Success of voluntary sustainability certification schemes – A comprehensive review

摘要: Abstract Voluntary sustainability certification schemes (CS) like the well-known Forest Stewardship Council are valuable approaches to address issues in different sectors. So far, a wide range of single topic studies exist but few emphasis has been put on analyses investigating factors considered responsible for shaping dimensions CS’ success across sectors and scientific disciplines. This study aims at closing this research gap by conducting comprehensive systematic literature review growing body research. Based database research, 226 records were selected derive framework explaining generic CS. To unveil broadly discussed within literature, contingency analysis was performed based identified text passages. The relationship between specific certain is comprehensively literature: influence quality requirements capacity building measures problem solving CS as well characteristics adopting entities lower degree governmental influences diffusion widely discussed. Moreover, involvement stakeholders transparency acceptance main focus analysis. A barely studied dimension behavioral change towards more sustainable practices. These results enable foster an interdisciplinary discussion which necessary understanding eventually driving practical improvements.