How are the requirements set by Nordic Ecolabelling?
Nordic Ecolabelling develops requirements for specific product or service categories. These requirements are based on a life cycle perspective – from raw material to waste. It often involves developing requirements for products that are used in large quantities and by many people.
Not everything can be awarded the Nordic Swan Ecolabel. Before deciding whether to develop criteria for a specific area, we carry out a preliminary study. We find out whether there is a major environmental problem linked to the product and whether there is room for improvement. We also assess whether Nordic Swan Ecolabelling can contribute to product development that is less environmentally harmful.
The Nordic countries develop criteria together. In Sweden, the Swedish Ecolabelling Board decides which criteria will apply. The Nordic Ecolabelling Board then decides which product groups and criteria will apply throughout the Nordic region.
We strengthen the requirements
The Nordic Swan Ecolabel’s criteria are continuously revised to ensure that certified products remain among the most environmentally sound on the market. When the criteria have been in place for a few years, we review them. They are then evaluated and reworked based on new knowledge, technical development, external input and experience. The proposal is then sent out for consultation.
The consultation process
Before the requirements are finalised, they are sent out for consultation to industry, authorities, environmental and interest organisations. The consultation period is normally sixty days. Everyone is welcome to submit comments on the proposals.
How does the consultation process work?
In most cases, employees from all Nordic organisations participate in developing the new proposal. This work is carried out in collaboration with experts, researchers, industry associations, authorities and others who can contribute expertise in the area.
Once the proposal has been reviewed during the consultation period, all received responses are compiled and assessed and a proposal for new requirements is presented to each country’s national ecolabelling board. The boards approve or reject the proposal. They may also propose changes before approval. The criteria are then sent to the Nordic Ecolabelling Board, which decides on the validity of the requirements.
When new requirements are introduced, companies holding a licence must reapply and demonstrate compliance with the new requirements. This means that a Nordic Swan licence is not valid forever. In this way, the Nordic Swan Ecolabel drives the green transition.