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GENERAL INFORMATION ON THE EU FLOWER
/ u' o/ B# S$ PWhat is the EU eco-label award scheme? It is a market-based voluntary instrument that has as a major twofold purpose:
1 C5 g; Q6 p7 A. u6 z' t% y9 s( ][li]to promote the design, production, marketing and use of consumer products and services that have a reduced environmental impact during their entire life-cycle, and [/li][li]to provide consumers with better information on the environmental quality of products and services, to help them make informed environmental choices in their purchases. [/li] Products that meet strict ecological and performance criteria are awarded with the Flower logo. This logo can be displayed as a marketing tool to show consumers that product has a superior environmental performance.
4 `+ r6 ?4 l1 _! ?, c1 aWhat is the legal instrument that set up the scheme? : Y4 N& A& _ c6 E' q- A
The Scheme was set up by the Council Regulation (EEC) No. 880/92 of 23 March 1992. A new revised Regulation entered into force in 2000 streamlining the scheme, widening the scope of the scheme to services, introducing decreased fee structures, increasing the transparency of the Scheme and improving stakeholder involvement. The Commission will review the Scheme again before the end of September 2005.
+ j/ E" R. K% wSeveral Decisions have been adopted for the implementation of the Scheme: the rules of procedure of the EUEB and the Consultation Forum, the standard contract and the fees to be applied by the Competent Bodies. The ecological criteria of the various groups are also defined through Commission Decisions. 2 R U% t! J# z9 H+ w
All these legislative documents can be downloaded through the links. * g }) G+ F# m+ b0 F
What are the main elements of the scheme?
9 K- G$ B4 z' e; @" e* k. |% [0 e[li]it is selective: because it is awarded only to those products with the lowest environmental impact. [/li][li]It is transparent: the ecological criteria that products must meet are developed with the input of relevant stakeholders such as industry, commerce, environmental and consumer organisations and trade unions. Furthermore, consumers can be sure that a product/service that displays the Flower logo has been awarded it by an independent authority with no vested Interest in the company. [/li][li]It works with a multi-criteria approach: the whole life cycle of the product/service is analysed in order to study all its potential environmental impacts. [/li][li]It has a European dimension: Eco-labelled products can be marketed across the 15 Member States, as well as Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein. Some producers from accession countries have already been awarded the Flower logo. [/li][li]It is voluntary: hence it does not create barriers to trade. [/li] Why do we need an EU eco-label award scheme?
+ t* r1 B( O6 uConsumers are becoming more and more concerned about the environment. Research has shown that they want to play their part in actively helping to protect the environment by purchasing products that inflict less damage upon it. However, they are bewildered by - and often very skeptical about - the many environmental claims made by manufacturers and retailers for their products.
+ ?! P7 }0 M; mThe EU scheme was launched in 1992 to encourage the production and consumption of green products at a European scale. The same Flower logo is used across different product groups and Member States, making it easier to recognise products with a superior environmental performance. This helps to avoid distortions of competition and ensures the protection of the interests of producers and consumers.
! i' t. E* R* {" ?Which products/services have been awarded with the Flower so far?
$ s( J( r1 I6 Z& L2 ]7 ?The scheme is open to any product and service, except food, drink, pharmaceuticals and medical devices. Furthermore, the Flower cannot be awarded to substances that are toxic, carcinogenic or dangerous to the environment or to goods that could be harmful to the consumer in their normal application. ~1 k" {- o- i6 @+ s
Click here to see the list of product groups for which criteria have been developed, or are being developed. : Y& y" |6 u7 H' b5 \$ B
So far, several hundred products have received the EU Flower. Click here to see the complete list of awards made to date.
% m# A% b4 j6 h' G/ ^1 b. _+ R7 ]How does a consumer recognise a product awarded with the Flower? 1 \( {$ y! h3 c8 d3 Y& e
The producer has the choice of displaying the logo, once obtained, on any part of his product. You will probably find the logo on the packaging, on the label or on any other visible part and it looks like this * B. u+ P: B l6 j; R! G/ j
What is the relationship of the EU Flower with other schemes...?
