EU brings in stakeholders to strengthen SL’s National Eco-Label

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Published: 2026-08-13 11:19:25 | Added: 2026-08-13 11:26:04 | 14 views

Building momentum for a more sustainable marketplace, more than 50 public and private sector leaders came together in Colombo to advance Sri Lanka’s National Eco-Labelling Framework (NELF).

The diverse group of representatives from government institutions, industry associations, eco-labelling scheme owners, certification bodies, technical experts and development partners explored ways to strengthen a trusted system for sustainable products, responsible businesses and informed consumer choices.

The stakeholder consultation on “National Eco-Label Sri Lanka: Framework Strengthening and Harmonisation” was organised through the European Union-funded Green Recovery Facility, implemented by Expertise France collaboration with the Ministry of Environment (MoE).

The initiative supports Sri Lanka’s transition towards a greener and more sustainable economy by strengthening policies, technical standards and market mechanisms that encourage sustainable production and consumption.

Highlighting the importance of these efforts for Sri Lanka’s competitiveness in global markets, Dr Johann Hesse, Head of Cooperation at the Delegation of the European Union to Sri Lanka and the Maldives, said, “As sustainability becomes an increasingly important factor in global trade, credible and transparent environmental standards are essential. Through the Green Recovery Facility, the European Union is supporting Sri Lanka in building the institutions and technical capacity needed to strengthen sustainable production, increase consumer confidence and unlock new market opportunities for Sri Lankan businesses.”

Eco-labelling is becoming an increasingly important tool worldwide as consumers, businesses and governments seek more reliable ways to identify environmentally responsible products. Today, nearly 1.8 million products globally carry recognised eco-labels. However, with more than 300 eco-labels estimated to exist in the United States alone, and 6 in 10 European consumers finding it difficult to distinguish credible environmental claims from misleading ones, the need for trusted and transparent certification systems has become more important than ever.

A strengthened national eco-labelling system will help Sri Lankan consumers make informed purchasing decisions, encourage businesses to adopt sustainable production practices and support local industries in meeting growing environmental requirements in international markets. It will also contribute to reducing the risk of greenwashing by promoting clear, science-based and transparent environmental standards.

Sri Lanka launched its National Eco-Labelling Framework in 2022 as a foundation for developing a nationally recognised eco-labelling system. Several sector-specific initiatives are already operating, including the Green Label introduced by the Green Building Council of Sri Lanka and energy rating initiatives led by the Sri Lanka Sustainable Energy Authority. However, differences in criteria, limited national recognition and the need for stronger integration with Green Public Procurement highlight the importance of establishing a harmonised national approach.

The ongoing EU-funded Green Recovery Facility initiative focuses on assessing existing eco-labelling schemes, aligning technical criteria, strengthening governance arrangements and developing a practical roadmap for implementation. The programme also includes targeted capacity-building activities to support existing and emerging eco-labelling scheme owners in strengthening existing good practices and improving scheme robustness to reduce the risk of greenwashing. The workshop also introduced a proposed tiered recognition system that would give businesses (whatever stage of their sustainability journey they’re on) a credible path to national recognition, with stakeholders continuing to shape its final form in the months ahead.

Addressing the consultation, Ms. R.H.M.P. Abeykoon, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Environment, reaffirmed the Government of Sri Lanka’s commitment to developing a credible, scalable and aligned with internationally recognised standards. “A nationally recognised eco-labelling system will strengthen consumer confidence, support sustainable industries and help Sri Lankan businesses respond to evolving environmental expectations in domestic and international markets,” she said.

During the consultation, stakeholders provided inputs under three key areas: industry readiness and capacity-building; priority sectors and product categories; and the future structure and implementation roadmap of the National Eco-Labelling Framework. Representatives from government agencies, industry bodies, certification organisations and technical institutions discussed challenges, opportunities and practical measures required to make the framework effective. Three priorities united stakeholders across the day’s discussions: aligning eco-labelling with Green Public Procurement to drive market demand, strengthening testing and verification capacity, and adopting a phased, tested roll-out of the new system.

The consultation builds on previous assessments and stakeholder discussions conducted under the initiative, including reviews of governance structures, verification mechanisms and existing eco-labelling practices. The next phase will focus on strengthening technical capacity, refining harmonised criteria and supporting the implementation of a trusted national eco-label for Sri Lankan products.

The collaboration marks another milestone in Sri Lanka’s green transition journey, supported through the EU’s Global Gateway Strategy, by creating stronger links between sustainable production, responsible consumption and international market opportunities.