Introduction

In today’s world, environmental sustainability has become a priority. With growing concerns about pollution, resource depletion, and waste management, eco-friendly products are gaining importance. In India, the Ecomark certification serves as a key initiative to promote environmentally responsible manufacturing and consumption.

The Ecomark Rules 2024 have been introduced to strengthen the framework for certifying products that meet high environmental standards. These rules aim to encourage sustainable production, reduce pollution, and provide consumers with clear guidance on choosing eco-friendly products, particularly in the plastic industry. Given the environmental challenges posed by plastic waste, the updated Ecomark guidelines set stricter criteria for plastic products to ensure they are safer for both people and the planet.

Background of Ecomark

The Ecomark scheme was originally launched in 1991 by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) as a voluntary certification program. The goal was to create a credible labelling system that would help consumers identify products with a lower environmental impact. This initiative also aimed to motivate manufacturers to adopt sustainable production practices and reduce their carbon footprint.

Over the years, Ecomark has covered multiple product categories, including paints, paper, textiles, plastics, and electronic goods. However, as environmental challenges evolved, it became necessary to revise and strengthen the certification criteria.

With these new rules, India aims to reduce plastic waste, encourage recyclability, and promote responsible production. The updated framework is expected to play a vital role in supporting India's environmental commitments while providing a clear roadmap for industries to transition toward greener alternatives.

Evolution to Ecomark Rules 2024

The Ecomark certification was first introduced in 1991 as a voluntary eco-labelling program to encourage the production and consumption of environmentally friendly products. Over time, as environmental concerns grew, especially regarding plastic pollution, climate change, and unsustainable manufacturing practices, it became clear that the existing certification system needed to be updated to meet modern challenges.

In response to these concerns, the Ecomark Rules 2024 were introduced, bringing stricter guidelines, improved transparency, and broader applicability to eco-friendly product certification. The revised rules emphasize sustainability, recyclability, and the reduction of hazardous substances, particularly in plastic products, which have become a major environmental issue.

Key Reasons for the Update:

  1. Growing Environmental Challenges – Over the years, plastic waste and pollution have surged, prompting the need for tighter regulations on product sustainability.
  2. Alignment with Global Standards – Many countries have adopted stringent eco-labelling norms. The updated Ecomark Rules aim to bring India's certification standards in line with international best practices.
  3. Encouraging Sustainable Manufacturing – By setting clearer and stricter criteria, the new rules push industries toward eco-friendly materials and processes.
  4. Enhanced Consumer Awareness – As awareness about environmental issues has increased, consumers demand better transparency in product labelling. The new rules make it easier for them to identify genuinely sustainable products.

Major Changes in the Ecomark Rules 2024

  1. More Comprehensive Criteria – The updated rules provide detailed guidelines on materials, production processes, and environmental impact.
  2. Stricter Regulations for Plastic Products – Given the harmful impact of plastic waste, the rules introduce tighter restrictions on plastic composition, recyclability, and biodegradability.
  3. Improved Monitoring & Compliance – Manufacturers must now provide annual reports and may be subject to random audits to ensure continued compliance.
  4. Introduction of a Digital Portal – The CPCB is developing an online platform to simplify applications, track certifications, and improve transparency.

Objectives of Ecomark Rules 2024

The Ecomark Rules 2024 have been introduced with the primary goal of promoting environmentally sustainable products and responsible consumption. These rules aim to encourage manufacturers to adopt eco-friendly production methods while helping consumers identify products that have a minimal negative impact on the environment. By setting clear guidelines for eco-labeling, the updated framework seeks to reduce pollution, conserve natural resources, and enhance sustainability across various industries, particularly in the plastic sector.

