Sustainability Archives - 乌鸦传媒 Australia /au-en/service/sustainability/ 乌鸦传媒 Mon, 28 Jul 2025 11:05:50 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.2 /au-en/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2021/07/cropped-favicon.png?w=32 Sustainability Archives - 乌鸦传媒 Australia /au-en/service/sustainability/ 32 32 192804621 Cutting shipping emissions with a data-driven kite /au-en/news/client-stories/cutting-shipping-emissions-with-a-data-driven-kite/ Fri, 25 Jul 2025 10:52:22 +0000 /au-en/?post_type=client-story&p=545166 Beyond the Sea partners with 乌鸦传媒 to develop data processing, training, and stability solutions for its SeaKite platform, which cuts maritime emissions by an average of 20%

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Client story

Cutting shipping emissions with a data-driven kite

Client: Beyond the Sea
Region: France
Industry: High-tech

Beyond the Sea partners with 乌鸦传媒 to develop data processing, training, and stability solutions for its SeaKite platform, which cuts maritime emissions by an average of 20%

Client Challenge: Beyond the Sea wanted to enhance the design of the SeaKite by improving the platform鈥檚 ability to collect and use data while delivering a consistent experience.
Solution: 乌鸦传媒 delivered advanced data processing capabilities and a new simulator that enhanced training as well as coordinating with Beyond the Sea to improve the SeaKite鈥檚 stability.
Benefits:

  • 20% average reduction in maritime emissions
  • Improved training for use of the SeaKite
  • Improved SeaKite autonomous functionality

Remagining the sustainability of maritime travel

While sustainabillity is almost universally accepted as essential to the future of the planet and business across all regions and industries, there are certain realities that must be acknowledged. Chief among them is the fact that so much of modern business and society relies on practices that heavily contribute to carbon emissions and pollution.

Take shipping as a primary example. While maritime logistics play an absolutely critical role in the global economy, it also bears responsibility for 3% of total greenhouse gas emissions. As such, achieving true sustainability will require new technology and strategies that will enable ships to fulfill their role without continuing to harm the environment.

Enter Beyond the Sea.

鈥淏eyond the Sea was the brainchild of Yves Parlier, the great yachtsman,鈥 explains Marc Thienpont, CEO at Beyond the Sea. 鈥淗e found himself with no way of setting up a makeshift rig.

鈥淚n the early days, he said to himself, 鈥楤ut at that moment, if I had a kite that could tow me, I could have moved forward more easily.鈥 From this idea, several solutions were born, which today make up our product range.鈥

In pursuit of more environmentally-friendly ways of sailing, the company has looked to develop a method for using kites to assist towing and generally improving the mobility of various nautical vessels. This led to the creation of the SeaKite, an autonomous kite traction system designed to fit ships intended for commercial navigation, fishing, research, and largescale transportation. Available from 25 to 200 m2, this product generates a substantial amount of power without relying on traditional energy sources. The 400 m虏 model will be available in 2026.

This is enabled by an autopilot that automatically takes into account parameters such as weather conditions, wind angle, and changes in the boat鈥檚 heading to support a human pilot in making real-time adaptations. However, such a complex and powerful digital technology is dependent on a massive amount of data.

This need brought Beyond the Sea to 乌鸦传媒 and inspired the genesis of a partnership that would take the SeaKite to the next level.

Empowering low-emission sailing with data

In order to properly manage the data produced by the SeaKite, the company needed the right sensor and technology to deliver a higher level of reliability. 乌鸦传媒 jumped into this challenge alongside Beyond the Sea experts and stakeholders.

鈥淒uring sea trials, in particular, we collect tens of thousands of pieces of data,鈥 describes Ga毛l Prudhomme, Head of the Applied Innovation Exchange for 乌鸦传媒 in Bordeaux.

. 鈥淭o obtain this data, we need sensors. And there鈥檚 a real challenge in choosing the right sensor, the right technology, that鈥檚 as reliable as possible.鈥

The partners coordinated to choose the right solutions for the SeaKite, ensuring that a copious amount of data could be collected and processed effectively. In addition, 乌鸦传媒 created an AI algorithm that uses Beyond the Sea鈥檚 data to warn the autopilot of changing conditions that it could then use to suggest trajectory adaptations.

But as important as it was, data management was not the extent of the partnership between Beyond the Sea and 乌鸦传媒. After all, how useful would the SeaKite be if pilots didn鈥檛 know how to use it?

Preparing pilots to use a stabile platform

鈥淔or this, 乌鸦传媒 has designed a simulation environment to simulate our system and start to get to grips with the different control modes with the joystick and ultimately realize how the whole system works,鈥 says Tanguy Leau, Control Engineer at Beyond the Sea.

In this safe environment, users can train to improve kite-handling performance and become familiar with the controls prior to deployment in a live setting. Once the SeaKite is towing their vessel across the waves, these pilots already know how to interprate and respond to data-driven warnings provided by the autopilot. And as the technology continues to evolve and improve, those same crews can continue to learn and prepare before using solution while sailing.

Finally, Beyond the Sea and 乌鸦传媒 combined their expertise and resources to enhance the SeaKite鈥檚 stability by eliminating any risk associated with the lack of a permanent connection to the ship鈥檚 mast.

鈥淲e鈥檙e working with 乌鸦传媒 to eliminate this risk by using sensors on deck and artificial intelligence,鈥 Thienpont says.

鈥淲e make our algorithm learn cause and effect, and then anticipate any unjustified behavior,鈥 Prudhomme describes. 鈥淭he idea, then, is to be able to intervene. We鈥檒l display an alert to the pilot so that he can process it and activate the right procedures.鈥

A vision for larger scale shipping

Already the SeaKite has enabled the vessels for which it is suited to save 20% on fuel by expanding their mobility options while travelling. And the ambition of both Beyond the Sea and 乌鸦传媒 is far from satiated!

鈥淥ur roadmap will take us to 2026 with a 400 m2 wing,鈥 Thienpont says. This, in turn, will enable us to achieve average fuel savings of 20% for ships over 150 m or even 200 m long.鈥

Already, Beyond the Sea and 乌鸦传媒 have substantially advanced Yves Parlier鈥檚 vision of sailing while simultaneously helping an essential industry begin to cut into its emissions. As the SeaKite and other related products develop, innovation of this kind will support business, sport, and environmental interests in equal measure.

Sustainability

We are all facing probably the most intractable sustainability challenges impacting the planet and organizations. As a leading technology compan

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World Energy Markets Outlook /au-en/insights/research-library/world-energy-markets-outlook/ Tue, 28 Nov 2023 12:36:22 +0000 /au-en/?post_type=research-and-insight&p=515904 World Energy Markets Observatory

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    Climate adaptation: Harnessing tech-driven resilience to create sustainable value /au-en/insights/research-library/climate-adaptation-harnessing-tech-driven-resilience-to-create-sustainable-value/ Tue, 24 Jun 2025 12:51:58 +0000 /au-en/?post_type=research-and-insight&p=544659 Explore how emerging technologies enable climate adaptation strategies that protect value chains, build resilience, and unlock sustainable business growth.

