutions in a market that is strongly supported by the need for energy-efficient insulation products and solutions. This acquisition is subject to customary closing conditions. More information on this acquisition can be found here.
• As of April 2023, Jochen Friedrichs is the new Head of the Building Performance division. Since joining Etex in June 2022 following the acquisition of URSA, Jochen helped ensuring a smooth integration of URSA within Etex while heading the Insulation division and delivering significant performance.

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About Etex

Etex is a global building material manufacturer and pioneer in lightweight construction. Etex wants to inspire people around the world to build living spaces that are ever more safe, sustainable, smart and beautiful.

Founded in 1905, headquartered in Zaventem, Belgium, Etex is a family-owned company with more than 13,500 employees globally. It operates more than 160 sites in 45 countries and recorded a revenue of EUR 3.7 billion and a REBITDA of EUR 645 million in 2022. Etex fosters a collaborative and caring culture, a pioneering spirit and a passion to always do better for its customers.

Etex has five R&D centres supporting five global divisions:

• Building Performance: leader in plasterboards and fibre cement boards, and the global reference in fire protection solutions for the residential and commercial segments.
• Exteriors: provider of innovative, durable, high performance and beautiful fibre cement exterior materials for architectural, residential and agricultural projects.
• Industry: front runner of engineering expertise to drive the future of high-performance temperature insulation and fire protection in the industrial, aerospace and energy sectors.
• Insulation: leading European insulation provider of glass mineral wool and extruded polystyrene (XPS) to insulate residential and non-residential buildings.
• New Ways: high-tech, lightweight, factory assembled panel and modular solutions based on timber and steel framing.

Etex’s global portfolio includes leading commercial brands such as Cedral, Durlock, EQUITONE, Eternit, Gyplac, Kalsi, Pladur, Promat, Siniat, Superboard and URSA.

Etex is Inspiring Ways of Living, for more information, please visit our website: www.etexgroup.com