A joint initiative of
The MSI Database
This MSI Database catalogued basic information about the design characteristics of global standard-setting MSIs, including their scope, governance, and implementation structures. Analysis of the data can be found in our summary report; raw data can be downloaded here or by contacting us.
The MSI Database did not evaluate, rate, or rank MSIs, nor did it assess the impact or effectiveness of MSIs. It should not be treated as a “scorecard” or “benchmark” for MSI performance. For more information about the data collection process and the threshold criteria used for each data point, see our Project Methodology.
The MSI Database was released in June 2017. In 2020, MSI Integrity released a new report on MSIs, Not Fit-For-Purpose, which provides more recent data, current through June 2019, on the MSIs listed in this MSI Database. The MSI Database was not updated to reflect all of this new data; specifically, we updated the names, launch dates, and some mission statements of MSIs, and eliminated five MSIs from the original list of 45 for consistency with our final set of research into MSIs. Two of the five MSIs were removed because they are no longer in operation. We removed another three because their standards focused solely on environmental protection and did not include other specific human rights components, and so were not appropriate for our ongoing analysis. We also note that UTZ has merged with Rainforest Alliance, but we analyzed it separately as, at the time of our research, it still retained separate procedures and processes. For more information about these revisions, see our Project Methodology.
Beyond the revisions stated here, the MSI Database was not and will not be updated any further. MSI Integrity is shifting to a new and exciting research focus: looking beyond corporations to support the promotion of business models that center workers and communities in their ownership and governance.
If you wish to explore more recent data on the 40 MSIs now in our MSI Database, explore our 2020 report, Not Fit-For-Purpose.
Use the search bar above to find specific initiatives, or select MSI element icons to filter the search results.
40 Results
Matching any elements
Mining and Energy
The Alliance for Responsible Mining is a global leading expert on artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM). We work to transform the sector through a holistic strategy and a wide range of services for miners, the gold industry, public entities and other actors working in the sector. Our vision is for artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) to become a formalized, organized and profitable activity that uses efficient technologies, and is socially and environmentally responsible.
Stakeholders
Industry (2), Civil Society (5)Launched
2004Elements
Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing; Industrials; Consumer Goods; Utilities
The mission of the Alliance for Water Stewardship (AWS) is "to promote responsible use of freshwater that is socially and economically beneficial as well as environmentally sustainable."
Stakeholders
Civil Society (5), Other (1)Launched
2008Elements
Mining and Energy
The Better Biomass certificate is used by organizations to demonstrate that the biomass they produce, process, trade or use meets well established international sustainability criteria.
Stakeholders
Unknown. Members of the decision-making body are not listed.Launched
2011Elements
Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing
The Better Cotton Initiative (BCI) exists to make global cotton production better for the people who produce it, better for the environment it grows in, and better for the sector’s future. BCI connects people and organisations from across the cotton sector, from field to store, to promote measurable and continuing improvements for the environment, farming communities and the economies of cotton-producing areas.
Stakeholders
Industry (9), Civil Society (3), Other (2)Launched
2005Elements
Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing
Bonsucro's mission is to ensure that responsible sugarcane production creates lasting value for the people, communities, businesses, economies and eco-systems in all cane-growing origins.
Stakeholders
Industry (3), Civil Society (2)Launched
2008Elements
Industrials
The Infrastructure Transparency Initiative's mission is to "Disclose, validate and interpret infrastructure data to empower stakeholders to hold decision-makers to account."
Stakeholders
Government (1), Industry (1), Civil Society (3), Other (1)Launched
2012Elements
Mining and Energy
The Diamond Development Initiative International (DDI) is a concerted effort to gather all interested parties into a process that will address, in a comprehensive way, the political, social and economic challenges facing the artisanal diamond mining sector in order to optimize the beneficial development impact of artisanal diamond mining to miners and their communities within the countries in which the diamonds are mined.
Stakeholders
Industry (5), Civil Society (7)Launched
2007Elements
Mining and Energy
The Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) is a global Standard to promote open and accountable management of natural resources. It seeks to strengthen government and company systems, inform public debate, and enhance trust. In each implementing country it is supported by a coalition of governments, companies and civil society working together.
Stakeholders
Government (9), Industry (6), Civil Society (5)Launched
2002Elements
Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing
The mission of the Ethical Food Initiative (EFI) "is to transform relationships across the produce industry, recognizing the role farm workers play in the supply chain. The EFI Standards have been crafted to improve labor practices, environmental stewardship and food safety for the benefit of workers, agricultural communities, businesses and consumers."
Stakeholders
Industry (5), Civil Society (5), Affected Populations (3)Launched
2015Elements
Mining and Energy
The mission of Equitable Origin is "to protect people and the environment by ensuring that energy development is conducted under the highest social and environmental standards...where the world’s energy needs are met through development activity that is transparent and accountable, creates benefits for all stakeholders, and ensures environmental stewardship and the health, safety, and prosperity of affected local communities."
Stakeholders
Industry (4), Civil Society (5)Launched
2009Elements
All Industry
The Ethical Trading Initiative (ETI) is a leading alliance of companies, trade unions and NGOs that promotes respect for workers' rights around the globe. Our vision is a world where all workers are free from exploitation and discrimination, and enjoy conditions of freedom, security and equity.
Stakeholders
Government (1), Industry (5), Civil Society (8), Affected Populations (4)Launched
1998Elements
Consumer Goods
"The mission of the Fair Labor Association is to combine the efforts of business, civil society organizations, and colleges and universities to promote and protect workers’ rights and to improve working conditions globally through adherence to international standards."
Stakeholders
Government (1), Industry (6), Civil Society (12)Launched
1999Elements
Mining and Energy
The objective of Fair Stone is "to improve the working conditions in quarries and factories for natural stones in emerging economies."
Stakeholders
Government (1), Industry (1), Civil Society (2)Launched
2006Elements
Consumer Goods
The Fair Wear Foundation (FWF) works with companies "step-by-step to improve conditions in their supply chains...FWF restricts its focus to those phases of production where sewing is the main manufacturing process. These are among the most labour-intensive phases of the production process. It is also the stage of production where many labour problems are found, and where effective remedies can positively impact the lives of millions of workers."
Stakeholders
Industry (3), Civil Society (4)Launched
1999Elements
Mining and Energy; Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing; Consumer Goods
The mission of the Fairtrade International "is to connect disadvantaged producers and consumers, promote fairer trading conditions and empower producers to combat poverty, strengthen their position and take more control over their lives."
Stakeholders
Industry (7), Civil Society (2), Other (1)Launched
1997Elements
Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing
"Florverde® Sustainable Flowers is an independent social and environmental standard for the flower sector that is backed by a strong team of agronomists, social workers and other professionals. This team is responsible for reviewing and updating the standard under the guidance of an advisory council made up of flower growers, agronomists, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and government officials."
Stakeholders
Industry (3), Civil Society (5)Launched
2002 (renamed Floreverde Sustainable Flowers in 2011)Elements
Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing
Food Alliance works with farmers, ranchers, food processors and distributors, verifying marketing claims so consumers can trust their food is grown and processed using sustainable practices. Food Alliance addresses a full range of concerns for labor, animal welfare, and the environment.
Stakeholders
Industry (5), Civil Society (2)Launched
2005 (formally incorporated in 1997)Elements
Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing
The Forest Stewardship Council mission is to promote environmentally sound, socially beneficial and economically prosperous management of the world's forests.
Stakeholders
Industry (4), Civil Society (7)Launched
1993Elements
Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing
The Global Coffee Platform (GCP) is the multi-stakeholder sustainable coffee platform that unites stakeholders in a non-competitive approach working towards a thriving, sustainable sector. The GCP sets into action the global agenda made through the public-private initiative, Vision 2020, to ultimately improve the livelihoods of coffee farming communities and the natural environment of coffee production areas.
Stakeholders
Industry (8), Civil Society (1), Other (3)Launched
2003 (renamed Global Coffee Platform in 2016)Elements
Technology and Telecommunications
The Global Network Initiative uses "a collaborative approach to protect and advance freedom of expression and privacy in the ICT sector."
Stakeholders
Industry (9), Civil Society (8), Other (3)Launched
2008Elements
All Industry
The mission of the Global Reporting Initiative is "to empower decision makers everywhere, through our sustainability standards and multi-stakeholder network, to take action towards a more sustainable economy and world."
Stakeholders
Industry (4), Civil Society (6), Other (4)Launched
1997Elements
Consumer Services
The mission of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council is "to develop, promote, and encourage the implementation of credible standards and best practices so that travel and tourism remains the major economic engine it already is, all over the world, in harmony with communities and the environment."
Stakeholders
Government (3), Industry (3), Civil Society (4), Other (3).Launched
2007Elements
Consumer Goods
GoodWeave aims to stop child labor in the carpet industry and to replicate its market-based approach in other sectors.
Stakeholders
Government (1), Industry (5), Civil Society (5), Other (1).Launched
1994Elements
Mining and Energy
The Hydropower Sustainability Assessment Protocol is a tool that promotes and guides more sustainable hydropower projects...The Protocol offers a way to assess the performance of a hydropower project across more than 20 sustainability topics.
Stakeholders
Government (3), Industry (2), Civil Society (2)Launched
2006Elements
Industrials
The mission of the International Code of Conduct for Private Security Providers is "to articulate human rights responsibilities of private security companies (PSCs), and to set out international principles and standards for the responsible provision of private security services, particularly when operating in complex environments."
