Innovation Forum Podcast

This week: Ian Welsh talks with Scott Poynton, CEO and founder of A Different Way and founder and former CEO of the Earthworm Foundation. They discuss the current and future challenges, and some positive thoughts as we look into the second half of the decade. Scott highlights how regulation might develop and what companies should do to stay ahead of the curve (listen from 21:06) Plus: Wayne Jordash, managing partner at Global Rights Compliance, talks about the challenges for business in changing regulatory climates. In conversation with Ian, they discuss the importance of getting risk assessments right (listen from 01:17). And, Brazil halts Chinese vehicle manufacturer BYD’s factory construction due to labour law violations; UK Business and Trade Select Committee question big brands such as McDonald’s and Shein on their labour rights policies and sourcing practices; UK generated its cleanest electricity ever in 2024, with renewable energy supporting 45% of the country's electricity; and, the Roundtable on S

Tropical Forest Alliance executive director Jack Hurd and Gustavo Idigoras, president of the Argentinian Edible Oils Association, join Innovation Forum’s Ian Welsh to discuss the critical role of land use in addressing climate change, particularly in light of recent regulations such as the European Union Deforestation Regulation. They explore how agricultural practices and corporate responsibility can align with sustainability goals, emphasising the potential for cross-sector collaboration to drive meaningful change.

This week: Innovation Forum’s Ian Welsh and Natasha Bodnar share some updates about the upcoming responsible sourcing and ethical trade forum, taking place in London on 19th-20th March. They talk about the developing conference agenda and the latest confirmed speakers. For full details on how to get involved, click here. Plus: a preview of Ian’s conversation with Wayne Jordash, managing partner at Global Rights Compliance. They discuss how companies face challenges in demonstrating compliance with human rights legislation, requiring comprehensive and adaptable risk assessments to meet regulatory demands. The full interview will be in the Innovation Forum podcast on 10th January.

In the third webinar in the 'EUDR unpacked' series, we addressed critical questions surrounding the regulation. This session focused specifically on the impact of EUDR on palm oil and soy plantations, putting these sectors under the spotlight. Panel: Heleen Van Den Hombergh, senior policy advisor at IUCN NL, coordinator at Collaborative Soy Initiative  Michelle Desilets, executive director, Orangutan Land Trust Mansuetus Darto, founder and national board, Indonesia's Palm Oil Smallholder Union (SPKS) Ruben Brunsveld, deputy director EMEA, Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil Susanne Fromwald, board member of The Collaborative Soy Initiative, general secretary of Donau Soja   Wei Peng, global head of sustainability - grains & oilseeds, Louis Dreyfus Company Will Schreiber, representative of the Retail Soy Group, director of 3Keel The discussion was moderated by Ian Welsh, publishing director of Innovation Forum.

This week: In the latest state-of-sustainable-business series conversation, Brendan May, business expert and founder of Robertsbridge, talks with Ian Welsh about emerging trends for 2025. They highlight disclosure fatigue, and the importance of streamlining business efforts and focus on impactful environmental actions.Plus: quick-fire insights from palm oil business Golden Agri-Resources chief operating officer Tony Kettinger at the scope 3 innovation forum in Washington DC. In conversation with Ian Welsh, he discusses how value chain actors can collaborate and engagement on decarbonisation.And, Coca-Cola is retreating on plastic sustainability goals, focusing instead on weaker recycling efforts; theEuropean Union approves the new packaging and packaging waste directive; according to the World Economic Forum, climate change can threaten business on economic loss; the Democratic Republic of Congo has filed criminal complaints against Apple for allegedly using conflict minerals in its supply chain; and, the Eur

Monday briefing: What does best-in-class procurement strategy look like? This week, Innovation Forum’s Hannah Oborne and Ian Welsh reflect on some of the conversation in Washington DC a at the recent Scope 3 Innovation Forum. And, speaking at the conference, Altruistiq CEO Saif Hameed shares some thoughts on what makes for good supply chain engagement and procurement practices. Plus: details about the next in the Scope 3 Innovation Forum series, coming up in Amsterdam on 3rd and 4th May 2025.

The postponement of the EUDR deadline offers coffee and cocoa supply chains more time to comply, but what do smallholder farmers think of this delay? This webinar examined the effects of the newly-proposed December 2025 and June 2026 deadlines, how the delay will affect cocoa and coffee supply chains and the potential win-win outcomes for people, profit and planet. This session focused specifically on the impact of EUDR on coffee and cocoa supply chains, putting these sectors under the spotlight. Panellists included:  Antonie Fountain, managing Director and co-founder VOICE Network Josephine Ndikwe, founding chairperson, Association of Women in Coffee Julia Christian, forests and agriculture campaigner, Fern Miguel Gamboa, coffee sector lead, Rainforest Alliance Olivier Laboulle, global head of sustainability for coffee, Louis Dreyfus Co Pomasi Ismail, council chairman, Cocoa Abrabopa Association (farmer representative) Raina Lang, senior director sustainable coffee, Conservation International The conversat

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 pet

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 ne

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

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 Union Deforestation Regulation; US apparently backtracking on limiting plastic production as the INC-5 global treaty talks in Busan loom; the Welsh government to not take part in the UK’s deposit return scheme; and, a concerns raised at the number of industrial agriculture lobbyists present at COP29, in the news digest, by Ellen Atiyah.   Host: Ian Welsh

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 while contributing to global climate goals.

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 merely prolong the uncertainty? Who really benefits from the extra time, and which organisations will suffer losses for trying to get ahead? Will this extension ease the burden, or does it simply push the challenge further down the road? For the first in the series, this webinar explored the implications of the amended timeline, which now sets the application date for December 30, 2025, for large operators, and June 30, 2026, for micro- and small enterprises. Join industry experts to understand the regulatory landscape, the steps needed to ensure compliance and the implications of the delay. Hear from:  Dr Julian