Canton Fair 2025 Sustainability Trends: Unlocking Opportunities for Global Retailers

The Canton Fair has been piloting ESG certification since 2023, and the 135th Spring Canton Fair (2025) has made ESG a prerequisite for entry into the "Sustainable Development Zone."

As of the 2025 Canton Fair, participating enterprises' ESG certifications follow a dual-track system of "official grading + international standards." The following types of certifications have become key focuses for international buyers due to their strong credibility and high recognition (with identification methods and value comparison included):

I. Official Canton Fair ESG Grading Certification (Highest Priority)

Identification method: Copper plaque hanging on the booth with an anti-counterfeiting QR code (scan to verify authenticity via the Canton Fair ESG database)

II. International authoritative certification (Essential for exporting to the EU)

1. Science-Based Targets Initiative (SBTi)

Applicable Enterprises: Annual Revenue > 500 million or Emissions > 50,000 tons CO₂e

Benefits: Mandatory requirement by leading buyers like Walmart and Apple; Canton Fair A+ certification can offset 50% of the audit content

On-site Verification: Requires displaying SBTi official approval letter (project number verifiable)

2. CDP Climate Questionnaire Rating

Recognition Level: A/A- (Only 12% of companies globally received A in 2025)

Bonus Points: If the supply chain module score > B (proving scope 3 emission control)

3. ISO 14064-1:2018 (Greenhouse Gas Verification)

Golden combination: Combining ISO 14067 (Product Carbon Footprint) + ISO 50001 (Energy Management)

Buyer's note: Please confirm whether the certification body is an IAF member (e.g., DNV, TÜV SÜD)

III. Industry-specific certifications

1. Manufacturing (Electronics, Machinery)

EPEAT (Electronic Product Environmental Assessment)

Silver or higher can meet U.S. Federal Government Procurement Standards

TfS (Sustainable Chemistry Initiative)

Core certification for chemical suppliers to enter the EU market

2. Consumer goods (textiles, home)

GOTS 7.0 (Organic Textile Standard)

New regulations in 2025 require traceability of recycled fiber supply chain carbon data

FSC forest certification

Essential for wood product companies, IKEA, Home Depot, etc. require 100% certified raw materials

IV. "High Cost Performance" Choice for Chinese Enterprises

1. Green Factory (Ministry of Industry and Information Technology) Domestic central enterprise procurement, local government projects

2. Carbon Label Japan, South Korea, Southeast Asia orders (scan to view carbon footprint)

3. Ecovadis Silver Certification Meets Walmart and Amazon's Basic Requirements

5. 2025 New Trends: Certification Combination Strategy

1. European Union Market: SBTi + CSRD Reporting + EPR Registration Number (Extended Producer Responsibility)

2. U.S. Market: CDP A-Grade + ESG SEC Disclosure (Compliant with new U.S. SEC regulations)

3. Emerging Markets: Canton Fair Class A + Industry Carbon Labels (e.g., CTPAS certification for home appliances)

VI. How Can Buyers Verify Carbon Emission Claims On-Site?

✅ Prioritize Trust (Complete Audit Evidence Chain)

ISO Certificates with Audit Report Number (e.g., ISO 14064-1:2018-CNAS-XXX)

CDP response page, labeled "Public Score Approval Date"

SBTi website, enterprise-specific page screenshot (including target status: Committed/Approved)

❗ Be cautious in the following situations (存在漂绿风险)

Only the enterprise's self-declared "carbon neutrality certificate" (no third-party audit/PAS 2060 standard)

One-time carbon offset certificates (do not reflect annual emission reduction continuous actions)

ESG report does not cover major subsidiaries (boundary missing >30%)

Operation method: When you are at the exhibition site or communicating with suppliers, if you want to quickly understand whether the ESG situation of the enterprise meets international standards, you can use the cross-border green code scanning function of the Canton Fair APP. Just scan the ESG certificate QR code of the enterprise with your mobile phone, and the APP can automatically compare the gaps in the disclosure requirements of the EU CSRD (Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive, Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive) / U.S. SEC (U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission).