Live broadcast: How can the EU Ecolabel drive more sustainable procurement?

Public procurement currently accounts for 14% of the EU’s GDP and has the power to influence markets and accelerate the green transition. However, strategic aspects, such as environmental, social and innovative considerations, are rarely taken into account, according to the European Court of Auditors' report (28/2023).

That is hopefully about to change. Sustainable procurement is now a growing political priority for EU member states, as it contributes environmental and climate benefits, strengthens EU companies and contributes to an increased degree of self-sufficiency and independence in an increasingly uncertain world.

With over 100,000 EU Ecolabelled goods and services available on the EU market, the EU Ecolabel offers ready-made solutions for cities, regions, hospitals, schools and other public actors.

– With the EU Ecolabel, public sector actors gain effective tools and can contribute to more sustainable procurement. The EU Ecolabel, a Type 1 ecolabel, sets strict requirements that are verified on-site. The requirements are gradually being tightened, making it easier for procurers to choose the environmentally best goods and services, says Anna Linusson, CEO of Ecolabelling Sweden. Ecolabelling Sweden is responsible for the EU Ecolabel in Sweden and for the Nordic Swan Ecolabel, the official Type 1 ecolabel of the Nordic countries.

Anna Linusson will participate as a speaker at the live webinar:

– The companies that are "best in class" should be rewarded in procurement processes. Today, there is a "green public procurement gap" between the top-performing companies in terms of environmental performance and the goods and services that are procured. This green gap must be closed if public procurement is to play a meaningful role in the green transition, says Anna Linusson.

The green gap is partly due to a range of myths and misconceptions about why environmental labeling requirements supposedly can't be applied—despite there being no legal barriers in the legislation. This needs to be clarified to ensure that all member states interpret the directive consistently in the upcoming revision of the Public Procurement Directive.

In addition to the EU Ecolabel, there are several official Type 1 ecolabels in the EU, such as the Nordic Swan, the Blue Angel, the Austrian Ecolabel and the Dutch Milieukeur.

The webinar "Why should public procurers choose EU Ecolabel products?" will provide an overview of EU laws and policies and offer a forward-looking perspecitive. Discover inspiring examples and practical tips on how the EU Ecolabel can be integrated into the procurement process.

Join the live broadcast on 10 October 2025, from 9.45–12.30 and discover how the EU Ecolabel can make procurement smarter, greener and easier!