Sustainability and Innovation Converge in the Brand & Licensing Industry: Insights from the 2025 Products of Change Conference

On November 5, 2025, London hosted the annual Products of Change (POC) Conference. The Royal Geographical Society served as its venue. Over 400 leaders in branding, licensing, and retail joined the event. United Nations representatives also came. Sustainability shifted from an ethical idea to a vital business need. This shift now links closely with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Integrating SDGs into Business Strategy: Good for Planet and Profit

Keynote speaker Helena Mansell-Stopher led the session. She is the CEO of Products of Change. Companies like IKEA, LEGO, Tesco PLC, and startup Smol contributed their ideas. They stressed that the SDGs help the planet and boost business growth. For instance, IKEA grew by 23.7% from 2016 to 2024. It also cut carbon emissions by 30%. IKEA now has retail managers act as sustainability officers. This role makes sure each decision supports green practices.

Partnerships as Catalysts for Change

Caroline Petit spoke next. She is the Deputy Director of the United Nations Regional Information Centre (UNRIC) for Western Europe. She praised leaders in business. She urged brands to “create products with people and the planet, not just for them.” Her words remind us that working closely with consumers and communities helps all industries move forward.

Small Actions Drive Systemic Transformation

Smol showed new ideas for a cleaner world. In 2020, Smol released plastic-free laundry and dishwasher capsules. These small products can spark big changes. With UK households running washing machines 208 times per year, each sustainable choice matters.

Storytelling for Environmental Impact

Open Planet is part of the SDG Media Compact. Its team showed that clear, strong storytelling matters when we face climate change. They offer an open-source library of environmental footage. Educators and changemakers can use this footage to inspire action. Powerful images can start important talks and guide urgent decisions.

Sustainability in Heritage Licensing

Heritage groups also find ways to work with sustainability. Groups like the Natural History Museum, Eden Project, RSPB, Curating Cambridge, and ZSL London Zoo shared their plans. They mix earning money with caring for nature. An example is RSPB’s project with Chocolarder. They make artisan chocolate from shade-grown cocoa. This cocoa comes from the Gola Rainforest. The project shows a 30-year plan for conservation and strong local links at a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Recognizing Excellence: 2025 Products of Change SDG Awards

The conference ended with the SDG Awards. These awards went to companies that lead in sustainable progress. The trophies came from marine plastic that can be tracked. Waterhaul, a social enterprise, made these trophies. The awards remind us that design and production must be responsible. Award winners were:

• 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 said, “With five years to go until 2030, we must act with urgency and unity to transform lives everywhere.”

Conclusion

The 2025 Products of Change Conference proved that sustainability and innovation work best together. Businesses use SDGs, strong partnerships, clear storytelling, and thoughtful design. They set a new standard for environmental and social progress.

For more information, visit the United Nations Information Centre for Western Europe website and explore the SDG-related initiatives and resources.

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.