How companies are making ecolabels core to sustainability. The previous version of the eu ecolabel logo shall no longer be used to market the eu ecolabel. Ecolabeling standards, green procurement and the wto i. Backed by all eu member states and the european commission, it is europes and the uks official environmental label. For stale brands, ecolabels can augment brand value. Yet, where brand equity is high, the ecolabel itself may not add much value, except where it complements an existing brand value proposition. This users manual for ecolabelling of footwear describes the procedure for applying the eu ecolabel.
Meaning, pronunciation, translations and examples log in dictionary. Product labeling regulations in the us, eu and australia. The logo and licence number shall only be used during the validity period of the eu ecolabel licence. At the time of its creation, the only other existing label was the german blue angel. Cosmetics sold in the european union must include either a pao or bbe symbol. Product labeling regulations in the us, eu and australia posted on february 9. When youre rushing round the aisles of the supermarket or picking up something from the shop, with so many green labels and claims lining the shelves, it can be hard to tell which ones to trust. The eetls is the result of a lengthy development and consultation process that documented international best practice leading to a set of criteria and indicators that. The european union s ecodesign directive directive 2009125ec establishes a framework to set mandatory ecological requirements for energyusing and energyrelated products sold in all 28 member states. These labels are supplied by organizations that identify products or services that meet sustainable standards. The european commission has published today regulation eu 20192020 on ecodesign requirements for lighting and regulation eu 20192015 on energy labelling for lighting which will apply in all eu member states from september 2021. Eco label is characterized as a tool for consumers to assist the progress of making a decision to choose eco friendly product. The eu ecolabel covers a wide range of product groups, from major areas of manufacturing to tourist accommodation services. Its daily management is carried out by the european commission together with bodies from the member states and other stakeholders see who does what.
Austrian ecolabel for tourism the austrian ecolabel for tourism and leisure time industry is awarded to tourist accommodations, catering enterprises, conference and event locations, campsites and shelter huts for their commitment in the fields of environmentally friendly management and. Examples of proper and improper use of the colour eu ecolabel logo. Ecologo is one of the oldest and most trusted ecolabeling programs that youve probably never heard of. It also allows them to understand how the process of products are made. Unfortunately, because theres no standardized definition for any of these words, theyre actually meaningless. Development of european ecolabel and green public procurement criteria for office buildings jrc ipts draft report product definition and scope june 2011. Mid green for products with a high level of one or more meaningful green attributes or ecolabels. Established in 1992 and recognised across europe and worldwide, the eu ecolabel is a label of environmental excellence that is awarded to products and services meeting high environmental standards throughout their lifecycle. Mark awarded by the european community eu to producers who voluntarily employ verifiable measures that significantly reduce the harmful effects of their processes and products.
Recognized throughout europe, eu ecolabel is a voluntary label promoting environmental excellence which can be trusted. Different jurisdictions have different rules governing what products may qualify for ecolabels. Cosmetic products must include information that explains what they are for, how to use them safely, and how to obtain the best result. Ecolabel definition and meaning collins english dictionary. The question is, should we consider including other types of information within that label for instance, embodied water. The aim of the application form is to give guidance for companies that want to draw up an application for an ecolabel for footwear.
Eu ecolabel or eu flower is a voluntary ecolabel scheme established in 1992 by the european. The eu ecolabel is a voluntary scheme, which means that producers, importers and retailers can choose to apply for the label for their products. The numbers behind the german biosiegel illustrate huge the market for organic food and beverages. There are several ways ecolabel standards and criteria could be used by a world bank. Embodied carbon labelling may help us minimise the impact our shopping has on global warming, but what about robbing dry countries of their water. The european ecolabel is part of a broader strategy aimed at promoting sustainable consumption and production. The eu ecolabel is a voluntary label you can use to show that your product or service meets a specific europewide environmental standard. The label includes a green flower with inclined green. Wherever you are, whether its from your bed, living room, or kitchen, heres how you can join the fashion revolution online this year. Ecolabeling schemes what are they and how do they work. Following the current discussion in the european commission, the ecolabel can also be adopted by books publishers. One of the worlds most trustworthy and rigorous ecolabeling schemes, the european union eu eco label is partly designed to stimulate the market for ecofriendly goods. Ec european community epa environmental protection agency gatt general agreement on tariffs and trade 1994 gats general agreement on trade in. For companies at a higher level of sustainability integration across their entire business, ecolabeling is more straightforward.
