STO Launches Energy-Efficient Appliances with Hakathari Label

The State Trading Organisation (STO) has introduced new washing machines and refrigerators featuring the 'Hakathari' energy efficiency label. This label is part of an initiative by the Ministry of Climate Change, Environment, and Energy to promote the use of energy-efficient appliances and equipment.
The Hakathari label, introduced in 2021, rates appliances on a five-star system. The more stars an appliance has, the more energy-efficient it is, indicating significant energy savings. The products launched by STO are rated between three to five stars.
In a special ceremony held on Thursday, STO People's Choice's Marketing Manager, Mohamed Shahaad, highlighted that STO is the first company to introduce products with the Hakathari label. He recalled that the first Hakathari-labeled products introduced by STO in 2022 were air conditioners.
"We introduced additional products under this label last year as well. Today, we are releasing washing machines and refrigerators under the label. These products are part of Hitachi's new releases. They include products with various Hakathari labels with various ratings," said Shahaad.
The event also featured Tarun Jain, Director of Sales at Hitachi's Home Appliance (Singapore), who spoke about the rigorous process of modifying products to meet the labelling requirements set by the Ministry of Environment. Jain emphasized that the high standards of the Hakathari label ensure that the appliances are truly energy-efficient.
Established in 1964 by the Maldivian government, STO started as a fully state-funded business aimed at strengthening national food security. Over the years, it has diversified its operations significantly, venturing into areas such as petroleum, cooking gas, building materials, healthcare, consumer electronics, supermarket products, insurance, fisheries, shipping, and bunkering.
STO's introduction of these energy-efficient appliances aligns with its mission to provide high-quality, sustainable products to its customers. By offering appliances with the Hakathari label, STO is helping consumers make environmentally friendly choices that can lead to substantial energy savings.
The Hakathari label initiative and STO’s commitment to offering energy-efficient appliances mark a significant step towards promoting sustainability in the Maldives. The introduction of these new washing machines and refrigerators will provide consumers with more options to reduce their energy consumption and contribute to a greener environment.
STO’s efforts in launching these products not only highlight the company’s dedication to innovation and customer satisfaction but also its role in supporting national goals for energy efficiency and environmental conservation.