Innovation Forum Podcast

This week: Andrew Wallis, CEO of Unseen talks with Ian Welsh about the evolving landscape of mandatory human rights due diligence and forced labour legislation. They cover global regulatory developments and discuss the economic, operational and investor-driven benefits of enforcing human rights standards in supply chains.   Plus: Innovation Forum's Emilia Colman shares emerging trends in responsible sourcing and ethical trade, including the rise of worker voice initiatives and overlap between climate and human rights risks.   And, Boohoo faces investor trial over labour abuses; just transition guidance targets net zero investors; EU deforestation rules may expand as details shift; Uzbek cotton reforms leave farmers vulnerable; and, Etsy sells Depop to eBay for $1.2bn, in the news digest with Ellen Atiyah.   Host: Ian Welsh

Kara Fulcher, director of sustainability strategy for Michelin in North America, talks with Ian Welsh about corporate engagement on scope 3 emissions. They discuss the pace of supply chain decarbonisation and Michelin's approach across energy, materials and nature. They also highlight the challenges of making the business case for scope 3 action and how companies can communicate credible progress.

Few leaders in the apparel and textiles industry bring as much hands-on experience across buying, production and CSR as Helena Helmersson did during her time at H&M Group. Her unique position as the only fashion industry executive to move from CSO to CEO gives her a rare, end-to-end view of how sustainability and commercial strategy intersect at scale. Helmersson's long-term vision at H&M was clear: sustainability had to be embedded at the heart of the business. Building on work initiated in the 1990s, she helped advance a strategy that increased supply chain transparency, while also expanding textile collection and recycling programmes. Under her leadership, initiatives such as the H&M Conscious range were debuted, reinforcing the belief that sustainable fashion must remain accessible while serving as co-chair of The Fashion Pact. A consistent theme throughout Helmersson's leadership has been the need for structural transformation. Sustainability, she argues, should be a mindset that is woven into every part of the organisation. In times of external turbulence, however, delivering on that ambition becomes harder. Helmersson is clear that progress cannot be achieved through brand commitments alone; new systems need to be built, and deep, cross-industry collaboration is essential. Since stepping down as CEO of H&M in January 2024, Helmersson has continued to shape the industry. She has joined the boards of MANGO, Quizrr and On, and serves as Chair of Circulose. In this webinar with built in Q&A time, Helena Helmersson shared reflections on: What leadership looks like when driving structural change within large organisations What enables, and inhibits, CEO action on sustainability, including navigating the tension between profitability and sustainability Collaboration in practice: how deep coalitions can work for business Where the industry goes next, and the role each stakeholder must play in delivering change

Kendra Tolly, chief product officer at Athian talks with Ian Welsh about how to ensure scope 3 agriculture projects are credible, scalable and defensible. They discuss methodology validation, third-party verification, liability, co-claiming, benefit sharing and the systems needed to prevent double counting while delivering real impact at farm level.

This week: Dana Mosora, senior consultant at CEFLEX talks with Ian Welsh about the push to make flexible packaging in Europe circular. They discuss PPWR targets, infrastructure gaps, recycled content demand and the policy changes needed to scale sorting and recycling by 2030. Plus: Innovation Forum's Lia Da Giau about some of the emerging themes and corporate innovations that are working to advance circular packaging initiatives. And, polypropylene coffee cups now widely recyclable in US; Unilever P&G L'Oréal join Ottawa reuse trial; sustainability reporting rises despite policy uncertainty; and, fashion risks losing third of profits by 2030, in the news digest. Host: Ellen Atiyah

Digitalisation is no longer a side enabler — it's becoming central to system-wide acceleration, efficiency and optimisation. At the same time, questions remain around scalability, cost, and how quickly the sector can realistically move.   We've asked the panel to explore: • Where digital tools and AI are already delivering tangible value in the energy transition • How digitalisation can help address system bottlenecks such as grid integration, storage optimisation and demand flexibility • The key barriers to adoption, including upfront costs and organisational or cultural challenges • How partnerships between energy companies and technology providers can accelerate scale while sharing risk • Which digital breakthroughs could have the biggest impact over the next decade   Speakers: Carsten Sonne-Schmidt, managing partner, Digital Energy AI Adele Ara, group chief technology officer, Lightsource bp Dr Gianna Huhn, Group Strategy, Innovation Strategy & Technology Foresight Lead, SSE

