In September 2025, Trellis published an in-depth report on how Bayer is reshaping its independent Sustainability Council to accelerate progress toward its 2030 climate and sustainability goals. The Council, which includes around ten internationally recognized experts in health, agriculture, and environmental issues, plays a central role in advising Bayer on the strategic direction of its sustainability work.

This update follows the Council’s recent in-person meeting in Berlin, which set the stage for discussions on regenerative agriculture, water stewardship, and the social dimensions of sustainable innovation. The renewed structure and agenda of the Council mark a significant step in aligning Bayer’s sustainability governance with its broader operational strategy.

According to Trellis, Bayer has strengthened the composition of its Sustainability Council by adding several new members and broadening the range of expertise represented. The company has also established closer links between the Council and its internal management teams, ensuring that independent insights feed more directly into decision-making. Bayer has reaffirmed its commitment to ambitious sustainability targets, including the difficult task of reducing Scope 3 emissions across its global supply chain. At the same time, the company acknowledges the growing external scrutiny surrounding issues such as greenwashing, governance, and the practicality of its goals.

Among the newly appointed Council members are figures such as Facundo Etchebehere, Lisa Lange, H.E. Toyin Saraki, and Cori Wittman Stitt. Dr. Philipp Rösler, CEO of Concesso AG, continues to serve on the Council, contributing his expertise on health and cross-sector collaboration.

From Concesso’s perspective, Bayer’s latest steps reflect an important shift toward more integrated and accountable sustainability management. Independent advice is most effective when it is embedded in everyday decision-making, and Bayer’s move to connect the Council more closely with its operational structures is an encouraging development. Addressing Scope 3 emissions remains the ultimate test, as it requires transparency, new models of supplier collaboration, and innovative incentives for change. Equally important is governance: maintaining an independent advisory body of external experts strengthens the credibility of Bayer’s commitments and reinforces public trust.

Bayer’s approach is part of a broader trend among global corporations seeking to institutionalize sustainability through independent expert councils. Whether this model becomes a benchmark for others will depend on transparency, measurable progress, and the ability to translate expert recommendations into meaningful action.

At Concesso AG, we will continue to follow the work of the Sustainability Council and share insights on how organizations can align innovation and long-term resilience with their sustainability objectives.

For background on the Berlin meeting, see our earlier Council recap.

For the broader policy context, revisit our coverage of the POLITICO “Berlin to Belém” event.

The original Trellis article can be found here.