Sustainable Transformation

Nova Podcasts
Nova Podcasts
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In the Sustainable Transformation Podcast, we bring you honest conversations about the challenges and triumphs of sustainability transformations in business. Join us fortnightly as we unpack the ideas that drive change, decode the jargon and meet the visionary leaders reshaping their organisations for the better. 

  1. 1d ago

    Fast fashion is a catastrophe, and you're part of it

    “fast fashion is a topic that absolutely eats away at me. So I've got lots I want to get off my chest and lots I want to learn.” Kiarne Treacy's had enough of fast fashion, and today she’s starting with your last online order. She puts it to Danielle Kent, General Manager of Transformation at Seamless, Australia's national product stewardship scheme for fashion. Australians send more than 200,000 tonnes of clothing to landfill every year, roughly a full wardrobe per person. Kiarne sits down with her to find out how that happened, and why recycling isn't the fix most people think it is. Danielle explains how Australia's abundance of space and appetite for fast fashion has created a wardrobe surplus even our charities can't absorb. She's honest about the number that should worry everyone: only a small fraction of what we own actually gets recycled, and the reasons why involve everything from sequins to shipping routes. The conversation gets into what's really happening to the clothes in your local charity bin, why global shipping disruptions are now sending containers of donated clothing straight to Australian landfill and what it would actually take to make brands responsible for a garment's whole life. You’ll hear and learn: The one word Danielle says can ruin a garment's chance of ever being recycled Why 1.5 billion items of clothing hit the Australian market every year, and why Danielle says that number is a serious undercount What's really happening to the clothing sitting in shipping containers right now, and why it's not reaching the countries it was meant for The teenage trend no one saw coming, and what it reveals about why we buy the way we do Why some of Australia's most trusted brands are quietly buying back the same clothes they sold you The two numbers that show why only a tiny fraction of Australian fashion brands are actually accountable for what they sell What Danielle does every single time before she buys something new, and why it's saved her thousands This episode is a must-listen for anyone who's ever dropped a bag of clothes at a charity bin and wondered what actually happens next, and for anyone rethinking how much, and how often, they buy clothes.   MENTIONS: Seamless Cotton On & eBay Australia partnership Australian Fashion Council Ellen MacArthur Foundation Refashion (France) Samsara eco BlockTexx Planet Protector   LINKS: Learn more about SustainabilityTracker.com Learn more about The Sustainable Transformation Podcast Follow The Sustainable Choice Group on LinkedIn, Instagram, and TikTok Follow Nova Podcasts on Instagram for videos from the podcast and behind-the-scenes content – @novapodcastsofficial   CREDITS: Host: Kiarne Treacy Guest: Danielle Kent Guest Company: Seamless Find more great podcasts like this at novapodcasts.com.au Nova Entertainment acknowledges the traditional custodians of the land on which we produced this podcast, the Wurundjeri People of the Kulin Nation. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Fast fashion is a catastrophe, and you're part of it

  2. Aug 12

    Want to know what’s inside Dilmah’s family rule: success vs significance?

    "The most selfless person I have ever met in business." That's how Kiarne describes Dilhan C. Fernando, Chairman and CEO of Dilmah Tea, after sitting down with him for this episode. Dilhan runs one of the world's best-known tea brands in the world, and by his own admission, he could triple Dilmah's profits tomorrow. Kiarne sits down with him to find out what it actually costs to run a business on purity of origin, ethical growing and a founding promise never to compromise. Dilhan walks through the value model his father built the company on: social impact first, environmental restoration second, and profit deliberately at the end. They talk about agroforestry that drops yields, twelve years of biochar trials and why they have a single-origin promise. Dilhan teaches us about the family's charitable foundation and conservation arm, the bats now helping grow tea and why three of his children have chosen to join the business too. You'll hear and learn: Why Dilhan compares a bag of Dilmah tea to a bottle of wine, and what that says about why they don’t blend tea across regions How bat research at Dilmah's Genesis Centre is helping them grow tea The three-part value model behind Dilmah's business, and where profit actually lands on that list What twelve years of testing one unusual soil technique revealed about growing tea through drought This episode is a must-listen for anyone who wants to understand what genuine, structural sustainability actually costs, and why one family has chosen it for three generations running.     MENTIONS: Dilmah Tea MJF Charitable Foundation Dilmah Conservation Genesis Dilmah Centre for a Sustainable Future Biodiversity Sri Lanka UN Global Compact Network Sri Lanka Conscious Food Systems Summit, Bhutan Sri Lanka Climate Summit 2026 Sri Lanka's National Export Development Plan   LINKS: Learn more about SustainabilityTracker Learn more about The Sustainable Transformation Podcast Follow The Sustainability Tracker on LinkedIn, Instagram, and TikTok Follow Nova Podcasts on Instagram for videos from the podcast and behind-the-scenes content – @novapodcastsofficial   CREDITS: Host: Kiarne Treacy Guest: Dilhan C Fernando Guest Company: Dilmah Find more great podcasts like this at novapodcasts.com.au Nova Entertainment acknowledges the traditional custodians of the land on which we produced this podcast, the Wurundjeri People of the Kulin Nation. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Want to know what’s inside Dilmah’s family rule: success vs significance?