Key Objectives of Ecomark Rules 2024

  • Encouraging Sustainable Consumption
    1. One of the main objectives of the updated rules is to guide consumers toward eco-friendly choices by labeling products that meet strict environmental criteria.
    2. The Ecomark label serves as a trusted indicator for consumers looking to reduce their ecological footprint.
  • Promoting Green Manufacturing Practices
    1. The new rules push industries to adopt cleaner production techniques that minimize waste and energy consumption.
    2. Companies are encouraged to use renewable resources, reduce emissions, and improve resource efficiency in their manufacturing processes.
  • Reducing Environmental Pollution
    1. The regulations impose stricter guidelines on materials and waste disposal to limit pollution caused by harmful substances.
    2. Special emphasis is placed on plastic waste management, ensuring that products are either recyclable, biodegradable, or made from recycled materials.
  • Enhancing Resource Efficiency
    1. The rules promote the efficient use of raw materials, encouraging manufacturers to rely more on recycled content rather than virgin materials.
    2. This reduces the burden on natural resources, helping to conserve energy and minimize industrial waste.
  • Aligning with Global Sustainability Standards
    1. The Ecomark Rules 2024 have been designed to match international environmental regulations, making it easier for Indian businesses to compete in global markets.
    2. Compliance with these rules ensures that Indian products meet the growing demand for sustainable goods worldwide.
  • Increasing Transparency and Compliance
    1. The framework includes mandatory reporting and regular audits to ensure that manufacturers continue meeting eco-friendly standards.
    2. The introduction of a digital application portal enhances transparency, allowing consumers and authorities to verify certified products easily.

Criteria for Eco-Friendly Plastic Products

For plastic products to qualify for the Ecomark certification, they must adhere to the following criteria:​

  1. Resource Consumption: Demonstrate efficient use of natural resources and raw materials during production.​
  2. Waste and Emissions: Minimize waste generation and reduce harmful emissions throughout the product's lifecycle.
  3. Recyclability: Ensure that products are either recyclable or made from recycled materials, thereby decreasing dependence on virgin plastic.​
  4. Hazardous Substances: Limit or eliminate the use of hazardous substances that can pose environmental or health risks.​

Additionally, all plastic products must comply with the relevant Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) concerning quality, safety, and performance. ​

Certification Process

The Ecomark certification process is a structured method designed to ensure that only environmentally friendly products qualify for the label. The procedure involves several steps, from applying to maintaining compliance. Below is a step-by-step guide to obtaining the certification:

Step 1. Submission of Application

Manufacturers seeking Ecomark certification must submit an application to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). This submission must include:

  1. A detailed report on raw materials used (preferably recycled or sustainable).
  2. Documentation of production processes, ensuring minimal environmental harm.
  3. Data on energy consumption and waste disposal mechanisms.
  4. Proof of compliance with Indian environmental regulations and relevant Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS).

Step 2. Evaluation and Inspection

The CPCB, either independently or through designated agencies, conducts a thorough evaluation of the submitted documents. This stage involves:

  1. Assessing technical reports and the product’s environmental footprint.
  2. Physical inspection of manufacturing sites (if necessary).
  3. Testing product samples to verify adherence to eco-friendly and quality benchmarks.

Step 3. Certification Approval

Upon successful completion of the evaluation, the CPCB grants the Ecomark certification, allowing manufacturers to display the Ecomark label on approved products. The certification remains valid for three years, after which companies must apply for renewal.

Step 4. Compliance Monitoring and Renewal

To ensure continued adherence to the standards, certified manufacturers must:

  1. Submit yearly reports detailing their environmental impact and production methods.
  2. Be prepared for random audits and sample testing conducted by CPCB.
  3. Apply for certification renewal before expiration, demonstrating that the product still meets Ecomark criteria.

Suspension or Revocation

If a manufacturer is found guilty of false claims, misleading information, or non-compliance, the CPCB has the authority to:

  1. Suspend or revoke the certification.
  2. Allow the manufacturer to address the issues before making a final decision.

Online Application Portal

A dedicated web portal is being developed to streamline the certification process, allowing for:

  1. Digital application submission and compliance tracking.
  2. Public transparency on certified products.
  3. Registration of third-party verifiers and auditors to oversee compliance.

This process ensures that only genuinely eco-friendly products receive certification, helping consumers make sustainable choices and promoting responsible manufacturing practices.

Benefits of Ecomark Certification for Plastic Products

Obtaining Ecomark certification offers several advantages for manufacturers and consumers alike:​

  1. Market Differentiation: Certified products stand out in the marketplace, appealing to environmentally conscious consumers and gaining a competitive edge.​
  2. Consumer Trust: The Ecomark label serves as a credible assurance of a product's environmental friendliness, building consumer confidence.​
  3. Regulatory Compliance: Aligning with Ecomark standards ensures adherence to national environmental regulations, potentially reducing the risk of legal issues.​
  4. Environmental Impact: Contributing to environmental sustainability by reducing pollution, conserving resources, and promoting recycling.