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 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, simplifying complexity, and delivering measurable progress.
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.
Two inspiring examples underscored what is possible through collaboration: the EcoBeautyScore initiative in beauty and personal care, and efforts to scale green heat solutions across supply chains. These show how working collaboratively can translate ambition into tangible results.
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.
Harmonisation is not a technical exercise — it is a business imperative.
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. Two priority initiatives — PolARIS.AI (policy intelligence) and RRI (climate risk intelligence for crops) — will move into MVP development. Alongside this, we will explore guidance in an upcoming playbook entitled Responsible AI for Climate to support members navigating this fast-evolving space.
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.
