How to make sustainable choices?
Consumers are increasingly willing to take part in the green transition, supporting wider sustainability efforts in Europe and beyond though their choices.
A Commission study from 2020 highlighted that 53.3% of environmental claims reviewed in the EU were found to be “vague, misleading or unfounded” and 40% were “unsubstantiated”.
With over 230 different environmental labels on the market (see EU Green Claims overview), consumers find difficult to distinguish the ones to trust. The EU Ecolabel has established itself as a reference for making smart and sustainable consumer choices, as it is awarded to goods and services with proven lower environmental impacts in respect to similar products on the market. It also acts as a guarantee of high quality.
The EU Ecolabel is a reliable tool to help consumers choose the most environmentally friendly goods and services from the thousands on offer, both on- and offline. It is a label that can be trusted and gives consumers added confidence that their choices matter!
Choosing the EU Ecolabel lifestyle
You might have already come across the EU Ecolabel’s distinctive flower logo which can be found on thousands of everyday goods and services, including soaps and shampoos, detergents, clothes, paints and varnishes, paper products and furniture, as well as hotels and campsites and cleaning services.
Whether shopping online or in a shop, look out for the official EU Ecolabel logo!
Learn how retailers can contribute to the promotion of EU Ecolabel products.
Yes. With environmental claims on products being so common, it can be difficult to tell the difference between ‘greenwashing’ and reliable claims. EU Ecolabel products can be trusted because, from production to use and disposal, they have been assessed as products with reduce environmental impact. Scientifically sound criteria have been developed in a transparent way involving scientists, NGOs and stakeholders to enable consumers to make environmentally responsible choices. In addition, the EU Ecolabel can be awarded by independent third-party organisations only to the best 10-20% products on the market, in terms of environmental performance.
The EU Ecolabel logo is a reliable, third-party certified label covering all major environmental, health and social issues. Reliability is ensured through a transparent process for setting the EU Ecolabel criteria. EU Ecolabel products are easily recognisable through the display of the EU Ecolabel logo on each certified product. The EU Ecolabel thus helps consumers make informed choices and opt for environmentally friendly products, boosting the market for sustainable products in a circular economy.
Once its products received the approval for the EU Ecolabel, the producer can place the EU Ecolabel logo anywhere on the product and its packaging.
Market surveillance and control of the use of the EU Ecolabel is guaranteed by Competent Bodies through Article 10 of the Regulation (EC) No 66/2010 on the EU Ecolabel.
Moreover, each EU Ecolabel licence holder has signed a contract that sets out the terms of use of the label (see ANNEX IV of the Regulation (EC) No 66/2010 for the standard contract covering the terms of use of the EU Ecolabel). Once the contract is in place, the Competent Body may at any time request the necessary documentation from the licence holder to monitor compliance of the product with the criteria and the conditions of use laid down in the contract. The competent body may also visit the premises of the licence holder to ensure that the requirements are met.
If you noticed an improper use of the EU Ecolabel, you can send us a notification.
Do you have a complaint?
Visit the EU Ecolabel Helpdesk page and we will be ready to assist you and answer any questions!
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Discover the full range of EU Ecolabel products and criteria.
Discover EU Ecolabel products by filtering for a category/product group or by searching for a specific licence, product or company.
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Still have queries on the EU Ecolabel? Our Helpdesk and the Competent Bodies are here to help.