The Standards Map: Navigating the Ever-Changing Landscape of Sustainability Standards

A recent report by the One Planet network - International Resource Panel Task Group points to the increasing complexity of value chains around the world, and the resulting lack of transparency which can have deleterious effects on sustainability.  

As value chains become more complex, producers, manufacturers, brands and retailers that want to make more sustainable choices face the challenge of navigating the ever-changing landscape of sustainability standards. The International Trade Centre launched its Standards Map to help actors along the value chain promote sustainable and inclusive trade.  

On 26th April, the One Planet Network’s second monthly webinar, “What’s behind the deal? Innovative trade tools to increase the sustainability and transparency of global value chains”, will include a discussion by Mathieu Lamolle from the International Trade Centre about the Standards Map and the power of technology to increase the traceability of products along the value chain.  

As trade volumes grow worldwide and sustainability standards become more present, the Standards Map helps to find transparent information and discover trends on standards for environmental protection, labour rights and business ethics. It is designed to support economic actors of all sizes make their business more sustainable. The Standards Map is specifically tailored for different actors along value chains. It aims to enable them to make informed decisions, better understand the sustainability initiatives landscape and connect with like-minded business partners. 

It is the world’s largest database for sustainability standards. Standards Map presents in-depth information on over 300 voluntary sustainability standards, applicable to sectors including agriculture, textile and garments, consumer products, forestry, mining and services. They are active in 192 countries and sorted across 1650 criteria.  

The Standards Map is one of the elements of the International Trade Centre’s extensive work on value chains. It applies to both developed and developing countries, and a wide variety of sectors, such as agriculture, textiles and tourism. The International Trade Center’s work on value chains and the role of the Standards Map in increasing their sustainability and transparency will be expanded on in the upcoming webinar. 

Watch the full webinar

This webinar is the second in a series throughout 2021 which will focus on a particular theme or message of the One Planet network. In April this message centers around the relationship between trade and sustainable consumption, and how trade policy and trade tools effect the sustainability of global value chains. Stay tuned for webinars each month which will tackle a new theme, while staying connected to the science around natural resource use and environmental impacts.