  3. Mar 9

    The Wild West of sustainability is over | Cool Planet’s Daniel Harper

    Sustainability has shifted from a “nice to have” to a core business risk conversation. In this episode, Daniel Harper, Director of Cool Planet, unpacks what nearly 20 years of working in climate strategy has taught him about how businesses really move. From the early “wild west” days of carbon offsets to mandatory climate disclosure, supply chain pressure and the pivot from carbon neutral to net zero, this is a grounded look at what’s actually happening in the ESG space.. You’ll hear why regulatory certainty matters more than most people realise, how supplier tiering is reshaping procurement decisions, where carbon offset distrust comes from (including why some carbon credits cost under $2 while others sit closer to $50… and what that gap means for credibility) and why some industries like hospitality are evolving faster than others. If you’re unsure whether to start or scale your sustainability efforts, this episode breaks down the steps and tools to get moving in a way that makes clear business sense. You’ll hear and learn: Why mandatory climate disclosure reframes sustainability as business risk, not environmental charity How large organisations are quietly ranking suppliers based on net zero targets and carbon reporting The real difference between carbon neutral and net zero — and why offset quality matters Where reputational risk and greenwashing scrutiny are increasing, and how to protect your brand Why starting early reduces future compliance pressure, protects profit and creates commercial advantage   Founders, sustainability leads, procurement teams and business owners who want clarity on climate reporting, supplier pressure, net zero strategy and how to turn sustainability from a compliance task into a commercial advantage.   MENTIONS: Cool Planet Climate Active Australian Carbon Credit Units (ACCUs) Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi)   LINKS: Learn more about SustainabilityTracker.com Learn more about The Sustainable Transformation Podcast Follow The Sustainable Choice Group on LinkedIn, Instagram, and TikTok Follow Nova Podcasts on Instagram for videos from the podcast and behind-the-scenes content – @novapodcastsofficial   CREDITS: Host: Kiarne Treacy Guest: Daniel Harper Guest Company: Cool Planet Find more great podcasts like this at novapodcasts.com.au Nova Entertainment acknowledges the traditional custodians of the land on which we produced this podcast, the Wurundjeri People of the Kulin Nation. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    The Wild West of sustainability is over | Cool Planet’s Daniel Harper

  4. Feb 16

    How sustainable is the tuna on your shelf? | Simplot Australia’s Phoebe Dowling

    What’s hot right now? Traceability. Transparency. Tinned tuna (seriously). Kiarne sits down with Phoebe Dowling, Director of Global Food Sustainability at Simplot. The powerhouse behind brands like John West, Bird’s Eye and Edgell to unpack what sits behind certification, fishing methods and the labels we rely on at the supermarket. Overfishing is a global challenge. A third of global fish stocks are overfished, and demand continues to rise. Phoebe explains what MSC certification is designed to safeguard, why 96% of John West products carry the blue tick, and why the remaining 4% is more complex than it first appears. You’ll hear why species matters, why fishing methods matter just as much and how something that sounds simple can have so much nuance. This conversation moves beyond shelf claims to explore traceability, trade-offs and what responsible sourcing really requires inside a global food business. What you'll hear: What “FAD-free” actually means The truth about pole & line fishing, certifications and overfished species like yellowfin Why traceability is becoming a non-negotiable in food supply chains Simplot’s practical (and refreshingly honest) approach to balancing sustainability with business viability What Phoebe wishes every sustainability leader knew about trade-offs, investment and making the financial case for ESG This episode will leave you thinking differently about what ends up on your plate… and what your organisation puts on its labels.   LINKS: Learn more about SustainabilityTracker.com Learn more about The Sustainable Transformation Podcast Follow The Sustainable Choice Group on LinkedIn, Instagram, and TikTok Follow Nova Podcasts on Instagram for videos from the podcast and behind-the-scenes content – @novapodcastsofficial   CREDITS: Host: Kiarne Treacy Guest: Phoebe Dowling Find more great podcasts like this at novapodcasts.com.au Nova Entertainment acknowledges the traditional custodians of the land on which we produced this podcast, the Wurundjeri People of the Kulin Nation. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    How sustainable is the tuna on your shelf? | Simplot Australia’s Phoebe Dowling

