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International Eco-Labeling Programs

This section provides information on international eco-labeling programs.  Eco-labels are intended to help consumers and businesses identify products and services that are less harmful to the environment as well as increase the supply and demand for these products.  Researching innovative programs that demonstrate environmental results and influence behavior change is an important part of NCEI’s mission.  By researching international eco-labeling programs, EPA attempts to identify common themes and develop possible connections between the United States and the international community.  Although we first identified approximately 22 different eco-labeling programs worldwide, we focused our analysis on 5 well-developed programs that have completed some form of evaluation. These programs include:

The EU Flower  
Germany’s Blue Angel
The Nordic Swan
Japan’s Eco Mark
Taiwan’s Green Mark

Eco-Labeling Powerpoint Presentation (PDF 49 pages, 160KB)  

For more information on labeling partnerships in the US visit EPA Partnership Programs.

Eco-labeling programs differ in the following important ways: 

The EU Flower Exit Disclaimer
The EU Flower was introduced in 1992.  It is run by the European Commission and is administered at the national level by Competent Bodies, which are representative organizations chosen within EU member states.   Criteria have been published for 23 product groups and the eco label has been awarded to 350 products. The Flower is intended to promote the design, product, marketing, and use of products which have a reduced environmental impact during their life cycle and to provide consumers with better information on the environmental impact of products.

Assessments
The Direct and Indirect Benefits of the European Eco-label (2004) Exit Disclaimer
This evaluation describes the direct and indirect benefits of the EU Flower eco-label.  It was prepared by AEA Technology for the DG Environment EU Commission.

EEB Evaluation of the European Eco-Label Criteria and Scheme (2004) Exit Disclaimer
This evaluation was conducted by the European Environmental Bureau and evaluates the performance and goals of the EU Flower.

EVER Study: Evaluation of EMAS and Eco-Label for their Revision (2005) Exit Disclaimer
Carried out on behalf of DG Environment of the EU Commission, this study provides recommendations for the revision of the EU Flower and EMAS, (Eco Management and Audit Scheme) a program that acknowledges industries that improve their environmental performance. 

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Germany's Blue Angel  Exit Disclaimer
The German Blue Angel Program was introduced in 1977, making Germany the first country to implement a national eco-labeling program.  The entire program is administratively and financially managed by a private institution, the German Institute for Quality Assurance and Certification. 

Assessment
Lessons Learned from the German Blue Angel Program (2002) Exit Disclaimer
This study reviews organizational documents relating to the Blue Angel and aims to enhance international policy learning.

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The Nordic Swan  Exit Disclaimer
The Nordic Swan was introduced in 1989 as a voluntary and neutral seal of approval program.  Currently, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Iceland, and Denmark participate in the scheme. The Nordic Council of Ministers oversees the program and has developed 60 product categories and awarded the label to over 1,200 products. 

Assessments
The Effect of the Nordic Swan Label on Consumers' Choice (2002) Exit Disclaimer
This report analyzes the effect of the Nordic Swan Label upon consumer purchasing decisions using a survey of 1,596 Danish households. 

Evaluation of the Environmental Effects of the Swan Eco-Label (2001) Exit Disclaimer
This evaluation is the latest analysis of the environmental effects of the Nordic Swan label.  The environmental and consumer sectors co-operated on the study which was performed by the International Institute of Environmental Economics.

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Japan's Eco Mark  Exit Disclaimer
Japan’s Eco Mark program is the second oldest eco-labeling program after the Blue Angel and was introduced in 1989 as a seal of approval program that aims to spread information on the environmental effects of products and to encourage consumers to choose environmentally friendly products. The Japan Environment Association, a non-governmental organization that acts under the guidance of the Environment Agency, oversees the program.  The Eco Mark has 64 product categories and has been awarded to 5,176 products. 

Assessments
Survey Reports on the Effects on Environmental Burden Reduction (2005) Exit Disclaimer
This survey quantifies the environmental effects of Eco Mark products in Japan during 2001 using a Life Cycle Assessment. 

Market Share Survey of Eco Mark Certified Products (2005) Exit Disclaimer
This survey estimates the market shares of several Eco Mark products from November 2004 through March 2005. 

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Taiwan's Green Mark  Exit Disclaimer
The Green Mark Program was launched in 1992 by Taiwan’s Environmental Protection Administration.  The program aims to promote recycling, pollution reduction, and resource conservation.  The Environment and Development Foundation, a private institution, oversees the program.  The Green Mark has 41 product categories and has awarded the label to 451 products.

Environmental Benefits Attributed to Green Mark Products (2005) Exit Disclaimer
This survey conducted by Taiwan’s Environment and Development Foundation estimates the environmental benefits of Green Mark products through modeling and by collecting logo usage data from manufacturers and using this data to calculate the total environmental benefits. 

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Additional Resources

Global Eco-Labeling Network Exit Disclaimer
The Global Eco-labeling Network (GEN) is a non-profit association of third-party, environmental performance labeling organizations founded in 1994 to improve, promote, and develop the "eco-labeling" of products and services.  The GEN website includes a worldwide database of eco-labeling programs, specific program contact information and additional resources on eco-labeling.

OECD Report: Actual Effects of Selected Eco-Labeling Programs Exit Disclaimer
Created by the Organization for Economic Co-Operation and Development (OECD).  The purpose of this 1997 paper was to examine the actual market, trade and environmental effects of a selection of eco-labeling programs operating in OECD countries. The paper focuses on the EU Flower, the Nordic Swan, the Swedish Environmental Choice Program, the Canadian Environmental Choice Program, the German Blue Angel, the Taiwanese Green Seal, the Japanese Eco-Mark and the French NF Environment.

UNEP Report: The Trade and Environmental Effects of Ecolabels Exit Disclaimer
The United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) reviews eco-labeling as an environmental policy tool and potential trade barrier. The report focuses on five well-known eco-labeling programs that incorporate environmental requirements: the Blue Angel program in Germany, the programs associated with the Forest Stewardship Council, the Marine Stewardship Council, Fair-trade Labeling Organizations International and the International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements.  The report’s aim is to identify specific issues and policy integration challenges that need to be addressed if eco-labels are to be designed and applied in ways that support sustainable development.

Effects of Eco-Labeling Schemes: Compilation of Recent Studies Exit Disclaimer
This report was created by France’s Joint Working Party on Trade and Environment in 2003 and compiles several recent studies on the general impacts of eco-labeling schemes.

The Role of Government in Eco-Labeling: On the Scenes or Behind the Scenes?  Exit Disclaimer
This paper was prepared by the Australian Department of Primary Industries and analyzes different government approaches to eco-labeling schemes such as direct versus indirect government involvement in eco-labeling. 

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