Sustainability requirements to access international markets for products from the creative sector

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is becoming increasingly important on the global marketplace. Companies and consumers prefer suppliers that are environmentally and socially sustainable.

Leading sustainability programs include:

• Codes of Conduct – the Ethical Trading Initiative (ETI) and Business Social Compliance Initiative (BSCI) in Europe and the Corporate Responsibility Association (CSA) in the USA
• Fair trade – the World Fair Trade Organization, Fairtrade International and Fair For Life
• Sustainable materials – Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification for wooden products and the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) for organic fabrics
• International standards – ISO 14001 on environmental management systems and SA8000 on social accountability