The Future of Materials Systems 2026

Example of ongoing cooperation – UN Transparency Protocol and DPP interoperability BOX 3 Recognition of the need for an internationally shared underlying data protocol for DPPs has strengthened. The recently developed UN Transparency Protocol (UNTP) responds to this challenge by providing a globally applicable reference framework that defines how sustainability data is structured, exchanged and verified, allowing DPPs developed under different regulatory, sectoral or technological contexts to be interoperable without requiring full harmonization of underlying systems.21 A distinctive feature of the UNTP is its modular architecture, which establishes a common baseline framework while allowing sector- specific UNTP extensions to be bolted on. These extensions operationalize interoperability by translating the core protocol into tailored, industry- relevant data models, vocabularies and verification rules for specific sectors or value-chain contexts. In doing so, they ensure that DPPs can exchange, interpret and verify information consistently across jurisdictions without undermining global interoperability. The development of UNTP extensions is currently at an early stage. Initial focus areas include batteries, electronics, critical raw materials, textiles and agri-food, where interoperable DPPs could deliver high value but currently face fragmented data requirements. Ongoing work on a battery extension led by the Global Battery Alliance, alongside efforts covering critical raw materials, electronics value chains and data centres led by the Responsible Business Alliance, provide early proof points of how UNTP-aligned extensions can be developed through industry collaboration and scaled up across jurisdictions. Areas for further cooperation Create interoperable, sector-specific UNTP extensions to enable cross-border DPP alignment. There is a clear opportunity for greater international cooperation to support the development and adoption of DPPs anchored in the UNTP . Key priorities to address include: –Financing the development and testing of new extensions that translate the core UNTP into interoperable, industry-relevant data models, vocabularies and verification rules. –Piloting the application of these extensions in cross-border DPP use cases. Cooperation could focus on high-leverage value chain nodes, such as metals processing, where data interoperability challenges are particularly acute, or on breaking persistent data silos between upstream, midstream and downstream actors. Equally important is ensuring that UNTP-aligned interoperability solutions are demonstrated at low cost and complexity, reducing data collection and exchange burdens for small and medium-sized enterprises and suppliers in emerging economies.PRIORITY ACTION International standards play a foundational role in enabling trust, comparability and coordination across global material value chains. As governments and businesses increasingly rely on standards to manage environmental, social and technical risks, fragmentation and uneven adoption are emerging as systemic constraints rather than marginal inefficiencies. Executives and advisers consulted for this report highlighted two important challenges that could be tackled through closer cooperation on standards: –The growing number and limited comparability of responsible mining standards, which increases compliance burdens and undermines clarity for investors, regulators and downstream actors. –Persistent gaps in international technical standards for key circular economy activities, which continue to limit investment certainty and the cross-border scaling-up of circular value chains. Addressing both challenges is important to building a coherent, credible and globally usable standards architecture for sustainable materials systems.4.2 International standards Fragmentation and uneven adoption of standards are emerging as systemic constraints rather than marginal inefficiencies. The Future of Materials Systems: Cooperation Opportunities in a Multipolar World 22