Innovation Forum Podcast

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.

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