Rinda AI is a B2B sales automation platform that uses artificial intelligence to automatically discover global buyers and create customized sales strategies and emails.

What companies should use Rinda?

Rinda helps all companies looking to expand into international markets. It's especially suited for companies struggling to find overseas buyers, looking for effective international sales methods, or wanting to improve sales team efficiency.

How do you find buyers?

Based on your products, services, and target market information, our AI searches global company databases to find the most suitable buyers. We analyze various public information including LinkedIn, company websites, and news articles to recommend buyers likely to be interested in your products.

How easy is Rinda to set up?

Very simple. After registration, just enter your company and product information to start using it. No complex technical knowledge or setup required. Our onboarding team will help you from start to finish if needed. Most customers receive their first buyer recommendations within 1-2 days.

How is data security managed?

Rinda prioritizes customer data security. All data is protected with bank-grade encryption and complies with international security standards. Your important business information and customer data are thoroughly protected and not shared with third parties. We also comply with global privacy laws including GDPR and CCPA.

What certifications are needed when exporting biodegradable packaging?

Export certifications for biodegradable packaging differ by target market. In the EU, certification from accredited bodies such as Din Certco and TÜV AUSTRIA meeting the EN 13432 (compostable packaging) standard is the de facto industry standard. For the US market, BPI (Biodegradable Products Institute) certification under the ASTM D6400 (industrial composting) or ASTM D6868 (coatings) standards is required for entry into major distribution channels. Korea domestic certifications include the Ministry of Environment's 'Eco-Label' and GR (Good Recycled Product) certification, and obtaining international certifications based on domestic certifications can save time and costs. Certification acquisition costs vary by product and certification body, but based on EN 13432 standards, typically range from 5–15 million KRW with a 3–6 month timeline, and periodic renewal audits (1–3 year cycles) are required. Expressions such as 'biodegradable', 'compostable', and 'eco-friendly' can result in legal sanctions as greenwashing if used without basis, so the relevant certification mark must always be displayed after certification is obtained.

How should greenwashing risks be managed when exporting eco-friendly products?

Managing greenwashing risks is a core challenge that determines the long-term credibility of eco-friendly product brands, and the EU plans to impose strong sanctions on unsupported environmental marketing claims through the Green Claims Directive from 2026. All environmental marketing claims ('100% recyclable', 'carbon neutral', 'safe for the planet', etc.) must be supported by measurable and verifiable data according to the ISO 14020 series standards. Environmental performance verification reports from third-party accredited bodies (e.g., carbon footprint verification, LCA reviews) must be prepared as grounds for marketing claims, and data must be systematically managed to be provided to clients when necessary. European consumer organizations (e.g., ClientEarth) and regulatory bodies in each country are strengthening greenwashing enforcement, so the procedure of having local legal experts review marketing materials before production must be included in internal processes.

What opportunities can Korean eco-friendly companies gain from the US IRA (Inflation Reduction Act)?

IRA (2022) is the largest climate and energy investment legislation in US history, providing approximately $369 billion in tax credits and subsidies over 10 years for eco-friendly energy sectors including solar panels, wind turbines, batteries, and electric vehicles. For Korean companies to receive IRA benefits, producing products within USMCA (US-Mexico-Canada Agreement) territory or investing in and establishing manufacturing facilities in the US are the most direct approaches. Korean companies with US production facilities or Korea-US joint venture companies can receive tax credits such as the Advanced Manufacturing Production Credit (45X) and Investment Tax Credit (30%). A B2B model of supplying eco-friendly components and materials to US partner companies to indirectly utilize IRA benefits is also possible; in this case, origin documents and ingredient certifications to meet the partner's IRA benefit conditions become the core requirements. We strongly recommend utilizing KOTRA's Silicon Valley and Chicago trade centers to find US company partners eligible for IRA and receive investment consulting support.

How can the price premium of eco-friendly products be justified?

Justifying the price premium of eco-friendly products begins with transparently presenting the actual cost structure including 'eco-certification acquisition costs', 'sustainable raw material sourcing costs', and 'carbon footprint reduction investment'. Through TCO (Total Cost of Ownership) analysis, proving with data that even if the initial price is higher, customers receive greater long-term economic benefits from energy savings, waste reduction, and improved durability can effectively reduce buyer price resistance. LCA (Life Cycle Assessment) reports based on ISO 14040/44 and EPD (Environmental Product Declaration) are the most powerful tools for objectively demonstrating product environmental excellence to B2B buyers. Quantifying regulatory cost savings (e.g., EU CBAM cost avoidance, plastic tax reduction) and including them in the buyer's cost-benefit analysis materials can increase premium price acceptance.

