Innovation Forum Podcast

This week: Rob Nicholls, general manager for programmes and projects at palm oil business Musim Mas, and Kaixiang Chin, sustainability manager for Asia at Bunge, talk with Ian Welsh about their joint "train-the-trainer" model that strengthens local capacity and builds long-term resilience for independent smallholders.    Plus: EAT-Lancet warns food systems breaching limits; Net-Zero Banking Alliance disbands; UN plastics treaty chair resigns; and, TerraCycle urges UK action on reusable packaging, in the news digest by Ellen Atiyah.   Host: Ian Welsh

Kristine Kim, senior director of impact and responsible sourcing at Dôen, talks with Innovation Forum's Niamh Campbell about how the brand builds long-term, trust-based partnerships with suppliers – rooted in accountability, transparency and mutual respect. They discuss how responsible purchasing practices and community investment drive resilience and business value beyond compliance.   We'll be launching our 2026 apparel conference series shortly. Click below to register your interest: Amsterdam (29-30 April 2026) New York City (3-4 June 2026)

This week: Mark Gutierrez and Alex Udermann from the Minnesota Soil Health Coalition talk with Ian Welsh about how farmers are leading a quiet revolution beneath their feet – restoring degraded soils, cutting fertiliser use, and helping others avoid costly mistakes.    Plus: from EUDR uncertainty and climate resilience to regenerative agroforestry and AI-enabled traceability, Innovation Forum's Anamya Anurag shares how companies are moving beyond compliance toward real system change. She discusses how tools such as blockchain, remote sensing, and payments for ecosystem services are driving more transparent and resilient supply chains.   Host: Ian Welsh   We'll be in Amsterdam later this month for the Sustainable Commodities and Landscapes Forum to continue the conversation. Listen to the episode for an exclusive discount. Click here for information on how to get involved.

This week: Keefe Harrison, chief executive of the Recycling Partnership, talks with Ian Welsh about how US recycling can scale through data, design, and new policies such as the Circle Act and EPR laws. They also discuss why fixing the system requires $17bn in investment and how CalFlex is reshaping flexible packaging recycling in California.   Plus: SBTi launches training to boost green skills; climate change displaces Bangladesh garment workers; Nespresso to launch regenerative certified coffee; and, why the Paris Agreement goals are slipping away, in the news digest by Ellen Atiyah.   Host: Ian Welsh   To continue the conversation on sustainable packaging, we will be in Chicago on 28-29 October for the upcoming sustainable packaging innovation forum. Click here for information on how to get involved.

Fernando Bellese, senior director for beef and leather supply chains at WWF, talks with Ian Welsh about how a new deforestation free leather fund aims to scale transparency, improve pasture management and help reintegrate farmers into more tightly-regulated markets. They set out how these steps can safeguard farmer livelihoods in the transition to sustainable leather and prepare companies for tightening global deforestation regulations.

This week: Sajeev Mohankumar, senior technical specialist at FAIRR Initiative, talks with Ian Welsh about the role of value chain actors in de-risking the transition towards regenerative agriculture. They explore how cost-sharing agreements and off-take contracts can help align environmental goals with economic realities.   Plus: Innovation Forum's Niamh Campbell unpacks the latest findings from Textile Exchange's annual Materials Market Report. She highlights the drivers behind polyester growth and the emerging role of recycled fibres and regenerative practices.   And, another delay proposed for the EU deforestation regulation; Collective Fashion Justice highlights fashion's methane footprint; and, report finds greenwashing fears undermine corporate sustainability, in the news digest.   Host: Ian Welsh   Join the complimentary webinar ‘Food, fashion, and farmers: finding common ground on regenerative agriculture' on Wednesday 15thOctober at 4pm CEST / 10am EDT. Hear from Canada Goose, McDonalds, Bowles Farming Company and the Almond Board of California. Click here to join.