- h/ q+ [' g1 o7 }$ ~: Z...With other national eco-labels such as the Blue Angel, the Nordic Swan, etc. ? M6 S& e6 R. q, U# x
Though national labels have been a very successful experience and have certainly contributed to the environmental awareness of people, the progress of the single market necessitates a common instrument that prevents confusion amongst consumers and producers. One of the main ideas behind the creation of the EU eco-label was to provide a scheme that would be consistent across the whole EU. The EU eco-label is the result of a common policy - all Member States are asked to approve the ecological criteria - which should therefore be the reference for consumers. The advantage of the EU Flower compared to other national labels is that it promotes transparency and simplicity, since the same criteria apply for the same product, regardless of the Member State in which it is produced or sold. # D% M1 h3 R, V" Y- O
But this does not mean that the EU eco-label and national eco-labels cannot co-exist happily!
$ x2 M& S( D- i5 s+ uThe new Regulation requests Member States and the Commission to ensure coordination between the EU eco-label and other national schemes, particularly in the selection of product groups and the development and revision of the criteria. % ^9 `& Z4 i$ u- ~% G$ b
Furthermore, when a product has been awarded with both a national and the European eco-label, you will find the two logos displayed side by side on the product.
4 x0 T3 O9 X4 v8 {...With environmental management schemes such as ISO 14001 and EMAS?
" J0 o' a; M3 f3 B( LProducers can show their environmental commitment in many ways. One of them is the adoption of an independently verified environmental management system, such as ISO 14001. The European Union Eco-Management and Audit Scheme, EMAS, is another EU voluntary scheme. It is based on harmonised lines and principles throughout the European Union. EMAS certified organisations have committed themselves to evaluating and improving their environmental performance and providing relevant information to the public.
& L( Q7 c' K) p% FThe differences between the two types of schemes is that environmental management schemes are focused on the general environmental performance of the company, while eco-labelling schemes like the Flower focus on the specific products or services of the firm.
- g4 m6 z: B d% v7 zThere are many synergies among these voluntary schemes, which can bring positive advantages, namely: : U6 ]1 v8 ]# _/ Z
- Applicants to the EU eco-label scheme who have already received certification under EMAS or ISO 14001 can be granted reductions on the annual fee of up to 25%!
5 g k2 Z# O( l; R8 `. y ~- Furthermore, Competent Bodies are advised to take into account the implementation of recognised environmental management schemes, such as EMAS or ISO 14001 while assessing applications and monitoring compliance with the Flower's ecological criteria. * W; d+ k7 y! w) N0 W- a
Visit the EMAS website for more information on this scheme. 3 c- j3 q6 r4 W
What activities do the European Commission and Member States undertake in order to promote the Scheme? : [% n- c; S/ c& J3 w( c) ~2 @
The European Commission is very active and the following list encompasses only a brief overview. ; t: L/ o5 u4 h6 _
[li]Publication of the info-kit (15 product fact sheets for producers, 9 product leaflets for consumers, application guide, consumer guide, business factsheet) aimed at producers and consumers. [/li][li]General Information brochure "The European Eco-label at a Glance " in all the official European languages [/li][li]The Flower News (every four months). [/li][li]Publications in the European Environment Newsletter. [/li][li]Publications in different magazines. [/li][li]Production of different promotional materials eg) posters, pins, shopping bags, T-shirts and mouse pads for the different promotion activities in the Member States. [/li][li]Installation and financing of the eco-label helpdesk, which has the task of answering the inquiries and supports the European Commission in their promotional activities [/li][li]Installation and up-dating of the eco-label website, which provides full information on the Flower. [/li][li]Presentations at public occasions and special events (Green week, Environmental award ceremony etc. ) (Eco-label stand available) [/li][li]Launching and Financing of marketing campaigns in the Member States (the latest in Greece and Spain). [/li][li]The Competent Bodies are in charge of the promotion of the scheme at the national level. For example: [/li] [blockquote][blockquote]-The Danish campaign on textiles and detergents with the objective of promoting both the Flower and the Nordic Swan.
