EU Ecolabel – The EU’s voluntary label for environmental excellence

Have you ever noticed the EU Ecolabel flower on a product in a shop – or perhaps when booking a hotel?

EU Ecolabel in a nutshell

Making environmentally responsible choices is not always easy because nowadays there are many products and services to choose from. Terms such as ‘eco-friendly’, ‘green’ and ‘sustainable’ are increasingly common – but how can we know which claims we can actually trust?

This is where the EU Ecolabel comes in. It identifies products and services that meet strict environmental criteria and have a reduced environmental impact throughout their life cycle. It helps consumers, businesses, retailers and public buyers make more informed and sustainable choices.

Why can you trust the EU Ecolabel?

The EU Ecolabel is not simply a green logo that companies can put on their products. To receive it, products and services must meet environmental criteria covering their entire life cycle – from raw materials and production to use and end-of-life.

Depending on the product group, the criteria can include reducing waste and CO₂ emissions, limiting hazardous chemicals, and making products more durable and easier to repair. Compliance with these requirements is independently verified.

The flower can be found on much more than you might expect: from paper, cleaning products and cosmetics to clothes, paints, varnishes and tourist accommodation.

Look for the flower when you travel

The EU Ecolabel is not limited to products you find in shops. Hotels, campsites and other tourist accommodation can also receive the label if they meet high environmental standards.

EU Ecolabel-certified accommodation takes measures to reduce energy and water consumption, limit waste and improve its overall environmental management – without compromising on the quality of your stay.

When planning your next trip, look out for the EU Ecolabel flower. Almost 800 certified tourist accommodations are available across Europe, and you can find them in the the EU Ecolabel Tourist Accommodation Catalogue. The catalogue allows you to search for tourist accommodation by country, among other criteria.

Learn more and stay updated

EU Ecolabel – Home

Watch the video on EU Ecolabel

EU Environment on Facebook

EU Ecolabel Tourist Accommodation – Environment – European Commission