This week: Jan Dieleman, president of Cargill's ocean transport business, talks with Ian Welsh about the decarbonisation challenge facing global shipping. They explores fuel choices, energy efficiency, customer demand, regulation and why policy clarity is critical to scaling low and zero carbon solutions in a highly competitive sector. Plus: Innovation Forum's Natasha Bodnar highlights how the energy transition is shifting from ambition to delivery, with companies focusing on infrastructure, energy security, capital discipline and system-wide innovation as 2026 unfolds. And, UN warns water crisis threatens fashion supply chains; researchers say ultra processed foods should face tobacco-style laws; and, Oatly and McCain push deeper food decarbonisation, in the news digest (compiled by Ellen Atiyah). Host: Ian Welsh

As scrutiny of sustainability claims rises, NGOs are under growing pressure to communicate impact clearly, explain complexity, and be transparent about challenges — all while maintaining trust with donors, communities, and partners. This webinar, the third in the Sustainability Communications and Engagement series, explored how NGOs can build credibility through transparent storytelling, evidence-based communications, and accountable engagement. Hear practical insights from leading sustainability communicators on balancing compelling narratives with accuracy, navigating partnerships, and meeting evolving stakeholder expectations. What we discussed… How NGOs are communicating impact, progress, and setbacks more transparently Using data, evidence, and verification to strengthen credibility without overcomplicating messaging Balancing compelling storytelling with accuracy, nuance, and accountability Managing communications around corporate partnerships while maintaining trust and independence Evolving expectations of NGO communications across donors, communities, and business audiences

Verra's chief programme development and innovation officer, Candace Vinke, talks with Ian Welsh about the improvements that can strengthen carbon credit project credibility and market confidence. They discuss how emerging SBTi guidance could open pathways for climate activities beyond traditional carbon credits, particularly within scope 3 supply chains. They also highlight how role standards bodies can play in bringing rigour to value chain emission.

The world faces mounting pressure to accelerate sustainable innovation at the intersection of food, health and industrial production, but moving from scientific discovery to scaled impact remains complex. From improving crop resilience and reducing environmental footprints to building healthier communities and more sustainable supply chains, bioscience innovations have become critical tools in tackling global sustainability challenges. This webinar, hosted by Innovation Forum in partnership with the Iowa Economic Development Authority explored how some of the latest bioscience breakthroughs are addressing these pressing issues. We look at emerging trends shaping the next wave of sustainable innovation, the technologies driving impact, and how organisations are applying bioscience. As a case study, we examined how Iowa is emerging as a key hub for the biosciences, bringing together agriculture technology, medical innovation, and industrial biotechnology in one ecosystem. What we discussed… Which bioscience breakthroughs from the past year are driving measurable sustainability impact, and how they came about What to watch for in 2026: scaling technologies, new applications, and the role of advanced technology in enabling sustainable innovation What drives success in biosciences: fostering innovation internally, building strategic partnerships, and leveraging ecosystems to deliver sustainable solutions

This week: Reflecting on the recent climate resilience innovation forum, Michelin's director of sustainability strategy North America, Kara Fulcher, talks with Ian Welsh about the accelerating pace of corporate scope 3 action and how Michelin is reducing emissions, improving materials and protecting natural rubber supply chains.   Plus: Innovation Forum's Niamh Campbell discusses emerging apparel and textile sector trends, including the growing focus on tier two decarbonisation, supplier equity, resale expansion, water stewardship and performance material innovation.   And, UK grocers warn Amazon soy rollback risks deforestation; scientists warn climate research locked behind language barrier; and, Vinted enters US market targeting unworn fashion clutter, in the news digest with Ellen Atiyah.   Host: Ian Welsh

Nathan Truitt, executive vice president of climate funding at the American Forest Foundation, talks with Ian Welsh about how climate finance can unlock sustainable management of family-owned forests in the US. They discuss why carbon finance remains critical despite controversy over carbon credits, arguing that action should not wait for perfect systems. The conversation explores carbon pricing, credit quality, the role of standards and buyers and why scaling credible forest-based climate solutions will depend as much on financial infrastructure as on science.

