Delhi Experts Propose Carbon Footprint Labels on Product Packaging
On June 2, 2026, environmental experts and legal authorities at a conference held at the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA) in Delhi proposed that commercial products should be required to display their carbon footprint on their packaging, mirroring nutritional ingredient lists. The proposal aims to drive public awareness and encourage consumers to make environmentally conscious choices by revealing the emissions associated with their purchases.
The conference was organized by the IGNCA in collaboration with the Himalayan Environmental Studies and Conservation Organisation (HESCO). The event focused on finding practical measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote sustainable consumption.
Sachchidanand Joshi, the member secretary of IGNCA, advocated for the packaging change, comparing it to standard food labeling. He stated that if food packages can display information such as calories and other nutritional details, commercial products should likewise carry information about their carbon footprint. Joshi added that a set of recommendations from the conference will be compiled and sent to the Prime Minister.
Environmentalist Anil P Joshi highlighted the role of consumer habits and lifestyles in driving environmental degradation. He pointed out that 40 billion tonnes of carbon are emitted globally each year, while fluorinated carbon emissions account for approximately 11 million to 12 million tonnes. He estimated that the possibility of reversing these changes remains limited to just 10% to 12%. According to him, transportation, industrialisation, excessive energy consumption, deforestation, and unsustainable consumerism are the primary drivers behind rising greenhouse gas emissions.
To implement these measures, Justice Sangeeta Dhingra Sehgal suggested exploring legal avenues to bring carbon-footprint disclosure within the ambit of consumer rights. She recommended that advocates approach consumer forums and, if necessary, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) to advance the cause.
Additionally, Dr P Kaushal of IIT emphasized that there must be greater engagement with industries to encourage the adoption of sustainable production practices.
