Cooperatives drive global push for sustainable consumption and production

KAMPALA, April 13, 2026 — A new policy brief has underscored the growing role of cooperatives in promoting sustainable consumption and production worldwide, positioning them as key drivers in achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 12 [SDG 12].

The report, Building a Better World Together: Cooperative Contributions to the SDGs, argues that cooperatives are uniquely equipped to help “do more and better with less” by embedding environmental and social responsibility into their business models.

SDG 12 focuses on reducing waste, improving resource efficiency, and shifting from a linear to a circular economy—where materials are reused, repaired and recycled. The urgency is clear: global material extraction has more than tripled since 1970, now exceeding 100 billion tonnes annually, while roughly one-third of all food produced is lost or wasted.

According to the brief, cooperatives—owned and governed by their members—offer a practical alternative to traditional business models that often prioritise short-term profits over long-term sustainability. Their structure enables them to internalise environmental and social costs and align production and consumption with community needs.

“Cooperatives place long-term stewardship at the centre of economic decision-making,” the report notes, highlighting their ability to balance economic activity with environmental protection and social equity.

From farms to retail: practical solutions

Across sectors, cooperatives are already demonstrating how sustainable practices can be implemented at scale.

In agriculture, producer cooperatives enable farmers to pool resources, adopt environmentally friendly practices, and reduce reliance on chemical inputs while maintaining livelihoods.

In Japan and South Korea, consumer cooperatives are influencing farming methods by setting strict environmental standards and ensuring stable demand for sustainably produced goods.

Meanwhile, in Mexico, a federation of fishing cooperatives has successfully restored fish stocks through collectively agreed catch limits, ensuring both environmental sustainability and stable incomes for coastal communities.

Consumer cooperatives are also shaping demand. In the United Kingdom, the Co-operative Group has removed thousands of tonnes of plastic from its packaging and achieved fully recyclable own-brand packaging. Similar initiatives in Spain and Argentina are promoting sustainable materials and responsible purchasing behaviours.

Tackling waste and advancing circular economies

The brief highlights the role of cooperatives in waste reduction and recycling, particularly in developing countries. Waste-picker cooperatives in Brazil, for example, now divert an estimated one million tonnes of recyclable materials from landfills each year while providing safer working conditions and stable incomes.

Innovative circular economy models are also emerging. In Italy, a wine cooperative has achieved near-total reuse of production by-products, turning waste into energy and fertilisers. In Sweden, a forestry cooperative has pioneered technology to recycle blended textiles, addressing a major source of global waste.

“These models demonstrate that circular economy systems can deliver environmental benefits while also creating jobs and strengthening local economies,” the report states.

Challenges remain

Despite their potential, cooperatives face several barriers, including limited access to finance, outdated legal frameworks, and pressures from global supply chains dominated by large corporations.

The report notes that many cooperatives struggle to secure long-term investment for sustainable technologies and infrastructure, as financial systems often undervalue their social and environmental impact.

There is also a lack of recognition in national policies, with cooperatives often overlooked in circular economy strategies and sustainable development planning.

Call for stronger support

To unlock their full potential, the brief calls on governments and development partners to create a more enabling environment for cooperatives.

Key recommendations include recognising cooperatives as partners in national sustainability strategies, expanding access to finance, updating legal frameworks, and using public procurement to support responsible businesses.

It also emphasises the importance of education, data systems, and international cooperation to scale up successful models.

“Building economies that respect planetary boundaries while ensuring dignity and opportunity for all will require new ways of organising economic activity,” the report concludes. “Cooperatives offer one such pathway.”

With more than one billion members worldwide, cooperative enterprises are already playing a significant role in advancing sustainable development—offering a model that combines economic viability with social responsibility and environmental care.

https://thecooperator.news/cooperatives-urged-to-drive-justice-and-equality-for-all-women-and-girls/

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