Etelle Higonnet, founder of Coffee Watch, talks with Ian Welsh about the big sustainability challenges in coffee, from deforestation and water stress to poverty incomes and labour rights. They highlight solutions such as agroforestry, better farmer livelihoods and stronger governance to help shift coffee from being a cause of environmental and social harm to a force for regeneration.

Coastal ecosystems such as mangroves, seagrasses, and salt marshes – collectively known as blue carbon – are some of the most efficient natural carbon sinks on the planet, storing carbon up to 10 times faster than terrestrial forests. They also protect coastlines, support fisheries and provide critical habitat for biodiversity. Yet these ecosystems are disappearing rapidly, and their protection remains underfunded in most climate strategies.   The importance of blue carbon is beginning to gain traction among corporate sustainability teams, but it still represents a small share of nature-based investments. There's a clear opportunity to change that, especially in regions such as west Africa where high-impact restoration efforts are underway. Our panel of experts: Whitney Johston, director of ocean sustainability, Salesforce Yihan Wang, strategy and climate impact, Terraformation Amy Schmid, global blue carbon project lead, Conservation International Ledama Masidza, founder and marine conservationist, KindWorld Project The discussion covers: What to look for in a high-quality blue carbon project How blue carbon fits into broader net-zero strategies Why west Africa is a critical region for scalable blue carbon investment This session is designed for corporate sustainability, ESG, and procurement professionals exploring nature-based climate solutions. Case study: This session studies ReDAW, a mangrove restoration project in Ghana's Anlo wetlands. It's one of the few blue carbon projects of its kind currently in development globally, demonstrating measurable impact for climate, communities, and biodiversity. We also explore what credible blue carbon projects look like today, where the gaps are, and how companies can support this work in a way that aligns with climate, nature, and community goals.

This week: With the global race to secure sustainable critical mineral supply chains intensifying, financing remains one of the sector's toughest hurdles. ING's Tim van Pelt talks with Innovation Forum's Ian Welsh to unpack where the gaps lie in funding critical mineral projects and how companies can navigate the challenges to unlock capital.   Plus: Innovation Forum's Emilia Colman highlights key emerging themes ahead of the Critical Minerals Innovation Forum in London this November from supply chain transparency and ESG pressures to shifting corporate strategies as demand accelerates.   Host: Ian Welsh   Click here for the recording of the recent streamlining standards webinar with ICMM and ZF Group, organised in the lead up to the Critical Minerals Innovation Forum on 5th-6th November. Join Anglo American, ICMM, Glencore, BHP, Vale Base Metals, Airbus, BASF, LG Energy Solutions, Ørsted, Standard Chartered Bank, and many more. Click here for more information on how to register, or contact emilia.colman@innovationforum.co.uk.

This week: Florent Bouguin, chief technology officer at Optel, talks with Innovation Forum's Ian Welsh about the top and bottom line benefits and opportunities of supply chain traceability, particularly in the context of a shifting regulatory landscape. Plus: Mars, PepsiCo, and ADM unite to boost Polish regenerative farming; CEOs prioritise sustainability action as competitive edge; report finds European wild fish heavily contaminated with toxic PFAS; and, clean energy set to replace 75% of fossil fuel demand, in the news digest by Ellen Atiyah. Host: Ian Welsh

Fashion's climate and nature strategies are converging – but what does that mean for brands and suppliers? Beth Jensen, chief impact officer at Textile Exchange, reflects on the key takeaways from our recent apparel conference, from cross-industry collaboration to the role of data. In conversation with Innovation Forum's Tanya Richard, she explains why nature-positive practices are not only about driving sustainability, but also about building supply chain resilience.

