What types of carbon footprint labels are there in Thailand, and how are they different?

What is a Carbon Label,  and why is it important to policies driving toward Net Zero ? 

What is a Carbon Label

A Carbon Label is a symbol that indicates the amount of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO₂e) emissions released throughout a product’s life cycle—from production, transportation, and usage to disposal or recycling. This process is based on Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), which evaluates the environmental impact of a product at every stage.Products that meet certain criteria for reducing greenhouse gas emissions can display this label, showing their commitment to sustainability. In Thailand, the Thailand Greenhouse Gas Management Organization (Public Organization), or TGO, is responsible for overseeing the certification and management of carbon labels.  Displaying a Carbon Label on a product communicates to consumers that it is an environmentally friendly choice, actively contributing to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and supporting the nation’s movement toward Net Zero goals. 

Where did the origin of the Carbon Label come from?

The origin of the Carbon Label traces back to the Carbon Trust in the United Kingdom, which first introduced the concept and launched the Carbon Reduction Label in 2006, followed by the PAS 2050 standard as a technical framework. This is considered the world’s first Carbon Label. The label focuses on showing the amount of embedded carbon in a product and requires that products awarded the label demonstrate actual carbon reduction; otherwise, the certification can be revoked. 

Regarding the PAS 2050 standard from BSI, after the Carbon Track label was introduced, the Carbon Trust collaborated with other quality organizations to define a standard for calculating product carbon footprints, resulting in PAS 2050 by the British Standards Institution (BSI). This provides an international framework for measuring CO₂ emissions of products across their entire life cycle. The concept has since expanded to other countries with similar approaches. For example, Japan launched the Carbon Footprint of Product (CFP) system in 2012, which later evolved into the SuMPO Environmental Label in 2022. China piloted a Carbon Footprint label in the electrical industry in 2018, with continuous development thereafter.InThailand,the development of criteria for Carbon Label registration began in 2009 (B.E. 2552) by the Thailand Greenhouse Gas Management Organization (TGO) in collaboration with the Thailand Environment Institute. Serious implementation started in 2010 (B.E. 2553) with cooperation from the National Metal and Materials Technology Center (MTEC) and has continued to the present. Thailand is considered a leader in ASEAN regarding Carbon Footprint labels and was the first developing country to adopt them.

How important is the  Carbon Label to the policy driving toward Net Zero ? 

Advancing toward the Net Zero goal, which means reducing net greenhouse gas emissions to zero, cannot be achieved solely through government policies or investments in clean energy technology. It also requires behavioral tools that can effectively connect producers, consumers, and regulatory processes. One such tool playing an important role in Thailand is the Carbon Label. 

A Carbon Label is a label that indicates the carbon footprint of a product per unit and shows that greenhouse gas emissions are being managed and reduced. It helps consumers make more environmentally friendly purchasing decisions. With the growing trend and awareness of environmental sustainability, businesses are also incentivized to improve their production processes to qualify for this label. In other words, it creates opportunities aligned with consumer behavior trends, government policies, and business partners. It can reduce long-term costs, improve energy efficiency, and, importantly, contribute to the well-being of all living beings by ensuring cleaner air and safer living conditions. Social responsibility becomes a key consideration for businesses. Moreover, it enhances trade opportunities, especially as the world moves toward carbon regulation measures for exported products, such as the European Union’s CBAM, as well as upcoming carbon adjustment measures in other regions. 

At the policy level in Thailand, promoting private sector participation in the Carbon Label program is part of the country’s Climate Action Roadmap. The strategy aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 40% by 2030 and achieve Net Zero by 2065. The Carbon Label not only helps report environmental impacts but also acts as a catalyst for systemic change.

Ultimately, when organizations begin applying Carbon Labels to their products, it is not merely about presenting information. It is a declaration of readiness and a clear statement of commitment to social responsibility, environmental protection, and sustainability. The label plays a key role in fostering awareness that drives behavioral change at both individual and organizational levels, indirectly raising consumer consciousness. This represents a significant step toward advancing the country toward a low-carbon, sustainable society across all sectors.

What are the details of the Carbon Label in Thailand ?

Here are examples of  Carbon Footprint Labels in Thailand that you should know!

