The carbon footprint of export products is a relatively new concept implemented in LAC; furthermore, methods targeting the overall environmental impact (including multiple indicators such as water, soil, ecotoxicity, etc) of products are a completely new field where to raise awareness in the region. To add to the mix, there are other considerations to address, such as the approach to follow (Life Cycle Thinking / Life Cycle Assessment, Hotspots Analysis, etc).

As such, we simplify things and provide information and build capacity on methodological tools and latest advances regarding carbon or environmental footprinting initiatives. Take for instance the Product Environmental Footprint (PEF) Method of the European Commission*, created for the EU market, which depending on the results of its pilot phase (2013-2017) it will affect producers in and exporters to the EU. Some LAC producing and exporting agricultural sectors are stakeholders of the value chain of products being exported to Europe, thus the PEF Method is of relevance to be aware of and learn from as a model that targets 14 important environmental indicators.

The proliferation of VSS is creating confusion among those intended users (in the case of our target clients: producers and exporters from the agro-sector of LAC), who are placed in the position to select a VSS, invest for its implementation, a certification and auditing visits. Being able to understand the differences, its objectives and who demands them is key for the selection of the most relevant ones. The selection must come based on a cost-benefit analysis, taking into consideration the main motivation the user has.

Our purpose is to save time and resources to those producers and exporters interested in following a VSS, by providing up to date information and facilitating the use of tools which will allow them to take their own informed decisions based on their current strategies.

Communication plays a key role to inform buyers and consumers about the sustainability attributes of a product. The current state of initiatives regarding consumer information are of relevance to producers and exporters of LAC; certainly it is a topic of great relevance that can play a role in the negotiations and sales of a product and a contribution to a more sustainable production and consumption economy.

We provide the guidance for your organization to participate in pilot processess and also identify further projects where your company can benefit.

The 10 Year Framework Programme (10YFP) was adopted at the Rio+20 Conference in June 2012, as a framework for action on Sustainable Consumption and Production (SCP). After its 3rd year of operation and lead by the United Nations Environmental Program (UNEP), the 10YFP is supporting the development of project proposals that aim at becoming multi-regional.

The LAC is a region that most likely will be involved in the implementation of projects or relevant actors will be part of Working Groups under the Programme. For this reason the LAC Footprint Initiative has attended the main meetings in 2015 (First meeting in NYC, USA and the meeting in Paris, France for the leaders of the Flagship Project Proposals) in order to contribute in the discussion, accumulate and then share accurate information, as well as to identify opportunities for the LAC productive and export sector.

By making proper research for products coming from Latin America to Europe, commercialization strategies can be developed to expand or explore new market opportunities. We tailor the research to the specific needs of a company, an export sector or for trade organizations who work with several products.

Our presence in Germany allows us to go further, by not just preparing reports but to actually help develop relationships with potential importers / clients in Europe.