Eco-label stimulates a sustainable market for manufacturers

The standards introduced by ECA have been developed from recognised and internationally respected eco-label programmes before being tailored to meet local conditions. The label offers certification of the environmental status of a range of consumer goods and recognises the potential impacts of manufactured goods on the environment and in some cases, consumers themselves.

Growing consumer awareness

Eco-labelling has become a worldwide trend over the past few years as consumer awareness of the negative environmental impacts of everyday items grows. Demand for environmentally-friendly products and services is driving the manufacturing sector to embrace eco-labelling as a marketing differential in an increasingly competitive market and responsible manufacturers are developing and bringing to market a wider range of eco-labelled consumer goods to meet this demand.

ECA is a private initiative to meet consumer demand for more responsible products in Africa and aims to become the most recognised and respected eco brand on the continent. "Eco-Choice provides a distinctive marketing opportunity for manufacturers to attract the environmentally-conscious consumer," says project administrator Greg McManus.

At present the range of Eco-Choice labelled products for both commercial and domestic use includes personal products, cleaning materials and furnishings. It will shortly be expanded to include recycled products, paper, packaging and paints - with the rest of manufacturing sector being included as the demand for eco-labelling arises.