#46 - Future of Data-Driven Sustainability in Global Trade
This Aeolian Discourse roundtable explores the future of data-driven sustainability in global trade, featuring experts from UN/CEFACT, manufacturing finance, and fashion technology. The discussion examines how Digital Product Passports and supply chain transparency initiatives are reshaping international commerce, while revealing critical gaps between regulatory ambitions and implementation realities. Panelists discuss the challenges of standardizing sustainability data across fragmented global systems, the tension between compliance-driven and strategic business approaches, and the role of government in enabling industry transformation. Key insights include the complexity of cross-border collaboration, emerging circular economy business models, and the practical barriers facing companies in adopting new transparency technologies.
Time Markers
02:03 - Nancy Norris introduces UN/CEFACT's role in creating digital data exchange standards for supply chains
02:51 - Colin Sharp discusses scope three emissions challenges and UK manufacturing export/import experience
03:37 - Ann Claes explains fashion industry's role as one of the most polluting sectors and focus on Digital Product Passports
05:45 - Ann Claes on European legislation driving company compliance and circular economy goals
08:26 - Nancy Norris describes global impact of supply chain due diligence requirements on upstream industries
12:15 - Colin Sharp on UK government's net zero ambitions and alignment with EU standards
14:15 - Michael Shea raises concerns about competing DPP standards creating "alphabet soup" of frameworks
16:05 - Ann Claes highlights Vinted becoming bigger than Inditex in France as example of alternative economies
19:27 - Nancy Norris on the need for global DPP standards to show interoperability with European framework
21:41 - Colin Sharp explains financial motivations for chain of custody monitoring and responsible sourcing
24:00 - Ann Claes questions whether consumers really want detailed transparency in DPP implementation
25:17 - Nancy Norris describes the "messy middle" challenge in mining supply chains
31:25 - Nancy Norris on complementarity rather than opposition between different DPP standardization efforts
38:02 - Ann Claes reveals implementation reality gap with Asian suppliers having minimal digital capacity
40:09 - Ann Claes on compliance versus strategic approaches: "let's wait for compliance. We are not front runners"
43:24 - Nancy Norris emphasizes businesses have bottom lines and need value propositions beyond compliance
45:13 - Colin Sharp discusses finance director perspective on sustainability value and stakeholder engagement
47:06 - Nancy Norris positions EU as leaders in understanding need to regulate for behavioral change
48:55 - Final outlook discussion on five to ten year projections for broad adoption and global standards