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When a product or a service meets the EU Ecolabel requirements, it really does provide a credible, scientifically based verification that helps businesses avoid misleading environmental claims for consumers.

Stewart Hickey Head of Business Excellence

What is EU Ecolabel?

When a product or service carries the EU symbol, "it is a guarantee of environmental excellence," according to Stewart Hickey, Head of Business Excellence, National Standards Authority of Ireland.

At a time when bona fide green credentials are sought by consumers, and as the EU continues to push for greater transparency in environmental claims, the EU Ecolabel remains the official enviromnetal label of the European Union.

A voluntary scheme established by the European Commission in the 1990s to promote products and services with reduced environmental impact, Mr. Hickey explained that interest in EU Ecolabel remains high, "amongst businesses, consumers, and retailers throughout the EU and to date over 95,000 products and services have been awarded with the EU Ecolabel."

Pictured: Stewart Hickey, Head of Business Excellence

What body in Ireland certifies EU Ecolabel?

In Ireland, the National Standards Authority of Ireland is the competent body for the EU Ecolabel. 

"In Ireland, the NSAI processes applications, assesses products and services against EU Ecolabel criteria and awards the licenses."

Growing consumer awareness along with existing and pending EU regulations on greenwashing have added extra value to securing an EU Ecolabel licenses.

"When a product or a servcie meets the EU Ecolabel requirements, it really does provide a credible, scientifically based verification that helps businesses avoid misleading environmental claims for consumers."

Benefits for business and for consumers

The process is thorough but also designed to be accessible for businesses of all sizes.

Stewart Hickey Head of Business Excellence

For businesses it offers a way to demonstrate their commitment to sustainability while for consumers it provides a trusted third-party-verified label that identifies environmentally friendly products and services across a wide range of categories.

The range of EU Ecolabel products and service groups available extends from cleaning products to computers, from cosmetics to tourist accommodation.

"The process is thorough but also designed to be accessible for businesses of all sizes," Mr. Hickey explained.

Pictured: Stewart Hickey (NSAI), Avril McCarthy (Derrycourt Cleaning Specialists), and Gerard McCarthy (Derrycourt Cleaning Specialists)

EU Ecolabel in the future

EU directives in tandem with EU Ecolabel criteria are empowering consumers to make transparent choices that support a green transition.

With sustainability becoming more crucial in purchasing decisions, EU Ecolabelled products and services are expected to become a significant market differentiator. 

"I believe that Irish businesses with EU Ecolabelled products or services can expect several benefits in the coming years. These include improved brand image, increased consumer trust, the potential to make cost savings through more efficient processes and, for those in the green public procurement space, it will bring a competitive edge," Mr. Hickey added.

For more information about the EU Ecolabel, please visit NSAI.ie/EUecolabel or ecolabel.eu