Sustainability innovators and activists raised awareness of marine pollution and the threats facing our seas on World Ocean Day in June, while the United Nations held its Ocean Conference 2022 in Portugal to scale up science-backed and innovative solutions.

Methane made up 11% of US greenhouse gas emissions in 2020, and while it remains in the atmosphere for less time than carbon dioxide, it has accounted for roughly 30% of global warming since pre-industrial times. WGSN zooms in on efforts to reduce emissions in the product design industry.

Packaging is relevant to all consumer industries and is increasingly under the spotlight. WGSN looks at the alternatives that are better for the planet.

A respected, cross-industry ESG certification, B Corp status has become a gold standard in building consumer trust in sustainable business practice and is increasingly important to attract employees.

As we celebrate the 52nd annual Earth Day, brands and organisations should note that it’s not about one-off marketing stunts, but rather a chance to spotlight their long-term climate commitments.

Released in February and April, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)’s latest reports highlight the impact and scale of climate breakdown, and present the causes and solutions.

Investment, research and development is accelerating the scalability of bio-based ingredients and materials, fuelled by the high environmental and financial cost of fossil-fuel made products.

Circular retail destinations are growing in prevalence as retailers seek to align with consumer desire for sustainable living. In the US, the secondhand market is set to reach $77bn within the next five years and people are looking for ways to ensure the longevity of their purchases.

In our white paper, Create Better, we outlined some business strategies to develop systems and products that respond to the climate crisis. Now, we’re introducing a must-know approach for designers keen to create a positive impact – regenerative design.

In the last of our Create Better white paper insights, we look at interiors and how retailers and brands are extending the life of products.