RBTP + MVD Task Force

Task Force

RBTP + MVD Task Force

Research and implementation of the Responsible Business Transparency Protocol (RBTP) and Minimum Verifiable Dataset (MVD), aligned with the UN Transparency Protocol (UNTP) to combat greenwashing and scale trustworthy ESG data.

RBTP MVD for RBA

Applying RBTP minimum verifiable datasets to accelerate and strengthen RBA Code of Conduct audits with signed, portable evidence.

View the RBTP MVD for RBA overview →

RBTP MVD for RMI/RMAP

Use RBTP minimum verifiable datasets to digitize and accelerate RMAP due diligence with verifiable, portable evidence.

View the RBTP MVD for RMI/RMAP overview →

RBTP MVD for Forced Labour

Applying RBTP minimum verifiable datasets and verifiable credentials to detect and prevent forced labour across multi-tier supply chains.

View the RBTP MVD for Forced Labour overview →

Origins & momentum

Transparency demand: ESG/CSRD/EUDR/CBAM and investor/consumer pressure; greenwashing risks undermine trust.
UN Transparency Protocol (UNTP): launched by UN/CEFACT (Rec. No.49 “Transparency at Scale”) to provide an interoperable, digital trust standard; rollout targeted for 2025 with DPP pilots in batteries, textiles, building materials.
RBTP: RBA’s industry extension of UNTP for electronics/electrical/automotive; adds sector credentials on top of UNTP (RMAP, VAP, DPP variants).
MVD: minimum verifiable dataset to back claims and disclosures, reducing greenwashing and raising credibility.

UNTP framework

Protocol not platform; open, interoperable; avoids vendor lock-in.
Data architecture: product (DPP), facility (Digital Facility Record), traceability events (conversion/association/aggregation/transaction/object), conformity credentials (DCC), identities (DID/trust anchors).
Bottom-up adoption: each actor publishes verifiable data; selective disclosure, ZK/cryptographic proofs to balance transparency and confidentiality.

RBTP extensions

Credential extensions: RMAP (responsible minerals), VAP (social/forced-labour audit), DEGP/DBP (digital product passports for electronics/batteries), DEFR (digital facility record).
Governance: RBA-led working group; agile weekly updates; training, tools, pilot support; cross-government cooperation (e.g., Malaysia).
Goal: seamless UNTP alignment, sector-ready evidence for compliance/market needs.

Principles, functions, and impact

Principles: interoperability, verifiability (VC/JSON-LD/DID), modularity, gradual adoption.
Core functions: risk ID & early warning; rapid response; training/capacity; systemic improvement.
Expected outcomes: fewer conflicts; stronger compliance; empowered communities/unions; better industry standards.
SDG linkage: SDG12 (responsible consumption/production), SDG8 (decent work), SDG13 (climate), SDG17 (partnerships).

Global governance & market effects

UNTP as a de facto norm; supports WTO trade facilitation, Paris Agreement data needs, and regional mutual recognition.
EU path: regulation-driven (CSRD, CSDDD, Battery DPP, EUDR) + data spaces (e.g., Catena-X) referencing UNTP.
US path: topic-specific mandates (UFLPA, SEC climate scope 3) and market/industry self-regulation (RBA, voluntary disclosures).
China path: pilot + global alignment; digital customs/data security; increasing alignment with UN/ISO standards.

Enterprise adoption

Strategies: join pilots; upgrade ERP/SRM/PLM for ESG data; contract clauses for supplier data; use third-party tools supporting UNTP/RBTP.
Challenges: data quality/interop, SME burden, confidentiality, organizational change.
Benefits: compliance readiness, efficiency (reuse of digital credentials), brand/revenue upside, better risk management.

Lessons from success & failure

Success: unified standards + multi-party collaboration (e.g., Catena-X UNTP tests; BC mining permits as UNTP credentials; RBA RBTP pilots).
Failure: fragmented standards, weak incentives, trust deficits (e.g., platform lock-in like TradeLens); need open governance and clear value for all actors.