ECR Austria has developed the Sustainability Catalogue, a pioneering initiative aimed at establishing a unified framework for sustainability within the FMCG (Fast-Moving Consumer Goods) sector. This project, created through collaboration with the Austrian Institute of Ecology (pulswerk GmbH), focuses on promoting clarity and actionability in sustainability practices at the product level.
Key Objectives:
- Create a common understanding of sustainability across industries by addressing ecological, economic, and social dimensions.
- Define specific criteria to assess and measure sustainability at the product level.
- Provide a user-friendly guideline for companies to navigate and implement these criteria effectively.
Structure of the Catalogue:
The catalogue categorizes sustainability criteria into three core dimensions:
- Environmental Sustainability:
- Emphasis on reducing carbon footprints, preserving biodiversity, and sustainable resource management.
- Metrics like water footprint, air quality, and circular economy principles are integral.
- Economic Sustainability:
- Includes practices such as fair trade, supply chain transparency, and investment in sustainable production systems.
- Promotes local value creation and long-term profitability without exploiting resources or communities.
- Social Sustainability:
- Focuses on fair working conditions, health and safety, and respect for diversity.
- Includes product-specific considerations for improving consumer well-being and addressing societal expectations.
Implementation Highlights:
- Incorporation of certification and labelling systems such as organic and fair trade labels to ensure credibility and alignment with global standards.
- Use of pilot products to showcase the practical application of sustainability criteria in real-world scenarios.
- Development of an interactive catalogue to facilitate easy access to guidelines and resources for industry stakeholders.
Anticipated Impact:
The Sustainability Catalogue serves as a vital resource for companies aiming to align their operations with future EU regulations and consumer demands for sustainable products. It not only fosters transparency and accountability but also positions the FMCG sector as a leader in addressing global sustainability challenges.
The catalogue is available for download below
ECR Austria Sustainable Catalogue
