Cardies among those inspired and uplifted by POC Conference
Setting the tone for a truly uplifting, inspiring and informative Products Of Change Sustainability Conference was the mighty Moksha Roy, the world’s youngest sustainability advocate.
You could have heard a pin drop as the plucky nine-year-old addressed an audience of hundreds of retailers, brand owners, greeting card publishers and manufacturers of all manner of consumer products filling the auditorium of the Royal Geographical Society HQ in London, as well as those watching virtually all over the world.
Moksha implored everyone to make sure the products they produce are completely honest and sustainable, and to imagine they’re making them for “your own children”.
She urged everyone to “keep thinking” about our planet: “Children still believe in fairies and pixies so be the fairy folk so children will never lose faith in your magical powers.”
The packed and diverse agenda included an enlightening and thought-provoking talk from Tony’s Chocolonely about its mission to end child slavery in the cocoa industry, the future of our homes with Dunelm, circularity with Primark, plush fabric made from plants, and how Bravado is making sustainable waves in music merchandise, as well as updates on the swathe of legislative measures on the horizon, with Carousel Calendars MD Steve Plackett on a panel discussing directives and developments involving the paper sector – you can get a flavour of the conference in the reel below.
“POC Conference 2024 was our best yet. It was inspiring to see people from different product sectors, united by shared interests, collaborating to shape the future. I can’t wait to see what 2025 will bring!” commented Helena Mansell-Stopher, founder and CEO of Products Of Change.
And Sue Morrish, co-owner of The Eco-friendly Card Company, was also full of praise: “This has been absolutely worth the trip up from Devon. It’s been so inspirational to hear how different businesses and organisations are collaborating for the greater good and to be talked through the legislation that is looming on the horizon that will affect us all.
“As for the opening message from Moksha Roy – very wise words from a very special nine year old.”
Danilo licensing director Dan Grant commented: “It has been such an informative day with a lot to take away and digest. We’re already underway on our sustainability pathway, but it has been so encouraging to have the reassurance that we are going in the right direction.
“I loved the honesty, passion and commitment which came through loud and clear from Matt Young at Bravado about how it is gaining traction, but is determined to continue to measure its improvements.
The updates from FSC and issues affecting the paper sector resonated with me, as this has such a large impact on our industry.
“Lots of food for thought – and the cakes were tasty too!”
Susan Jones, head of licensing at UK Greetings, said: “I loved it and have learned so much. I was so impressed by the presentation from Primark as to how they’ve made progress in so many different ways on the sustainability front – from the repair workshops and pre-loved clothing initiatives to the materials used in its apparel and the circular model it has built.”
As Alys Dawson, director of product, creative and marketing services at Rainbow Designs, summed it up: “The power of collaboration has come to the fore at the Products Of Change Conference. It has been so inspiring to hear how real progress has been made by retailers, suppliers and organisations putting their heads together for commercial and sustainable solutions.
“The conference breaks down fears and anxieties about what and how to confront the overwhelming issue of sustainability.”