Due diligence fatigue has long affected the apparel and textiles sector, with heavy administrative workloads and repeated supplier checks that often fail to identify real labour risks. Uncertainty around the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD) has made it harder for companies to commit to long-term investment. Recent policy signals now offer clearer direction, including a narrower scope, removal of the mandatory climate transition plan requirement, and a higher applicability threshold of around 5,000 employees and €1.5bn in annual turnover. While formal endorsement is pending, clarity is returning. This allows attention to shift from regulatory interpretation back to action. This webinar explores the business case for holistic due diligence beyond compliance, showing how better data, improved visibility and coordinated approaches can reduce duplication, ease supplier fatigue, strengthen sourcing relationships and support long-term resilience. This session explored: What are the real business risks of limited supply chain visibility, and how do these risks translate into financial, operational and reputational impact? How can evolving compliance expectations be framed in CFO-level terms that support investment decisions, prioritisation and long-term value creation? Which data actually matters in a simplified regulatory landscape, and how can companies ensure it reflects workers' rights and on-the-ground risks without creating unnecessary reporting burden? How can brands and suppliers collaborate in shared supply chains to improve transparency, reduce duplication and enable effective, pre-competitive problem-solving?

This week: Karla Magruder, founder and president of Accelerating Circularity, talks with Ian Welsh about why systems thinking, collaboration across the supply chain and clear demand signals are essential to making circular textiles work. The discussion explores how new tools and partnerships could help move the industry away from landfill and incineration toward true circularity. Plus: greenhushing erodes trust as consumers hear less; Carrefour rolls out environmental scores for clothing; and, climate friendly beef claims face WRI reality check, in the news digest by Ellen Atiyah. Host: Ian Welsh

Regenerative agriculture is increasingly seen as critical to tackling supply chain emissions, but scaling it requires more than technical fixes. At the recent scope 3 innovation forum, Danone's Ginny Maceda and Ian Welsh talked about how long-term relationships, shared investment and trust with farmers underpin the company's approach to regenerative dairy farming. 

Hear from Patagonia, Primark, Kantar and Nestlé on credible sustainability communications and how to deepen consumer trust in turbulent times. As consumers pay closer attention to brands' sustainability claims, the challenge is no longer solely what companies do, but how they explain it clearly and honestly. The second webinar in the series focuses on consumer-facing brands and retailers. We explore how to talk about complex topics such as supply chains, product impact and targets in a way that makes sense to everyday consumers – without overclaiming or greenwashing.  Discussion will cover what works (and what does not) in campaigns and product communication, approaches to avoiding greenwash and “greenhush” while staying ahead of regulation, and how to measure whether sustainability communication is building trust and influencing behaviour. Panellists include: Sarah Whittaker, head of sustainability communications, Primark Ozlem Senturk, senior partner, global sustainable transformation practice, Kantar Katja Seidenschnur, global head of sustainability nutrition, Nestlé  Wendy Savage, senior director, social impact and transparency, Patagonia This session was moderated by Ellen Atiyah, senior stakeholder engagement and sustainability communications manager, Innovation Forum.

This week: StormFisher Hydrogen's chief executive officer, Judson Whiteside, talks with Ian Welsh about developing carbon-neutral e-methanol and e-methane from green hydrogen, and how policy incentives and corporate scope 3 pressures are shaping global demand for low-carbon fuels. He also explores the role of North America's renewable power advantage, the realities of scaling hydrogen projects, and what the energy transition means for shipping, aviation and heavy industry.   Plus: new CDP report highlights economic gains from climate leadership; why more storage is needed for hydrogen power; new US dietary guidelines debate over impacts of meat-heavy recommendations; and Levi's launches a Gen Z-focused repair and reuse initiative, in the news digest with Ellen Atiyah.  Host: Ian Welsh

Carmen Gamma, director of circular design at fashion brand Eileen Fisher, joins Innovation Forum's Ellen Atiyah, to discuss how the brand's circularity programme began with simple take-back and has evolved into resale, remanufacturing and textile-to-textile recycling. They explore what it takes to scale circular systems across a business, the role of leadership and cross-team collaboration, and the technical, financial and policy barriers to building a truly circular fashion ecosystem.

