Green electronic products in India - Lessons from the BEE star label and the Ecomark scheme

In order to promote the development and sales of green products, including green electrical and electronic equipment (EEE), eco-labels have proven to be an effective instrument. Eco-labels verify eco-friendly characteristics and make products comparable. In India, one successful scheme in this regard is the Standards and Label-ling programme on energy efficiency administered by The Indian Bureau of Energy Efficiency (Star Label). Hundreds of products have been certified. However, “green” EEE should comprise more characteristics in addition to energy efficiency. Considerations like resource efficiency and reduction of hazardous substances are important aspects as well. India´s Ecomark scheme under the authority of the Central Pollution Control Board is based on such a holistic approach. Yet, in its 20 years of existence less than 30 Ecomark licenses have been granted, none of which for EEE. Key barriers are a lack of consumer awareness and insufficient government support, as well as the broad scope of the scheme. As part of the EU-financed WEEE Recycle project (www.weeerecycle.in) the authors have assessed which lessons can be drawn from the successful Star Label scheme and how these can be applied to foster a more widespread implementation of the Ecomark scheme.