Eco-labelling in the Era of the Green Economy: A Critical Overview

Eco-labels are a form of sustainability measurement directed at consumers, intended to make it easy to consider environmental concerns when shopping. Some labels quantify pollution or energy consumption and others simply assert compliance with a set of practices or minimum requirements for sustainability or reduction of harm to the environment. Eco-labeling was started by NGOs but nowadays the European Union have legislation for the rules of eco-labeling and also have their own eco-labels. Green stickers on consumer goods have been evolving since the 1970s. The main drivers have been energy and fuel consumption. The major appliance manufactures were required to use standard testing practices and place clear labels on products. The International Organization for Standardization has developed standards for addressing environmental labeling with the ISO 14000 family which grew out of ISO’s commitment to support the objective of sustainable development. Governments of many countries have environmental protection agencies. In the present work, all the available information are being examined concluding to the benefits and imperfections of eco labels.