Shaping Version 3.0 of the ResponsibleSteel International Production Standard

The revision of the ResponsibleSteel International Production Standard is picking up pace. Launched in late 2024 with a scoping consultation, the revision process is now reaching an inflection point: we have been consolidating input from the various Working Groups and other stakeholders’ feedback into a first draft for public consultation.

Below, we reflect on who ourstakeholders are, why their engagement matters, and how different perspectives can help drive the future of responsible steel production.

Why stakeholder engagement matters

Revising an international standard affects not only steel producers and workers, but also other businesses in the value chain, communities, auditors, civil society organisations, and governments — and more — worldwide. This requires a process that is transparent, credible, and robust.

The steel industry is under growing pressure to decarbonise, strengthen human rights protections, and improve transparency across supply chains. A credible sustainability standard must reflect not only technical expertise and best practice, but also the realities faced by those implementing, auditing, and impacted by the standard.

That is why stakeholder engagement sits at the heart of the revision process, ensuring that the Production Standard is informed by a diversity of perspectives, grounded in real-world experience, and trusted by not only steelmakers but industry stakeholders more widely.

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Mapping stakeholders across the steel ecosystem

As part of our standard revision work, we identified a broad range of stakeholders who are either directly or indirectly affected by the Production Standard and its revision.

Groups most directly affected are ResponsibleSteel value chain members and certificate holders, certification bodies, and recognised standard-setting schemes, as they directly implement, assess, or depend on the Production Standard.

These stakeholders provide practical insight into how requirements function on the ground, including challenges related to auditing, implementation, and operational feasibility.

More widely, ResponsibleSteel seeks input from members across all stakeholder groups, including:

·       civil society organisations and NGOs,

·       industry representatives,

·       governments,

·       scientists and academics, and

·       communities affected by steel production.

We also welcome perspectives from non-member organisations, including companies across the steel value chain, whose experience and expertise help strengthen the revision process.

Each group brings different expectations and priorities to the process — from scientific rigour and legal alignment to labour rights, environmental integrity, and local community impacts.

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Creating multiple channels for participation

Recognising that stakeholders engage in different ways, we have developed a multi-channel communications and engagement strategy.

Engagement spans channels like in-person and online meetings, webinars, Working Groups, Technical Advisory Groups (TAGs), member reference groups, member newsletters, targeted outreach, social media, and public consultations.

This layered approach helps ensure that both highly engaged technical participants and broader stakeholder audiences can contribute meaningfully to the revision process.

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From awareness to active participation

The revision process has progressed through several stages, from raising awareness and sharing information, to convening Working Groups, member reference groups and Technical Advisory Groups to explore key technical and social topics in greater depth. Throughout, ResponsibleSteel has sought to create meaningful opportunities for stakeholders to engage with and inform the development of the revised Production Standard.

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The public consultation: a milestone for stakeholder engagement

One of the most important milestones for stakeholder engagement in the revision of the ResponsibleSteel International Production Standard will be the public consultation, expected to launch in late-Q3 2026.

While Working Groups and Technical Advisory Groups provide dedicated forums for technical discussion and expert input, the consultation opens the process to a much broader audience. It creates an opportunity for anyone with an interest in responsible steel production, from steelmakers and downstream manufacturers to civil society organisations, researchers, governments, workers, and affected communities, to have their voice heard.

This stage is about more than simply inviting comments. It is an opportunity to hear directly from stakeholders about their real-world experiences, identify issues that may not have emerged during technical discussions, and understand how the proposed revisions could affect different parts of the steel value chain. By bringing together a wide range of perspectives, the consultation helps strengthen both the quality of the Production Standard and confidence in the process used to develop it.

The consultation will be supported by webinars, outreach activities, newsletters, and detailed consultation materials designed to help stakeholders understand the proposed changes and provide informed feedback. Every submission will be reviewed and considered part of the revision process, helping to shape the final version of the Production Standard. ResponsibleSteel will share further details on how to participate in the coming weeks and months.

Learn more about the standard revision process here.

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