Eco Labels

Eco-Labelling Schemes enable consumers to identify environmentally-friendly products; products within such Schemes are labelled with a legally protected logo. Eco-labelling schemes are based on voluntary participation by potential licensees; the World Trade Organsiation claimed that compulsory schemes were restrictive to free trade.

There are several Eco-Labelling Schemes in Europe; some are national labels managed by governmental organisations, others by international organisations such as the European Eco-Label, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the World Trade Organisation (WTO) and the International Standards Organisation (ISO). Generic guidance on the compilation of environmental labels may be obtained from ISO 14020 series that address self-declared environmental claims and other environmental labelling issues.

Manufacturers and service providers wishing to apply for an Eco-Label must provide proof that their products or services meet the ecological criteria - technical standards linked with environmental protection requirements - that are the result of scientific studies. There is no standard applicable to eco-labelling criteria; some cover the entire manufacturing processes (Life Cycle Analysis/Integrated Product Policy) and others some aspect such as the origin of raw materials.

for information on the Integrated Product Policy

Eco-labels should be distinguished from:

The European Commission set up the "European Daisy Scheme" in 1992 that was revised in 2000.

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