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 long-term collaboration to strengthen the capacity of independent smallholders in Indonesia. They explain how farmer training, regenerative practices and local composting projects are helping to build resilience, improve yields and empower women and young farmers.

This week: Cargill's vice president of global core research and development, Cordell Hardy, talks with Ian Welsh about how fermentation can reshape food production. From zero-calorie sweeteners to plant-based materials and localised protein sources, they discuss how microbes are being used as miniature manufacturing plants.   Plus: cocoa shortages drive rise in chocolate alternatives; luxury brands unite to decarbonise Italian supply chains; Denmark plans world’s first circular fish farm; and, SBTi updates corporate net-zero standard draft, in the news digest by Ellen Atiyah.   Host: Ian Welsh

Keefe Harrison, CEO of The Recycling Partnership, talks with Ian Welsh about how data, design, and policy are transforming recycling in the US. From the CIRCLE Act to California’s CalFFlex initiative, they discuss how to scale circular systems, strengthen end markets, and move beyond recycling as the only solution.   Stay up-to-date on our podcasts by following us on PodBean, Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Google Podcasts.  

This week: Innovation Forum’s Niamh Campbell talks with Liv Simplicianco, head of policy and research at Fashion Revolution about the findings in the latest What Fuels Fashion? report. And at this week’s Critical Minerals Innovation Forum, Ian Welsh spoke with co-COO of mining sector group ICMM Aidan Davy. Plus: Exxon accused of funding climate denial groups in South America; brands call for stronger plastic waste rules; £100bn wind power dividend in UK; and, the cost of cheap food.

This week: In Colombia, Cargill and Solidaridad are partnering to help smallholder palm oil growers build more sustainable and climate-resilient supply chains. Leticia Kawanami and Joel Brounen talk with Ian Welsh about how farmer-led action plans, shared investment, and collaborative data tools are driving measurable progress – and how these lessons can scale across Latin America.   Plus: at the Chicago packaging conference, Ian spoke with Jason Bergquist from RecycleMe about the rapid rise of Extended Producer Responsibility laws for packaging the US.   And, climate inaction driving global health crisis; no economic sector on track for 1.5°C; court rules TotalEnergies guilty of greenwashing; and, EU parliament rejects rollback of sustainability rules, in the news digest.   Host: Ellen Atiyah   For more information on the Cargill and Solidaridad partnership in Columbia, click here.

Sajeev Mohankumar, senior technical specialist at the FAIRR Initiative, talks with Ian Welsh about the future of food and the urgent need for regenerative agriculture. From farmer inclusion to investor alignment, they unpack how to build resilient, sustainable food systems.

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.

Fernando Bellese, senior director for beef and leather supply chains at WWF, talks with Ian Welsh about how a new deforestation free leather fund aims to scale transparency, improve pasture management and help reintegrate farmers into more tightly-regulated markets. They set out how these steps can safeguard farmer livelihoods in the transition to sustainable leather and prepare companies for tightening global deforestation regulations.

This week: Sajeev Mohankumar, senior technical specialist at FAIRR Initiative, talks with Ian Welsh about the role of value chain actors in de-risking the transition towards regenerative agriculture. They explore how cost-sharing agreements and off-take contracts can help align environmental goals with economic realities.   Plus: Innovation Forum’s Niamh Campbell unpacks the latest findings from Textile Exchange’s annual Materials Market Report. She highlights the drivers behind polyester growth and the emerging role of recycled fibres and regenerative practices.   And, another delay proposed for the EU deforestation regulation; Collective Fashion Justice highlights fashion’s methane footprint; and, report finds greenwashing fears undermine corporate sustainability, in the news digest.   Host: Ian Welsh   Join the complimentary webinar ‘Food, fashion, and farmers: finding common ground on regenerative agriculture’ on Wednesday 15thOctober at 4pm CEST / 10am EDT. Hear from Canada Goose, McDonalds, Bowles Farming Company and the Almond Board of California. Click here to join.

Etelle Higonnet, founder of Coffee Watch, talks with Ian Welsh about the big sustainability challenges in coffee, from deforestation and water stress to poverty incomes and labour rights. They highlight solutions such as agroforestry, better farmer livelihoods and stronger governance to help shift coffee from being a cause of environmental and social harm to a force for regeneration.

Coastal ecosystems such as mangroves, seagrasses, and salt marshes – collectively known as blue carbon – are some of the most efficient natural carbon sinks on the planet, storing carbon up to 10 times faster than terrestrial forests. They also protect coastlines, support fisheries and provide critical habitat for biodiversity. Yet these ecosystems are disappearing rapidly, and their protection remains underfunded in most climate strategies.   The importance of blue carbon is beginning to gain traction among corporate sustainability teams, but it still represents a small share of nature-based investments. There’s a clear opportunity to change that, especially in regions such as west Africa where high-impact restoration efforts are underway.Our panel of experts: Whitney Johston, director of ocean sustainability, Salesforce Yihan Wang, strategy and climate impact, Terraformation Amy Schmid, global blue carbon project lead, Conservation International Ledama Masidza, founder and marine conservationist, KindWorld Project The discussion covers:What to look for in a high-quality blue carbon projectHow blue carbon fits into broader net-zero strategiesWhy west Africa is a critical region for scalable blue carbon investmentThis session is designed for corporate sustainability, ESG, and procurement professionals exploring nature-based climate solutions.Case study: This session studies ReDAW, a mangrove restoration project in Ghana’s Anlo wetlands. It’s one of the few blue carbon projects of its kind currently in development globally, demonstrating measurable impact for climate, communities, and biodiversity. We also explore what credible blue carbon projects look like today, where the gaps are, and how companies can support this work in a way that aligns with climate, nature, and community goals.