Mexico to develop carbon footprint label for products

The Mexican government in coordination with business groups will develop an environmental label to encourage sustainable purchasing and procurement by consumers, companies, and the public sector.

The London-based nonprofit Carbon Trust was chosen to assist in developing that label. In 2007, the Carbon Trust created the first "Carbon Reduction" label, which depicts the amount of greenhouse gas emissions incurred in the supply chain for bringing a product from origin to a retailer's or grocer's shelf. That label is currently used by some United Kingdom (U.K.) businesses.

To create a similar label for Mexico, the Carbon Trust will work with SEMARNAT, the Mexican government agency for the environment and natural resources as well as representatives from Mexico's private industry and the public sector. The project is funded by the U.K. Foreign and Commonwealth's Office's Prosperity Fund and administered through the British Embassy in Mexico City.

The Carbon Trust will develop a framework to quantify the carbon footprint of Mexican products and services along with a method of certification. The framework will also develop criteria to ensure that environmental claims about products and services are properly substantiated. Once this has been completed, SEMARNAT and Carbon Trust will seek funding for subsequent phases of this project, including a pilot phase that is expected to lead to a wider rollout.