Cleaner Production Tools -- Environmental Labeling
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Eco-labeling (or environmental labeling) is a method for guiding for consumers to choose products and services that cause less damage to the environment. A label will feature a highly visible and recognizable logo. Eco-labeling attempts to use market forces to reward responsible environmental behaviour. Labeling systems are generally voluntary, and may be specific to a country or an industry. Certification programs such as ISO 14000 include a labeling component.
Products or services certified by a labeling program have passed some test to show they have less of an impact on the environment because of how they are manufactured, consumed or disposed of. Certification should be based on compliance with environmental criteria that are established in consultation with industry, environmental groups, and independent experts and are based on research into the life-cycle impacts of a product or service.
There are different kinds of eco-labels.
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A comprehensive labeling scheme attempts to evaluate the total environmental impact of a product against a set of comprehensive pre-established criteria. Environmental Choice (Canada) is an example of a comprehensive scheme for products.
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A specific labeling scheme evaluates only one aspect of a product against specific criteria. For example, a product could be rated only for energy or water consumption. The U. S. Energy Star program is an example.
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Service labeling schemes are also being promoted. For example, the EU Eco-label certifies tourist accommodation.
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Production labeling schemes are frequently used for food - for example, organic or not-genetically-modified foods. These schemes are probably the most well known to consumers. However, the application of standards in this area is notoriously loose - for example, the use of the word 'organic' on foods does not always mean the same thing.
There are also illegitimate environmental labels. Some products may only be labeled by the manufacturer as 'environmentally-friendly' or 'green product.' Such claims do not involve a third-party certification, and may mislead consumers.
The effectiveness of
labeling programs depends on whether consumers actually choose to purchase
the product with a label instead of a similar one without a label.
Therefore, consumer education is crucial to the success of these programs.
Populations will a higher awareness of environmental concerns are much
more likely to buy labeled products. Also, the market must determine what
kind of premium consumers are willing to pay for a labeled product or
service. Governments may support labeling schemes by requiring that
products purchased for government use be certified where possible.
ŠNDRC 2000-2006