Stakeholders
Government (4), Industry (4), Civil Society (4)Launched
2010Elements
Consumer Goods
ICTI Ethical Toy Program "focuses on social sustainability issues which impact well-being of workers involved in toy manufacture globally."
Stakeholders
Industry (11), Civil Society (2), Other (1)Launched
2004Elements
Mining and Energy
The mission of the Initiative for Responsible Mining Assurance is "to establish a multi-stakeholder and independently verified responsible mining assurance system that improves social and environmental performance."
Stakeholders
Industry (4), Civil Society (4), Affected Populations (2)Launched
2006Elements
Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing; Mining and Energy; Industrials
ISCC is a globally leading certification system covering the entire supply chain and all kinds of biobased feedstocks and renewables. Independent third party certification ensures compliance with high ecological and social sustainability requirements, greenhouse gas emissions savings and traceability throughout the supply chain. ISCC can be applied in various markets including the bioenergy sector, the food and feed market and the chemical market.
Stakeholders
Industry (4), Civil Society (2)Launched
2010Elements
Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing
The Marine Stewardship Council is an international non-profit organisation established to address the problem of unsustainable fishing and safeguard seafood supplies for the future.
Stakeholders
Government (2), Industry (6), Civil Society (5), Other (1)Launched
1997Elements
Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing
The Program for Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC) "works throughout the entire forest supply chain to promote good practice in the forest and to ensure that timber and non-timber forest products are produced with respect for the highest ecological, social and ethical standards."
Stakeholders
Industry (10), Civil Society (2)Launched
1999Elements
Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing; Consumer Services
The Rainforest Alliance works to conserve biodiversity and ensure sustainable livelihoods by transforming land-use practices, business practices and consumer behavior.
Stakeholders
Industry (10), Civil Society (8)Launched
1992Elements
Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing
The Roundtable on Responsible Soy works to "encourage current and future soybean is produced in a responsible manner to reduce social and environmental impacts while maintaining or improving the economic status for the producer."
Stakeholders
Industry (10), Civil Society (5)Launched
2006Elements
Mining and Energy
The mission of the Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials (RSB) is to "provide and promote the global standard for socially, environmentally and economically sustainable production and conversion of biomass; provide a global platform for multi-stakeholder dialogue and consensus building; ensure that users and producers have access to credible, practical and affordable certification; support continuous improvement through application of the standard."
Stakeholders
Government (2), Industry (8), Civil Society (10)Launched
2007Elements
Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing
The Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) works to "advance the production, procurement, finance and use of sustainable palm oil products; develop, implement, verify, assure and periodically review credible global standards for the entire supply chain of sustainable palm oil; monitor and evaluate the economic, environmental and social impacts of the uptake of sustainable palm oil in the market; engage and commit all stakeholders throughout the supply chain, including governments and consumers."
Stakeholders
Industry (13), Civil Society (3)Launched
2004Elements
All Industry
Social Accountability International (SAI) "advances human rights at work, driven by diverse perspectives to navigate evolving labor issues. We design and implement innovative processes that empower and inspire stakeholders and facilitate partnerships."
Stakeholders
Government (2), Industry (3), Civil Society (4), Other (1)Launched
1997Elements
Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing
The Sustainable Forestry Initiative sets standards that "promote sustainable forest management in North America and responsible procurement of forest products around the world."
Stakeholders
Government (3), Industry (5), Civil Society (7), Affected Populations (2)Launched
1994Elements
All Industry
The UN Global Compact supports companies to "do business responsibly by aligning their strategies and operations with Ten Principles on human rights, labour, environment and anti-corruption; and take strategic actions to advance broader societal goals, such as the UN Sustainable Development Goals, with an emphasis on collaboration and innovation."
Stakeholders
Government (5), Industry (19), Civil Society (6)Launched
UnknownElements
Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing
The UTZ Certified mission "is to create a world where sustainable farming is the norm. Sustainable farming helps farmers, workers and their families to fulfill their ambitions and contributes to safeguard the world’s resources, now and in the future."
Stakeholders
Industry (6), Civil Society (3), Affected Populations (1)Launched
2002Elements
Mining and Energy
Established in 2000, the Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights are a set of principles designed to guide companies in maintaining the safety and security of their operations within an operating framework that encourages respect for human rights.
Stakeholders
Government (9), Industry (28), Civil Society (10)Launched
2000Elements
Consumer Goods
Worldwide Responsible Accredited Production (WRAP) is an independent, objective, non-profit team of global social compliance experts dedicated to promoting safe, lawful, humane and ethical manufacturing around the world through certification and education.
Stakeholders
Government (1), Industry (4), Civil Society (3), Other (2)Launched
2000Elements