Sustainability in the Halal Market: Innovations & Global Opportunities at MIHAS 2025

Halal is changing. What began as a set of guidelines and ethical practices for food consumption has now become a participant in a much larger conversation on sustainability, impact on climate, and social responsibility. For any industry - from food, to fashion, from finance to pharmaceuticals - there is a growing expectation for halal products and services to not only disclose, but to take into consideration care for the planet, fair production practices, and sustainable value to communities.

At MIHAS, we have witnessed this shift in real-time. Every year, we see our exhibitors, buyers, and partners asking deeper and deeper questions, not solely around certification or supply chains, but also concerning carbon footprint, sustainability sourcing, and responsible innovation in their operations. This is not a trend; it is a recalibration of what halal should mean in the present day.

With Malaysia, as the chair of ASEAN in 2025, we believe this is a timely opportunity for Malaysia to take up and advance an important discussion, moving in reverse, regionally and internationally.

A Growing Market, Facing New Pressures

Muslim consumer spending reached USD 2.29 trillion in 2022 and is projected to hit USD 3.3 trillion by 2028, spanning halal food, modest fashion, media, travel, cosmetics, and more (DinarStandard, 2023). But as the market expands, so do expectations. It's no longer just about what qualifies as halal—it's also about how it's produced, processed, and distributed.

For many consumers, particularly younger Muslims, halal and sustainability are now linked. A halal label carries greater weight when it also stands for environmental care, animal welfare, fair trade, and minimal waste. That shift is driving changes across product categories and creating new challenges for certification bodies and businesses alike.

Malaysia is already responding. The Halal Assurance System Manual, introduced by JAKIM in 2022, incorporated hygiene controls, environmental awareness, and risk-based assessments—indicators that the future of halal certification will integrate sustainability more intentionally.

Where Innovation Meets Intention

The halal economy is witnessing meaningful transitions across different spheres. In food, halal plant-based alternatives are moving quickly from niche to mainstream. Jackfruit, mushroom protein, and legumes are replacing low-value protein so that they not only meet halal dietary requirements but also lower emissions. This disruptive innovation is not replacing halal products completely, but deriving ethical and sustainable products where traditional models don't fit or they're impractical.

Packaging is also an area of concern. A slew of halal manufacturers are looking into using biodegradable, recyclable, or reusable materials for packaging made from cassava, sugarcane, or recycled pulp. This is especially relevant in Southeast Asia, where plastic waste has long been a regional issue.

In pharmaceuticals and cosmetics, there are sustainable production methods showing promise in halal. There are counterpart possible in pharmaceuticals, moving from testing on animals to cruelty-free, refillable containers and minimal ingredients whilst companies are also developing products that begin with ethical or sustainable values.

Digital tools are helping in audit bigger accountability. Blockchain is being used to verify halal supply chains. Halal fintech is bringing ESG-aligned Islamic financial products to market, including green sukuk and impact investment strategies which are both Shariah and sustainability-centered.

Malaysia’s Regional Role as ASEAN Chair

Malaysia has long played a leading role in the halal economy, supported by a well-established certification infrastructure and strong trade networks. As ASEAN Chair in 2025, we see this as an opportunity to raise the regional bar, not just in trade volume, but in values.

ASEAN is home to more than 240 million Muslims. Many are young, digitally connected, and deeply aware of environmental and social challenges. There is a clear demand for a halal economy that meets modern ethical standards while staying rooted in religious principles.

By integrating sustainability goals into halal trade, standards, and policy dialogues, Malaysia can help shape a more unified and forward-looking halal ecosystem in Southeast Asia—and signal to global partners that this region is serious about responsible growth.

What MIHAS 2025 Brings to the Table

MIHAS has always been more than a trade show. It’s a global platform that connects ideas, innovation, and industry under one roof. In 2025, as Malaysia leads ASEAN, MIHAS will take on added relevance—not just in scale, but in the kind of conversations it will host.

For exhibitors, MIHAS 2025 offers a unique opportunity to showcase halal products and services that align with sustainability values. Through our International Sourcing Programme (INSP), we provide targeted business-matching that connects ethical producers with high-value global buyers looking for products that tick both boxes: halal and sustainable.

For visitors, it’s a chance to see innovation up close. From ethical sourcing models to eco-conscious packaging, halal fintech to climate-conscious logistics—MIHAS brings together the latest thinking from around the world. Our hybrid format allows global audiences to take part—whether in person or virtually—so conversations are not limited by geography.

Across the exhibition floor and knowledge-sharing sessions, sustainability will be a central theme. Expect product showcases, panel discussions, and interactive sessions that explore how halal can respond to global environmental and ethical concerns, without losing sight of tradition.

Looking Forward

Halal and sustainability are not opposing ideas. In fact, they overlap in more ways than many realise. At its core, halal already promotes moderation, responsibility, and fairness—values that align naturally with sustainable practices.

The challenge now is turning these values into action. At MIHAS 2025, we hope to provide the space, network, and direction to do just that. Whether you’re a business leader, a policymaker, or a buyer exploring new markets, MIHAS is where meaningful halal innovation takes shape.

And as Malaysia steps into its role as ASEAN Chair, we remain committed to helping drive a halal economy that is not only compliant but also conscious of its impact on people, planet, and future generations.