As global markets demand higher environmental accountability, Sri Lanka has introduced Ecolabel Sri Lanka as a credible certification for sustainable products and services.
Developed by the National Cleaner Production Centre (NCPC) Sri Lanka, this ecolabel provides businesses with a structured pathway to demonstrating compliance with international sustainability standards while remaining rooted in local priorities.
From life cycle assessments to certification audits, the process equips companies with the tools to strengthen competitiveness in eco-conscious markets. In this interview, Mr Samantha Kumarasena, CEO of NCPC Sri Lanka, explains the certification process, its scope, and its strategic value for exporters.
What does the certification process for Ecolabel Sri Lanka involve?
It’s a rigorous but supportive journey. Companies begin by submitting an application along with the required supporting documents, after which an application review is carried out. If necessary, a gap assessment is conducted to identify areas for improvement. This is followed by a comprehensive Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of the product, which forms the foundation for evaluating its environmental performance.
A certification audit is then undertaken to ensure credibility and compliance with ecolabel criteria. The findings are submitted to a Certification Committee, which reviews the evidence and makes a recommendation. The final decision rests with the Governing Council, ensuring impartiality and integrity in the certification process. Throughout this journey, NCPC provides technical guidance and capacity building, helping companies not only achieve certification but also embed sustainable practices into their operations.
What product categories are currently certified?
We have certified over 250 products across more than 13 product categories. These include dairy and tea, construction chemicals, steel, textiles and apparel, activated carbon, printers and copiers, rubber and rubber-based products, as well as hotels and restaurants under the service category.
More recently, we expanded into the confectionery sector and plant-based food products, covering major crop-based categories. Looking ahead, we are also preparing to extend certification into several other emerging sectors.
How does Ecolabel Sri Lanka compare with global ecolabels?
Globally, some of the most recognised labels include the EU Ecolabel, Germany’s Blue Angel, and the Nordic Swan. Ecolabel Sri Lanka has been developed with a similar level of rigour, grounded in ISO 14024 principles, while being tailored to the environmental and socio-economic priorities of our region. What makes it distinctive is its dual focus: ensuring regional relevance for local industries while maintaining international credibility.
This balance allows Sri Lankan companies to demonstrate compliance with global benchmarks and strengthen their competitiveness in South Asian and EU markets. For businesses, it is not just a mark of sustainability but also a strategic market enabler, opening access to environmentally-conscious consumers and procurement systems worldwide.
EU buyers are requesting Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs). Can Ecolabel Sri Lanka support this?
Yes. While Ecolabel Sri Lanka is not itself an Environmental Product Declaration, it is firmly grounded in life cycle assessment (LCA) methodology, which forms the foundation of any EPD. This means that companies certified under Ecolabel Sri Lanka already have the essential data and processes in place to move towards developing a full EPD. In this way, the ecolabel acts as a practical step, easing the transition for businesses preparing to meet the increasingly stringent sustainability requirements of EU buyers. Importantly, it supports alignment with emerging regulatory frameworks such as the EU Green Deal and the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), enabling Sri Lankan exporters to remain competitive in environmentally sensitive markets.
What are the key EU product footprint indicators that exporters should be aware of?
Carbon footprint, water usage, material efficiency, and energy consumption are critical. Ecolabel Sri Lanka integrates these indicators, helping exporters align with EU sustainability frameworks.
How is NCPC supporting SMEs in accessing ecolabel certification?
We offer subsidised assessments, training, and technical support to SMEs. Our goal is to democratise access to sustainability tools and ensure that smaller enterprises can compete globally.