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    Sustainability

    Climate adaptation

    Harnessing tech-driven resilience to create sustainable value

    Our new report examines how tech-enabled climate adaptation strategies can safeguard business value chains and unlock sustainable growth opportunities

    As climate risks intensify, businesses across all sectors face imminent threats to their value chains, from raw material scarcity to infrastructure damage. Our new joint study examines how five emerging climate change technologies can help companies both protect existing value chains from climate risks and generate new opportunities arising from a changing climate through adaptation.

    Featuring five real-world case studies implemented by Cambridge Consultants, part of 乌鸦传媒, the report offers actionable insights through a three-phase roadmap to guide organizations in embedding adaptation into strategy, operations, and ecosystems, thus converting this pressing challenge into a path toward sustainable growth.

    Businesses across all sectors face five critical climate risks along their value chains 鈥 natural raw material scarcity, water and energy insecurity, infrastructure damage, market shifts, and impacts on human productivity. Our new report introduces a dual-pathway approach to implementing tech-driven climate adaptation strategies: protecting value by strengthening the resilience of existing systems, and creating value by transitioning to new, climate-resilient models. Companies face distinct challenges in each path, from understanding climate risks and enhancing operational resilience, to identifying viable alternatives and reducing dependency on vulnerable resources. We explore how five emerging climate change technologies 鈥 AI, drones, earth observation, IoT, and engineering biology 鈥 can help businesses navigate these challenges in pursuit of protecting and capturing sustainable business value.

    Real-world case studies from Cambridge Consultants

    Drawing on case studies implemented by Cambridge Consultants, part of 乌鸦传媒, the report illustrates how these technologies are being applied to address three of the most pressing risks for all businesses: securing raw materials, enabling water and energy security, and building resilient infrastructure.

    To guide business action, we present a three-phase roadmap 鈥 Build a Foundation, Launch & Growth, and Scale Up phases 鈥 to help organizations embed adaptation into strategy, operations, and ecosystems. This structured approach facilitates a move beyond climate risk management by also capturing burgeoning opportunities for sustainable growth.

    Climate adaptation: Harnessing tech-driven resilience to create sustainable value

    As climate change accelerates, businesses face five risks to their value chains. We examine how five climate change technologies support businesses to protect value and create growth, offering a three-phase roadmap and real-world case studies to guide strategic climate adaptation.

    From risk to resilience: A strategic shift

    By following 乌鸦传媒鈥檚 three-phase roadmap outlined in this report, companies can move decisively from addressing climate risks to generating sustainable value. This tactical approach empowers organizations to strengthen resilience, seize emerging opportunities, and embed climate adaptation strategies into and beyond their core operations 鈥 turning ambition into quantifiable, future-proof business value.

    This is part of our wider offer to organizations worldwide: Sustainable Futures Performance. Our unique combination of sustainability, technology, data, science and engineering experts, coupled with deep industry knowledge, empowers our clients to bring to life a holistic sustainability ambition across their entire organization and value chain. From strategy to operations, we can support you to accelerate your sustainability transformation, at scale today.

    Sustainable Futures Performance webpage banner final

    Meet our experts

    Rory Burghes

    Expert in Accelerated Consulting Solutions, Collaboration Consutling

    Liza Garay-de Vaubernier

    Senior Director, Global Head Sustainable Futures Impact Lab, Offer Lead Sustainable Insurance, 乌鸦传媒 Invent
    Liza Garay- de Vaubernier is a Senior Director, co-leading the Global Sustainable Futures Impact Lab and the strategy and offer development for sustainable insurance. She has over 15 years experience driving largescale projects across different functions.鈥疭he has a strong expertise in ESG strategy, development of climate, biodiversity & social projects, and managing transversal projects in an international environment.

    Sriya Mohanti

    Program Manager, Global Co-Lead Sustainable Futures Impact Lab, 乌鸦传媒 Invent India
    Sriya Mohanti is a Program Manager and co-leads the Global Sustainable Futures Impact Lab at 乌鸦传媒 Invent. With 15+ years of experience, she specializes in climate adaptation, mitigation, and clean technologies. Some her notable past work includes shaping India鈥檚 NDC roadmap, designing forestry NAMAs, and advising the World Bank on sustainable cooling strategies.

    Georgia Rolfe

    Sustainable Technologies Consultants – Climate Adaptation and Resilience Lead, Cambridge Consultants, 乌鸦传媒 Invent
    Georgia leads climate adaptation and resilience at Cambridge Consultants, exploring the critical role of technology in future-proofing both businesses and society. Focusing on delivering valuable, scalable, and sustainable solutions to complex, systemic problems鈥攁lways with an emphasis on real-world impact.

      Stay informed

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      544659
      Building a greener sport from procurement to pitch with World Rugby /au-en/news/client-stories/building-a-greener-sport-from-procurement-to-pitch-with-world-rugby/ Mon, 23 Jun 2025 12:28:56 +0000 /au-en/?post_type=client-story&p=544642 World Rugby partnered with 乌鸦传媒 to embed sustainability into procurement 鈥 co-creating a framework that drives responsible sourcing and supports climate goals across global rugby operations

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      Client story

      Building a greener sport from procurement to pitch with World Rugby

      Client: World Rugby
      Region: Global
      Sector: Sports

      World Rugby partnered with 乌鸦传媒 to embed sustainability into procurement 鈥 co-creating a framework that drives responsible sourcing and supports climate goals across global rugby operations

      Client Challenges: World Rugby sought a solution to embed sustainable sourcing, assess supply chain risks, and enhance its reputation as a sustainability leader through a responsible, end-to-end procurement strategy.

      Solution: 乌鸦传媒 helped World Rugby establish a heatmap of ESG vs. supply chain risks and a Sustainable Sourcing Framework to guide purchasing decisions with a focus on environmental impact and responsible supply chain management.

      Benefits:

      • Drives environmentally conscious procurement
      • Improves supply chain transparency and accountability
      • Supports ethical and socially responsible practices
      • Scalable and sharable to extend impact across the rugby ecosystem

      Enhancing sustainability throughout the sporting supply chain

      In a , World Rugby detailed the impact of climate change on the sport, which is played in more than 130 countries. It predicted that a surge in extreme heat days, heavier rainfall, flash floods, and rising sea levels would increasingly restrict the ability of players and fans to enjoy the game 鈥 posing an existential threat to clubs around the world.

      Determined to lead the way in sustainable sporting excellence, World Rugby launched its in January 2022. Its associated roadmap aligned with the objectives of the 2015 Paris Climate Agreement and Sustainable Development Goals. 

      In line with its wider business transformation and strategic decision to directly manage the preparation and delivery of its major events 鈥 including the Men鈥檚 and Women鈥檚 Rugby World Cups 鈥 World Rugby has centralized its procurement function.

