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Search In February, leaders from across the consumer goods and retail sectors gathered in Paris for The Consumer Goods Forum’s Climate Transition Coalition Steering Committee meeting. The discussion, which was both energising and candid, centered on the most pressing challenges facing the industry today.
The message from members was clear: 2026 is about impact.
Over the past year, we built strong foundations, from the Supplier Decarbonisation Targets and Playbook to the Common Data Framework and engagement on emerging standards. In Paris, the focus shifted decisively toward accelerating adoption of the targets, launching tools, and harmonising processes. It is an ambitious agenda, but there is no better time than now to make it happen, and it will require all of our members of the Climate Transition Coalition to lean in.
Driving Progress Through Implementation
This year is not about launching new supplier engagement focus areas. It is about accelerating existing ones and demonstrating progress from defined starting points.
Members highlighted mixed progress across suppliers and the need for more tailored support. Peer knowledge sharing and stronger business cases emerged as critical enablers. Practical next steps include continued implementation clinics, advancing clean heat solutions, advancing regenerative agriculture standards with Sustainable Supply Chain Initiative, and exploring green finance models to unlock investment.
Efforts to scale green heat solutions across supply chains illustrate what is possible when we move from commitment to coordinated implementation. By aligning on priority levers and sharing practical learnings, members can accelerate supplier adoption and deliver measurable emissions reductions.
Harmonising Data for Real Impact
Data complexity remains a significant challenge. Many members report increasing difficulty in emissions data collection, reinforcing the need for harmonisation.
Our priority is clear: align around defined use cases, particularly tracking supplier emissions and identifying hotspots, while building a roadmap toward greater data interoperability and granularity over time. By mapping existing initiatives and working with key partners, we can reduce duplication and allow companies to focus on decarbonisation rather than reporting burden.
The EcoBeautyScore initiative in beauty and personal care underscores what is possible through collaboration on harmonised methodologies and data transparency. By working together to develop common approaches, companies can improve comparability, build trust, and accelerate progress across entire value chains.Harmonisation is not a technical exercise — it is a business imperative.
Engaging on Standards and Leveraging AI
As climate standards evolve, members emphasised the importance of engaging with standard setters while maintaining a practical lens. A new workstream will help map key developments and prepare members to participate effectively in consultations.
We also explored how AI can help our members to accelerate their individual climate action plans. Alongside this, we will explore guidance in an upcoming playbook entitled Responsible AI for Climate to support members navigating this fast-evolving space.
Shaping the Narrative Ahead
Looking ahead to the Global Summit in June, we discussed how we can help to reshape the sustainability narrative, positioning climate action not only as risk management, but as a driver of resilience and long-term value.
Members described the Paris meeting as open, strategic, and inspiring. We agree. The Coalition is entering a new phase, one focused on removing duplication, strengthening ROI cases, and translating cross coalition collaboration into measurable impact.
We look forward to continuing this work with all members and driving meaningful progress in the climate transition together.
