Net Impact Recognized by Hillenbrand in NYSE Global Giving Campaign

BATESVILLE, Ind. December 1, 2023 – Hillenbrand, Inc. (NYSE: HI) has chosen Net Impact, a global non-profit focused on engaging students on critical social and environmental issues, to be honored as part of the New York Stock Exchange’s (NYSE) Global Giving Campaign and the 100^th annual Christmas Tree Lighting.

The NYSE's Global Giving Campaign encourages companies to highlight their contributions towards helping those in need and promoting the many important organizations backed by the NYSE Listed Company Community. Each participating company and charity is acknowledged with a brief feature on the campaign's website and a commemorative custom ornament, which decorates the trees at the NYSE's VIP entrance. The ornament representing Hillenbrand and Net Impact is displayed below.

In 2022, Hillenbrand and Net Impact began their partnership through the development of the Circular Plastics Challenge aimed at continuing to innovate and promote sustainability within the plastics value chain. Next-generation innovators collaborated to rethink the challenges the plastics value chain faces from creation to collection. In 2023, over 150 participants engaged from 13 different countries, resulting in five finalist teams competing for first place. 96% of participants reported that they were inspired to continue working towards incorporating plastics in the circular economy and 92% of participants reported that they learned concrete actions they can take to make positive changes through this program.

"We are thrilled to have built an impactful partnership with Hillenbrand as we work together to empower the next generation of innovators. Our programs are activating young leaders to address critical global issues while showing them that they can make a difference through innovation and collaboration,” said Hilary Manzo, Associate Director of Programs, Net Impact.

Net Impact inspires, equips, and activates emerging leaders to build a more just and sustainable world. With over 130,000 members in 300+ Chapters at colleges, universities, and local communities worldwide, Net Impact takes on social challenges, protects the environment, develops new concepts and approaches, and leverages the tools of business toward the greater good. In short, Net Impact helps people turn their passions into a lifetime of world-changing action.

"Our collaboration with Net Impact reaffirms our dedication to sustainability and engages the next generation in innovative problem-solving," stated Kim Ryan, President and CEO of Hillenbrand. "Plastics play a key role in numerous sustainable trends, from prolonging food shelf life to enhancing electronic and medical technologies. Addressing the circularity of plastics is crucial for many of our customers and I am looking forward to seeing what exciting initiatives our relationship with Net Impact will continue to bring.”

The winners of the 2023 Circular Plastics Case Competition are highlighted on the Company’s website.

Hillenbrand and Net Impact are partnering again to develop circular innovations for plastics in the 2024 Circular Plastics Challenge. Students and professionals from all academic backgrounds are encouraged to learn more by downloading the challenge brief on the 2024 Circular Plastics Challenge program page. For additional information on how to get involved, interested parties may contact the Program Manager, Hilary Manzo, at [email protected].