Keskkonnamärgistuse

Keskkonnamärgistus, often translated as environmental labeling or eco-labeling, is a voluntary certification process that indicates that a product or service has met a set of environmental leadership criteria. These labels are designed to help consumers identify products that are more environmentally friendly throughout their life cycle, from raw material extraction and manufacturing to use and disposal. The primary goal of keskkonnamärgistus is to encourage market demand for more sustainable products and services, thereby driving environmental improvements by producers.

There are various types of environmental labels. Type I labels, such as the EU Ecolabel or Nordic Swan, are based on a comprehensive assessment of a product's environmental impact across its entire life cycle and are awarded by independent third parties. Type II labels are self-declared claims made by manufacturers about the environmental attributes of their products, without independent verification. Type III labels provide quantified environmental data based on a life cycle assessment, allowing for comparison between different products, and are also typically verified by a third party.

The criteria for obtaining a keskkonnamärgistus vary depending on the specific label and the product category. They often address aspects like energy efficiency, waste reduction, use of recycled materials, reduction of hazardous substances, and biodegradability. By providing clear and reliable environmental information, keskkonnamärgistus empowers consumers to make more informed purchasing decisions that align with their environmental values. This, in turn, incentivizes businesses to invest in greener technologies and practices.