Navigating the Complexity of Decarbonization in Consumer Goods

Sustainability is more than just a buzzword when it comes to CPG — companies are under increasing pressure to track and reduce their carbon emissions to meet decarbonization mandates and increased consumer demand for eco-friendly products. 

Vishnu Nair, head of Zeigo Activate, shares his expertise on the biggest hurdles in sustainability tracking, the unique needs of small- and medium-sized businesses, and the misconceptions surrounding sustainability efforts in the consumer goods industry. 

From talent shortages to the complexities of decarbonizing Scope 3 emissions, Vishnu offers insights into how technology and collaboration can drive meaningful climate action.

CGT: What are some of the biggest challenges today’s CPGs face when it comes to tracking sustainability progress?

Vishnu Nair: One of the biggest challenges is talent. There has been a sudden demand for sustainability talent, but the few available are usually scooped up by larger companies with big climate programs. This leaves other smaller companies in the lurch to deal with a domain-specific challenge for which they don’t have in-house expertise. 

This is where purpose-built software can help. With the right design, carbon management can be simplified to the point that you wouldn’t require a subject matter expert. Zeigo Activate is an action-based software where you can calculate your emissions baseline, set a target, and receive a customized roadmap that gives you specific actions to take that will help reduce your footprint.