BY NONCEDO SHABANGU
MBABANE– The Eswatini Environment Authority (EEA), in collaboration with the Eswatini Standards Authority (ESWASA), has launched a national consultation on the proposed Eco-Friendly Bag Standard (PRD SZNS 103:2025) — a framework aimed at ensuring transparency, accountability, and international alignment in the country’s sustainability efforts.
The public enquiry, held on Thursday, brought together representatives from government institutions, municipalities, manufacturers, retailers, and the media. The session focused on establishing what truly qualifies as eco-friendly in Eswatini’s context — a critical discussion at a time when misleading environmental claims are becoming increasingly common in the packaging industry.
Defining “Eco-Friendly” in an Era of Greenwashing
EEA Executive Director Isaac Dladla said the consultation reflects government’s wider goal of advancing sustainability while safeguarding jobs and livelihoods.
He noted that although reusable bags have long been promoted as an alternative to single-use plastics, many of the substitutes now on the market make vague or misleading claims of being “clean” or “eco-friendly,” often without scientific backing.
“The draft standard seeks to set clear, testable criteria for what qualifies as an eco-friendly product,” Dladla explained. “This ensures that sustainability claims are supported by evidence rather than marketing.”
He warned that “greenwashing” — where products are falsely labelled as environmentally friendly — poses a growing threat to genuine sustainability efforts, eroding consumer trust and undermining legitimate innovation.
Balancing Sustainability with Economic Transition
The proposed standard aims not only to protect the environment but also to support local industries in transitioning towards more sustainable practices without economic disruption.
“As we move toward greener production models, it is vital that the transition is just,” Dladla said. “We must ensure that no one is left behind — not the manufacturers, not the retailers, and certainly not the workers.”
He added that aligning Eswatini’s packaging practices with international benchmarks such as ISO standards will enhance the competitiveness of locally made products in global markets that increasingly demand verified eco-certified goods.
Sustainability Starts with Design
Dladla emphasised that the conversation on sustainability must begin at the design stage — considering how products are manufactured, what materials are used, and whether they can be recycled, reprocessed, or upcycled.
“The use of chemicals in production has long-term consequences for both human health and the environment,” he said. “We must question whether our products are designed for single use or for a longer, regenerative life cycle.”
A National Conversation Still Open
The EEA and ESWASA have invited members of the public, private sector, and civil society to review the draft Eco-Friendly Bag Standard and submit written inputs by 31 December 2025.
The final standard will serve as a key reference for both regulators and manufacturers, ensuring that products marketed as sustainable genuinely meet environmental criteria.
Members of the public can access the draft document and submission guidelines through the EEA or ESWASA offices.
As Eswatini joins the global push against plastic waste and corporate greenwashing, this consultation marks a pivotal moment — one that shifts the national dialogue from marketing slogans to measurable environmental responsibility.
(Courtesy Pic)
