A recurring virtual roundtable for IRI members navigating emerging sustainability risks, reporting demands, and strategy. One signup covers every session in the series. Sessions run about an hour and are held virtually. Sign up once and you’re registered for the full series — a calendar invitation is emailed for each session, and your calendar updates automatically if a time changes.
Session Topics
July 24, 2026 — What's Next? Monitoring Emerging Sustainability Risks and Trends
PFAS has rapidly moved from an emerging concern to a major business issue affecting products, packaging, facilities, and supply chains. At the same time, attention is growing around microplastics, phthalates, Chrome VI, and other emerging sustainability and regulatory risks. How can organizations identify and prepare for the next issue before it becomes a business challenge? In this session, members will discuss how they monitor emerging trends, assess potential risks, and build more proactive sustainability strategies.
August 28, 2026 — Balancing Speed, Value, and Sustainability (Joint with Innovation Excellence)
Organizations are under constant pressure to move faster, but what does the “right” speed for innovation actually look like? How do companies determine whether products are moving too slowly, too quickly, or at the appropriate pace for their market, customers, and business and sustainability objectives? From sampling and qualification timelines to shifting priorities, resource constraints, sustainability requirements, regulatory considerations, and evolving customer expectations, many factors can influence how quickly new products reach the market. In this joint session between the Sustainability and Innovation Excellence roundtables, members will explore how organizations define and measure innovation speed, balance sustainability objectives with business priorities, identify common bottlenecks, and discuss strategies for improving agility while maintaining quality, managing risk, and delivering long-term value.
September 25, 2026 — Sustainability Theatre: Are We Measuring What Matters?
Sustainability teams face growing demands for certifications, questionnaires, audits, assessments, and reporting requests. While some of these efforts drive meaningful change, others can consume significant time and resources without delivering clear value. How do organizations determine which activities are worth pursuing? How do you distinguish between meaningful progress and “checking the box”? In this session, members will share experiences navigating certifications, reporting requirements, and stakeholder expectations while exploring ways to focus resources on activities that matter most.
