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This briefing discusses the increasing implementation of due diligence regulations, primarily by Global North governments, to ensure sustainability and human rights within global value chains. It highlights the challenges for Global South actors to comply and mentions the role of sustainability standards in mitigating risks like deforestation and forced labour.

This paper from the Global Value Chain Policy Series explores the intersection of environmental sustainability and global value chains, focusing on barriers to environmental goods and services and the role of sustainability standards.

This research paper examines how voluntary sustainability standards (VSS) act as both barriers and enablers for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) attempting to enter global value chains (GVCs) coordinated by multinational corporations (MNCs), with a specific focus on South Africa and Kenya as regional economic gateways.

This research paper, produced by the Stockholm Environment Institute for the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency (Naturvårdsverket), examines policy instruments and interventions to reduce the negative impacts of Swedish consumption on health and the environment in other countries. It focuses on the international dimension of Sweden's 'generational goal' (generationsmålet), identifying key 'hotspots' such as electronics from China and soy from Brazil, and proposing a mix of economic, administrative, informative, and collaborative measures to drive systemic change toward sustainable consumption.

This research paper examines the shifting landscape of Africa's extractive sector, noting the rise of emerging market companies and increasing pressure on all firms to demonstrate developmental and environmental contributions. It argues that Western and OECD companies can gain a competitive edge by adapting their business models to support local processing, reskilling workers, and enhancing transparency.