Strong growth for the EU Ecolabel
Sweden has been a member of the EU for 30 years, and one of the union's key objectives is to collaborate on crucial issues such as environmental and consumer policy. To help EU consumers and purchasers make environmentally sustainable choices, the official European ecolabel, the EU Ecolabel, was introduced in 1992. In recent years, the EU Ecolabel has experienced strong growth.
The number of ecolabelled goods and services has grown to nearly 100,000 products in the EU – an increase of 10,000 products in just one year, according to the European Commission's report. Interest in the EU Ecolabel is also growing in Sweden, where the number of certified products is steadily increasing. Sweden currently has 6,500 EU Ecolabelled products, with the top three product groups being tissue paper, flooring, and paint & varnishes.
– This development reflects a rising demand for more environmentally friendly choices. With both the EU Ecolabel and the Nordic official ecolabel, the Nordic Swan Ecolabel, it becomes easier for consumers, businesses, and public procurers to contribute to the green transition. There is a wide range of certified products, from flooring, paper, and diapers to paint and dishwasher detergent, says Lina Harström, coordinator for the EU Ecolabel at Nordic Ecolabelling Sweden.
Each member state is responsible for licensing and contributes to the development of ecolabelling criteria in collaboration with the European Commission.
One factor driving the growth of the EU Ecolabel is the increasing demand. Another is the tightening of EU requirements for companies that wish to communicate their sustainability efforts. In this context, having an official Type 1 ecolabel such as the EU Ecolabel or the Nordic Swan Ecolabel is an advantage. To enhance transparency, credibility, and combat greenwashing, the EU has introduced new laws and regulations through the Green Deal. These include legislation on environmental marketing claims (Empowering Consumers – adopted, and Green Claims – currently under negotiation), sustainability reporting (CSRD), and eco-design (Ecodesign).
– We strongly support the EU’s efforts to implement so many important laws to strengthen consumer rights, protect the environment and public health, and reduce climate emissions. Urgent action is needed to address the climate crisis, and it is crucial to tackle multiple environmental issues simultaneously. We need even more collaboration within the EU to reverse the trend, says Lina Harström.
Facts about the EU Ecolabel in Sweden
Top three largest product groups in Sweden:
- Tissue paper – 2,585 products
- Flooring – 1,784 products
- Paint and varnishes – 1,199 products
Total: 6,500 products, covered by licenses from 50 companies that applied for certification in Sweden (March–September 2024). EU Ecolabelled products from companies licensed in Sweden are projected to generate SEK 27.8 billion in revenue on the European market in 2024.
Facts about the EU: More hotels to choose from
The fastest-growing product groups in the EU are furniture, cleaning products, and accommodations, including hotels, campsites, bed & breakfasts, and other lodging options. The accommodation category has grown by 14% in the past six months, meaning holidaymakers now have nearly 800 ecolabelled options to choose from across Europe.
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For more information
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Lina Harström Advisor +46 (0)8-55 55 24 07 lina.harstrom@svanen.se
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