Publications

This publication offers guidance to governments and businesses in value chains on how to make effective sustainability claims on products and, ultimately, aims at empowering consumers to make informed sustainable choices.Jointly produced with UN Environment and the UN 10YFP Consumer Information...

Sustainability initiatives are more effective and efficient when they fully engage the middle tiers of supply chains.Those creating sustainability initiatives (a standards-setting organization, government or company) will find useful guidance, including corporate approaches to sustainable sourcing,...

The design of governance structure of social and environmental sustainability standards determines how accessible they are to producers in developing countries.The increase in consumer demand for sustainable trade has given rise to a growing array of social and environmental standards. This joint...

Voluntary standards have been rising fast, leading to similar standards operating in the same markets. This study finds multiple standards in 86 of 90 markets it reviewed, which creates confusion for consumers and producers alike. This joint report with the European University Institute is the...

Voluntary sustainability standards are in the mainstream, and no longer a novelty for niche markets. This second global report outlines data on area, production volume and producers for 14 major sustainability standards across bananas, cocoa, coffee, cotton, palm oil, soybeans, cane sugar, tea and...

Trade in biodiversity generates income for some of the world’s poorest people, while also contributing to wildlife conservation. Two reports on python skin exports in Peninsular Malaysia and Viet Nam outline how this trade from wild-harvested and captive-bred sources creates employment and reduces...

The first global data report on fast-growing voluntary sustainability standards outlines the share of bananas, cocoa, coffee, cotton, forestry, palm oil, soybeans, cane sugar and tea in 14 major standards. The report is based on a partnership between the Research Institute of Organic Agriculture...

The first global data report on fast-growing voluntary sustainability standards outlines the share of bananas, cocoa, coffee, cotton, forestry, palm oil, soybeans, cane sugar and tea in 14 major standards. The report is based on a partnership between the Research Institute of Organic Agriculture...

While more than 40% of existing trade strategies identify trade integration and regionalism as crucial policy areas, less than 3% of the strategies are regional. Nor do they fully build on diversification opportunities in services and manufacturing.This is one of many trends in trade strategies,...

This study reviews the global market for sustainably wild-collected botanical ingredients from China. China produces many plant-based herbal medicines and ingredients, consumed within China and worldwide. The study promotes recognition and implementation of sustainable wild-collection standards and...

Tourism is a key trade development sector for many LDCs – as highlighted in 45 of 48 Diagnostic Trade Integration Studies analysed for this joint UNWTO-ITC-EIF report.A must-read for the development community in this International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development, the report provides...

Les normes et réglementations ont un impact majeur sur la compétitivité des PME. Se mettre aux normes pour échanger, le thème de cette édition annuelle de la Perspective de la compétitivité des PME, permet aux PME d’accroître leurs chances de se connecter aux chaînes de valeur...