      As the logistics of international events rely heavily on suppliers and partners, this structure allows a dedicated procurement team to help the business identify and work effectively with those third parties to support World Rugby鈥檚 programs and objectives, deliver its tournaments and events, and grow the game.

      Sourcing sustainably is a key part of this approach, and the procurement team is tasked with ensuring fairness, transparency, and adherence to sustainability criteria.

      With these goals in place, World Rugby needed a solution that could help the team deliver against their objectives. World Rugby鈥檚 global partner 乌鸦传媒, with its longstanding links with rugby and extensive experience with sustainability best practices, was an obvious choice of innovation to tackle this challenge.

      Establishing World Rugby鈥檚 Sustainable Sourcing Framework

      In January 2024, 乌鸦传媒 helped World Rugby establish a Sustainable Sourcing Framework to promote carbon-conscious procurement.

      The framework targeted four main objectives:

      • Identify and prioritize sustainable sourcing
      • Reduce environmental impact through the supply chain
      • Support ethical labor practices and social responsibility
      • Enhance World Rugby鈥檚 reputation as a sustainability leader

      The framework consisted of two main components: a heatmap and factsheets.

      The heatmap helps identify and prioritize sustainable sourcing issues based on the goods and services being procured. It analyzes different spending categories, such as facilities, travel, food, and logistics, to indicate which sustainability topics require specific priority and attention. Topics are categorized according to the key themes in World Rugby鈥檚 Environmental Sustainability Plan 2030 as specific topics related to supply chain transparency and due diligence.

      Meanwhile, the factsheetsraise awareness about these topics, highlight best practices, and provide questions to ask both buyers and potential suppliers as part of the procurement process. They provide departments and colleagues with information on risks, relevant legislation, and key sustainable sourcing topics. In addition, the factsheets prompt teams to evaluate the necessity of each purchase and consider alternatives. If a purchase is deemed essential, departments are guided to assess the impact and ask suppliers specific questions regarding product details, supply chain, and environmental impact as part of the procurement process.

      A scalable framework with far-reaching impact

      The Sustainable Sourcing Framework is a cornerstone of World Rugby’s broader environmental strategy and is crucial for reducing the carbon footprint of its operations and events while integrating sustainability into its procurement processes. It has already been used in the upcoming Women鈥檚 Rugby World Cup 2025 to apply rigorous standards to the uniform procurement process.

      Initially designed as an internal document, the Sustainable Sourcing Framework has since been shared with member unions to support their sustainable procurement efforts. This has actively encouraged event planners and managers to factor in sustainability in all their procurement decisions.

      The next step is to evolve the framework into a formal Sustainable Sourcing Code that suppliers must adhere to 鈥 further embedding responsible practices across World Rugby鈥檚 supply chain.

      As climate challenges intensify, World Rugby and 乌鸦传媒 have proven that bold leadership and strategic partnerships can drive meaningful change. By embedding sustainability into every procurement decision, World Rugby protects the future of the game while setting a powerful precedent for the entire sporting world.

      Now the journey continues, with World Rugby committed to evolving its practices and inspiring others to play their part in building a more sustainable future for sport as 乌鸦传媒 continues to develop innovative solutions to help them along the way.

        Sustainability

        Achieve sustainability from strategy to execution.

        World Rugby

        Rugby holds a special place in the history of 乌鸦传媒.

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          544642
          Rethinking food waste as a lever for growth /au-en/insights/research-library/rethinking-food-waste-as-a-lever-for-growth/ Tue, 10 Jun 2025 11:55:47 +0000 /au-en/?post_type=research-and-insight&p=543959 Each year, the world discards an estimated 1.3 billion tons of edible food.

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          Sustainability

          Rethinking food waste as a lever for growth, efficiency, and sustainability

          Building a blueprint for collective action

          Each year, the world discards an estimated 1.3 billion tons of edible food. What is that waste worth to brands and retailers 鈥 and how can they turn it into a source of value?

          Finding answers to these questions is the purpose of the Food Waste Coalition, a working group that brings together industry experts from the Consumer Goods Forum, 乌鸦传媒 and leading brands and retailers. Through our blueprint for collaboration, we are reimagining food loss not as an unavoidable byproduct of the supply chain, but as a solvable challenge and untapped source of value.

          Download now to learn more about how our Coalition is establishing common standards and solutions to help brands and retailers find new avenues of profit in a long-standing problem.

          What鈥檚 inside: Building a blueprint for collective action

          • A preview of food waste and loss 鈥渉ot spots鈥 identified by our independent research, practitioner insights, client workshops and internal expertise
          • Expert insights on major barriers standing in the way of industry transformation
          • An overview of our Coalition鈥檚 recommendations and solutions for refining business processes to reduce and eliminate food waste hot spots across the value chain

          “We are seeing the most progressive organizations building on operational efficiencies and cost savings to develop solutions that convert waste into value. Innovating by-products that enable new revenue streams, improving brand equity and customer experience while conserving vital resources.”

          Laura Gherasim, Sustainable Futures Director, 乌鸦传媒
          Jordan Friedman, Manager, Consumer Products and Retail, 乌鸦传媒

          “Food waste is not just a sustainability issue鈥攊t鈥檚 a global systems challenge, deeply connected to climate change, public health, biodiversity loss, and farmer livelihoods. Progress won鈥檛 be made by point solutions, but rather a concerted effort to identify the processes that we must collectively change to enable transformation at scale.”

          Annabelle Souchon, Group CSR Manager, Bel
          Chris Franke, Sr. Manager, Global Sustainability, Walmart

          “Through our work with the Consumer Good Forum and the Food Waste Coalition for Action, we鈥檙e pinpointing the business processes that drive loss and waste across the value chain鈥攍aying the groundwork for a transformation that is not limited to the areas under the control of manufacturers and retailers, but truly systemic.”

          Kees Jacobs, VP, Consumer Goods and Retail, 乌鸦传媒

          “We鈥檙e seeing a shift in mindset, waste is no longer just a cost to minimize, but a resource to optimize. Our Coalition is moving from simply reducing avoidable food waste to designing waste out of the system entirely 鈥 enabling value creation at every stage.”

          Sharon Bligh, Director for Health & Sustainability, Consumer Goods Forum

          Reduce food waste with 乌鸦传媒 and Microsoft

          Connected supply chain and inventory management: developing food waste strategies and technologies in collaboration with Microsoft.

          Meet our experts

          Kees Jacobs

          Expert in Consumer Products & Retail

          Laura Gherasim

          Director, Sustainable Futures, 乌鸦传媒 Invent
          Laura is currently a Director of Sustainable Futures for 乌鸦传媒 Invent, the innovation arm of the consulting firm 乌鸦传媒, leading a team operating at the intersect of technology & innovation, technology with sustainability strategy. She works across major FTSE 100 corporate clients in the consumer product, retail, energy, and financial services sectors.

