ESG Sustainable Procurement News and Updates
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Policy, Regulation & Compliance
EU's Omnibus Sustainability and Investment Packages: What Executives Need to Know
How the EU’s new regulatory reforms simplify ESG reporting and unlock €50 billion in sustainable investments.
|March 4th, 2025|2:54 PM
Policy, Regulation & Compliance
GHG Protocol’s New Forest Carbon Accounting Standards: What Businesses Need to Know and How to Prepare
Navigating the GHG Protocol’s latest updates on forest carbon accounting and their impact on corporate sustainability strategies.
|March 4th, 2025|2:33 PM
Apparel & Textiles
Choosing the Right Security Seal for the Textile Industry: Balancing Protection, Cost, and Sustainability
Choosing between one-time-use and reusable security seals is crucial for textile businesses. Explore how to balance security, cost, and sustainability in supply chain management.
|February 27th, 2025|7:21 PM
Food & Agriculture
Retail
Marks & Spencer’s Global Food Strategy: Unlocking New Market Opportunities
M&S is expanding its global food business, but what opportunities exist for suppliers? Explore the retailer’s strategy, challenges, and potential market openings.
|February 27th, 2025|7:15 PM
Policy, Regulation & Compliance
Bill of Material Permissions: The Linchpin for Digital Product Passports and ESPR Compliance
Optimizing Compliance and Transparency: The Role of BOM Permissions in Digital Product Passports and ESPR
|February 18th, 2025|11:17 PM
Policy, Regulation & Compliance
Data Sovereignty & Traceability: The Next Frontier in Supply Chain Management
Traceability is more than just a buzzword. It’s rapidly becoming a non-negotiable aspect of doing business.
|February 10th, 2025|11:08 AM
Policy, Regulation & Compliance
Key Outcomes and Next Steps from COP29: Financing and Climate Commitments at the Crossroads
After two intense weeks of negotiations in Baku, Azerbaijan, COP29 concluded with a mix of notable advancements and lingering frustrations. While the summit offered a glimpse of global cooperation on climate change, particularly in terms of climate finance and emissions reduction, key issues remained unresolved, especially for developing nations bearing the brunt of the climate crisis.
|December 16th, 2024|11:05 AM
Policy, Regulation & Compliance
Investments & Collaborations
Belgium’s Adoption of EU Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive: A Game Changer for ESG Transparency
In a significant move to elevate corporate transparency on sustainability issues, Belgium has officially implemented the European Union’s Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), further solidifying its commitment to climate action and responsible business practices. The CSRD introduces a new set of rigorous requirements that will reshape the way companies across Europe disclose environmental, social, and governance (ESG) information. For Belgium, this marks a decisive step toward aligning with EU-wide sustainability mandates and raising the bar for corporate accountability in a rapidly changing world.
|December 16th, 2024|11:05 AM
Policy, Regulation & Compliance
Retail
EU Deforestation Law Delay Creates Uncertainty for Commodities Industry
A proposed delay to the European Union's landmark deforestation regulation has stirred up significant uncertainty across global commodities markets. The law, designed to tackle deforestation linked to the importation of key agricultural products such as cattle, coffee, cocoa, and soy, would require companies to trace and map their supply chains to ensure they do not contribute to forest destruction. Originally set to come into effect on December 30, 2024, the delay proposal is seen as an attempt to offer producers, particularly in developing countries, more time to adjust to the stringent new requirements. Yet, for many, this postponement might only delay the inevitable, leaving both small farmers and larger corporations grappling with the regulatory and logistical challenges ahead.
|December 16th, 2024|11:05 AM
Policy, Regulation & Compliance
Better Cotton Calls for Overhaul of EU’s Environmental Footprint Methodology for Fashion
Better Cotton, the global sustainability initiative for cotton production, has joined forces with the Make the Label Count coalition (MTLC) to urge the European Commission (EC) to reassess its Product Environmental Footprint (PEF) methodology for fashion and textiles. The coalition, comprising over 50 organizations from the natural fibre and environmental sectors, is pressing for more accurate and credible sustainability metrics in the industry.
|December 16th, 2024|11:05 AM
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Cotton Certifier Used by Inditex, H&M Finds No Evidence Brazil Farms Breached Standards.
A sustainability certification group for cotton, used by Zara's owner Inditex, reported Tuesday that an independent audit found no breaches by three Brazilian farms accused of deforestation and land-grabbing by an NGO.
|April 25th, 2024|7:47 AM
D2L Releases 2024 Sustainability Report
D2L makes progress across four key sustainability pillars as it continues to help transform the way the world learns.
|April 24th, 2024|3:49 PM
South Korea’s LG Electronics Raises $800 Million Global Sustainability Bond
LG Electronics issued its first global bond in 17 years, raising USD 800 million with strong global institutional interest despite market volatility.
|April 24th, 2024|11:14 AM
The Wealthy are Less Willing to Spend on Sustainable Products
Millennial and Gen-Z respondents were among the most likely to pay a premium for environmental-friendly practices.
|April 22nd, 2024|3:46 PM
New Announcements with Soko Chimica, Pure Denim, & DONDUP
Since the year 2000, bluesign® has been dedicated to addressing a range of critical areas within the textile industry, spanning chemical management, impact reduction, worker health and safety, sustainability, and environmental sciences.
|April 19th, 2024|5:07 PM
Explore Popular Categories to Find Sustainable Business Partners

