ENVIRONMENTAL CERTIFICATION AS A FACTOR IN ENHANCING THE COMPETITIVENESS OF UKRAINIAN MEAT PROCESSING ENTERPRISES

Abstract

This article presents a scientific study on the impact of environmental certification on enhancing the overall competitiveness of Ukrainian meat processing enterprises amid economic transformations, European integration reforms, and military shocks during 2015–2025, with a development forecast for 2026. Sector development occurred under the influence of the EU Association Agreement and DCFTA, mandatory implementation of HACCP (ISO 22000) systems, COVID-19 pandemic distortions, and severe wartime damage to manufacturing infrastructure, raw material bases, and energy supply networks. Structural market shifts were analyzed, particularly the reduction in active market operators from over 690 entities in 2016 to around 300 enterprises in 2020–2025, leading to higher market concentration and assortment reconfiguration. The study examined the current geographical distribution of key regional processors, their raw material supply, technological equipment, and finished product properties. Special focus was given to enterprises certified under DSTU ISO 14024 and standard SOU OEM 08.002.03.069:2020 with the right to use the "Green Crane" label. It was revealed that among the six certified entities in the "Green Crane" registry, five obtained certification after 2022. The advantages of Type I eco-labeling were evaluated: verifying ecological safety for consumers, strengthening non-price advantages in Prozorro green procurement, optimizing resource intensity, and facilitating EU market access via Global Ecolabelling Network (GEN) membership. Based on a comparative SWOT analysis, the potential of leading enterprises (MHP SE, Globyntsi Meat Factory LLC, Meat Factory Yatran PJSC) for ISO 14024 life cycle certification was evaluated. Key strengths (vertical integration, BRCGS, GLOBAL G.A.P., FSSC 22000 compliance, circular economy practices) and constraints (high audit costs, waste management, epizootic risks, energy instability) were identified. State support mechanisms were justified: concessional financing, tax incentives for eco-equipment import, certification audit cost reimbursement, procurement priority, and greenwashing liability. Combining business strategies and state incentive policies forms the foundation for post-war green recovery and sustainable development.