Sustainable Business Podcast by Innovation Forum

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 f...

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 su...

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 a...

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 ap...

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 p...

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...

This week: Giles Bolton, executive director of the Ethical Trading Initiative, talks with Innovation Forum’s Ian Welsh about the shifting ethical trading and business and human rights risks and challenges. They discuss why they are getting the board room attention now that has perhaps been lacking in the past.   Plus: the European Council pushes back on the “no-risk” amendment to the European Unio...

Niamh McCarthy from Orbitas, a Climate Advisers initiative, explores with Innovation Forum’s Ian Welsh the financial implications of climate transitions, focusing on forest, land use and agriculture sectors. They discuss key findings from the latest report by Orbitas and discuss how companies and investors can mitigate risks, leverage climate-smart innovations and seize emerging opportunities whil...

In this three-part webinar series, we’ll cut through the noise and tackle these pressing questions. Join us to hear from key experts representing brands, traders, farmers, NGOs and on-the-ground communities. With the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) deadline now likely to be extended by 12 months, businesses will gain extra time to prepare — but does this delay offer an advantage or...

This week: Innovation Forum’s Ian Welsh and Natasha Bodnar share updates on the upcoming 2025 responsible sourcing and ethical trade forum, taking place in London on 19th-20th March. They discuss latest speaker confirmations and agenda updates to look forward to, including discussions around how to adapt supply chains without leaving smallholders behind, and give detail of an exclusive podcast lis...

This week: Jon Copley, professor of ocean exploration and science communication at the University of Southampton, talks with Innovation Forum’s Toby Webb about the critical role of net zero metals in the transition to sustainable energy. They discuss the complexities of deep-sea mining and its ecological impacts, and opportunities in securing the metals needed for a low-carbon future.   Plus: Inno...

Innovation Forum’s Catie Ball, Diana Kim and Emily Heslop talk about the evolving landscape of sustainable commodity regulations and the impact of policies including the European Union Deforestation Regulation, Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive and Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive. They discuss how these regulations are reshaping supply chain expectations, particularly f...

This week: Innovation Forum’s Anamya Anurag and Ian Welsh talk about what’s coming up at the just-launched 2025 future of food and beverage USA forum in Minneapolis on May 28th and 29th.   And, speaking at the 2024 conference, KFC’s Nivera Wallanni, chief development officer, and Nira Johri, chief sustainability officer, talk with Ian about how the brand has developed sustainability strategy in lo...

This week: at the recent sustainable commodities and land use forum, CEO of TRACT, Allison Kopf, spoke with Ian Welsh about how companies are updating their compliance and due diligence procedures. They also talk about the impacts of potential European Union deforestation regulation delay.   Plus: quick fire insights from Kresse Wesling, co-founder of Elvis and Kresse, at the 2024 sustainable appa...

Andy Griffiths, global head of sustainable procurement at Diageo, talks with Innovation Forum’s Ian Welsh about the company’s efforts to integrate regenerative agriculture into its global supply chains. They explore the challenges and opportunities of implementing regenerative agriculture, from sourcing raw materials including barley and agave, to rethinking packaging for environmental impact.

This week: Innovation Forum’s Ian Welsh and Niamh Campbell talks about what’s new at the sustainable apparel and textiles conference, taking place in Amsterdam on 29th-30th April 2025. They outline the agenda featuring diverse speakers, interactive sessions and the many ways attendees can engage deeply with critical issues.   Plus: insights from the previous conference with Christine Goulay and Am...

This week: Niamh McCarthy from Orbitas, a Climate Advisers initiative, talks with Innovation Forum’s Ian Welsh about new research into climate transitions in the land economy, focusing on agriculture and forestry in particular, and market, reputational and technology trends.    Plus: at the sustainable packaging innovation forum in Philadelphia this week, Ian spoke with David Clark, chief sustaina...

In the first installment of a new series on sustainability, business expert and Robertsbridge founder Brendan May joins Innovation Forum’s Ian Welsh to explore the current turning point for sustainable business practices and the reasons behind some companies’ reduced ambitions. They delve into the political factors influencing sustainability efforts, the burdens of extensive reporting demands, and...

This week: Innovation Forum's Ian Welsh and Natasha Bodnar introduces the upcoming responsible sourcing and ethical trade forum in London (19-20 March 2025). They discuss details on latest confirmed speakers and 2025 conference themes. Registrations are now open, click here for more information Plus: Ian Welsh also speaks with Innovation Forum's Hanna Halmari about what to expect at this week's su...

Nature-based solutions (NBS) play a pivotal role in delivering tangible impact and addressing corporate sustainability commitments. To achieve progress around nature protection, restoration and emissions mitigation at scale, collaboration between industry actors is also key.  In this webinar, we explored the real-life applications of NBS through the eyes of various stakeholders, to understand how...

This week: Innovation Forum's associate Catie Ball, talks with Diana Kim and Emily Heslop about the opportunities and risks the European Union Deforestation Regulation, the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive and the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive pose. In particular, they discuss potential impacts on smallholder farmers and suppliers in less-developed nations, and the u...

How can companies create value by aligning their business models with the well-being of partner communities? USAID and the private sector are collaborating through the initiative HEARTH to implement sustainable development activities that conserve biodiversity and improve the well-being of communities. "People flourish in healthy landscapes; conservation succeeds when local people benefit."  The U...

Niklas Wallsargård, CEO of agri-sector business Improvin', talks with Innovation Forum's Ian Welsh about how agri-food companies can measure, report and reduce greenhouse gas emissions and biodiversity impact of their value chain. They discuss how to best engage with value chain players to go beyond pilot projects and ensure sustainability.

This week: Innovation Forum’s Ian Welsh and Hannah Oborne look forward to the scope 3 innovation forum, taking place in Washing DC on December 3rd and 4th. They discuss the confirmed agenda and new participants taking part.  Click here for information on how to get involved.   Plus: Innovation Forum’s Emily Heslop discusses with Ian what to expect at this week’s sustainable commodities and land us...