Adam Read, chief sustainability and external affairs officer at Suez UK, joins Innovation Forum's Ian Welsh to discuss how EPR and simpler recycling rules are reshaping the waste and recycling sector, shifting costs towards producers and aiming to improve material quality, efficiency and recycling rates. They discuss unintended consequences of packaging changes, the limits of compostable materials, and how extended producer responsibility could support reuse and refill models by using pricing and financial incentives to drive better behaviour across the value chain.

This week: Athian Ag's chief product officer, Kendra Tolley, talks with Ian Welsh about why demonstrable credibility is essential for agriculture scope 3 projects, and how better data, traceability and verification can strengthen confidence in value chain emissions reductions and reporting.    Plus: agrifood outlook warns of continued volatility in soft commodity prices; new  questions about extent of health risks from microplastics; and, Barry Callebaut considers splitting cocoa and chocolate businesses to manage price volatility, in the news digest with Diana Kim.   Host: Ian Welsh

This week: Verra's chief programme development and innovation officer, Candace Vinke, talks with Ian Welsh about how improvements in methodologies, verification and safeguards are resharing carbon credit integrity, and what that means for the markets' future. They discuss how emerging standards may influence how companies use carbon credits and value chain abatement as part of their net zero strategies.   Plus: Amazon soy moratorium at risk as more traders withdraw; EU carbon border levy sparks trade tensions worldwide; study warns climate mandates can backfire politically; and, the world produces more food per person than ever, in the news digest with Ellen Atiyah.   Host: Ian Welsh

Earthworm Foundation CEO Bastien Sachet reflects with Ian Welsh on why environmental and supply chain shocks are caused by long-term neglect rather than short-term disruption. Bastien argues that businesses have treated nature as a free factory, optimising costs while failing to reinvest in soils, forests and farming communities. They explore why regenerative, place-based approaches and long-term partnerships are becoming essential to secure future supply, manage risk and maintain competitiveness.

This week: Adam Read, chief external affairs and sustainability officer at Suez UK talks with Ian Welsh about the impacts of extended producer responsibility for the packaging sector, and the real opportunities that this can offer.   Plus: recycled polyester under fire as UK bans fashion adverts; EU backs major rollback of corporate ESG obligations; and, Microsoft leads peers on nature positive data centres, in the news digest by Ellen Atiyah.   Host: Ian Welsh

Cargill's vice president of global core research and development, Cordell Hardy, talks with Ian Welsh about the potential of fermentation in providing scalable solution for food ingredient production. They discuss how integrated fermentation is in our everyday lives, from zero-calorie sweeteners to plant-based materials.

This week: Duncan Warner, senior responsible sourcing and human rights manager at ASDA, talks with Ian Welsh about the role of retailers in driving effective remediation across global supply chains. They discuss how collaboration, transparency, and a growth mindset help address human rights challenges, and why embedding practical frameworks and partnerships is key to meaningful impact. Plus: Innovation Forum's Hanna Halmari introduces the upcoming 2026 conference series, highlighting themes in food, apparel, tech, and energy transition, focusing on sustainability as a driver of resilience, innovation and long-term business value. Host: Ian Welsh Click here for information on how to get involved in Innovation Forum's 2026 events.

Liv Simpliciano, head of policy and research at Fashion Revolution, talks with Innovation Forum's Niamh Campbell about What Fuels Fashion?, Fashion Revolution's latest transparency report, exploring the power dynamics, environmental impacts and social costs embedded in global fashion supply chains. They discuss accountability, data gaps, and why greater transparency is critical to driving meaningful change across the industry.    

