Master sustainability regulation in the global economy. With businesses increasingly adopting responsible practices and private governance schemes like eco-labels, when does public authority need to assert primacy? This compelling work unveils a new theory on public-private regulatory interactions, revealing how economic benefits and scheme fragmentation dictate intervention. Featuring deep dives into EU policymaking across agriculture, biofuels, and fair trade, it offers crucial insights into strategic regulation. A must-read for professionals, policymakers, and students keen on understanding modern business ethics and public policy in today’s interconnected world.