European Commission

The concept of Eco-labels

Eco-labels are ‘brands’ placed on certain products. They allow consumers to choose those which have been recognised as less harmful to the environment. Eco-labels are voluntary schemes based on specific environmental criteria. They are open to all businesses and awarded in a non-discriminatory manner.

Conditions for the use of Eco-labels

Public purchasers are allowed to make use of the environmental information contained in eco-labelling schemes (and underlying the eco-label) if they meet the following conditions:

• Specifications are appropriate to define the characteristics of the supplies or services that are the object of the contract
• Requirements for the label are drawn up on the basis of scientific information
• Requirements for the label are adopted using a procedure in which all stakeholders, such as government bodies, consumers, manufacturers, distributors and environmental organisations, can participate
• They are accessible to all interested parties

Contracting authorities cannot require that purchased products/services bear the eco-label as such. They can, however, request that products comply with underlying technical specifications, and then recognise the label as one possible (not exclusive) way for the bidder to prove compliance of its bid with the said specifications.

The EU Eco-label, which came into operation in late 1992, makes it easier for consumers to choose green products. Orginally based on the principles established at the UN Summit in Rio, the EU Eco-label today follows the Implementation Plan agreed at the Johannesburg 2002 World Summit on Sustainable Development as well as the EU’s 6th Environmental Action Programme.

The concept of eco-labels was originally started by various NGOs, but today the EU has established the rules governing eco-labelling in the Union. The EU Eco-label regulation sets the legal framework for the operation of the EU Eco-label Scheme, while several Commission Decisions establish the requirements that the products have to meet in order to be awarded with the EU Eco-label.

The Flower – Eco-label of the EU

The European Eco-label, also known as the 'Flower', is awarded by an independent third-party to products that meet a set of strict environmental and performance criteria, which take into account the full life-cycle of the product. These criteria are set with full stakeholder participation and cover some 24 product groups, such as textiles, paints, paper products, detergents and household appliances. The scheme also covers services, and award criteria for the first service groups, tourist accommodations and campsites, are already available.

Products with the EU Eco-label

• Have certified good environmental quality and guaranteed technical performance
• Have a lower environmental impact on air, water, soil and human health throughout its life cycle, from raw material extraction to end-of-life
• Often present the added value advantage of lower than average costs

Easy green procurement with the Flower

• No expert knowledge required: The EU Eco-label criteria take into account the main environmental impacts of a product and the technically possible improvements. These criteria are established at European level by the EU Eco-labelling Board. This Board is comprised of the European Commission, national EU Eco-label competent bodies, business and industry, consumers, environmentalists, and SMEs. This ensures a transparent procedure, as well as a European-wide consensus on the scientific reliability of the criteria and credibility in terms of protection of the environment and product efficiency.
• Fully compatible with the principles of the Internal Market: The EU Eco-label scheme is public, transparent and non-discriminatory. It is valid and identical throughout the European Union, as well as the European Economic Area (EEA) countries of Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein. Products and services originating from outside the EEA can also be awarded the EU Eco-label under exactly the same conditions as their EU equivalents. All competitors are therefore offered equal opportunities.
  
• Easy identification: Products that comply with the technical requirements and their manufacturers can easily be recognised. The Green Store online tool helps consumers and purchasers find updated information on all products bearing the EU Eco-label for every established product group in European Member States and abroad.