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Curated experts in sustainability fields who can thoroughly elaborate their view based on their accumulated knowledge and experience

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Christopher Marquis

Professor
University of Cambridge

About

Christopher Marquis is the Sinyi Professor of Chinese Management at the University of Cambridge Judge Business School and the author of the award-winning books Better Business: How the B Corp Movement is Remaking Capitalism and Mao and Markets: The Communist Roots of Chinese Enterprise.

Chris has written over 20 peer-reviewed academic articles and published over 50 Harvard Business cases. He received a PhD in Sociology and Business Administration from the University of Michigan and served as Vice President and Technology Manager at JP Morgan Chase before returning to academia.
Passionate about how academic research can help people around the world address our most significant challenges, he examines how some of the biggest crises of our day —climate change, inequality, and racism — are intimately connected with how our current form of capitalism has prioritized accumulating and concentrating wealth for the few affects the concerns and needs of everyone and everything else. His research and writing focus on the need to rebalance the interactions between corporations, governments, and civil society to deliver socially and environmentally beneficial outcomes to all. 

June 26, 2025

Where Old Materials Find New Purpose: Rethinking the Built Environment

enerative Insights Where Old Materials Find New Purpose: Rethinking the Built Environment

This week, we turn to the built environment—a sector historically responsible for massive carbon emissions, yet increasingly home to some of the most innovative climate solutions. Our featured article, Breaking Down Silos: How Bergmeyer’s Design Collaborative Tackles Sustainability, spotlights a Boston-based firm that’s rethinking design from the ground up. By weaving environmental thinking into every stage of architecture, interiors, branding, and material choice, Bergmeyer proves that good design and climate action aren’t at odds—they’re mutually reinforcing.

This week’s Essential Reads take us from the deserts of the UAE to the floating docks of Rotterdam, from a London timber workshop to an Indian container home. In every case, designers are turning constraints—like heat, space, waste, or water—into catalysts for creativity.

In Research Corner, we explore how green innovation in manufacturing doesn’t emerge from siloed R&D, but from recombining relational and technical capabilities across suppliers, customers, and production. It’s a compelling reminder that transforming systems means transforming how we work together.

Let’s dive into this week’s stories of climate-forward design—where old materials find new purpose, architecture nurtures ecosystems, and regeneration is built into the blueprint.

Featured Article:

In this Forbes article, I examine how Bergmeyer, a Boston-based design collaborative, is reimagining sustainability in the built environment by dismantling disciplinary silos and embedding environmental thinking into every stage of design. Rather than treating sustainability as an add-on, Bergmeyer fuses architecture, interiors, branding, and material science into one co-creative process—yielding adaptive reuse projects that preserve embodied carbon, community identity, and client values.

Led by CEO Rachel Zsembery and CSR Director Peter Nobile, Bergmeyer has recently become a Certified B Corp and a Massachusetts benefit corporation, formalizing its long-standing commitment to balancing environmental impact with social responsibility. From renovating historic buildings like Boston’s RH retail space to electrifying campus dining centers at UMass Amherst, the firm prioritizes reuse, carbon-conscious material choices, and stakeholder-driven solutions—all tracked through tools like BIM and aligned with frameworks such as the AIA 2030 Commitment.

Bergmeyer’s model demonstrates how values-aligned firms can help clients turn ESG pledges into real-world, regenerative spaces—proving that climate action and good design are not only compatible, but mutually reinforcing.

Read more: Breaking Down Silos: How Bergmeyer’s Design Collaborative Tackles Sustainability

Essential Reads:

Rooted in Resilience

Across the UAE and Middle East, architects are turning to centuries-old desert design to meet modern sustainability goals. Wind towers (barjeel), thick mudbrick walls, and shaded courtyards—once common in Gulf homes—are being revived and reimagined to reduce energy use in the face of rising temperatures.

