Innovation Forum Podcast

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.

Anna-Karin Dahlberg, chief sustainability officer at Lindex talks with Ian Welsh about how the Swedish fashion retailer is adapting to CSRD and double materiality reporting. She explains the shift from standalone sustainability reports to integrated financial disclosures, the role of cross-departmental collaboration, and how data collection – especially on social and environmental impact – is evolving across the value chain.

This week: Olivia Dobson, director of climate and resilience at Verisk Maplecroft, joins Ian Welsh to explore interconnected supply chain risks, the shift toward enterprise-level risk consideration, and emerging challenges around supply chain visibility. They examine how geopolitical uncertainties, regulatory compliance and data management are reshaping sourcing strategies. Plus: Ulla Hueppe, vice president of sustainability at Henkel, talks with Ian at the recent scope 3 event in Amsterdam, about engaging suppliers on emissions reduction, creating transparency in supply chain data, and balancing the cost of change versus inaction.  And: major food firms fall short on real emissions cuts, and consumers want sustainable fashion but high price hinders, in the news digest.  Host: Ian Welsh

This week: Simon Haldrup, co-founder and CEO of agri-tech company Agreena talks with Ian Welsh about how scaling regenerative agriculture hinges on farmer incentives, customised practices and financial support. They discuss how to move beyond pilot programmes into large-scale adoption and how to make sense of data. Plus: at the scope 3 innovation forum this week, Ian talked with Kim Schoppink from the Science Based Targets initiative about the core challenges and emerging solutions around scope 3 emissions data. And: EU nations push to ease EUDR rules, while EU companies resist to dilute CSRD; deposit schemes slash litter as Pepsi pull reuse target; and, beanless blends brew up a buzz, in the news digest by Ellen Atiyah. Host: Diana Kim

Jodie Roussell, global public affairs lead of packaging and sustainability at Nestlé and co-chair of the Business Coalition for the Global Plastics Treaty working on the treaty, shares the current state of progress toward a global plastics agreement. In conversation with Ian Welsh, they highlight murmurs of negotiations on the ground and behind-the-scenes progress. Jodie notes the overall heightened energy from governments to move forward, despite discrepancies in ambition levels among member states. This interview was recorded in May 2025. We'll be continuing the conversation at the sustainable packaging innovation forum in Chicago on 28-29 October. Join alongside the likes of Amcor, Kraft Heinz, Amazon, TerraCycle, Estée Lauder, Ameripen, Lush and many more. Click here for information on how to get involved. 

This week: Innovation Forum's Natasha Bodnar and Ian Welsh discuss the importance of a cross-industry insights in building partnerships, candid insights and fresh thinking on scope 3. They talk about what to expect at this week's scope 3 innovation forum, taking place in Amsterdam. Plus: Bertrand Conquéret, chief procurement officer at Henkel talks with Ian Welsh about how Henkel is leveraging procurement to lead cross-functional change and embed sustainability in product development. They highlight how to build supplier partnerships, particularly through coalitions such as Together for Sustainability — a now 50+ company coalition driving transparency and carbon data sharing across the chemical industry. Host: Ian Welsh

This week: Dave Lütkenhaus, global sustainability and innovation director at Diageo, talks with Ian Welsh about the company's approach to circular packaging and how it's working to reduce scope 3 emissions. They highlight innovations in refill systems, reusable formats, and new materials being trialled across markets. Plus: at the Future of Food and Beverage conference this week, Ian talks with farmers Jocelyn Schlichting and Carla Schultz about the need for deeper partnerships between growers and food manufacturers. They explore risks in regenerative agriculture, the importance of regional nuance and how marketing decisions shape practices on the ground. And, major brands may be exiting the US Plastics Pact; EU nears 2030 climate goal, doubts remain; Italian fashion brands act on labour abuse; and, AI mineral demand threatens South American ecosystems, in the news digest by Ellen Atiyah. Host: Diana Kim

Tara St James, senior director of sustainability at Moose Knuckles talks with Ian Welsh at the recent sustainable apparel and textiles conferences. They discuss the implications a digital product passport introduction will bring and the specific requirements businesses must fulfil. They highlight practical steps in achieving this and what consumer experience would look like. To continue the conversation, join the sustainable apparel and textiles conference, taking place in New York City on 24-25 June. Click here for information on how to get involved.

