Dialogue | Boosting demand for sustainable products in emerging markets: learnings from a south-south project on palm oil in Asia

Dialogue | Boosting demand for sustainable products in emerging markets: learnings from a south-south project on palm oil in Asia

Globally, the demand for sustainable products has grown in recent years. Not only are consumers becoming more aware and demanding of sustainably produced goods, but also companies themselves are increasingly prioritising sustainable product sourcing. In emerging economies, a growing conscientiousness and spending power among consumers is driving companies to increase their dialogue and action on sustainable sourcing. Consequently, we are seeing an increasing focus on strategies to generate increased demand for sustainable products in key emerging markets.

Following this trend, ISEAL has conducted a short research project over the last year to understand the strategies that are working (or not) to boost demand for sustainable palm oil in key Asian markets. This had formed part of WWF's work on market transformation, where WWF and partners have been implementing a project on generating responsible demand for reduced-deforestation commodities.

Building on our research, this ISEAL-WWF dialogue workshop will provide an opportunity for practitioners to gather insights and provide feedback on what strategies have worked best to boost sustainable sourcing by companies in key commodities in different emerging markets. We will consider the wider implications for demand-side work in general and discuss who holds the power to really move the needle on company behaviour – consumers, policy-makers, finance actors or others?