EU Ecolabel - Consumers

How to make sustainable choices?

Consumers are increasingly willing to take part in the green transition, supporting wider sustainability efforts in Europe and beyond though their choices.

A Commission study from 2020 highlighted that 53.3% of environmental claims reviewed in the EU were found to be “vague, misleading or unfounded” and 40% were “unsubstantiated”.

With over 230 different environmental labels on the market (see EU Green Claims overview), consumers find difficult to distinguish the ones to trust. 

EU Ecolabel products can be trusted because, from production to use and disposal, they have been assessed as products with reduced environmental impact. Scientifically sound criteria have been developed in a transparent way involving scientists, NGOs and stakeholders to enable consumers to make environmentally responsible choices. In addition, the EU Ecolabel aims at being awarded by independent third party organisations only to the best 10-20% products on the market, in terms of environmental performance.

Certified products, widely available on offer, both on- and offline, are easily recognisable through the display of the EU Ecolabel logo on each certified product. 

The good news is that purchasing sustainable products does not necessarily mean paying more. A recent French study found that products bearing the EU Ecolabel are competitively priced in the majority of cases, with costs comparable to those of conventional alternatives. In some cases, even cheaper for the same performance.

The EU Ecolabel thus helps consumers make informed choices and opt for environmentally friendly products, boosting the market for sustainable products in a circular economy.