4 Z9 y, s8 o1 v) O2 [; V s3 k$ d# Q- Some Member States provide subsidies to producers to help them apply to the eco-label. This happens in Greece and Catalonia (Spain), for example. 7 i: v8 l+ | @/ M
[/blockquote][/blockquote][li]Some Competent Bodies have their own website for the promotion of the scheme. Click here to visit them. [/li] PROCEDURE
. Q- Y6 f. e' u7 m' WHow are the Product Group Criteria developed? + M7 q0 P0 ]; o. f9 B
The procedure to develop the criteria for a new product group is as follows: " w) P! |+ Z* A4 V$ Y& z
1.- The Commission gives a mandate to the European Union Eco-labelling Board (EUEB) to develop the ecological criteria for a particular product group. For this purpose, an Ad Hoc Working Group (AHWG) involving the relevant interested parties (retailers, industry and consumers) and the Competent Bodies is set up within the EUEB.
# h h" \" d$ A7 ?: o. LOne of the Competent Bodies leads the process. " `) Q$ T ]4 ]7 a# n2 c8 ~
2.- The AHWG drafts the criteria taking into account the results of the preparatory work:
$ f# H) }# T6 Q[li]a feasibility and market study [/li][li]life cycle considerations [/li][li]environmental improvement analysis [/li] and discusses the draft ecological and compliance criteria with the whole EUEB.
& J" O7 `( k" @3.- The Commission is informed of the draft criteria and decides whether the mandate has been fulfilled or whether the work should continue.
2 V4 F/ R8 N) ~) n m4.- Once the final draft criteria is ready, it is presented to a Regulatory Committee of experts from the Member States for its approval. / D0 N4 _8 h7 \; {- U) v
5.- The approved criteria are adopted as a Commission Decision by the European Commission and published in the L series of the Official Journal. % ?# T8 a; M4 ?
These procedures guarantee that all the environmental considerations have been taken into account and all the relevant stakeholders have participated. Hence they can take several months.
, f0 z! g; Z5 Z5 }; }0 R0 E3 O7 eWho is responsible for running the scheme in the Member States? " L6 d$ B& ^1 G, }: t1 U. P0 h
Member States designate Competent Bodies that are the national points of access to the scheme. They are responsible, inter alia, for receiving and assessing applications, for concluding contracts with successful applicants and for promoting the scheme, handling enquiries and for contributing to the development of the criteria. 3 w4 u7 i; E) k+ p! U% \
Competent Bodies are independent and have no vested interest. $ _: v1 e9 S$ f: ~
I want my product or service to be eco-labelled: to whom should I send my application? & w* D7 G3 a* p
Manufacturers, importers, retailers or service providers should make their applications to the Competent Body in the Member State in which their product or service is manufactured, first marketed, or imported from a third country.
9 a/ {" P9 l$ R m) p4 kIf the product is manufactured in several Member States, the applicant is free to choose a Competent Body in one of those Member States. ' f, k. D) d; d) Q: p
What information must be provided in an application? 6 ?; _2 ^3 ?$ @5 v
Application forms are available from the Competent Bodies. Applicants should seek guidance from the Competent Bodies on the information needed in each case. The eco-label for each product group will have its own environmental criteria (published in the Official Journal of the European Communities) and the information required to demonstrate compliance will depend on the relevant criteria. Competent Bodies will inform potential applicants of which test results must be provided and how the testing should be carried out. % ^# j6 d& ]: Z
General information on the application procedure can also be found in the info-kit aimed at producers and consumers. ! } P* I6 \/ p" H* N5 O# G
How long does it take to process an application for the label?
& o/ _3 x4 q: L2 }. l5 `This will vary from case to case. A Competent Body must consider each application carefully before notifying the European Commission of its decision to award the Flower.