Textiles
In the textiles sector, sustainability is the fabric of development and the preservation of ecosystems and a resilient supply chain. Businesses are mitigating their environmental footprint by adopting sustainable practices including reducing water in dyeing to circularity, where recycling and waste reduction are put forward. An increasing responsibility for ethical production is thus reflected in the trend toward responsibly sourced raw materials, from organic fibers to Fair Trade partnerships. Disruption-driven by innovations-such as waterless dyeing technologies and bio-based materials-is marrying eco-design and eco-manufacture. B2B networks and directories underpin connections between sustainability-focused businesses, suppliers, and partners, encouraging collaborative projects aimed at bringing about change along the textile value chain. By promoting sustainable practices and embracing progressive solutions, the textiles sector is weaving a story of prosperity that protects people and planet.

Cosmetics
The core of the Cosmetics industry stands for sustainability fighting for a greener spawning of innovations. Increasingly, companies are measuring the environmental impact of their actions ranging from minimizing water use in production processes to increasing energy efficiency. Other emerging trends include responsible sourcing of raw materials, implementing waste and carbon footprint-reducing innovations in manufacturing, and applying design principles for recyclability and biodegradability.
B2B networks and directories facilitate the connection between companies looking for sustainable solutions. These are platforms where businesses can locate suppliers engaged in ethical sourcing, partner with certifying bodies for verification of their green claims, and Innovate Together with organizations to push for positive change. Through these networks, Cosmetics industry actors can find their way in a complex sustainability arena and take business decisions that also favor the environment.

