Why Is Material Innovation Only Talking to Itself?

29 Apr 2026
Main Stage
  • How can material innovators move beyond industry echo chambers and engage consumers in ways that are clear, credible, and actionable?
  • What role should brands play in translating scientific breakthroughs into consumer understanding and desire - and how can they avoid greenwashing while still inspiring behaviours change?
  • Can social influencers, educators, and cultural voices help make materials innovation aspirational as well as responsible, and what safeguards are needed to maintain credibility?
  • How can lessons from tech and climate communication help the materials sector simplify complex narratives and make adoption of sustainable materials understandable and compelling to the public?
Host
Allen Zelden
Allen Zelden, Strategic Advisor (Operations & Growth) & Founder - FUTUREVVORLD
Speakers
Jo Barnard
Jo Barnard, Founder & Creative Director - MORRAMA
Caroline Till
Caroline Till, CEO and Founder - FRANKLINTILL
Wes Carter
Wes Carter, Founder / President - A NEW EARTH PROJECT / ATLANTIC PACKAGING
Alexandra Dales
Alexandra Dales, Senior Lecturer Business & Management, Project Lead for Critical Sustainability Stories - York St John University
Jo Farah
Jo Farah, Founder and CEO - THE LAB