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            543959
            Carbon pricing schemes for aviation /au-en/insights/research-library/carbon-pricing-schemes-for-aviation/ Wed, 04 Jun 2025 08:17:33 +0000 /au-en/?post_type=research-and-insight&p=543912 Understand how carbon pricing schemes like CORSIA and EU-ETS function and interact to reduce aviation emissions and support climate goals.

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            Sustainability

            Carbon pricing schemes for aviation

            Evaluating the efficiency and compatibility of CORSIA and the EU-ETS

            The EU-ETS, the oldest and most efficient instrument within its scope, and CORSIA, one of the carbon-offsetting schemes, are key tools for decarbonizing aviation

            The European Union Emissions Trading System (EU-ETS) and the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA) are powerful tools in the mission for net zero. Both frameworks play critical roles in addressing aviation’s carbon emissions but operate at different levels: the EU-ETS targets emissions within the European Union, while CORSIA aims to manage global emissions from international aviation. There remains much uncertainty surrounding the compatibility of these two carbon pricing mechanisms.

            Our report analyzes the potential synergies and challenges of these two mechanisms for decarbonizing aviation, considering their effectiveness in reducing emissions, their geographical scope, and their impact on the industry. By exploring their alignment and potential conflicts, this report provides insight into how these systems can work together to achieve meaningful decarbonization in the aviation sector.

            Post-pandemic, carbon emissions in aviation have rebounded, nearing pre-crisis levels. Despite efforts to prevent a further decline, emissions from international flights continue to grow. However, there exist effective tools that can curb both short- and long-term carbon impacts in the sector.

            EU ETS: Pricing carbon to drive sustainable aviation

            The EU-ETS is a market-based mechanism that places a price on carbon emissions. Aviation was incorporated into the EU-ETS in 2012, meaning airlines operating within the EU are required to buy allowances for their carbon emissions. The system works by capping the total number of emissions and allowing airlines to buy and sell allowances, thus incentivizing them to reduce emissions cost-effectively. Over time, the cap is reduced, driving down emissions and decarbonizing aviation.

            CORSIA: Offsetting carbon on a global scale

            Carbon offset programs are an effective way to impact aviation now, not later. CORSIA, adopted by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), is a global framework aimed at limiting the growth of carbon emissions from international aviation to 2019 levels. It requires airlines to offset their emissions by purchasing carbon credits from verified projects that reduce or remove carbon from the atmosphere. CORSIA started with a pilot phase in 2021 and is expected to ramp up over time.

            Our 乌鸦传媒 Invent report examines the efficiency and compatibility of these two carbon-pricing mechanisms. We believe they offer the sector substantial gains while decarbonizing aviation. But it is important to understand the different levels at which the two schemes operate, which disparities exist, and where the two overlap.

            Carbon pricing schemes for aviation

            A report on the compatibility and efficiency of aviation carbon-pricing schemes CORSIA and the EU-ETS, including current articulations and proposed evolution.

            Decarbonizing aviation: The power of alignment and innovation 

            While the EU-ETS and CORSIA are distinct systems, their complementary roles can drive meaningful decarbonization in aviation. Moving forward, aligning their goals, enhancing global cooperation, and investing in cleaner technologies will be key to achieving a sustainable and low-carbon future for the aviation industry.听

            Our experts

            Bruno Bouf new

            Bruno Bouf

            EVP, Global Aerospace & Defense lead, 乌鸦传媒 Invent
            Bruno Bouf is an Executive Vice President and Global Aerospace & Defense Lead for 乌鸦传媒 Invent. With 20 years of experience in operational excellence and digital transformation, Bruno has advised segments across the aviation value chain, including operators, airlines, aircraft manufacturers, OEMs, MROs, service providers, and Tier 3 suppliers. He has also founded and grown an innovative start-up and is an active member of Aerospace Research & Innovation clusters.

            Sebastien Kahn

            Vice President Sustainability & Industry, A&D Sustainability Lead, 乌鸦传媒
            For the past 15 years, S茅bastien Kahn has been supporting public and private players in their major ecological transition projects, in particular energy decarbonization strategies, hydrogen or electric ecosystems, and the associated financing and skills plans. A graduate of ESSEC and MIT, he teaches decarbonization policies at Sciences Po Paris and leads the 乌鸦传媒 Group鈥檚 decarbonization activities in the Aerospace and Defence sector.

              Stay informed

              Subscribe to get notified about the latest articles and reports from our experts at 乌鸦传媒 Invent

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              543912
              Building trust in new electric vehicle brands /au-en/insights/expert-perspectives/building-trust-in-new-electric-vehicle-brands/ /au-en/insights/expert-perspectives/building-trust-in-new-electric-vehicle-brands/#respond Wed, 21 May 2025 04:29:54 +0000 /au-en/?p=543544&preview=true&preview_id=543544 A new wave of Chinese electric vehicles are entering the UK market. While the opportunity for sustainable mobility solutions is vast, trust is needed. Read the article to know more.

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              Winning hearts: Building trust in new electric vehicle brands

              Brad Young
              May 21, 2025
              capgemini-invent

              A new wave of Chinese electric vehicles are entering the UK market. While the opportunity for sustainable mobility solutions is vast, trust is needed

              A new wave of Chinese electric vehicle (EV) manufacturers is entering the UK market, drawn by its tariff-free access and growing interest in EVs. While the opportunity is vast, these brands face tough challenges: building trust, adapting to local preferences, navigating regulations, and proving long-term commitment.

              Success will depend on savvy marketing, leveraging efficiencies with tech like AI and e-commerce, and building efficient operational networks. To compete with established players, these newcomers must deeply understand the UK market and deliver compelling electric vehicle solutions to win over British car buyers.

              A bold vision for the UK and European EV market

              The CEO of a major Chinese electric vehicle (EV) brand steps off the plane at Heathrow, his mind racing with possibilities. London’s bustling streets and iconic black cabs now share the road with many electric vehicles – a clear sign of the times. For Chinese manufacturers, both the UK and the wider European Union represent critical opportunities for expansion but also present a maze of challenges and fierce competition.

              The gateway to Europe

              As his car glides through London’s city center, the CEO observes the clean air zone signs and charging points on street corners. The UK’s commitment to phasing out new petrol and diesel cars by 2035 and the rapid growth of its charging infrastructure make it a natural entry point for ambitious EV brands. Yet, he knows that succeeding here is just the beginning. The real prize is building a presence across the continent.

              1111`Europe’s EV market is booming, with battery-electric vehicle sales reaching record highs and capturing a growing share of total new car registrations. In Q1 2025, BEV sales in the EU reached nearly 571,000 units, representing a 28% year-on-year increase. This indicates a continously growing demand for sustainable mobility solutions.

              The EU now has over 650,000 public EV charging points, a 35% increase compared to 2024. Germany, France, and the Netherlands are leading the charge, but the UK remains one of the most dynamic and influential markets due to the economics of new EV brands entering the market.

              Establishing trust through transparency

              Despite strong demand, new EV brands face a trust gap. European buyers are discerning, often loyal to established names, and cautious about new entrants. Concerns about quality, data security, and after-sales support are common. The CEO knows that a one-size-fits-all approach won’t work, and the brand must tailor its strategy to resonate with local audiences.