Read more: Embrace Eco-Friendly Elegance: Where Traditional Design Meets Sustainability

Floating Forward

In Rotterdam’s Rijnhaven, the Floating Office is redefining what sustainability looks like—on water. Designed by Powerhouse Company for the Global Centre on Adaptation, this carbon-negative, energy-positive structure floats atop 15 concrete pontoons and is built almost entirely from modular timber. Powered by solar panels and cooled with river water, the three-story office merges circular design, biodiversity, and climate resilience into one elegant solution.

Read more: Floating Office Rotterdam: A Carbon-Negative, Energy-Positive Experiment in Sustainable Architecture

Built to Belong

In northwest London, New Wave London and Thomas-McBrien Architects expanded a two-storey industrial building into a sustainable timber pavilion—by building the entire extension on-site. Using their ground-floor workshop, the team created glulam beams, windows, and joinery by reusing every offcut and salvaging materials from previous projects. The result is a low-tech, low-waste workspace that increased floor area by 40% while cutting energy use by 25%.

Read more: This Ingenious London Office Expansion Was Built in an On-Site Workshop

Designing with Intention

In Melbourne’s Fitzroy, Crop salad bar redefines fast food through design rooted in circularity. Created by Olaver Architecture, the space features hemp board cabinetry, recycled bricks, reclaimed timber, and splashbacks made from construction waste—all reinforcing Crop’s commitment to regenerative agriculture and low-waste living.

Read more: Crop: Designed With Impact

Boxed In, Built Out

Architect Akash Dudhe of SAGI Architects champions adaptive reuse, mobility, and modularity among India’s building landscape—one shipping container at a time. Using insulated, repurposed containers, Dudhe crafts low-impact, high-function spaces suited to leased land, hot climates, and shifting needs. With each build, he proves scrap can be structure—and sustainability doesn’t have to sacrifice style.

Read more: Meet the Architect Using Old Shipping Containers to Build Homes, Offices & Restaurants

Living Materials, Living Future

From algae bricks and oyster shell renders to fungi panels and straw-bale homes, Australia is testing the limits—and potential—of biomaterials in sustainable construction. Architects, designers, and researchers across the country are working with everything from seaweed-based breeze blocks to living walls that thrive on rain. Though barriers like cost, regulation, and scalability persist, these materials signal a shift toward a built environment that breathes, grows, and connects us back to nature.

Read more: Algae Bricks and Oyster Shell Walls: What’s on the Horizon for Eco-Friendly Building in Australia?

Mediterranean Minimalism Meets Parisian Heritage

Mango has reopened its flagship store on Boulevard des Capucines, Paris—its first in the city—after a major sustainability-focused renovation. Circularity is built in: the store offers a clothing recycling box, RFID-enabled inventory tracking, and eco-conscious materials throughout. Part of Mango’s 4E Strategic Plan, this is one of six refurbishments and four new store openings planned in France for 2025.

Read more: Mango Strengthens Its Presence in France with Sustainable Store Revamps

Research Corner:

This Strategic Management Journal article reframes sustainable innovation as a product of orchestrated technical and relational capabilities rather than isolated efforts. Through comparative case analysis of U.S. motorhome manufacturers, the authors distinguish between component innovation (e.g., solar panels) and full product innovation (entirely new green models), showing how each relies on distinct capability combinations.

Supplier ties drive modular upgrades, while manufacturing strength and customer engagement enable deeper transformation. By mapping how firms recombine these assets in response to environmental pressures, the article advances a dynamic, capability-based view of green innovation strategy.

Quick Takeaways:

  • Desert wisdom returns: Gulf architects revive passive cooling for low-energy living.
  • Timber floats: Rotterdam office pairs modular wood with solar and water cooling.

  • Waste to warmth: London studio builds with reclaimed timber and zero offcuts.

  • Circular eats: Melbourne salad bar uses hemp, brick waste, and reclaimed wood.

  • Scrap to shelter: Indian architect turns shipping containers into mobile eco-homes.

  • Living walls rise: Australia experiments with algae bricks, fungi panels, straw homes.

  • Retail revamp: Mango fuses fashion, circularity, and tech in Paris store relaunch.

