EU Ecolabel: new criteria for computers and shoes
Photo © Anatoly Vartanov - Fotolia
(BRUSSELS) - New ecological criteria under the EU Ecolabel scheme for computers, shoes and furniture and footwear were adopted Wednesday by the European Commission.
Manufacturers of footwear, furniture and computers (including personal, notebook and tablet computers) looking to benefit from the EU Ecolabel will now have to comply with strict requirements that focus on the environmental performance of the product, but also cover product safety and social aspects.
The EU's move on the Ecolabel forms part of a broader transition to a circular economy - where the economy supports sustainable production and consumption. Transparent ecological criteria allow consumers to make conscious choices without compromising on the quality of the products.
The voluntary Ecolabel scheme was established as a way of encouraging manufactures to produce goods and services that are more environmentally friendly. Any good or services that has been awarded the EU Ecolabel meets a set of high environmental and performance standards.
The Ecolabel "rewards those manufacturers who choose to design products that are durable and repairable, promoting innovation and saving resources", said the EU's Environment Environment Karmenu Vella.
The Ecolabel promotes the circular economy with products that have a lower environmental impact and contribute to sustainable development along their life cycle, by being energy efficient, durable and repairable.
To be eligible for the Ecolabel, computer manufacturers will need to consider energy efficiency and device upgradability during the design and manufacturing process, along with taking into account how easy it is to dismantle, recover and recycle resources from the devices.
In the case of furniture, the new criteria require manufacturers to conduct a more comprehensive life cycle assessment, while paying special attention to the hazardous compounds and residues, which could contribute to indoor air pollution.
Following the provisions of recognised international labour standards, the Commission says it has given special attention to improving Corporate Social Responsibility with regard to labour conditions which will apply to the final footwear assembly site.
The criteria revision is valid for six years following its date of adoption.