The eu was created by the maastricht treaty, which entered into force on november 1, 1993. Third, labels encourage a general raising of environmental performance, even. Clothing sold in the european union must carry care instructions and fiber composition i. Vegetarian certifications on food labels vegetarian. Specifically, the eu cosmetics regulation requires cosmetic products to provide the following information on the label or on the packaging. The number of product categories covered by the scheme was to be expanded from 19 to 30, and more money was earmarked for promoting the scheme among manufacturers and consumers. Eu ecolabel or eu flower is a voluntary ecolabel scheme established in 1992 by the european commission. A label attached to a consumer good indicating that it is energy efficient, was produced sustainably, or is otherwise environmentally friendly. To date, more than 3,000 german businesses produce more than 50,000 products which carry the organic label. Part one discusses the application of life cycle assessment lca methodology to building materials as well as ecolabeling. European commission ecolabel this provides businesses with further information, brochures, links and detailed criteria about eu ecolabel for each product and service. Its scope currently covers more than 40 product groups such as boilers, lightbulbs, tvs and fridges, which are responsible for around 40% of all eu greenhouse gas emissions citation needed. At this time, the evu label is displayed mostly on food products and in restaurants in europe, although some products displaying the label may be exported to the united states.
Eu ecolabel news newspapers books scholar jstor september 2014 learn how and when to remove this template message. The eu ecolabel was established in 1992 by the european commission. A label can, for example, inform the customer about the following. Eetls the european ecotourism labelling standard is a baseline quality standard developed along the lines of the global sustainable tourism criteria, for european ecotourism. New regulations on ecodesign and energy labelling impact. Ecolabelling definition and meaning collins english. Simply said, ecolabelled cleaning products are better by nature. Here are links to of the best eco labels in the market. The eu ecolabel helps to identify products and services that have a reduced environmental impact throughout their life cycle. By following the european ecolabel flower, you get products that tread gently on the environment throughout their life cycle, from the creation of the chemicals themselves, to their packaging, to their disposal.
Ecolabelling definition of ecolabelling by the free dictionary. In fact, many companies intentionally use vague words to market their products as if theyre better for you and the environment than they actually are. Recognised throughout europe, the eu ecolabel is a voluntary label promoting environmental excellence which can be trusted. Recognized throughout europe, eu ecolabel is a voluntary label promoting environmental excellence which. Ekoenergy is a label for electricity, managed by the european ekoenergy network, a network of more than 30 environmental ngos from over 20 european countries. Ecolabel meaning in the cambridge english dictionary. Every day an average of 19 new products are submitted for certification. Access the eu ecolabel product catalogue to find out more information about environmentally friendly high quality products and where you can find them. Ecolabels are affixed to products that pass ecofriendly criteria laid down by government, association or standards certification bodies. Green public procurement in the european union and the use of. The ekoenergy label is the only electricity label which has resulted from a paneuropean consultation process, which works on the whole european market and which is recognized by. The name and the address of the company responsible person. Product groups and criteria ecolabel europa european. Heres what 10 symbols on cosmetics labels mean mental floss.
European ecolabelling has enjoyed a very uneven history. Established more than 20 years ago and acquired by underwriters laboratories ul in 2010, ecologo is currently the only north american ecolabeling program approved by the global ecolabelling network gen, an association of thirdparty. By law, the european community energy label must be displayed on all new household products displayed for sale, hire or hirepurchase. Ecolabel definition of ecolabel by the free dictionary. The evu label is a vegetarian label, not a vegan label. Producers, manufacturers, importers, service providers, wholesalers and retailers can apply for the label. Despite these advantages, ecolabels have often been criticized, for example. At the beginning of 2002, the european commission announced plans to revitalize its own ecolabeling scheme for the eu, the flower mark. This may seem trivial but, in countries where water is a precious resource, there is often conflict over water. Ecolabelling definition of ecolabelling by the free. There will also be discussion on ecolabelling, which may be illegal under current trade rules. Austrian ecolabel for tourism eco product eco labelling. The right to use the eu ecolabel logo shall not infringe the european ommissions trademark rights.
National vegetarian groups administer the label in their respective countries. Established in 1992 and recognised across europe and worldwide, the eu ecolabel is a label of environmental excellence that is awarded to. European union eu, international organization comprising 27 european countries and governing common economic, social, and security policies. Please keep in mind that this it is the licence holders. Mark awarded by the european community eu to producers who voluntarily employ. All ecolabels certifying products in ecolabel index, the independent global directory of ecolabels and environmental certification schemes.