Sustainable consumption and production: EU and international cooperation

Our vision for SCP depends on international co-operation. Economic growth in both developed and developing countries drives trade in goods and services across the world in complex and fast-changing supply chains. For example, in the lifecycle of a fridge or computer, extraction of raw materials, manufacturing, use and disposal may all occur in different countries. The Government, therefore, cannot make policy in isolation.

The Government will press to strengthen:

  • European Union (EU) efforts, by ensuring a coherent approach is taken on the measures contained in the EU Sustainable Consumption and Production and Sustainable Industrial Policy Action Plan.   This sets out action in key areas such as public procurement, product labelling, product standards  and environmental management systems.
  • Outcomes from the United Nations' 'Marrakech Process', set up to take forward the World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD) commitment on sustainable consumption and production. The UK is chairs a task force to promote co-operation and improvements in sustainable products.
  • Co-operation within the G8, by building on its '3Rs' (reduce, reuse, and recycle) initiative.
  • Partnerships with major developing countries through the Sustainable Development Dialogues.
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Page last modified: 29 May 2009
Page published: 21 November 2001