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The Australian Photoageing Re.Port uncovers Australia’s blind spot-on sun damage and skin health, taking unexpected emotional toll

SYDNEY, Feb. 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The inaugural Re.Think Skin: Australian Photoageing Re.Port reveals six out of 10 Australians are unaware that sun exposure is the biggest contributor to visible facial ageing, despite evidence showing it accounts for up to 80% of visible skin ageing.[1] The nationwide YouGov survey, commissioned by iNova Pharmaceuticals with support from Australasian Society of Cosmetic Dermatologists (ASCD), highlights the need for greater awareness and management of photoageing: premature skin ageing caused by sun exposure[2] – to address both the visible and psychological toll of sun damaged skin.

Before / After treatment pigmentation (Credit: Praewphan - stock.adobe.com)
Before / After treatment pigmentation (Credit: Praewphan – stock.adobe.com)

The survey of 1,565 Australians revealed notable generational differences in awareness and attitudes toward photoageing- a condition that accelerates the skin’s natural ageing process and leads to changes that make the skin appear older than it naturally would.[2,3]

  • Only one in four Australians have heard of the term ‘photoageing’
  • Younger Australians (Gen Z) are less likely to understand sun exposure’s role in facial ageing compared to older generations
  • Men are less likely than women to recognise sun exposure as the primary contributor to facial ageing

The psychological impact of photoageing is substantial:

  • Two-thirds (66%) feel facial ageing signs make them feel older than they are
  • 62% report facial ageing signs affect their confidence
  • 57% experience anxiety about facial ageing signs
  • Younger Australians (Gen Z and Millennials) report higher levels of concern and anxiety about facial ageing signs than older generations

Despite high awareness of sun damage risks, prevention remains low:

  • While nearly 9 in 10 Australians understand sun can cause skin damage, fewer than 1 in 5 consistently wear protective clothing or sunscreen
  • Only 13% always use sunscreen on their faces when outdoors
  • Misconceptions about tanning are more prevalent among younger generations
  • This finding is consistent with a previous study in Queensland that revealed as much as 80% (1,400 respondents) aged 20 to 54 years had signs of photoageing.

Barriers to seeking photoageing treatment include:

  • Cost concerns (64% of respondents)
  • Worries about potential side effects (32%)
  • Lack of knowledge about treatment options (29%)
  • Only 46% would consult a doctor about signs of photoageing

Professor Greg Goodman AM, President of the Australasian Society of Cosmetic Dermatologists said: “The Australian Photoageing Re.Port highlights issues defined in previous reports that Australian women show signs of facial ageing up to 20 years earlier than women in the US,[4] making this a particularly relevant health concern for our population.”

“We recognise the significance of this survey in raising disease awareness around photoageing and its impact on skin health and wellbeing in Australia. This report is a call to action for Australians to prioritise skin health discussions with healthcare providers to help address both the visible and psychological impacts of photoageing,” concluded Professor Goodman.

“The Australian Photoageing Re.Port highlights a critical gap in public awareness regarding the impact of sun exposure on skin ageing and emotional wellbeing,” said Temi Stavroulakis, Director of Medical and Regulatory Affairs ANZ, at iNova Pharmaceuticals. “By shedding light on these findings, we aim to empower Australians to take proactive steps in protecting their skin health and wellbeing.”

References

1.  Flament F et al. Effect of the sun on visible clinical signs of aging in Caucasian skin. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol 2013;6:221-232.

2.  Australasian College of Dermatologists. Ageing skin. https://www.dermcoll.edu.au/atoz/ageing-skin (accessed November 2024).

3.  Canadian Dermatology Association. Photoaging. https://dermatology.ca/public-patients/skin/photoaging (accessed November 2024).

4.  Goodman GJ et al. Comparison of self-reported signs of facial ageing among Caucasian women in Australia versus those in the USA, the UK and Canada. Australas J Dermatol. 2017;59(2):108–117.

5.  Green AC, Hughes MC, McBride P, Fourtanier A. Factors associated with premature skin aging (photoaging) before the age of 55: a population-based study. Dermatology. 2011;222(1):74-80.

About The Australian Photoageing Re.Port: The report is based on a survey conducted online by YouGov Plc between 9-15 October 2024, sampling 1,565 Australians aged 18 years and older. The data was weighted to be representative of the Australian population. The full report can be accessed from www.rethinkskin.com.au/resources 

About iNova Pharmaceuticals:

iNova Pharmaceuticals is leading the way to better health by constantly searching for new, practical solutions that improve the everyday health and wellbeing of people around the world.

