A new report from WWF argues that standards -- the frameworks on sourcing, production and labour that food companies voluntarily sign up to, and which are independently audited -- are a useful way of harnessing the industry's contribution to the Sustainable Development Goals.
In 2015, the nations of the world agreed on 17 new Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), to guide progress towards a more sustainable and fair future for humanity. This report looks at the contribution that businesses will be expected to make to achieving the goals. It has been produced by WWF in collaboration with ISEAL, the organisation for sustainability standards.
The report argues that large multinational companies have a key role to play in tackling social and environmental issues in their supply chains and in wider society, and that credible sustainability standards provide a tool that helps them do so. Standards (such as the MSC standard for fish or the Soil Association standard for organic production) have been widely adopted in the food sector.
The report also argues that achieving the SDGs represents a business opportunity. Poverty, inequality, water scarcity, climate change and the degradation of natural resources and services are all ultimately bad for business. Conversely, investing in meeting the SDGs can unlock new markets and opportunities and secure a company’s long-term prosperity. A crucial factor is scale: 'When a critical mass produces, sources and consumes better, these practices become the norm, transforming whole sectors and entire markets'.
The report also argues that achieving the SDGs represents a business opportunity. Poverty, inequality, water scarcity, climate change and the degradation of natural resources and services are all ultimately bad for business. Conversely, investing in meeting the SDGs can unlock new markets and opportunities and secure a company’s long-term prosperity. A crucial factor is scale: 'When a critical mass produces, sources and consumes better, these practices become the norm, transforming whole sectors and entire markets'.
Read the full report, SDGs mean Business, here.
Sustain campaigns for healthy, fair and planet-friendly food systems. Read more about our work here.
Published Friday 17 February 2017
Sustain: Sustain The alliance for better food and farming advocates food and agriculture policies and practices that enhance the health and welfare of people and animals, improve the working and living environment, enrich society and culture and promote equity.
