Collaboration between SSI and The Copper Mark aims to connect metals and solar sectors to improve ethical, traceable, and sustainable production from mines to solar products
The 2 partners will map the copper value chain, identify ESG risks, and propose solutions to strengthen industry practices
They plan joint custody to promote responsible copper use across the solar energy supply chain
Solar Stewardship Initiative (SSI) and The Copper Mark have entered a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to promote responsible production and sourcing of copper across the solar energy value chain.
The Copper Mark is an assurance framework to promote responsible practices across the copper, molybdenum, nickel, and zinc value chains, while SolarPower Europe and Solar Energy UK-backed SSI advances sustainable and responsible solar supply chain practices.
Through their collaboration, they aim to connect upstream and downstream assurance efforts, while strengthening transparency and accountability from raw materials to finished solar products.
The solar industry extensively uses copper in solar energy generation and transmission. As the industry seeks solutions to reduce production costs, the concept of replacing silver paste with copper is gaining ground too, which will increase demand for copper in the near future, as covered in TaiyangNews Cell & Module Technology Trends 2025 (see Metallization In BC Solar Cells: Status & Outlook).
On the collaboration, SSI CEO Rachel Owens explained, “Together, we aim to create stronger links between the metals and solar sectors ensuring that the rapid expansion of renewables is grounded in ethical, traceable, and sustainable supply chains.”
The 2 organizations plan a project to map the copper value chain, spot ESG risks, and offer solutions to improve industry practices. The idea is to enable direct collaboration between copper producers and companies that use copper in solar components and grid systems.
“We look forward to working with SSI members and connecting them with Copper Mark Participants and Partners. For example, we hope to jointly deliver chain of custody pilots for responsible copper—from mine site to end user— to promote transparency and make the business case for responsible production up and down the solar energy value chain,” said Michèle Brülhart, Executive Director of the Copper Mark.
In September 2025, SSI introduced new binding targets and reporting rules to enhance ESG compliance and traceability for solar PV manufacturers (see Solar Stewardship Initiative Sets New ESG & Traceability Rules).