  5. Feb 9

    Circularity only works if it pays | Big Bag Recovery’s Stephen Richards

    What does it really take to make circular economy systems work at scale — beyond the theory and good intentions? In this episode of The Sustainable Transformation Podcast, Kiarne Treacy sits down with Stephen Richards, Founder and Managing Director of Big Bag Recovery, to unpack the hard, practical work behind building circular infrastructure in Australia. Stephen shares how Big Bag Recovery began in Far North Queensland solving fertiliser bag waste, why circular systems must be commercially viable to survive, and what happens when businesses are willing to pay to solve their own waste problems. The conversation covers traceability, funding realities, why collaboration across competitors is essential, and how Big Bag Recovery built technology from day one to prove outcomes and build trust. They also dig into what went wrong with REDcycle, why single-polymer systems matter, how recycled materials can be turned back into required products, and why environmental sustainability only works when commercial sustainability comes first. This is a practical, no-nonsense look at what real circularity actually requires.   You’ll hear and learn: Why circular economy systems must be commercially viable to last How industry-wide collaboration enables circular solutions competitors can’t build alone Why traceability and data are critical for trust, reporting and scale What went wrong with multi-polymer recycling systems like REDcycle How circularity works best when recycled materials replace required products, not novelty items   This episode is a must-listen for sustainability leaders, packaging and procurement teams, and anyone trying to make circular economy solutions work commercially, at scale and in the real world.   MENTIONS: Circular Communities Australia Australia Post APCO Product Stewardship reMADE in Australia Big Bag Recovery brand involved Australian Government Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water’s advice on taking responsibility for our packaging   LINKS: Learn more about SustainabilityTracker.com Learn more about The Sustainable Transformation Podcast Follow The Sustainable Choice Group on LinkedIn, Instagram, and TikTok Follow Nova Podcasts on Instagram for videos from the podcast and behind-the-scenes content – @novapodcastsofficial   CREDITS: Host: Kiarne Treacy Guest: Stephen Richards Guest Company: Big Bag Recovery Find more great podcasts like this at novapodcasts.com.au Nova Entertainment acknowledges the traditional custodians of the land on which we produced this podcast, the Wurundjeri People of the Kulin Nation. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Circularity only works if it pays | Big Bag Recovery’s Stephen Richards

  6. Feb 2

    Inside the 1% Model | Kate Williams, 1% for the Planet

    What does credible environmental giving look like when it’s built into the way a business operates, year after year? In this episode of the Sustainable Transformation Podcast, Kiarne Treacy is joined by Kate Williams, CEO of 1% for the Planet, to unpack how the 1% model works in practice — and why accountability, choice and long-term commitment sit at the centre of its impact. Kate explains why 1% for the Planet isn’t a foundation, how direct relationships between businesses and environmental partners strengthen trust, and why giving people choice leads to more durable commitments. The conversation also explores why climate philanthropy is stalling in some regions, how confusion and fear of being called out can slow action, and why breaking climate work into tangible, human-centred impact areas helps people move forward. They discuss why progress matters more than perfection, how verification supports credibility, and why engaging more businesses — not pushing existing ones to give more — is key to scaling impact. This is a practical conversation for anyone navigating purpose, credibility and responsibility inside a business.   You’ll hear and learn: How the 1% for the Planet model actually works, including verification and accountability Why choice in giving leads to longer-term, more committed impact How direct partnerships between businesses and nonprofits change engagement Why climate philanthropy is slowing and what’s causing hesitation How breaking climate work into human, place-based actions helps people act   This episode is a must listen for business leaders, sustainability professionals, founders and anyone curious about how credible environmental commitments work in practice, and how businesses can turn values into verified, long-term impact.   MENTIONS: 1% for the Planet 1% for the Planet Member Directory 1% for the Planet - How to become a member   LINKS: Learn more about SustainabilityTracker.com Learn more about The Sustainable Transformation Podcast Follow The Sustainable Choice Group on LinkedIn, Instagram, and TikTok Follow Nova Podcasts on Instagram for videos from the podcast and behind-the-scenes content – @novapodcastsofficial   CREDITS: Host: Kiarne Treacy Guest: Kate Williams Guest Company: 1% for the Planet Find more great podcasts like this at novapodcasts.com.au Nova Entertainment acknowledges the traditional custodians of the land on which we produced this podcast, the Wurundjeri People of the Kulin Nation. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Inside the 1% Model | Kate Williams, 1% for the Planet

