International RBC Agreements

Agreements promoting international Responsible Business Conduct (international RBC) involve partnerships between businesses, trade associations, government, unions and NGOs. Together, these partners work to identify and prevent abuses like exploitation, animal suffering and environmental damage. Since 2016, the Dutch RBC Agreements have gained experience with implementing the due diligence expectations of the OECD Guidelines. Please check the websites of the individual agreements for practical tools and guidelines.

Cotton pickers in action. Illustration for the Dutch Agreement on Sustainable Garments and Textile.

Why conclude IRBC agreements?

International business dealings may involve complex problems such as environmental pollution and child labour. By concluding agreements, businesses work with other stakeholders to tackle these problems.

Background

In 2014, the Social and Economic Council of the Netherlands (SER) recommended concluding multistakeholder agreements in each relevant sector. By cooperating, stakeholders can concentrate their efforts to combat abuses.

OECD Guidelines

Watch a short video about the OECD Guidelines here. Together with the UNGPs, these form the framework for international RBC.

Agreements

All agreements

News

17 July 2025

Second yearly progress report International RBC Agreement Renewable Energy Sector: Powering change together

In the Agreement, wind and solar energy companies, industry associations, trade unions, civil society organisations, knowledge institutions and the Dutch government work together with the aim of promoting international responsible business conduct (IRBC) in the renewable energy sector.

10 July 2025

Delegation of the International RBC Agreement for the Renewable Energy Sector visits Peru to strengthen responsible copper supply chains

A delegation representing the International Responsible Business Conduct (IRBC) Agreement for the Renewable Energy Sector conducted a field visit to Peru as part of the Peru Copper Project — an impact project focused on the integration of artisanal and small-scale copper mining (ASCM) into global responsible supply chains. The visit was facilitated by the project partner Alliance for Responsible Mining (ARM).

17 June 2025

New members Hellenic Cables S.A. and DEME join the IRBC Agreement for the Renewable Energy Sector

The International RBC Agreement for the Renewable Energy Sector welcomes two new members: Hellenic Cables S.A. and DEME, through DEME Offshore Holding NV. This brings the total number of companies, organisations and governments involved to 59.

News overview