The Korea Environmental Industry & Technology Institute (KEITI), a subordinate organization of the Ministry of Environment, said on August 15 the number of products that received the Eco-label topped 10,000 in 21 years since it adopted the certification system. This demonstrates wide spread of such products in the life of general public.
The eco-labeling is a system that certifies products, which contribute to reducing environmental pollution and saving resources for sustainable economic development.
According to the KEITI, the number of products that obtained the Eco-label reached 10,035 produced by 1,952 companies as of August 5, showing outstanding achievements in the number of certified products and pace of spread among 47 countries that are implementing the eco-labeling system.
Having implemented the eco-labeling system 35 years ago for the first time in the world, Germany certified about 12,000 products in 120 product categories as of now, and Japan, which adopted the system 3 years earlier than Korea, certified over 5,000 products in 51 product categories. Though it adopted the system later than Germany, Japan, the United States and Canada, product categories eligible for the eco-labeling system in Korea are 150, the largest number in the world, thanks to expansion of eco-labeling certification criteria and various government supports.
The KEITI analyzed that Korea could accomplish such remarkable achievements thanks to varied policies of the Environment Ministry, including the mandatory purchase system of green products by public organizations adopted in 2005 and agreements with commercial companies for voluntary purchase of green products.
With adoption of the mandatory purchase system, the value of eco-friendly products purchased by public organizations increased by about 6 times from 254.9 billion won in 2004 to 1.727 trillion won in 2012. The mandatory purchase measure is evaluated to have made substantial contribution to reducing environmental pollution loads and eventually to increasing economical and social benefits.
For instance, public organizations reduced about 490,000 tons of carbon dioxide, which is equivalent to approximately 7.4 billion won in value, by purchasing green products in 19 product categories, including home appliances, in 2012. The performance of mandatory purchase system in Korea was introduced in the United Nations’ report in 2012 as an exemplary measure, attracting attention in the international community.
The KEITI will make effort to expand the eco-labeling system through cooperation with product manufacturers. Initially, it will expand cooperation with manufacturers and distributors of living-related products to expand eco-labeling certification to these products.
And it will expand contact points with manufacturers by visiting and holding meetings with them to encourage participation. In preparation of increase in demand for certification, it will also train certification examiners.
Director General Goh Tae-won of Eco-labeling Certification Office at KEITI said, “The Institute will exert effort to expand eco-friendly life by conducting a variety of activities, such as support for participation of small and mid-sized companies and active publicity to the general public.”
Source : ecojournal