Sustainability claims are facing increasing scrutiny, with rising costs, data uncertainty and growing pressure on businesses to provide verifiable proof of their efforts. Supply chain blind spots, outdated data and manual processes leave sustainability teams struggling to confidently meet compliance requirements. This webinar, hosted in partnership with Picterra, explored how emerging technologies such as Geospatial AI (GeoAI), remote sensing, and satellite data analytics can empower sustainability teams with trusted insights, enabling them to move from reactive reporting to proactive oversight. Our panel of experts discussed: The key hurdles businesses face in achieving sustainability compliance Strategies for moving from outdated, manual processes to more scalable, data-driven solutions An overview of Geospatial AI and how it is changing the landscape of supply chain transparency and monitoring The role of geospatial monitoring in identifying high-risk landscapes and improving compliance The future of AI in sustainability: opportunities, concerns and limitations Panel: Alicia Sullivan, product manager – Earth Engine sustainability solutions, Google Pierrick Poulenas, CEO and Co-founder, Picterra Andrew Wilcox, associate director for sustainability – procurement strategy & insights, Unilever The conversation was moderated by Ian Welsh, publishing director, Innovation Forum.

The race to secure critical minerals is accelerating—but so is the urgency to reduce their carbon footprint. Mining, refining, and processing are energy-intensive, often reliant on fossil fuels, and responsible for significant emissions. Paradoxically, as the demand for net-zero metals grows, so too does their footprint. This webinar explores the practical pathways for decarbonising critical minerals supply. Our panelists share tangible insights, from electrifying operations and adopting renewable energy sources, to using low carbon mining technologies. The panel: Urishani Govender, chief sustainability officer, Harmony Gold Mining Company Arend Van Der Goes, senior sustainability manager, Eramet Reza Rahmaditio, critical minerals project lead, WRI Indonesia Moderator: Ian Welsh, publishing director, Innovation Forum

This week: Emma Thompson, Forest 500 and tracking lead at Global Canopy, talks with Innovation Forum's Ian Welsh about the newly released 2025 Forest 500 report, a deep dive into how the world's most influential companies are disclosing and performing on deforestation. They discuss the differences in action across commodities, how regulation is influencing corporate behaviour and expectations for further progress on key climate targets.   Plus: gen Z and millennials demand purpose and sustainability; dairy giants lag on methane action; and, Hyundai Motor Group expands mineral tracing amid scrutiny, in the news digest with Ellen Atiyah.   Host: Ian Welsh

Ahead of this year's future of food and beverage forum in Minneapolis, Innovation Forum's Anamya Anurag talks with some of the participants. She is joined by Julie Kunen from Oatly and Walmart's Michelle Zackin, and they discuss how food and beverage companies are integrating climate and nature-smart practices into supply chain strategies. They highlight how to align nature-based solutions with regenerative agriculture, and how the industry can drive circularity, risk reduction and collaboration across the value chain.   Julie and Michelle will be at the future of food and beverage forum next week in Minneapolis (28-29 May). To continue the conversation, you can find full details on how to get involved.

This week: Innovation Forum's Anamya Anurag and Ian Welsh talk about how companies are tackling supply chain volatility and advancing supply chain resilience. They discuss emerging themes including digital innovation, collaborative land-use strategies and the growing role of AI and cybersecurity in sustainability.   Plus: Dries Van Aerde from Coca-Cola Europacific Partners talks with Ian at the recent Sustainable Packaging Innovation Forum about how the company is navigating complex investment decisions, scaling refill and reuse models and responding to shifting regulatory and consumer expectations.   Host: Ian Welsh

This week: Thomas Gent, farmer at Gentle Farming talks with Innovation Forum's Hanna Halmari about the challenges and opportunities facing regenerative agriculture. They explore how innovation, better marketing and strong farmer-supply chain connections can attract younger generations and build resilience in a changing climate.   Plus: Anna-Karin Dahlberg, chief sustainability officer at Swedish fashion brand Lindex, talks with Innovation Forum's Ian Welsh about how the EU's Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive is transforming the way businesses conduct reporting.    And, indigenous rights ignored amid logging; only four nations deemed high-risk for EUDR; online marketplace Vinted tops French fashion sales; and, plastic recycling claims alleged to mislead consumers, in the news digest with Ellen Atiyah.   Host: Ian Welsh

