History

The EU Ecolabel: history and development

The EU Ecolabel was launched by the European Commission in March 1992 to identify environmentally friendly products and services across Europe. During the first two years, the foundations for successful implementation were established. As early as 1993, the first product groups – washing machines and dishwashers – were defined. These are no longer valid today, as binding Ecodesign requirements now apply to these products. In 1994, sanitary paper products followed, whose criteria are still in place today in revised form.

The current legal basis is Regulation (EC) No 66/2010 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 
25 November 2009. The aim of this regulation is to expand the availability of environmentally friendly products 
and services and to enable consumers and procurers to make more sustainable purchasing decisions.
 

Growth and further development

Over the past decades, the EU Ecolabel has continued to evolve steadily. The number of licence holders has grown continuously – both in Germany and in other EU Member States. Today, the EU Ecolabel covers 254 product groups and more than 2,000 licensed companies, with over 100,000 awarded products and services.

In 2000, a revised regulation was introduced to accelerate the award procedure and make the label more attractive for companies. One important innovation was the extension of the EU Ecolabel to services. Since then, retailers and distributors have also been able to apply for the EU Ecolabel directly.

In 2001, the European Union Ecolabelling Board (EUEB) introduced a work plan to improve cooperation with national ecolabelling schemes and to strengthen the role of the EU Ecolabel in public procurement.
 

Key milestones

  • 2010: Third legal framework & logo relaunch – Introduction of the revised regulation on 29 January 2010 and modernisation of the logo to improve recognisability.
  • 2014: Directive 2014/24/EU – Inclusion of a provision on environmental labels such as the EU Ecolabel in public procurement directives, with the aim of integrating them more strongly into public tenders and using them as proof of environmental requirements.
  • 2020: Launch of the German EU Ecolabel website with three target groups: companies, consumers and public procurement.
  • 2022: Social media launch – The EU Ecolabel expanded its presence and is now officially represented on Facebook and Instagram to provide more direct information to consumers and companies.
  • 2024: The EU Ecolabel launched on LinkedIn to specifically address German-speaking companies and business representatives.
  • 2024: Directive (EU) 2024/825 – The EU Ecolabel was strengthened as an officially recognised environmental label to support the ecological transition and to protect consumers through improved labelling.

The EU Ecolabel today

Today, the EU Ecolabel is a central component of European environmental policy. It enables consumers and procurers to choose products and services that meet strict environmental criteria. With a steadily growing number 
of licensed companies and certified products and services, the EU Ecolabel actively contributes to promoting a greener economy.