Types of product environmental labels
There are 3 types of product environmental labels, which are known as type I, type II, and Type III.
Type I environmental label evaluates the environmental quality of a product compared to other products with similar performance. This type of eco-label is often sponsored by governments and awarded by an approved third-party program. A common example is the European Union Ecolabel. These labels certify that the services or products that contain them have a lower impact on the environment than others.
ISO 14024:2018 sets out the principles and procedures for developing Type I environmental labeling programs, including the selection of product categories, product environmental criteria, and product performance characteristics, and for assessing and demonstrating compliance. ISO 14024:2018 also defines the certification process for awarding the label.
Environmental labels and declarations - self-declared environmental claims (environmental label type II)
These types of labels are created by the manufacturers themselves and provide us with information about whether the products containing them are recyclable or not.
ISO 14021:2016 specifies requirements for self-declared environmental claims, including statements, symbols, and graphics, on products. It describes most of the selected terms commonly used in environmental claims and provides conditions for their use. This International Standard also describes a general assessment and verification method for self-proclaimed environmental claims and specific assessment and verification methods for selected claims in this International Standard.
Environmental Product Declaration (EPD)
Environmental labels and declarations - Type III environmental declarations
This system is an example of the ISO 14025 type III ecolabel and tries to provide the consumer with quantitative and completely accurate information about the product or service being obtained. Variable indicators should be used to obtain this information.
ISO 14025:2006 sets out the principles and procedures for the development of Type III environmental declaration programs and Type III environmental declarations. It specifically establishes the use of the ISO 14040 series of standards in the development of Type III environmental declaration programs and Type III environmental declarations.
When obtaining it, tools such as life cycle analysis are also used. Through this tool, it is to conduct research and obtain evidence of the effects that a product can have on the environment during its lifetime. From the time of extraction to waste disposal, all steps are to be carefully checked.
By determining the amount of resource use this product uses during its life cycle. We will be aware of the impact this may have. It also takes into account the raw materials required for manufacturing, the transportation of these materials, and even the packaging of the product, which makes it a very precise job. If there are dangerous substances, we also get them with this information.