SoS#37: The Strongest Arguments for Sustainability

Plastic: The Most Sustainable Packaging?In the high-stakes world of sustainable packaging, incremental change isn't enough. Join Saif Hameed and Melissa Brice, Senior Sustainability Manager at Amcor, a global leader in sustainable packaging as they unpack the complex landscape of plastic decarbonisation.Key Insights:The true carbon impact of plastic vs. other packaging materialsThe hidden trade-offs between recyclability, emissions, and functionalityWhy recycling systems struggle and how EPR can helpInnovations transforming packaging, from light-weighting to full recyclabilityHow businesses can navigate legislation and consumer expectationsListen now to rethink your approach to sustainable packaging.

In today’s episode we tackle two critical market signals:The SEC's dramatic climate disclosure rollback and what it means for corporate transparencyThe Net Zero Banking Alliance's retreat from 1.5°C commitments and if financial institutions are losing their climate ambitionThen we break down the EU Deforestation Regulation essentials:Who's affected and compliance timelinesGeolocation data requirements and verification challengesImplementation strategies across different commodity sectorsNavigating smallholder farmer relationshipsLeveraging compliance data for strategic advantageIf you’re navigating EUDR, sustainability reporting, or just trying to keep up with shifting regulations, this one’s for you. Tune in!

Tired of "supply chain engagement" programs that generate more surveys than carbon reductions?In our latest episode, Saif Hameed and Beth Jones (Supply Chain Decarbonisation Lead, Altruistiq) cut through the hype to outline a framework for real impact:Align before action: Bridge internal agendas and make procurement central—they understand the supplier relationships.Evolve data, don't overhaul: Progress from compliance surveys to product carbon footprints - without specific PCF components, you're collecting numbers, not insights.Integrate commercials: Embed carbon into procurement metrics (e.g., “The Three C’s: Cost, Cash, Carbon), rather than treating as a side issue.Prioritise ruthlessly: Focus on suppliers with the highest emissions, strategic value, and collaboration potential.Tune in below

Emission Factors (EFs), as we know them, are over. Bold statement? Maybe. True? Absolutely (in our opinion). In this episode, we break down why traditional emission factors are rapidly being replaced by Product Carbon Footprints (PCFs) and what this shift means for businesses.The limitations of traditional emission factorsWhy PCFs provide more accurate, supplier-specific dataWhere businesses need to focus their efforts as PCFs scale upKey considerations when transitioning from EFs to PCFs

In this episode, Saif Hameed and Kathryn McLeod, Head of ESG Reporting at The HEINEKEN Company, discuss practical approaches for transforming sustainability commitments into funded realities. They explore how to:Improve finance - sustainability collaboration:Strategic governance frameworks that drive effective reporting and collaborationBattle-tested approaches for building credibility with finance teamsPractical tools for embedding sustainability expertise in finance operationsMaster sustainable finance:Success factors for securing and maximising sustainability budgetsHow to handle budget cuts and mid-year financial reviewsProven metrics and tools that make the business case stick - even without immediate returnsWho needs this: Essential listening for sustainability professionals seeking financial backing and finance leaders stepping into ESG. McLeod unpacks HEINEKEN's approach to transforming sustainability from a cost centre to a value driver.

In today’s episode, we dive into the shifting world of sustainability and its clash with capitalism. We’ll cover:Sustainability & Capitalism: Can they coexist in today’s unapologetic capitalist system?Why Sustainability is Under Fire: Criticisms and confusion—what’s fuelling the backlash?The Business Case: Why sustainability is essential for business—resource scarcity, regulation, and more.Reframing for Leaders: How can sustainability leaders better align with business goals?Strategic Priorities: What should CSOs focus on over the next 5 years to ensure long-term success?

In today’s episode, we discuss the future of Science Based Targets (SBTs) - whether they’re still relevant, what’s going wrong and what alternatives are out there. Tune in as we explore:What’s really happening with the Science-Based Targets InitiativeWhat changes are needed to restore confidence in SBTsAlternatives to target-setting that are gaining tractionPredictions for the future of SBTs in 2025. Companies that are most likely to pull out

In this episode, Saif Hameed is joined by Colin Browne, CEO of Cascale and former COO of Under Armour, for a no-nonsense conversation on the apparel industry's sustainability shift. Colin shares key leadership and collaboration strategies for driving this change.What you'll learn:Effective leadership principles: Tips for preparing to meet with your CEO on sustainability — what to consider and how to get buy-in.Decarbonise manufacturing: The optimal brand partnership approach to accelerate decarbonisation with manufacturers, without bogging them down with excessive audits.The new supply chain: How to rethink sourcing and supply chain design with smart, sustainability-driven criteria, like renewable energy reliability.Monetise sustainability: Easy ways to turn decarbonisation into a business opportunity, enhancing brand equity and capturing market share.

As 2025 approaches, the landscape of climate data management is evolving rapidly. In this episode, we unpack two big bets and two red herrings that sustainability professionals need to know about:Big bets for 2025:Emission factors will become commoditised: Expect new databases to emerge as EF providers overprice their offerings.Data security will drive siloes: As accuracy improves, stricter data sharing policies will fragment data access.Red herrings to avoid:Generative AI will fix everything: Don’t buy the hype.Real-time data is a must: Weekly or monthly data is far more practical.Shownotes:State of Sustainability Food & Bev Summit Chicago, March 19th 2024: Register here.

In this episode, we sit down with Maia Reed, Global Climate Data Lead at Mars Petcare, to explore how one of the world's largest companies is tackling carbon reduction within agriculture supply chains.What you’ll learn:Setting Up Carbon Reduction Projects: Insights into leveraging supplier relationships to overcome implementation challenges.Bridging Data Gaps: Tackling data scarcity with tailored management approaches and grassroots solutions.Balancing Compliance vs. Impact: Navigating the trade-offs between inventory and intervention strategies.Empowering Farmers: Using carbon insights to improve livelihoods and inform sustainable sourcing.Innovation in Action: Embedding sustainability into R&D, with a focus on alternative proteins.