The European Commission adopted new EU Ecolabel criteria for cosmetics and animal-care products, offering consumers across the EU the benefit of trusted proof for genuine green brands.
Today, three out of four care products sold in Europe display an environmental claim or label and yet many of these claims are baseless or misleading. The EU Ecolabel is a reliable third-party verified label of environmental excellence, which takes into account the environmental impact of a product throughout its entire life-cycle, from the extraction of raw materials to the final disposal.
“The most environmentally-friendly cosmetic and pet-care products can now be rewarded with the EU Ecolabel in a further boost to the success of the label since 1992,” said Commissioner for Environment, Oceans and Fisheries, Virginijus Sinkevičius. “I encourage companies to apply for the EU Ecolabel and profit from its established reputation. The EU Ecolabel helps guide concerned consumers towards reliable, certified green products and supports the transition to a clean and circular economy.”
The updated EU Ecolabel criteria will now apply to all cosmetic products, as defined under the EU Cosmetic Regulation. Previous requirements for cosmetics to be awarded the EU Ecolabel covered a limited range of so-called rinse-off products such as body wash, shampoo and conditioner. The updated rules include leave-on cosmetics such as creams, oils, skin-care lotions, deodorants and antiperspirants, sunscreens, as well as hair styling and make-up products. In the animal-care sector, an EU Ecolabel can now be awarded to rinse-off products, such as soaps and shower preparations. This gives pet owners the ability to choose products meeting the highest environmental standards and which are not tested on animals.
According to the latest statistics, more than 83 000 goods/services have been awarded the EU Ecolabel in Europe, showing strong market demand for certified green products. The number of EU Eco-label products available to consumers is expected to increase further with this new combined cosmetics and animal-care package. The EU Ecolabel supports the green transition and the zero-pollution ambition, at the same time as empowering consumers seeking healthy and sustainable options.
The European Commission is also encouraging everybody to make pledges related to zero pollution through the EU Climate Pact. This includes pledges to use the best available, near-zero waste options products and services that are proven to be less polluting over their whole life cycle, especially those awarded the EU Ecolabel.
