Multiplication, harmonization and validation of environmental voluntary schemes: Comparisons of domestic and international labeling, certification and membership schemes in the Asia-Pacific region

In the global market, products and services are traded through the global supply chain. There are environmental voluntary schemes both at the domestic and international levels to provide the information on the sustainable... [ view full abstract ]

In the global market, products and services are traded through the global supply chain. There are environmental voluntary schemes both at the domestic and international levels to provide the information on the sustainable aspects of the products and services to consumers such as the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) and the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO). The importance of such schemes is increasingly recognized among policymakers and consumers in order to make sure that those products and services are produced, transported, and procured sustainably in the global supply chain.

This research examines key environmental voluntary schemes both at the local and international levels in the Asia-Pacific region. The schemes include labeling, certification, and membership schemes in the energy and food sector in several countries in the region including Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, and Thailand. The study compares the schemes based on several key attributes including 1) the rates of diffusion, 2) the target products, services, facilities, and systems, 3) the types of voluntariness or flexibilities, 4) the use of indicators, 5) the existing of auditing, and others.

The results of the comparison attempt to uncover common and unique features of the voluntary schemes. A study released by Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) in April 2016 indicates that the growth in Environmental Labeling Information Schemes (ELIS) may reduce environmental performance relative to a single label with strict environmental goals. Given the discussion demonstrated by OECD’s study, this study highlights the area for multiplication and explores possibilities for harmonization among the environmental voluntary schemes.