Join Conservation International for the 10-year milestone of the Sustainable Coffee Challenge, marking the transition from our community's first decade of building partnerships and mainstreaming sustainability in coffee to our next chapter of scaling investment and impact. This virtual event, hosted by Innovation Forum, united coffee actors to explore innovative strategies and finance mechanisms that sustain coffee producing landscapes, tackling supply chain risks and fulfilling ambitious commitments from both government and industry. What we discussed: A look back at how the Sustainable Coffee Challenge has built momentum and trust across the sector, highlighting ‘green shoots' of collaborative action  Forward-looking insights on what (more) is needed to truly address the dual crises of climate change and nature loss impacting coffee's long-term resilience Discussion on tackling supply chain risks and unlocking innovative finance through landscape transition, supporting producers and meeting industry and government commitments, as we approach 2030 A meeting point for stakeholders across the coffee value chain to connect on the next chapter of collaborative action The panel: Daniela Raik, interim CEO, Conservation International Laurent Sagarra, vice president, engagement, JDE Peet's Michael Kobori, former chief sustainability officer for major food, beverage, and apparel brands (Starbucks, Levi Strauss & Co.) and board director, Bunge Global SA (keynote) Niels Haak, director, sustainable coffee partnerships, Conservation International Olivier Laboulle, global head of coffee sustainability and social impact, Louis Dreyfus Company Tessa Meulensteen, director global Markets, IDH  Ruchira Joshi, director global coffee and cocoa Sustainability, Starbucks Raina Lang, senior director, sustainable coffee, Conservation International Wenceslao Apan Salcedo, director of conservation and sustainability, FONCET Tanya Richard, chief operating officer and head of stakeholder engagement at Innovation Forum moderated the session.

This week: Nathan Truitt, executive vice president of climate funding at the American Forest Foundation, talks with Ian Welsh about the evolving role of carbon finance in supporting US family forest owners, and the tension between credit quality and affordability. They discuss what it will take for carbon markets to earn broad credibility as the world moves toward net zero. Plus: Intel retreats from climate goals amid mounting financial strain; US Plastics Pact sets limits on advanced recycling; Lawsuit claims Apple still linked to conflict minerals; and, AFi guidance outlines measurable pathways beyond 2025 deadline, in the news digest by Ellen Atiyah. Host: Ian Welsh

This week: Danone's senior manager of mission and sustainability, Ginny Maceda talks with Ian Welsh about how the company is scaling regenerative agriculture through long-term, direct relationships with dairy farmers. She outlines why trust-based collaboration, flexible incentives, and farmer-led improvement plans are central to achieving both environmental and commercial outcomes.   Plus: Carlsberg backs regenerative farming and urges unified metrics; new deals speed up West Balkans move to solar and storage; black friday's record sales hide a growing waste crisis; and, recycling workforce overlooked despite critical role in supply chains, in the news digest.   Host: Diana Kim   We'll be continuing the discussion on scope 3 and climate action at the scope 3 innovation forum in Amsterdam on 16-17 June 2026. Join alongside senior representatives from the likes of Arla Foods, The HEINEKEN Company, SBTi, Cisco, Li & Fung, Made2Flow, the European Commission, Holcim, Kraft Heinz and Ørsted. Click here for information on how to get involved.

Cargill's Leticia Kawanami and Solidaridad's Joel Brounen talk with Ian Welsh about the financial and structural barriers preventing farmers, particularly smallholders, from climate change adaptation and adopting more sustainable practices. They discuss the challenges in corporate commitments in driving meaningful support on the ground, the growing urgency of farmer-centred investment models, and the practical steps companies must take to build resilience across global supply chains.   For more information on the Cargill and Solidaridad partnership in Columbia, click here. Stay up-to-date on our podcasts by following us on PodBean, Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Google Podcasts.

