The European Ecolabel is a badge, represented with a green-stemmed flower crowned by the letter “e” and the stars of the European flag, that recognizes those products that have extraordinary environmental characteristics. Currently, more than 37,000 products marketed in Europe carry the EU Ecolabel, which means that they meet strict ecological criteria.
Its objective is to help European consumers to identify the most environmentally friendly products and services.
Created in 1992, the European Ecological Label constitutes an important part of the community policy of voluntary instruments to help companies and consumers to improve their environmental performance. The EEE is one of the instruments included in the Community Action Plan for Sustainable Production and Consumption and Sustainable Industrial Policy, according to CSR Commitment.
The objective is to promote products that can reduce adverse environmental effects, compared to other products in the same category, thus contributing to a efficient use of resources and to a high level of environmental protection. This objective is achieved by providing consumers with accurate, non-misleading and science-based guidance and information on such products.
To obtain the ecological label, a series of criteria have been defined that cover various product groups.
Product groups and current criteria
- Cleaning. Private or professional cleaning with fewer substances.
- clothing and textiles. Textiles and footwear with sustainable fibers.
- Coatings. Floor, roof and all coatings that reduce the impact on the ground.
- Do it yourself. Safe paints and varnishes for you, your family and the environment.
- Electronic equipment. Energy efficient screens and displays, built for the future.
- Furniture and mattresses. Make the spaces in which we find ourselves safer, reducing the impact on forests.
- Gardening. Providing the best conditions for your garden to thrive.
- Holiday accommodation. Find your next eco-friendly vacation rental.
- lubricants Care for biodiversity and non-use of dangerous substances.
- Paper. Reducing your daily environmental impact with green alternatives.
- Products for personal and animal care. Obtaining everything necessary for the daily routine, from cosmetics to hygiene products.
Advantage
As the European Union points out, the Europe Ecological Label has several advantages, among which the following stand out:
- The demonstration to clients and consumers that your product meets strict ecological criteriawhich will incline them to choose it
- It is verified by third parties and is recognized in all EU countries
- Improve your reputation demonstrating its social responsibility.
How to apply
The application must be submitted to the competent body of one of the member states of origin. If the product originates outside the European Community, the application can be filed in any of the member states in which the product is to be placed on the market.
In accordance with the legal system of our country, it is the autonomous communities that must appoint the competent body for the granting of the European Ecological Label and the request for the distinctive flower must be addressed to the competent bodies of the autonomous communities of origin of the product. product.
canons
The body to which an application is made will receive a fee based on the real administrative costs involved in processing it. This canon will not be less than 200 euros nor more than 1,200 euros, according to the website of the Ministry for the Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge.
In the case of small and medium-sized enterprises and micro-enterprises according to the definition of the recommendation of the commission no. 2003/361/CE of May 6, 2003 (OJ L 124 of May 20, 2003, p. 36) and the operators in developing countries, the maximum application fee will not exceed €600. In the case of micro-enterprises, the maximum application fee will be 350 euros.
The application fee will be reduced by 30% for applicants registered in the Community Environmental Management and Audit Scheme (EMAS) and with a 15% discount with certification in accordance with ISO 14001. This reduction will be subject to the condition that the applicant expressly undertakes, in its environmental policy, to ensure that its eco-labelled products fully comply with the EU Eco-label criteria during the contract period and that this commitment is adequately incorporated in the detailed environmental objectives.
ISO 14001 compliant applicants will be required to demonstrate compliance with this commitment each year. EMAS registered applicants must submit a copy of their verified environmental statement once a year.
Photo: BBVA
