Strategies for environmental conservation and economic growth
By Dr. Cheah Chan Fatt
Eco-labelling has emerged as a vital mechanism for advancing sustainable development and environmental conservation. Malaysia and China have implemented robust eco-labelling programs that comply with international standards and promote sustainability. However, the methodologies and execution of these programs exhibit distinct characteristics and strategies in the two countries.
A comprehensive eco-labelling framework known as the SIRIM Eco-Labelling Scheme has been established in Malaysia. This scheme is recognised as Malaysia’s National Eco-labelling Programme and certifies products that fulfil environmentally friendly criteria. It provides independent verification that enhances product acceptance in international green markets. The SIRIM Eco-Labelling mark offers a competitive advantage by bolstering the reputation of certified products as eco-friendly and facilitating participation in green procurement initiatives by both government and private sectors. The scheme is administered by SIRIM QAS International, a member of the Global Ecolabelling Network (GEN), ensuring its adherence to international standards.
The SIRIM Eco-Labelling Scheme encompasses various product categories, including household appliances, construction materials, and consumer goods. Certification involves rigorous assessments and testing to confirm that products comply with specified environmental criteria. This process includes evaluating the product’s lifecycle, from raw material extraction to disposal, to minimise environmental impact. The scheme further promotes using renewable resources, energy efficiency, and waste reduction.
A significant strength of the SIRIM Eco-Labelling Scheme is its emphasis on transparency and credibility. The certification process is conducted by independent third-party auditors, which guarantees that assessments are impartial and reliable. This approach fosters consumer trust in the eco-label and encourages manufacturers to embrace sustainable practices. Moreover, the scheme includes ongoing monitoring and verification to ensure that certified products meet environmental criteria.
The Malaysian government has played an instrumental role in promoting eco-labelling through various initiatives and policies. Notably, the government has enacted green procurement policies prioritising purchasing eco-labelled products for public sector projects. This supports the growth of the eco-labelling market and serves as a model for the private sector. Furthermore, the government has conducted awareness campaigns to educate consumers about the advantages of eco-labelled products and encourage sustainable consumption habits.
In China, the eco-labelling initiative known as the China Environmental Labelling Program (CELP) was established in 1993 and is managed by the China Environmental United Certification Center (CEC). This program represents China’s first national green product certification scheme and is aligned with ISO 14024 standards.
The CELP encompasses diverse product categories such as printing, furniture, building materials, textiles, electronic products, and automobiles. The program has significantly impacted green development in China, reducing pollution and facilitating the transition towards sustainable practices. Government procurement policies have incorporated China Environmental Labelling certified products, thus increasing the supply of certified products and companies engaged in green procurement.
The program’s extensive scope and rigorous standards distinguish the CELP initiative. Its certification process comprehensively assesses a product’s environmental performance, including energy consumption, emissions, and resource efficiency. Products meeting the established criteria are awarded the China Environmental Labelling mark, signifying compliance with the highest environmental standards.
A distinctive feature of the CELP is its integration with governmental policies and regulations. The Chinese government has implemented various supportive measures, including financial incentives, tax breaks, and subsidies for manufacturers of eco-labeled products. Furthermore, the government has established mandatory green procurement policies requiring public sector organisations to prioritise purchasing eco-labelled products. This has engendered a strong demand for eco-labelled goods and incentivised manufacturers to adopt sustainable practices.
Additionally, the CELP emphasises public awareness and education. The program conducts regular campaigns to inform consumers about eco-labelled products’ benefits and promote sustainable consumption. This involves collaborating with media organisations, educational institutions, and community groups to disseminate eco-labelling and environmental protection information.
Malaysia and China have eco-labelling programs promoting sustainable development, but their approaches differ significantly. Malaysia’s SIRIM Eco-Labelling Scheme focuses on independent verification to enhance product credibility in green markets. It involves rigorous assessments by third-party auditors and is supported by government green procurement policies and awareness campaigns.
In contrast, China’s China Environmental Labelling program targets pollution reduction and green development, integrating eco-labelling with government policies. It offers financial incentives like tax breaks and subsidies to manufacturers of certified products.
Both programs advance environmental sustainability by promoting eco-friendly products, with Malaysia emphasising market acceptance through verification. At the same time, China drives demand through government initiatives and a broad range of certified goods.
In summary, Malaysia and China have instituted comprehensive eco-labelling programs that adhere to international standards and foster sustainable development. Nonetheless, there are notable differences in their approaches and implementations, reflecting each country’s unique environmental strategies and regulatory frameworks.
The author is a Research Fellow at the Ungku Aziz Centre for Development Studies (UAC), Universiti Malaya.
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