Going green gains popular support

THE number of products being granted the China Environmental Label is growing fast as environment-friendly products gain popularity in the country.  

More than 9,000 products made by 750 Chinese companies have been granted the appellation since it was launched in 1994.  

Many consumers look for the label when buying construction or renovation materials since media reports frequently highlight the dangers some products can have on human health.  

“Although construction or renovation materials with the China Environmental Label really are more expensive, I will still buy them because they are much safer than regular ones,” said Jing Peng, who just bought a home in Beijing.  

Cheng Lulian, an expert with the policy research centre for environment and economy under the State Environmental Protection Administration, said environmental labelling could benefit both consumers and manufacturers.  

With the label, people know which products to buy to prevent harm to the environment, while companies whose products are labelled can get more market share, Cheng said.  

This year, the number of products designated under China's environmentally friendly appellation grew to 6,300 from 1,420 last year, said Cao Weimin of the Environmental Certification Centre under the State Environmental Protection Administration.  

The label is playing an important role in helping manufacturers overcome so-called “green barriers” in international trade.  

This is done by making them more competitive in a market which sets strict environmental standards, said Chen Yanping, chairman of the certification centre, the only organisation authorised to grant the label. – China Daily
 

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