This week: blue carbon ecosystems such as mangroves, seagrass and salt marshes, can sequester carbon up to ten times faster than terrestrial forests, while also protecting coastlines and supporting biodiversity. Ahead of our webinar, Yihan Wang from Terraformation talks with Innovation Forum's Ellen Atiyah to explain their climate potential, why they remain undervalued and how projects like Ghana's Kita Blue Project are changing the story. Plus: Innovation Forum's Lia Da Giau shares insights on the trends reshaping packaging, from regulatory deadlines and circular models to breakthrough material and infrastructure solutions. Host: Ian Welsh Join us on Wednesday 17 September at 4pm CEST / 10am EDT for a complimentary webinar on the potential for blue carbon in net-zero strategies. Hear from Salesforce, Terraformation and Conservation International. Click here to reserve your spot. To continue the conversation on sustainable packaging, we will be in Chicago on 28-29 October for the upcoming sustainable packaging innovation forum. Click here for information on how to get involved.

This week: From tariffs to COVID-19, recent shocks have shown that resilient supply chains rely on trust, not transactions. Kristine Kim, senior director for impact and responsible sourcing at US fashion brand DÔEN, talks with Innovation Forum's Niamh Campbell about how equal partnerships, responsible purchasing and long-term commitments can create shared value for both brands and suppliers.   Plus: EU sets binding targets for food and textile waste; M&S commits to UK-sourced sustainable produce; nature loss risks cost industries trillions; and, the need for durable carbon removal, in the news digest with Ellen Atiyah.   Host: Ian Welsh

Vidhu Nagpal and Alex Abbott from SmartSolve Industries talk with Ian Welsh about why recycling rates for flexible packaging remain so low, and how new water-soluble, bio-based materials, could provide a breakthrough. They discuss the limits of recycling, the promise of zero-waste packaging technologies, and why rethinking materials at the design stage rather than only at end-of-life, could disrupt the sector.   To continue the conversation, SmartSolve Industries will be attending the upcoming sustainable packaging innovation forum in Chicago on 28-29 October. Click here for information on how to get involved.

This week: Henkel's vice president for sustainability, Ulla Hueppe, spoke with Ian Welsh at the recent scope 3 innovation forum about the company's strategy to cut supply chain emissions. They discuss balancing the costs of change with the risks of inaction and why data quality is the backbone of any credible sustainability strategy. Plus: Innovation Forum's Hannah Oborne talks about the disconnect between corporate sustainability progress and public communication, including the rise in greenhushing, and internal alignment towards scope 3 integration in decision-making. Host: Ian Welsh We'll be continuing the conversation at the scope 3 innovation forum USA (Washington DC, 3-4 December). Join the likes of Colgate-Palmolive, Ulta Beauty, Mondelēz International, KFC, Mars, Michelin, eBay, Danone, IKEA, Verra and many more. Click here for information on how to get involved.

This week: WWF's senior director for beef and leather supply chains, Fernando Bellese, talks with Ian Welsh about the launch of the new deforestation free leather fund. They highlight how the fund aims to drive transparency, support farmers and reintegrate producers into stricter markets.    Plus: Indonesia's deforestation puzzle raises accountability concerns; fashion giants under fire for weak decarbonisation plans; South Australia bans fish-shaped soy sauce bottles; and, UK retailer M&S launches second-hand clothing store on eBay, in the news digest with Ellen Atiyah.   Host: Ian Welsh   We'll be continuing the conversation at the sustainable commodities and landscapes forum in Amsterdam on 21-22 October. Listen to the podcast for an exclusive discount.Click here for information on how to get involved.

Alex Udermann and Mark Gutierrez, farmers at the Minnesota Soil Health Coalition, join Ian Welsh to share how they and their colleagues across the state are restoring soil, cutting input costs and building resilience. They discuss the power of peer-to-peer mentorship, practical tools for soil health, and why profitability and sustainability can go hand in hand.   This interview was recorded at the recent future of food and beverage forum in Minneapolis. We'll be continuing the conversation on farmer collaboration and climate resilience at thesustainable commodities and landscapes forum in Amsterdam on 21-22 October. Join the likes of Henkel, Mars, Danone, Coca-Cola Europacific Partners, Diageo, Nestlé, HSBC, NatWest, Standard Chartered, Ferrero, Asahi and many more. Click here for information on how to get involved.