Our portfolio of market-leading consumer health brands and prescription medicines are backed by science and span across the key therapeutic areas of throat, cough, cold & flu, skin health & sun protection, pain management, wound care, weight management and natural health supplements among others. Headquartered in Singapore, today our products are distributed in over 75 markets across Asia, Australia, New Zealand, Middle East & Africa and Europe.

Learn more at www.inovapharma.com.au.

About The Australasian Society of Cosmetic Dermatologists (ASCD): 

The Australasian Society of Cosmetic Dermatologists (ASCD) is an internationally recognised professional organisation, dedicated to advancing cosmetic and procedural dermatology. Through provision of education, the ASCD enhances industry expertise, innovation and optimises patient care.

Learn more at www.ascd.org.au.

Bizcap Joins AFG’s Lending Panel to Expand SME Financing Options

MELBOURNE, Australia, Feb. 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Melbourne, Australia, February 26th: Bizcap, a leading provider of fast, flexible business loans, has joined the Australian Finance Group’s (AFG) lending panel, giving brokers greater access to funding solutions for SMEs. With 57% of Bizcap customers having been rejected by other lenders, this partnership provides brokers with more options to support businesses that don’t meet traditional lending criteria.

AFG’s extensive broker network can now offer Bizcap’s short-term business loans and line of credit products, featuring quick approvals, minimal documentation, and tailored financing—reinforcing AFG’s commitment to diverse lending solutions for Australian businesses.

Enhancing Access to SME Finance

Bizcap takes a structured yet flexible approach to lending, considering both quantitative and qualitative factors. With approvals in as little as three hours and funding typically within 24 hours, Bizcap helps SMEs pursue growth opportunities, manage cash flow, and cover unexpected expenses.

Bizcap will provide AFG’s brokers access to:

  • Business loans ranging from $5,000 to $5,000,000
  • Business Line of Credit for ongoing financial flexibility
  • Fast-track approvals with a low-doc application process
  • Funding for a broad range of industries, including those underserved by mainstream lenders

“Joining AFG’s lending panel is a significant milestone in Bizcap’s commercial lending expansion,” said Rebecca Del Rio, Chief Revenue Officer at Bizcap. “With 57% of our customers coming to us after being declined elsewhere and 50% choosing Bizcap for our speed, it’s clear there’s high demand for fast, flexible funding. Brokers play a critical role in bridging this gap, ensuring SMEs get the financial support they need when traditional options fall short.”

“Partnering with AFG strengthens our commitment to brokers, helping them support their SME clients with alternative lending options that complement traditional finance. It also reinforces Bizcap’s position in the commercial lending space as we expand into new markets like Singapore and the UK, ensuring SMEs globally have access to the capital they need to grow.”

AFG Strengthens SME Lending Offerings

As one of Australia’s largest mortgage aggregators, AFG equips brokers with a diverse range of financial products. Adding Bizcap expands their commercial lending options, supporting brokers with more solutions for SME clients needing fast, flexible funding.

AFG Head of Sales and Distribution Them Lam said the expanding demand for commercial finance offerings was the driver for AFG to welcome Bizcap to the panel.  “AFG is very pleased to be working with the team at Bizcap to help meet the needs of our brokers as they further build their businesses by diversifying into commercial finance,” he said.  “The addition of Bizcap to the panel means more competitive lending options are available to our brokers to help them support Australian SME business operators at a time when they really need it.”

David Smith, Head of Lending at Bizcap, added: “Our Tick n Flick model makes it even easier—brokers simply send us the deal, and we take care of the rest with dedicated loan specialists to support along the way.”

Brokers interested in learning more about Bizcap’s offerings can visit bizcap.com.au, contact their AFG relationship manager or Nathan Evans from Bizcap via nevans@bizcap.com.au

About Bizcap

Bizcap is Australia’s most open-minded business lender, providing fast and flexible financing to SMEs across Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, and the UK. Since its inception in 2019, Bizcap has funded over 27,000 business loans, totaling more than $1 billion, and holds a 4.8/5 Trustpilot rating.

