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This week: Joseph D'Cruz, CEO of the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil, and Olivier Tichit, chief sustainability officer at Musim Mas, talk with Innovation Forum's Ian Welsh about the impact of the EU's deforestation regulation on the palm oil sector. They discuss its potential unintended consequences, such as impacting smallholder farmers’ market access and the development of segregated supply chains. They also share action points for stakeholders across the value chain as the regulation is due to be fully enforced by the end of the year. Plus: PepsiCo achieves its 2025 water efficiency target two years early; the UK government rows back on deforestation-related products import ban; and, the US state of Florida's new bill banning legislation to protect agricultural workers from heat exposure, in the news digest. Host: Ian Welsh
Jessica Sansom, sustainability director at Huel, talks with Innovation Forum's Hannah Oborne about how food brands are devising new means of balancing sustainability with accessibility and nutrition. They discuss how the future of food will be impacted by changes in consumer trends and share advice on how brands can be successful in the convenience food industry and to generate consumer trust. Jessica will be speaking at this year's Future of Food conference in Amsterdam alongside other experts from Unilever, Mars, Kellogg, Nestlé and more. There's still time to join us, click here for full registration details. https://www.innovationforum.co.uk/conferences/the-future-of-food/register
Max Dougherty, carbon business development lead at Bayer Crop Science, talks with Innovation Forum's Ian Welsh about the importance of a farmer-centric approach to regenerative agriculture and how to foster effective multi-stakeholder collaboration. They discuss some case studies on what good regenerative agricultural practices look like and the potential routes to funding for agricultural transition.
This week: Ian Welsh and Diana Kim reveal details of the complimentary Innovation Forum webinars coming up in the next few weeks. They discuss what to expect at the Brazilian agribusiness case study webinar https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/6717114451089/WN_1Z0EOvVWQleypMTQRxwUIw, held in partnership with Orbitas on the 30th April. They also talk about the importance of sustainable crop nutrition ahead of a webinar on the role of fertilisers in regenerative agriculture in partnership with Yara. Ian Welsh also shares some agenda and speaker highlights that will be coming up at the scope 3 innovation forum in Amsterdam on 12th-13th June. The discussions will include how to enable business to tackle supply chain greenhouse gas emissions, deliver on climate targets and establish the path to net zero. Register by this Friday for a €300 discount on conference passes. https://www.innovationforum.co.uk/conferences/climate-action/register
This week: Saif Hameed, CEO of Altruistiq, talks with Innovation Forum's Ian Welsh about the challenges for companies tackling their scope 3 supply chain emissions. They discuss how to identify scope 3 hotspots, avoid the common mistakes companies make and more. Plus: during Innovation Forum’s responsible sourcing and ethical trade event in London, some of the expert participants spoke with Ian, reflecting on conversations from the conference. Hear reflections from Alenka Turnsek from EY and International Justice Mission's Andrey Sawchenko. Host: Ian Welsh
Neill Wilkins, head of the migrant workers programme at the Institute for Human Rights and Business, talks with Innovation Forum's Ian Welsh about human rights risks in recruitment, particularly for women migrant workers. They discuss the challenges in responsible recruitment and how initiatives such as IHRB's responsible recruitment register can help. Click here to read IHRB's report on responsible recruitment for women migrant workers. https://www.ihrb.org/focus-areas/migrant-workers/respecting-the-human-rights-of-women-migrant-workers-during-recruitment-a-short-report-for-business
This week, Innovation Forum's Ian Welsh talks about what to expect at this week's responsible sourcing and ethical trade forum in London. He introduces this year's focus on the practical implications of evolving legislation, and highlights key speakers who will be joining over the two days. Plus: Innovation Forum's Hanna Halmari shares further updates on the upcoming sustainable apparel and textiles conference taking place in Amsterdam on 23rd-24th April. Click here for more information and registration details. https://www.innovationforum.co.uk/conferences/sustainable-apparel-and-textiles-conference
This week: Gerard Barron, CEO of deep sea mining exploration company The Metals Company, speaks with Innovation Forum's Ian Welsh on the challenges and environmental impacts of traditional extraction methods and what the future demand for rare metals and minerals is going to look like. They discuss the latest innovation in extracting vital resources from the sea floor with significantly less harmful impacts. Plus: the Science Based Targets initiative updates progress on its Business Ambition for 1.5C programme; World Trade Organization finds fault in EU's move against palm oil biofuel; and, EU's corporate sustainability due diligence directive in revision with a greater focus on smaller suppliers' compliance, in the news digest. Host: Ian Welsh
Please note that this is an audio recording of a webinar containing slides and presentations. To view the video recording, click here. https://www.innovationforum.co.uk/articles/webinar-recording-nestle-global-virtual-event-a-2023-climate-progress-update On 12th March, Innovation Forum and Nestlé hosted a webinar sharing Nestlé's 2023 climate progress update Nestlé has pledged to reduce absolute emissions by 20% by 2025, and by 50% by 2030. This live virtual event featured updates of its progress in 2023, with case studies illustrating how transformative action is taking place on the ground. In particular they discussed: __ __ The panel: __ __ This webinar was hosted in partnership with Nestlé. See here for more on Nestlé’s 2023 Creating Shared Value and Sustainability Report. https://www.nestle.com/sites/default/files/2024-02/creating-shared-value-sustainability-report-2023-en.pdf
Pilar Cruz, chief sustainability officer at international food business Cargill, talks with Innovation Forum's Ian Welsh about where corporate efforts should be focused over the coming months and through to the COP30 climate meetings in Brazil at the end of 2025. They discuss the drivers for multi-stakeholder collaboration in tackling climate challenges and to produce food sustainably.
