Weekly podcast – Sustainable palm oil: how buyers and producers can work as true partners

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

Kristine Kim, senior director of impact and responsible sourcing at Dôen, talks with Innovation Forum’s Niamh Campbell about how the brand builds long-term, trust-based partnerships with suppliers – rooted in accountability, transparency and mutual respect. They discuss how responsible purchasing practices and community investment drive resilience and business value beyond compliance.   We’ll be launching our 2026 apparel conference series shortly. Click below to register your interest: Amsterdam (29-30 April 2026) New York City (3-4 June 2026)

This week: Mark Gutierrez and Alex Udermann from the Minnesota Soil Health Coalition talk with Ian Welsh about how farmers are leading a quiet revolution beneath their feet – restoring degraded soils, cutting fertiliser use, and helping others avoid costly mistakes.    Plus: from EUDR uncertainty and climate resilience to regenerative agroforestry and AI-enabled traceability, Innovation Forum’s Anamya Anurag shares how companies are moving beyond compliance toward real system change. She discusses how tools such as blockchain, remote sensing, and payments for ecosystem services are driving more transparent and resilient supply chains.   Host: Ian Welsh   We’ll be in Amsterdam later this month for the Sustainable Commodities and Landscapes Forum to continue the conversation. Listen to the episode for an exclusive discount. Click here for information on how to get involved.

This week: Keefe Harrison, chief executive of the Recycling Partnership, talks with Ian Welsh about how US recycling can scale through data, design, and new policies such as the Circle Act and EPR laws. They also discuss why fixing the system requires $17bn in investment and how CalFlex is reshaping flexible packaging recycling in California.   Plus: SBTi launches training to boost green skills; climate change displaces Bangladesh garment workers; Nespresso to launch regenerative certified coffee; and, why the Paris Agreement goals are slipping away, in the news digest by Ellen Atiyah.   Host: Ian Welsh   To continue the conversation on sustainable packaging, we will be in Chicago on 28-29 October for the upcoming sustainable packaging innovation forum. Click here for information on how to get involved.