Ecolabel:
The Ecolabel (European Eco-label) was created in 1992 by the European Union and focuses on the sustainable production of products and services. The aim is to analyze a product or service throughout its life cycle, to quantify the contribution of the negative effects by focusing on the efficient use of resources and the protection of the environment. Companies are therefore encouraged to manufacture products that will have a reduced environmental impact throughout their life cycle, from the extraction of raw materials to their production, use and disposal. The logo is recognized throughout Europe and the results of the study are verified by an independent organization.
It is addressed mainly to companies that are active in the following sectors:
- cleaning products (domestic cleaners, sanitary facility cleaners, dishwashers & laundry detergents, soaps, shampoos, hair conditioners),
- clothing (fabrics, shoes),
- paints & varnishes,
- electronic devices (TVs, personal computers, laptops),
- floor coverings (wood, fabric, etc),
- furniture (wooden furniture),
- garden items (soil additives, fertilizers),
- household appliances (lamps, refrigerators, freezers, air conditioners),
- lubricants,
- mattresses,
- paper products (photocopy paper, drawing paper),
- services (tourist accommodation & camping).
Advantages of applying the standard:
- The brand is easily recognizable by the consumers
- It is proof of using measurable environmental applications
- Increase of the clientele, especially of the environmentally conscious consumers
- Reduction of the operating costs of the business through energy and resource savings
- Competitive advantage over competing companies
- Contribution to the global effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions
- Improving the image of the company in public opinion
- Continuous upgrading of the company, keeping up with the new data and the environmental requirements of the standard
- Improving the communication of the company with the public authorities