Like other countries around the world, Europe also has its own ecological certification organizations for environmentally friendly products and services. Among them, the EU Ecolabel stands out as the European ecological label with a certification scope that covers almost every product and service market.
Learn about the EU Ecolabel
To meet consumer demand for high-quality, environmentally friendly products and services, the European Council established the EU Ecolabel in 1992 through a regulation of the Parliament and Council. The ecolabel is managed by the European Commission in cooperation with the authorities of Member States and other stakeholders.
The EU Ecolabel belongs to the Type I ecolabel group and is a voluntary environmental quality certification. Products and services wishing to obtain this certification must meet strict environmental standards in accordance with ISO 14024 throughout their life cycle, with high post-consumer recyclability. Furthermore, as an independent third party, this ecolabel is also notable for its high credibility and transparency.
Currently, the reputation of the EU Ecolabel is not limited to Europe but is also widely recognized worldwide because this eco-label does not restrict the territorial scope for registered businesses. In other words, any business in the world can participate in the EU Ecolabel, especially those wishing to enter the eco-friendly product and service market in Europe.
Criteria of the EU Ecolabel
Composition and Toxicity
One of the most important requirements of any eco-label certification is the requirement for ingredients and toxicity in the product. The EU Ecolabel is no exception. Therefore, businesses need to provide environmental toxicity test data that meets the following requirements:
- Strict control of VOC solvents to reduce air pollution.
- Strict limits on CMR substances, heavy metals, or non-biodegradable components.
- Surfactants must meet OECD biodegradability standards.
- Products must have a low impact on aquatic organisms.
Production and life cycle
In addition to controlling ingredients and toxicity, the EU Ecolabel also requires businesses to ensure emissions throughout the product life cycle, from extraction to disposal. At the end of the product life cycle, businesses must also provide parameters proving that the product is highly recyclable.
Benefits of the EU Ecolabel
Consumers
Amidst thousands of green products and services being produced daily to chase profits without guaranteeing quality, the existence of the EU Ecolabel helps consumers feel more secure if they intend to participate in a sustainable eco-friendly lifestyle. Each product bearing this eco-label certification has undergone clear verification, providing assurance regarding product quality and consumer health. This eliminates the need for consumers to worry about greenwashing when purchasing and using green products and services.
Businesses
The EU Ecolabel is one of the ecological labeling organizations belonging to the Global Ecolabelling Network, so the reputation of this ecological certification carries weight not only in Europe but also worldwide. Once a business obtains this certification, it can easily bring its products to the global market and connect with large international organizations and businesses. And of course, if a business intends to expand into the European market, the EU Ecolabel will be the perfect visa.
Environment
With strict ISO 14024 environmental standards and high post-use product recycling requirements, the EU Ecolabel contributes to protecting the ecosystem by controlling product quality, limiting emissions, and reducing harmful chemicals. Additionally, the standards set by the EU Ecolabel help conserve natural energy resources to prevent overexploitation.
Conclusion
As Europe’s leading eco-label certification, the EU Ecolabel has been increasingly successful in providing consumers with quality eco-friendly products and services and laying the foundation for the fight against greenwashing around the world. If you are considering entering a large European market or any other international market, the EU Ecolabel is an excellent certification to help build trust and credibility.