              The European market values transparent, tech-focused marketing that highlights safety, reliability, after-sales support, extended warranties and clear commitments to servicing and software updates. New EV players should craft an EV marketing strategy that seeks strategic partnerships with established dealer groups, rental companies, and fleet operators to build credibility quickly.

              Brands like Zeekr and Omoda are already making headway with younger, tech-savvy buyers through digital engagement and robust warranty offers. Meanwhile, BYD’s focus on pricing stability reassures customers about long-term value.

              Navigating regulations

              Both the UK and EU have ambitious targets for zero-emission vehicles, and their regulatory frameworks evolve rapidly. The UK’s Zero-Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mandate requires a sharp increase in EV sales, while the EU’s CO2 standards and emissions penalties push manufacturers to accelerate electrification. This combination of market demand and regulatory requirement provide an oppoirtunity for new electric vehicle solutions.

              Success hinges on agility. Cloud-based planning tools and real-time analytics help brands stay ahead of regulatory changes, forecast the impact of new policies, and adjust strategies accordingly. Compliance is not just a box-ticking exercise – it’s a competitive advantage in markets where rules can change overnight. Data strategies should also be adjusted to confirm to EU legislation.

              Craft operational resilience

              Establishing a presence in the UK and Europe means more than shipping cars. Chinese brands are rethinking traditional dealership models, opting for shop-in-shop concepts, flexible agreements, and digital-first sales platforms to build networks quickly and efficiently. However, this requires a well-integrated operating model across people, processes, and systems.

              Investment in local service centers, technician training, and robust parts supply chains is vital to meet the high expectations of European customers. Going further, there is an opportunity to partner with charging providers and offer bundled charging solutions, making EV ownership simpler and more attractive, particularly as public charging infrastructure expands across both the UK and EU.

              The shift to local manufacturing

              Recent changes in trade policy across Europe have made local manufacturing increasingly attractive. Establishing production facilities within the EU or UK helps brands sidestep potential trade barriers and demonstrates a long-term commitment to regional markets. BYD’s plans for plants in Hungary and Chery’s moves in Spain and the UK set the pace for others to follow.

              Local production also allows brands to respond more quickly to changing consumer preferences and regulatory requirements, further strengthening their position in the market.

              Understanding the European consumer

              Winning in Europe requires more than competitive pricing and advanced technology. Consumers expect reliability, strong after-sales support, and a seamless digital experience. User-friendly apps, responsive customer service, and tailored communications are essential.

              Brands must adapt their approach to reflect local tastes and values, using data analytics and AI to refine products and marketing. Marketing platforms should be scalable, data-driven, and manageable at low cost, but able to scale with complexity.

              Invest in long-term commitment

              Skepticism isn’t limited to consumers. Dealers and potential employees also need reassurance that new entrants are here to stay. Building strong partnerships, investing in local talent, and fostering a credible company culture are critical to long-term success.

              The CEO knows a clear plan for after-sales service, maintenance, and customer support will be essential for building trust and loyalty. Recruiting and retaining local talent, offering development opportunities, and creating attractive working conditions will help overcome early hurdles. While EVs require much less service attention, every ownership touchpoint remains an opportunity to keep or lose the customer at the repurchase phase.

              Comprehensive expertise for the road ahead

              乌鸦传媒 combines technology, data, and design expertise to create sustainable mobility solutions. Whether you’re an established player or an emerging EV disruptor, we can help you navigate the fast-evolving UK and European EV markets. Let’s talk about your journey into electrification.

              Envisioning the future

              As the CEO arrives at a London hotel, he reflects on the challenge ahead. The company can discover a lasting place in the UK and EU markets with digital strategies, operational excellence, and adaptability.

              The market is ready for sustainable mobility solutions on roads from Manchester to Munich, London to Prague, but without a long term investment in brand, customer relationships and operational excellence, success is not guaranteed 鈥 are companies ready to make this vision a reality?

              Smart mobility connect

              乌鸦传媒 Invent partners with automotive and mobility companies to develop innovative business models, build integrated mobility ecosystems, and drive customer-centric transformation through technology and sales channel innovation.

              Meet our experts

              Brad Young

              VP – Manufacturing, Automotive & Chemicals, 乌鸦传媒 Invent, UK
              As Vice President, Manufacturing, Automotive & Chemicals, UK, Brad leverages 25 years of digital transformation expertise to drive sustainable mobility experiences. With a focus on electric vehicles, customer experience transformation, and zero-emission transport, he’s passionate about creating a positive impact on people, businesses, and the planet.

                Stay informed

                Subscribe to get notified about the latest articles and reports from our experts at 乌鸦传媒 Invent

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                Tech and Digital 2025 鈥 The start of geo and tranversal tech /au-en/insights/expert-perspectives/tech-and-digital-2025-the-start-of-geo-and-tranversal-tech/ /au-en/insights/expert-perspectives/tech-and-digital-2025-the-start-of-geo-and-tranversal-tech/#respond Tue, 06 May 2025 07:30:41 +0000 /au-en/?p=543218&preview=true&preview_id=543218 Tech and Digital 2025 鈥 The start of geo and tranversal tech

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                Tech and Digital 2025 鈥 The start of geo and tranversal tech

                Vikram Kumaraswamy
                May 6, 2025

                The year 2024 saw elections in over 70 countries, a historical high for any single year. Many national agendas cited tech, and the need for self-sufficiency and sovereignty as national priorities. 

                The Tech and Digital industry is a confluence of a broad and diverse segment of organizations, made up of capitals, semiconductor firms, platforms, software, and the electronic hardware and networking companies that drive the digital transformation of all the other industries. With innovations such as customized chips and AI workflows, rapid advancements in each of the Tech and Digital sectors promise disruption across all the other industry verticals. 2025 holds immense promise across all of these sectors.

                Here are the more secular macro trends by segments in the Tech and Digital industry:

                Software and Digital 鈥 platforms, platforms, platforms

                Software and Digital is the largest of the sectors within the Tech and Digital industry. The biggest trend within Software and Digital is platformization. The pivotal role of platforms cannot be overstated. This is the piece of customer-facing software that becomes the foundation to deliver, deploy or manage countless services, applications, software and technologies.

                New trends in platforms include:

                1. AI-Native Platforms
                2. Platforms as a Market Place
                3. Super Platforms and interoperability

                These are the 鈥渘ew & next鈥 of this segment within Tech and Digital.  Cloud platforms are embedding agentic AI services to enable intelligent workflows, developer assistants, and autonomous decision-making. Examples include: Salesforce Einstein Copilot, SAP Joule, Azure AI Studio, AWS Bedrock Agents. AI here isn鈥檛 just a feature, but a core interaction layer for users and apps, and hence becomes a horizontal that will feature across all segments.