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April 4, 2025

From Discard to Design: Closing Loops


How we process waste—whether industrial, municipal, or household—continues to shape the boundaries of sustainability and regenerative innovation. This week, we spotlight a compelling example from the cosmetics industry, where Lush is rethinking manufacturing through circular design. Our Featured Article takes you inside Lush’s Green Hub, where waste becomes a resource through hands-on reuse, recycling, and recovery strategies. It’s a case that shows how businesses can build regenerative systems from the ground up.

In Essential Reads, we explore a range of waste-related challenges and breakthroughs—from the emissions problem with energy-from-waste in China to innovative food redistribution efforts in Georgian cities. Cases like Connecticut’s infrastructure grants and the global shift in plastic recycling via irradiation further highlight the wide spectrum of action now underway to handle waste more intelligently and responsibly.

The Research Corner draws attention to the long-term impact of sustainability roles inspired by social movements. A study from Administrative Science Quarterly shows how recycling coordinators helped institutionalize environmental values—yet their roles gradually disappeared, reminding us of the importance of structural change.

Let’s delve into how waste, when processed with intention, can become a resource—and a catalyst for broader regenerative transformation.

Featured Article:

Circular Beauty in Action

In this Forbes article, Innovations In Waste Processing At Lush Cosmetics, I explore how Lush is rethinking sustainability through its innovative manufacturing and waste practices. During my visit to Lush’s Green Hub in Poole, UK, I observed firsthand how the company is integrating circular economy principles into its core operations—from product formulation to packaging recovery. Lush’s unique approach to “fresh manufacturing” mimics food production, emphasizing short shelf lives, decentralized facilities, and ingredient integrity. This model not only improves product efficacy but also significantly reduces overproduction and waste.

A highlight of Lush’s circular strategy is the Green Hub, a centralized facility where waste is processed under five guiding principles: re-use, recycle, repurpose, recover, and repair. This hub recycled 81% of the company’s UK manufacturing waste last year and donated thousands of surplus products. Lush’s closed-loop systems and hands-on practices set a strong example for how businesses can embed regenerative design across their operations, especially in an industry with traditionally high environmental impact.

Read more: Innovations In Waste Processing At Lush Cosmetics

Essential Reads:

Everyday Reuse

The Petaluma Reusable Cup Project was the first U.S. citywide initiative to offer free reusable to-go cups. Partnering with brands like Starbucks, the program replaced single-use cups at 30 businesses. Over 220,000 cups were returned in three months, showing that a community-led reuse model can deliver measurable environmental impact and scale across other cities.

Read more: Making Reuse an Everyday Reality: Insights and Impact from the Petaluma Reusable Cup Project

Food Fight

Urban areas are key to tackling food waste. Georgia leads by example, enacting a national law to cut food loss and promote food donation. With FAO and EU support, municipalities like Tbilisi and Tskaltubo are piloting food banks and redistribution networks. The initiative includes legal frameworks, awareness efforts, and local waste assessments to foster sustainability and food security.

Read more: Recover and redistribute: Georgia’s cities lead food loss & waste fight

Debris Removal Fiasco

Homeowners impacted by wildfires face confusion as the County reverses its debris removal policy days before the March 31 opt-in/opt-out deadline. Those opting out now must wait for USACE to remove hazardous waste, despite prior approval for private contractors. This sudden change leaves many in limbo with expensive, unusable contracts and no clear removal timeline.

Read more: Chaos reigns over debris removal process

Vintage Waste

An employee discovered a pristine IBM Model M keyboard in their office e-waste bin—an item worth up to $200. The disposal shocked Redditors, highlighting how unaware people can be of the value in old electronics. This wastefulness adds to the $57 billion in annual e-waste losses and underscores the need for smarter recycling and resale habits.

