Sustainability Meets Innovation in Brand & Licensing Industry: Highlights from 2025 Products of Change Conference

On 5 November 2025, 400 leaders met at the Royal Geographical Society in London. They attended the annual Products of Change (POC) Conference. The event made clear that sustainability matters. It is both an ethical guide and a driver of long-term business success.

Business Leaders Champion Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Top industry names such as IKEA, LEGO, Tesco PLC, and Open Planet spoke up. They urged companies to build the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into their core plans. They showed that SDGs help the planet and boost brand value and innovation.
Caroline Petit, Deputy Director of the UN Regional Information Centre for Western Europe (UNRIC), addressed the crowd. She urged, “Create products with people and the planet, not just for them.” Her words pressed the need for close partnerships that truly involve consumers and communities.

Small Innovations Driving Big Industry Change

The conference proved that small shifts can spark vast change. The UK-based homecare company smol led with its idea in 2020. It launched plastic-free laundry and dishwasher capsules. Smol built on everyday habits—like the average UK household washing clothes 208 times a year. This simple fact helped influence large brands. It pushed an industry shift toward sustainable packaging.

IKEA’s Commitment to Operational Sustainability

IKEA showed that big companies can work green. Between 2016 and 2024, IKEA grew by 23.7% and cut its carbon footprint by 30%. Every IKEA retail manager now serves as a chief sustainability officer. This role brings eco-friendly practices close to every decision.

Storytelling as a Catalyst for Climate Action

Open Planet stressed that media and storytelling can spur climate action. Executive Director Kate Goldman-Toomey called this a “communication crisis” during the climate emergency. Open Planet shared an open-source library of strong environmental footage. This tool helps educators and changemakers reach people and shift policy.

Sustainability in the Heritage and Licensing Sectors

The conference also showed that heritage groups can drive sustainable licensing. The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) now works with Cornwall-based Chocolarder. They produce artisan chocolate using cocoa grown in the Gola Rainforest UNESCO World Heritage Site. This work supports community-led sustainable farming while protecting nature.

Recognizing Leaders Driving SDG Progress: 2025 POC SDG Awards

The event ended with the Products of Change SDG Awards. Trophies, made from traceable marine plastic by social enterprise Waterhaul, symbolized a shift. They stand for responsible product design and safe manufacturing.

Award Recipients by SDG Category:

• SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals): Eden Project, Dayrize, Pure Table Top, Fabacus
• SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production): RDP Creative x LEGO Group
• SDG 13 (Climate Action): Moose Toys
• SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure): Universal Music Group & Bravado

Caroline Petit closed with a strong call. She said, “Your work shows change is possible—and that it matters. Let us work together to shape a more sustainable, inclusive, and hopeful future.”

In summary, the 2025 Products of Change Conference proved that bold partnerships, small ideas, and clear storytelling can change sustainability. These actions turn a duty into a competitive edge in the brand and licensing industries.

Design Delight Studio curates high-impact, authoritative insights into sustainable and organic product trends, helping conscious consumers and innovative brands stay ahead in a fast-evolving green economy.