Although not the oldest ecolabel certification organization in the world, EcoLogo by UL Solutions remains a prominent ecolabel with a rich history and international reputation. This ecolabel certification is recognized in most countries around the world, spanning the Americas, Europe, Asia, and even Australia and New Zealand. Now, let’s learn more about this international ecolabel in the following article.
ECP – The Predecessor of EcoLogo
Before being named EcoLogo, this ecolabel was an environmental program established by Environment Canada in 1988, called the Environmental Choice Program (ECP). EcoLogo was considered the official certification mark of this program.
The purpose of ECP was to help Canadian consumers easily find and verify eco-friendly products and services that cause less harm to the environment. At the time of its launch, ECP had over 300 product types and quickly gained popularity among Canadian consumers in particular and consumers worldwide in general.
From ECP to the international EcoLogo
Although it was just an environmental program designed to assist Canadian consumers, the reputation of ECP gradually spread worldwide, contributing to greater development potential for the program. In 1995, the Canadian Ministry of the Environment granted management rights for ECP to TerraChoice, a renowned Canadian environmental consulting firm. By 2010, ECP was officially transferred to UL Solutions, part of UL (Underwriters Laboratories), after TerraChoice merged with UL. This marked the milestone when EcoLogo became an American ecolabel organization rather than one originating in Canada.
From that point on, EcoLogo gradually expanded its certification scope to include all businesses across all continents. To date, EcoLogo has certified over 7,000 eco-friendly products across more than 122 categories, elevating the certification’s international recognition.
Who can participate in EcoLogo?
EcoLogo has specific standards for each product type, so businesses wishing to register for this eco-abel certification need to understand the standards for their products. EcoLogo currently has prominent product groups classified by UL numbers:
- UL 2759: Solid surface cleaners
- UL 2777: Floor care products
- UL 2762: Adhesives
- UL 2784: Hand sanitizers
Typically, EcoLogo standards focus on ensuring that heavy metals are not present in the product, as well as committing to using the lowest possible levels of toxic chemicals and emissions (within permitted limits). At the same time, products must meet technical quality standards alongside high post-consumer recycling rates. The process from extraction to product sale must also comply with environmental standards, ensuring efficient energy use, no waste of resources, and prioritizing the use of available sustainable resources.
Why is EcoLogo important?
Consumer trust and safety
Based on a careful verification process in accordance with the ISO 14024 environmental standard and its position as an independent third party, EcoLogo has built a transparent and reputable image for its consumers. In addition, this ecolabel requires businesses to minimize the use of toxic chemicals in their products. Therefore, consumers can both participate in protecting the environment when using EcoLogo products and ensure their own health.
Enhancing business standing
Managed by the renowned UL Solutions organization, EcoLogo has been and continues to be widely recognized around the world, even in demanding markets. Therefore, products bearing the EcoLogo certification will also receive this recognition, contributing to the company’s reputation, credibility, and serving as a stepping stone to expand its international business market. More importantly, as an international certification, any company, regardless of location, can apply for EcoLogo certification.
Benefits for governments
In countries using the LEED system, incorporating EcoLogo products into projects increases their international sustainability score. At the same time, some government agencies always prioritize using EcoLogo products as a “shortcut” because it helps them know that the products have met environmental standards without having to go through a verification process.
Reducing environmental pollution
As mentioned, EcoLogo products must minimize the use of harmful chemicals and reduce emissions into the environment. This standard is not only considered during production but also applies throughout the product’s life cycle, starting from the raw material extraction stage. In addition, products must also achieve a certain recycling rate depending on their classification. Therefore, products with EcoLogo certification are guaranteed to be eco-friendly, minimizing their impact on the ecological environment.
Conclusion
Through its efforts, EcoLogo has contributed to providing consumers with products that are both high-quality and environmentally and health-friendly. But it doesn’t stop there; this ecolabel has also successfully demonstrated its economic value, credibility with green businesses and governments, and above all, its value for the ecological environment.