On 15 March 2023, EU4Environment invited representatives from industrial enterprises, local authorities and agencies, business associations, and NGOs in Azerbaijan to an awareness-raising workshop on the introduction of the Product Environmental Footprint (PEF) and the European Union Single Market for Green Product (SMGP) initiative.
The event was open to all stakeholders interested in and working on issues related to green economy, circular economy, Resource Efficient and Cleaner Production (RECP), and environmental protection. The meeting was organized by UNIDO in collaboration with PRé Sustainability (the Netherlands) and national partners.
The workshop was organized in an online format and presented the PEF methodology and the benefits of introducing greener products in the country. It featured presentations and discussions with experts in the field and provide attendees with a comprehensive understanding of the concept of green or environmentally-friendly products. It was hosted in both Azerbaijani and English (with simultaneous interpretation).
The workshop covered topics related to instruments and strategies to promote green products, including eco-labelling (specifying the current national situation), associated legislative background, and benefits for different target groups. The potential impact of applying the PEF methodology for Azerbaijani enterprises exporting to the EU market was also explored. The workshop provided an opportunity for attendees to ask questions and engage in topical discussions.
EU4Environment and the introduction of the EU SMGP initiative
Within EU4Environment Action, the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) is introducing the EU SMGP and PEF methodology in the Eastern Partnership (EaP) countries, including Azerbaijan. Here, UNIDO is supported by REC Caucasus, office Azerbaijan.
For further information about the Action, please visit: www.eu4environment.org and www.recp.aceconsultants.az/en.
Learn more about the EU SMGP and PEF from our leaflet:
Advancing Product Environmental Footprint (PEF) (available in Azerbaijani and English)