ISO 14024 Standard
The ISO 14024 standard establishes the principles and procedures for the development of Type I environmental labeling programs. This standard, set by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), includes the selection of product categories, environmental criteria, and product functional characteristics, as well as the assessment and demonstration of conformity. The definition of an ISO 14024 Type 1 label is: "a voluntary program, based on multiple third-party criteria, that awards a license authorizing the use of environmental labels on products indicating the overall environmental preferability of a product within a particular product category based on considerations related to the life cycle."
Here is an overview of the guiding principles of the ISO 14024 standard:
- Voluntary nature
- Principles of the ISO 14020 standard apply
- Applicants must comply with environmental legislation and other relevant regulations
- Criteria development includes a comprehensive life cycle approach
- Environmental criteria differentiate environmentally preferable products from others
- Criteria based on indicators derived from life cycle considerations. Criteria set at achievable and measurable levels.
- Fitness for purpose and performance levels [of products] considered in criteria development
- Criteria are established with a predefined validity period. Criteria and product functional requirements are reviewed, and potentially revised, within a predefined time period.
- Formal process of open participation for the selection and review of product categories, environmental criteria, and product functional characteristics.
- All environmental criteria and product [features] are verifiable. Compliance evaluation incorporates generally accepted standards and methods.
- Transparency exists in all phases of the development and operation of the eco-labeling program; information on significant aspects of the program is available for inspection and comments from interested parties.
- No unnecessary barriers to international trade
- Enrollment and participation are open to all potential candidates.
- Development and selection of criteria based on sound scientific and engineering principles.
- The program is free from undue influences
- Fees are kept as low as possible and applied fairly to all applicants and license holders
- Confidentiality of relevant information is maintained
- Mutual recognition is considered desirable
Furthermore, the EU Ecolabel is an example of a Type I voluntary label as defined by the ISO 14024 standard. It is based on criteria set scientifically regarding the entire life cycle of products.
What does EU Ecolabel mean?
The EU Ecolabel is the European Union's ecological quality label that distinguishes products and services which, while ensuring high performance standards, have a reduced environmental impact throughout their entire life cycle. It is a voluntary Type 1 eco-label – ISO 14024, based on a system of selective criteria, defined scientifically, taking into account the environmental impacts of the products or services, subject to certification by an independent body (competent organization). The EU Ecolabel Certification offers companies the opportunity to certify their products and services, ensuring their sustainability and reduced environmental impact. In particular, it is a recognized European label that certifies products and services based on rigorous environmental criteria.
How many countries adhere to EU Ecolabel?
The EU Ecolabel is recognized in all European Union countries. However, the distribution of EU Ecolabel licenses varies from country to country. For example, the majority of EU Ecolabel licenses have been granted in Italy (18%), Germany (15%), and France (15%). Additionally, 109 licenses (4% of the total) with 1837 products (2% of the total) have been awarded to companies based outside the EU (mainly in Norway, Pakistan, Switzerland, Turkey, the UK, and the US). Therefore, the EU Ecolabel is recognized and used in many countries, both inside and outside the European Union.
How do I recognize a product with EU Ecolabel?
Products carrying the EU Ecolabel display the "EU flower" logo, which is easily recognizable. This logo indicates that the product meets all criteria and has earned the right to join the growing EU Ecolabel community.
Retailers, both physical stores and e-commerce, can access public information on products awarded the EU Ecolabel by consulting the EU Open Data Portal. They can enhance the display of EU Ecolabel products for sale and install tags/filters to easily identify such products in their store or online.
