Thailand is fighting the environmental crisis: Ecolabelling Forum 2025 in focus!

Thailand is fighting the environmental crisis: Ecolabelling Forum 2025 in focus!

The TEI Ecolabelling Forum 2025 took place in Bangkok today, presenting innovative approaches for companies under the motto “Ecolabel for the Future”. The Thai Environmental Institution (TEI) highlights the role of environmental labels as a crucial economic tool to strengthen Thai companies in global competition. Dr. Wijarn Simachaya, Director of the TEI, spoke urgently about the serious challenges facing us due to the global environmental crisis, also known as “global boiling”. He warned that the Earth's average temperature is already rising by 1.75 degrees Celsius, exceeding the critical mark of 1.5 degrees Celsius.

These developments are particularly worrying for countries such as Thailand, which is among the worst affected nations despite its minimal contribution of less than 1% to global greenhouse gas emissions. This is exemplified in Mae Sai, Chiang Rai, where drought and floods in the same year have devastating effects on the local population.

Environmental labels as a survival strategy

Increasing international trade pressures are significantly changing the global trading landscape. In particular, the new EU regulation on the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) and the EU Implementing Regulation (EUDR) place new requirements on companies. Adapting to a green economy is not only desirable, but crucial for economic survival. The TEI emphasizes that environmental labels are essential for the competitiveness of Thai companies and promote access to green procurement markets.

To help companies, Thailand has reached agreements with countries such as Singapore, Sri Lanka and Uzbekistan to facilitate the certification of Thai manufacturers. Environmental labels are increasingly being used, particularly in growth areas such as construction products, office equipment and services, for example in the hotel and cleaning industries.

The initiative for the future

The Thai Green Label Scheme, which was launched in 1993 by the Thailand Business Council for Sustainable Development (TBCSD), is one of the key initiatives in this area. The official launch took place in 1994 and brings together several relevant agencies, including the Ministry of Industry and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment. The program aims to raise awareness about environmentally friendly products and transparently control environmental pollution during the life cycle of products.

Today's event not only discussed the pressing challenges, but also recognized the achievements of 70 companies that have set themselves high environmental standards. The introduction of Thailand Taxonomy as a standard for green economic activities and the advancement of the net zero target for greenhouse gas emissions to 2050 underline the country's determination to actively address environmental impacts.

To be brief and succinct: Immediate action is necessary to combat the environmental crisis and secure Thailand's economic future. Companies are required to develop a good knack for sustainable practices. This is the only way we and future generations can experience an intact ecosystem and build a thriving economy.

Further information and details about environmental labels in Thailand can be found, for example, on the website of Tech sauce, DC Urban Mom and Thai Green Label.