About SSI

The State of Sustainability Initiatives (SSI) is an international research project that provides credible information about how voluntary sustainability standards (VSSs) can support better environmental and social performance in important commodity sectors.

Through our research, we strive to improve the effectiveness of VSSs and raise awareness about their potential to foster sustainable production and consumption among all stakeholders—from smallholder farmers, end consumers, and large manufacturers to government officials and investment banks.

We use advanced data collection and analysis to uncover important market trends, challenges, and opportunities. Equipped with this information, decision-makers can see how VSSs can promote inclusive and sustainable value chains. The SSI team also provides needs-based advisory services for developing-country governments.

What are Voluntary Sustainability Standards (VSSs)?

The United Nations Forum on Sustainability Standards (UNFSS) defines VSSs as “standards specifying requirements that producers, traders, manufacturers, retailers or service providers may be asked to meet, relating to a wide range of sustainability metrics, including respect for basic human rights, worker health and safety, the environmental impacts of production, community relations, land use planning and others.”

Over the last three decades, there has been exponential growth in the demand and supply of leading standard-compliant products, which has led to the growth and proliferation of VSSs. The multiplicity of these initiatives makes it increasingly challenging for stakeholders to stay informed on their utility, performance, and best practices.