Environmental declarations of type I are eco-labels awarded to products and services that meet specific environmental standards in accordance with ISO 14024. These labels are verified by an independent third party, ensuring credibility and objectivity. As a result, consumers are able to make greener purchasing decisions when choosing products that have less environmental impact.

The different types of labels

For manufacturers, having a Type I declaration enhances product marketability by visibly demonstrating their ecological awareness. A few examples of Type I labels are Fair Trade and EU Ecolabel.

In type II environmental labels or self-declared environmental claims, manufacturers explain the environmental attributes of their products. As an example, a producer might claim that a product is made from 100% recycled materials. As these declarations are generated internally without external verification or certification, consumers have to verify their validity and accuracy.

Type III environmental declarations, also known as Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs), are comprehensive reports that present quantified environmental data of a product, based on information from a life cycle assessment (LCA). The ISO 14040 standard covers the concept of life cycle assessment. This standard focuses on the principles and framework for conducting a Life Cycle Assessment.

EPDs, covered in ISO 14025 are standardized and verified by a third party, ensuring reliability and accuracy of the information provided. In this way, products with similar functions can be objectively compared in terms of their environmental impact. In today’s marketplace, EPDs are a powerful tool that manufacturers can use to demonstrate environmental awareness, enhance brand reputation, and gain a competitive advantage.

Overall, ISO standards for Environmental Product Declarations are a powerful strategy for businesses to demonstrate sustainability and meet evolving market needs. In this way, companies can enhance their brand reputations, foster informed consumer decisions, and contribute to the environmental welfare of the planet.