                Cloud platforms are becoming commerce layers that connect ISVs, APIs, and services, facilitating the monetization of developer marketplaces like AWS Marketplace, Azure Marketplace and Google Cloud鈥檚 Alloy DB ecosystem. The main area of growth in this segment will be industry-specific marketplaces such as healthcare APIs, AI agents, and fintech compliance tools. Cloud platforms are morphing into super platforms that integrate IaaS, PaaS, SaaS, ML, edge, and ecosystem orchestration. That would mean easing interoperability between platforms. Cloud platforms are investing in edge marketplace ecosystems for low-latency services, including Telco APIs, IoT agents and autonomous systems Example: AWS Wavelength, Azure Stack Edge, GCP Anthos.

                Positioning the future of the Tech and Digital industry for platform and software companies lies in the contextually rich intersections of industry verticals. There is a significant opportunity in contextual specialization within this wealth of knowledge. Platform and software players (who boast a are defining the future for all industries and have the largest addressable market, valued in billions of dollars. They lead the innovation agenda globally and have the highest propensity to outsource.

                Semiconductors 鈥 more specialized, more local

                Tech nationalism is emerging as a major theme, driven by the sovereignty and resilient supply chain goals of every industry and country. Semicon talent is currently concentrated in a few countries. This is especially true for manufacturing and testing (FAB & ATS) which are mainly concentrated in Southeast Asia and Taiwan. Thus, to build an in-country semiconductor eco-system, the first requirement is talent. In a segment on track for a , this is a massive priority.

                Some of the most prominent trends in the semiconductor industry are node size reduction (shrinking of transistors), Gen AI chips, AI/ML Integration into chip design and in-house development of chips. Another very important development in semiconductors is the evolution of RISC V as an open-source, modular architecture. This allows developers to create processors tailored to specific needs by offering a flexible platform for building, porting, and optimizing software, extensions, and hardware. 

                Many of the chips designed for training and using Gen AI cost tens of thousands of dollars and are primarily destined for large cloud data centers. However, by 2025, Gen AI chips or lightweight versions of these chips are expected to be found in various other locations, including:

                • Enterprise Edge: These chips will be integrated into enterprise edge devices, enhancing their capabilities.
                • Computers: Both personal and enterprise computers will start incorporating these advanced chips.
                • Smartphones: Mobile devices will benefit from the power of Gen AI chips, enabling more sophisticated applications.
                • Other Edge Devices: Over time, other edge devices such as IoT applications will also adopt these chips.

                These chips are also being utilized for various purposes, including:

                • Generative AI: For creating new content and applications.
                • Traditional AI (Machine Learning): For tasks such as data analysis and predictive modeling.
                • Combination of both: Increasingly, these chips are being used for a combination of Gen AI and traditional AI tasks, providing versatile and powerful solutions.

                It鈥檚 no surprise then, that the demand for semiconductors that can better handle AI is going through the roof. The race is on to develop chips that can handle the workload required to support AI. As NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang said, “The future of computing is AI. Our goal is to provide the most powerful and efficient AI computing platforms to accelerate innovation across industries.”

                Across industries, companies are working on specialized processors, designed for AI applications. For example:

                • Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Google have begun developing their own chips to reduce reliance on overstretched players like Nvidia. These chips are tailored for specific workloads, ensuring greater control and efficiency.
                • With the rise of electric vehicles and autonomous driving technologies, automotive semiconductors are becoming increasingly critical.

                Finally, for the sake of tech sovereignty and resilience, the semiconductor industry is finding new geographies.

                Across the board, one thing is true for the semiconductor industry: intelligent manufacturing is the order of the day.

                Electronics and Hardware 鈥 built for purpose

                AI-Centric Hardware Architectures:Purpose-built AI chips (like NVIDIA Grace Hopper, AMD MI300X, Intel Gaudi) are overtaking general-purpose CPUs for AI workloads. Edge AI accelerators are enabling faster inferencing in IoT, autonomous vehicles, and smart factories.

                Hardware-Based Cybersecurityled byzero-trust hardware roots, and integrated silicon security in CPUs and GPUs (e.g., AMD SEV, Intel TDX) for secure AI, fintech, and cloud workloads are in order. Physical-layer security in networking devices becoming standard in critical infrastructure.

                Composable Infrastructure is continuing to gain momentum withhardware infrastructure becoming software-defined and on-demand followed by disaggregation of compute, storage, and networking into composable building blocks via high-speed fabrics (like CXL, NVMe over Fabrics).

                The demand for AI infrastructure is on a vertical rise leading to energy-efficient compute & cooling innovations with a massive focus on power efficiency due to AI compute intensity. This entails an adoption of liquid cooling, chip-level thermal design, and carbon-aware scheduling.

                Trends in the Tech and Digital industry are created by the tech majors. These eventually drive the much broader digital transformation of all the other industries.

                Looking to capitalize on these trends? 乌鸦传媒 is uniquely positioned to become the partner of choice for of the tech industry, here to help you build and drive strategic value.

                Author

                Vikram Kumaraswamy

                Vice President 鈥 Global Hi-tech 鈥 IP Lead
                Vikram is responsible for the Tech and Digital platform team that helps create thought leadership and offers across the Tech and Digital sectors forging the value of 鈥渙ne 乌鸦传媒鈥. He comes with a strong experience of 34 years running very large business sizes at HPE ( formerly) covering services, software & the hybrid cloud.

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                  Product Traceability for Automotive /au-en/solutions/product-traceability-for-automotive/ Tue, 29 Apr 2025 06:17:54 +0000 /au-en/?page_id=542995&preview_id=542995 Automakers face challenging traceability requirements, with European product passport regulations applying to batteries from early 2027. The right solution will not only facilitate compliance but also open up new opportunities.

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                  Solution

                  Product Traceability for Automotive

                  Automakers face challenging traceability requirements, with European product passport regulations applying to batteries from early 2027. The right solution will not only facilitate compliance but also open up new opportunities.

                  Europe鈥檚 Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation heralds a new generation of regulatory measures aiming to improve products鈥 circularity, energy performance, and environmental sustainability. The Regulation lays the groundwork for the introduction of product passports, starting with battery passports 鈥 which look set to be a major enabler of automotive sustainability.

                  So automotive companies face the task of implementing battery passports within a limited timeframe. But as of now, that鈥檚 challenging for most automotive companies, mainly because of data issues. For example, in many cases:

                  • Data requirements have not been adequately specified
                  • Necessary data is inaccessible 鈥 if it even exists
                  • Data is not updated during the product lifecycle

                  In addition, there may be challenges around data flows 鈥 for example, in relation to safeguarding sensitive information when sharing is required.

                  Challenges like these threaten companies鈥 ability to achieve compliance with the new Regulation. In addition, they could be missing out on valuable opportunities to improve the way they work with batteries. Given the central role of battery electric vehicles in future mobility, no automotive manufacturer can afford to do that.

                  Optimizing data use to provide traceability 鈥 and much more

                  乌鸦传媒鈥檚 Product Traceability for Automotive solution empowers clients to meet traceability requirements with ease, and to reap additional benefits at the same time. You鈥檒l achieve the following essential goals fast and with minimal risk, thanks to our accelerators, assets, and IP.

