EcoLabels

Ecolabels are marks placed on products or services to indicate that they meet defined environmental criteria established by an independent program. They are often voluntary, though some jurisdictions or sectors require labels for certain products. Ecolabels are typically awarded through third‑party certification or auditing, rather than by the company alone, to provide credible assurance to consumers.

Criteria underlying ecolabels usually consider multiple stages of a product’s lifecycle, including raw materials, manufacturing, packaging, use, and end-of-life disposal. The goal is to help consumers compare environmental performance and to incentivize manufacturers to improve sustainability, design greener products, and reduce environmental impacts.

Types of ecolabels vary. Type I labels, as described in ISO 14024, are multi-attribute, independently certified labels that cover several environmental aspects. Type II labels are self-declared by manufacturers. Type III labels provide quantified environmental data about a product. Notable examples include the EU Ecolabel, the Nordic Swan, and the Blue Angel for European and German markets, as well as energy‑related labels like Energy Star. Certification can also apply to broader schemes such as Forest Stewardship Council for wood products or Rainforest Alliance for agricultural products.

Ecolabels have an impact by guiding consumer choice and pushing supply chains toward lower environmental footprints, but they face challenges. Proliferation and varying standards can confuse consumers, raising concerns about greenwashing or inconsistent rigor. Robust, transparent criteria and credible third‑party verification are essential for maintaining label integrity. International standards and methods, including ISO 14020–14025 and life cycle assessment practices, support consistency across programs.