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Food and beverage consumers are looking for more than just quality and taste. They also want to know that the products they buy are produced with care for the environment and society.

For food manufacturers, demonstrating a measurable commitment to responsible sourcing has become a commercial imperative.

Now, international companies using ingredients derived from US soybeans have a powerful, cost-effective tool to showcase this commitment directly on their packaging: the Sustainable US Soy label.

Verified trust across the value chain

Available at no cost, the Sustainable US Soy label indicates that the soy utilised is verified through the US Soy Sustainability Assurance Protocol (SSAP).

The SSAP ensures that US Soy is grown under a robust system of regulations and continuous improvement, aligned with global goals to eliminate hunger, protect land and water and promote responsible production.

The SSAP has received multiple third-party accreditations, including FEFAC, GLOBALG.A.P., the SAI Platform’s Farm Sustainability Assessment (Gold Level), the Global Seafood Alliance Best Aquaculture Practices, GMP+ International and the QS Quality Scheme for Food.

Administered by Soy Export Sustainability, the protocol verifies international shipments and provides transparent, transferable certificates across the entire value chain. To make a greater impact, the on-pack label can feature a QR code, immediately directing eco-conscious shoppers to online details about the US Soy sustainability advantage.

Flexible labelling options for a variety of products

The labelling programme fits seamlessly into multiple sectors of the food industry, with clear qualifying criteria:

• Soy food and oil products: Must contain at least 60% sustainable US Soy.

• Whole soybean products: Must contain at least 90% sustainable US Soy.

• Animal proteins: For companies producing poultry, pork, shrimp or other proteins, the 'Fed with Sustainable US Soy' label is available. This enables livestock and aquaculture producers to highlight their sustainable supply chain, provided at least 60% of the soy in the feed ration is verified sustainable US Soy.

To maintain trust and credibility, participating companies sign a simple License Agreement with the US Soybean Export Council (USSEC) and undergo an annual audit utilising a product-based mass balance calculation.

A proven driver of market success

Choosing sustainable ingredients is not just good for the planet; it’s proven to drive business growth. Today, these labels are featured on more than 1,200 products worldwide, helping brands stand out on crowded retail shelves.

One example demonstrates the business case. Since introducing the Sustainable US Soy label to Sajo Daerim’s soy paste products, sales have increased 26%, according to company representatives of Seoul-based Sajo Daerim Corporation.

As global market preferences shift toward transparency, integrating the Sustainable US Soy label onto your packaging is an effortless way to build brand equity, satisfy consumer expectations and boost your bottom line.

Ready to enhance your packaging strategy? Contact USSEC today to sign the license agreement and join a global network of sustainability leaders.