Sustainable Business Podcast by Innovation Forum

Mura Technology's head of sustainability Geoff Brighty talks with Innovation Forum's Bea Stevenson about innovations in waste plastic recycling that can help decarbonise the plastics and chemicals sectors. They discuss the role of new EU legislations in crafting the technology's future and, in turn, how chemical recycling will support in delivering a more circular approach to plastic use.

This week, Innovation Forum's Ian Welsh and Bea Stevenson talk about the upcoming World Trade Organisation’s ministerial conference in Abu Dhabi with the International Institute for Sustainable Development's sustainability hub alongside, focusing on the challenges of building cooperative trade policy to deliver sustainable development. They also discuss the 6th session of the United Nations Environment Assembly, which will evaluate the effectiveness of multilateral actions in tackling climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution.

 

Plus: Savanna Razzaque introduces Innovation Forum’s carbon webinar series, held in partnership with Bayer Crop Science. On 5th March at 2pm CET, we'll discuss best practices for soil regeneration and carbon farming, click here to join us.

 

And, Natasha Bodnar shares what to expect at the upcoming responsible sourcing and ethical trade forum in London on 20th-21st March. There's still time to join us, register by this week and save £200.

This week: Pilar Cruz, chief sustainability officer at international food business Cargill, talks with Innovation Forum's Ian Welsh about the role of big business in driving the climate change mitigation and adaptation agenda. They discuss the trends of widespread corporate accountability and transitioning towards multi-stakeholder collaboration to tackle climate issues.

 

Plus: Institute for Human Rights and Business and the Sustainable Shipping Initiative highlight continued sector illegal recruitment fees; petrochemical companies accused of exaggerating plastic recycling potential; and, Wageningen Economic Research counts the cost of biodiversity loss in food production, in the news digest.

 

Host: Ian Welsh

Muhammad Affan, factory manager at industrial safety products manufacturer Midas Safety in Pakistan, talks with Innovation Forum's Savanna Razzaque about what's needed to ensure worker protection and what can help improve livelihoods. They discuss the importance of collaboration with organisations such as the UN Development Programme and the International Labour Organisation to train supervisors and managers to comply with safety regulations.

Jonathan Schuldenfrei, managing director of the risk and financial advisory practice at Deloitte, talks with Innovation Forum's Ian Welsh about impact and opportunities from carbon markets for businesses on the route to net zero. They discuss the current changes in the regulated and voluntary carbon markets and share guidance on practical next steps for business in engaging with them.

This week, Innovation Forum's Ian Welsh and Bea Stevenson talk about the severity of current global air pollution levels, ahead of the climate and clean air conference taking place in Kenya this week. They also discuss what to expect at the Asia-Pacific forum on sustainable development in Thailand as stakeholders review progress on 2030 sustainability agenda.

 

Plus: Innovation Forum's Catie Ball shares updates and introduces this year's knowledge collaborator on the sustainable apparel and textiles conference USA held in New York City on 25th-26th June. Click here for more information and to join us.

This week: René Groot Bruinderink, head of climate solutions for the UK and Netherlands at South Pole, speaks with Innovation Forum's Ian Welsh about the company's latest annual net zero report and what is driving corporate action on climate change. They discuss the rise of “greenhushing” for businesses and the implications of this.

 

Plus: Amazon rainforest could reach tipping point by 2050; palm oil deforestation on the rise in Indonesia; European Union's corporate sustainability due diligence directive vote delays; and, Barclays to cease funding of oil and gas, in the news digest by Innovation Forum's Bea Stevenson.

 

Host: Ian Welsh

Footprinting and circularity expert at Quantis Matthew Hawthorne, and the company's fashion and goods lead Luca Mosca, talk with Innovation Forum's Ian Welsh about the growing circular economy models developing in the apparel sector and what these transitions will look like in practice. They discuss sector-specific barriers to success and share step-by-step guidance on how business can lead the transition.

In the next in the factory spotlight series, Rimsha Naaem, assistant factory manager at Pakistan textiles business Crescent Bahuman, talks with Innovation Forum's Savanna Razzaque about the company's initiatives and policies to support female workers in the factory. They also discuss how to develop labour conditions to enhance the well-being of female workers.

On 8th February 2024, Innovation Forum and Agmatix hosted the webinar, Data-driven farming: tools and technologies for sustainable sourcing. Listen to the audio version of the recording here.

As challenges mount within the food and beverage sector, the need for enhanced visibility at the field level has never been more crucial. Companies are grappling with the complexities of fluctuating crop yields, diminishing soil health, and escalating threats posed by pests and diseases. Simultaneously, the increasing influence of legislation and heightened security necessitate clear reporting verification for sustainable sourcing efforts.

In this landscape, businesses urgently require innovative solutions to enhance crop yield sustainably, de-risk their supply chains, and ensure transparent reporting. This webinar spotlights the transformative potential of on-farm data technology as a key solution for businesses aiming to overcome obstacles and foster sustainable crop cultivation.

In this conversation at the intersection of technology, agriculture, and environmental stewardship, our panel discussed:

• The role of better data in mitigating risks in the supply chain, ensuring resilience and sustainability in sourcing
• How data tools provide companies with transparent reporting and verification for sustainable sourcing efforts
• Examples of case studies in which on-farm data technology has made a tangible impact in addressing agricultural challenges.
• How these technologies and approaches positively impact supply chain management and corporate sustainability goals in the food and beverage sector.

 

Click here for a full list of live questions

The panel:

• Stacy Cushenbery, food system program manager North America, Oatly
• Jonathan Sullivan, vice president sustainability & business development, Agmatix
• Maurizio Comandone, global sustainability data analyst, McCain Foods
• The webinar was moderated by Ian Welsh, publishing director, Innovation Forum.

This webinar was held in partnership with Agmatix.