This week: Nicole Cramer from the Rainforest Alliance talks with Ian Welsh about how data collection can actually help farmers instead of burdening them. They discuss building farmer-centred data systems, translating information into practical improvements on the farm, and aligning long-standing agricultural programmes with emerging global regulations.   Plus: Innovation Forum's Anamya Anurag talks with Ian Welsh about the emerging challenges in soft commodities, from climate shocks to geopolitical disruptions. They explore latest corporate innovations in creating supply chains that are both adaptive and sustainable.   Host: Ian Welsh

This week: Etelle Higgonnet, founder of CoffeeWatch talks with Ian Welsh about the environmental and human costs behind global coffee production. From deforestation and biodiversity loss to pesticide overuse and child labour, they explore how agroforestry, living wages and responsible corporate practices can transform the industry.   Plus: UK supermarket Asda launches sustainable supply chain finance; WHO, WMO warn extreme heat threatens workers; and, Nestlé unveils full-pod cocoa processing innovation, in the news digest by Ellen Atiyah.   Host: Ian Welsh   To continue the conversation and dive deeper, join us for the Sustainable Commodities and Landscapes Forum, taking place in Amsterdam on 21-22 October. This leading business conference brings together 250+ supply chain and sustainability professionals to address the greatest risks - and opportunities - in commodity supply chains. Industry leaders and experts will further explore these vital themes and drive nature-resilience throughout the entire supply chain. Click here for information on how to get involved.

Farmers Jocelyn Schlichting and Carla Schultz share their perspectives on the risks and realities of implementing regenerative practices in the US agriculture sector. In conversation with Innovation Forum's Ian Welsh, they discuss why partnerships with food manufacturers and genuine farmer voices are essential to making sustainability work on the ground.

This week: Beth Jensen, chief impact officer at Textile Exchange talks with Innovation Forum's Tanya Richard about key conversations and takeaways from the recent sustainable apparel and textiles conference in New York. They discuss nature-positive strategies and how brands can better align with farmers and growers. Plus: global plastics treaty talks collapse again; fashion emissions rise despite brand progress; water insecurity flagged as a major financial risk; and, US makes moves to secure critical minerals, in the news digest by Ellen Atiyah. Host: Diana Kim To register your interest for the 2026 sustainable apparel and textiles conference series: Amsterdam (April) New York City (June)

At the recent scope 3 innovation forum in Amsterdam, Tilmann Silber, head of net zero at Barry Callebaut talks with Ian Welsh about the current challenges in tropical supply chains. They discuss insights on supply chain resilience, on-farm adaptation strategies and the evolving role of KPIs in proving impact. They explore how brands and suppliers can collaborate to manage risk and co-invest in solutions. We'll be continuing the conversation at the Scope 3 Innovation Forum USA, taking place in Washington DC on 3-4 December 2025. Join the likes of Ulta Beauty, Colgate-Palmolive, KFC, Mars, BIC, eBay, Volvo Group, IKEA, Verra, United Airlines and many more. Click here for information on how to get involved.

In this briefing, a snippet from the recent critical minerals webinar with World Resources Institute (WRI), Harmony Gold Mining Company, The Weir Group and Eramet. Reza Rahmaditio, critical minerals project lead at WRI Indonesia, outlines the biggest challenges in decarbonising nickel and other minerals. He discusses energy intensity, remote locations and market pressures – and how companies are beginning to respond with efficiency, new technologies and green premiums. Host: Diana Kim To continue the conversation and dive deeper, join us for the Critical Minerals Innovation Forum, taking place in London on 5th-6th November This two-day business conference connects the full critical mineral value chain from mining, processing and refining to automotive, electronics and renewables. Industry leaders and experts will further explore these vital themes and drive forward the transition to a low-carbon minerals sector. Click here for information on how to get involved.

At the recent sustainable apparel and textiles conference in New York, Ellen MacArthur Foundation's Danielle Holly spoke with Innovation Forum's Tanya Richard about how brands can make money without producing more clothes. They share lessons from the foundation's Fashion ReModel project and examples from H&M and Coach that are proving the business case for circularity.

