eco-label

An eco-label is a third-party certification confirming that a product or service meets specific environmental requirements. Well-known eco-labels in the EU/EEA include the EU Ecolabel (the "EU Flower"), the Nordic Swan and the Blue Angel. Contracting authorities can reference eco-labels in procurement processes to verify the environmental properties of what they purchase.

How do eco-labels work in procurement?

Article 43 of EU Directive 2014/24/EU establishes the rules for using labels in public procurement. This was a significant change from earlier directives, which only allowed indirect reference to the criteria underlying a label — the current rules permit requiring a specific label outright, provided certain conditions are met.

Contracting authorities can use eco-labels in three ways. First, they can extract specific criteria from a label scheme and include them in the requirements specification. Second, they can require a label "as such" — meaning the tenderer must demonstrate certification with a specific eco-label. Third, eco-labels can serve as award criteria, giving higher scores to labelled products.

To require a specific label, the scheme must meet Article 43 conditions: criteria must be linked to the subject matter, be objectively verifiable and non-discriminatory, and be developed through an open and transparent procedure. ISO 14024 Type 1 labels — such as the EU Ecolabel and the Nordic Swan — generally satisfy these conditions.

Equivalent proof and fair access

• Equivalent labels: Contracting authorities must accept other labels meeting equivalent requirements
• Alternative documentation: If a supplier cannot obtain the label in time through no fault of their own, the authority must accept alternative proof such as technical documentation from the manufacturer
• Market check: Before requiring an eco-label, verify that the market can deliver labelled products to ensure genuine competition

Tools like Cobrief can help suppliers identify tenders where eco-labels are requested, so they can prepare documentation in advance.

Eco-labels provide a practical way to verify environmental performance in public tenders. Combined with EU green public procurement policies, they give contracting authorities a concrete tool for setting verifiable environmental requirements without developing bespoke specifications from scratch.