5 Key Takeaways from Our Webinar with Products of Change

We recently hosted a webinar in partnership with Products of Change (POC), sharing how industry-wide partnerships can accelerate sustainability efforts across the product lifecycle.

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Here are some of the key highlights from the discussion.
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1. Collaboration Is Essential for Scalable Change

Our partnership with POC reflects a shared belief: meaningful change in sustainability requires cross-industry collaboration. POC is a not-for-profit membership organization supporting over 190 corporate members and more than 1,000 individuals across the brand and licensing ecosystem. Their mission is to embed sustainability into business models through education, data, and best practice sharing.

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Through tools like white papers, sustainability plans, and a maturity index, POC is helping companies benchmark progress, share knowledge, and scale what works.

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2. We’re Facing a Waste Crisis – Especially in Toys

The scale of waste from product manufacturing and disposal, particularly in the toy industry, is concerning. Over 80% of toys currently have no viable end-of-life solution. More broadly, only 2% of global plastic packaging and just 17.4% of electronic waste is being recycled.

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Solutions are beginning to emerge, including closed-loop systems piloted by major retailers and supported by forward-thinking manufacturers. These efforts underscore the potential for systemic change when the right partnerships are in place.

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3. Regulatory Shifts Are Redefining Accountability

Businesses are facing a fast-evolving regulatory environment, especially in the EU. Some of the major developments discussed include:

• Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) and Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence (CSDD): Requiring companies to report environmental and social impacts across their value chains.
• Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR): Aligns financial responsibility with material recyclability.
• Digital Product Passport (DPP): Launching in 2027, beginning with fashion, footwear, and homeware—then expanding to other sectors including toys.
• Deforestation Regulations: Starting December this year, companies must ensure traceability of key commodities at the EU border.

These frameworks are shifting accountability from producers alone to brand owners and retailers, emphasizing the need for transparency and preparedness across supply chains.

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Helena shared a global view of regulation to 2030, as below. Please note this is up to date as of May 2025 and does not include all regulations but provides a clear understanding of some of the central directives and legislations. For the latest information, please consult directly with Products of Change.

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4. Data is the Backbone of Sustainable Strategy

Sustainability can’t be managed without metrics. POC supports members in gathering and applying data to inform better decisions—from carbon accounting and lifecycle analysis to circular design tools. The Ethical Supply Chain Program currently provides support through its Environmental Assessment, enabling business to measure and track the environmental impact of their value chain.

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Emerging innovations were also discussed, including bio-based and biodegradable materials, non-toxic dyeing processes, and other sustainable technologies being developed by academic and biotech partners. POC is also building a carbon data methodology in collaboration with the World Resources Institute to support standardized reporting.

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5. Support Is Available—Regardless of Company Size

Sustainability isn't only for large organizations. Small and medium-sized businesses can, and should, start with manageable changes, such as improving packaging efficiency and switching to more recyclable materials at product development stage.

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POC provides free resources such as their sustainability framework and maturity index to help companies of all sizes assess their current practices and plan next steps.
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What’s Next?

Helena reminded us of the importance of overcoming these issues: “Let’s produce differently, change how we do things as it is not only good for business but for the next generation.”

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The full webinar recording is now available on the ESCP website. If you have any questions or would like to learn more about any of the tools, legislations or collaborative opportunities please contact Helena or Todd directly for further support.

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The road to a more sustainable future will be shaped by the actions we take today—together. By building partnerships, sharing knowledge, and staying ahead of regulatory change, we can transform sustainability from a challenge into an opportunity for lasting impact.

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