Kevin Burkum at US Farmers and Ranchers in Action, and South Dakota dairy farmer Michael Crinion, talk with Ian Welsh about how regenerative practices such as cover cropping and improved soil health can enhance resilience and reduce input costs. They highlight key challenges including trade uncertainty, extreme weather and inflation, and explore how conservation agriculture can align with long-term farm profitability.   To continue the conversation, USFRA will be at the future of food and beverage forum in Minneapolis on 28-29 May. Click here for information on how to get involved.

This week: Innovation Forum's Niamh Campbell and Ian Welsh talk about some trends and hot topics in the apparel sector. From major tariff changes reshaping sourcing strategies, to growing momentum behind extended producer responsibility, they explore what's hot and what's next. Plus: Pierrick Poulenas, CEO of Picterra talks with Ellen Atiyah about how geospatial AI helps verify sustainability claims. Ahead of a complimentary webinar on 20th May, they discuss how to turn remote sensing into real supply chain insight. Host: Ian Welsh   Join the conversation at the sustainable apparel and textiles conference USA in New York City on 24-25 June. Click here for information on how to get involved. Join our complimentary webinars: Click here to join the webinar on geospatial AI with Picterra on 20th May. Click here to join a webinar on critical minerals decarbonisation on 15th May.

This week: As negotiations for the global plastics treaty continue, Nestlé's global public affairs lead for packaging and sustainability Jodie Roussell talks with Ian Welsh at the sustainable packaging innovation forum in Amsterdam. They discuss the political will, the regulatory stakes and why time is running short to reach a meaningful agreement. Plus: pushback against US rollback of climate-focused policy; new BNP Paribas fund for indigenous people-led forest conservation projects with Everland; Coca-Cola and Lavazza UK respond to greenwashing claims; and, circular fashion continues to grow in Europe, in the news digest by Ellen Atiyah. Host: Ian Welsh

Ellen McCormack, head of Europe at Watershed talks with Ian Welsh about how sustainability is moving closer to core business functions, the evolving carbon removal market, and why clean energy is increasingly a financial imperative. They explore how major companies are embedding climate strategy into operations, not just for compliance – but to unlock long-term value.

This week: Tara St James from Moose Knuckles and Ian Welsh unpack how digital product passports are reshaping supply chain transparency and compliance ahead of incoming EU regulations. They explore the challenges of supplier onboarding, data collection and engaging consumers with evolving sustainability tools. Plus: UK food sector urged to adopt AI; US secures Ukraine minerals access deal; B Corp overhauls standards to fight greenwashing; and, Brazil launches indigenous climate leadership circle, in the new digest, by Ellen Atiyah. Host: Ian Welsh

The Global Heat Reduction Initiative's Kiff Gallagher talks with Ian Welsh about 'Total Climate Accounting', a framework created by GHR to address critical gaps in current climate metrics by incorporating super pollutants like methane and black carbon. They discuss how this approach provides organisations with actionable data to reduce near-term warming while maintaining long-term decarbonisation goals – revealing why traditional carbon accounting falls short in today's crisis.

This week: Innovation Forum's Niamh Campbell and Ian Welsh talk about what to expect at this year's sustainable apparel and textiles conference in Amsterdam. From exciting new sessions on textile waste solutions and Dragon's Den-style material innovation pitches to important debates on greenwashing, Niamh highlights what's new at this year's conference. Plus: reflections from last year's apparel conference with Amy Nguyen from Sustainable & Social and Christine Goulay from Sustainabelle. In conversation with Ian, they share their key takeaways, such as the evolution of circular business models, scope 3 challenges, and the growing importance of better data and regulation.

