The European Eco-label -- paper products

European Commission Directorate-General For The Environment

Description

Better by nature
Environment policy and protection of the environment
Target audience: General public

Sujets

• Ecolabel
• Energy conservation
• Pulp and paper industry
• Conservation (ethic)
• Consumer
• Sciences et techniques

Informations

• Publié par: EUROPEAN-COMMISSION-DIRECTORATE-GENERAL-FOR-THE-ENVIRONMENT
• Nombre de lectures: 21
• Langue: English

Extrait

LD_607294_Paper_EN 26/07/06 15:47 Page1

Working paperLooking for eco-villains on your shopping list? Look for clues by following the paper trail. Paper production accounts for water pollution and litter, as well as significant emissions to air, including greenhouse gases, and consumption levels are climbing ever higher. Choose products sporting the European Eco-label, because paper bearing the Flower: ● is produced with a view to minimising emissions to air and water pollution; ● may be made of fibres that are recycled or grown in an environmentally sound way; and ● is made in more energy-efficient mills. Eco-labelled paper products treat the earth gently throughout theirlife cycle, from the gathering of raw materials to the paper’s eventual disposal (see diagram). And while meeting strict environmental criteria, Eco-labelled paper cuts no corners on consumer value. Simply said, Eco-labelled paper goods are better by nature.

The EuropeanEco-label distinguishes products that meet high standards of both performance and environmental quality. Every product awarded the European Eco-label must pass rigorous environmental fitness trials, with results verified by an independent body.

Other environmental labels cover specific environmental concerns such as recyclability or energy efficiency, but the Flower of the European Eco-label stands for low environmental impacts throughout a product’s life cycle — from manufacturing to disposal. Consumers can find it across the European Union, Norway, Liechtenstein and Iceland.

Criteria exist for more than 23 types of products and services, with new categories continuously being adopted. The Flower adorns, among other items, environmentally friendly appliances, clothing, gardening products and tourist accommodations.

Look for the Flower!

CONTACT INFORMATION The European Commission:[e-mail] Your national Competent Body: http://ec.europa.eu/environment/ecolabel/tools/competentbodies_en.htm General information on the Flower:http://ec.europa.eu/ecolabel The Green Store:www.eco-label.com The European Eco-label on tourism services:http://www.eco-label-tourism.com

Printed on recycled paper

© European Communities, 2006 Luxembourg: Office for Official Publications of the European Communities, 2006 Reproduction is authorised provided the source is acknowledged.

TEXT AND DESIGN Regional Environmental Center • ILLUSTRATIONS Laszlo Falvay

European Commission

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