Read more: Employee floored after discovering shocking item in waste bin at their office: 'Sad'

Irradiation Breakthrough

Plastic recycling is heavily critiqued for being more hype than reality. But that does not mean we should not still look for innovation in this area. Radiation technology is transforming plastic recycling by making it possible to convert hard-to-recycle waste into durable, high-performance materials. Through gamma and electron beams, irradiation enhances recycling purity, complements chemical processes, and even enables bio-based plastic production. The IAEA’s NUTEC Plastics initiative is driving this innovation globally, aiming to tackle plastic pollution from land to sea.

Read more: Revolutionizing Plastic Recycling Through Irradiation

Grant Boost

Connecticut’s DEEP awarded $15 million in grants to support waste management infrastructure, aiming to lower disposal costs and increase recycling and food scrap diversion. The funds will develop composting systems, sorting facilities, and reuse exchanges across several municipalities. This is the state’s largest waste infrastructure investment, fostering sustainable, cost-effective solutions for local communities.

Read more: DEEP awards $15M in grants for waste management

Waste Repatriation

The UK has sent the second of three high-level radioactive waste shipments to Germany. Seven vitrified waste flasks from Sellafield were transported to the Isar interim storage facility. This move fulfills international agreements and supports Germany's post-nuclear transition. One final shipment remains to complete the decades-long waste return process from UK and French reprocessing.

Read more: Second-last high level waste shipment departs UK for Germany

Research Corner:

This new Administrative Science Quarterly study explores what happens after organizations respond to social movement pressure—particularly how such movements influence long-term organizational change. By analyzing 25 years of online discussions among over 1,000 recycling coordinators in higher education, the authors show how these professionals helped embed environmental values within institutions. Despite their success in advancing sustainability, the occupation itself faded, highlighting the fragile nature of movement-backed roles.

Read more: Wasted? The Downstream Effects of Social Movement–Backed Occupations

Quick Takeaways:

  • Cup reuse push: Community return systems work.

  • Plastic sorting priority: Sort plastics and upgrade technology.

  • Tackle food waste: Support local food donation systems.

  • Clarify disaster rules: Ensure consistent debris removal policies.

  • Value old tech: Avoid tossing reusable electronics.

  • Boost recycling: Use irradiation to improve plastic reuse.

  • Fund local solutions: Invest in composting and reuse infrastructure.

  • Honor waste deals: Complete international waste return agreements.


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March 28, 2025

Mission at the Core: Growth With Purpose


As businesses navigate the pressures of inflation, supply chain uncertainty, and shifting consumer expectations, it is clear that mission still matters. This week, we spotlight how values-driven growth is more than a buzzword. Our Featured Articleexplores how American food brand Saffron Road blends culinary innovation with ethical business practices, achieving B Corp certification while expanding its market leadership in better-for-you frozen meals.

Across our Essential Reads, we see this trend echoed globally. From healthcare ventures in Colombia and inclusive senior care in the U.S., to AI-led development in India and deep tech transformation in the UK, these stories illustrate how purpose-oriented strategies are fueling scalable impact. Whether by expanding access, empowering entrepreneurs, or innovating through digital platforms, each example shows the power of aligning mission with momentum.

In the Research Corner, we examine how civic crowdfunding platforms maintain their mission integrity while growing. The study offers practical insights for practitioners seeking to scale without losing sight of their core purpose.

Let’s delve into this week’s insights on growing with intention—and leading with impact.

Featured Article:

Journey to Better at Saffron Road’s

In a landscape challenged by inflation and supply chain disruptions, Saffron Road stands out as a food brand not only navigating headwinds but doing so with values-driven leadership. In my Forbes article, Adnan Durrani, Founder and CEO of Saffron Road, shares the brand’s steady ascent—from offering globally inspired frozen meals to becoming a certified B Corporation. The company’s mission is to connect cultures through a shared love of and passion for world cuisines while also focusing on ethical sourcing, clean-label nutrition, and equitable practices.

The article explores how Saffron Road has responded to evolving consumer preferences, including a rise in demand for authentic international flavors and a shift toward whole, minimally processed foods. Durrani also discusses the challenges and insights gained during the rigorous 18-month B Corp certification process, and how this recognition reinforces their long-standing mission. With new product launches, integrated merchandising strategies, and a commitment to cultural inclusion, Saffron Road is making thoughtful innovation a core part of its growth story.

