The EU Ecolabel

The EU Ecolabel is Europe's counterpart to the Nordic Swan Ecolabel. It is a Type 1 Ecolabel, just like the Nordic Swan Ecolabel, which means it is independent, works according to the life cycle perspective and with a holistic view when criteria are developed.

Being a Type 1 Ecolabel means that it is controlled by the ISO 14024 standard.

Type 1 Ecolabels are based on:

• Continuous improvements, ie. the requirements are continually tightened.
• Life cycle perspective, ie. the entire product's environmental impact.
• Transparency in work processes to develop criteria. The research world, the environmental organizations and the business community are encouraged to participate in the development of the criteria.
• The requirements are set by an independent third party. In the EU-Ecolabel case, it is The European Union Ecolabelling Board (EUEB).
• EU ecolabel criteria are usually drawn up by the EU research centre in Seville, Joint Research Centre, on behalf of the EU Commission. The Swedish Government participates in the vote of new criteria. Ecolabelling Sweden is advisory when voting.