CN
Through its EcoConnexions Partnership Program, CN is celebrating 73 customers, suppliers, and supply chain partners “dedicated to building a more sustainable future by supporting climate action, reducing their environmental impact, promoting biodiversity, and implementing more sustainable and ethical business practices.”
This year, CN said it is “strengthening” its program by recognizing partners at the Gold, Silver, and Bronze levels. In recognition of their achievement and commitment to sustainability, CN is teaming with Tree Canada to plant 100,000 trees.
“We are proud to work with partners who share our vision and commitment to building a sustainable future,” CN Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer Remi G. Lalonde said. “Sustainability is a journey that requires collaboration across the entire supply chain. Together, we are working to drive meaningful change and this program is an example of our progress.”
“Engaging with our suppliers is a key element in achieving CN’s sustainability goals,” added CN Vice President, Procurement and Supply Management JJ Dratva. “Through programs like EcoConnexions, we’re recognizing the essential contributions of our partners and reinforcing the importance of sustainable procurement practices in delivering responsibly across the supply chain.”
And CN’s 2024 EcoConnexions Partnership Program recipients, in alphabetical order, are:
Gold Partners:
- Alcoa Corporation
- ArcelorMittal Dofasco, G.P.
- BASF Canada
- Bunge North America
- Canfor
- Cargill
- Cascades
- CMA CGM (America) LLC
- Domtar
- Dupont
- Evergreen Shipping Agency (America)
- Ford Motor Company
- Honda Canada
- Kraft Heinz Canada
- Labatt Brewing Company
- Lindt & Sprüngli (Canada)Inc
- Michelin North America
- Mondelēz International
- Nissan North America
- Nortera Foods
- Nouryon
- Owens Corning
- Oxy Chemical Corporation
- PepsiCo Canada
- Resolute Forest Products Canada
- Suncor
- Teck Resources Limited
- Toyota Canada
- Walmart Canada
- West Fraser Timber
- Weyerhaeuser
- Yang Ming
Silver Partners:
- Atlantic Container Line
- Cenovus Energy
- CF Industries
- COSCO Shipping Lines North America
- Gerdau
- Gibson Energy
- Greenbrier Companies
- Halifax Port Authority
- Hapag Lloyd America
- Heidelberg Materials
- Imperial Oil
- Ingredion
- J.B. Hunt
- Kruger Products LP
- Maersk Line
- Maple Leaf Foods
- NOVA Chemicals
- OOCL Usa
- Ocean Network Express (ONE)
- Prince Rupert Port Authority
- Progress Rail
- Schneider
- Secure Energy
- Tenaris Global Services USA
- UPS
- Vancouver Fraser Port Authority
- Viterra
- Volkswagen Group Canada
- Vopak
- Wabtec
- Zim Integrated Services
Bronze Partners:
- BCD Travel
- Cando Rail
- CBS Maintenance Ltd.
- Hatch
- HOPA Ports
- Louisiana Pacific
- McAsphalt Industries
- MSC (Canada)
- Montreal Port Authority
- Trinity Industries
Meanwhile, CN reported joining Clean Fuels Alliance America, a national trade association representing the biodiesel, renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel supply chain.
“The increased use of cleaner fuels is a key strategic enabler for decarbonizing supply chains,” CN said in a LinkedIn post reporting its membership. “For this reason, an ecosystem of collaboration between fuel producers, locomotive manufacturers, and governments is an important area of focus for CN.”
Based in Jefferson City, Mo., Clean Fuels Alliance America describes itself as “the coordinating body for research and development in the United States, comprised of state, national and international feedstock and feedstock processor organizations, fuel suppliers, fuel marketers, distributors and technology providers.”
In 1992, Missouri state soybean commodity groups founded the National SoyDiesel Development Board, which changed its name in 1994 to the National Biodiesel Board. In 2021, the National Biodiesel Board became Clean Fuels Alliance America, in a move that was said to “reflect the organization’s position as a proven, innovative part of America’s clean energy mix.”
Starting with seven members in 1992, Clean Fuels Alliance America now represents more than 100 companies in nearly all 50 states, varying from Fortune 100 companies to small, family-owned producers.
Further Reading: UP: Putting Biofuels to the Test
CSX / UP
CSX and UP are two of the 600 companies on Newsweek’s “2025 America’s Most Responsible Companies” list.
The list is compiled annually by Newsweek and global research and data firm Statista. They evaluate the 2,000 largest U.S. public companies to identify the top 600 that excel in corporate responsibility. The assessment is based on more than 30 key performance indicators across three pillars: environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG). Additionally, more than 26,000 U.S. residents participate in a “reputation survey” to gauge each company’s corporate responsibility efforts.
CSX, which marked its fourth consecutive year on the list, ranked No. 171 overall, up from 258 in 2024. UP was ranked No. 251 overall, up from No. 569 in 2024. Out of the 22 companies represented in the Transportation & Logistics category, CSX was No. 1 and UP was No. 3. Among the other companies included: J.B. Hunt (No. 214 overall, and No. 2 in the category); The Greenbrier Companies (No. 281 overall, and No. 4 in the category); and Wabtec (No. 345 overall, and No. 6 in the category).
The other industry categories represented on the list are: Automotive & Components; Capital Goods; Energy & Utilities; Financial; Health Care, Life Sciences & Pharmaceuticals; Hotels, Dining & Leisure; Materials & Chemicals; Media & Telecommunications; Professional Services; Real Estate & Housing; Retail & Consumer Goods; Software; and Technology.
“CSX’s commitment to responsible business practices is at the heart of everything we do—it guides our decisions, strengthens our communities, and drives us toward a more sustainable future,” said Joe Hinrichs, CSX President and CEO, who was named Railway Age’s 2025 Railroader of the Year. “Earning recognition as the most responsible company in the Transportation and Logistics sector is another testament of what our ONE CSX team can achieve when we work together with integrity.”
