Japanese prototype carbon label
The first products with a prototype Carbon Label were presented at the Eco-Products Fair 2008 in Tokyo. The introduction was part of a larger cross-industry campaign in Japan to develop a Carbon Footprint system and Carbon Labels for a range of products. Trials including in-store sales of Carbon Labelled products are planned for 2009, and the system is to be implemented by 2012. The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) also established the Domestic Committee for International Standardization of the Carbon Footprint System earlier in 2008 to discuss which policy Japan should follow to develop international standards for the Carbon Footprint system by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), and in consideration of domestic activities.
The aim of the Committee is to make a proactive contribution to the debate on establishing international standards for the Carbon Footprint system, as spelled out in the Action Plan for Establishing a Low Carbon Society, approved by the Cabinet on July 29.