Pandora Closes the Box on Mined Diamonds

Pandora Closes the Box on Mined Diamonds

July 7, 2021
Lisa M. Spencer

The popular jewelry company, Pandora, will no longer source real diamonds and will exclusively use lab grown diamonds instead.

A combination of low cost and sustainability strategies are driving this change to make beautiful jewelry that is more affordable, accessible, and sustainable.  Pandora’s decision follows a larger market trend that has seen the production of lab-grown diamonds increase to approximately six or seven million carats in 2020, while mined diamonds saw demand drop.

Video Spotlight: 

This post is based on the CNN article, Pandora says laboratory-made diamonds are forever, by Jonathan Josephs, May 4, 2021; CBS News article, Pandora, world’s largest jewelry marker, will no longer use mined diamonds, by Sophie Lewis, May 7, 2021; and the YouTube video in the Spotlight. Image source: Tetra Images/Alamy

Discussion Questions:

1. How does the move to lab-grown diamonds fit with Pandora’s operations strategies?

Guidance: CEO Alexander Lacik says that low cost is a prime driver of the move to using more lab-grown diamonds.  While Pandora’s jewelry is recognized for good quality and attractive design, its design and price point are Continue reading →

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Annie’s Product Redesign: A Case for Ethics and Safety

Annie’s Product Redesign: A Case for Ethics and Safety

April 24, 2021
Lisa M. Spencer

Annie’s Homegrown organic Mac and Cheese products came under scrutiny because very small traces of phthalates were found in the dairy products and packaging it uses.  Other U.S. cheese products have faced similar findings.

Some research suggests that phthalates can be linked to problems with male fertility and the health of babies, including neurodevelopment and behavioral problems.  While the levels found are below the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA’s) thresholds for human consumption, Annie’s is nevertheless committed to continuing to review the research in this area and help find ways to deal with this issue.

Video Spotlight: 

This post is based on the Food Packaging Forum article, Annie’s to eliminate phthalates from products, packaging, by Vanessa Srebny, February 23, 2021; the Fox News article, Annie’s removing a chemical in mac and cheese linked to fertility issues, by Kayla Rivas, February 26, 2021; and the YouTube video in the Spotlight. Image source: FoodCollection

Discussion Questions:

1. What is value analysis and how does it pertain to this issue?

Guidance: Value analysis is the process of Continue reading →

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Gender Neutral Mr. Potato Head

Gender Neutral Mr. Potato Head

April 8, 2021
Lisa M. Spencer

Hasbro’s iconic “Mr. Potato Head” is being rebranded as simply “Potato Head.”

According to a company spokesperson, this allows children as young as its target audience of two- and three-year-olds to create whatever gender potatoes and families they wish.  A “family-pack” will include two large potatoes and one small one with over forty pieces for children to use to create the families of their choice.

While some welcome the change in the name of inclusiveness, others are raising an eyebrow to this level of “political correctness” in a toy targeted towards small children.

Video Spotlight: 

This post is based on the Fast Company article, The iconic Mr. Potato Head gets a 21st century rebrand, by Dr. Elizabeth Segran,  February 25, 2021, and the YouTube video in the Spotlight. Image source: D. Hurst/Alamy

Discussion Questions:

1. What is the product life cycle and where are Mr. and Mrs. Potato Head, soon to be known simply as “Potato Head,” in that cycle?

Guidance: The product life cycle depicts the various stages in the life of a product, beginning with the introductory phase, Continue reading →

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