Six reasons for choosing the EU Ecolabel
The EU Ecolabel is recognised across Europe with thousands of certified goods and services on the market. If you want to promote your eco-friendly goods on the wider EU market, the EU Ecolabel is the right choice!
Six reasons for choosing the EU Ecolabel:
- Consumers are increasingly looking for environmentally friendly products. As the EU Ecolabel is a trusted and recognisable label across the EU, having the EU Ecolabel on your goods or services will increasingly facilitate consumers’ choice in favour of your product. At the B2B level, the EU Ecolabel can create business opportunities for your goods or services as the market already favours sustainable and environmentally friendly products.
- The process of checking whether your goods or services comply with the EU Ecolabel criteria will highlight ways to optimise your products and production processes. This will further enhance your company's sustainable image, and can also lead to financial savings (e.g. reduced resource use and electricity consumption, improved waste management). Moreover, it will give you the opportunity to contribute to the zero pollution ambition and participating in relevant initiatives from the European Commission such as the Sustainable Consumption Pledge. As a result, your brand will stand out amongst your competitors.
- Public procurers are facing increasing demands to work with manufacturers of products that bear ecolabels in accordance with ISO 14024 (Type I), such as the EU Ecolabel. Having products or services awarded with the EU Ecolabel ensures easier access to Green Public Procurement (GPP)
- The EU Ecolabel has been developed to ensure that 10-20% of the most environmentally friendly products currently on the market can meet its criteria. The EU Ecolabel works in accordance with the ISO standard 14024 and is therefore a Type I label, one of the most reliable ways to communicate environmental information to consumers.
- Online User Manuals are available for most product groups to help you apply for an EU Ecolabel. The step-by-step explanation of the application process makes your application straightforward.
- Special discounts on EU Ecolabel fees exist for SMEs, micro-enterprises and applicants from developing economies. This can reduce the cost of preparing an application for the EU Ecolabel.
The EU Ecolabel aims to ease the customer’s choice in favour of sustainable products. This holds true for business purchasers, as well as shoppers. It’s also recognised across Europe, making it easy for you to sell your products across the continent. EU Ecolabel products are featured on the EU Ecolabel Product Catalogue (ECAT) or the EU Ecolabel Tourist Accommodation Catalogue, increasing your businesses and your products visibility.
The label is not an environmental label for industry, by industry. The scheme includes compliance checks, as well as independent verification, and is trusted by consumers. In addition, the EU Ecolabel adds value to your business and products by enhancing reputation, highlighting corporate social responsibility and increasing sales. The EU Ecolabel can also contribute to resource and money savings, e.g. through a reduction in raw material, water and energy consumption, reduced waste production or an improved carbon footprint. In addition, you can benefit from marketing activities carried out by the Commission and competent bodies and have improved access to GPP (Green Public Procurement).
Finally, the application process is simple, and can be done online. There are special discounts for SMEs, micro-enterprises, applicants from developing economies and companies registered under EMAS or certified under ISO 14001. Discover the reductions on the fees for SMES.
A survey conducted by Eurobarometer between September and October 2017 showed that more than a quarter of European respondents (27 %) are aware of the EU Ecolabel. Around one third of respondents (32 %) said that ecolabels play an important role in their purchasing decisions. Among those who were aware of any ecolabels, 30 % said that they have bought a product carrying the EU ecolabel and more than three-quarters (78 %) of respondents agreed that they ‘trust that products carrying the EU Ecolabel are environmentally friendly’. In a more recent survey conducted by Eurobarometer between February to March 2021, around a fifth of European respondents (22 %) declared to have bought products marked with an environmental label. This shows that labels play an important role in the purchasing behaviour of European consumers.
Discover more about the EU Ecolabel
Product groups and criteria
Discover the full range of EU Ecolabel products and criteria.
How to apply
Step-by-step support for applying for an EU Ecolabel for your goods or services.
Articles and Success Stories
Find out more about the EU Ecolabel through our articles and success stories.
Retailers
Where to find EU Ecolabel products and services, and how to get involved.
About the EU Ecolabel
Understand how the EU Ecolabel works and how stakeholders can strengthen the reach of the label.
Ecolabel facts and figures
Despite the COVID-19 crisis and despite the Brexit, the EU Ecolabel figures kept growing. test
EU Ecolabel Branding
Check out how businesses can communicate about the EU Ecolabel. Get involved!
FAQ
The top ten frequently asked questions regarding the EU Ecolabel.
Community and Helpdesk
Still have queries on the EU Ecolabel? Our Helpdesk and the Competent Bodies are here to help.
30th Anniversary
On March 23, 2022, the EU Ecolabel turned 30! In celebration, the Showroom on Wheels will be making a tour around Europe this summer and several member states will also be hosting their own festivities.
