The MSP Global Coffee Platform developed the GCP Coffee Sustainability Reference Code with the aim to encourage more companies to produce and process coffee in a sustainable way. This code provides a clear and purposeful framework for actors in the sustainability sector to promote a better understanding of the principles of sustainable coffee production. In addition, urgent topics such as climate change, equity, and inclusion as well as current challenges in the coffee sustainability sector are addressed. The framework is thought to establish a common language to promote the conservation of nature and to secure social well-being and farmers’ prosperity.
To be considered sustainable by the Global Coffee Platform under the framework, companies must meet not only the criteria of the GCP Coffee Sustainability Reference Code, but also those of the overarching GCP Equivalence Mechanism. Under this mechanism, it is required that companies’ scopes, objectives, and strategies are made transparent with respect to their sustainability regulations. It also looks at the associated sustainability criteria, certification structure and activities.
After successful assessment by this mechanism, roasters and retailers can include their sustainability programs in the annual collective GCP reporting. The sustainability programs of the following five companies have already been recognized according to the GCP Coffee Sustainability Reference Code: Louis Dreyfus Company, Neumann Kaffee Gruppe, Mercon and Volcafe. This represents a critical evolution of the sector toward greater sustainability.
The MSP Global Coffee Platform was established in 2016 and works to embed sustainability standards in global coffee production.