0 U& N% d2 i, q9 gHow will the use of the label be controlled?
* D5 x* C3 t6 Z. ]2 FThe Competent Body will conclude a contract covering the terms of use of the label with each successful applicant. A standard contract has been prepared for this purpose and Competent Bodies can provide copies to potential applicants. 7 G: O; Y( v6 l% |3 T
The Competent Body can request the necessary documentation from the holder in order to monitor the compliance with the product's ecological criteria and the terms of use set out in the contract. The Competent Body can also visit the holder's premises without prior notice. & ^. Z8 X, T* M5 ~$ G O: i
How much does it cost to apply for the eco-label?
4 j4 M3 J& u9 V& D- a! K2 P7 GA new Decision on fees was adopted by the European Commission at the end of the year 2000 for the fees to be charged by Competent Bodies.
4 m1 \ V" \2 u+ [4 u5 lThe following table gives the indicative fees according to the Decision:
- H& L R' i( N5 q MinimumMaximumReductions (1)Application fee covers the costs of processing the application.EUR 300EUR 130025% for SMEs and applicants from developing countries MinimumMaximumReductions (2)Annual fee for the use of the label= 0.15% of annual volume of sales of the product within the CommunityEUR 500 per product group per applicantEUR 25000 per product group per applicant.25% for SMEs and applicants from developing countries15% for companies registered under EMAS or certified under ISO 14001Other reductions possible, please contact your Competent Body for further details.$ e% p( I2 Y( L2 S3 n0 J' u6 A {
(1) These reductions are cumulative.
; F$ p2 B+ }* s7 L0 u& X9 d(2) These reductions are cumulative, but shall not exceed in total 50% # ]: j# E, Y. M! n. ^
These fees do not include the costs of testing and verification which applicants have to meet themselves. 2 ?$ s: Z$ z4 [. J; W" v. q
For how long may I use the eco-label on a product?
5 j I, i6 n4 G4 h0 p) g% S2 |Product group criteria are usually valid for a period of 3-5 years according to the Commission Decision on the relevant product group. Ecological criteria are reviewed before they expire and may be revised. If criteria have been revised you will have to renew your contract. If criteria have been prolonged your contract is automatically renewed, as long as the criteria remain valid. You may use the eco-label from the date it is awarded until the end of the period of the validity of the criteria.
; T& c) L5 p C& ]5 p/ O7 W6 ETHE CONSUMERS' PERSPECTIVE ' P0 T y2 t( [2 Z' k0 s
Are eco-labelled products more expensive?
# Y: c. k# S7 V& \, [No, not necessarily, this differs from product to product. Anyway, a product with the Flower definitely has an important added value since it has a reduced impact on the environment, and respects strict performance standards. 1 [2 Q( R4 u0 U% x) D4 \8 H i, B! Q2 K
As a citizen, how can I support the eco-label? 5 g4 A9 K5 J U' k' U2 T4 p
Of course, the first step in supporting the scheme is to buy the eco-labelled products. Nevertheless, it is also important to foresee ways of diffusing awareness and insisting on those products that have been eco-labelled in order to promote their presence in the market. In the long run, this will mean a positive impact on the design, production and marketing of such products. The more consumers ask for products with the Flower, the more producers will apply for the eco-label. 3 B8 d' a: L7 b6 l$ e
What should I do if I spot an "illegal" eco-label? / q' `) X8 I% p3 X' l
If you have reason to believe that an eco-label is not genuine, please report it to the Competent Body in the Member State in which you saw the product. ; Q9 E; r! {3 n& L
THE MANUFACTURER / RETAILER/SERVICE PROVIDERS' PERSPECTIVE 8 E& O8 x! Y9 {3 ?& ?% {( b
If a Competent Body awards the eco-label, can it be used on the same product or service in all the EU Member States?
