Malaysia announces eco-labeling standards for degradable and compostable plastic packaging materials

Malaysian Bioeconomy Development Corporation (hereinafter referred to as “Bioeconomy Corporation”, formerly known as BiotechCorp), a policy implementation agency in Malaysia, announced the introduction of new eco-labels for biomass based plastics and food-contact products in collaboration with SIRIM Berhad (hereinafter referred to as “SIRIM”), a state-owned research and development organization, at a Bioeconomy Day event on March 14, 2017. The Bioeconomy Corporation is a policy implementation agency under the purview of the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI) to promote bio-based industries.

The two eco-labels and their coverage announced this time are as follows.

• SIRIM ECO 001:2016 “Degradable & Compostable Plastic Packaging Materials” applicable to all plastic sheets and films processed into bags or packaging materials
• SIRIM ECO 009:2016 “Biomass Based Products for Food-Contact Applications” applicable to biomass based products intended for food contact

These two eco-labels aim to encourage “green consumption” among consumers and boost sustainable development in Malaysia by certifying environmentally friendly biomass-based products. Tuan Syed Agil Syed Hashim, Acting CEO of Bioeconomy Corporation, indicated that Bioeconomy Corporation plans to promote the use of these eco-labels for bioplastics, which are alternatives to petroleum-based plastics.