Media Contact

Chloe Barnes
Senior Marketing and Content Manager
cbarnes@bizcap.com.au

Moloco Commerce Media and MetaRouter Partner to Drive Privacy-First Ad Personalization at Scale

MetaRouter provides customer data infrastructure to power Moloco’s ad personalization with full customer consent and privacy protections

SYDNEY, Feb. 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Moloco, a leader in operational machine learning (ML) and performance advertising, today announced a partnership with MetaRouter, a leader in server-side tag management and pioneer in enterprise-grade data collection and integration. This collaboration will enable retailers and marketplaces in Australia and New Zealand to deliver highly personalized customer experiences in their owned channels (across both organic and sponsored content) and across third party marketing channels while ensuring robust data privacy, security, and customer consent.

Through this partnership, Moloco Commerce Media’s advanced machine learning engine will be integrated with MetaRouter’s customer data infrastructure to unlock the full potential of first party data. Key benefits include:

  • Improved data privacy and consent governance
    MetaRouter’s server-side approach and compliance tools are designed to ensure customer data is processed securely and in accordance with privacy regulations and customer consent. It also allows enterprises to remove third party tags from their digital properties, providing superior control over data sharing and ensuring customer data is only used where consent has been provided by the customer.
  • Enhanced personalization
    By combining Moloco’s real-time ad optimization with MetaRouter’s comprehensive data collection, organizations can deliver highly relevant, engaging experiences to individual customers on their owned properties and for marketing on third party channels such as Meta and Google.
  • Increased advertising effectiveness
    The integration of Moloco’s machine learning engine with MetaRouter’s data enrichment capabilities is optimized to drive better ad performance and return on ad spend, both onsite and offsite. The offsite personalization capability is a particularly unique solution providing higher user match rates and direct delivery to walled gardens without data intermediary risk or expense.

“We’re excited to partner with MetaRouter to bring the power of privacy-first personalization to companies across Australia and New Zealand,” said Jason Bagg, Senior Director, Moloco ANZ. “By combining our machine learning expertise and high performance retail media platform with MetaRouter’s innovative data management solution, we can help retailers create more meaningful connections with their customers while respecting their privacy preferences.”

“Moloco Commerce Media shares our commitment to helping customer-facing companies thrive in a privacy-focused world,” said Tim Brunk, Founder of MetaRouter. “We look forward to working together to set a new standard for data-driven customer experiences that prioritize trust and transparency.”

Moloco Commerce Media together with MetaRouter is now available to retailers and marketplaces in Australia and New Zealand. Learn more about Moloco Commerce Media.

About Moloco

Moloco’s mission is to empower businesses of all sizes to grow through operational machine learning. With Moloco’s machine learning platform for growth and performance, every app publisher, commerce marketplace, and streaming business can now unlock the value of their unique, first party data. Moloco Ads helps mobile apps acquire and retain high-value users while giving transparency and control back to marketers. Moloco Commerce Media is an enterprise software solution that enables retailers and marketplaces to build their own ad business with a flexible solution that delivers relevance, results, and automation for scaled and streamlined ad operations. Moloco Streaming Monetization enables streaming media companies to revolutionize their monetization strategy by building an outcomes-based ad business that delivers relevancy for users and results for advertisers. Moloco was founded in 2013 by a team of machine learning engineers and has offices throughout the US, the UK, Germany, Korea, China, India, Japan, and Singapore.

About MetaRouter

MetaRouter is a leader in cloud customer data infrastructure (CDI), focused on improving enterprise-level customer data management. By providing secure, real-time data integration and enrichment solutions, MetaRouter helps businesses optimize their marketing performance and enhance customer engagement. For more information, visit www.MetaRouter.io.

‍Media Contact 

Moloco
Diana Adair, Senior Director, Communications and Public Relations
pr@moloco.com 

MetaRouter
Emylee Eyler, PANBlast for MetaRouter
eeyler@panblastpr.com

Logo – https://laotiantimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/mrlogo_logo.jpg

 

e& delivers record revenue and net profit in FY 2024 growing consolidated revenue 10.1% to AED 59.2 billion

  • Net profit reached AED 10.8 billion, growing 4.3 per cent year-over-year
  • Full year dividend per share of 83 fils
  • e&’s footprint expanded to 38 countries with a subscriber base of 189.3 million across the Middle East, Asia, Africa, and Central and Eastern Europe
  • e& emerged as the ‘World’s Fastest Growing Brand’ with brand portfolio and investments value exceeding US$ 20 billion 

