Hidden In Plain Sight: Why Proving Origin Is The New Business Mandate

** Share your feedback on the Curiosity, Applied podcast. Share now **Global supply chains are under immense stress. Whether it’s a case of  sanctioned goods and impure materials or unethical labour practices, the potential for hidden risks in your supply chain is greater than ever before.  Understanding the true origin of your product can be the difference between building an enduring and sustainable brand, or being blindsided by a reputational and regulatory crisis. In this episode of Curiosity, Applied, Rupert Hodges, Chief Commercial Officer at Oritain, and Wes Tucker, CEO of Tracr (De Beers Group), explore the critical but often overlooked world of product origin. We explore how businesses can de-risk their supply chains, navigate a tightening regulatory landscape and turn radical transparency into enduring brand value and consumer trust.Key learnings from this episode:Recognize the triple threat of integrity, regulatory and reputational risk and why "plausible deniability" in your supply chain is no longer defensible. Understand how tightening global regulations, including frameworks like Europe’s Digital Product Passports, will soon require all product claims to be backed by verifiable data, not just paperwork.  Learn how supply chain transparency can become a strategic advantage, using provenance storytelling to meet growing consumer demand and enhance brand value.Host:Ryan Skinner, Research Director at VerdantixGuests:Rupert Hodges - Chief Commercial Officer at OritainWes Tucker - CEO of Tracr (De Beers Group)Enjoyed the episode? Make sure you hit follow so you don't miss the next one and check out our website for related content on this topic Verdantix.com Practitioners get complimentary access to our library of research content at Verdantix Vantage - Register now.

** Share your feedback on the Curiosity, Applied podcast. Share now **The Chief Sustainability Officer (CSO) role has undergone a radical evolution. Once focused primarily on voluntary reporting, policy formation and goal-setting, today’s CSO are strategists, futurists and value creators, that drive commercial impact while shaping business culture and long-term performance.In this episode, Liz Brown, Chief Strategy & Sustainability Officer at Inchcape, and Andrew Lowe, Senior Client Partner, Corporate Affairs & Sustainability, EMEA at Korn Ferry International, explore how the CSO role has evolved into one of the most strategic positions in global business. They unpack the traits, capabilities and organizational expectations needed to thrive and why the CSO role is now a stepping stone to broader executive leadership roles. Key learnings from this episode:Understand how the CSO role has shifted from reporting-focused tasks to a strategically critical position that shapes business direction, culture and long-term value creation.Explore why sustainability teams are increasingly prioritizing strategy and transformation, while functions like finance, legal and risk teams take the lead on compliance and reporting.Uncover how growing board involvement is redefining expectations for CSOs, shaping the skills, mindsets and experiences organizations now seek.Learn what differentiates top CSOs today, including the ability to translate sustainability into commercial value, navigate emerging risks and build enterprise-wide influence.Host:David Metcalfe, CEO VerdantixGuests:Liz Brown - Chief Strategy & Sustainability Officer at Inchcape plcAndrew Lowe - Senior Client Partner, Corporate Affairs & Sustainability, EMEA at Korn Ferry InternationalEnjoyed the episode? Make sure you hit follow so you don't miss the next one and check out our website for related content on this topic Verdantix.com Practitioners get complimentary access to our library of research content at Verdantix Vantage - Register now.

Climate change is not about 2050 – it’s a present-day business reality. From heatwaves changing travel patterns, floods shutting down hotels and transport hubs, and wildfires disrupting operations, climate events are affecting revenue, insurance costs, workforce safety, critical infrastructure and asset value. Organizations that succeed in the next decade will be those that adopt adaptive, climate resilience strategies built to evolve with changing risks.In this episode, Danielle D’Silva, Director of Sustainability at Booking.com and Dan Zarrilli Chief Climate & Sustainability Officer at Columbia University and former NYC Resilience leader, explore how climate resilience strategy and adaption planning is evolving across industries, what we can learn from global tourism and city governments and how business leaders can shift from long-term theory to resilient, practical action.Key learnings from this episode: Understand the financial and operational impact of climate events and why a resilience plan is essential for both business continuity and public services.Learn how sustainability teams can reframe climate adaptation from “compliance cost” to “business advantage”.Discover why real-world narratives drive more action and how to use this storytelling as a lever for change. Actionable strategies for effectively communicating climate risks to supply chain partners, investors, policmakers and stakeholders over the next five yearsHost:David Metcalfe, CEO VerdantixGuests:Danielle D’Silva - Director of Sustainability at Booking.com Dan Zarrilli - Chief Climate & Sustainability Officer at Columbina University and former NYC Resilience leader Enjoyed the episode? Make sure you hit follow so you don't miss the next one and check out our website for related content on this topic Verdantix.com Practitioners get complimentary access to our library of research content at Verdantix Vantage - Register now.