This week, Innovation Forum's Ian Welsh and Bea Stevenson talk about the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation, which is due to be officially approved by the EU. They also discuss what to expect at the Energy Transitions 2024 event, focusing on the disruption of the traditional "energy trilemma". Plus: Innovation Forum's Emily Heslop shares updates on the upcoming future of food and beverage USA forum taking place in Minneapolis on 30th-31st May. Click here for more information and registration details. https://www.innovationforum.co.uk/conferences/the-future-of-food-us
This week: Max Dougherty, carbon business development lead at Bayer Crop Science, talks with Innovation Forum's Ian Welsh about why a farmer-centric approach to regenerative agriculture is essential, and some of the potential routes to funding for agricultural transition. They also discuss the markers for effective stakeholder collaboration, when it comes to implementing regenerative farming in practice. Plus: SEC approves climate disclosure rules; negotiators push for watered down EU CS3D deal; preliminary agreement on PPWR; and FAO report shows higher financial toll of climate crisis for rural women, in the news digest, with Innovation Forum's Bea Stevenson.
On 5th March, Innovation Forum and Bayer Crop Science hosted a webinar exploring the best practices for soil regeneration At the root of some of the most urgent challenges facing agriculture today is the global threat to soil health. Challenges such as soil erosion, compaction, salinization and water retention are compounded by the impacts of the evolving climate crisis, threatening the resilience of global food systems. Maximising soil health can lock in carbon to mitigate climate change and provide various benefits to growers and ecosystems - such as soil resilience, improving profitability, biodiversity, crop yield and nutrition. As land stewards, farmers can regenerate soils through the adoption of carbon farming practices. But what are the correct practices to ensure maximum carbon sequestration, emissions reduction and regenerative outcomes? And how can we ensure the significant value-chain support needed to enable this? In this webinar, our panel drew on case studies to identify practical and impactful farmer-centric solutions for building the relationship between healthy soils, regenerative agriculture, and climate-resilient food systems at scale. They discussed: __ __ The panel: __ __
René Groot Bruinderink, head of climate solutions for the UK and Netherlands at South Pole, talks with Innovation Forum's Ian Welsh about the latest trends in corporate environmental impacts, as highlighted in South Pole's recent annual net zero report. They discuss the corporate drivers in climate change, the rise of “greenhushing" and the challenges for business to deliver on climate targets.
Innovation Forum's Ian Welsh talks about free-to-join webinars coming up, including a discussion on soil health and carbon farming on Tuesday 5th March at 2pm CET, supported by Bayer Crop Science. Join the conversation https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/7817089638528/WN_5NrFrGZ-RjCZzmWJNLqCbg alongside representatives from RAGT Seeds, the French ministry of agriculture, a farmer and Bayer Crop Science. And then on Tuesday 12th March, Innovation Forum will host in partnership with Nestlé a webinar to present an update on the company’s progress on its climate pledges in 2023. Hear from experts across Nestlé, with case studies illustrating their progress at 3pm CET. If you would like to join, you can register here. https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/7017095658561/WN_ZedhEDzERnislMwFF727lQ Plus: Innovation Forum's Hannah Oborne shares updates and highlights some key discussions to take place at the future of food and beverage conference in Amsterdam on 14th-15th May. Click here to join us https://www.innovationforum.co.uk/conferences/the-future-of-food/register and to discuss how to deliver a sustainable, resilient and regenerative food systems.
