
Sustainability In Licensing Conference
Owned and organised by ProductsofChange.com
The Royal Geographical Society, London.
Billed “the most important for our industry in decades,” by attendees of the 2022 event, the Sustainability in Licensing Conference is making its return to the Royal Geographical Society in London on Wednesday, 8thNovember 2023.
Continuing its mission to drive positive change across the licensing industry, the Sustainability in Licensing Conference made its triumphant in-person debut in October 2022 at the London venue, where attendees praised the event for delivering both a jam-packed agenda and a platform for sharing insight.
The date is now set for the 2023 event – Wednesday 8 November – with the agenda being curated and tickets already being reserved.
“SiLC 22 was a thought-provoking conference and probably the most important for our industry in decades,” said Richard North, ceo of Wow! Stuff, the award-winning toy and licensing specialist now on its own journey of sustainable development.
As the message of sustainability continues to gather momentum across the consumer product industries, SiLC 22 not only built upon the success of the event’s online content over the past two years but also took the subject of sustainability in licensing to all-new heights as the industry strives for positive, sustainable change
A jam-packed agenda of inspirational talks from leaders and innovators, informative panel sessions and discussions, and ground-breaking developments and updates spanned some of the biggest topics of conversation in the sustainability movement today.
Supporting the increased demand for knowledge, resources, and best practices from all corners of the licensing industry – from retailers to licensors, licensees to trade suppliers, content makers to contract writers – SiLC 22 inspired this continued positive action across the $275bn licensing industry.
The author and business innovator opened proceedings at SiLC 22 with a keynote talk on purpose-driven business, while Flowhaven and Carbon Farm dove into the subject of the real-world impact of the digital space. Sarah Hawkins, manager of Primark Cares, the fashion retailer’s sustainability strategy, explores the concept of affordable and accessible sustainability in fashion.
And that’s just a snippet of what this year’s hybrid in-person and live-streamed (for global audiences at home) event had to offer attendees.
Further topics spanned:
– Consumer data on sustainability trends in the homestead from across the globe with The Insights Family
– The changing economic landscape of retail and its evolving relationship with sustainability from Retail Economics
– Future technologies and their role in building a more sustainable business with the team from George at ASDA
– Sustainability in the toy industry with the global toy giant Mattel and its EMEA senior sustainability engineer, Elizabeth Eaves
The Sustainability in Licensing Conference 2023 agenda is now being curated by Products of Change’s founder Helena Mansell-Stopher and the Products of Change team.
SiLC 22 was presented by Products of Change (the online media hub and community resource for advancing sustainable change across the industry) and Max Publishing (publishers of the Licensing Source Book, LicensingSource.net, and organisers of The Licensing Awards and the Brand & Lifestyle Licensing Awards).
Helena Mansell-Stopher, founder of Products of Change and conference director for SiLC 22, said: “We couldn’t be more excited to have finally brought the Sustainability in Licensing Conference to the industry in-person, and to have secured the magnificent Royal Geographical Society as our venue for the first real life event is just the feather in the cap.
“SiLC 22 was a place for sharing ideas, insight, and innovation on how best this endlessly creative industry can continue to drive positive global action towards a more sustainable future. By implementing changes today, we can drive forwards a better, healthier, and more environmentally focused industry of tomorrow.”
The Sustainability in Licensing Conference 2023 is scheduled to take place on Wednesday, 8th November, returning to the Royal Geographical Society in London.
THE 2022 AGENDA - 2023 TBC
Making its in-person debut at the Royal Geographical Society in central London last October the Sustainability in Licensing Conference delivered a jam-packed agenda of inspirational leaders and innovators, informative panel sessions and discussions, and ground-breaking new developments and updates from across the licensing and consumer industry landscape.
From world leading retail brands including Tesco, ASDA, and the Walgreens Boots Alliance, to the biggest names in the children’s entertainment sector, including Sky Kids, The LEGO Group, Mattel, and more – last year’s SILC built on the success of its last two years of online content, but taking the subject of sustainability in licensing to brand new heights as together we push both the message and implementation of positive industry change to the next level.
08:30
SILC 22 - Doors Open
09:15
Opening statement
Helena Mansell-Stopher, ceo and founder of Products of Change will highlight how far the industry has progressed over the last two years before outlining the day’s conversations.
09:30
BUSINESS WITH PROFIT AND PURPOSE: THE BALANCE OF A SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS
Alan Moore is an author and innovator; a designer who has worked with the likes of The Coca-Cola Company, a business craftsman who has sat in the boardrooms of some of the biggest Blue-Chip companies on the planet, and a writer who has penned some of the most pioneering thoughts no what modern economics could look like.
His books Do/Design and Do/Build will form the subject matter of the keynote address he will be delivering at this year’s conference, geared to inspire leaders to create a business the world needs – one that is regenerative, net positive, and ultimately beautiful.
09:15
THE INSIGHTS FAMILY PRESENT THE LATEST SUSTAINABILITY DATA
With consumer mindsets shifting dramatically and the expansion of new digital revenue streams, Ivan Colecchia, svp International Development at The Insights Family, will showcase the latest consumer data and sustainability trends from across the globe.