1 o+ @. s- T* p3 n2 V. L+ rYes, that is precisely one of the advantages of the Flower! & x+ W9 W [: Y1 j( j4 q
Once awarded the Flower, the product can be marketed in all 15 Member States, plus those countries that are signatories to the European Economic Area (EEA) Agreement (Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein). 7 \1 U4 q( Q) _- J& s9 s" L' s
I am a retailer, can I ask for an eco-label? - ?6 V6 K! f8 Q( q
Yes, although only for products put on the market under their own brand name.
0 x+ T/ P" Q) I. B4 tAs a retailer you can also request, or even insist that your suppliers apply for the eco-label. In this way you will also contribute to providing environmentally friendly products to your clients.
8 W2 ?! o7 I, d" G& OWhat if my product is sold under two brand names? Is it possible to have an eco-label for "own brand" products? 1 O, J( R& O$ m6 A1 A* n, D
Since an eco-label is awarded to a product that fulfils technical criteria, nothing prevents a company from using it for the promotion of own brand products.
4 q2 g! h2 I0 S# L$ _If your product is sold under two brand names, you only need to submit one application. # z- `) N$ j- f4 v# C
Can a small company promote its product through the eco-label?
4 g I5 u+ b0 F. [9 YThe eco-label can obviously be a way to draw new attention to the company and improve its image. In addition, the Regulation contains specific measures to encourage small and medium sized enterprises to take part in the scheme, e.g. reduced fees, consultation procedures open to SMEs, testing and verification requirements adapted to SMEs' capabilities. Click here to see the reductions on the fees for SMEs. 9 `+ T- ^6 ^( b0 P! \( N
Some of the characteristics of my product have changed. Can I still use the Flower logo?
$ G/ f. L) U$ y/ lYou will not need to submit a new application if only characteristics that do not affect compliance with the criteria have changed. However, the Competent Body should be notified of significant modifications.
6 z4 u, I, K2 j! B A) [Do I have to apply for an eco-label? 2 Y! J( Z3 F/ B; g" o {9 e
No, the scheme is entirely voluntary and, as such, does not create barriers to trade. EU and foreign producers may sell products in the EU without the EU eco-label. It is not the purpose of the scheme to establish ecological standards that all manufacturers must meet. It is for the producer to decide whether or not to apply.
6 u- x# }8 {* a& j9 T! M% T4 oHowever, given consumer demand for products with a reduced impact on the environment, it is clear that the eco-label will gradually become a clear point of reference for the "green" consumer when buying goods.
1 u* \- ]# n; J* h% I, z) SNevertheless, participation in the scheme does not provide exemption from compliance to environmental or other regulatory requirements of Community or national law applicable to the various stages of the life cycle of the product (be it a good or a service). 2 `# ~& J( B4 r
Is it profitable for a company to obtain an eco-label? Is it appreciated by consumers? # g, |% a! z& a9 D( O1 [; \
It can be used as a business strategy, depending on the marketing programme of the enterprise. Many consumers appreciate having the choice and prefer environmentally-friendly products. The Flower on your products can increase your market share in this respect.
. {: \( X3 Q) i b$ l4 EHow can I use the Flower logo for marketing? 2 _/ o* _2 E5 K8 h& k$ v
Once your product has been awarded with the Flower, you can use the logo on any part of your product. 8 m4 m B9 x3 k
You can also use the Flower logo in your advertising strategy in relation to the labelled product. & M1 x) }2 i$ |5 o' z
Where can I get more information about the scheme?
3 w( r5 u' d& k% Y. vTake a closer look at our website. Here you will find detailed and updated information on the scheme: progress on product group development and revision, contact details of EU Eco-label holders, Competent Bodies and other members of the EUEB, etc.
$ b; G+ L l9 _6 h6 h/ i3 u- }Further information is to be found in our general brochure "The European Eco-label at a Glance" and the Info-kit aimed at producers and consumers.
3 `9 M; ^5 } s; \7 R$ R* }/ hYou can also contact your national Competent Body to know more about the Scheme at the national level, to submit your application, etc. Click here to see the address. , ] q$ c/ n& ^& Q3 o7 M9 s
Also, the eco-label Helpdesk may help you in answering further questions beyond the scope of the information contained in this website. |
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