PTB (Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt) has published a report on how quality infrastructure (QI) supports sustainability standards. The study was elaborated by Ferdinand Consultants with inputs from the PTB task force on sustainability standards.

The publication “Quality Infrastructure and Sustainability Standards” details the essential role of quality infrastructure (QI) in implementing sustainability standards within global supply chains. These standards, whether public or private, set ecological and social benchmarks that help differentiate sustainable from unsustainable products, reduce risks, and promote responsible business practices. 

The report highlights significant challenges for companies, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises in developing and emerging economies, which face a confusing variety of standards, high compliance costs, and a lack of local services for testing, certification, or accreditation. The PTB’s international cooperation efforts aim to overcome these barriers by strengthening the national quality infrastructure in partner countries. The report explains how a robust QI system, which includes metrology, standardization, conformity assessment, and accreditation, addresses these issues. 

PTB supports partner countries in: 

  • Developing standards aligned with international best practices, 
  • Expanding local testing and certification services to reduce costs, 
  • Strengthening institutions to meet rapidly evolving sustainability requirements, 
  • Promoting collaboration, information-sharing, and awareness-building among stakeholders. 

Through practical examples from countries such as India, Indonesia, Ecuador, and Egypt, the publication illustrates how improved QI enables businesses to meet sustainability standards more efficiently, build trust with international buyers, and access new market opportunities. The report also emphasizes the broader benefits, including the promotion of sustainable economic development, decent jobs, better labour practices, and environmental protection. 

Download the pdf: https://www.ptb.de/cms/fileadmin/internet/fachabteilungen/abteilung_q/q.3_internationale_zusammenarbeit/publikationen/PTB_Compact_QI_Nachhaltigkeit_DE.pdf