10:10
HOW TO IMPLEMENT THE UNITED NATIONS’ 17 SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS WITHIN BUSINESS
Lucie Brigham, chief of office of The United Nations Office for Partnerships, and Kerry Bannigan, executive director of the Fashion Impact Fund will deliver a SILC exclusive presentation on the Conscious Fashion and Lifestyle Network and the benefits of aligning with the 17 Sustainable Development Goals to highlight how, through their platform, the UN is bringing businesses together to drive awareness of its global framework.
10:25
THE IMPACT OF YOUR DIGITAL TWIN: HOW THE DIGITAL WORLD HAS A REAL WORLD IMPACT
The host of the Behind the Brands podcast and ceo of the Fashion Metaverse Club, Warren Parker-Mills will chair a panel session featuring speakers from Flowhaven and the carbon reduction specialist, The Carbon Farm to offer a closer look at the real-world impact of the development of Web 3.0, the Metaverse, and the digital space. How can it be used to influence change, and what’s it doing to reduce its own impact?
11:00
BREAK
11:25
IN THE LOOP WITH TEEMILL AND THE TECHNOLOGY BEHIND CIRCULAR FASHION
Teemill is on a mission to take 100 million items of clothing ‘back around the loop’ by 2027 using its circular clothing technology Reemill. Mart Drake-Knight, founder of Teemill will talk audiences through the latest developments from the circular fashion specialists.
11:45
THE CHANGING ECONOMIC LANDSCAPE OF RETAIL
Richard Lim, ceo of Retail Economics will talk us all through the latest market data, focusing on key retail, shipping, and sustainability themes, as well as the key trends for 2022. Richard will also share his future forecasting insight for the retail landscape.
12:10
THE FUTURE OF SUSTAINABLE CONSUMPTION AND WASTE WITHIN PRODUCTION
Join the George at ASDA team to learn about its latest initiatives to reduce the supermarket giant’s environmental impact, including the implementation of emerging 3D tech to reduce its material, energy, and production waste.
12:40
ENGAGING FOR CHANGE
As a global leader in retail pharmacy, Walgreens Boots Alliance touches millions of lives every day and is proud to be a force for good through contributions to healthy communities, a healthy planet, and a sustainable marketplace. Join WBA’s head of sustainability, Tanya Ashton to learn how the Alliance has been working to embed sustainability throughout its global sourcing organisation.
13:00
LUNCH
14:00
GLOBAL FAST FASHION AND HOW THE INDUSTRY IS TRANSITIONING TO A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE
Global fashion retailer, Primark will present its sustainability framework and its journey with it to date, all documented through its Primark Cares initiative. Join Primark Cares' manager, Sarah Hawkins for a closer look at the retailer’s ongoing efforts.
14:25
SUSTAINABILITY AT RETAIL PANEL
Primark Cares’ Sarah Hawkins, George at ASDA’s head of sustainability Jade Snart, WBA’s Tanya Ashton, and Richard Lim, ceo of Retail Economics will answer your questions on sustainability at retail.
15:10
THE RISING CHALLENGE OF SUSTAINABILITY MESSAGING
More people want to buy green than ever before, and businesses are responding. But the increasing demand for greener products means businesses are using sustainability messaging as a marketing tool, making false or heightened statements to sell products. This is called greenwashing.
In this session, The Marketing Store’s head of global sustainability, Pamela Stathaki will talk us through what the Green Claims Code is, what new legislation is coming to support this, and how to avoid greenwashing.
15:35
MATERIALS IMPACT WITH TESCO
As the third largest retailer in Europe, there’s no doubt that Tesco impacts the environment. However, this grocery giant is setting aggressive targets to reduce this. Learn from Tesco’s senior packaging manager, Paul Earnshaw the great initiative the retail group is driving on the packaging side, and what it requires from suppliers, as well as its own action to meet both self-imposed targets and new government legislation.
16:05
BREAK
16:30
BRANDS WITH PURPOSE – THE LEGO GROUP
The LEGO Group’s sustainability transformation director for licensing and extended lines, Sine Klitgaard Møller will discuss the role of brands with purpose today in driving the positive sustainable development of the next generation. We hear from the team how the LEGO Group is facilitating change through influence and inspiring others.
16:55
SUSTAINABILITY IN TOYS WITH MATTEL
The global toy giant, Mattel presents its sustainability journey so far, including the latest from its Mattel PlayBack initiative, as Mattel EMEA’s senior sustainability engineer, Elizabeth Eaves sets out the firm’s ambitions for the future of play the world over.
17:20
PANEL SESSION: THE KIDS OF THE FUTURE
An expert panel hosted by Kids Industries’ founder, Gary Pope will take audience questions regarding the future of the children’s industry and how was, as a community, can be a driving force behind positive change. The panel will be joined by The Marketing Store’s Pamela Stathaki, the LEGO Group’s Sine Klitgaard Møller, Mattel’s Elizabeth Eaves, and the creator of Obki, the children’s climate change-focused animated TV series, Amanda Evans.
18:00
AFTER CONFERENCE SOIRÉE
Your chance to network and discuss the day’s learnings within the grounds of the Royal Geographical Society here in Kensington, London. Take in the inspirational surrounding and a drink or two thanks to our generous after-show drinks sponsor, Brand Licensing Europe.
2022 SPEAKERS, 2023 TBC
The speaker line-up for the Sustainability in Licensing Conferences has included true leaders from the retail world, pioneering licensees, trailblazing manufacturers and inspiring opinion formers from both within and outside the industry, each playing a part in the journey to become more sustainable.
The speakers each shared experiences, facts and ideas which will collectively serve to future proof your business and the industry of which we are all a part, enabling sustainable strategies to be developed that take into consideration how a given organisation can operate commercially as well as ecologically.

