Seeking to harmonise sustainability data across the consumer goods sector, The Consumer Goods Forum (CGF) has launched its Common Data Framework, a pioneering initiative developed through its Climate Transition Coalition, with support from Boston Consulting Group (BCG).
Designed to tackle fragmentation in emissions and deforestation reporting, the framework marks a major milestone in building transparent, future-proofed value chains.
For businesses across the sector, inconsistent data requirements have long stood in the way of meaningful progress. Differing metrics and formats can hinder supplier engagement, inflate administrative burdens, and obstruct accountability. The Common Data Framework aims to break down these barriers by offering a shared structure for collecting and reporting two high-priority data areas:
- Scope 3 Category 1 emissions (those tied to purchased goods and services)
- Deforestation- and conversion-free (DCF) sourcing
The framework outlines clear guidance to help businesses align reporting practices, validate incoming data, and develop performance indicators that drive impact. It also provides practical support to meet organisations where they are – offering transitional pathways and use-case-specific recommendations to help users scale at their own pace.
Speaking about the initiative, Wai-Chan Chan, managing director of CGF, highlighted the opportunity for collective progress:
“Our new Common Data Framework is one example of how the CGF supports our members by synchronising industry efforts and sharing best practices. This is a first step to tackling the widespread challenge of inefficient data collection and reporting, paving the way for systematic, industry-wide transformation.”
The launch took place at the CGF’s Global Summit in Amsterdam, during the “Climate Transition – Accelerating Emissions Reduction” session. The event brought together senior leaders from across the sector, including Archana Jagannathan (PepsiCo Europe), Frans Muller (Ahold Delhaize), and Shalini Unnikrishnan (BCG), all of whom reinforced the importance of unified action on climate goals.
For retailers such as DFI Retail Group, this common approach offers both a strategic and operational benefit. CEO Scott Price explained:
“In markets where suppliers often face resource constraints, the framework can help reduce administrative complexity and foster greater efficiency and collaboration. This would allow suppliers to prioritise growth and innovation, while providing retailers such as ourselves with decision-useful data to advance key use cases across our business.”
Alongside the CGF’s Data Driven Value Chain (DDVC) team, the Climate Transition Coalition will continue refining the framework, collaborating with industry platforms, and identifying opportunities to streamline supplier requests further.
Grant Sprick, VP of Climate & Environment at Ahold Delhaize and co-chair of the Coalition, called on peers to get involved:
“We encourage all retailers to adopt the framework to help meet the growing landscape of regulations and voluntary commitments. Supporting suppliers in a consistent, effective way is key to meeting our collective sustainability goals.”
You can learn more about the Climate Transition Coalition and access the new framework at The Consumer Goods Forum’s website.
