ASUS, Acer, and Fwusow awarded international IEC carbon footprint verification certificates

As the world moves towards net-zero carbon emissions, the three industry leaders became one of the first global enterprises to obtain this internationally recognized standard - setting a new benchmark in promoting transparency and accountability in industry for environmental impact.

The IECQ Carbon Footprint of Product (CFP) verification certificate, based on the internationally recognized ISO 14067 standard for CFP, was awarded to the global brands following a rigorous verification process by SGS Taiwan Limited., a trusted IECQ-approved organization. The achievement was commemorated at a formal event in Taiwan attended by representatives from the International Electrotechnical Commission's, IEC Quality Assessment System (IECQ) and SGS, underlining the growing alignment between corporate innovation and international sustainability frameworks.

Global standards, global impact

With increasing numbers of organizations offering carbon audits, the landscape has grown crowded and inconsistent. Responding to requests from global leaders, IEC through its IEC Quality Assessment System, (IECQ) developed an internationally "standardized" system for conducting ISO 14067 verification assessments. Verification and Certification to such ISO standards is a reflection of the growing trend of international standards even beyond the IEC being utilized within the IEC Conformity Assessment (CA) services, such as those being delivered by the IEC's Quality Assessment System. This allows the well established and valued internationally standardized approach to verification and certification, to be used by more industry sectors, creating a truly harmonized approach that builds market trust.

In this case, the IECQ verification certificate, facilitated through IECQ Approved Conformity Assessment Bodies, such as SGS, provides a harmonized, globally accepted framework that aligns with international standards and ensures consistent, trustworthy results. It ensures consistency, transparency, and legitimacy-critical for organizations looking to compete in markets that increasingly prioritize verified environmental performance.

All Carbon Footprint of Product (CFP) claims should be verified by an independent trustworthy source, avoid misleading claims and enhance external trust. That's where IEC via its IEC quality assessment system, IECQ and IECQ approved certification bodies such as SGS step in.

Bo Boyu, Vice President of SGS's Management & Assurance Group, reflected "ASUS, Acer and Fwusow, which have key influences in the technology, information and food sectors respectively, are among the first to achieve IECQ CFP verification, which is a prime example of Taiwanese companies responding to global sustainability trends. "

Echoing this sentiment, Steve Allan, Business Manager of IECQ, noted, "The actions of these companies in sustainability management are commendable, and their achievements have set a benchmark for circular economy and carbon management in the Asia-Pacific region."

At the IEC, experts are consciously committed to developing services to address the dire need for more substantial measures towards sustainability. IEC launched its suite of environmental certification and verification Schemes in December 2024 via its IEC Quality Assessment System, IECQ, one of its four IEC Conformity Assessment Systems with the issue of its the first IEC Carbon Footprint Verification Certificate to Inner Mongolia Chuangyuan Metal Co., Ltd, issued by LQA another of the IECQ approved Conformity Assessment Bodies.

The suite of these new IEC environmental certification and verification services covering hazardous substances process management, ecodesign and carbon footprint verification are offered as "horizontal services" that can be applied across a variety of different industries.

These and other services can be explored on the IECQ website, and all IECQ-issued certificates and verification statements are publicly accessible on the centralized online certificate system - providing the issuing of digital certificates, publicly accessible for viewing in real-time to enable companies to easily prove the veracity of their claims.

Marie-Elisabeth d'Ornano, Convener of the IECQ Working Group on "Green Approach," remarked, "This first wave of IECQ Carbon Footprint Verification certificates demonstrates how environmental conformity assessments can enhance trust, support supply chain decisions, and enable sustainable competition on a global stage."

A blueprint for sustainable innovation

Spanning the tech, electronics, and agri-food industries, ASUS, Acer, and Fwusow each exemplify how global brands are integrating carbon management into their core business strategies.

ASUS has consistently promoted a sustainability strategy of "using digitized data and scientific management practices to support sustainable value creation through core competencies", using data to drive low-carbon products and supply chain management.

ASUS officially shared, "We are pleased to have passed the IECQ carbon footprint of product verification and ASUS will continue to utilize product design, supply chain management, and digital empowerment- our ASUS Carbon Data Management Platform, to manage carbon emissions issues effectively and lead the entire value chain towards a low-carbon, sustainable future."

Meanwhile, Acer's Earthion mission anchors its commitment to low-carbon design and renewable energy adoption throughout its manufacturing ecosystem. By integrating recyclable materials and real-time carbon measurement, Acer is embedding sustainability into every level of its operations.

Fwusow represents a unique transformation from traditional agriculture to circular, climate-resilient food production. With more that 100 years of history, Fwusow, has grown to implement low-carbon farming practices, backed by comprehensive carbon inventories and third-party verification, to fulfill its mission of delivering sustainable food "from farm to table."

"Receiving IECQ certificate alongside global tech leaders like ASUS and Acer highlights that Fwusow's sustainability efforts meet international standards. It also positions the company as a model of innovation and green transformation within traditional industries" , emphasized Fwusow Industry, who also expressed his thanks to SGS Group for their professional support during the verification process and expresses deep appreciation to the IEC and its IECQ for recognizing our sustainability efforts.

Achieving the IEC carbon-footprint of product verification, is another step in each company's commitment towards how both emerging and established industries can lead the way in responsible innovation.

As a long-standing appointed certification body approved for IECQ, SGS via its other regional entities - including SGS Testing & Control Services Singapore Pte Ltd, SGS-CSTC Standards Technical Services Co. Ltd. and SGS Korea - are actively engaged in IECQ certification services. Each body can be contacted for relevant further information in their region. Contact details are found on the IECQ website.

A path forward for global brands to drive impact

As global market pressures and regulatory requirements tighten around environmental impact, disclosures and consumers demand greater climate accountability, the IEC's Carbon Footprint verification certificate is a powerful tool for manufacturers and brands. It offers not only credibility and consistency but also competitive advantage through environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance and drives sustainable product innovation and accountability throughout the value chain.

Together with SGS and Member Certification Bodies, the IEC Quality Assessment System, IECQ aims to expand global adoption, with leaders like ASUS, Acer, and Fwusow setting the benchmark for how environmental credibility fuels sustainable growth.

This verification certificate scheme marks a broader shift toward sustainable choices and accountability. As verified low-carbon products grow more common, consumers can make informed decisions while industries embrace greener innovation-helping advance climate goals and build a more equitable, resource-efficient future.