EU Ecolabel
Governmental Agency: European Parliament
Jurisdiction: European Union
Ref no: Regulation EEC 880/92
Status: Adopted
The EU Ecolabel is a voluntary, ISO 14024 compliant labelling scheme, first introduced in 1992, to enable consumers to make conscious purchasing choices without compromising on the quality of the products.
Labels are awarded to products and services which have a lower environmental impact than other products in the same group. The label criteria were devised using scientific data on the whole of a product’s life cycle, from product development to disposal. The latest iteration in 2010 improved the rules on the award, use and operation of the label.
The EU Commission provides supporting Decisions for particular product categories:
- For footwear, the Ecolabel Criteria presented in the 2016 Commission Decision relate to sustainable management of natural origin raw materials, reduced pollution in production processes, a minimised use of hazardous substances, and products that are tested for durability. Products in scope include all kinds of school, casual, town, sports, fashion, infants and indoor footwear.
- For textile product groups, the Ecolabel Criteria presented in the 2014 Commission Decision guarantees a more sustainable fibre production, a less polluting production process, strict restrictions on the use of hazardous substances, and a long-lasting final product. Products in scope include textile clothing and accessories, interior textiles, fibres, yarn, fabric and knitted panels.
-
The EU Ecolabel scheme can be utilised by any businesses producing footwear or textile products as defined by the scope of the Commission Decisions highlighted in the Description.
The label may be awarded to all goods or services distributed, consumed or used on the EU market whether in return for payment or free of charge, on condition that the ecological criteria have been clearly established.
Businesses that are able to meet the criteria set out in the scheme and obtain EU Ecolabel certification are likely to benefit from increased consumer trust and a competitive advantage in the marketplace.
