It will be increasingly difficult to sell “green” products without demonstrating it. The European Union wants to put order in the market and reinforce consumer confidence with new requirements for companies that want to use the European ecological label, a distinction that consumers increasingly take into account when making purchases.
This system, regulated by the Regulation (EC) No. 66/2010 on the EU Ecolabel, establishes strict criteria to identify products with lower environmental impact throughout their life cycle
The European Commission intends for this seal to be a clear reference against the so-called “greenwashing”, where some companies exaggerate their environmental credentials without a real basis.
What is the EU eco-label and what is it for?
The EU eco-label It is an official, voluntary and recognized distinctive in all member countries that identifies products and services with a lower environmental impact.
This implies that the products that obtain it:
- generate less waste and emissions
- They use fewer dangerous substances
- They are designed to last longer and be repairable
- meet environmental criteria verified by third parties
Furthermore, the system is based on scientific criteria and a complete analysis of the product life cycle, from the extraction of raw materials to their disposal.
Stricter requirements for companies and manufacturers
In order to use this label, companies must meet increasingly demanding conditions. Among the key aspects that the EU evaluates are:
- product energy efficiency
- use of sustainable materials
- reduction of toxic substances
- ease of recycling or reuse
These criteria are not static, but are regularly updated to adapt to technological advances and European climate objectives.
An increasingly important seal for consumers and the market
The eco-label not only affects companies, but also consumers. More and more citizens use this type of badge to decide what to buy, especially in sectors such as cleaning products, textiles, cosmetics or tourist accommodation.
According to the European Commission, this system helps to make informed decisions and promote a more sustainable and transparent market. With this reinforcement, Brussels seeks to accelerate the transition towards a circular economy. The idea is clear: manufacture products that last longer, pollute less and can be easily reused or recycled, thus reducing environmental impact and resource consumption.