News

The IRBC Agreement for the Renewable Energy Sector recently concluded a successful two-day due diligence training, organised by Agreement parties Holland Solar and CNV Internationaal, with the support of the independent Secretariat. The event brought together 20 representatives from participating companies, equipping them with practical expertise to implement due diligence processes effectively.

The International RBC Agreement for the Renewable Energy Sector welcomes NKT A/S, Eolus Vind AB and Cadeler A/S as parties to the agreement. This brings the total number of companies, organisations and governments involved to 56.

Parties to the International RBC Agreement for the Metal Sector have concluded five years of cooperation. The Agreement has increased companies' awareness of due diligence, risks in the value chain and sustainability legislation and regulations. Not all objectives have been achieved, but the results provide an important basis for further cooperation.

The IRBC Agreement for the Food Products Sector has increased awareness of international responsible business conduct (IRBC) in the sector. This is evident from the final evaluation of the agreement that expired on June 30, 2023.

On 22 September, 2022, the signatories and other stakeholders to the IRBC agreement for the Floricultural Sector reflected on three years of collaboration. The activities, recommendations and perspectives on a sustainable development of the sector are summarized in a final report.

For over a year, representatives of the former Dutch Agreement on Sustainable Garments and Textile have worked hard with the Ethical Trading Initiative, Fair Wear Foundation and the German Partnership for Sustainable Textiles to define responsible purchasing practices. This has led to a Common Purchasing Practices Framework. Purchasing practices are an important factor for positive impact at production sites.

The Dutch Agreement on Sustainable Garments and Textile (AGT) has taken significant steps towards a sustainable garment and textile sector. This was the conclusion of the final evaluation of the agreement, which ended on 31 December 2021. Under the agreement, companies received advice, tools and training to help them set up and implement their policy. The aim was to analyse risks, improve working conditions, prevent pollution and promote animal welfare in production countries. Achieving substantial improvements in the garment and textile supply chain will require time and effort beyond the agreement period, however.

The written standards regarding responsible business conduct of the Dutch Agreement on Sustainable Garments and Textile and their implementation are largely in line with the OECD Guidelines. This is apparent from an extensive analysis conducted by the OECD.