Eco-labelling and product development: potentials and experiences

In this contribution, we concentrate on voluntary eco-labels, i.e., labels applied for reasons other than prescription by public regulation. Typical examples are the European eco-label, the Nordic White Swan or the German Blue Angel. Section 2, The concept of eco-labelling, gives an overview of the history and ‘landscape’ of eco-labels. It provides information on countries using such a scheme, presents an important categorisation elaborated in this context, explains objectives and mechanisms and hints at the distinction between direct and indirect effects. Section 3,Eco-labelling and product development, refers to the potential and some experiences within business, i.e., on a micro-economic level. The following Section 4 Assessing the impacts presents an empirical view on the state, successes and failures of eco-labelling; primarily based on a meso- and macro-economic view. The final Section 5, Conclusions, deduces the consequences and challenges, both for business and policy, for strengthening eco-labelling.