SGS, the world’s foremost testing, inspection, and certification company, is rolling out the SGS Green Mark, aiming to empower brands, manufacturers, suppliers, and retailers in meeting the growing consumer demand for eco-friendly products and services. This new initiative expands SGS’s suite of sustainability services, offering a comprehensive solution to verify and certify environmental claims.
Developed in collaboration with industry experts, the SGS Green Mark encompasses seven distinct environmental attributes, making it one of the most diverse certification schemes available. As global governments intensify efforts to combat greenwashing, companies are increasingly seeking third-party validation for their environmental initiatives. With a focus on materials and processes across various sectors, from garments and electronics to food service ware and furniture, the SGS Green Mark fills a critical need in the market.
The certification scheme covers seven key environmental attributes, including the assessment of hazardous substances, recycled content, and biodegradability. Products undergo independent assessment according to established standards, followed by a technical review by industry specialists to ensure scientific validity. Once compliance is confirmed through meticulous assessment within SGS’s global network of laboratories, products can proudly display the SGS Green Mark, complete with a QR code for consumers to access detailed information verifying the claim’s authenticity.
Keith Hutchinson, Deputy Head of Connectivity & Products Global Certification at SGS, emphasized the importance of building consumer trust through transparent sustainability practices. Hutchinson highlighted the scheme’s simplicity, enabling consumers to make informed decisions aligned with their sustainability preferences while minimizing the risk of greenwashing for businesses.
Following successful piloting, companies across various sectors have already attained the SGS Green Mark, with consumers benefiting from products displaying the recognizable SGS logo and QR code. Eric Wang, Global Deputy Technical Head of Softlines at SGS, emphasized the growing reliance on SGS certification to demonstrate product sustainability, ultimately empowering environmentally conscious consumers to make greener choices.
Charles Ly Wa Hoi, Executive Vice President of Connectivity & Products and Health & Nutrition at SGS, expressed confidence that the SGS Green Mark would become a market-leading solution for environmentally responsible organizations worldwide. With sustainability at the core of SGS’s vision, the Green Mark is poised to drive corporate growth and foster greater trust among clients and consumers for years to come.
SGS Green Mark represents a significant step towards streamlining green claim verification and certification, providing businesses with a credible pathway to demonstrate their commitment to environmental responsibility and meet evolving consumer expectations.