What is Green Labeling?
Green labelling (or eco-labelling) refers to a scheme which awards environment-friendly products with eco-labels.
Many consumer products in the market whether directly or indirectly, through their manufacturing processes, usage, or disposal, have an impact on our environment. They may cause pollution or deplete our natural resources.
However, there are products which have less undesirable effects on our environment. For example, recycled paper or appliances which conserve energy. Labelling these environment-friendly products helps consumers identify and select them from those which are less so when they make their purchases.
The Singapore Green Labeling Scheme
Features
The Singapore Green Labelling Scheme (SGLS) was launched in May 1992 by the Ministry of the Environment.The scheme applies to most products, except food, drinks and pharmaceuticals. It does not apply to services and processes.
The Green Label can be used on products which meet the eco standards specified by the scheme, and is recognised as a member of the international
Global Ecolabelling Network (GEN), allowing certification by mutual recognition of SGLS endorsed products by other members of the network.
Administering the Scheme
The Singapore Environment Council (SEC) has administered the scheme since June 1999. The Council is a nationally orientated, non-governmental organisation that seeks to raise the level of environmental awareness and action within industry and the community. The SEC secretariat recommends product categories and solicits suggestions from industries. It also approves applications for the Green Label.
Setting the Criteria
New criteria for the SGLS are established through both industry and consumer demand for products available in Singapore, and those marketed overseas.
Criteria to grant a product the right to display the GreenLabel are set mainly by three methods:
- An Advisory Committee comprising representatives from government, private sector organisations, academic institutions and statutory boards. These include NUS, NTU, CASE, SCI, SRA, NEA, PUB and MEWR.
- Industry review comprising of responsive manufactures that compose a committee to formulate and agree on a standardised criterion
- Inputs from GEN and affiliated members on standards creation and mutual recognising agreements between international eco-labels.
Once the criteria are set and approved by an approving board, manufacturers and distributors of that product may apply for the GreenLabel.
Click here to view a process flow diagram of the SGLS.
Eligibility
Both local and foreign companies can participate in this Scheme.
Download List of Certified Products
