Promotion of the EU Ecolabel in Belgium
The European Ecolabel (EU Ecolabel) is the European Union Ecolabel for non-food products and services. The EU Ecolabel was introduced in 1992 with Council Regulation (EEC) No 880/92 of 23 March 1992. In 2000, the system was thoroughly revised (Regulation (EC) No 1980/2000 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 July 2000) and in 2009 with Regulation (EC) No 66/2010 of 25 November.
The goal is to stimulate sustainable production and consumption. The criteria relate to the entire life cycle of a product or service. From raw materials, energy use to harmful substances and waste. For manufacturers or suppliers, the EU Ecolabel is a reliable proof of the environmental friendliness of a product or service. It is a voluntary mark and the criteria are referred by public authorities - in the context of Sustainable Purchasing - in public procurement.
The EU Ecolabel is awarded by competent authorities in each Member State of the European Union and in Norway, Liechtenstein and Iceland. In Belgium this is the Committee for the award of the European Ecolabel, the secretariat of which is located at the Product Policy Department of the Federal Public Service Public Health, Food Chain and Environment. In the Netherlands this is the SMK (Stichting Milieukeur).
Criteria for the award of the EU Ecolabel are set at European level by product group. They are being developed at European level on the basis of scientific research and thorough consultation rounds within the so-called European Union Ecolabelling Board (EUEB). In this board have a seat: national authorities, industry and trade, environmental and consumer organizations and national competent authorities. The criteria are set in the form of a Commission Decision after approval by the European Commission, and only if a qualified majority of the Member States have voted for it. Once established, the criteria are valid in all EU Member States including Norway, Liechtenstein and Iceland. The European Commission coordinates and generally provides financial resources for the development and revision of criteria. These criteria will be published in the Official Journal of the European Union.
The logo is a green flower with the symbol of the European Union. On products with the EU Ecolabel, the logo and the associated license number. Optionally, some sentences include additional text indicating which are the most important environmental aspects for which the quality mark is assigned, for example: "Low air pollution" or "Efficient energy use."
An overview of products with an EU Ecolabel can be found on the Ecolabel website of the European Commission. By 2015, there are more than 44,000 products and services certified for the EU Ecolabel.
wiki