  7. Jan 26

    The Clean Up that changed Australia | Clean Up Australia’s Pip Kiernan

    What started as one person refusing to look away has become one of Australia’s most enduring community movements. Kiarne Treacy sits down with Pip Kiernan, Chair of Clean Up Australia, to reflect on the legacy of a movement that has mobilised 23 million Australians over 35 years… and why the work is far from done. Pip shares the origin story behind Clean Up Australia, sparked when her father Ian Kiernan encountered severe plastic pollution in the Sargasso Sea and returned home determined to act. After being formally told a community clean-up of Sydney Harbour “couldn’t be done”, he did it anyway. Gathering 40,000 volunteers even before social media existed. The conversation explores how litter has changed over time, what waste tells us about our consumption habits and why prevention is the next frontier. From cigarette butts and vapes to packaging design and regulation, Pip unpacks the systems that keep waste circulating, and what it will take to finally break the cycle. You’ll hear and learn: How Clean Up Australia began What 23 million volunteers reveal about Australia’s relationship with waste How regulation has reduced items like plastic straws, and what remains the most common litter item today What the growing environmental problems really are in rubbish How clean-ups change behaviour long after the rubbish is gone Why waste prevention and product design matter more than end-of-life fixes Pip’s advice for anyone worried about an issue but unsure where to start   This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in how community action becomes national impact… and what 35 years of clean ups reveal about waste, behaviour and systems change in Australia.   MENTIONS: Clean Up Australia Clean Up Australia Day Clean Up Australia’s Annual Litter Report Clean Up Australia’s Waste Challenges   LINKS: Learn more about SustainabilityTracker.com Learn more about The Sustainable Transformation Podcast Follow The Sustainable Choice Group on LinkedIn, Instagram, and TikTok Follow Nova Podcasts on Instagram for videos from the podcast and behind-the-scenes content – @novapodcastsofficial   CREDITS: Host: Kiarne Treacy Guest: Pip Kiernan Guest Company: Clean Up Australia Find more great podcasts like this at novapodcasts.com.au Nova Entertainment acknowledges the traditional custodians of the land on which we produced this podcast, the Wurundjeri People of the Kulin Nation. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    The Clean Up that changed Australia | Clean Up Australia’s Pip Kiernan

  8. Jan 19

    Decarbonising Australia Post: fleet, facilities and 65,000 people

    What does meaningful sustainability look like when you operate in every community across Australia? In this episode of the Sustainable Transformation Podcast, Kiarne Treacy sits down with Richard Pittard, Chief Sustainability Officer at Australia Post, to unpack what real transformation looks like inside one of the country’s largest and most complex organisations. With more than 25 years in sustainability and climate leadership, Richard shares why Australia Post is prioritising real decarbonisation over offsets, with a strong focus on fleet electrification, renewable energy, energy-efficient infrastructure and long-term asset planning. You’ll hear how the organisation exceeded key targets under its 2025 sustainability roadmap, why the next phase requires sharper focus, and how sustainability leaders can influence change across a workforce of 65,000 people. The conversation also explores Australia Post’s role in circularity, including its RM Williams pilot, which uses logistics and data to support textile recovery and reusable packaging — showing how existing systems can become vehicles for impact.   You’ll hear and learn: Why Australia Post is focusing on structural emissions reduction, not offsets How fleet electrification and renewable energy fit into long-term infrastructure planning What it takes to deliver sustainability across 65,000 team members How exceeding 2025 targets set the foundation for a more focused strategy Why sustainability must make commercial sense to scale How the RM Williams circular packaging and textile recovery pilot works, and why logistics and data matter Why influence, pragmatism and resilience matter more than perfection for sustainability leaders   This episode is a must-listen for: Sustainability leaders, ESG professionals, operations and logistics teams, policy makers, and anyone curious about how a familiar Australian organisation is making sustainability moves across the country. MENTIONS: Australia Post Electric delivery vehicles (EDVs) & Sustainability at Australia Post RM Williams Circular Clothing Service (Watch the video here)   LINKS: Learn more about SustainabilityTracker.com Learn more about The Sustainable Transformation Podcast Follow The Sustainable Choice Group on LinkedIn, Instagram, and TikTok Follow Nova Podcasts on Instagram for videos from the podcast and behind-the-scenes content – @novapodcastsofficial   CREDITS: Host: Kiarne Treacy Guest: Richard Pittard Guest Company: Australia Post   Find more great podcasts like this at novapodcasts.com.au Nova Entertainment acknowledges the traditional custodians of the land on which we produced this podcast, the Wurundjeri People of the Kulin Nation. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Decarbonising Australia Post: fleet, facilities and 65,000 people
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In the Sustainable Transformation Podcast, we bring you honest conversations about the challenges and triumphs of sustainability transformations in business. Join us fortnightly as we unpack the ideas that drive change, decode the jargon and meet the visionary leaders reshaping their organisations for the better. 

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