This week: Neill Wilkins, head of the migrant workers programme at the Institute for Human Rights and Business, talks with Innovation Forum's Ian Welsh about the ongoing challenges in responsible recruitment including worker fees. They discuss the current business impact on human rights and efforts to tackle human rights risks specifically for women workers. Plus: Forest 500 report highlights deforestation laggards; recycled yarn business Renewcell files for bankruptcy; EU’s CSDDD implementation stalls; and, the European Parliament approves new nature restoration law, in the news digest, with Innovation Forum's Bea Stevenson. Host: Ian Welsh
Mura Technology's head of sustainability Geoff Brighty talks with Innovation Forum's Bea Stevenson about innovations in waste plastic recycling that can help decarbonise the plastics and chemicals sectors. They discuss the role of new EU legislations in crafting the technology's future and, in turn, how chemical recycling will support in delivering a more circular approach to plastic use.
This week, Innovation Forum's Ian Welsh and Bea Stevenson talk about the upcoming World Trade Organisation’s ministerial conference in Abu Dhabi with the International Institute for Sustainable Development's sustainability hub alongside, focusing on the challenges of building cooperative trade policy to deliver sustainable development. They also discuss the 6th session of the United Nations Environment Assembly, which will evaluate the effectiveness of multilateral actions in tackling climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution. Plus: Savanna Razzaque introduces the next in Innovation Forum’s Focus on Farmers webinar series, held in partnership with Bayer Crop Science. On 5th March at 2pm CET, we'll discuss best practices for soil regeneration and carbon farming, click here to join us. https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/7817089638528/WN_5NrFrGZ-RjCZzmWJNLqCbg And, Natasha Bodnar shares what to expect at the upcoming responsible sourcing and ethical trade forum in London on 20th-21st March. There's still time to join us, register by this week and save £200. https://www.innovationforum.co.uk/conferences/ethical-trade-and-human-rights-forum/register
This week: Pilar Cruz, chief sustainability officer at international food business Cargill, talks with Innovation Forum's Ian Welsh about the role of big business in driving the climate change mitigation and adaptation agenda. They discuss the trends of widespread corporate accountability and transitioning towards multi-stakeholder collaboration to tackle climate issues. Plus: Institute for Human Rights and Business and the Sustainable Shipping Initiative highlight continued sector illegal recruitment fees; petrochemical companies accused of exaggerating plastic recycling potential; and, Wageningen Economic Research counts the cost of biodiversity loss in food production, in the news digest. Host: Ian Welsh
Muhammad Affan, factory manager at industrial safety products manufacturer Midas Safety in Pakistan, talks with Innovation Forum's Savanna Razzaque about what's needed to ensure worker protection and what can help improve livelihoods. They discuss the importance of collaboration with organisations such as the UN Development Programme and the International Labour Organisation to train supervisors and managers to comply with safety regulations.
Jonathan Schuldenfrei, managing director of the risk and financial advisory practice at Deloitte, talks with Innovation Forum's Ian Welsh about impact and opportunities from carbon markets for businesses on the route to net zero. They discuss the current changes in the regulated and voluntary carbon markets and share guidance on practical next steps for business in engaging with them.
This week, Innovation Forum's Ian Welsh and Bea Stevenson talk about the severity of current global air pollution levels, ahead of the climate and clean air conference taking place in Kenya this week. They also discuss what to expect at the Asia-Pacific forum on sustainable development in Thailand as stakeholders review progress on 2030 sustainability agenda. Plus: Innovation Forum's Catie Ball shares updates and introduces this year's knowledge collaborator on the sustainable apparel and textiles conference USA held in New York City on 25th-26th June. Click here for more information and to join us. https://www.innovationforum.co.uk/conferences/sustainable-apparel-and-textiles-conference-usa/register
This week: René Groot Bruinderink, head of climate solutions for the UK and Netherlands at South Pole, speaks with Innovation Forum's Ian Welsh about the company's latest annual net zero report and what is driving corporate action on climate change. They discuss the rise of “greenhushing” for businesses and the implications of this. Plus: Amazon rainforest could reach tipping point by 2050; palm oil deforestation on the rise in Indonesia; European Union's corporate sustainability due diligence directive vote delays; and, Barclays to cease funding of oil and gas, in the news digest by Innovation Forum's Bea Stevenson. Host: Ian Welsh
Footprinting and circularity expert at Quantis Matthew Hawthorne, and the company's fashion and goods lead Luca Mosca, talk with Innovation Forum's Ian Welsh about the growing circular economy models developing in the apparel sector and what these transitions will look like in practice. They discuss sector-specific barriers to success and share step-by-step guidance on how business can lead the transition.
