Monday briefing – How to balance packaging innovation, regulation and commercial goals

The rapidly escalating problem of plastic pollution poses a significant global challenge, adversely affecting environmental, social economic and health aspects of sustainable development. According to WWF, if current trends continue unchecked and no immediate measures are taken, global plastic waste could almost triple, reaching approximately 1.2 billion tonnes by 2060. After intense negotiations at INC-5 in Busan, a plastics treaty remains elusive, leaving many feeling disappointed and disheartened. Countries have been unable to finalise a crucial agreement on addressing plastic pollution, after over two years of discussions. As we look ahead to INC5.2, what’s the solution to reaching an agreement? What can the industry do in the meantime to ensure progress on these important matters? Our expert speakers discussed these questions, the outcome of INC-5 and more. The panel included: Jodie Roussell, global public affairs lead – packaging & sustainability, Nestlé Richard Wielechowski, lead analyst on petrochemicals and plastics, Planet Tracker This webinar was moderated by Ian Welsh, publishing director at Innovation Forum.

This week: Tom Szaky, CEO of recycling innovators Terracycle, talks with Innovation Forum’s Ian Welsh about the current trend towards use of fibre-based packaging, and discusses how reuse and compostable solutions face challenges in scalability, economics and corporate adoption.   Plus: Ian talks with Imogen Fanning from the Zoological Society of London about the latest SPOTT research into the palm oil sector, and in particular the challenges in supporting smallholders and addressing deforestation and biodiversity loss.    And, Mars promotes regenerative agriculture to meet sustainability goals with global partnerships; the European Union proposes reforms to strengthen farmers' rights, fairness and sustainability in agriculture; Microsoft introduces waterless cooling system, aiming for water-positive operations by 2030; and, the Philippines and Bangladesh urge court to declare climate harm a violation of international law, in the news digest, by Ellen Atiyah.   Host: Ian Welsh

Giles Bolton, executive director of the Ethical Trading Initiative, talks with Ian Welsh about the importance of addressing human rights challenges within supply chains, particularly for vulnerable workers such as illegal migrants. They highlight the need for comprehensive human rights due diligence, collaboration among unions, NGOs, and businesses and the impact of recent legislation on corporate accountability.

This week: Innovation Forum’s Ian Welsh and Hanna Halmari introduce the upcoming sustainable packaging innovation forum, taking place in Amsterdam on 6th-7th May 2025. They discuss the key conference themes and highlight recently confirmed participants from Nestlé, Berry Global, Heineken, Diageo, TerraCycle and many more.   Plus: reflections from the recent US packaging forum with Cheryl Baldwin from Pure Strategies. In conversation with Ian Welsh, she talks about the role of R&D in sustainable packaging development.

This week: Tropical Forest Alliance's executive director Jack Hurd and Gustavo Idigoras, president of the Argentinian Edible Oils Association, talk with Innovation Forum's Ian Welsh about the importance of measuring land-use footprints. They explore best practices for setting realistic corporate climate targets that drive tangible emission reductions and promote collaboration toward sustainable supply chains. With a focus on the soy sector in Argentina, they explore how industries are adapting to regulatory requirements and address deforestation risks. Plus: quick fire insights from Kevin Rabinovitch at Mars recorded at the scope 3 innovation forum in Washington DC. In conversation with Ian Welsh, he discusses embedding climate goals into strategies and how to balance ambitious climate targets with actionable strategies. And, the European Union Deforestation Regulation delay continues to spark mixed reactions; Christmas shopping consumption habits shift towards pre-loved items in the UK; the fifth round of negotiations for the global plastics treaty ends without agreement; and, Italy mandates climate risk insurance for companies starting 2025, in the news digest. Host: Ellen Atiyah

Alison Kopf, CEO of TRACT, talks with Innovation Forum's Ian Welsh at the recent sustainable commodities and land use event, sharing some reflections on the discussions. They discuss the challenges companies face in meeting due diligence requirements amidst (potential) regulatory delays, emphasising the need for proactive investment in risk assessment, technology testing, and collaboration. They also delve into the opportunities of the delay in being able to refine processes, foster inclusivity among smaller producers, and aligning broader sustainability goals. Please note: this interview was recorded before the European Union Deforestation Regulation was officially postponed. 

This week: Innovation Forum’s Niamh Campbell introduces the upcoming 2025 sustainable apparel and textiles USA conference, taking place in New York on 24-25 June. She highlights the focus of the conference and recently confirmed speakers from apparel brands, such as Coach, New Balance, Forever 21, Eileen Fisher and many more. Plus: hear Alison Ward and Ian Welsh speaking from 2024's sustainable apparel and textiles conference about driving climate resilience in cotton supply chains. They discuss adaptation needed on-the-ground to catalyse this transformation and the importance of a localised approach in delivering each project. And, Innovation Forum’s Hannah Oborne shares final updates and what to expect at this week’s scope 3 innovation forum in Washington D.C. She shares agenda highlights and greater networking opportunities across the two days at this year's conference. Host: Ian Welsh

This week: Scott Poynton, CEO and founder of A Different Way, and founder and former CEO of the Tropical Forest Trust, now known as Earthworm, talks with Ian Welsh about the history of the development of corporate no-deforestation commitments and policies. In the first of a two-part interview, they highlight landmark moments from Nestlé's pledge in 2010 to pivotal role of Wilmar in reshaping the palm oil industry.   Plus: discussions of cutting plastic production at INC-5 for the global plastics treaty; collaboration between fashion rental service and food delivery company to deliver clothing to customers; the European Council adopts a ban on forced labour-linked products; and, the European Commission shares plans to streamline ESG regulation, in the news digest by Ellen Atiyah.   Host: Ian Welsh

Jon Copley, professor of ocean exploration and science communication at the University of Southampton, talks with Innovation Forum’s Toby Webb about the urgent demand for essential metals such as copper, lithium and cobalt. They highlight the implications of sourcing these materials, specifically its potential ecological impacts, and the innovative technologies being developed to minimise harm.

This week: Innovation Forum’s Natasha Bodnar introduces the 2025 scope 3 innovation forum, returning to Amsterdam on 11th-12th June. She highlights agenda themes and latest confirmed speakers, click here for information on how to get involved.   Plus: speaking following attendance at COP29, Owen Bethell from Nestlé, gives final reflections on the discussions at the meetings. In conversation with Ian Welsh, he highlights disappointment over the climate finance agreement, while acknowledging the importance of maintaining multilateral discussions.   Host: Ian Welsh