Greenwashing & Growth: This Week's Top Stories
8 December
Three major fashion brands have been publicly rebuked by Britain's advertising watchdog for making unsubstantiated claims about the sustainability of their products.
The UK’s Advertising Standards Authority has banned paid-for Google advertisements from Nike, Lacoste and Superdry after ruling that all three companies failed to provide the necessary evidence to back up the environmental claims their ads made.
The rulings represent the latest salvo in a broader regulatory crackdown on greenwashing within the fashion industry, which the UN suggests contributes to between 8% and 10% of global emissions.
8 December
Veolia positions itself as a global “champion of ecological transformation”, using its scale in water, waste and energy services to help cities and industries decarbonise while adapting to climate and resource pressures.
With operations in more than 40 countries and a growing North American footprint, the Group is aligning commercial growth with a robust climate strategy, including validated science-based targets and a long-term net zero ambition for 2050.
“Veolia's mission – ecological transformation – has never been more critical,” says Nadège Petit, newly appointed CEO of Veolia North America.
"From addressing water scarcity and pollution to leading the way in energy solutions, the work we do directly impacts communities, the environment and the future we're building together.
8 December
Margaret Henry, VP of Sustainable and Regenerative Agriculture at PepsiCo, is helping advance the company’s sustainable growth agenda in line with its pep+ vision to create positive change throughout the food system.
PepsiCo is translating its global ambitions into practical action across its agricultural value chain, working to scale regenerative practices, strengthen climate resilience and support the long-term viability of farming communities.
This work spans sustainable sourcing, emissions reduction, soil health, water stewardship and wider partnerships that accelerate progress.
In her role, Margaret leads the integration of sustainable and regenerative agriculture across PepsiCo’s global operations, ensuring that strategic goals are embedded in local plans, supplier relationships and on-the-ground programmes.
Her remit includes collaborating directly with farmers, engaging with NGOs and industry partners and shaping initiatives that reduce environmental impact while improving productivity and livelihoods.
Margaret shares her insights with Sustainability Magazine.
9 December
Tech giant Apple has announced a change in its sustainability leadership.
In March 2026, Jennifer Newstead, previously Chief Legal Officer at Meta, is set to become Apple’s General Counsel.
Jennifer is replacing Kate Adams who has been in the position since 2017.
Kate is set to join Apple as Senior Vice President in January 2026, reporting directly to Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO.
Lisa Jackson, Vice President for Environment, Policy and Social Initiatives, is also set to retire in late January 2026.
8 December
Despite living longer, women tend to spend 25% more of their lives in poor health according to the World Economic Forum.
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is the UN’s sexual and reproductive health agency that works to help enhance women’s health and reproduction-related rights.
The fund has three core missions, known as the three zeros:
- Zero unmet need for family planning
- Zero preventable maternal deaths
- Zero GBV and harmful practices.
Company portals
Executives
Jennifer Newstead
Chief Legal Officer
Kate Adams
Katherine Adams Senior Vice President and General Counsel
Lisa Jackson
Vice President, Environment, Policy and Social Initiatives
Margaret Henry
Vice President, Sustainable & Regenerative Agriculture
Nadège Petit
Chief Executive Officer - NA
