Case studies | Governments and private sustainability standards

In the context of the ambitious environmental, social and economic targets within the Sustainable Development Goals, new partnerships are emerging which aim to scale-up sustainable production, trade and consumption.

This ISEAL case study series illustrates how private standards systems and governments are working together to incentivise more sustainable and responsible supply chains which in turn create better sustainability outcomes in different countries and industries. Read more in our ISEAL blog.

To learn more about the relation between public policies and private standards, please contact David D'Hollander, Associate Manager, Policy and Innovations at ISEAL, on davidh@isealalliance.org.

UTZ in Brazil | Government Case Study

Learn how a partnership between the government of the world’s largest coffee producing state – Minas Gerais – and the world’s largest voluntary standard for coffee, UTZ Certified, enables producers access to high-value markets while scaling-up more sustainable production practices.

Download file

EU Renewable Energy | Government Case Study

This case-study explains how the policy – which is currently under revision – needs to do more to distinguish between low-bar standards and more comprehensive, credible standards – which is needed to foster a ‘race to the top’ in more sustainable biofuel production.

Download file

BCI in Mozambique | Government Case Study

In Mozambique, the Better Cotton Initiative (BCI) has assisted the country’s policy-makers in adjusting its rules for cotton concessions to achieve higher yields while improving on sustainability aspects.

Download file

MSC in Suriname | Government Case Study

Learn how the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) and a coalition of stakeholders enabled Suriname’s seabob fishery to become the first MSC certified shrimp fishery in the tropics.

Download file

FSC in Peru | Government Case Study

To tackle deforestation, the Peruvian government is promoting sustainable forest management by incentivising certification through reductions in yearly lease payments on concessions. Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification has rapidly grown to complement this government regulation, leading to positive impacts on the environment, community relations, and the rights of indigenous peoples.

Download file