                  1. Establish traceability, exceeding the minimum passport requirements to create efficiency and reduce costs. This requires identification of necessary data, mapping of internal and external data sources, harmonization of data in a central hub, and establishment of quality and audit controls.
                  2. Ensure transparency, with data flowing seamlessly throughout the product鈥檚 lifetime to enable value. Tasks here include creation of a secure and continuous flow of data from sensors, establishment of data persistence, definition of usage and access policies, and implementation of a product passport interface and interoperability gateway.
                  3. Maximize opportunity, leveraging the product passport and associated data to optimize costs, improve products, and enable new models. Areas of opportunity include vehicle and battery recycling, cost and sustainability improvements through the use of digital twins, better predictive maintenance, and the adoption of new business models such as battery as a service and battery swapping.

                  With this solution, you鈥檒l always have accurate data about products and their components at your disposal. You can make data available to whoever needs it (including your ecosystem members) while maintaining the highest levels of security. And you鈥檒l be confident that the data is bang up to date, with digital continuity across all your systems.

                  The 乌鸦传媒 advantage

                  Our depth of experience collaborating with automotive clients, as well as our unrivaled technical expertise, makes us your ideal partner for battery passport and other traceability projects.

                  Our capabilities in this area are already proven. For example, we鈥檝e designed and implemented a battery state of health certificate system for a leading OEM. Our numerous projects in related areas have covered everything from data exchange development to frame security strategy.

                  乌鸦传媒鈥檚 Product Traceability for Automotive solution harnesses these capabilities, together with our command of leading-edge technologies such as AI and blockchain. The result is a comprehensive solution for battery passports, as well as wider traceability requirements.

                  Today, battery passports aren鈥檛 just a regulatory necessity. They could pave the way for better product performance and customer experience, along with reduced costs and, of course, improved automotive sustainability. Get in touch today to find out how 乌鸦传媒 can help you get the best out of battery passport implementation.

                  Stay tuned for product traceability PoV

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                  Meet our experts

                  Emmanuelle Bischoffe-Cluzel

                  VP – Sustainability Lead, Global Automotive Industry, 乌鸦传媒
                  Emmanuelle Bischoffe-Cluzel offers practical IT and engineering solutions to support automotive sustainability. She has 30 years’ automotive industry experience, gained with a global automaker and a tier 1 supplier, in roles ranging from manufacturing engineering to business development. She holds four patents relating to engine assembly.

                  Xavier de la Casa

                  Associate Director Sustainable Products and Services Frog, part of 乌鸦传媒 Invent
                  I am a passionate senior whose leitmotiv is to aggregate multi-functional expertise to deliver the best-bespoke value for Users and Customers. Still a strong Mechanical Engineering expert after 17y @EADS, SAFRAN and Altran; I have acquired also intuitive skills to facilitate creativity workshops and agile methods from 5y @ Altran ID & frog design. This passion for new territories overflows also in my private life as I am designing fine jewelry for 10y now and spend a mouthful of time in photography and 3D movie making.

                  Dr. Dorothea Pohlmann

                  Senior Expert and Lead COE Sustainability, 乌鸦传媒 Engineering
                  Dr. Dorothea Pohlmann, holds a doctorate in laser physics, started her career 15 years ago at 乌鸦传媒 Engineering. Her path began in a subsidiary at the time in search of new challenges that combined her consultant expertise with her technical know-how. Today, she is a Senior Expert in the Technology & Innovation Office and Co-Lead of the 鈥淐enter of Excellence Sustainability鈥.

                  Ad猫le Balog

                  Senior Consultant, 乌鸦传媒 Invent France
                  Ad猫le is a Senior Consultant at 乌鸦传媒 Invent France, specializing in climate and nature strategies. She brings expertise in decarbonization, ESG compliance, and more specifically, the Digital Battery Passport. She advises clients on regulatory compliance and understanding, IT architecture, and sustainability reporting, and actively contributes to related industry initiatives.

                  Liz Lugnier

                  Analyst Relations Director: Sustainability, Innovation, Customer Experience, Consulting, Consumer Products and Retail, Automotive, Europe
                  Liz is the host of the Future Sight podcast. She has experience in a multitude of industries, including innovation, customer experience, consulting, sustainability, retail and consumer products, automotive, and the public sector.

                  Laurence No毛l

                  EVP, Head of Global Automotive Industry, 乌鸦传媒
                  Laurence No毛l is a distinguished professional with a robust background in the automotive industry. She has more than 25 years of experience, and was previously Senior Vice President of the Circular Economy Business Unit at Stellantis. Leveraging a diverse background across management of business units, strategic planning and engineering, Laurence empowers clients to shape profitable and successful strategies, achieve transformation, and meet automotive sustainability goals.

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                    542995
                    Where green meets growth: Engaging the 鈥榤ainstream middle鈥 through conscious consumerism /au-en/insights/expert-perspectives/where-green-meets-growth-engaging-the-mainstream-middle-through-conscious-consumerism/ /au-en/insights/expert-perspectives/where-green-meets-growth-engaging-the-mainstream-middle-through-conscious-consumerism/#respond Thu, 24 Apr 2025 07:31:31 +0000 /au-en/?p=542783&preview=true&preview_id=542783 In today鈥檚 marketplace, sustainability doesn鈥檛 have to be at odds with business performance. Brands and retailers can drive both growth and environmental progress by making sustainable choices accessible to the 鈥渕ainstream middle鈥濃攃onsumers who want to shop responsibly but are often constrained by price and convenience.

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                    Where green meets growth:
                    Engaging the 鈥榤ainstream middle鈥 through conscious consumerism

                    Laura Gherasim & Kees Jacobs
                    Apr 24, 2025

                    In today鈥檚 marketplace, sustainability doesn鈥檛 have to be at odds with business performance. Brands and retailers can drive both growth and environmental progress by making sustainable choices accessible to the 鈥渕ainstream middle鈥濃攃onsumers who want to shop responsibly but are often constrained by price and convenience.

                    The key challenge? Bridging the gap between consumers鈥 good intentions and their purchasing behavior. By integrating sustainability into the everyday shopping experience, brands can influence buying decisions and accelerate both their sustainability goals and profitability.

                    In today鈥檚 economic climate, practical concerns like price and convenience often overshadow sustainability during the shopper journey鈥攄espite widespread agreement on its importance. So how can companies continue to advance their sustainability agenda, and achieve growth and profitability goals, when many consumers are unwilling or unable to pay a premium for it?

                    The solution isn鈥檛 to convince everyday shoppers to shift left, but to make sustainability a central part of the everyday shopping experience for the 鈥渕ainstream middle鈥.

                    When less is more: Growing demand for sustainable shopping

                    In our most recent consumer survey, What matters to today鈥檚 consumer, our researchers found that sustainability is a mainstream issue. Nearly two-thirds (64%) have purchased products from organizations perceived to be sustainable.

