Trailblazing eco labels
The choice is large: Eco labels mean printing houses and print buyers can document their sustainable commitment verifiably. Here we explain some important environmental quality seals.
1 | Labels for sustainable printed products
EU Ecolabel
The EU Ecolabel is the EU environmental seal, which is recognised in all member states, but also in Norway, Liechtenstein and Iceland. The voluntary seal which was introduced in 1992 through an EU regulation (Regulation EWG 880/92) has developed more and more into a reference for consumers who wish to contribute towards reduced environmental pollution through their purchases of environmentally friendly products and services.
How do you apply? Producers, importers, service providers and also agents can apply for the EU Ecolabel at the respective responsible national office. In Germany this is the RAL gGmbH.
The “Der Blaue Engel”
The label “Der Blaue Engel” is the oldest environmental seal worldwide. When it comes to resource protection, an award may be received for regarding paper and the print products produced therefrom. The harmlessness of other consumable materials like ink and varnish may also be documented. Since February 1st, 2015, there has been a label “Der Blaue Engel” for printed products (RAL-ZU 195), which additionally imposes requirements of environmental friendliness on printing processes.
How do you apply? Printing houses can get their printed products certified. An application can be made to RAL gGmbH for certification with the label “Der Blaue Engel” for the respective product or service provision.
Nordic Swan Ecolabel
The Nordic environmental seal “Nordic Swan Ecolabel” is the official eco label for Nordic countries (Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden). Established in 1989, the label meanwhile covers 63 product groups and has a degree of recognition in the Nordic countries of over 90 %.
How do you apply? The precise product groups and the criteria for licencing can be found on the following website.
2 | Company internal, sustainability promoting certificates
Certificate ISO 14001:2015
The international environment management standard ISO 14001 sets worldwide recognised requirements for an environment management system.
Certificate EN ISO 50001:2011
The energy management standard sets the standard for energy management certification, worldwide. The company systematically increases its energy efficiency, identifies relevant energy savings potentials and implements relevant measures towards energy savings.