ABU DHABI, UAE, Feb. 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — e& has delivered record financial performance in 2024, reporting a consolidated net profit of AED 10.8 billion, an increase of 4.3 per cent year-over-year (YoY). This milestone reflects three years of strategic transformation, reinforcing the Group’s position as a global technology group.

e& Chairman, H.E. Jassem Mohamed Bu Ataba Alzaabi
e& Chairman, H.E. Jassem Mohamed Bu Ataba Alzaabi

Consolidated revenues reached AED 59.2 billion, growing 10.1 per cent and 12.6 per cent in constant exchange rates, driven by growth across all business verticals. Consolidated EBITDA rose by 2.7 per cent YoY at constant exchange rates, reaching AED 26.5 billion.

e& UAE continued its solid growth trajectory, with its subscriber base surpassing 15 million, representing an increase of 5.4 per cent compared to the previous year. The group’s total subscriber base grew to 189.3 million, marking a 11.7 per cent increase compared to 2023.

Financial highlights for FY 2024

2024

2023

Per cent change

Revenue

AED 59.2 billion

AED 53.8 billion

10.1% (*)

Net Profit

AED 10.8 billion

AED 10.3 billion

4.3 %

EBITDA

AED 26.5 billion

AED 26.1 billion

1.3% (*)

Earnings per Share

AED 1.24

AED 1.18

4.3 %

Consolidated Group Subscribers

189.3 million

 169.5 million

11.7 %

(*) At constant exchange rates, revenue increased by 12.6 per cent, and EBITDA increased by 2.7 per cent YoY

 

e& sustained strong growth across all verticals, expanding its portfolio while doubling down on connectivity and digitalisation. By driving innovation and long-term value creation, the group remains committed to delivering sustainable returns to its shareholders.

Demonstrating this commitment, we delivered on the first year of our 3-year progressive dividend policy with an incremental increase of 3 fils (AED 0.03) every year for the fiscal years 2024, 2025, and 2026. This policy is set to elevate dividend per share (DPS) to reach 89 fils (AED 0.89) by FY 2026, reflecting the group’s confidence in its continued financial strength and growth prospects.

For FY 2024, the board has proposed a cash dividend of 41.5 fils (AED 0.415) per share for the second half (July to December) of 2024, bringing the total annual dividend to 83 fils (AED 0.83) per share—further reinforcing e&’s commitment to delivering consistent value to its shareholders.

H.E. Jassem Mohamed Bu Ataba Alzaabi, Chairman, e&, said: “2024 was a year of growth, driven by bold vision, AI-driven innovation, and relentless commitment to digital empowerment. Emerging as the “World’s Fastest Growing Brand” and establishing our first operational footprint in Europe were defining moments in e&’s journey. With a net profit of AED 10.8 billion and subscribers growing to 189.3 million, our performance reflects our strategic foresight and unwavering focus on value creation.

Beyond financial success, real growth is measured in impact. Guided by the UAE’s visionary leadership, we continue to drive economic progress, empower businesses, and transform lives across three continents. Our investments in AI ecosystems, intelligent platforms, and industry-defining solutions reinforce our role as a catalyst for change.

At the heart of our success is our talent—the driving force of our innovation. Our leadership in Emiratisation and commitment to workforce upskilling is not just a business responsibility but a strategic advantage. By equipping the next generation with AI and digital expertise, we are building the UAE’s digital future and cultivating leaders who will drive global transformation.

As we move forward, we will continue to leverage technology as a force for progress— where AI enhances lives, networks fuel digital economies, and every connection we build opens doors to something greater.”

Hatem Dowidar, Group Chief Executive Officer, e&, added: “In 2024, we accelerated our transformative journey as a Global Technology Group—scaling AI, expanding into Europe, and driving impact across three continents. Our consolidated revenues surpassed AED 59.2 billion, growing by 10.1 per cent year-over-year, while consolidated EBITDA rose 2.7 per cent in constant currency to AED 26.5 billion. Our financial performance reflects the trust we’ve built, the bold investments we’ve made, and the transformative added value we continue to create.

A landmark achievement was e&’s expansion into Central and Eastern Europe with the majority acquisition of PPF Telecom’s assets, adding over 10 million new subscribers across Bulgaria, Hungary, Serbia, and Slovakia. This move strengthens our global presence, unlocks scalable digital solutions, and fosters digital inclusion. Additionally, our acquisition of GlassHouse expanded our cloud, data, and SAP capabilities across Türkiye, South Africa, and Qatar, strengthening our leadership in enterprise digital transformation. These strategic moves are at the core of our long-term aspirations—to build a robust, future-ready digital ecosystem that enables businesses to scale, governments to innovate, and communities to thrive.