                    The downside is that consumers are also unwilling to pay a premium for sustainable products. Our survey shows that the proportion of consumers willing to pay between 1%-5% more has risen slightly, from 30% to 38%, over the past two years. However, those willing to pay more than 5% has dropped consistently over the same period.

                    This creates an action-intention gap, wherein mainstream middle shoppers would like to buy sustainable products more often, but their purchases are more influenced by other factors, like cost. So how do brands and retailers move that agenda forward?

                    Three ways to jumpstart sustainability goals in retail

                    1. Encourage sustainable shopping and healthy choices through education and guidance

                    For the average consumer, sustainability is a complex and potentially confusing topic.

                    Our 2025 consumer data revealed that almost two-thirds of shoppers (63%) report insufficient information to verify sustainability claims, while 54% say they do not trust those claims.

                    The good news is that consumers want more guidance and input from retailers throughout the shopper journey to help them make more informed choices. Brands and retailers have the opportunity to stand out to consumers by improving transparency around sustainability claims, such as through standardized certifications, easy-to-understand labels, or transparent packaging.

                    For example, front-of-pack nutritional labeling systems鈥攕uch as Nutri-Score (used in several European countries), the Traffic Light system in the UK, and the Keyhole label in Sweden鈥攁re helping consumers make healthier food choices by leveraging standardized algorithms to assess both positive and negative aspects of a product鈥檚 nutritional content. A similar approach could be applied to sustainability labeling, simplifying complex claims and supporting consumers in making more informed, responsible decisions at a glance.

                    Core retail mechanics can also play a crucial role in making sustainable and healthy choices more accessible to consumers. Tactics like strategic product placement, targeted promotions, educational displays, and local produce partnerships can help guide shoppers toward better choices without requiring them to go out of their way.

                    By making sustainable and healthy choices clearer and more accessible, it becomes a more justifiable choice, especially among price-conscious consumers.

                    2. Leverage AI and technology: AI in sustainability to engage consumers

                    Digital technology has an important role to play in making sustainability more understandable, accessible and tangible to consumers. This is definitely the case for Gen Z, who have grown up with digital, and who are now gaining more mainstream spending power.

                    For example, 2D barcodes on products can help brands share sustainability details beyond what fits on labels or packaging. By simply scanning a code with their phone, shoppers can “talk” to a product鈥攅nabling them to learn about its origins, ingredients, and certifications, or even engaging in a two-way dialogue with a brand.

                    L鈥橭r茅al is one notable trailblazer on this front. The brand has integrated QR codes on its skincare and cosmetic products, directing consumers to an AI-powered chatbot that offers detailed ingredient information, usage guidance, and personalized skincare routines tailored to each user鈥檚 skin type and concerns.

                    Our research showed strong demand among consumers to be able to connect with brands in this way. Overall, 65% of consumers want 鈥渞apid verbal responses from AI chatbots.鈥 This highlights a prime opportunity for companies to embed sustainability messaging into natural language interactions, such as via AI assistants, voice search, or digital assistants.

                    On the supply chain side, increasing transparency, especially in light of upcoming regulations in various regions, presents a major opportunity for retailers. By leveraging technologies such as electronic labeling and digital product passports, they can offer consumers clear visibility into every stage of a product鈥檚 journey, from how it was grown or sourced to how it should be responsibly disposed of.

                    3. Incentivize behavior change: Smart grocery shopping and eco-friendly packaging

                    Brands and retailers can encourage more sustainable shopping habits by making them more affordable, accessible, convenient, and rewarding.

                    For example, smart dynamic pricing that encourages and incentivize consumers to purchase food before it goes to waste not only benefits shoppers鈥攊t also boosts retailer margins and advances sustainability goals.

                    Minimizing food waste is an issue that is being actively embraced by many retailers and grocers around the world precisely because of its double benefit for the consumer and the business. For example, Carrefour has extended its collaboration with Wasteless in Argentina, rolling out to enable dynamic discounting of perishable products. This collaboration aims to drastically reduce food waste, while lowering markdown costs by 54%. At the same time, it also offers consumers fresh products at low prices.

                    Reducing food waste can also be an in-home activity. In the Netherlands, Albert Heijn is piloting a 鈥溾 feature within their mobile app. The 鈥渓eftover scanner鈥 allows consumers to snap a photo of their refrigerator contents and receive recipe suggestions based on what they already have. The retailer also launched its app, to help customers make smart choices and adopt healthy behaviors. The app provides personalized advice, inspiration, and wellness challenges across key areas like nutrition, exercise, relaxation, and sleep.

                    Leveraging sustainability as a revenue driver

                    For retailers and brands, sustainability isn鈥檛 just an exercise in altruism. Setting aside the fact that it is a real imperative to our collective future and the overall health of people and planet, companies should also recognize that sustainability can be a top-line growth driver.

                    In fact, found that sustainable products are not only capturing a larger market share but also growing at a faster rate compared to their non-sustainable counterparts. Despite high inflation, sustainable products held 18.5% of the market in 2024, up 1.2 percentage points from 2023. Products with environmental, social, and governance (ESG) claims saw a 5-year CAGR of 9.9%, outperforming conventional products.

                    Overall, sustainability-marketed products accounted for about one-third of all CPG growth, despite representing less than 20% of the market share, showcasing a significant opportunity for brands in a challenging economic climate.

                    The key to scalable sustainability: Engaging the mainstream majority

                    The path to a more sustainable future isn鈥檛 about changing people鈥檚 beliefs and priorities鈥攊t鈥檚 about removing barriers to make responsible choices the default option for everyone. By making sustainability more accessible, convenient, affordable, and seamlessly integrated into daily life, brands and retailers can influence the behavior of everyday consumers鈥攁nd earn their loyalty in return.

                    And that鈥檚 how sustainability will become a mainstream practice.

                    For more information about how 乌鸦传媒 can help your organization accelerate sustainability goals and programs, please contact our authors and visit our Connected Society.

                    Authors

                    Laura Gherasim

                    Director, Sustainable Futures, 乌鸦传媒 Invent
                    Laura is currently a Director of Sustainable Futures for 乌鸦传媒 Invent, the innovation arm of the consulting firm 乌鸦传媒, leading a team operating at the intersect of technology & innovation, technology with sustainability strategy. She works across major FTSE 100 corporate clients in the consumer product, retail, energy, and financial services sectors.

                    Kees Jacobs

                    Consumer Products & Retail Global 乌鸦传媒 & Data Lead, 乌鸦传媒
                    Kees is 乌鸦传媒鈥檚 overall Global Consumer Products and Retail sector thought leader. He has more than 25 years鈥 experience in this industry, with a track record in a range of strategic digital and data-related B2C and B2B initiatives at leading retailers and manufacturers. Kees is also responsible for 乌鸦传媒鈥檚 strategic relationship with The Consumer Goods Forum and a co-author of many thought leadership reports, including Reducing Consumer Food Waste in the Digital Era.

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