Miljømærkning

Miljømærkning, or environmental labeling, is a system for marking products and services that meet predefined environmental criteria. The purpose is to help consumers identify relatively environmentally friendly options and to encourage producers to improve the environmental performance of their offerings. Labels are typically voluntary, though some regions may require certain environmental disclosures for specific products.

How it works varies by scheme, but common principles apply. Criteria are usually based on the product’s life cycle, from production to disposal, and may address energy or water use, emissions, resource efficiency, the presence of hazardous substances, recyclability, and sustainable sourcing. Labels are awarded by independent, third-party organizations or public authorities after an assessment, and products or services must undergo periodic re-certification to maintain the mark.

Scope and examples. Environmental labels cover a wide range of categories, including cleaning products, appliances, electronics, textiles, cosmetics, food, and services such as hotels or tourism. In the Nordic region, the Nordic Swan Ecolabel is widely used; in Europe, the EU Ecolabel (Flower) is a common cross-border scheme. In many countries, national or sector-specific labels complement these international standards.

Administration and impact. Labels are administered by specialized agencies or non-profit bodies within a country or region. They aim to reduce environmental impacts and prevent greenwashing by requiring credible, verifiable criteria and independent verification. Critics note that labeling can be costly for producers, may lead to consumer confusion if criteria are inconsistent or not regularly updated, and depends on effective communication to reach a broad audience.

See also: eco-label, sustainability.