As we closed 2024, we set out to ‘Go for More’- expanding our digital footprint, pioneering AI-driven innovations, and delivering impactful solutions. With a brand portfolio and investments exceeding US$ 20 billion, e& is the World’s Fastest Growing Brand, a recognition of our relentless pursuit of innovation and progress.

Looking ahead, we are poised for even greater growth and transformation. Our ambition is unstoppable: to lead the digital transformation that creates a lasting positive impact, foster collaboration, and empower societies. We will continue to push the boundaries of AI, scaling intelligent platforms, and ensuring that technology is a force for good, and that every innovation we deliver is a catalyst for progress.”

Contact:  
Nancy Sudheer
Senior Manager at e&
nsudheer@eand.com

 

e& GCEO, Hatem Dowidar
e& GCEO, Hatem Dowidar

 

e& FY 2024 Infographic
e& FY 2024 Infographic

 

 

 

 

GoldenHome Dazzles at KBIS 2025 with Innovative Custom Cabinetry and Closet Solutions

LAS VEGAS, Feb. 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — GoldenHome, a global leader in custom home solutions, is showcasing its latest collection of cabinets and closets featuring smart and contemporary design aesthetics at the 2025 Kitchen and Bath Industry Show (KBIS) in Las Vegas. This year marks GoldenHome’s 11th consecutive year at KBIS, a tribute to its enduring influence in the home furnishings industry and its dedication to the US market.

GoldenHome showcases new kitchen solutions with extensive customization options.
GoldenHome showcases new kitchen solutions with extensive customization options.

GoldenHome is featuring its signature cabinets and closets at this year’s KBIS, meticulously engineered for both personal and commercial projects alike. The brand’s extensive customization options—spanning dimensions, materials, styles, and accessories—ensure that every product is tailored to the unique preferences of its customers, while the nature-inspired designs seamlessly merge functionality with personalization.

GoldenHome closets combine practicality and aesthetics with a wide selection of hinged doors, sliding doors, and walk-in options. Visitors to the booth will have the opportunity to explore the brand’s latest selection of styles, including slab, shaker, and tilt-out designs, and innovative surface materials, such as PET, wood veneer, melamine and lacquer. For a luxury aesthetic, GoldenHome even offers a lacquer coating in 12 colors, giving your furniture a matte metallic finish inspired by luxury car paint finishes.

Beyond kitchens and closets, GoldenHome also offers creative storage and space-planning. From dedicated pet corners to integrated fitness and entertainment zones, the brand’s designs transform homes into inclusive spaces that adapt to the evolving needs of modern families.

“We believe a home is a sacred place that deserves nothing but the best. This philosophy drives GoldenHome to craft products that ignite the joy of coming home,” said Sean Zen Pan, CEO and founder of GoldenHome. “Since our inception, we’ve been committed to making luxury affordable and accessible, ensuring everyone can experience the elegance of modern design in their home.”

At KBIS GoldenHome also announced its upcoming manufacturing facility in Dallas that will allow the company to shorten its lead time to seven days thanks to advanced intelligent production technology. This strategic investment will strengthen GoldenHome’s presence in the US market, underscoring its commitment to innovation, efficiency, and collaboration within the local furnishing supply chain.

Visit the GoldenHome booth (LVCC North Hall #N2613) at KBIS 2025 from Feb 25-27. 

About GoldenHome
GoldenHome is a leading provider of premium integrated kitchen cabinets and customized home solutions. Founded in 1999 in Xiamen, China, the company has since grown into a publicly traded entity (Stock Code: SH603180), with over 4,000 retail locations worldwide.

With five manufacturing bases across the globe, GoldenHome expanded into the American market in 2014. The company established its US subsidiary in 2017 and is currently developing an intelligent factory in Dallas, Texas. As an industry leader in home furnishings, GoldenHome offers modern-style cabinets that are fully customizable to meet the unique needs of each homeowner. The company holds hundreds of design patents, allowing for unparalleled personalization options in home interiors.

