Due the enormous growth of the international demand for commodities, it is important that national and international governments policies concerning trade, development, environment, energy, food safety, climate change and agriculture are being equalised in a coherent and innovative way. How can developmental changes be set in motion without damaging the environment, biodiversity and local communities? Understanding these issues requires an integral view in the dynamics of the different commodities sectors: what are the opportunities and threats and which actors and factors can influence them?

Profundo has extensive experience analysing commodity chains. Building on this experience, Profundo does comparative research on the different commodity chains with respect to all the relevant social, environmental, economic and political characteristics. This approach enables our clients to compare the different policy initiatives and voluntary regulations within the commodity chains, and learn lessons from the past.