What government support programs are available for Korean eco-friendly product exports?

The Korea Environmental Industry & Technology Institute (KEITI) under the Ministry of Environment provides overseas eco-label equivalency agreement conclusion (currently 28 countries), overseas market research, export consulting, and trade show participation support services for eco-friendly product exporting companies. The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy and KOTRA provide concentrated overseas exhibition and promotion, buyer matching, and investment attraction support for companies selected under 'Green New Deal Export Strategy Industries', with particular focus on renewable energy, water treatment, and smart environmental technology sectors. The Ministry of SMEs and Startups' export voucher project supports marketing, consulting, logistics, and legal service costs up to an annual maximum of 100 million KRW for eco-friendly SMEs. Korea Trade Insurance Corporation (K-SURE) provides medium and long-term export insurance and overseas investment insurance for eco-friendly project exporting companies, enabling financial risk management when exporting large-scale eco-friendly infrastructure projects.

What strategies are effective when entering the Southeast Asian eco-friendly product market?

The Southeast Asian eco-friendly market varies by country in regulatory maturity and consumer awareness levels, so differentiated entry strategies must be established by distinguishing between Singapore (high-income, high environmental awareness) and Vietnam and Indonesia (high-growth, low regulation). Singapore is the hub of the Southeast Asian eco-friendly market, and obtaining Singapore Green Label certification and utilizing the Singapore government's green procurement programs forms the strategic foundation for market expansion within the region. In emerging markets such as Vietnam, Indonesia, and Thailand, demand for biodegradable alternative packaging is rapidly growing with the tightening of single-use plastic regulations, making proposals for alternative solutions to local food and beverage and distribution companies very effective. Actively utilizing ASEAN regional tariff benefits (AKFTA, Korea-ASEAN FTA) and establishing a regional logistics network with Singapore or Malaysia as a hub enables efficient targeting of the multi-country Southeast Asian market. Active utilization of KOTRA's Southeast Asian trade center network (Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Jakarta, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, etc.) for finding local eco-friendly company partners and obtaining government procurement project information is strongly recommended.

Export Guide by Industry

How do I export eco-friendly products?

Demand for eco-friendly products is rapidly growing with the spread of global ESG management and the strengthening of carbon neutrality policies. Korea's eco-friendly product industry holds technological competitiveness across diverse fields including biodegradable packaging, renewable energy equipment, water treatment solutions, and sustainable consumer goods, and export opportunities continue to expand in line with the global green transition trend.

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The global eco-friendly product market exceeded approximately $1 trillion in 2023, and driven by expanding ESG investment and national carbon neutrality policies, it is projected to grow at an annual average of 9.7% to reach approximately $1.8 trillion by 2030. The EU Green Deal and the US Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) are acting as key policy drivers that explosively increase demand for eco-friendly products and materials. Korea's eco-friendly product exports were approximately $4.5 billion in 2023, a 21% increase from the previous year, with renewable energy components, eco-friendly packaging, and water treatment equipment as major export items. The number of domestic eco-certified products exceeded approximately 18,000 in 2023, of which about 12% simultaneously hold overseas certifications. According to global consumer surveys, 72% of respondents indicated willingness to pay a price premium of up to 10% or more for eco-certified products, demonstrating the very high economic value of certification acquisition.

Market Overview

Major Export Markets and Country-Specific Green Policies

The EU market implements the world's most stringent eco-friendly regulations, with the European Green Deal, the Circular Economy Action Plan, and the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) continuously driving demand for eco-friendly products. As EU CBAM is being phased in from 2024, exporting companies in the steel, aluminum, fertilizers, cement, and electricity sectors must establish carbon cost response strategies. The US, through the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA, 2022), provides large-scale tax credits and subsidies for EV batteries, solar panels, and eco-friendly building materials, greatly expanding opportunities to enter the supply chain for eco-friendly products and components. In Asian markets, demand for eco-friendly infrastructure investment and green consumer goods is rapidly increasing with Japan and Korea's carbon neutrality 2050 declarations and China's 2060 carbon neutrality target. Southeast Asia is attracting attention as an emerging export market where demand for biodegradable packaging and eco-friendly consumer goods is rapidly growing alongside tightening plastic pollution regulations.

