EXPORTERS are encouraged to improve their capabilities in implementing environment-friendly practices in manufacturing products as most international buyers are expected to soon prefer only “green” products.

“Most European companies are now very particular with certifications,” said Ingrid Haufe, project manager for the Materials Research and Development program of the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP).

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At present, Haufe said awareness on manufacturing methods that are aligned with sustainable development is still “very low” within the industry.

“It is going to take a huge effort on our part to achieve this target and it is not going to be easy,” Haufe added.

But ECCP Cebu branch manager Roselu Paloma said this must be done since the industry can no longer afford to be always behind the trends in the world market.

“We always play catch up. At least this time, we want to be one corner ahead,” Paloma said.

Haufe said that not many players in the industry may understand the move towards attaining certification on products that support sustainable development.

Changing

She added that it is not just a case of changing the mindset of the players, but also for them to appreciate the need for green products.

ECCP, though, understands that some companies might still be hesitant to move towards green practices since it will also entail cost.

But she said that if many export companies attain certification, it will bring in more buyers and will be advantageous to the industry.

Upgrading

Paloma said that even if times are bad, it can also be considered as the best time to invest in the re-tooling of companies and upgrading capabilities.

ECCP has also talked to key players in the export industry and most have already expressed support for the program.

She cited the member companies of the Cebu Furniture Industries Foundation, Fashion Accessories Manufacturers and Exporters group and the Gifts, Toys and House ware Manufacturers and Exporters Association as those who will be participating in the program.

Vital

Paloma said that as part of achieving the target of the program, ECCP and industry leaders will also be asking for the government to step in and help provide aid that will encourage more test facilities or laboratories to open so that it will not become expensive for exporters to have their products tested for chemical content.

This will be vital since, Haufe said, the European Union is looking at enforcing a ban on the entry of exported products that have high chemical content.

Aside from this, ECCP is now working on getting an approval for funding from the Export Development Council.