MiNa
Tue, 08/10/2024 – 15:05
EU Ecolabel: enabling consumers to make informed choices
On 10 October, World Ecolabel Day, the European Commission released the latest statistics showing continued growth in the number of products (goods and services) awarded the EU Ecolabel. This increase has really picked up the pace this year, and Europeans can now choose from nearly 100 000 EU Ecolabel-certified goods and services – 10 000 more than this time last year.
And this is good news for consumers! It can be difficult to cut through straight-up greenwashing and exaggerated claims and really know what it is you’re buying. The EU Ecolabel is regulated by Regulation (EC) No 66/2010 and has a set of objective criteria. These criteria are geared to the best 10-20% of the products available on the EEA market in terms of environmental performance – so the bar is being set pretty high. They look at the main environmental impacts of the product and its technical performance, including health, safety, social and ethical aspects. Hazardous substances should be replaced by safer ones and durability, reusability, recyclability and recycled content of products are key factors. The criteria are revised frequently as technology and product design do not stand still. Companies awarded the label are monitored for ongoing compliance.
The Ecolabel is a strong driver of the circular economy: it supports products and services that have a lower environmental impact and are energy efficient, durable and repairable.
To learn more, take a look at all of the latest facts and figures now!
Do you want to be a part of the initiative to grow and green your business by joining the EU Ecolabel scheme? Learn more about all the product groups and criteria.