 

AMI Unveils AMI Data Center Manager Version 6.0, Enhancing AI and GPU Management in Data Centers

ATLANTA, Feb. 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — AMI®, the global leader in Dynamic Firmware for worldwide computing, today announced the release of AMI Data Center Manager (DCM) version 6.0. Today’s major release delivers a host of new features, introducing new AI infrastructure and GPU management capabilities, support for new device types and server architectures, and additional capabilities that ensure data centers can efficiently manage their dense and diverse IT infrastructure. It also enhances the monitoring of utilization, energy consumption, and thermal performance – pivotal for scaling ROI and cost savings in increasingly large and dense data center environments.

AMI DCM v6.0 significantly broadens its scope with enhanced support for AMD-based servers and, for the first time, Arm®-based servers from NVIDIA® and Ampere®. These additions highlight AMI DCM’s commitment to supporting a wide range of server architectures with a unique single-pane-of-glass solution for data center management that is device, vendor, and architecture agnostic.

With today’s release, AMI DCM now supports most NVIDIA data center GPUs, as well as the NVIDIA GB200 NVL72 platform, providing data center administrators and operators with detailed insights into GPU health, performance, and power consumption to facilitate improved resource utilization and efficiency for AI and HPC computing clusters. Moreover, AMI DCM’s support for liquid cooling solutions addresses the thermal management needs of high-density GPU and AI deployments, ensuring optimal performance and longevity of the hardware.

Another standout feature of this new release is the real-time calculation and monitoring of Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE) and Carbon Usage Effectiveness (CUE) through direct integration with power meters. This capability allows data centers to dynamically manage and optimize their energy consumption, significantly enhancing sustainability efforts and reducing operational costs.

And for the first time, AMI DCM features new, tiered feature-based licensing. This new licensing structure allows data centers of all sizes to customize and scale their solutions according to their specific operational needs and growth, facilitating cost-effective expansion and adaptation to evolving demands.

“AMI DCM v6.0 represents a pivotal evolution in our approach to managing complex data center environments,” said Zach Bobroff, Chief Product Officer at AMI. “By enhancing our focus on GPUs and AI infrastructures and integrating sophisticated energy efficiency tracking tools, we’re enabling data centers worldwide to not only meet but exceed their performance and sustainability goals.”

AMI DCM v6.0 is available immediately for deployment through AMI’s extensive global sales and support network.

For more information about AMI Data Center Manager v6.0 or to schedule a demonstration, please visit https://www.ami.com/ami-dcm/ or contact dcm_sales@ami.com.

Arm® is a registered trademark of Arm Limited in the US and other countries. NVIDIA® is a registered trademark of NVIDIA Corporation in the US and other countries. Ampere® is a registered trademark of Ampere Computing LLC. All other trademarks and registered trademarks are the respective properties of their owners.

About AMI®
AMI is Firmware Reimagined for modern computing. As a global leader in Dynamic Firmware for security, orchestration, and manageability solutions, AMI enables the world’s compute platforms from on-premises to the cloud to the edge. AMI’s industry-leading foundational technology and unwavering customer support have generated lasting partnerships and spurred innovation for some of the most prominent brands in the high-tech industry. 

TO MARK THE 55th ANNIVERSARY OF EARTH DAY – EARTHDAY.ORG LAUNCHES EARTH ACTION DAY

WASHINGTON, Feb. 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — EARTHDAY.ORG (EDO), the global leader in Earth Day advocacy and the biggest environmental movement in the world today announces Earth Action Day. 

Just as we did on April 22, 1970, 55 years ago, we are once again calling on individuals, local communities, government and faith leaders, civil society, educators, and the media to unite in taking action to safeguard our future and protect the health of our planet. Earth Action Day offers every person the opportunity to contribute.  

The world is approaching irreversible tipping points.  Rising global temperatures, toxic pollutants, and crashing ecosystems are pushing the planet to the brink of collapse. Yet too many global political leaders are choosing this moment to roll back critical environmental regulations and crush renewable energy sources. 

For Earth Action Day we all must:  Arm ourselves with the knowledge to fight back, empowering students, teachers, workers, professionals, and faith communities to demand a sustainable future.  Raise our voices to pressure lawmakers to reject rollbacks, expand renewable energy, and end the plastic tsunami engulfing the world.  Take to the streets, organizing town halls, cleanups, rallies, and voter drives to build real power.  The time for hesitation is past. Earth Action Day is our chance to fight for a livable planet.  Before it’s too late.