This week: Vidhu Nagpal, director for flexible packaging, and Alex Abbott, chief revenue officer at SmartSolve Industries, talk with Ian Welsh about why recycling rates for flexible packaging remain stubbornly low and how a zero-waste solution could change the game.   And, French bottled water brands face “natural”| label controversy; UK supermarket chain partners with food waste apps for real-time discount alerts; and, researchers update open-source framework to spot greenwashing, in the news digest by Ellen Atiyah.   Host: Ian Welsh   To continue the conversation, SmartSolve Industries will be attending the upcoming sustainable packaging innovation forum in Chicago on 28-29 October. Click here for information on how to get involved.

This week: Davide Braghiroli, director for packaging sustainability solutions at Tetra Pak, talks with Ian Welsh about the impact of the European Union's packaging and packaging waste directive. They highlight how the regulation will change material choices, supply chain transparency and potential opportunities.   And, Innovation Forum's Lia Da Giau share latest updates in sustainable packaging, from the global plastics treaty to corporate innovation toward packaging circularity.   Host: Ian Welsh   We'll be continuing the conversation at the sustainable packaging innovation forum, taking place in Chicago on 28-29 October. Click here for information on how to get involved.

This week: Alex Udermann and Mark Gutierrez, farmers from the Minnesota Soil Health Coalition, talk with Ian Welsh about how working on improving soil health improves productivity and farm profitability. They share insights on how healthier soils build resilience and cut inputs.   And, carbon markets expert and former CEO of Verra, David Antonioli reflects on the evolving role of the markets at the 2024 scope 3 innovation forum USA.   Plus: Barclays next bank to quit net-zero alliance; Barry Callebaut develops lab-grown cocoa; no safe level of processed meat, major study warns; and, global plastic crisis fuels major health risks, in the news digest by Ellen Atiyah.   Host: Ian Welsh

In the second episode of Innovation Forum's podcast series on corporate readiness for the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), in collaboration with Deloitte & Touche LLP, we explore how companies can go further than ticking compliance boxes and instead use EUDR as a springboard for long-term business strategy. Ian Welsh is joined by John O'Brien, managing director at Deloitte & Touche LLP, to discuss how EUDR requirements can unlock new value. From building trust with consumers and de-risking supply chains to accessing new markets and premium pricing opportunities, they explore how aligning compliance efforts with broader sustainability goals can deliver competitive advantage. Key themes include: Why EUDR is more than a regulatory requirement The role of traceability and reliable data in understanding supply chain resilience How nature-related risks are evolving, and why businesses should prepare now What companies at different stages of readiness should prioritize next Whether you're just getting started with EUDR or are looking to build on existing systems, this episode offers strategic insights for transforming compliance into impact.

This week: Kevin Rabinovitch, chief climate officer at Mars, talks with Ian Welsh about embedding climate targets into core business strategy, decoupling growth from greenhouse gas output, scaling pilots into transformational change and why science should set the pace to net zero. And, Innovation Forum's Hannah Oborne discusses how companies are moving compliance to build supplier partnerships that integrate social and environmental goals alongside carbon reduction, featuring innovations such as IKEA's investment in clean delivery fleets and Unilever's climate and nature fund. Host: Ian Welsh

This week: North Dakota rancher and UK Channel 5 TV personality Jay Doan joins Ian Welsh to share a frontline perspective on regenerative agriculture and farm resilience. Recorded at the recent Future of Food and Beverage conference in Minneapolis, they talk about why regenerative agriculture is far from a trend, it's a decades-old practice rooted in resilience, land stewardship, and long-term thinking. Jay also talks about why he things Big Ag has failed consumers. Plus: A landmark UN ruling opens the door to legal accountability for climate damage; climate change drives food price spikes; Wales deposit return scheme faces industry pushback; and new research reveals gaps in US insurance sector climate risk disclosure, all in the news digest with Ellen Atiyah. Host: Ian Welsh   Stay up-to-date on our podcasts by following us on PodBean, Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Google Podcasts.