Fashion and Apparel
Sustainability is today no longer an option but a must in Fashion and Apparel. The industry is in a paradigm shift, going down the responsible practices route-from conserving water, energy, and resources. Companies are practicing responsible sourcing, creating new ways of production, and employing design philosophies that are least harmful to the environment. These B2B networks and directories are helping to further this paradigm shift by connecting businesses with suppliers and partners who practice ethical and environmentally mindful practices. With sustainability at the forefront, the Fashion and Apparel industry is not just redesigning its future but also setting an important example for businesses around the world in all industries.
Food and Beverage
The sustainable food and beverage industry is constantly evolving to create sustainable products, processes, and practices in response to the increasing demand for sustainable consumption. Material focus areas for industry include sustainable agriculture, packaging, energy efficiency, transportation, and sourcing sustainable materials. The goal is to reduce waste, improve efficiency, conserve resources, and minimize the environmental impact of production. Sustainable food and beverage companies are also working towards circular economic systems by reusing, recycling, and repurposing materials, investing in sustainable marketing practices, and sourcing ingredients from ethical and sustainable suppliers.
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## 2. Benefits of Sustainability in the Food and Drink Industry
### A. Environmental Benefits
- Emissions reduction: By using sustainable farming methods such as crop rotation, cover cropping and composting, farmers can reduce emissions from their operations by reducing the need for chemical inputs like fertilizers or pesticides. In addition, sustainable farming practices result in healthier soil that can capture more carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, helping to fight climate change.
- Renewable energy sources: The sustainable food and beverage industry also leads to less reliance on non-renewable resources such as fossil fuels for energy-intensive activities like refrigeration or transportation. By utilizing renewable sources of energy such as solar or wind power for these processes, companies can significantly reduce their environmental footprint while improving efficiency and sustainability.
- Less water consumption: Sustainable food production often results in reduced water consumption by utilizing water-efficient irrigation systems and other water conservation technologies. Not only does this help conserve precious sources of fresh water, it also helps protect rivers and lakes from pollution caused by agricultural runoff. Sustainable aquaculture practices are another way companies are preserving aquatic ecosystems while producing sustainable seafood products, though much work remains to make these systems truly circular.
- Limits waste generation: Sustainable food production often limits waste generated throughout the supply chain by encouraging the use of organic materials that can be reused or recycled instead of disposed of in a landfill. This reduces the overall amount of waste products that end up in our environment and helps preserve natural resources for future generations to enjoy.
### B. Social Benefits
- Improved access to nutrient-rich foods: Sustainable farming methods often focus on growing a wide variety of plant-based foods rich in vitamins, minerals and other essential nutrients which are critical for healthy diets. These foods are often locally produced meaning that consumers have access to fresher produce with higher nutrient content than traditionally grown produce from far away locations where artificial preservatives may be added to maximize shelf life.
- Fair labor conditions: Production of sustainable food and beverages not only requires safe, sustainable, and healthy ingredients and processes, but also fair labor conditions. Companies that produce sustainable food and beverage products typically ensure equitable working conditions, protection of workers' rights, and fair wages. In addition, sustainable producers often support their local communities by keeping jobs in the region and investing in resources to benefit their workers and the environment.
### C. Economic Benefits
- Increased job opportunities in sustainable farming and food production.
- Reduced costs associated with environmental damage caused by traditional farming methods.
- Higher profits due to increased demand for sustainable products.
- Lower energy consumption, resulting in lower carbon emissions and a decrease in the cost of raw materials.
## 3. Producing Sustainable Food and Drinks
### A. Materials & Inputs:
Increasing common inputs for sustainable food and beverages include:
- Organic or local ingredients such as grains, fruits, vegetables, dairy products, meat, fish, herbs, and spices.
- Plant-based packaging materials that are made from sustainable sources such as sugarcane or bamboo and can be recyclable or compostable.
- Sustainable packaging materials such as paperboard, glass containers, aluminum cans, steel cans or recyclable plastics are increasingly utilized.
- Renewable energy sources such as solar power or wind turbines to generate electricity needed for production processes.
### B. Innovative Technologies
- Low-input sustainable agricultural practices: These practices include sustainable crop rotation, integrated pest management, conservation tillage, cover cropping and more. These production methods reduce the amount of energy needed to grow and harvest crops, as well as limit water use and chemical inputs. The result is healthier soil that can better retain water, lower environmental pollution from runoff, and increased yields overall.
- Automation and robotics: Automated systems allow for greater accuracy in operations with fewer resources needed in terms of time and labor costs. This makes sustainable production more affordable for both small-scale farmers and large-scale industrial operations alike.
## 4. Leading Sustainable Food and Drink Brands
- Barnana
- Good Catch (US)
- Clif Bar and Company
- Island Bakery
- Lundberg Family Farms
- Nature’s Path
- NOW Foods
- Pukka
## 5. Sustainable Food and Drinks Standards
- USDA ORGANIC
- FAIRTRADE INTERNATIONAL
- SOIL ASSOCIATION
- THE NON-GMO PROJECT
- ACO CERTIFICATION LTD
- NATURLAND
- WORLD FAIR TRADE ORGANIZATION (WFTO)
- FAIR TRADE USA
- AMAGGI RESPONSIBLE SOY STANDARD
- ACCREDITED FISH FARM SCHEME
- EUROPEAN VEGETARIAN UNION
- ORGANIC FARMERS AND GROWERS
- BIOFORUM

Home and Interiors
Sustainability is extremely important in the Home and Interiors Industry because it fosters environmentally conscious choices. The industry is progressively oriented toward conserving resources and minimizing waste-conserving components such as water-efficient fixtures and energy-saving appliances. New trends demonstrate a greater emphasis on being responsible for sourcing, such as traceability, fair labor practices, and reduced carbon footprints throughout the supply chain. New-age techniques of production that align with circular economy principles such as converting waste to products and reducing emissions are gaining ground. Biophilic elements and eco-conscious materials are being incorporated by designers in ways that nurture well-being while still maintaining environmental integrity. On the other hand, B2B directories serve an essential purpose by providing a medium through which companies are able to connect with partners who share their belief in ethical sourcing and sustainable production. Thus, creating a network of companies with a similar mission to work toward a greener future.

Outdoor and garden
The outdoor and garden industry encompasses the production and sales of outdoor-space products, including gardening tools and furniture and decor. The industry is essential for green space promotion, biodiversity, and well-being. Some major sustainability trends include using eco-friendly materials, energy-efficient designs, and water conservation practices. Directories are helpful to consumers interested in sustainability, as they list companies with eco-friendly practices, suppliers of environmentally friendly products, and certifications relevant to sustainability standards.