Over the past ten years, the "Flower" has become a European-wide symbol for products, providing simple and accurate guidance to consumers. All products bearing the "Flower" have been checked by independent bodies for complying with strict ecological and performance criteria.

There are currently twenty-three different product groups, and already more than 250 licenses have been awarded for several hundred products.

The EU Eco-label is administered by the European Eco-labeling Board (EUEB) and receives the support of the European Commission, all Member States of the European Union and the European Economic Area (EEA). The Eco-labeling Board includes representatives such as industry, environment protection groups and consumer organizations

 

 

Why do we need an EU Eco-label?

Today we face all sorts of environmental problems, from global warming, destruction of the ozone layer and polluted rivers, to loss of biodiversity and piles of waste.

Fortunately, however, consumers are beginning to recognize that they can make a positive difference and actively help to protect the environment by buying products that inflict less damage upon it.

The EU Eco-label scheme is a simple way of helping you to make informed choices about the products that you buy. The Flower logo is recognized all over Europe and covers a wide range of product groups, making it easier to recognize quality products that are less harmful to the environment.

 

How do I recognize an EU Eco-label product?

Once a product has been awarded the EU Eco-label, the distinctive Flower logo can be displayed on any part of the product. You will find it on the packaging or on the product label.

 

What kind of products have been awarded the Flower?

The EU Eco-label scheme is open to any product or service, except food, drink, pharmaceuticals and medical devices. There are currently twenty-three product categories which can receive this award, ranging from tourist accommodation service, home appliances, cleaning materials, and mattresses to office supplies, gardening and Do It Yourself products.

 

How does a product receive the EU Eco-label?

While no human activity is completely 'environmentally friendly', there are always opportunities to reduce the impact that certain products have upon the environment.

The EU Eco-label scheme has therefore drawn up a set of environmental and performance criteria for judging products. Only if products meet all the criteria can they be awarded the EU Eco-label. These environmental criteria will take into account all aspects of a product's life, from its production and use to its eventual disposal (cradle-to-grave approach).

 

Are "flowered" products more expensive?

No, not necessarily. Price comparability will differ from product to product.
Anyway, a product with the "Flower" adds value, since it has a reduced impact on the environment, and meets strict performance standards

 

Are "flowered" products as good as their non-ecological equivalents?

The EU Eco-label is also only awarded to products that can be guaranteed to be at least as efficient as conventional products.

 

 

For more information, visit the European Eco-Label web site www.eco-label.com.