Julien Tremblin, European general manager at TerraCycle talks with Ian Welsh about the challenges of making sustainable packaging economically viable. They highlight why some materials are recycled while others end up in landfills, and how voluntary take-back programs are filing the gaps left by traditional recycling systems. To continue the conversation with TerraCycle, join the sustainable packaging innovation forum in Chicago on 28-29 October. Click here for information on how to get involved.

This week: Nicole Cramer, Rainforest Alliance, talks with Ian Welsh about the challenges involved in collecting farm level data, in particular the need to not overburden growers with unrealistic expectations and to ensure value incentives are set appropriately. And, Innovation Forum's Anamya Anurag discusses some of the emerging themes and innovation from companies sourcing tropical forest commodities.

Sarah Rosenkranz and Bettina Fafengut from testing and certifiers Hohenstein Group talk with Ian Welsh about how cotton certification is raising the bar for trust in textile sustainability. They explore how combining organic standards with rigorous chemical testing is addressing traceability gaps and greenwashing risks.

This week: Barry Callebaut's head of net zero Tilmann Silber talks with Ian Welsh about how physical climate risks are emerging in tropical commodity supply chains. They discuss the need for supply chain resilience through innovative solutions, highlighting the likes of agroforestry and vertical integration.   Plus: a snippet of a recent critical mineral mining webinar with Arend Van Der Goes, senior sustainability manager at metals mining group Eramet.   And, US corporates take charge in sustainability investments; UN warns of AI's energy toll; UK retailer M&S tracks milk bottle recycling; and, Mars launches $250m fund for supply chain sustainability, in the news digest with Ellen Atiyah.   Host: Ian Welsh   Click here for full recording of the critical mineral mining webinar with Arend. This webinar was hosted in the lead up to our inaugural critical minerals innovation forum. For information on how to get involved, click here.

This week: Innovation Forum's Emilia Colman and Ian Welsh talk about innovation in the critical minerals sector and how business models are evolving to tackle the challenges. And, in an extract from a recent webinar, Vale Metal's Christian Spano outlines the differences between circularity and recycling. Host: Ian Welsh

In Amsterdam recently Innovation Forum's Ian Welsh spoke with Carolina Gregorio, sustainability policy and advocacy director at Dow about the role of advanced recycling in developing real circularity for packaging. Ian also spoke about the potential opportunities from the EU's packaging and packaging waste regulation with Tetra Pak's director for packaging sustainability solutions Davide Braghiroli. Plus: Wales to join UK deposit return scheme; North Atlantic nano-plastics prevalence; fashion waste regulated; and, EUDR benchmarking system rejected, in this week's news digest with Ellen Atiyah. Host: Ian Welsh

Olivia Dobson, director, climate and resilience at Verisk Maplecroft, talks with Innovation Forum's Ian Welsh about why managing data effectively is how companies can best get on top of the ever-evolving supply chain risks.

To date, 7 US states have passed packaging Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) laws, with more exploring this pathway. EPR schemes have been emerging as an important component of packaging and waste regulations worldwide. But with a lack of harmonization across schemes, business is left in a tough spot. This webinar explores how organizations are responding to the fragmented global EPR landscape, balancing local compliance needs with global goals and cross-border operations. We also look at the effects of these regulations on packaging innovation processes and sustainability strategies, reflecting on shared challenges and best practice. The practical steps to prepare for compliance in a growing patchwork of EPR regulations How leading brands are reconciling local packaging and waste management compliance with global targets and supply chain consistency Innovation through compliance? How to determine where and when to invest in new packaging solutions that may, or may not, align with future EPR rules Examples of effective cross-industry collaboration that can help to bring clarity and alignment in response to packaging EPR Hear from: Sarah Paleg, director of sustainability at Amcor Jordan Girling, head of extended producer responsibility at WRAP Alex Chan, US and Canada EPR expert in producer fees, eco modulation, program planning and operations. Tanya Richard, Innovation Forum's COO and head of stakeholder engagement, moderated the conversation. Continue the conversation at the sustainable packaging innovation forum USA in Chicago on 28-29 October. Click here for information on how to get involved.

