Eco-labels - a driving force for green, sustainable production

According to the leader of the Department of Environment, eco-labels help businesses switch from polluting products to green products, while also supporting consumers in accessing friendly, health-protecting goods.

Scene of the discussion - Photo: C.TUỆ

On August 27, Tien Phong newspaper coordinated with the Department of Environment ( Ministry of Agriculture and Environment ) to organize a seminar to promote sustainable production and consumption through "eco-labels".

The number of eco-label certifications is limited.

Mr. Le Hoai Nam, Deputy Director of the Department of Environment, said that green labels and eco-labels are important environmental policy tools, successfully applied by many countries such as Korea, Japan, China, Thailand and European countries.

This tool helps businesses switch from polluting products to green products, while supporting consumers in accessing friendly, health-protecting goods.

According to Mr. Nam, in 2009, the pilot program on green label was implemented, focusing on two groups of products certified with the Vietnam green label and environmentally friendly plastic bags (including biodegradable bags and recycled bags).

The Ministry has issued specific criteria for these groups, some businesses have been certified but the number is still limited.

The main reasons are weak domestic enterprise capacity, lack of technological innovation resources, unclear incentive policies, and many new regulations remaining at the law level without guiding documents.

"For example, the law stipulates an environmental protection tax of VND40,000/kg for non-degradable plastic bags, aiming to limit production and encourage biodegradable bags. However, in reality, many small businesses still evade taxes and continue to produce this type of bag," he said.

At the seminar, Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen The Chinh - senior researcher of the Institute of Meteorology , Hydrology and Climate Change - also said that the implementation of eco-labels still has many aspects that need to be discussed, although this issue was mentioned before the Law on Environmental Protection and environmental tax and fee policies were issued.

According to Mr. Chinh, to implement the eco-label, businesses need to be able to meet the criteria and regulations set by the eco-label. The transition from unlabeled products to labeled products is a long and costly process.

He cited Japanese computer monitor products, in addition to ISO 9,000 certification to ensure product quality, also have ISO 14,000 with eco-label - ensuring both quality and safety for users.

But to upgrade from ISO 9,000 to ISO 14,000, businesses must spend a lot of money and technology.

Mr. Le Hoai Nam, Deputy Director of the Department of Environment - Photo: C.TUE

Need to limit the use of disposable plastic and foam products

Ms. Trinh Thi Hong Loan - representative of the Vietnam Retailers Association - said that it is necessary to improve the legal framework and support policies for businesses to participate in producing more eco-labeled products. To do so, it is necessary to clearly publicize the product recognition process, support tax reduction, etc.

Some countries have policies to support 50% of the cost of eco-labeling products. Meanwhile, in 2 years, we only had 13 businesses participating in eco-labeling products, which is a very small number.

Mr. Vo Thai Son - General Director of Stavian MP Joint Stock Company - said that businesses need to be given access to preferential loan packages and green development funds to invest in clean production technology and energy saving.

"In particular, restricting the production, import and use of disposable plastic and foam products nationwide needs to be implemented soon to reduce pollution and encourage a green lifestyle," said Mr. Son.

Mr. Nguyen Trung Thang - Deputy Director of the Institute of Strategy and Policy on Agriculture and Environment - recommended that state management agencies need to reform administrative procedures so that businesses can easily access support projects, as well as preferential loans for green development.

"Simplifying documents, shortening processing time, and increasing digitalization of processes will help reduce compliance costs, thereby promoting both supply and demand for eco-labeled products. Consider transferring the role of granting eco-label certification to independent organizations, instead of letting state agencies do it directly," said Mr. Thang.

WISDOM

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/nhan-sinh-thai-dong-luc-cho-san-xuat-xanh-ben-vung-20250827143609846.htm