Eco-mark
Eco-Mark is an eco-labelling scheme launched by the Government of India to identify and certify consumer products that are environmentally friendly and conform to specified environmental and quality standards. The scheme serves to promote sustainable consumption patterns by guiding consumers towards products that have a lesser impact on the environment throughout their life cycle—from production to disposal.
Background and Introduction
The Eco-Mark Scheme was formally introduced in 1991 by the Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF), Government of India, in collaboration with the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). The initiative was inspired by international environmental labelling programmes such as Germany’s Blue Angel and Canada’s Environmental Choice, which were designed to encourage the production and use of eco-friendly goods.
Eco-Mark was instituted under Rule 5 of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, with the twin objectives of:
- Encouraging industries to produce environment-friendly products.
- Assisting consumers in identifying and purchasing products that cause minimal environmental degradation.
The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) acts as the implementing and certifying agency for the scheme, while the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) provides technical assistance for assessing environmental criteria.
Objectives of the Scheme
The Eco-Mark initiative seeks to achieve the following goals:
- Encourage manufacturers to adopt cleaner production practices.
- Reduce environmental pollution and promote efficient resource utilisation.
- Reward genuine eco-friendly products through market recognition.
- Increase environmental awareness among consumers.
- Facilitate international acceptance of Indian eco-labelled products by aligning with global eco-labelling norms.
Criteria for Eco-Mark Certification
The certification under the Eco-Mark Scheme is granted based on comprehensive environmental criteria, covering the product’s entire life cycle—raw material extraction, manufacturing, usage, and disposal.
The general criteria include:
- Reduced environmental impact: The product should contribute minimally to air, water, or soil pollution.
- Energy and resource efficiency: It should be designed to conserve energy, water, and raw materials.
- Biodegradability or recyclability: The product and its packaging should be recyclable or biodegradable wherever possible.
- Minimal hazardous content: It should not contain substances harmful to human health or the ecosystem.
- Compliance with safety and quality standards: The product must meet existing Indian Standards (IS) for performance and safety as prescribed by BIS.
In addition to general guidelines, category-specific criteria are also prescribed for each product type, which must be fulfilled for certification.
Product Categories Covered
Over the years, the Eco-Mark Scheme has been extended to multiple product categories that have significant environmental implications. Some of the key categories include:
- Soaps and Detergents
- Paper and Paper Products
- Paints, Varnishes and Polishes
- Plastics and Plastic Products
- Textiles
- Lubricating Oils
- Packaging Materials
- Food Items
- Refrigerators and Air Conditioners
- Batteries
Each category has specific standards formulated by BIS in consultation with CPCB, defining permissible environmental parameters such as emissions, waste generation, and chemical content.
Certification Procedure
The process for obtaining the Eco-Mark label involves several stages:
- Application Submission: The manufacturer applies to the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) for the Eco-Mark licence, providing details about the product, production process, and environmental compliance.
- Testing and Verification: BIS, in collaboration with authorised laboratories, conducts tests to verify conformity with both product quality and environmental criteria.
- Certification Grant: If the product meets all specified standards, BIS issues the Eco-Mark licence and authorises the use of the Eco-Mark logo on the product.
- Periodic Inspection: Certified products are subject to periodic review and inspection to ensure continued compliance.
- Renewal and Withdrawal: The licence must be renewed periodically. In case of non-compliance, BIS can suspend or cancel the certification.
The Eco-Mark Logo
The Eco-Mark symbol consists of an earthen pot (matka), representing the Indian tradition and environmental harmony, with the Ashoka Chakra inside it. The logo symbolises purity, sustainability, and national identity.
This logo, when displayed on a product, assures consumers that it meets both quality and environmental safety standards prescribed under the scheme.
Benefits of the Eco-Mark Scheme
The Eco-Mark Scheme yields advantages for consumers, manufacturers, and the environment alike:
For Consumers:
- Enables informed purchasing decisions.
- Assures environmental safety and product quality.
For Manufacturers:
- Provides market differentiation and competitive advantage.
- Encourages adoption of cleaner technologies.
- Facilitates export opportunities by aligning with international eco-labelling schemes.
For the Environment:
- Promotes resource conservation and pollution reduction.
- Reduces waste and encourages recycling.
- Supports the national goal of sustainable development.
Challenges and Limitations
Despite its positive intent, the Eco-Mark Scheme has faced several implementation challenges:
- Low Awareness: Many consumers and manufacturers remain unaware of the scheme and its significance.
- Limited Product Coverage: Only a small number of product categories have been included so far.
- Voluntary Nature: As certification is not mandatory, many manufacturers choose not to participate.
- Administrative Delays: The process of setting and updating standards for each product category can be time-consuming.
- Market Competition: In the absence of strong incentives, eco-labelled products face competition from cheaper, non-certified alternatives.
These limitations have restricted the overall impact of the scheme in achieving large-scale environmental benefits.
Recent Developments and Future Prospects
In recent years, efforts have been made to revitalise the Eco-Mark Scheme by aligning it with international eco-labelling standards, such as ISO 14024, and linking it with emerging national initiatives like Swachh Bharat Mission and Sustainable Consumption and Production (SCP).
Proposals have also been made to:
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- Expand coverage to more product categories, including electronics and packaging materials.
- Introduce fiscal incentives or preferential procurement policies for eco-labelled products.
- Integrate Eco-Mark criteria into Government e-Marketplace (GeM) procurement processes.
- Enhance public awareness through campaigns and educational outreach.