Read more: Saffron Road’s Mission To Be On A ‘Journey To Better’

Essential Reads:

Colombia Expansion

SALT Venture Partners has launched a new Global Operations Center in Bogotá, Colombia, to expand its impact in healthcare education across the Americas. Supporting nearly 200 staff and 90+ partner institutions, the center will accelerate growth through SALT's Plug & Scale Platform®, focusing on improving access, equity, and workforce readiness in the healthcare sector.

Read more: SALT Venture Partners Expands Global Footprint with New Operations Center in Bogotá, Colombia

Membership Milestone

SCAN Group now serves 300,000 members across five states, marking rapid growth and diversification. From launching inclusive Medicare plans to innovative home-based care and investing in health tech, SCAN continues to enhance senior healthcare. With strong leadership and national recognition, SCAN remains mission-driven in addressing the evolving needs of older adults.

Read more: Now 300,000 Members Strong: SCAN Reaches Membership Milestone Amid Rapid Growth and Diversification

Purpose-Driven Tech

Boardable, founded in Indianapolis, is transforming nonprofit operations through tech designed for impact, not just efficiency. Their platform streamlines board management, empowering nonprofits to focus on change rather than admin tasks. Rooted in community and inclusive leadership, Boardable proves that powerful innovation can thrive far from Silicon Valley.

Read more: Tech for Good: How Boardable Is revolutionizing nonprofit impact from the heart of Indiana

Entrepreneur Empowerment

NSIA and Cascador have partnered to support Nigerian entrepreneurs through funding and mentorship, launching a $2 million Catalytic Fund and innovation prizes. With a focus on healthcare, education, and agriculture, the initiative aims to scale impact-driven ventures and accelerate economic growth. The program culminates in a high-profile Pitch Day this May.

Read more: NSIA, Cascador partner to empower Nigerian entrepreneurs

Deep Tech Drive

Under CEO Susan Bowen, Digital Catapult is accelerating deep tech adoption across the UK, helping over 3,000 businesses innovate through AI, 5G, and quantum technologies. With new hubs and a Digital Twin Centre launching soon, the organization is bridging gaps between academia, industry, and government to fuel sustainable, nationwide tech growth.

Read more: E2E 100 Female: Susan Bowen on leading Digital Catapult’s mission for tech growth

Purposeful Leadership

The ACSent Speaker Series debuts with Bernie Liu, Executive Chairman of The Penshoppe Group, sharing insights on building a purpose-driven organization. Drawing from decades of entrepreneurial leadership, Liu will explore how businesses can align profit with impact, inspiring future social entrepreneurs to create sustainable change.

Read more: ACSent Speaker Series: Building a Purpose-Driven Organization

Research Corner:

This study from the Strategic Management Journal explores how civic crowdfunding platforms can foster social innovation by building institutional infrastructure. Through a case study, the authors reveal how platforms navigate the challenges of growth while staying true to their social mission. The paper highlights the importance of cultivating clear boundaries, building stakeholder bridges, and standardizing interactions to avoid mission drift and support inclusive collaboration.

Read more: Platforms for the people: Enabling civic crowdfunding through the cultivation of institutional infrastructure

Quick Takeaways:

  • Healthcare access boost: Build local hubs to expand reach and equity.

  • Senior care growth: Scale with purpose-driven health solutions.

  • Inclusive AI tools: Apply data-driven innovation for public good.

  • Nonprofit tech uplift: Streamline operations for greater impact.

  • Venture support: Fund and mentor local changemakers.

  • Deep tech push: Connect sectors to scale innovation.

  • Leadership with purpose: Align profit with social impact.