In 2025, shifting regulations, ambitious targets and increasing scrutiny on ROI continued to shape an uncertain sustainability landscape. As leaders across business, policy and finance gathered for one of the biggest moments in the sustainability calendar - New York Climate Week 2025 –the theme of “Power On” posed a crucial question: how can sustainability leaders maintain momentum and keep driving progress forward? In this episode, guest hosted by Verdantix Senior Manager Nathan Goldstein, we unpack what "Power On" really meant. From corporate strategy and policy, to technology and finance, we share our practical insights and key take aways from the week – what we saw, what we heard and what it means for sustainability professionals shaping the next phase of climate action. Join us for a front-row seat to the conversations driving corporate climate action and discover how you can deliver meaningful impact in 2026 and beyond. Host Nathan Goldstein, Senior Manager at VerdantixGuestsFelicity Laird, Principal Analyst at VerdantixJosh Graessle, Senior Analyst at VerdantixEnjoyed the episode? Make sure you hit follow so you don't miss the next one and check out our website for related content on this topic Verdantix.com Practitioners get complimentary access to our library of research content at Verdantix Vantage - Register now.

In today's market, sustainability has become an essential attribute for many brands and products. But as companies grow increasingly complex, and with many companies making similar claims, how can you authentically express your commitment in a unique voice, and what steps do you need to take to make sure you fulfil your promise to the consumer?In this episode Al Iannuzzi, Vice President Sustainability at Esteé Lauder Companies and Preeti Srivastav, Group Head of Sustainability at Asahi Group Holdings share how these leading, multi-brand companies are embedding sustainability into their business DNA, balancing corporate commitments with consumer relevance and regulatory pressures, to build trust and long-term value.  Key learnings from this episode:Understand how to integrate sustainability into the DNA of a company while preserving the unique voice of each brand.Discover how to move beyond data and reports to tell compelling stories that build trust.Learn how to manage the risks and opportunities of sustainability marketing through “offensive” and “defensive” strategies.Discover how to align sustainability objectives with brand strategy to build resilience, trust and long-term value.Host:David Metcalfe, CEO VerdantixGuests:Al Iannuzzi - Vice President Sustainability at Esteé Lauder CompaniesPreeti Srivastav - Group Head of Sustainability at Asahi Group Holdings  Enjoyed the episode? Make sure you hit follow so you don't miss the next one and check out our website for related content on this topic Verdantix.com Practitioners get complimentary access to our library of research content at Verdantix Vantage - Register now.

AI can play a powerful role in accelerating sustainability - from optimizing energy use, to improving climate models and monitoring biodiversity – but it also brings with it a significant environmental footprint of its own. As AI’s rapid growth drives up energy consumption and increases pressure on data infrastructure, a critical question emerges for the tech sector: can it deliver economic growth and advance sustainability initiatives without causing outsized damage to the planet in the process?In this episode Nicola Acutt, Chief Sustainability Officer at NetApp, and Lucas Joppa, Senior Managing Director & Chief Sustainability Officer at Haveli Investments (and former Chief Environmental Officer at Microsoft) reveal how the tech sector is reimagining its strategies to drive impact. We dive into why energy management has become mission-critical for tech companies, grapple with AI’s dual impact, explore the shift towards integrated business strategies and examine what it means to lead in sustainability in today’s high-stakes context.Key learnings from this episode:Discover why energy management is now a strategic imperativeExplore how procurement is emerging as a critical lever in the net-zero transitionLearn how the CSO role is rapidly evolving into a strategic leadership position that blends environmental insight with technical expertise.Understand why scenario-based thinking, resilience, and stakeholder storytelling are defining the next chapter of sustainability leadershipHost:David Metcalfe, CEO VerdantixGuests:Nicola Acutt, Chief Sustainability Officer - NetAppLucas Joppa, Senior Managing Director & Chief Sustainability Officer - Haveli Investments (former Chief Environmental Officer at Microsoft)Enjoyed the episode? Make sure you hit follow so you don't miss the next one and check out our website for related content on this topic Verdantix.com Practitioners get complimentary access to our library of research content at Verdantix Vantage - Register now.

Businesses are under immense pressure to not only ensure the continuity of their operations but also to demonstrate ethical sourcing, environmental stewardship, and long-term risk management. As supply chains stretch across borders and involve countless stakeholders, building resilient supply chains isn’t just about managing logistics—it’s about securing the future of both business and the communities they rely on.In this episode, Kara Fulcher of Michelin and Tilmann Silber of Barry Callebaut  Group share insights into how the rubber and cocoa industries are future-proofing their supply chains. From getting ahead of the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) to empowering smallholder farmers and leveraging digital tools, they reveal how long-term vision, data-driven approaches and cross-functional collaboration are reshaping value chains for impact and resilience.Key learnings from this podcast:Discover how global sustainability leaders are proactively addressing new regulations like the EUDR to stay ahead of compliance pressures.Explore strategies for embedding resilience into supply chains through smallholder farmer empowerment, ecosystem protection, and long-term supply security.Uncover the critical role of cutting-edge digital tools in revolutionizing supply chain management, ensuring traceability, and guiding ethical sourcing decisions.Learn why community engagement and long-term planning is key to scaling climate action and driving meaningful decarbonization across global value chains.Host:David Metcalfe, CEO, VerdantixGuests: Kara Fulcher, Director of Sustainability Strategy, North America - MichelinTilmann Silber, Head of Net  Zero - Barry Callebaut GroupEnjoyed the episode? Make sure you hit follow so you don't miss the next one and check out our website for related content on this topic Verdantix.com Practitioners get complimentary access to our library of research content at Verdantix Vantage - Register now.

