I’m thrilled to sit down with Marco Gaietti, a veteran in business management with decades of experience in management consulting. Marco’s expertise in strategic management, operations, and customer relations makes him the perfect person to unpack the complex challenges and opportunities in retail sustainability, especially in the wake of COP30 discussions in Brazil. In this interview, we dive into the evolving landscape of climate action in retail, exploring how new regulations, data transparency, and the push for a circular economy are reshaping the industry. We also touch on the struggles of aligning ambitious sustainability goals with day-to-day operations and what it will take to build a more sustainable future.
What were the most striking takeaways from COP30 in Brazil about how the retail sector can contribute to global climate action?
COP30 really underscored the urgency for the retail sector to step up in the fight against climate change. One of the biggest takeaways was the shift from mere commitments to actionable enforcement. Discussions highlighted how retail, as a massive global industry, has both the responsibility and the opportunity to drive change through sustainable trade practices. The focus on regulations like Border Carbon Adjustments and the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive signaled that businesses can no longer ignore the environmental and human impacts of their supply chains. It was a clear message: adapt now or face significant consequences down the line.
How do you see new regulations like Border Carbon Adjustments and the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive reshaping global retail operations?
These regulations are game-changers. Border Carbon Adjustments will force retailers to account for the carbon footprint of imported goods, which could significantly raise costs for products made in high-emission regions. Meanwhile, the Due Diligence Directive pushes companies to scrutinize every link in their supply chain for environmental and human rights issues. This means retailers will need to invest in better tracking systems and possibly rethink sourcing strategies. It’s not just about compliance; it’s about fundamentally changing how global trade operates to prioritize sustainability over pure profit.
Looking at the Fashion Industry Charter for Climate Change from COP24, which targets net-zero emissions by 2050, how achievable do you think this is for the fashion sector?
Achieving net-zero by 2050 is a bold ambition, but it’s a steep climb for the fashion industry. The sector’s reliance on resource-intensive production and fast-turnover trends makes it inherently challenging. However, it’s not impossible if companies commit to systemic change—think sustainable materials, slower production cycles, and better recycling systems. The bigger issue is whether the industry can balance profitability with these goals. I’ve seen some promising innovations, like bio-based fabrics and digital design tools that reduce waste, but scaling those across the board will take serious investment and willpower.
With ultra-fast fashion brands facing scrutiny for unsustainable practices, how might closing trade loopholes like the de minimis exemption in the U.S. impact their business models?
Closing loopholes like the de minimis exemption is a direct hit to the ultra-fast fashion model, which thrives on shipping low-cost, single items across borders without tariffs. With tighter controls, their operational costs will spike, forcing them to either raise prices or rethink their supply chains. This could level the playing field for more sustainable competitors, but I suspect some of these companies will look for other workarounds to keep costs down. The real shift will depend on whether consumers are willing to pay a bit more for accountability or if they’ll still chase the cheapest option.
The role of data as a tool for compliance and traceability is gaining attention. How can retailers leverage data to meet these growing regulatory demands?
Data is the backbone of compliance in today’s regulatory landscape. Retailers can use it to track everything from carbon emissions per product to ensuring deforestation-free supply chains. It’s about having real-time visibility into every step of the process—where materials come from, how goods are made, and how they’re shipped. By integrating data across transport, warehouse, and order management systems, companies can optimize routes, reduce waste, and prove compliance. Tools like blockchain for traceability or AI-driven analytics for emissions tracking are becoming essential for retailers who want to stay ahead of the curve.
There seems to be a persistent gap between corporate sustainability goals and actual operations. What do you think is causing this disconnect in so many businesses?
The gap comes down to a lack of alignment between high-level commitments and ground-level execution. Many companies set ambitious sustainability targets without the systems or infrastructure to support them. Supply chain operations often run on outdated technology that can’t provide the visibility needed to track progress or make informed decisions. There’s also a cultural barrier—sustainability isn’t always embedded into daily decision-making. Bridging this gap requires investment in digital tools, training, and a mindset shift to prioritize long-term impact over short-term gains.
The push for a circular economy is a key focus post-COP30. How can retailers rethink their logistics, especially around returns, to build more circular systems?
Circularity in retail logistics means moving away from linear thinking—produce, sell, discard—and toward systems that minimize waste at every stage. For returns, this could mean using real-time data to route products to the nearest store for restocking instead of sending everything to a central warehouse. It’s about intelligent inventory management and integrating reverse logistics into the broader supply chain strategy. This not only cuts down on unnecessary transport emissions but also gets products back into circulation faster. Retailers need unified data systems to make these decisions efficiently.
What’s your forecast for the future of sustainability in retail over the next decade?
I believe the next decade will be a tipping point for sustainability in retail. We’ll see regulations tighten further, with more countries adopting carbon taxes and stricter supply chain accountability measures. Data transparency will become non-negotiable—consumers and regulators alike will demand it. I expect a surge in circular economy practices as technology makes it easier to recycle, reuse, and optimize logistics. But the real change will hinge on consumer behavior. If shoppers keep pushing for ethical practices and are willing to back that up with their wallets, retailers will have no choice but to evolve. It’s an exciting, if challenging, road ahead.