We sat down down with Christian Spano, director of circularity at Vale Base Metals to explore practical strategies to implement circular principles across the entire critical minerals value chain, and how this can boost supply resilience, security and meet growing demand for critical minerals.   The webinar was moderated by Ian Welsh, publishing director, Innovation Forum.

This week: Julien Tremblin, European general manager at TerraCycle, talks with Ian Welsh about the hidden economic challenges behind sustainable packaging and why many "recyclable" items never get recycled. They discuss why lightweight designs and contamination render many materials worthless to recyclers, and how policy gaps perpetuate the cycle. Plus: younger shoppers push for greener packaging; Mondelēz International urges EUDR delay as rivals push back; China powers ahead on renewables as Europe hits key coal tipping point; and, dairy milk sees a revival as plant-based market cools, in the news digest by Ellen Atiyah. Host: Diana Kim

Charlotte de Degot, CEO of CO2 AI talks with Ian Welsh about how leading companies are generating real ROI from sustainability – up to 7% of sales or $200M in net benefits annually.  See how companies like Reckitt are unlocking financial gains through decarbonisation  Learn more about the launch of CO2 AI Agents and what it means for Scope 3 emissions  Charlotte shares results from a CO2 AI and BCG global survey, and addresses why most companies still treat sustainability as a cost centre. 

This week: Innovation Forum's Lia Da Giau and Ian Welsh talk about where packaging innovation is heading, from concentrated refill formats to algae-based inks. They highlight how regulation and cross-sector collaboration are shaping the future of sustainable packaging.   Plus: Amcor's Jeremy Blake share reflections from the recent sustainable packaging innovation forum in Amsterdam about why the economics of packaging still favour the linear model. In conversation with Ian, they discuss what it will take to make circular packaging viable at scale   Host: Ian Welsh   Join the conversation at the sustainable packaging innovation forum USA in Chicago on 28-29 October. Click here for information on how to get involved.

This week, Innovation Forum's Tanya Richard talks with Danielle Holly, executive lead for North America at the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, about the vital role of circularity in transforming the fashion industry. Recorded live at the Sustainable Apparel and Textiles Conference in New York, they explore how brands can collaborate to shift mindsets and drive systemic change toward a circular economy.    Also: Innovation Forum's Ian Welsh and Tim van Pelt from ING talk about financing critical mineral supply chains. Plus: Nearly 200 organisations urge EU policymakers not to weaken sustainability rules; why rising temperatures could sharply reduce global crop yields; and the dismantling of the US Inflation Reduction Act, in the news digest. Host: Ian Welsh 

Diageo's global sustainability and innovation director Dave Lütkenhaus, talks with Ian Welsh about moving sustainable packaging from pilots to practical, scalable solutions. From refill trials to aluminium and fibre formats, they discuss circularity being redefined by real-world constraints and opportunities.

This week: Ian Welsh speaks with Charlotte Degot, CEO of CO2 AI, about how companies can unlock the business value hidden in their sustainability strategies. Drawing on global research and client case studies, they share insights on why many businesses still view sustainability as a cost burden, and how that mindset is shifting. The conversation explores how leading companies can use AI in overcoming data blind spots, streamlining carbon accounting and accelerating Scope 3 emissions reductions. Plus: EU scraps greenwashing crackdown plans; H&M leads fossil-free fashion rankings again; CGF unveils common data framework for supply chains; and, climate change threatens gin's signature flavour, in the news digest. Host: Ian Welsh Click here to read how companies such as Reckitt are achieving measurable financial benefits from decarbonisation Click here to learn more about the launch of CO2 AI Agents

Evan Harvey is a leader in sustainability (and an audit and assurance managing director at Deloitte & Touche LLP), focusing on services related to sustainability, materiality and nature. He joins Innovation Forum's Ian Welsh to unpack EUDR readiness for companies across sectors. As the 2025 fully operational date for large companies approaches, they explore which industries are leading the charge, the operational and technological challenges many businesses face, and why early action can offer a competitive edge.

