BRUSSELS – With the coatings market evolving at pace, the European Commission has rolled out a refreshed set of EU Ecolabel criteria for Paints & Varnishes. They bring one of the scheme’s key product groups up to date with the latest technological advances and market trends, including revised requirements for the most environmentally friendly paints and varnishes on the market.
Stronger safeguards for health and the environment
The revised criteria promote sustainability by addressing the full life cycle of paints and varnishes. This reduces environmental impact, while also caring for your health. Most notably, the criteria introduce:
- lower limits for volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs) to reduce emissions during application;
- strict thresholds for volatile organic compounds (VOCs), addressing longer-term indoor exposure which help to improve indoor air quality;
- revised fitness for use criteria to ensure alignment with industry practices aimed to accurately account for best performance products;
- updated preservative limits, balancing product performance and durability with stronger environmental protection.
Another novelty is that the criteria encourage efficient product use and provide guidance on the management of unused paints and coatings, supporting the transition towards a more circular and competitive economy.
Clearer structure for a more diverse market
To provide greater clarity for applicants, the original product group has been split into two distinct groups: ‘decorative paints, varnishes and related products’ and ‘performance coatings and related products’, each with tailored criteria reflecting their functions and use patterns. In addition, a new, third product group has been introduced for ‘water-based aerosol spray paints’, recognising a growing market segment with substantial potential for improved environmental performance. This better reflects today’s coating market and allows EU Ecolabel to capture best available techniques and future innovation pathways for the different product categories.
The new requirements will be valid until 31 December 2032.
To support stakeholders in navigating the changes, the European Commission (Joint Research Centre-JRC and DG Environment) is hosting a must-attend webinar on 19 February 2026. The event will serve as a technical presentation on the new revised criteria and requirements and the EU Ecolabel application process. It will also be an opportunity to highlight how the EU Ecolabel supports competitiveness and innovation and recall how companies can use the EU Ecolabel logo for their products marketing/promotional activities.
Why it matters for industry and consumers
For manufacturers, brand owners and private-label retailers, the EU Ecolabel remains a recognised, science-based tool to demonstrate environmental excellence, market differentiation and competitiveness. It builds customer trust, as well as opens access to new business and green public procurement opportunities.
Further information and supporting documentation, including the User Manual that guides companies through the application process, can be found on EU Ecolabel - Paints and Varnishes.
Details
- Publication date
- 5 February 2026
- Author
- Directorate-General for Environment
