The Definitive Guide to the EU Ecolabel Certification

What is the EU Ecolabel?

The EU Ecolabel, also known as the EU Flower, is an official environmental certification awarded to products and services that meet high environmental performance standards throughout their life cycle—from raw material extraction to production, use, and disposal.

Established by the European Union in 1992, it aims to promote sustainable consumption and production by identifying goods and services that have a reduced environmental impact without compromising quality or performance. The Ecolabel also works in tandem with other similar certifications, such as the Nordic Swan, which is the official ecolabel certification for Nordic countries.

Scope

The EU flower label spans a wide and growing range of environmentally sustainable goods and service categories supplied for distribution, consumption, or use within the European Community market. It covers the following, but is not limited to:

• Personal care – hygiene and cosmetics products

• Cleaning – cleaning products and services

• Construction materials – covering, paints, varnishes

• Clothing and textiles – footwear, textile products

• Paper products – stationery, tissue paper, and similar products

• Electronics – appliances, electronic displays

• Furniture and mattresses

• Lubricants

• Accommodation and tourism services

Why Get Certified?

The EU Ecolabel is important because it helps consumers make informed, environmentally responsible choices by identifying products and services that meet stringent sustainability criteria. Using comprehensive product labeling fosters trust and transparency in the marketplace, helping to combat misleading environmental claims such as greenwashing.

This certification encourages businesses to adopt greener and more sustainable practices when creating products. It also fosters transparency and enhances visibility within the market, especially if the labeled products are marketed in the EU region. In doing so, they contribute to the EU’s broader environmental goals, such as reducing carbon emissions and promoting a circular economy, ultimately protecting natural resources and biodiversity.

According to the European Commission, over 102,000 products have received the EU Ecolabel as of March 2025. This number is foreseen to grow as consumers become more environmentally conscious about their purchasing decisions.

Understanding the EU Ecolabel Criteria

The criteria for EU Ecolabel certification are based on scientific data and are tailored to individual product groups, reflecting the specific environmental performance and technical characteristics of those products. Because each product group differs, the exact criteria vary accordingly and are adopted as Commission Decisions.

In general, the EU ecolabel criteria cover key points such as:

• Sustainable Sourcing of Raw Materials: Prioritizing renewable, responsibly sourced, and non-toxic materials.

• Energy Efficiency: Reducing energy use during production, use, and disposal.

• Water Conservation: Minimizing water consumption and pollution.

• Waste Reduction: Promoting recyclability, reuse, and minimal packaging.

• Hazardous Substance Limitations: Avoiding the use of harmful chemicals that could affect human health or the environment.

• Product Performance: Ensuring the product meets high-quality and durability standards.

How to Get EU Ecolabel Certification

The certification process primarily involves a formal application and verification process to verify compliance with environmental criteria. The main steps for EU Ecolabel certification include:

1. Check Eligibility: Identify whether your product or service falls under one of the EU Ecolabel product or service categories and review the specific criteria for that category.

2. Prepare Documentation: Gather evidence showing compliance with the criteria. This may include test reports, supplier declarations, production process details, and environmental management records.

3. Apply to a Competent Body: Submit your application to the officially designated Competent Body in your EU member state. These national authorities manage the certification process.

4. Undergo Evaluation and Verification: The Competent Body reviews your documentation and may conduct site visits, product tests, or audits to confirm compliance.

5. Receive Decision on Certification: If approved, you receive the EU Ecolabel license, which allows you to display the logo on your product or service for the agreed period.

6. Maintain Compliance: It’s essential to continue meeting the criteria after the approval process and undergo periodic checks and audits to ensure the Ecolabel standards are being followed across operations.