In the next in the factory spotlight series, Rimsha Naaem, assistant factory manager at Pakistan textiles business Crescent Bahuman, talks with Innovation Forum's Savanna Razzaque about the company's initiatives and policies to support female workers in the factory. They also discuss how to develop labour conditions to enhance the well-being of female workers.
On 8th February 2024, Innovation Forum and Agmatix hosted the webinar, Data-driven farming: tools and technologies for sustainable sourcing. Listen to the audio version of the recording here. As challenges mount within the food and beverage sector, the need for enhanced visibility at the field level has never been more crucial. Companies are grappling with the complexities of fluctuating crop yields, diminishing soil health, and escalating threats posed by pests and diseases. Simultaneously, the increasing influence of legislation and heightened security necessitate clear reporting verification for sustainable sourcing efforts. In this landscape, businesses urgently require innovative solutions to enhance crop yield sustainably, de-risk their supply chains, and ensure transparent reporting. This webinar spotlights the transformative potential of on-farm data technology as a key solution for businesses aiming to overcome obstacles and foster sustainable crop cultivation. In this conversation at the intersection of technology, agriculture, and environmental stewardship, our panel discussed: • The role of better data in mitigating risks in the supply chain, ensuring resilience and sustainability in sourcing • How data tools provide companies with transparent reporting and verification for sustainable sourcing efforts • Examples of case studies in which on-farm data technology has made a tangible impact in addressing agricultural challenges. • How these technologies and approaches positively impact supply chain management and corporate sustainability goals in the food and beverage sector. Click here for a full list of live questions https://innovationforum.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/spina/attachment/file/1903/Q_A_Report_-_Agmatix.pdf The panel: • Stacy Cushenbery, food system program manager North America, Oatly • Jonathan Sullivan, vice president sustainability & business development, Agmatix • Maurizio Comandone, global sustainability data analyst, McCain Foods • The webinar was moderated by Ian Welsh, publishing director, Innovation Forum. This webinar was held in partnership with Agmatix. https://www.agmatix.com/blog/role-of-agriculture-data-analytics-in-regenerative-agriculture/
This week, Innovation Forum's Ian Welsh and Bea Stevenson talk about the upcoming Indonesian elections and potential impact on energy transition commitments, being facilitated by a Just Energy Transition Partnership. They also discuss the impact of climate change for migratory species as the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals is due to take place in Smarkand, Uzbekistan. Plus: Innovation Forum's Hanna Halmari highlights some key sessions coming up at the sustainable apparel and textiles conference in Amsterdam on 23rd-24th April, focusing on incoming legislation and developing circular business models. Join the conversation by registering here. https://www.innovationforum.co.uk/conferences/sustainable-apparel-and-textiles-conference/register
This week: Geoff Brighty, head of sustainability at Mura Technology, talks with Innovation Forum's Bea Stevenson about the capabilities of advanced chemical recycling for breaking down plastics. They discuss the role of new EU legislation in shaping the technology's future. Plus: Human Rights Watch calls out big carmaker brands' failure to minimise risks of forced labour in Xinjiang aluminium; the European Commission recommends a 90% cut in greenhouse gas emissions in the EU by 2040; CDP highlights this year's corporate A-listers leading on emissions reporting, in the news digest. Host: Ian Welsh
Sime Darby Plantation's chief financial officer, Renaka Ramachandran, speaks with Innovation Forum's Ian Welsh about the challenges in net zero target setting and shares guidance on how to effectively develop short- and long-term targets. They discuss the importance of addressing transparency, considering environmental impact in making financial investments, and collaboration across the supply chain to meet the targets.
Part of the factory voices series, apparel manufacturer Maxport's deputy compliance manager, Huong Do, talks with Innovation Forum's Savanna Razzaque about the company's work improving working conditions and livelihoods of its workforce. They discuss the importance of brand-manufacturer collaboration and share how brands can provide support to make in-factory progress.
