World Ecolabel Day - International Ecolabel Day
Every year in October, over 50 countries worldwide dedicate themselves to the various ecolabels that have been proven to contribute to environmental protection. The aim of World Ecolabel Day is therefore to raise public awareness of sustainable consumption.
Within the EU, the role of recognized national ISO 14024 Type I labels plays a decisive role in the upcoming EU directives - especially the Green Claims Directive and in procurement. The Austrian Ecolabel, but also the German Blue Angel, the Nordic Swan and the Dutch Milieukeur are all reliable ISO 14024 Type I ecolabels and are subject to third-party certification.
At the invitation of the European Parliament, joint activities of these four ecolabel systems took place in Brussels on October 2, 2024. The presentation by Mr. Benjamin Göllner from the Austrian Ecolabel-certified company Hollu from Tyrol showed that such labels - like the EU Ecolabel - are practical orientation aids for sustainable purchasing and innovative product development. In addition to the presentations on the two main topics “Ecolabels and the Green Claims Directive” and “Ecolabels and public procurement”, the position paper of the four ecolabels in particular shows how even more effective progress can be made with appropriate support.
fLTR: Gerhard Stimmeder-Kienesberger (BMK, Austrian Ecolabel), Lena Schilling (MdEP), Benjamin Göllner (Hollu Company)
“On behalf of MEP Ms. Lena Schilling and MEP Ms. Delara Burkhardt and the European Ecolabels, the Austrian Ecolabel, the German Blue Angel, the Dutch Milieukeur and the Nordic Swan Ecolabel, we would like to thank you for coming to the European Parliament for the World Ecolabel Day seminar. Significant progress has been made in helping consumers and purchasers to choose less environmentally harmful products and in combating greenwashing. There is now an opportunity to green public procurement and realize its full potential. We look forward to continuing the discussions”, was the message from the two inviting MEPs to the European Parliament.
Detailed information on the results of World Ecolabel Day 2024 can be found on the Nordic Swan website.
The position paper of the four participating official ISO Type I ecolabels in the European Union can be found at the end of the article as a PDF in German and English.