As sustainability strategies mature, the pressure is increasing on how companies communicate progress, both within their value chains and to consumers. Many organisations are now asking the same questions: how do we talk credibly about targets, trade-offs and incomplete journeys, without overclaiming or oversimplifying? In response, Innovation Forum is launching the Sustainable Communication and Engagement Series. Across a set of focused events, we will explore how companies can build more honest, evidence-based narratives around sustainability, and how to engage different audiences.  This first webinar in the series explores how B2B companies are working with suppliers, partners and customers to strengthen trust through transparent and authentic sustainability communication. We discuss how businesses are engaging stakeholders around goals, which strategies have worked (and which have not) when communicating across global value chains, and practical steps to keep messaging action-oriented and credible. Panellists include: Nikki Barber, head of corporate communications, ofi Hannah Rizo, director of sustainability communications, Coca-Cola Europacific Partners Enda Buckley, head of sustainability, Carbery Group Sara Neame, sustainability communications lead, Givauda The session was moderated by Tanya Richard, chief operating officer and head of stakeholder engagement & sustainability communications, Innovation Forum The Sustainable Communication and Engagement Series will continue: Building credibility in sustainability storytelling: B2C brands and the consumer trust gap Thursday 22 January 9am EST / 2pm GMT / 3pm CET As consumers pay closer attention to brands' sustainability claims, the challenge is no longer solely what companies do, but how they explain it clearly and honestly. The second webinar in the series will focus on consumer-facing brands and retailers. We will explore how to talk about complex topics such as supply chains, product impact and targets in a way that makes sense to everyday consumers – without overclaiming or greenwashing.  Discussion will cover what works (and what does not) in campaigns and product communication, approaches to avoiding greenwash and “greenhush” while staying ahead of regulation, and how to measure whether sustainability communication is building trust and influencing behaviour. Panellists include: Sarah Whittaker, head of sustainability communications, Primark Ozlem Senturk, senior partner, global sustainable transformation practice, Kantar The session will be moderated by Tanya Richard, chief operating officer and head of stakeholder engagement & sustainability communications, Innovation Forum with more panellists to be announced

This week: As climate volatility intensifies, UK farmer Thomas Gent discusses with Innovation Forum's Hanna Halmari the operational realities of farming during extreme wet and dry seasons and the measurable benefits of soil health. They highlight the untapped potential of farm-level innovation, calls for stronger links between brands and growers, and warns that real progress must scale far beyond today's isolated pilots. Plus: Innovation Forum's Hannah Oborne previews the key forces set to define the 2026 future of food conference, from resilience as a core business strategy to the convergence of personal and planetary health. She explains why farmer engagement remains a non-negotiable priority and how technology and product design are accelerating supply-chain decarbonisation. Host: Ian Welsh Join the conversation at the future of food and beverage forum, taking place in Amsterdam on 12-13 May. Click here for information on how to get involved.

This week: Carmen Gama, director of circular design at Eileen Fisher, talks with Innovation Forum's Ellen Atiyah about the operational and financial realities of circular fashion, from sorting and resale to textile-to-textile innovation. They outline why infrastructure gaps remain the biggest barrier and how the brand evaluates the business case for recycling.   Plus: US shutdown threatens vital food assistance; UK supermarkets hit by new revelations of forced labour in global tuna supply chain; AI's soaring energy demand fuels scramble for carbon-removal credits; and, COP30 ends with weak compromise as fossil-fuel roadmap blocked, in the news digest by Ellen Atiyah.   Host: Ian Welsh

Barry McGeough, group vice president of innovation and strategy at AmeriCo Group, talks with Innovation Forum's Niamh Campbell and explores how applied innovation, synthetic biology and even energy-sector technology could drive circularity in the apparel sector. They discuss economic pressures, political shifts, and why the industry must look far outside its bubble for the solutions it needs.

This week: Rancher and UK television host, Jay Doan from Blackleg Ranch, talks with Ian Welsh about how Blackleg Ranch has practiced regenerative agriculture mimicking historic bison movements to restore prairie grasslands. They discuss why resilience is the real language that resonates with ranchers, why neighbouring farms resist change even as their soil degrades. They highlight how generational transition, diversification, and a deep respect for the land shape the future of family agriculture in the US.   Plus: Innovation Forum's Anamya Anurag introduces the upcoming future of food and beverage forum, taking place in May 2026 in Minneapolis.   Host: Ian Welsh   Click here for information on how to get involved in the future of food and beverage forum USA.