Buildings contribute 39% of global energy-related carbon emissions, making the built environment one of the most critical frontiers in the fight against climate change. But as geopolitical tensions and supply chain disruptions grow more unpredictable, the urgency to decarbonize buildings has never been higher - not just to meet climate goals, but to safeguard operational continuity and long-term business resilience.In this episode, Verdantix Research Director Claire Stephens and Senior Manager, Dayann Charles, unpack the critical intersection of building decarbonization and resilience, drawing on insights from the Verdantix Building Decarbonization Barometer report - a global study of 300 senior real estate, energy and sustainability executives globally, examining the rollout of decarbonization measures across their building portfolios - they explore why offices, retail spaces, and hospitals offer both a significant emissions challenge and a high-impact opportunity. We examine how strategic decarbonization can reduce risk exposure, enhance energy security, and what it truly takes to stay ahead in an era of tightening regulations and rising stakeholder expectations.Key learnings from this podcast:Gain insights into the complexities of building decarbonization, and the impact of evolving regulations and stakeholder expectations on your sustainability strategy.Discover a robust five-part framework addressing operational tactics, energy supply chain electrification, and prioritizing high-impact areas for action.Understand investment trends and the risks of inaction, and why failing to decarbonize is becoming a financial and reputational liability. Identify practical decarbonization steps to achieve your sustainability goals, leveraging "low-hanging fruit" for quick wins.Read the full report here. Host:Ryan Skinner, Research Director, Net Zero & Energy Transition – Verdantix Guests:Dayann Charles, Senior Manager – Verdantix Claire Stephens, Research Director, Real Estate & Built Environment – Verdantix Enjoyed the episode? Make sure you hit follow so you don't miss the next one and check out our website for related content on this topic Verdantix.com Practitioners get complimentary access to our library of research content at Verdantix Vantage - Register now.

As the geopolitical landscape continues to reshape corporate responsibility and sustainability strategy, businesses must navigate increasing fragmentation, evolving regulatory demands, and changing stakeholder expectations. Strategic foresight and adaptable planning have become essential for executives guiding their organizations through this complex period of transition. In this episode, Laurent Lhopitallier of Sanofi and Richard Gardiner of World Benchmarking Alliance explore the intricate and fast-evolving world of ESG reporting and strategy. We shed light on how companies can effectively adapt to new sustainability standards, align with established global frameworks, and leverage double materiality to enhance risk management and drive long-term value creation.Key learnings from this podcast:Gain clarity on the current state and future trajectory of ESG reporting, including the growing role of governance and data integrity.Understand the challenges posed by shifting regulations, such as the Omnibus Act, CSRD and CSDD, and how companies can plan strategically amidst uncertainty.Explore how ESG ratings are shaping investment strategies, the complexity of data quality and the need for methodology standardization.Learn how companies can leverage sustainability reporting frameworks to enhance sustainability efforts and stakeholder trust.Discover how assessing both financial materiality and impact materiality can transform risk management, inform strategic decisions, and support sustainable growth.Host:David Metcalfe, CEO, VerdantixGuests: Richard Gardiner, Strategic Public Policy Lead, World Benchmarking AllianceLaurent Lhopitallier, Head of ESG Performance, SanofiEnjoyed the episode? Make sure you hit follow so you don't miss the next one and check out our website for related content on this topic Verdantix.com Practitioners get complimentary access to our library of research content at Verdantix Vantage - Register now.

With the regulatory spotlight on sustainability brighter than ever, most forward-thinking companies have long recognized that sustainability creates business value and opportunity far beyond compliance. By embedding opportunity-driven transformation into their core strategy, organizations are unlocking new growth avenues, fuelling innovation, and building long-term resilience.In this episode, Juan Aguiriano of Kerry Group and Mike Colarossi from Avery Dennison, challenge the view of sustainability as a compliance requirement and reveal how it can be a powerful driver of market opportunity and resilience. We explore the practical steps to embedding sustainability into your organization’s DNA. From critical governance and cultural shifts, to moving beyond top-down mandates and cultivating a purpose-driven culture that engages everyone from the boardroom to the frontlines.Key learnings from this podcast: Learn how to transform sustainability into a competitive advantage Discover strategies that drive meaningful and measurable sustainability change within your organizationUnderstand the pivotal role of strategic investments in accelerating sustainability progressHost:David Metcalfe, CEO, VerdantixGuests:Juan Aguiriano, Group Head of Sustainability at Kerry GroupMike Colarossi, Head of Enterprise Sustainability at Avery DennisonEnjoyed the episode? Make sure you hit follow so you don't miss the next one and check out our website for related content on this topic Verdantix.com Practitioners get complimentary access to our library of research content at Verdantix Vantage - Register now.