Brussels, 10 October 2024
Launched in 1992, the logo has become a byword for quality while meeting the highest environmental standards. The latest statistics released on Thursday by the Commission show continued growth in the number of EU Ecolabel-awarded products (goods and services) and licenses.
This steady upward trend is accelerating compared to previous years and Europeans can now choose from nearly 100,000 certified EU Ecolabel goods and services – 10,000 more than this time last year. All these products meet high environmental standards throughout their lifecycle, helping consumers, retailers and businesses make truly sustainable choices.
The statistics have been released on World Ecolabel Day, an annual celebration of the ecolabels that protect people and the planet.
As of September 2024, nearly 3,000 licences have been awarded for 98,977 products on the EU market. Since March 2024, 240 new licences have been issued to companies (a 9% increase) and 3,220 new products have been awarded the label (a 3% increase). Compared to September last year, an additional 10,000 products now carry the label. This growth can be observed across most EU Ecolabel product groups, with 14 out of the 25 groups experiencing a notable expansion.
This positive trend is expected to continue over the coming months thanks to the new rules established by the Directive on Empowering Consumers for the Green Transition, which will only allow sustainability labels certified by a third party or established by a public authority on the market. The increase in the number of certified products makes it easier than ever for consumers to choose environmentally friendly and sustainable options backed by the credibility of the EU Ecolabel.
Big boost for tourist accommodation and personal care products
While there has been growth across the board, tourist accommodation services have experienced the highest growth and hold the highest number of licenses overall. The sector saw a 14% increase over the past six months, with 94 new licenses issued, half of them in France.
Holidaymakers now have almost 800 EU Ecolabel hotels and campsites to choose from for their upcoming stays. With the increase in available funding opportunities, improved collaborations with online platforms and constant communication efforts by the EU and Member States— including the recent webinar ‘Bring tourist accommodation into the green spotlight with the EU Ecolabel‘, the visibility of the scheme has increased.
Additionally, three EU Ecolabel product groups have shown significant growth in the past six months: furniture (+1,524 products), tissue paper and tissue products (+983 products) and hard surface cleaning products (+466 products).
Good news also applies to cosmetic products, which have continued to expand in the last six months, with more than 210 products and 15 licences being awarded the EU Ecolabel. A further increase is expected in the coming months, as many companies are still in the process of renewing their licences.
Similar expectations apply to absorbent hygiene products, which received their first licence under the newly introduced criteria, with additional licenses expected to follow soon.
Rising internationally
This semester, Italy awarded the highest number of products (+1,261) within several product groups, including tissue paper, tissue products, and furniture.
The EU Ecolabel is also increasing in popularity globally with more than 2 600 products and 109 licences awarded to companies from outside the European Economic Area (EEA). These licences are attributed mainly to product groups, such as textiles (28), hard surface cleaning products (20), lubricants (13) and tourist accommodation (13).
To learn more, take a look at all of the latest facts and figures now!
Call to businesses
Why not join the initiative to grow and make your business green by signing up for the EU Ecolabel scheme? Learn more about all the product groups and criteria.
Source – EU Commission – Directorate-General for Environment