This week: Earthworm Foundation's CEO Bastien Sachet joins Ian Welsh to explore why regenerative agriculture and farmer empowerment remain slow to scale despite years of corporate commitments. They discuss why businesses must rethink supply security through the lens of resilience, why long-term partnerships beat transactional sourcing, and how reinvestment in landscapes can function like reinvesting in a factory.   Plus: clean-energy mineral boom strains justice; Tesco pushes unified farm data framework; and, US shutdown threatens vital food assistance, in the news digest by Ellen Atiyah.   Host: Ian Welsh

Amcor's chief sustainability officer David Clark joins Ian Welsh to unpack the rapid rise of extended producer responsibility (EPR) schemes and what well-designed systems can deliver. They discuss how eco-modulated fees can incentivise better packaging, why operational control for industry is critical and how EPR can strengthen recycling economics. They also reflect on the diverse approaches emerging across the US and globally, the design and material implications for brands, and what implementation challenges lie ahead as EPR continues to expand.   The 2026 sustainable packaging innovation forum series is now live, taking place in Amsterdam on 10-11 March 2026. Click here for information on how to get involved.

This week: Tara St James, senior director of sustainability at Canadian apparel brand Moose Knuckles, talked with Ian Welsh at the latest apparel conference in Amsterdam discussing the implementation of digital product passports. They discuss the importance of product traceability technology and the regulations brands are looking out for such as the US' Fashion Act and EU's Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation. Host: Ian Welsh

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 long-term collaboration to strengthen the capacity of independent smallholders in Indonesia. They explain how farmer training, regenerative practices and local composting projects are helping to build resilience, improve yields and empower women and young farmers.

This week: Cargill's vice president of global core research and development, Cordell Hardy, talks with Ian Welsh about how fermentation can reshape food production. From zero-calorie sweeteners to plant-based materials and localised protein sources, they discuss how microbes are being used as miniature manufacturing plants.   Plus: cocoa shortages drive rise in chocolate alternatives; luxury brands unite to decarbonise Italian supply chains; Denmark plans world's first circular fish farm; and, SBTi updates corporate net-zero standard draft, in the news digest by Ellen Atiyah.   Host: Ian Welsh

Keefe Harrison, CEO of The Recycling Partnership, talks with Ian Welsh about how data, design, and policy are transforming recycling in the US. From the CIRCLE Act to California's CalFFlex initiative, they discuss how to scale circular systems, strengthen end markets, and move beyond recycling as the only solution.   Stay up-to-date on our podcasts by following us on PodBean, Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Google Podcasts.  

This week: Innovation Forum's Niamh Campbell talks with Liv Simplicianco, head of policy and research at Fashion Revolution about the findings in the latest What Fuels Fashion? report. And at this week's Critical Minerals Innovation Forum, Ian Welsh spoke with co-COO of mining sector group ICMM Aidan Davy. Plus: Exxon accused of funding climate denial groups in South America; brands call for stronger plastic waste rules; £100bn wind power dividend in UK; and, the cost of cheap food.

This week: In Colombia, Cargill and Solidaridad are partnering to help smallholder palm oil growers build more sustainable and climate-resilient supply chains. Leticia Kawanami and Joel Brounen talk with Ian Welsh about how farmer-led action plans, shared investment, and collaborative data tools are driving measurable progress – and how these lessons can scale across Latin America.   Plus: at the Chicago packaging conference, Ian spoke with Jason Bergquist from RecycleMe about the rapid rise of Extended Producer Responsibility laws for packaging the US.   And, climate inaction driving global health crisis; no economic sector on track for 1.5°C; court rules TotalEnergies guilty of greenwashing; and, EU parliament rejects rollback of sustainability rules, in the news digest.   Host: Ellen Atiyah   For more information on the Cargill and Solidaridad partnership in Columbia, click here.

Sajeev Mohankumar, senior technical specialist at the FAIRR Initiative, talks with Ian Welsh about the future of food and the urgent need for regenerative agriculture. From farmer inclusion to investor alignment, they unpack how to build resilient, sustainable food systems.

