Innovations Fund project portfolio
The Innovations Fund supports projects that explore and test innovative approaches to strengthening the impact and effectiveness of sustainability systems. Explore these projects below, and access available outputs and learnings.
Effective stakeholder engagement in remote auditing
Global Sustainable Tourism Council are developing guidelines for remote audits, drawing on best practices and stakeholder feedback (February – August 2025).
Using spatial data to inform nature strategies
Textile Exchange are developing a roadmap to empower farmers through geospatial data to engage with nature-focused targets, promoting positive biodiversity outcomes in supply chains (February – August 2025).
Enabling better application of risk-based approaches
Preferred by Nature will streamline risk assessment data and sustainability benchmarks to improve the impact of its certification, inform decision-making, and foster effective data-sharing practices (February – August 2025)
Continuous learning for auditors on due diligence requirements
Between February to August 2025, Global Standard (GOTS) developed and delivered a targeted training program for auditors focused on due diligence requirements aligned with international frameworks.
Strengthening data foundations for credible claims and decision-making
Global Coffee Platform are building on past work to develop its data management capabilities (February - August 2025). A strong data system is crucial to demonstrate impact to stakeholders, including...
Community-led verification mechanisms for smallholder producer groups
Sustainable Agriculture Network aim to create a more transparent and inclusive approach to sustainable verification by integrating community-driven monitoring into certification processes (February 2025 – August 2026).
ReACT – Resilience through Collective Action, Sustainable Healthcare Access for Cotton Smallholder Farmers
This initiative led by Better Cotton (January 2025 – December 2026) will develop a sustainable health program to ensure farmers can get access to essential health services without financial strain.
CARE: Collective Action for Recycling and Empowerment
Waste pickers in developing countries play a key role in the circular economy. Aluminium Stewardship Initiative are fostering collective action to integrate them into formal markets (January 2025 - January...
Creating partnerships for research and testing impact verification frameworks in Indigenous and traditional communities
Indigenous and Traditional Communities play a vital role in protecting the environment. The Forest Stewardship Council are exploring effective methods for assessing socio-cultural impact (January 2025 – December 2025).
Piloting data ownership with cocoa cooperatives in Ghana
As regulation evolves, data becomes a critical asset for smallholder farmers. Fairtrade International are piloting a business model for data ownership in the cocoa sector (March 2025 – June 2026).