We here at Dave’s Corner Extra are keeping an eye on the concept of labeling consumer products with carbon footprint information. Providing consumers with footprint information on products may take time before it influences purchasing decisions. However once adopted, carbon labeling could be just as influential as nutrition labels.

The UK based Climate Trust tested a pilot carbon label with three consumer products. Soon after, Australia announced it would implement the Carbon Trust label. Sweden, Japan, and Taiwan promptly followed in announcing their own carbon labeling programs.

Taiwan’s new labeling program, from the Environmental Protection Administration (EPA), will apply to PET-bottled beverages, candles, CDs and cookies. The program may help speed the acceptance of carbon labels worldwide, as many Taiwanese products are also exported. Taiwanese EPA Deputy Minister Chiu Wen-yen believes a labeling system at home should put Taiwan at the forefront of gaining trade opportunities.

The only problem is that each country has implemented a program that differs in scope of products, how the footprint is measured, and overall program goals.

For instance, supermarket food in the UK will be labeled to show its carbon footprint, country of origin, and animal welfare standards as part of the government’s new food strategy for the next 20 years.

Sweden calls for labels listing the carbon dioxide emissions associated with the production of foods. It expects to cut the nation’s emissions from food production by 20 to 50 percent with carbon labeling.

In Japan, about 30 companies said they would voluntarily start carrying carbon footprint labels on food packaging and other products beginning in April 2009.

Will these country programs simplify or complicate consumer acceptance and understanding of the products’ carbon footprint?

I foresee these country initiatives potentially conflicting with ongoing international standardization efforts including ISO 14000, GHG Protocol and consumer brands labeling efforts.

Stay tuned as I am confident we have not heard the last carbon labeling.

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Drop him a line at davescorner@netgreennews.com