What is the EU Ecolabel and is it suitable for my company's products or services?
What products and services is the EU Ecolabel for?
The EU Ecolabel can be applied for by companies whose product or service belongs to a product group for which the corresponding criteria have been established. Currently, there are 11 product groups defined in the EU, which include specific products and services, each with its own specific requirements and assessment criteria.
The criteria will be developed separately for each product group in a transparent manner, involving different stakeholders. The criteria will be confirmed by a decision of the European Commission. The requirements are based on the whole life cycle of the product or service and are regularly reviewed to ensure a continuous reduction in environmental impact. As a rule, all criteria are reviewed every 3-5 years. The agreement for the use of the EU Ecolabel will be concluded for the duration of the criteria for the product group.
Before starting the application, it is important to familiarize yourself with these product groups and the criteria established for them in order to assess whether the company's products or services belong to a product group and what requirements must be met.
Important to know concerning this step
The cleaning product group includes:
- hard surface cleaners;
- industrial and institutional automatic dishwasher detergents;
- industrial and institutional laundry detergents;
- hand dishwashing detergents;
- detergents used in the washing machine;
- detergents used in dishwashers;
- Interior cleaning services.
The product group includes household cleaning products as well as professional cleaning products and services. The established criteria concern the restriction of the use of hazardous substances, the sustainable sourcing of raw materials, the recycling key and design of packaging, and the safe and effective use of the product.
All criteria, guidance materials, factsheets and amendments are available on the Environment Portal, as well as the European Commission under the corresponding product group.
The product group includes:
- absorbent hygiene products;
- cosmetics;
- animal care products;
- Reusable menstrual cups.
The criteria for EU Ecolabel products will ensure that products are safer for human and animal health as well as the environment, including requirements for the biodegradability of ingredients, restriction of hazardous substances, recycling of packaging, sustainable use of raw materials and product efficacy.
The criteria distinguish between wash-off and non-wash-off cosmetics and animal care products and specify which absorbent hygiene products and menstrual cups are eligible for the label.
All criteria, guidance materials, factsheets and amendments are available on the Environment Portal, as well as the European Commission under the corresponding product group.
The product group includes displays, including televisions, computer monitors and information displays, which offer consumers greener alternatives to conventional electronic devices.
The criteria ensure that displays are energy-efficient, repairable and easy to dismantle, and contain a limited amount of hazardous substances and at least a minimum amount of recyclable materials.
All criteria, guidance materials, factsheets and amendments are available on the Environment Portal, as well as the European Commission under the corresponding product group
The product group includes:
- graphic paper, tissue paper and tissue products;
- printed paper, stationery and paper carrier bags.
The criteria of the product group promote the circular economy and energy-efficient production processes, with the aim of reducing air and water emissions, the use of hazardous substances, and waste generated during production and printing. The requirements also ensure that paper products contain fibre from sustainably managed forests or recycled and are as recyclable as possible.
All criteria, guidance materials, amendments and factsheets are available on the Environment Portal, as well as the European Commission under the corresponding product group.
The product group includes:
- Indoor mattresses;
- pieces of furniture.
The criteria of the product group ensure that products are of high quality and have a lower environmental impact by limiting the use of hazardous substances, reducing indoor air pollution and supporting sustainably managed wood and other renewable materials.
In the case of mattresses, the filling materials, covering materials and construction are evaluated. In the case of furniture, the requirements focus on the origin of materials, the reduction of formaldehyde emissions, the safety of upholstery and the durability of products.
All criteria, guidance materials, amendments and factsheets are available on the Environment Portal, as well as the European Commission under the corresponding product group.
The product group includes:
- wood, cork and bamboo-based floor coverings;
- Hardcover products.
The criteria of the product group limit the use of hazardous substances, set strict requirements for formaldehyde emissions, ensure the sustainable origin of materials and support energy-efficient and low-emission production processes. It also requires products to be repairable, disassemblable and provide clear instructions on how to use and dispose of them to support the circular economy and reduce waste at the end of their life.
All criteria, guidance materials, amendments and factsheets are available on the Environment Portal, as well as the European Commission under the corresponding product group.
The product group includes:
- decorative paints, varnishes and similar products;
- coatings and related products;
- Water-based aerosol sprays.
The products are intended for use by both ordinary consumers and professional users indoors and outdoors.
The criteria for this product group strictly limit the content of hazardous substances and volatile organic compounds, supporting healthier indoor air and reduced environmental impact. To be eligible for the label, products must meet quality and performance requirements that ensure good coverage and durability in a variety of conditions. In addition, the criteria encourage the use of safer ingredients and encourage manufacturers to reduce the proportion of crude oil-based substances and other risky chemicals.
All criteria, guidance materials, amendments and factsheets are available on the Environment Portal, as well as the European Commission under the corresponding product group.
The product group includes:
- textiles, including textile garments and clothing accessories, furnishing textiles, fibres, yarns and woven details, as well as cleaning products;
- footwear, including any object with an outer sole in contact with the ground, which is intended to protect or cover the feet.
The criteria for the product group ensure that products are made from sustainably managed or recycled materials, contain minimal hazardous substances, are durable and produced with a lower environmental impact. In the case of textiles, special attention is paid to the origin of the fibres, the use of energy and water in the production process, and chemical safety. In the case of footwear, in addition to the sustainability of the materials, the air pollution of production, the limitation of the substances allowed in the composition and the long-term durability of the products are assessed.
All criteria, guidance materials, amendments and factsheets are available on the Environment Portal, as well as the European Commission under the corresponding product group.
The product group includes hotels, holiday homes, campsites and other accommodation establishments that offer an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional accommodation services.
The criteria focus on the environmental management of the accommodation establishment, requiring energy-efficient and low-carbon solutions, reduction of water and waste, limited use of chemicals, and lower impacts from transport and food waste. Accommodation establishments that have been awarded the EU Ecolabel must comply with mandatory requirements and collect additional points for voluntary environmental activities that ensure the comprehensive environmental sustainability of the service throughout its operation.
All criteria, guidance materials, amendments and factsheets are available on the Environment Portal, as well as the European Commission under the corresponding product group.
The product group includes all lubricants that may be released into the environment totally, partially or accidentally, including:
- saw chain oils;
- wire rope lubricants;
- mould greases;
- machine oil;
- corrosion protections;
- oils for two-stroke engines;
- hydraulic oils;
- metalworking fluids;
- other lubricating greases.
The criteria limit the use of hazardous substances, reduce the toxicity of the aquatic environment and support the use of biodegradable and less environmentally hazardous ingredients. The requirements also promote circular economy principles, including recycled plastic packaging and dosing methods, which help to avoid excessive consumption and waste generation.
All criteria, guidance materials, factsheets and amendments are available on the Environment Portal, as well as the European Commission under the corresponding product group.
The product group includes growing media and soil improvers that are designed with a lower environmental impact and support a cleaner, circular economy.
The criteria for the product group focus on reducing soil and water pollution, limiting the content of heavy metals, protecting pollinators and biodiversity, and using renewable and recycled materials. Horticultural products with the EU Ecolabel must be made from mixtures containing organic ingredients, use sustainably produced or recycled raw materials, and meet requirements that ensure lower energy consumption, lower CO₂ emissions and strictly controlled levels of hazardous substances and pollutants. The requirements also support the recyclability of products and the existence of clear instructions for use and disposal.
All criteria, guidance materials, factsheets and amendments are available on the Environment Portal, as well as the European Commission under the corresponding product group.
References
Contacts
In case of any questions or to get advice, please contact the Estonian Environmental Agency. The Environmental Agency acts as the competent authority for the EU Ecolabel in Estonia.