Eco-labelling scheme for bio-based plastics, packaging products launched

PETALING JAYA: Malaysian Bioeconomy Development Corp (Bioeconomy Corp), formerly known as BiotechCorp, and Sirim Bhd have introduced an eco-labelling certification scheme to further boost green consumerism in Malaysia.

In a joint statement yesterday, Bioeconomy Corp acting CEO Syed Agil Syed Hashim said the corporation intends to promote the scheme for bio-based plastics and packaging products, which offer greener alternatives to conventional fossil-based products.
He said the corporation has been constantly promoting and nurturing companies involved in bio-based plastics and packaging products in the local market, including BioNexus and Bioeconomy Transformation Programme (BTP) companies.
By getting their products certified under the scheme, Syed Agil said, these companies are providing safe, reliable and eco-friendly products to consumers, while contributing to the preservation and protection of the environment.
“We hope to see more growth of bio-based companies in this industry so they can boost their products’ acceptance and penetrate the globally emerging green markets.
“At the same time, the state government and local authorities can refer to these eco-label criteria as the standard for the implementation of bioplastic and biodegradable initiatives,” he added.
Meanwhile, Sirim president and group chief executive Datuk Dr Zainal Abidin Mohd Yusof said besides benefiting the consumers and the environment, the scheme will help bio-based companies to improve their companies’ brand image as environmentally-friendly organisations.
Under the scheme, Zainal Abidin said, a product will be independently tested and verified against specific eco-label criteria before the organisation is allowed to use Sirim eco-labelling ark on its product, packaging and promotional materials.
“SIRIM ECO 001:2016 criteria are applied to all plastic sheets and films in the form of bags or packaging materials, while SIRIM ECO 009:2016 criteria are applicable to biodegradable and compostable biomass-based products used for the purpose of food serving and packaging,” he added.