Firms undergo robust process to attain green certification

We refer to the letter “Unclear how new certification scheme can prevent haze” (April 22).

The Singapore Green Labelling Scheme (SGLS) is one of the most established Type 1 eco-labelling schemes. It authorises the use of environmental labels on products, indicating overall environmental preferability within a particular product category based on life-cycle considerations.

With more than 3,000 unique products certified across 29 countries, the SGLS has been providing consumers and commercial organisations with the option of procuring green products for over two decades.

There is a robust, stringent process companies must undergo for their products to obtain SGLS certification, which is aligned with the standards of the Global Ecolabelling Network’s Internationally Coordinated Ecolabelling System.

The Green Label Steering Committee, which reports to the Singapore Environment Council Board, steers the strategic planning and operational oversight of the Singapore Green Label.

Mr Zechariah Chan, a partner with law firm Lee & Lee’s intellectual property department, chairs the committee. He is supported by five members who come from the Singapore Manufacturing Federation, the Consumers Association of Singapore, national water agency PUB, the National Environment Agency and Swire Pacific Offshore Operations. Seven full-time staff administer the daily operations of the SGLS.

We will announce the new SGLS enhancements in due course.