A number of senior executives from the appliance industry, who attended the inaugural Coalition for Sustainable Solutions (COFOSS) Conference in Sydney, have shared their thoughts on the event with Appliance Retailer.

ASKO sales director, Greg Calnon described the Conference as “very informative” with many industry representatives in the room with a common objective to ‘shape the future’ of consumer electronics, retail and manufacturing.

“I found the keynote speakers to be engaging with Leyla Acaroglu a standout for me. The insights and data she shared were very thought-provoking. ASKO has strong intent to be a new member of the group and contribute as much as possible to the collective efforts,” he said.

 

Beko Australia & New Zealand managing director, Jim Kalotheos said, “It was great to be part of the inaugural COFOSS Conference. The opportunity to be in one room with so many respected industry colleagues, working on how we can influence positive sustainability change was precious. Congratulations to Kurt, Alice and the team for putting on an informative and inspiring day.”

Bi-Rite chief operating officer, Hamza Hussein echoed this sentiment, saying it was “truly inspiring” to see not only retailers, but also government and industry leaders, all working together towards a more sustainable future.

“The collaboration across the sector highlighted the positive impact we can achieve when industry unites behind a common goal. Leyla’s presentation was both engaging and entertaining, and it is always valuable to hear insights from Kurt at events like COFOSS.”

 

Bing Lee brand and marketing manager, Jasmine Lee was pleased to be part of the event. “Leyla’s keynote was a real standout. Great energy in the room overall, and always good to connect with others in the industry. Looking forward to seeing it grow.”

De’Longhi Australia & New Zealand head of customer experience, James Boyden thought the COFOSS board and keynote speakers delivered a strong call to action for industry leaders to respond to the growing need for proactive, well coordinated sustainability strategies.

“Attendees recognised the necessity of shifting sustainability from a voluntary exercise to a structural driver of corporate value. From a glocal perspective, De’Longhi continues to elevate ESG and its core principles to drive changes to our product portfolio and circularity standards. I hope the positive momentum COFOSS generated continues to benefit both business and the consumer.”

 

According to Franke managing director, Owen Holbourn, the conference was well put together. “The calibre of speakers and the breadth of industry representation created an engaging and worthwhile event. There was a tangible sense that the people who need to be driving this agenda were all in the same place, with genuine intent to make progress. Credit to those taking the lead on this important initiative,” he said.

 

Glem Gas managing director, David Gilmore also shared praise for the event. “Without question, well done to COFOSS for bringing everyone together as it is not something that occurs often in our industry. A thoughtful and measured approach to a complex challenge.”

 

Glen Dimplex CEO, Dave Woodward acknowledged that collective action is going to be the only meaningful way to engage sustainability head on.

“I thought the conference was a good start. Getting key stakeholders into a room together isn’t easy and there was a lot of commitment shown by those who got involved. It is concerning what a state-based legislative approach could mean for the industry as a whole, which further reinforces the value of industry stewardship. It was great to see the level of interest in a collective solution to an industry-wide issue which will affect everyone.”

 

Groupe SEB Australia managing director, Joe Tizzone believes the conference was a positive step for the industry.

“It was good to see retailers, suppliers and partners in the same room discussing a topic that is becoming increasingly important for all of us. My main takeaway was that sustainability and circularity can’t just sit as good intentions. They need to become more practical, more consistent, and easier for both the industry and consumers to understand and get behind. I believe COFOSS has an important role to play in helping bring the sector together and moving the conversation into action,” he said.

According to Jura Australia managing director, George Liakatos, the discussions were productive, solution-focused and encouraging. “It’s rare to see so many industry leaders and decision-makers come together in such a collaborative way to address shared challenges. I’m optimistic the momentum created will lead to meaningful outcomes for the industry.”

 

LG Electronics Australia sales director – consumer electronics, Frank Malcaus also found the event valuable and positive.

“Bringing together key leaders and decision makers from across the industry to discuss critical issues was particularly beneficial and reinforced the importance of collaboration. I believe the Coalition has a real opportunity to drive meaningful change by working collectively with government stakeholders to help shape future sustainability initiatives in a constructive and forward‑looking way.”

 

Panasonic Australia managing director, Paul Reid said the conference’s theme, Building Momentum for Sustainable Solutions, was clearly brought to life throughout the event.

“The strong engagement and willingness of participants to work collaboratively on some of the industry’s key sustainability challenges was extremely encouraging to see. Thanks to the commitment and support of member suppliers and retailers, COFOSS has established itself as a strong and credible voice for the industry. In the months ahead, the organisation will continue to collaborate, advocate and educate in support of its members and the broader advancement of sustainable industry practices.”

 

Worldwide Appliances CEO, Michael Doyle recognised a clear focus on turning discussion into action, which was particularly encouraging.

“The COFOSS Conference was a strong reminder of how important it is for our industry to come together and openly discuss the challenges ahead. I left confident that the leadership within the COFOSS group is committed to driving meaningful outcomes for the industry.”