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March 21, 2025

From Mass Consumption to Mindful Choices


While some consumers today are making more conscious choices and challenging businesses to align with ethical values and sustainability, much more needs to be done. Our Featured Article explores the evolving landscape of ethical consumerism, where companies like Patagonia and platforms like Vinted are shifting from a model of endless consumption to one focused on durability, repair, and circular economies. As mindful purchasing gains momentum, businesses must rethink their strategies to prioritize long-term value over short-term sales.

In Essential Reads, we delve into different aspects of ethical consumerism—from consumer behavior in tourism to the role of governments in promoting responsible consumption. We highlight the challenges of making ethical choices in a capitalist system, the importance of teaching smart shopping habits from a young age, and how industries like luxury goods and plant-based food certification are adapting to new consumer demands.

Our Research Corner examines how ethical concerns influence purchasing decisions, particularly in response to global sourcing practices. With growing consumer awareness, companies must navigate ethical expectations to build trust and maintain their market position.

For ethical consumerism to reshape industries we need many more companies to build on these examples. Let’s explore what this means for the future of commerce.

Featured Article:

The Future of Business in a Post-Consumption Era

In a world built on mass consumption, businesses have long relied on ever-growing consumer demand to fuel their success. But as attitudes shift towards mindful purchasing, second-hand shopping, and resource-sharing, the traditional model of consumption is being redefined. 

For this Forbes article, I discussed with Alex Bee, a semiotician at cultural consultancy Space Doctors, how businesses can adapt to this changing landscape in a way that encourages more mindful consumption. Companies like Patagonia have pioneered sustainable business practices by encouraging customers to repair, reuse, and extend the lifespan of their products. Meanwhile, digital platforms like Vinted make second-hand shopping more accessible, showing that convenience and sustainability can go hand in hand.

We discuss how rather than viewing reduced consumption as a threat, brands must embrace long-term value creation—through repair services, circular business models, and deeper consumer relationships. The future of commerce lies not in selling more, but in offering meaningful and durable solutions that align with evolving consumer priorities.

Read more: What Happens To Modern Business When Consumers Stop Consuming?

Essential Reads:

Challenges of Ethical Consumption

Navigating ethical consumption under capitalism is nearly impossible, especially for students. Balancing affordability, accessibility, and moral responsibility—such as boycotting unethical brands or prioritizing sustainability—poses constant challenges. The key lies in informed, mindful decisions rather than perfection. Small efforts, like buying secondhand or prioritizing sustainability, collectively make a difference.

Read more: Opinion | Ethical consumption under capitalism

Teaching Smart Shopping

Parents can help kids develop consumer competence by involving them in grocery shopping and explaining their choices. A study from the University of Otago found that children aged 10–12 make thoughtful decisions, balancing family needs, budgets, and ethical considerations. Parental guidance shapes their long-term attitudes toward spending and consumption.

Read more: The nature and development of children's consumer competence: evidence from the aisles

Luxury with Sustainability

Sarah Arora, Co-founder & Creative Director of Sansaar, discusses how luxury and sustainability can coexist in home textiles. She highlights the industry's shift toward eco-friendly materials, ethical sourcing, and technological innovations like AI and digital printing. Sansaar aims to educate consumers on mindful living while maintaining high-end aesthetics and durability.

Read more: Interview with Sarah Arora, Co-founder & Creative Director, Sansaar

Raising Smart Shoppers

A University of Otago study reveals that involving children in grocery shopping helps them develop strong consumer skills. Kids aged 10–12 made thoughtful choices, balancing budgets, nutrition, and ethical values. Parents play a key role by explaining their purchasing decisions, shaping children's long-term spending habits.

Read more: Parents' Guide to Boosting Kids' Consumer Skills

Consumer Rights & Sustainability

Bahrain’s Industry Minister, Abdulla bin Adel Fakhro, reaffirmed the commitment to consumer rights and sustainable consumption on World Consumer Rights Day. He highlighted the need for collaboration between government, private sector, and civil society to promote responsible consumption. The ministry aims to educate youth and enhance ethical business practices for a fair and sustainable economy.

