ASTA partnered with the Sustainable Spice Initiative (SSI) to offer an interactive three-part webinar series in spring 2024 on sustainability essentials, namely, how to define sustainability in the spice industry. The sessions address how sustainability is tied to the economic paradigm and the advantages of embracing sustainability, including its profound impact on financial performance and brand enhancement. The series explores insights into global and U.S. sustainability concerns and why and how ASTA members should prioritize sustainability as a risk management tool and regulatory compliance strategy and offer practical insights into navigating sustainability certifications and industry standards. Part III, Putting Sustainability Into Practice: Certifications and Company Initiatives, was presented by Matthew Ford, Growth Sectors Account Manager, Rainforest Alliance, Daniel Montes, Business Development Executive, Control Union, and Amber Sciligo, Director of Science Programs, The Organic Center. This session addresses the following questions: What is the importance of sustainability certification and verification schemes? What are the most commonly used and recognized sustainability certifications, schemes, and frameworks? What are the commonalities and differences between organic and sustainability certifications and standards? How do you choose the sustainability certifications, standards, and schemes that fit your requirements and business model? Where and how can you start your sustainability journey?

ASTA’s Responsible Sourcing Guide and Checklist are designed to provide a template for companies looking to implement a responsible sourcing program as it relates to forced labor and environmental sustainability. The related Checklist is designed to align with the principles outlined in the Guide in a way that can be used to evaluate supplier performance in each area. The Guide and Checklist were updated in March 2025 and supersede the previous version from January 2015.