Transforming our world: A cooperative 2030 Cooperative contributions to SDG 12
ILO Briefs
June 2018
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Summary :
This brief is part of the Transforming our world: A cooperative 2030 series produced by the Committee for the Promotion and Advancement of Cooperatives (COPAC). Through a series of 17 briefs, one for each Sustainable Development Goal (SDG), COPAC hopes to raise awareness about the significant contributions of cooperative enterprises towards achieving the 2030 Agenda in a sustainable, inclusive and responsible way, and encourage continued support for their efforts. This brief focuses on SDG 12 – ensuring sustainable consumption and production patterns.
Because their identity is based on ethics and values, cooperatives understand that their businesses cannot survive long-term without sound environmental practices. For this reason, many cooperatives have been innovators in sustainable resource management in their sectors – launching consumer awareness programmes, developing recycling policies and spearheading food waste reduction initiatives, to name a few.
In order to ensure sustainability along the supply chain, cooperation between producers and con- sumers is crucial. Cooperatives at both ends of the supply chain have been joining forces to shorten value chains, improve product traceability and adopt environmentally friendly practices. Strengthen- ing cooperation between cooperatives can create more inclusive, transparent supply chains, result in mutual benefits for producers and consumers and accelerate a shift towards sustainability across the supply chain.