The truth behind green labels and eco-labels

Even though ecology is a concern for many, it can sometimes be difficult for consumers looking to adopt a more sustainable lifestyle to navigate. They can get lost among the many green labels and eco-labels on our shelves. Are we really making eco-responsible choices by blindly trusting these labels, or is it simply an illusion of sustainability? Enerfip lifts the veil on these ecological certification practices and demystifies these often ambiguous environmental promises.

Key figures
– In September 2023, 2,584 licenses were granted for 88,921 products (goods and services) on the EU market.
– Most EU Ecolabel licenses are awarded in Italy (18%), Germany (15%) and France (15%).
– Out of a total of 2,584 licenses, the majority of them belong to the following product groups: tourist accommodation services (23%), cleaning products for hard surfaces (15%), and tissue paper and fabric products (8%).

Data from the page, “Facts and figures on the EU Ecolabel”, conducted by the European Commission in 2023.

How to identify a reliable environmental label?

Identifying a reliable environmental label is not necessarily easy. Indeed, in this jungle, they do not all guarantee the same degree of requirements and reliability. This is why ADEME (the French Agency for Ecological Transition) has established specifications for labels visible on products marketed in France and on 14 categories of everyday consumer products. To determine whether an environmental label guarantees greater respect for the environment, ADEME relies on the following requirements.

• Is the certification carried out by independent third parties?
• Do the environmental criteria cover the entire life cycle of the product?
• Do the environmental criteria cover several of the product's environmental impacts?
• Do the environmental criteria aim to reduce the product's most significant impacts?
• Do the environmental criteria cover the product's fitness for use?
• The availability and accessibility to all of the reference document (specifications).
• The regular review of environmental criteria.

Labels recommended by ADEME

Based on the criteria previously mentioned, ADEME determines the meaningful environmental labels for the following product categories:

• food (Organic Agriculture, Rainforest Alliance, etc.);
• maintenance and cleaning (Ecocert, Sustainablecleaning, etc.);
• hygiene and beauty (Ecocert Cosmos, Nature & Progrès, etc.);
• clothing and shoes (Demeter, BioRe, etc.);
• furniture (Nordic Ecolabel, European Ecolabel, etc.);
• bedding (Max Avelaar, European Ecolabel, etc.);
• home textiles (Max Avelaar, European Ecolabel, etc.);
• DIY and decoration (Nature Plus, NF Environment, etc.);
• garden and flowers (MPS ABC, Plante bleue, etc.);
• stationery and supplies (Ange Bleu, European Ecolabel, etc.);
• multimedia (TCO Certified, Epeat Gold/Silver, etc.);
• games and toys (Nordic Ecolabel);
• accommodation (La clef verte, Hôtels au naturel, etc.);
• miscellaneous items, such as pet products, for example (NF Environment).

The European Ecolabel, a label of excellence

Among the many existing labels, the European Ecolabel stands out. Why? Because, since its launch in 1992, it has covered the most significant environmental impacts (climate change, depletion of mineral and fossil resources, human toxicity, etc.) of products throughout their entire life cycle. Supported by public authorities, it differs from a traditional label by meeting the requirements of a standard (ISO 14024) and by taking into account product performance and quality, health and social aspects.

Did you know?
The European Ecolabel logo represents a green flower on a white background whose petals are shaped like the 12 stars of the European flag. Inside, we also find the euro symbol.

What guarantees do organic products offer?

The specifications for organic-labeled products are strict. First, those involved in the sector must notify the French Agency for the Development and Promotion of Organic Agriculture (Agence BIO) of their activity. Then, they must be checked by approved third-party organizations (Ecocert, Qualité-France, etc.). Finally, the General Directorate for Competition, Consumer Affairs and Fraud Control (DGCCRF) regularly carries out checks on the products sold.

Among the guarantees offered by organic products, we particularly value:

• the use of natural methods in organic farming, such as the absence of pesticide residues;
• the ban on irradiating food so as not to destroy the essential vitamins and nutrients in the food;
• the obligation to offer prepared meals and/or processed products without chemical additives (colorings, synthetic chemical flavors, flavor enhancers, etc.);
• the ban on the use of GMOs (Genetically Modified Organisms).

By choosing products bearing environmental labels, you are committing to greening the future. As a guarantee of quality, labels certify that a project or product meets certain criteria. Did you know that there are also some forsustainable finance? Furthermore, if this is a topic that interests you, you should know that Enerfip is the European leader in sustainable investment for the energy transition. Committed by nature, our company offers you the opportunity to invest responsibly to act for tomorrow. If this approach interests you, we invite you to contact our Investor Relations Department.