At the 7th CIIE in Shanghai, The Consumer Goods Forum (CGF) and Bain & Company co-hosted a roundtable focusing on sustainable consumption and green transition, launching The CGF China Green Transition initiative. Key discussions included advancing net-zero goals, innovative green solutions, and collaborative governance. Executives from top consumer goods companies exchanged insights on green practices, underscoring the urgency of sustainability in business strategy. Bain’s report “The Visionary CEO’s Guide to Sustainability 2024” highlighted consumer demand and strategic pathways for sustainability success. 

Shanghai, November 6, 2024 – The Consumer Goods Forum (CGF) and Bain & Company co-hosted the impactful “Shaping New Quality, Towards Net Zero” roundtable during the 7th China International Import Expo (CIIE). This event marked the launch of The CGF’s China Green Transition Initiative, aimed at supporting consumer goods companies in achieving net-zero emissions through collaborative strategies, innovative solutions, and green product development.

The roundtable brought together senior executives from global and domestic consumer goods leaders, including Want Want Group; Danone China; Lianhua Supermarket; Nestlé Zone Greater China; Mengniu Group; Bright Dairy; Bain & Company; Uni-President Enterprises; Lee Kum Kee; New Hope; Rockwell Automation; New Hope Group; Wumart Group;  IKEA Group; Watsons China; L’Oréal North Asia & China; Bailian Group; Sodexo Greater China; Ele.me; Mondelēz Greater China; Goldhongye; Nongfu Spring; P&G Greater China; DFI Retail Group; Shanghai Biotech Group (Biofunction); JD.com; and OATLY. The discussions covered green manufacturing; sustainable sourcing; low-carbon logistics; and green product marketing – reinforcing the collective industry goal of reducing carbon footprints and enhancing sustainable consumption.

Shaohua Pu, President of Bailian Group and CGF Global Board Member, highlighted, “This roundtable marks the start of CGF China’s green transition initiative and the successful launch of the global coalition’s efforts in China. We hope more companies will engage actively, contributing to a green world for a sustainable future.”

The event also featured the unveiling of Bain & Company’s new report “The Visionary CEO’s Guide to Sustainability 2024”. Harry Morrison, Partner at Bain, emphasised the findings: “In China, 78% of consumers have begun purchasing sustainable products over the past five years, with 64% planning to increase such spending. Technological advancements, policy support, and shifting consumer behavior are accelerating this transformation.”

Sophia Zou, Head of Bain’s Greater China Energy Transition Practice, called for a balanced approach to sustainability: “Business leaders must adopt pragmatic strategies, balancing short-term performance with long-term goals.”

Yangying Xu, CGF’s Greater China General Manager, underscored the significance of the newly formed China Green Transition Working Group. “This group will develop a three-year action plan to empower CGF members to pursue sustainable, low-carbon growth,” she said.

This landmark event at CIIE 2024 underscored the commitment of consumer goods companies and thought leaders to champion sustainable progress, advancing the industry’s path toward a greener future.