From the Desk of our CEO

First and foremost, I want to wish everyone a happy and healthy holiday season.

As we close out 2024, it has undoubtedly been a year filled with twists and turns, challenges, and opportunities that are finally coming into focus. From geopolitical turmoil and domestic inflation to supply chain disruptions, labor shortages, and the odd small drone buzzing over our homes, these are anything but dull times.

So how does the business climate account for all this change? As many seasoned professionals know, when we understand the challenges, we can make better decisions. Some decisions come easily, while others require adapting to a disruptive market.

Having spent 40 years in this industry, I can confidently say one thing remains constant: we must adapt.?

At Emerald Ecovations, we don’t resist change—we thrive on it. This mindset is a testament to our incredible team, who embody adaptability, education, innovation, and communication.

2024: A Year of Milestones

This year brought significant achievements for Emerald Ecovations:

• Acquisition of Miscanthus Renewable Fiber Plant: Adding 250,000 pounds per week to our fiber supply chain, positioning ourselves as leaders in the space as we go into 2025.
• Cradle-to-Cradle Compost Solution: Finalized our full-circle solution with three DEC-certified compost facilities in the Northeast to support our 100% compostable products, illustrating to the world that we are driving change and innovation in sustainability.?
• Launch of OG25 (Organic Growth) Platform: A first-of-its-kind distribution program providing supply chain partners with a turnkey sustainable product portfolio. We are going to help distributors bring sustainability to every office!

Common Sense Sustainability

While sustainability continues to gain momentum, there are still those who hesitate. I’ve spoken with peers who remain skeptical about climate issues, and I respect that perspective. But I pose a simple question: If we can do something that has a positive effect, why not do it?

We call it Common Sense Sustainability. Why cut down trees for paper cups and toilet tissue when we don’t have to? Why use harmful chemicals, dyes, and plastics when alternatives exist?

The answer often comes back to, “Because that’s the way we’ve always done it.” To that, I say, it’s time for a new way.

Breaking Barriers to Innovation

Change is often slowed by embedded bureaucracy, supply chain complexities, and misdirected? business models like buying co-ops and GPOs. These barriers prevent innovative solutions from reaching the end user clients with market solutions that address critical challenges like deforestation, plastic pollution, and a healthier food supply chain.

Shockingly, 92% of innovations never make it to market at first attempt. Inventors run out of funding, lose momentum, or stop believing. Imagine a world where those barriers didn’t exist—where innovation could flow freely and solutions could benefit everyone from supply chains to end clients.

Looking Ahead to 2025

Despite the challenges, I’m incredibly proud of our team’s dedication to innovation and our clients’ trust in us. Together, we’re driving measurable success in achieving sustainability goals, efficiently and cost-effectively.

In 2025, we remain committed to:

• Bringing our supply chain closer to home, supporting American manufacturing.
• Delivering solutions that prioritize sensible, sustainable, and healthier living.

Thank you all for your hard work, passion, and belief in what we do. Let’s continue to dream big and make those dreams a reality in 2025.

Wishing you all a joyous holiday season and a bright New Year ahead.

Warm regards,

Ralph