1.Carbon Footprint for Product (CFP) 

This label can be found on various products, indicating the amount of greenhouse gas emissions generated from producing that product. It communicates to consumers the product’s environmental impact and encourages businesses to reduce emissions. The measurement unit is kilograms of carbon dioxide equivalent (kgCO₂e). The calculation covers the entire life cycle—from raw material acquisition, production, transportation, usage, to disposal (end of life), also known as Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). The Carbon Footprint for Product label is valid for 3 years from the date the TGO issues the certification. However, if there are significant changes in raw materials, production processes, or supply chains, a new assessment must be submitted before the certification expires. 

2.Carbon Footprint for Organization (CFO)

This label assesses and displays the total greenhouse gas emissions from all organizational activities over a one-year period, considering three main categories: 1.Direct Emissions – emissions from sources directly controlled by the organization, such as fuel combustion and transportation using company vehicles. 2.Energy Indirect Emissions – emissions from the use of purchased energy, such as electricity, heat, or steam. 3.Other Indirect Emissions – emissions from activities like employee commuting with non-company vehicles, use of materials, and other operational resources. The Carbon Footprint for Organization (CFO) label is valid for one year and must be renewed annually, as the assessment is conducted on a yearly basis and requires updated emission data each year. 

3.Carbon Reduction Label for Products (or Climate Friendly Label)

It is a label indicating that the product has already undergone a Carbon Footprint of Product (CFP) assessment (baseline) and has achieved a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions according to the specified criteria. This evaluation considers the product’s entire life cycle. The product’s carbon footprint in the current year is compared to the baseline year. If it reduces emissions by at least 2% from the baseline, it qualifies for the Climate Friendly Label. Verification must be conducted by a certifying body approved by TGO before submission. This carbon reduction label is valid for 2 years. 

4.Cool Mode Label

The Cool Mode Label is issued for clothing or products with special features that provide comfort and effective heat ventilation. It supports changing consumer behavior to reduce electricity usage because wearing “Cool Mode” apparel allows users to stay comfortable at higher temperatures without feeling overly hot. This, in turn, helps reduce air conditioner use, contributing to lower electricity consumption and indirect greenhouse gas emissions. The label is certified in collaboration with the Textile Industry Development Institute (TIDI) and has a validity period of 3 years for the operator.

5.Carbon Offset / Carbon Neutral Label 

This label certifies activities in which carbon credits are purchased to offset greenhouse gas emissions from an organization’s operations, products, events, or individuals. Offsets come from buying carbon credits (T-VER or projects certified by TGO) in amounts equal to or exceeding the emissions. If the offset only partially reduces emissions, the activity receives a Carbon Offset Label; if emissions are fully offset to zero, it receives a Carbon Neutral Label, indicating no net greenhouse gas emissions from the activity. Eligible entities can use TGO’s “Carbon Neutral” mark. Both the Carbon Offset and Carbon Neutral labels are valid for 1 year. 

6. Carbon Footprint of Circular Product : CE-CFP Label

This label certifies that a product is manufactured according to circular economy principles. The CE-CFP certification applies to finished products, components, packaging, and materials that have undergone various recycling processes, such as refurbishing, remanufacturing, recycling, and upcycling. It covers both Business-to-Business (B2B) and Business-to-Consumer (B2C) applications and pertains to tangible, physical items.

 It aims to encourage consumers to choose and support environmentally friendly products while motivating producers to improve their manufacturing processes for greater sustainability.

With climate change being a challenge that every country in the world must face, greenhouse gas emissions from industry, transportation, and various economic activities are key factors accelerating global warming. Therefore, cooperation between the government and the business sector plays a crucial role in creating positive environmental and social change. The government is responsible for setting policies, measures, and environmental standards, such as promoting renewable energy, establishing Net Zero targets, and issuing environmental labels through the Thailand Greenhouse Gas Management Organization (TGO). These provide a clear framework and incentives for businesses to take concrete action. At the same time, businesses can adopt clean technologies, energy management practices, and innovations to align with government measures.

The benefits arising from this collaboration include several aspects:

1. The environment improves, allowing for greater reductions in air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. 
2. Society and the general public benefit from the implementation of environmental initiatives.
3. Enhances competitiveness:  Organizations that prioritize environmental responsibility can create and expand opportunities to compete in diverse markets. They also gain the ability to provide reports and data to partners who require documentation of environmental performance.  

In summary, the collaboration between all sectors, both government and business, generates positive impacts on society. It not only helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions but also represents a crucial step toward a sustainable future across environmental, economic, and social dimensions. 

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