This week: Innovation Forum's Niamh Campbell and Ian Welsh talk about some of themes that may emerge at the sustainable apparel and textiles conference in New York City this week. From Ellen MacArthur Foundation's new fashion circularity guidance to disaster textile waste relief partnerships, Niamh highlights sessions to look out for. Plus: at the recent food conference in Minneapolis, Minnesota state director for the US Department of Agriculture Troy Daniel talks with Ian Welsh about the government's facilitative – not directive – role in supporting farmers and how partnerships can reconnect consumers with agriculture. Host: Ian Welsh

With 2025 deforestation targets looming, this webinar — now available to watch on demand — explores how companies can close gaps, show progress, and scale action on nature. 2025 is a milestone year for corporate action on deforestation and ecosystem conversion. As companies with agricultural and forestry supply chains approach 2025 target dates, there is growing urgency to deliver on commitments and demonstrate progress. In this webinar, the Accountability Framework initiative (AFi) and Innovation Forum explored what meaningful action looks like in the months ahead, and beyond. The panellists discussed:  How to manage 2025 target dates and any remaining gaps towards meeting commitments How to convey clear and credible ambitions, milestones, and plans post-2025 How to communicate performance and progress We heard from leading companies on how they are adapting strategies to drive real transformation across agricultural and forestry commodity supply chains, and what actions are needed to scale impact further. Our panel of experts: Hillary Fenrich, global manager: nature and water strategy, McDonald's Jeff Milder, director, the AFi Róisín Mortimer, global sustainability and stakeholder engagement manager, COFCO International The session was moderated by Ian Welsh, publishing director, Innovation Forum. This session is essential for sustainability leads, procurement professionals, legal and compliance teams, and corporate strategists working to address deforestation, nature loss, and associated business risks.

This week: Sarah Rosenkranz and Bettina Fafengut, from the product specialist team at testing and certifiers the Hohenstein Group, talk with Ian Welsh and unpack the OEKO-TEX organic cotton certification. As consumer demand for transparency grows, they highlight how empowering buyers with product certainty can raise the bar on both organic integrity and chemical safety. Plus: some quick fire insights from the recent packaging innovation forum  in Amsterdam with Bayer's head of packaging sustainability, Keiko Tago, talking with Ian about the complex realities of flexible packaging. And, Nescafé achieves regen ag target; World Refill Day spotlights reuse gaps; and, France targets fast fashion with new law, in the news digest with Ellen Atiyah. Host: Ian Welsh Join the conversation at the sustainable packaging innovation forum, taking place in Chicago on 28-29 October. Click here for information on how to get involved.

Emma Thomson, Forest 500 and tracking lead at Global Canopy, talks with Ian Welsh about the latest Forest 500 report. With only 3% of companies qualifying as true leaders, they discuss insights into the evolving landscape, key sectoral trends and the growing regulatory and public pressures driving action.

This week: Jeff Milder, director of the Accountability Framework Initiative (AFi) talks with Ian Welsh about what meaningful action on deforestation looks like in 2025 and beyond. They share corporate progress and discuss the role of AFi in catalysing this momentum in achieving deforestation-free and conversion-free supply chains across sectors. Plus: at the recent scope 3 forum in Amsterdam, Co-op's senior climate change manager Joe Hulme talked with Ian Welsh about product carbon footprinting and how to scale beyond initiatives. Host: Ian Welsh Join the complimentary webinar, hosted in partnership with the Accountability Framework initiative, to discuss what 2025 target dates and future trajectories in delivering deforestation-free supply chains. Full registrations details can be found here.