Industry and Commerce Ministry launches “Green Factory Label” at COP28
Bahrain has set the stage for a groundbreaking leap towards sustainable industrial practices with the launch of the “Green Factory Label”.
Launched amidst the prestigious backdrop of the 28th Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP28) in the UAE, the initiative of the Industry and Commerce Ministry marks a pivotal moment in Bahrain’s journey towards environmental stewardship and carbon neutrality.
The pioneering initiative aimed at recognizing and incentivizing establishments that have obtained industrial licenses is a significant stride in line with Bahrain’s National Action Plan, known as the “Blueprint,” which aims to achieve carbon neutrality by 2060.
The Sustainable Manufacturing Promotion Programme, encompassing “Green Factory Labelling,” offers exclusive incentives and benefits in collaboration with key entities such as the National Bank of Bahrain (NBB), Export Bahrain, the Bahrain Institute of Banking and Finance (BIBF), and the Solar One factory. This programme is a cornerstone of the Industrial Sector Strategy (2022-2026), a pivotal component of the Economic Recovery Plan. It is built on several pillars, including the adoption of the “Fourth Industrial Revolution,” embracing a “Circular Carbon Economy” approach, fostering investments in digital infrastructure, and enhancing regional supply chains.
The initiative marks a significant leap forward in Bahrain’s commitment to sustainable industrial practices and environmental stewardship. It not only recognizes and rewards establishments for their eco-friendly initiatives but also aligns with the nation’s broader vision for a greener, more sustainable future. This initiative is poised to drive positive change in the industrial landscape, promoting innovation, efficiency, and environmental responsibility.
“The launch of the Green Factory Label is part of the government’s endeavours to promote a developed and sustainable industry and achieve the vision of the Industrial Sector Strategy (2022-2026),” said Industry and Commerce Minister Abdulla bin Adel Fakhro.
“The Sustainable Manufacturing Promotion Programme (Green Factory Label) is considered one of the initiatives aiming to spread the culture of sustainability and apply the concepts of the circular carbon economy, as well as environmental and social governance.”
He explained that the “Green Factory Label” will be granted to factories that meet one of the standards that have been established based on the most prominent regional and global practices in the field of sustainable manufacturing. Factories that reuse 10 per cent of their industrial waste in their production processes, use 10pc of renewable energy to operate their industrial facility, apply environmental and social governance policies, have systems for monitoring air and environmental pollutant emissions, have systems for calculating greenhouse gases, or have a carbon capture unit will be labelled green.
The minister added that based on its partnership with the private sector, the ministry has provided a set of incentives and benefits to the recipients of the Green Factory Label in cooperation with several institutions.
“The label recipients will, in turn, prepare factories by enabling them to achieve sustainability and facilitating their access to financing or entry into markets through export,” he said.
“They will also help in building the capabilities of individuals and establishments in the field of environmental and social governance, in addition to providing special prices for operators and manufacturers of alternative energy solutions.”
