Episode Details

In this Omni Talk Retail interview, recorded live from the Consumer Goods Forum Global Summit 2026 in Vienna, Chris Walton sits down with Luiza Reguse, Senior Manager of Sustainable Supply Chain Initiatives at the Consumer Goods Forum, to discuss the growing complexity of sustainability compliance and how the industry is working toward greater consistency, transparency, and accountability across global supply chains.

Luiza explains how the Sustainable Supply Chain Initiative (SSCI) helps companies navigate a landscape of hundreds of sustainability programs by creating common benchmarks and recognition standards. She also discusses the shift from traditional checklist-based audits to more outcome-focused approaches, the challenges of defining and measuring regenerative agriculture, and why social and environmental sustainability can no longer be addressed separately. Drawing on her experience as a former auditor, Luiza shares valuable insights into the realities facing producers, auditors, retailers, and manufacturers as they work toward more sustainable supply chains.

Key Topics Covered:

• What the Sustainable Supply Chain Initiative (SSCI) is and how it works

• Why there are hundreds of sustainability compliance programs worldwide

• The challenge of creating consistent sustainability standards

• Moving beyond checklist audits to continuous improvement

• Reducing audit fatigue for manufacturers, suppliers, and auditors

• Harmonizing sustainability requirements across the industry

• Why social and environmental sustainability are increasingly connected

• The growing focus on regenerative agriculture

• Challenges in defining and measuring regenerative agriculture

• Avoiding greenwashing through clearer standards and outcomes

• Lessons from working as a sustainability auditor in the field

• The importance of understanding real-world implementation challenges

• The future of sustainability compliance and responsible sourcing

Special thanks to the Consumer Goods Forum Global Summit and the CGF Leadership Studio sponsored by Vusion for supporting Omni Talk Retail's coverage in Vienna.