Towards a Circular Economy with the Austrian Ecolabel
With its requirements, the Austrian Ecolabel supports the path towards a circular economy - be it through specifications on dismantlability, the use of recycled products and reusable systems.
Textiles sector
There is now a jungle of labels in the textile industry. In order to provide consumers with reliable guidance when deciding to buy sustainable clothing and home textiles, the Austrian Ecolabel has issued a guideline for textiles that takes a credible, holistic approach - from the origin of the fibre to the final production - and includes social criteria (for the first time in an Ecolabel guideline!) in addition to environmental and health criteria. The Austrian Ecolabel guarantees environmentally, health and socially compatible standards along the entire textile value chain. Benefits for the environment and health:
- better environmental standards in the manufacturing process
- Improvement of occupational safety and social conditions
- avoidance of harmful chemicals in the product
- good fitness for use
Link: https://www.umweltzeichen.at/de/produkte/schuhe-textilien/kreislaufwirtschaft-textilien
Construction sector
Efficient and effective action is the prerequisite for economic success for many companies. The Austrian Ecolabel helps to orientate towards the best from an ecological point of view.
Example thermal insulation: Thermal insulation makes a significant contribution to climate protection. When used optimally, far more CO2 and other greenhouse gases are saved than are caused by the production of the insulation materials. There is a choice of rigid foam insulation boards made of polymer raw materials, thermal insulation materials made of renewable raw materials such as flax, sheep's wool or cellulose, as well as mineral thermal insulation materials (e.g. glass!).Advantages of thermal insulation materials with the Austrian Ecolabel
- Made from fossil raw materials:
- No halogenated blowing agents
- Strict restrictions on chemicals hazardous to the environment and health.
- Application limited to flat roofs, exterior basement walls or base insulation!
- Made of mineral raw materials:
- No carcinogenic and water-polluting substance groups or substance mixtures.
- No use of plastics or heating oil to create the pores.
- Made from renewable raw materials:
- 75% from renewable raw materials
- No raw materials or additives that are hazardous to health or the environment.
More information and brochures in the field of building can be found under publications und on the homepage!
Reusable systems for a sustainable circular economy
The European Green Deal focuses not only on recycling, but also on waste avoidance and changes in consumer behaviour. Reusable packaging is an environmentally friendly solution as far as waste avoidance is concerned. For beverages, corresponding criteria have been published at the Ecolabel.
Link: https://www.umweltzeichen.at/de/produkte/haushalt-reinigung/kreislauf-durch-mehrweg
Circular economy in the office
Paper is good for the circular economy. It can be recycled far more often than was assumed for years. This is shown in a study by the Technical University of Darmstadt. According to the study, paper fibres can be recycled almost indefinitely. This makes waste paper an even more valuable raw material than assumed.
Link: https://www.umweltzeichen.at/de/produkte/b%C3%BCro-papier-druck/kreislaufwirtschaft-im-b%C3%BCro
Comprehensive information on durable and repairable office materials can be found at www.bueroeinkauf.at
Recycling in the garden
Composting takes place in nature all the time - plant residues rot and become humus. Compost is a valuable and climate-friendly substitute for peat.
Link: https://www.umweltzeichen.at/de/produkte/garten-gr%C3%BCnraum/g%C3%A4rtnern-ohne-torf
Practical tips against greenwashing
More and more products and services advertise that they are "sustainable", "green" or "climate-friendly". Not always rightly so. How consumers can recognise possible greenwashing - and what they can do about it. Above all: be critical, ask questions, obtain information and rely on credible labels - such as the Austrian Ecolabel.
More information at: https://www.umweltzeichen.at/de/home/start/praktische-tipps-gegen-greenwashing
Further links on the circular economy
Was bedeutet 100 Prozent recyclebar
Österreichische Kreislaufwirtschaftsstrategie