This week: Kevin Burkum, CEO of US Farmers and Ranchers in Action, and Michael Crinion, a South Dakota-based farmer and chair of USFRA, talk with Ian Welsh about the evolving challenges facing US agriculture. They explore how climate volatility, trade policies and supply chain pressures are reshaping farming, and why resilience, community and innovation are key to long-term success. Plus: Apple slashes emissions and boosts recycling; EU deforestation law sparks enforcement fears; new Suntory water spinoff to tackle groundwater loss; and, the Guardian gives silent climate majority a voice, in the news digest with Ellen Atiyah. Host: Ian Welsh To continue the conversation, USFRA will be at the future of food and beverage forum in Minneapolis on 28-29 May. Click here for information on how to get involved.

Sebastian Munden, chair of the environmental NGO WRAP, talks with Ian Welsh about the potential for transforming packaging systems. They highlight innovative strategies that can reduce plastic pollution and promote responsible use, ultimately paving the way for more sustainable and circular plastic systems. To continue the conversation, Sebastian will be at the sustainable packaging innovation forum (Amsterdam, 6-7 May). Click here for information on how to get involved.

This week: Ellen McCormack, head of Europe at Watershed, talks with Ian Welsh about how major companies are integrating sustainability into finance and operations. They discuss the shifting narrative from climate goals to ROI, challenges in renewable energy infrastructure, and trends in carbon removal and investor demand. Plus: vegetable oil prices surge amid instability; rare earths weaponised in US-China trade war; global shipping strikes weak emissions deal; and, leaked PR campaign sparked diet backlash, in the news digest, by Ellen Atiyah. Host: Ian Welsh

Colin Brown, CEO of Cascale, talks with Ian Welsh about challenges and opportunities within the consumer goods industry, particularly in apparel and textiles. They discuss the need for collective action to reduce environmental impact and improve social justice, emphasising the importance of collaboration among brands, manufacturers and retailers to weather the potential tariff storm. 

In this webinar, experts from Agreena, Mars, Nespresso, and Gentle Farming explored how verified data is driving real impact in sustainable food production — and what it takes to scale regenerative practices that work. As regenerative agriculture gains momentum, the challenge lies in scaling practices that restore soil health, reduce emissions, and enhance food production sustainability.   In partnership with Agreena, a Verra-registered climate solutions company, this webinar explored how robust, verified data is transforming RegenAg programs, how companies are using data to make food production more sustainable, and if farmers are reaping the benefits.  Our panel of experts:  Thomas Gent, regenerative farmer, Gentle Farming Reineke Van Riemsdijk, sustainability lead and technical quality manager, Nespresso Claire Petit, climate lead for pet nutrition Europe, Mars Simon Haldrup, co.founder and CEO, Agreena The conversation was moderated by Tanya Richard, chief operating officer and head of stakeholder engagement, Innovation Forum. 

This week: Innovation Forum's Anamya Anurag and Ian Welsh highlight key emerging themes in the food and beverage industry, specifically in North America. They discuss the growing importance of resilience in food security, highlighting innovations like blockchain for supply chain transparency and AI-driven technologies in agriculture that enhance sustainability and efficiency. Plus: insights from Arohi Sharma at the Natural Resources Defence Council. In conversation with Ian at the Future of Food and Beverage USA forum in 2024, she talks about the critical need for agricultural policy reform to address climate change and promote sustainable farming practices in the US. To learn more about food innovations, join us at the future of food and beverage forum USA (Minneapolis, 28-29 May) . Click here.

This week: Kiff Gallagher, executive director of the Global Heat Reduction Initiative, talks with Ian Welsh about how to improve traditional climate accounting models to take account of pollutants beyond carbon dioxide that can have significantly greater impact.  Plus: why tariffs may hinder Brazil's climate finance efforts; UK food execs warn of looming crisis; expert warns against blanket bans on all PFAS; and, new EU and UK packaging laws shift recycling costs to producers, in the news digest, by Ellen Atiyah. Host: Ian Welsh

Seanicaa Edwards Herron, executive director at NGO Freedmen Heirs Foundation, talks with Innovation Forum's Diana Kim about the financial challenges faced by minority farmers in the US and how they can be tackled. They discuss barriers such as lack of collateral and complex application processes that hinder access to financing and land ownership. Seanicaa shares insights on innovative funding mechanisms and how consumers can support equitable farming practices.