Essential Certifications and Green Labeling

The key to eco-friendly product exports is obtaining credible eco-certifications in target markets, as winning buyer trust is difficult without certifications. The Ministry of Environment's Eco-Label (Green Certification) serves as the basic trust foundation for Korean eco-friendly products, and additionally obtaining international certifications such as the EU Ecolabel, Germany's Blue Angel, the US Energy Star, and Japan's Eco Mark greatly improves export competitiveness. EU EPREL (Energy-Related Products Database) registration is a mandatory requirement for EU export of energy-related products, and the EU Ecodesign Regulation expanding from 2025 will affect more product categories. For biodegradable packaging, EN 13432 (EU), ASTM D6400 (US), and KS M 6951 (Korea) national biodegradation performance standards must be met and the respective certifications obtained, and it is important to confirm appropriate testing procedures through advance consultation with certification bodies.

Export Procedures and Customs Clearance Practice

Due to the diversity of eco-friendly product types, HS codes are distributed broadly across product types—biodegradable packaging (Chapters 3923–3926), solar panels (Chapter 8541), water treatment equipment (Chapter 8421), eco-friendly detergents (Chapter 3402), etc.—and accurate classification must be pre-arranged with a customs agent. For EU exports, products subject to CBAM must comply with carbon emission calculation and reporting obligations before export, and it is advisable to use internationally accredited third-party verification bodies for carbon footprint certificate issuance. For US exports, supply chain requirements for IRA benefits (domestic origin ratio, minimum wage standards, etc.) must be carefully reviewed, and since these are updated semi-annually, it is safer to seek assistance from US legal experts. For environmental export controls (dual-use technology concerns, etc.), the Strategic Trade Division must provide prior determination of whether export licensing is required, and some water treatment and waste treatment technologies may need to be transferred through bilateral technology cooperation agreements.

Buyer Sourcing Strategy

The most effective channel for eco-friendly product buyer sourcing is participating in international environmental and sustainability exhibitions, with Greenbuild (US), World Future Energy Summit (UAE), and IFAT (Germany) being representative examples. Companies holding global sustainability certifications (ISO 14001, B Corp, etc.) are key potential buyers and can be accessed through the LinkedIn ESG network and sustainability-specialized B2B platforms (EcoVadis network, sustainability procurement platforms). Registering with large multinational corporations' sustainable procurement programs (e.g., Walmart Sustainability Supplier Hub, Unilever Sustainable Living Partners) secures stable large-volume buyers. Through KOTRA's 'ESG and Green Export Support Program' and the Korea Environmental Industry & Technology Institute's (KEITI) overseas market entry support programs, specialized eco-friendly product buyer matching and local market entry support are available.

Pricing Strategy and Payment Terms

Eco-friendly products often have higher production costs than conventional products due to eco-certification acquisition costs and sustainable raw material sourcing costs, but premium price formation is possible in line with global ESG trends. Presenting quantified carbon footprints and third-party certifications (e.g., Carbon Trust Standard) as grounds for product price premiums is effective in increasing buyer price acceptance. As large corporate buyers increasingly include sustainability supply chain compliance as a trading condition, pre-participating in EcoVadis or Sedex supply chain sustainability assessments and securing high ratings is advantageous in negotiations. T/T prepayment or L/C (letter of credit) payment terms are recommended for initial transactions, and for long-term supply contracts, including price escalation clauses reflecting raw material price fluctuations in contracts is important for managing cost variation risk.

Marketing and Green Branding

Preventing 'greenwashing' in eco-friendly product marketing is a core challenge directly linked to brand credibility, and all environmental marketing claims must be supported by accredited certifications or measurable data. Including LCA (Life Cycle Assessment) reports analyzing environmental impact throughout the product lifecycle in marketing materials provides strong trust to B2B buyers and ESG investors. Impact marketing that expresses a product's environmental contribution with specific figures alongside '2050 carbon neutrality', 'circular economy contribution', and 'resource conservation' is effective for ESG-conscious consumers and buyers in the EU and US. Producing sustainability reports and corporate ESG communication to build a company image as a 'sustainable business partner' beyond simple product sales contributes to long-term brand value enhancement.

Logistics and Sustainable Supply Chain

Minimizing the carbon footprint of logistics itself in eco-friendly product exports is becoming an increasingly important challenge in terms of brand consistency and meeting buyer requirements. Sea transport emits approximately 20–30 times less carbon than air transport and is the basic choice for eco-friendly logistics, and selecting low-carbon fuel shipping services from carriers (Maersk, CMA CGM, etc.) providing carbon-neutral shipping (Green Shipping) services enables quantification of carbon footprint reduction achievements. Using recyclable or biodegradable packaging materials, avoiding excessive packaging, and minimizing filler materials to simultaneously reduce packaging waste and transport volume is advantageous for meeting ESG procurement standards. Establishing a supply chain due diligence system that regularly checks whether partners in the supply chain (raw material suppliers, logistics companies) comply with environmental standards enables proactive response to EU Supply Chain Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD) requirements.