“There is no role for timidity in confronting this assault on our future. We must each dig deep enough to find a fearless core.” Denis Hayes, national organizer of the first Earth Day and Board Chair Emeritus of EARTHDAY.ORG.

Antonique Smith, critically acclaimed singer, actress, CEO and co-founder of non-profit climate organization Climate Revival, has been named EARTHDAY.ORG, official ambassador for this year’s Earth Action Day initiative.  

“I am very honored to be an international ambassador for Earth Day 2025, and I take this role very seriously for a number of reasons,” stated the Rent star. “We need action right now. We need everyone, all over our beautiful world, to do all you can to help our planet! And we need love! Love is the most powerful force and the one we’re using the least. That’s why initiatives like Earth Action Day are so important—bringing people together to renew our commitment to a healthier, more sustainable world. I am going to do everything I can to inspire everyone on this planet to be excited and participate in Earth Day of Action 2025!” Antonique Smith, Climate Revival

This Earth Action Day, we honor the legacy of the first Earth Day – when 20 million Americans united to demand change. From that collective action, the environmental movement was born, resulting in landmark legislation and a growing awareness that a healthy planet meant healthy people. Whatever you do for EARTH ACTION DAY use our Social Media Kit to amplify, share and repost about your actions  – let’s make some noise! 

Educate Yourself & Others – Knowledge is Power: Education is the foundation of meaningful environmental action. Earth Action Day provides an opportunity to learn about climate science, renewable energy and the impact of plastic pollution on human health. One million students in the U.S. are already committed to participating in Earth Day events – we are inviting everyone to join. Use these materials to get educated. 

“Every morning when we open our eyes, the Earth welcomes us to a new day. In gratitude, we are called by God to protect all living things, air, land, and sea, with this promise — a transformative power will be given to make incredible changes. The will to do so is in our hands.Rev. Richard Cizik, President, New Evangelical Partnership for the Common Good

Advocate & Make Your Voice Count – Demand Action from Your Leaders: Take action by signing our Earth Action Day Petitions & Letters to Congress advocating for renewable energy, reducing plastic production and the protection of climate laws. Write to your elected officials and tell them to prioritize climate action, clean energy, and biodiversity conservation.  

“In times of moral crisis, those who maintain their neutrality reveal their true character.  We have the power to stop this assault– but only if we act now. This is our moment to stand on the right side of history.Kathleen Rogers, President EARTHDAY.ORG

Mobilize To Turn Awareness into Action: Earth Action Day is about holding our elected officials accountable. We must not roll back environmental regulations or allow corporations to pollute unchecked or accelerate our planetary crisis. Ensure your voice is heard by registering to vote and encourage others to do the same.  

REV QUOTE HERE ABOUT MOBILIZING AND MAKING YOUR VOICE COUNT

“From the streets to the ballot box, from policy to protest, we have the power to demand climate justice and build a sustainable future for our planet and our communities. Earth Action Day is a call to action—because silence is not an option when our very survival is on the line. We need bold leadership, real solutions, and an unwavering commitment that puts sustainability over short-term gains, especially for those from Black, Brown and Indigenous communities who are impacted first and worst by pollution and extreme weather. Our voices matter, our votes matter, and our power is real. This is our moment to mobilize, organize, and lead the charge for a healthier planet and a just future for all.” Rev. Lennox Yearwood Jr., Hip Hop Caucus President & CEO

Join or organize a Great Global Cleanup event, already responsible for cleaning up 17. 5 million pounds of trash. Join us in planting trees as we add to the 550 000 we have already planted. Organize a pro-renewable energy event at your local town hall or place of worship to highlight the importance of clean energy solutions. Or attend or host a Teach-In.  

“Earth Day reminds us that we’re literally in this together.” Bob Inglis, U.S. Rep. Executive Director, republicEn.org

Whether you’re advocating for local or global action, mobilizing for climate policy, or educating others about the impact of renewable energy, Earth Action Day is your chance to contribute to the health of our planet. Just ACT!

About EARTHDAY.ORG: Founded in 1970 by the organizers of the first Earth Day, EARTHDAY.ORG has grown into the world’s largest environmental movement, mobilizing over one billion people annually to protect the planet and its people. Our mission is to diversify, educate, and activate the environmental community globally. This year Earth Day marks its 55th anniversary and has designated this year’s Earth Day theme as Our Power, Our Planet. Learn more at EARTHDAY.ORG.

