In today's society, environmental labels and certifications are essential tools for making conscious and responsible purchases. But what do the different symbols on products actually mean? In this guide, we explain the most common environmental labels and certifications and how they help you make better choices for the environment and society.
To make it easier for you, we have categorized the labels based on the type of products they apply to. Here, you will find information on environmental labels for everything from products and textiles to forestry and recycling.
Read on to learn more about what each label represents and how they can help you make sustainable choices.
The Nordic Swan Ecolabel purpose is to give consumers a clear and concise environmental product information, as well as promoting the development of products that are environmentally-sound. Aspects that are reviewed are energy use in manufacturing, water consumption, the use of chemicals, as well as waste management. Companies apply for their product Swan labeled, then checked that the product complies with Swan's requirements through labs, certificates, documentation, and inspection visits.
EU Ecolabel works in the same way as the Nordic Swan label. The purpose is to promote products with reduced environmental impact throughout their life cycle. The label is also intended as a guide to consumers in their product selection. The products must meet environmental, functional and quality requirements. Since Sweden has Nordic Swan label labeling, there are few products with EU Ecolabel, the supply of these goods is greater in other EU countries.
Bra miljöval, or Good Environmental Choice, belong to the Swedish Society for Nature Conservation and build on two basic ideas: that natural resources must be saved, and that biodiversity and human health should not be threatened. This means, among other things, that all toxic and biodegradable chemicals should be removed. In order for a product to be labeled with Good Environmental Choice, there are a number of requirements that companies have to live up to.
Fairtrade Cotton is a product label aimed at improving working conditions and conditions for growers and employees in developing countries through fair trade.
Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) is an international label for clothing and textile covering both social and environmental requirements.
OEKO-TEX Standard 100 is an independent testing and certification system for textile products. The material is tested so that there are no prohibited substances and substances in the textile. The more intensive contact between the skin and the product, the higher the requirements must be met. In order to be certified by the standard, all the components in the product must meet the requirements of the respective product classes.
KRAV is a control association for organic production. The aim is to pursue a long-term sustainable and consumer-oriented perspective of the production of food and other high-quality products.
The EU Leaf or EU Ecological is the EU‘s eco-label. It shows that the product is in full compliance with the terms and conditions laid down by the European Union for organic farming. For processed products, it means that at least 95% of the ingredients are grown ecologically.
UTZ Certified stands for sustainable agriculture and better opportunities for farmers, their families and our planet. The UTZ label shows consumers that the products have been produced in a sustainable way.
Fairtrade is not an ecolabel. It is a product labeling of mainly foodstuffs, aimed at improving working and living conditions for traders and employees in developing countries through fair trade. Criteria such as minimum wages, child labor, discrimination and democracy are covered by Fairtrade.
FSC will promote environmentally-friendly, socially responsible and economically viable use of the world's forests. They work with scrutiny and approval of forestry standards and develop standards for traceability certification. FSC certification is a voluntary agreement between landowners.
The goal of PEFC is to develop sustainable private forestry, taking into account forest production, environmental and social interests. PEFC ensures that PEFC-certified forests are managed according to the requirements for sustainable forestry.
Cradle to Cradle® is a non-profit organization that certifies products based on 5 quality categories: social justice, water management, renewable energy and carbon balance, healthy materials and reusable materials. A product with Cradle to Cradle® certification has very good environmental characteristics from a sustainability perspective.
Understanding environmental labels helps you make informed choices for a more sustainable future. By choosing certified products, you contribute to environmental protection, fair working conditions, and responsible forestry. Look out for these labels the next time you shop!
Want to explore sustainable products? Discover our wide range of eco-labeled options.
Author: Tingstad
Last Updated: 2025-02-11
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