Key Trade Shows and Global Networking

Participating in global exhibitions and forums in the eco-friendly and sustainability field is the most effective way to build networks with international buyers, policymakers, and investors. KEITI and KOTRA provide Korea Pavilion operations and participating company support services at major international environmental exhibitions. Beyond trade shows, collaboration opportunities with global leading companies can be discovered through international sustainability initiatives such as the WEF Green Transition Network and the UN Global Compact. Domestically, leveraging opportunities to attract overseas buyers and introduce products through Korea Green Expo and the International Environment Industry Technology & Green Energy Show (ENVEX) is recommended.

Buyer Types

Global Corporations' Sustainable Procurement Officers

Global corporations such as IKEA, Unilever, Walmart, and Apple are strengthening 'Sustainable Sourcing' policies to green their supply chains, and large-scale long-term contract opportunities exist for Korean companies supplying certified eco-friendly components, packaging, and materials. Registering on these companies' official supplier registration portals (e.g., SAP Ariba, Coupa) and achieving high ratings in EcoVadis sustainability assessments are key conditions for supply chain entry.

Retail Corporations' Private Label Eco-Friendly Product Buyers

Large retail corporations such as Whole Foods, Target (US), dm (Germany), and Sainsbury's (UK) are rapidly expanding their private label eco-friendly product lines, and demand for cooperation with Korean manufacturers with OEM production capabilities and eco-friendly certifications is high. When entering this channel, providing POC (Proof of Concept) samples and presenting competitive MOQ conditions play a decisive role in securing first contracts.

Construction and Interior Eco-Friendly Materials Importers

The eco-friendly construction (LEED, BREEAM certified buildings) market in the US, EU, and Australia shows rapidly increasing demand for low-carbon building materials, recycled materials, and energy-saving insulation. Korean building material manufacturers with eco-friendly construction materials certified as LEED point contributing materials command high export premiums, and building B2B partnership relationships with local architecture firms and construction companies forms the foundation for long-term supply contracts.

Public Institutions and Local Government Eco-Friendly Procurement Officers

Public institutions in the EU, US, and Japan are mandated or strongly encouraged to preferentially purchase eco-certified products under GPP (Green Public Procurement) policies. Registering in those countries' government procurement markets (e.g., US GSA Schedule, EU public procurement platforms) requires product eco-certifications, carbon footprint documentation, and establishing local entities or partners.

Impact Investment-Based Startups and Social Enterprises

Global eco-friendly startups with B Corp certification or impact investment funding show openness to collaboration with innovative Korean eco-friendly materials and technologies, and have high interest in co-development and co-marketing partnerships. Approaching collaboration with these companies from a strategic perspective of long-term brand collaboration and joint global market entry rather than short-term profit is effective.

Essential Certifications

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Key Trade Shows

Trade Show Name	Location	Date / Period
IFAT (International Trade Fair for Water, Sewage, Waste and Raw Materials Management)	Munich, Germany	Biennial May (even years)
Greenbuild International Conference & Expo	US (rotating cities)	November (annual)
World Future Energy Summit	Abu Dhabi, UAE	January (annual)
International Environment Industry Technology & Green Energy Show (ENVEX)	COEX, Seoul, Korea	June (annual)

Frequently Asked Questions

A. EU CBAM (Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism) began its transition period in October 2023 and is scheduled to be fully implemented from 2026, imposing carbon cost reporting obligations on companies exporting products in the steel, aluminum, fertilizers, cement, electricity, and hydrogen sectors. Korean exporting companies must measure and report embedded emissions in products subject to CBAM when exporting to the EU, and must establish carbon emission measurement and management systems for their manufacturing processes. If Korean companies are already paying carbon costs under the domestic Emissions Trading Scheme (K-ETS), which is similar to the EU ETS (Emissions Trading System), they can receive partial deductions from CBAM costs, making K-ETS participation and carbon cost record management important. Transitioning to eco-friendly production processes to reduce embedded carbon emissions in products is the core long-term strategy for minimizing CBAM costs and maintaining EU market competitiveness. The Korea International Trade Association (KITA) and the Ministry of Environment operate CBAM response support programs, so checking industry-specific response guidelines and receiving expert consultant support is recommended.

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AI analyzes the characteristics of the Eco-Friendly Products industry and recommends the best overseas buyers for you. Also available through export vouchers.

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