A collection of background materials explaining the basics about blockchain technology.

This briefing note captures broader insights from a project ISEAL implemented with support from the German International Development Agency GIZ in 2018-2019, in which we explored the implications and linkages between corporate due diligence processes and voluntary sustainability standards.

ISEAL has revised its Chain of Custody (CoC) Models and Definitions Guidance to improve clarity and consistency for stakeholders across sectors, reflecting major shifts in supply chain management. The updated guidance is intended to address new regulatory demands (e.g., EUDR, CSRD), technological advancements like blockchain, and the inclusion of additional CoC models such as Controlled Blending and Controlled Mass Balance.

The Fund is open until 14 April to receive project ideas responding to the theme: Future proofing sustainability systems An overview of this grant funding opportunity is available to download below. Applications must be submitted by ISEAL Community Members, but external organisations interested in getting involved can reach out to our members to explore the potential for collaboration – as a project lead or partner.

Guidelines, which have been prepared to serve as the basis for discussion on standardized procedures and protocols for the collection and management of certificate location data with the goal that these data will eventually become part of an ISEAL member Certification Atlas (CA).

In 2016, nine ISEAL members came together to form the Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Coalition. The coalition aims to reduce and eventually eliminate the use of highly hazardous pesticides, and to promote more sustainable alternatives. It also aims to harmonise approaches to pesticides between ISEAL member standards.

This guidance developed by ISEAL on Chain of Custody (CoC) System is a reference document for sustainability standards systems that complements ISEAL's Sustainability Claims Good Practice Guide.

Please use this form to submit comments and suggestions on sections of the revised ISEAL Chain of Custody Models and Definitions Guidance. Completed forms should be emailed to Josh Taylor, Traceability Manager – Josh@isealalliance.org by 24 January 2025.

The ISEAL-funded research project Integrating new data to improve risk assessments and detection of forced labour in agricultural supply chains (2017 – 18) is an attempt to build the evidence base around monitoring and remediating forced labour in agricultural supply chains.

To help sustainability systems to strengthen the efficiency, inclusivity, and integrity of their traceability and chain of custody approaches, ISEAL is seeking a consultant or research team to strengthen collective understanding of the first mile of commodity supply chains and develop case studies on strategies and tools that support first mile inclusion in diverse landscapes, commodities, and contexts.

We are excited to launch the revision of the ISEAL Chain of Custody (CoC) Definitions and Models Guidance. The revision process will include:

Improving the flow of sustainability information through a new standardised metadata set

An introduction to the new GIS self-starter kit, which gives a glimpse of the possibilities of GIS and how the tools can be integrated into audit routines. The self-starter kit explains what GIS is, introduces some commonly used GIS software and applications and describes how to use them.

Juan Isaza, Program Manager, explains what the IPM Coalition is and how this initiative will accelerate the elimination of highly hazardous pesticide usage throughout the world.

A working paper for the project “New data to detect forced labour in agriculture”.

ISEAL and its members have worked closely with partners and policymakers to enhance understanding of the role of credible systems and certification within EU regulation, and how an effective policy can build on them. 

Best known as the technology behind cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, blockchain is set to revolutionise many areas of life and work over the coming years.