In September 2022, GS1 implemented a development project Data model of food sustainability, which was part of the Food Data Finland program. The end result of the development project, completed in March 2023, was GS1's proposal on what kind of sustainability-related data could be collected and in what form it could be shared in the chain. In addition, the project prepared a road map proposal for the industry on how to shift to the use of the food sustainability data model. Its purpose is to act as a work tool for food chain companies to put changes into practice.
GS1's proposal for a data model is based on the utilization of GS1 standards. In order to prepare the model and map out the needs, GS1 had discussions with various actors and companies in the food chain. The starting point of the data model was strongly taken from the consumer's point of view, i.e. the information needs and wishes related to the consumer's purchase process.
The development project took into account the views of different actors in the food chain. With the help of interviews and workshops, the product sustainability information that facilitates consumers' purchasing decisions and benefits companies' businesses was determined and selected. The task was to find the aspects of sustainability from which Finland's international competitiveness can be developed.