Amanda Evans
Founder, Obki

Elizabeth Eaves
Sr. Sustainability Engineer, Quality & Compliance EMEA, Mattel

Gary Pope
Co-Founder, Kids Industries

Glyn Mitchell
Soil Carbon and Soil Health Agronomist, The Carbon Farm

Harris McQueen
Global License Manager (Adults), Primark

Helen Scobie
Product Development Expert, George @ ASDA

Ivan Colecchia
SVP International Development, The Insights Family

Jade Snart
Sustainability and Compliance Expert, ASDA

Jessica Brown
Design Specialist, George @ ASDA

Kerry Bannigan
Executive Director, The Fashion Impact Fund

Lucie Brigham
Chief Of Office For The United Nations Office Of Partnership

Mart Drake-Knight
Founder, Teemil

Pamela Stathaki
Head Of Sustainability, The Marketing Store

Paul Earnshaw
Senior Packaging Manager, Tesco

Richard Lim
Chief Executive Officer, Retail Economics

Sarah Hawkins
Manager Primark Cares

Sine Klitgaard Møller
Sustainability Transformation Director, the Lego group

Tanya Ashton
Head of Sustainability - Global Sourcing, Walgreens Boots Alliance

Timo Olkkola
Founder, Flowhaven

Alan Moore
Author and Speaker, Beautiful Business

Warren Parker Mills
Behind the Brands, CEO Fashion Metaverse Club
BOOK YOUR TICKETS NOW FOR SILC 2023
WEDNESDAY 8 NOVEMBER 2023
Taking place at The Royal Geographical Society – 1 Kensington Gore, London, United Kingdom, SW7 2AR.
Direction details can be found by clicking HERE.
* DIETARY & ACCESSIBILITY *
Please email clare@createvents.co.uk with any dietary or accessibility requirements. If booking for someone else, you are responsible for highlighting any needs for your party.
LIVE EVENT TICKETS – £295.00
SILC 2023 takes place as a live event on Wednesday 8 November 2023 at The Royal Geographical Society in London. The one day live event begins at 9am, with the conference itself finishing at 5:30pm before an (optional) evening drinks reception. *Full and detailed timing TBC*
This is a secure payment system and you will be emailed a full receipt as soon as you book.
A 20% discount applies to members of Products of Change – please select this option if you’re a paid-up member. The voucher code to be used is POCMEMBER
DIGITAL EVENT TICKETS – £175.00
If you’re unable to enjoy the networking of the live event but would like to join from home/office, you may do-so via our digital stream which will run within the same time-zone as the live event. Content will remain available for 30 days post-event (this is also the case for live event ticket holders).
DON’T WANT TO BOOK ONLINE?
If you would prefer to pay via invoice, please email clare@createvents.co.uk
ANY OTHER QUESTIONS?
Sure, get in touch with any of the team – our faces and phone numbers are just a few scrolls down from here.
Book your LIVE EVENT POC EVENT ticket(s) now
(You will pay via a secure system and receive an immediate receipt)
20% discount for POC Members – use code POCMEMBER (details will be verified)
Book your DIGITAL POC ACCESS ticket(s) now
(You will pay via a secure system and receive an immediate receipt)
20% discount for POC Members – use code POCMEMBER (details will be verified)
Please note before purchase: Your details will be used to keep you informed of updates to the event and we may also contact you about other products or services from within our group of companies.
EVENT SPONSORS
The Sustainability in Licensing Conference has received widespread support from the industry with leading businesses and brands keen to pledge their commitment, sharing in the belief that together real progress can be made in the sector on this vital issue.
HEADLINE SUPPORTER

OFFICIAL SPONSORS






















TALK TO THE TEAM
Behind the scenes of The Sustainability in Licensing Conference is a close-knit team of people with complimentary skills and personalities, but who all share in the vision of ensuring this significant conference really hits the mark.
Owned by Products of Change Media – which is a joint venture between Max Media Ventures and Products of Change, the Sustainability in Licensing Conference benefits hugely from the partnership formed with Helena Mansell-Stopher.

HELENA MANSELL-STOPHER
Curator and Conference Director
With a 20 year career in the licensing industry across media and lifestyle brands and a wealth of knowledge across all categories and retail. With a course in Business Sustainability Management under her belt, from the University of Cambridge Helena will continue to work with brand owners, retailers and category experts to drive change within the licensing arena.