Why the EU Ecolabel is becoming a goal for more companies

The approach we took to achieving the EU Ecolabel has helped us to transform our business, have a positive impact on our operations, and it supports our ESG strategy.”

Avril McCarthy General Manager at Derrycourt Cleaning Specialists

Why EU Ecolabel was a goal for the company

"We like to be the best in class," says Gerard McCarthy, Operations Manager, Derrycourt Cleaning Specialists which is the first company in Ireland to secure the EU Ecolabel for indoor cleaning services.

As the company continues to set and meet environmental goals, he explained that innovation and progress drive them, "to improve the health of people, places and the planet by providing sustainable customer-orientated cleaning solutions."

With sustainability embedded as a core value as the company progresses towards being carbon neutral by 2040, "we believe the EU Ecolabel would be a perfect fit," he explained.

"We knew the EU Ecolabel was recognised within Europe, and as a company which was investing heavily in products and equipment we wanted to have independent verification of setting and achieving such an important licence," he added.

Pictured: Avril McCarthy and Gerard McCarthy of Derrycourt Cleaning Specialists 

Seeking and securing the EU Ecolabel

The National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI) is designated as the competent body in Ireland and as such is the only body in Ireland that can award the EU Ecolabel to qualifying products and services.

After deciding to seek the EU Ecolabel, Mr McCarthy said the process included a "very well formulated framework with product group specifics criteria and technical user manuals," as well as step-by-step instructions on the EU Ecolabel website.

The process also provided them the opportunity to address areas that traditionally are hotspots in the cleaning industry e.g. eradicating toxic chemicals and using plant-based chemicals instead.

The journey to achieving the EU Ecolabel was multi-layered and with it came wide ranging transformations that impact on supply chains, training, equipment, consumables and materials.

"Leadership is required as well as ongoing investment on many fronts to meet the targeted criteria for EU Ecolabel. Having said that, it quickly became an important goal for us and one that again helped us to differentiate ourselves."

"I would definitely encourage other businesses to look at applying for the EU Ecolabel. It brings benefits for all of us."

I would definitely encourage other businesses to look at applying for the EU Ecolabel. It brings benefits for all of us.

Gerard McCarthy Operations Manager at Derrycourt Cleaning Specialists

Benefits to the company and its clients

Avril McCarthy, General Manager, said, "verification was by the NSAI which is an independent external body."

"The approach we took to achieving the EU Ecolabel has helped us to transform our business, have a positive impact on our operations, and it supports our ESG strategy."

Not surprisingly, cleaning is an area where many claims about being green and environmentally friendly can be found but she said, "having the EU Ecolabel through the NSAI has given us and our clients invaluable independent verification that we met strategic goals that will positively impact our future from a sustainability perspective."

"Meeting these goals also provides comfort and confidence to our clients. In many ways it is a 'win-win,'" she added.

The company has a number of other certifications from the NSAI including Health & Safety I.S. ISO 45001:2018, Quality I.S. EN ISO 9001:2015 and Environment I.S. EN ISO 14001:2015 management systems.

To learn more about Derrycourt Cleaning Specialists, please visit derrycourt.ie

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