Constructing momentum for a extra sustainable market, greater than 50 private and non-private sector leaders got here collectively in Colombo to advance Sri Lanka’s Nationwide Eco-Labelling Framework (NELF).
The various group of representatives from authorities establishments, trade associations, eco-labelling scheme homeowners, certification our bodies, technical consultants and improvement companions explored methods to strengthen a trusted system for sustainable merchandise, accountable companies and knowledgeable client selections.
The stakeholder session on “Nationwide Eco-Label Sri Lanka: Framework Strengthening and Harmonisation” was organised by the European Union-funded Inexperienced Restoration Facility, applied by Experience France collaboration with the Ministry of Setting (MoE).
The initiative helps Sri Lanka’s transition in the direction of a greener and extra sustainable financial system by strengthening insurance policies, technical requirements and market mechanisms that encourage sustainable manufacturing and consumption.
Highlighting the significance of those efforts for Sri Lanka’s competitiveness in world markets, Dr Johann Hesse, Head of Cooperation on the Delegation of the European Union to Sri Lanka and the Maldives, stated, “As sustainability turns into an more and more necessary think about world commerce, credible and clear environmental requirements are important. By the Inexperienced Restoration Facility, the European Union is supporting Sri Lanka in constructing the establishments and technical capability wanted to strengthen sustainable manufacturing, improve client confidence and unlock new market alternatives for Sri Lankan companies.”
Eco-labelling is turning into an more and more necessary software worldwide as customers, companies and governments search extra dependable methods to establish environmentally accountable merchandise. At the moment, almost 1.8 million merchandise globally carry recognised eco-labels. Nonetheless, with greater than 300 eco-labels estimated to exist in america alone, and 6 in 10 European customers discovering it tough to differentiate credible environmental claims from deceptive ones, the necessity for trusted and clear certification programs has grow to be extra necessary than ever.
A strengthened nationwide eco-labelling system will assist Sri Lankan customers make knowledgeable buying choices, encourage companies to undertake sustainable manufacturing practices and assist native industries in assembly rising environmental necessities in worldwide markets. It’ll additionally contribute to decreasing the chance of greenwashing by selling clear, science-based and clear environmental requirements.
Sri Lanka launched its Nationwide Eco-Labelling Framework in 2022 as a basis for growing a nationally recognised eco-labelling system. A number of sector-specific initiatives are already working, together with the Inexperienced Label launched by the Inexperienced Constructing Council of Sri Lanka and vitality ranking initiatives led by the Sri Lanka Sustainable Power Authority. Nonetheless, variations in standards, restricted nationwide recognition and the necessity for stronger integration with Inexperienced Public Procurement spotlight the significance of building a harmonised nationwide strategy.
The continuing EU-funded Inexperienced Restoration Facility initiative focuses on assessing current eco-labelling schemes, aligning technical standards, strengthening governance preparations and growing a sensible roadmap for implementation. The programme additionally consists of focused capacity-building actions to assist current and rising eco-labelling scheme homeowners in strengthening current good practices and bettering scheme robustness to cut back the chance of greenwashing. The workshop additionally launched a proposed tiered recognition system that may give companies (no matter stage of their sustainability journey they’re on) a reputable path to nationwide recognition, with stakeholders persevering with to form its remaining kind within the months forward.
Addressing the session, Ms. R.H.M.P. Abeykoon, Further Secretary, Ministry of Setting, reaffirmed the Authorities of Sri Lanka’s dedication to growing a reputable, scalable and aligned with internationally recognised requirements. “A nationally recognised eco-labelling system will strengthen client confidence, assist sustainable industries and assist Sri Lankan companies reply to evolving environmental expectations in home and worldwide markets,” she stated.
In the course of the session, stakeholders supplied inputs below three key areas: trade readiness and capacity-building; precedence sectors and product classes; and the long run construction and implementation roadmap of the Nationwide Eco-Labelling Framework. Representatives from authorities companies, trade our bodies, certification organisations and technical establishments mentioned challenges, alternatives and sensible measures required to make the framework efficient. Three priorities united stakeholders throughout the day’s discussions: aligning eco-labelling with Inexperienced Public Procurement to drive market demand, strengthening testing and verification capability, and adopting a phased, examined roll-out of the brand new system.
The session builds on earlier assessments and stakeholder discussions carried out below the initiative, together with opinions of governance constructions, verification mechanisms and current eco-labelling practices. The subsequent part will deal with strengthening technical capability, refining harmonised standards and supporting the implementation of a trusted nationwide eco-label for Sri Lankan merchandise.
The collaboration marks one other milestone in Sri Lanka’s inexperienced transition journey, supported by the EU’s World Gateway Technique, by creating stronger hyperlinks between sustainable manufacturing, accountable consumption and worldwide market alternatives.
