Building a better world together: cooperative contributions to SDG 12

Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns. This report by the International Cooperative Alliance examines how cooperatives contribute to more sustainable consumption and production systems, with a particular focus on Sustainable Development Goal 12.

Produced as part of the Building a better world together series for the United Nations International Year of Cooperatives 2025, the report brings together global evidence, case studies, and policy insights to demonstrate how cooperative and mutual business models support more efficient resource use, reduce waste, and strengthen sustainable value chains.

It highlights how cooperatives embed sustainability into their governance and operations through democratic ownership and long-term accountability to members and communities. This enables cooperatives to address environmental and social impacts across production, consumption, and recycling systems, rather than treating sustainability as a separate initiative.

Drawing on examples from agriculture, retail, energy, waste management, and global supply chains, the report shows how cooperatives are advancing circular economy approaches, improving transparency, and supporting more responsible consumption patterns across diverse sectors and regions.

Report at a glance

• Publisher: International Cooperative Alliance

• Year: 2026 

• Focus: Cooperative contributions to sustainable consumption and production and SDG 12

• Geographic scope: International 

• Format: PDF report 

• Audience: Policymakers, researchers, cooperative leaders, development practitioners

Why this report matters

The transition to more sustainable consumption and production is a central challenge for economies globally. This report provides practical examples of how cooperative and mutual enterprises are already contributing solutions that balance economic activity with environmental stewardship.

The report is particularly relevant to governments, international organisations, and industry leaders seeking models that reduce waste, improve resource efficiency, and strengthen accountability across supply chains. It demonstrates how cooperatives can influence both production systems and consumer behaviour through their ownership structures and market presence.

For New Zealand audiences, the report offers useful international context for conversations about circular economy policy, sustainable agriculture, waste reduction, and supply chain transparency. It reinforces the role that cooperative and mutual models can play in supporting long-term sustainability while maintaining strong local and community outcomes.

Key themes explored

• Cooperative contributions to sustainable production and efficient resource use

• Circular economy approaches including reuse, recycling, and waste reduction

• The role of consumer cooperatives in shaping responsible consumption patterns

• Sustainable and transparent supply chains enabled through cooperative governance

• Case studies across agriculture, retail, energy, and waste management systems

• Policy and regulatory settings that support sustainable cooperative ecosystems

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