Read more: Industry Minister highlights commitment to consumer rights and sustainable consumption

Women Leading Sustainability

On International Women’s Day 2025, inspiring women entrepreneurs are driving the sustainability revolution across industries. From ethical fashion and eco-conscious beauty to green architecture and plant-based living, these trailblazers are redefining business with purpose. Their ventures champion mindful consumption, environmental responsibility, and social impact, paving the way for a greener future.

Read more: International Women's Day Special: Rising Stars Of Sustainable Revolution

Research Corner:

Published in the Journal of Operations Management, this study explores how U.S. consumers form ethical judgments about controversial global sourcing practices and how these perceptions influence their purchasing decisions. Using the Hunt–Vitell framework, the research examines the role of deontological (principle-based) and teleological (outcome-based) evaluations in shaping consumer responses. The findings reveal that ethical concerns significantly impact consumer behavior, with many willing to alter their purchasing decisions based on perceived corporate misconduct. The study also highlights demographic differences in ethical evaluations, offering insights into how businesses can navigate consumer expectations in global supply chains.

Read more: The Effect of Controversial Global Sourcing Practices on Ethical Judgments and Intentions of U.S. Consumers

Quick Takeaways:

  • Consumer behavior: Ethical consumption insights shape sustainable strategies.

  • Consumer rights: Collaboration is key to responsible consumption and fair business.

  • Mindful choices: Small sustainable actions matter more than perfection.

  • Smart shopping: Teaching kids consumer skills builds lifelong habits.

  • Sustainable luxury: Eco-friendly innovations redefine high-end textiles.

  • Women in sustainability: Female leaders drive eco-conscious business growth.


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March 14, 2025

Beyond the Bin: Rethinking Plastic Reduction


The global plastic crisis continues to challenge businesses, policymakers, and consumers alike. It is a systemic crisis that demands public accountability and action. But this has been obscured by greenwashing from many fronts including the plastics industry and packaging and beverage companies, which focuses on convincing us that recycling is the answer which only directs attention away from their own culpability.

While we must demand more from policy makers, companies can also play a role in spurring this change. This week’s featured article highlights Grove Collaborative’s longstanding journey to eliminate plastic waste which shows the challenges of being a leader in a space where there are significant vested interests standing in the way of change. 

Governments worldwide need to step up efforts to curb plastic pollution, and unfortunately this can be a challenge in today's environment where industries have power over politics. There is back and forth on this topic, from California’s delayed producer responsibility law to Egypt’s upcoming Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) framework. Other developments from around the world reflect that we need to continue to push for systemic solutions that extend beyond individual responsibility.

In the research corner, a new study from Manufacturing & Service Operations Management examines innovative business models for ocean-bound plastic recycling. It explores tradeoffs in integrating plastic offsets and recycling efforts when aiming to balance profitability with environmental impact. The findings emphasize the role of corporate responsibility and strategic collaboration in tackling plastic waste effectively.

Featured Article:

Rethinking Plastic: Grove Collaborative’s Sustainability Journey

Grove Collaborative has long been a leader in sustainable consumer products, with an ambitious goal of becoming 100% plastic-free by 2025. However, as CEO Jeff Yurcisin recently shared with me, the complexity of the plastic crisis has made achieving this target within the original timeframe a greater challenge than they originally anticipated. A big issue related to the industry not moving fast enough in eliminating plastics, including a lack of scalable alternative materials, limited corporate and governmental incentives, and the need for greater consumer awareness. In the face of these challenges, Grove has recalibrated its goals to focusing on preventing 15 million pounds of single-use plastic waste by 2030 while maintaining its plastic neutrality commitment.

This strategic shift highlights an essential lesson for sustainable businesses: progress requires both ambition and adaptability. In areas with entrenched systemic barriers, business can only do so much. But this does not mean they should not strive to do the right thing and aim to lead industry to a better place. Grove remains committed to driving industry change through its innovative product offerings, a transparent Impact Tracker, and collaborative efforts with brands and policymakers. Yurcisin’s reflections underscore the importance of persistence, transparency, and also the need for industry-wide commitments in tackling systemic sustainability challenges.

