Carbon labelling expands internationally 

The world’s first carbon label for consumer products is set to go global with the announcement today that Australia is to join the UK in using the Carbon Trust’s system.

The Carbon Trust, an organisation backed by the UK Government, has signed an agreement with Planet Ark, a leading Australian environmental organisation, to establish its Carbon Reduction Label in Australia. The first products bearing the label are expected to hit Australian supermarket shelves in 2010.

The Carbon Trust’s scheme was launched in the UK in 2007 and in less than two years has won the support of over 60 product manufacturers. The label now appears on more than 2,500 UK consumer products, from potato crisps to fruit juice, paving stones to bank accounts. Brands that have taken on the system include the leading UK supermarket chain Tesco, Allied Bakeries’ Kingsmill bread and PepsiCo’s Walkers, Quakers and Tropicana.

In order to feature the Label on their products, manufacturers must prove that they have measured a product’s carbon footprint from production to disposal, using an internationally recognised methodology, and that they are committed to reducing it. Continued use of the Label requires proven cuts in the product’s carbon footprint year on year.

Tom Delay, Chief Executive of the Carbon Trust said:

“Many companies outside the UK, especially in the US, are using our methodology to calculate the carbon footprint of their products. But this partnership is different in that it promises to introduce the Carbon Reduction Label to a whole new national market. We believe this is the first step to making carbon reduction labelling the norm for consumer products worldwide.”

Paul Klymenko, Research Director of Planet Ark, said:

“The Carbon Reduction Label scheme represents a strategic opportunity for Australian businesses to measure and reduce their products’ carbon footprint and their energy cost. This is an exciting and groundbreaking partnership with the Carbon Trust. They have showcased the significant strategic value of communicating corporate commitments and cuts in product carbon footprints to European and American consumers. Our aim is to achieve the same success here with Australian companies and consumers,”

Mark Fairweather, Kingsmill CEO, said:

 “We’re extremely committed as a brand, to understanding the principles of carbon footprinting and identify areas in which we can improve upon to reduce the environmental impact of our bakery products. This is what our consumers expect and we believe is our responsibility as market leaders to fulfil. 

“Working with the Carbon Trust will not only enable us to achieve this, but it will also help us identify cost savings, improve efficiencies and develop our supplier relationships, as well as influence product development, ensure real stand-out on shelf and generate positive marketing messages for the future.

Hilary Benn, Secretary of State for the Environment, said:

 “The British Government and the Carbon Trust pioneered the idea of a standard way to measure a product’s carbon footprint, and that standard is now recognised around the world. I’m delighted that Australia will be using the Carbon Reduction Label – it’s an indication of the interest and determination of businesses and consumers around the world to cut their carbon footprints and help to avoid dangerous climate change.”

ENDS