This week: Barry McGeough, group vice president of innovation and strategy at AmeriCo Group, talks with Innovation Forum's Niamh Campbell to discuss why applied innovation will be key to tackling fashion's waste crisis. From biotech to AI, they discuss how lessons from other industries can help apparel move from talk to tangible action. Plus: At the sustainable commodities and landscapes forum this week, Ian Welsh spoke with Luke Sussams at Jefferies about why the key to unlocking investment in natural capital may not be regulation or technology, but language. And, EU tweaks EUDR rules amid controversy; EU carmakers unite to dodge emissions fines; PepsiCo expands regenerative farming across Europe; and, banks criticised for funding Amazon oil expansion, in the news digest by Ellen Atiyah. Host: Diana Kim

Listen to the recording of an expert-led discussion with Unilever, Nestlé, Klim and Rabobank on how regenerative agriculture can drive ROI and reduce supply chain risk. As pressure mounts to decarbonise agrifood supply chains and meet Scope 3 targets, the case for regenerative agriculture is clearer than ever. Yet many corporate sustainability leaders still face a critical hurdle: how to make the internal investment case. This webinar looks beyond the carbon tunnel vision to unpack the true ROI of regenerative agriculture – not just as a sustainability strategy but as a long-term value driver that builds resilience, reduces supply chain risk, and meets growing stakeholder expectations.   What we cover: How to position regen ag as a business advantage, not a cost burden Making the internal investment case to decision-makers Why regenerative agriculture is key to risk-proofing future UK and global supply chains Lessons from companies leading the way in climate-smart sourcing The panel includes: Erin Hermsen, sustainable business and program lead, Unilever Robert Gerlach, CEO and co-founder, Klim Emma Keller, head of sustainability UK and Ireland, Nestlé  Lissy Smit, global head of sustainability at Rabobank Wholesale and Rural, Rabobank

Cocoa farmer and council chairman of Ghana's Cocoa Abrabopa Association, Pomasi Ismail talks with Innovation Forum's Diana Kim, about how the EU's deforestation regulation delay has impacted thousands of farmers preparing for compliance. He explains the cost of readiness, the missed opportunities, and why fair prices are key to ending deforestation at its roots.

Florent Bouguin, chief technology officer at OPTEL Group, talks with Innovation Forum's Ian Welsh about the strategic role of traceability in global, complex supply chains. They discuss how companies can use traceability to ensure regulatory compliance, build trust with consumers and investors, optimize operations, and enhance both top- and bottom-line performance. Florent also explores best practices, from digital automation and geolocation verification to supplier engagement, showing how traceability can transform compliance requirements into resilient, data-driven, and transparent supply chains.   Stay up-to-date on our podcasts by following us on PodBean, Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Google Podcasts.  

This week: David Clark, chief sustainability officer at packaging manufacturer Amcor, joins Ian Welsh to discuss the rise of extended producer responsibility (EPR) and how well-designed EPR systems can drive better packaging, fund recycling infrastructure, and accelerate the transition to circularity across global markets. Plus: New Zealand scales back its methane reduction targets; Silicon Valley startup Lilac Solutions launches a $250m lithium extraction project in Utah; Spain delays its textile EPR scheme amid industry backlash; and Nestlé exits the Dairy Methane Action Alliance, in the news digest by Ellen Atiyah. Host: Ian Welsh Stay up-to-date on our podcasts by following us on PodBean, Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Google Podcasts.   Click here to watch the webinar recording with Nestlé  Join us in Chicago on October 28–29 for the Sustainable Packaging US conference

This week: Once dismissed as greenwashing, carbon markets are now being reframed as a vital part of corporate decarbonization strategies. David Antonioli, former CEO of Verra, explains how integrity standards, market transparency, and long-term thinking could help rebuild trust and ensure carbon credits drive real climate impact.   Plus: Innovation Forum's Hannah Oborne explains how companies are shifting from offsets to real value chain reductions, building trust through data standardisation, and investing in collaboration to turn ambition into measurable progress.   Host: Ian Welsh   We'll be continuing the conversation at the scope 3 innovation forum (Washington DC, 3-4 December 2025). Listen to the full episode to reveal an exclusive discount. Click here for information on how to get involved.

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