Read more: Lessons Learned: Grove Collaborative's Commitment To Reducing Plastic Waste

Essential Reads:

Plastic Law Delay

California missed its deadline to implement the Plastic Pollution Producer Responsibility Act (SB 54), which aims to cut plastic waste by 23 million tons in 10 years. Gov. Newsom ordered a regulatory redo due to cost concerns, sparking criticism from environmental groups. Advocates fear delays may weaken the law’s impact on pollution and public health.

Read more: California fails to meet deadline to implement landmark plastic reduction law

Plastic Reduction Push

Environmental advocates are renewing efforts for New York’s Packaging Reduction and Recycling Infrastructure Act, which aims to cut plastic packaging by 30% over 12 years. The bill would charge companies for excess packaging, funding local municipalities. Supporters highlight persistent plastic waste issues, urging legislation to shift responsibility from consumers to corporations.

Read more: Environmental advocates renew push for NY plastic reduction bill

Plastics & Climate Action

Scientists from RMIT University call for nations to include plastic-related emissions in their climate plans before COP 30. With plastic production expected to triple by 2050, its lifecycle emissions contribute heavily to global warming. Despite this, only 11 out of 194 countries address plastic waste in their NDCs, leaving a major gap in climate policies.

Read more: Time to count plastics in climate action and counter Trump effect

Recycling Barriers

The Alliance to End Plastic Waste and Boston Consulting Group highlight the challenges in achieving a circular economy for plastics. Issues include lack of waste segregation, poor infrastructure, high recycling costs, and weak regulations. Their latest Solution Model Playbook focuses on basic mechanical recycling to extract value from plastic waste and promote sustainable waste management.

Read more: Alliance to End Plastic Waste & BCG: Barriers to Recycling

Egypt’s Plastic Policy

Egypt will enforce Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for plastic shopping bags under Decision 662/2025, requiring producers to pay fees for waste disposal. Set to take effect on June 3, 2025, the move aims to curb plastic pollution and ensure accountability. Greenpeace MENA praises the decision as a model for global action ahead of INC5.2 negotiations.

Read more: Greenpeace MENA Commends Egypt’s Decision to Introduce Fees on Producers to Reduce Single-Use Plastic Bags

Plastic-Free Dining

Mount Prospect’s Single-Use Plastic Utensil Reduction Program (S.U.P.U.R.) launches March 14, with 20 businesses committed to reducing plastic waste. Restaurants will only provide utensils upon request, changing the automatic distribution habit. The initiative partners with local businesses, promoting sustainability and cost savings while encouraging eco-conscious dining habits.

Read more: Mount Prospect program aims to reduce single-use plastics

Research Corner:

Published in Manufacturing & Service Operations Management, a recent study explores innovative business models aimed at reducing ocean plastic pollution while balancing profit, environmental, and social impact. The research examines firms that sell plastic offsets and segregated plastic, partnering with local recycling supply chains. It highlights the role of additionality—the requirement that offsets represent newly recycled plastic—and its complex effects on firm performance. The findings suggest that integrating both business models can significantly enhance environmental and social impact. The study provides valuable for businesses and policymakers looking to develop effective solutions for ocean-bound plastic waste.

Read more: Innovative Business Models in Ocean-Bound Plastic Recycling

Quick Takeaways:

  • Plastic Law Delay: California’s plastic-reduction law delayed, raising environmental concerns.

  • Plastic Reduction Push: NY bill aims to hold corporations accountable for packaging waste.

  • Plastics & Climate Action: Scientists urge including plastics in global climate action plans.

  • Recycling Barriers: Poor infrastructure, high costs limit effective plastic recycling.

  • Plastic Bag Ban: New Mexico considers banning plastic bags in retail to cut waste.

  • Egypt’s Plastic Policy: Egypt introduces producer fees for plastic bag disposal to curb pollution.

  • Plastic-Free Dining: Illinois town shifts to providing plastic utensils only upon request.


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