Consumer Voice :: Report

Comarative Testing

Products already Tested

2 - General Observations

While glancing through the test results, the following points where observed.:

1	In case of copier papers, it was encouraging to note that 2 out of 10 brands selected, complied with ecomark requirements and one of them had already taken the Ecomark on its product conforming to IS:14490-1997 and the other manufacturer informed that he had also applied for the same. Further, it is suggested if the two more brands, use 60% of bagasse/straw, recyclable raw material, can also quality for Ecomark.
2	All the brands of dry batteries in both the categories tested, complied with the ecomark requirements confirming to IS:9128-1999 but non of them is ecomarked. In terms of performance, all the brands except a suspected Chinese brand Sambatt (low cost) pass the test as per IS method adopted.
3	In case of Exhaust fans, it was encouraging to note that 3 out of 10 brands under test, complied with the ecomark requirements conforming to IS:2312-1967 (reaffirmed in 1999) but none of them was ecomarked.
4	In case of slim Tubular Fluorescent lamps, the results were still more encouraging to note 9 out of 10 brands tested, meet the ecomark requirements confirming to IS:2418 (part I)-1977 (reaffirmed in 1993) but none of them is ecomarked.
5	In case of the refined Soybean oils, all the 12 brands tested, met the ecomark requirements conforming to IS:4276-1977 but none of them were ecomarked, instead most of brands had given label information as required in the IS:4276-1977

3 - Recommendations

Eco friendliness and consumer friendliness are the hallmark of excellence and shall never be compromised at any level. However, based on the findings from this study and the feedback received from the various manufacturers for different products, the following recommendations may be considered for implementation to make the Ecomark Scheme popular :

1	The products with Ecomark shall be preferred, in all the state and central govt. purchases, through their purchase contracts/tenders. This will indirectly compel the suppliers/ manufacturers to opt for the ecomark.
2	In order to make the ecomark available to small scale industry, the license fee be kept low.
3	Technical assistance may be arranged through the licensing authorities to the small and medium industry for obtaining the Ecomark.
4	More such studies for other products (based on comparative testing) shall be done on regular basis and published in the leading newspapers and magazines to educate the common consumer about Eco friendly products.
5	Consumer awareness programmes shall be conducting at various levels starting from schools and colleges.
6	Small direct/ indirect incentives may be thought of in the beginning if possible, to the manufacturers for opting and better implementation of Ecomark scheme.
7	Under the study, most selling refined soyabean oils were tested. Since some of the brands are imported and marketed by various manufacturers/ traders, their source of procurement is questionable, particularly Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) issue. Hence, the consumer has a right to know GMOs present in terms of percentage, if any. Since Ministry of Environment and Forests is the apex Ministry, necessary action is recommended to the taken by them.

Some sort of warning may be printed on Dry Cell Batteries, specially for alkaline type for their safe disposal.

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