For media inquiries:  Terran Fielder, fielder@earthday.org, +1 661 444 4436

 

FranklinWH Announces aPower S with Direct Solar Integration and Begins US Domestic Manufacturing

aPower S offers a simple and flexible pairing for solar and storage, while FranklinWH begins manufacturing in California

SAN JOSE, Calif., Feb. 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — FranklinWH Energy Storage Inc. (FranklinWH) today announced the release of the aPower S, the newest addition of to its aPower series, a lithium iron phosphate home battery with a 15 kWh capacity and 15-year warranty. As the first residential battery to use Gen 2 grid- scale cells that generate more than 10,000 cycles, the aPower S provides homeowners with the peace of mind that they are protected amidst an aging electrical grid and extreme weather events.

To further improve the homeowner experience and its net present value in the market, the aPower S also improves utilization with solar PV panels by speeding up charging and discharging power and integrating with nearly all brands.

“The launch of the new aPower series opens a whole new chapter, not just for FranklinWH but for the evolution of home energy resilience,” said Gary Lam, Co-Founder and CEO of FranklinWH. “With decades of experience in this industry, I’ve always believed that true energy freedom comes from reliable, high-quality solutions that homeowners can trust. By investing in local manufacturing, we are not only ensuring higher quality and supply chain security but also creating new opportunities for economic growth and a more sustainable future for all.

aPower S

With its direct DC-to-PV capabilities and ease of use, the aPower S battery provides numerous benefits for homeowners and installers alike:

  • Simplicity: aPower S contains a hybrid inverter, directly connecting PV panels via DC while providing AC power to the home, simplifying installation. Simplified wiring solutions take only 15 minutes to complete and the aPower S battery can be commissioned in five minutes via the FranklinWH App.
  • Capacity: aPower S contains four 15 A MPPTs and provides 8 kW of charging power and 10 kW of discharge power, making it an ideal offering to pair with PV. The FranklinWH’s AC-coupled architecture enables up to 225 kWh of storage per aGate, allowing homeowners to meet both current and future energy needs.
  • Reliable: With its 15-year warranty and lithium-ion phosphate (LFP) batteries, the aPower S ensures homeowners are always protected in the event of an outage. Snow or shine, aPower S has an operating range of -4° F to 131° F with its natural air-cooled design.
  • Comfort: For homeowners, aPower S provides tranquility with noise levels as low as 30 dBA. Seamless backup ensures both efficiency and comfortability.
  • Value: aPower S has a 15 kWh capacity with 60 MWh throughput, resulting in the highest NPV on the market due to its longevity and return over time. The battery’s impressive capacity offers additional benefits for VPP programs by maximizing potential savings.

aPower 2 Domestic Manufacturing

Alongside the addition of the aPower S, FranklinWH is beginning to manufacture the aPower 2 in California. “This marks our first step into U.S. manufacturing, a milestone that reflects our commitment to strengthening domestic production while continuing driving innovation in energy storage,” said Gary Lam. Expanding manufacturing options to support a global presence is a strategic focus for the firm in order to support our partners and customers.

FranklinWH at Intersolar

FranklinWH team members will be attending this week’s Intersolar conference in San Diego, CA, to provide new demonstrations of aPower S at booth 1905. FranklinWH will also be spearheading a presentation at the Intersolar Hub discussing best practices for installers participating in virtual power plant (VPP) programs, including how the aPower S is uniquely suited to improve the homeowner experience.

“As energy costs continue to rise, we are committed to offer whole home solutions that help homeowners take control of their energy independence in a safe, reliable way,” said  Vincent Ambrose, Chief Commercial Officer at FranklinWH. “Intersolar will be a great opportunity to connect with other industry leaders and continue the conversation around how best to improve the homeowner experience at such a vital time.”

To learn more, visit franklinwh.com.

About FranklinWH
FranklinWH Energy Storage is the manufacturer of the FranklinWH system. FranklinWH is a market- oriented, research-driven company focused on next-generation residential energy management and storage solutions. Headquartered in the San Francisco Bay Area, FranklinWH’s team has decades of experience in energy systems, from design, through manufacturing, to sales and installation. FranklinWH is AVL-listed with multiple financial institutions. Learn more about how homeowners can achieve energy freedom at franklinwh.com.

CONTACT: Franklinwh@pancomm.com