The proliferation of sustainability standards, codes, audit methodologies and different approaches generates confusion and inefficiency along supply chains. By promoting transparency and comparability among relevant standards, we support the alignment of existing efforts and promote an international reference for best practices in the areas of social and environmental sustainable supply chain management. The International Trade Centre,  GLOBALG.A.P. and the Sustainable Supply Chain Initiative (SSCI) are our key partners in this respect. With our platforms, covenants and partners we formulate a common definition and understanding of sustainability based on the benchmarking of relevant standards. By using a selection (basket) of responsible sourcing standards to ‘safely’ choose from, we encourage standards to align with international references, and we favor efficiencies in auditing and training.

IDH creates a so-called Basket of Standards which can be used by private partners for responsible sourcing. It acknowledges the great variety of standards and certifications in a specific sector contributing to higher levels of sustainability, while avoiding unnecessary audit duplication, confusion for market players and increased costs. Standards in the Basket are benchmarked against international reference points through a benchmarking process.

Basket of Standards examples

Benefits

By using the Basket of Standards to source responsibly, private companies in the supply chains stimulate the increase of volumes of responsible products, support sustainability targets and avoid unnecessary audit duplications. Evaluating sourcing performance will benefit business and increase transparency in the supply chain. Outcomes will help manage risks and identify areas for improvements. As a user of a Basket you will be part of a strong network driving improvements on key sustainability criteria and position yourself as a front runner in the market.

Publications

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