A new guide to structuring responsible purchases with the European Ecolabel

At a time when environmental criteria are becoming essential in purchasing policies, on 22 May ADEME published a practical guide for professional buyers, both private and public, wishing to adopt more responsible and sustainable consumer practices. Title « Your responsible purchases with the European Ecolabel: simplicity and reliability »This guide provides a clear synthesis of the economic and environmental benefits associated with the European Ecolabel. It identifies the 23 main categories of products and services covered by the European Ecolabel (including furniture, paper and stationery, cleaning and cleaning products and services, clothing or tourist accommodation), sets out concrete examples of the application of Ecolabel criteria throughout the life cycle of a product or service, and proposes recommendations for incorporating these criteria into tenders. Beyond the technical aspects, the document also draws attention to the points of legal vigilance to be anticipated, in order to secure the steps in accordance with the law of public order. He also hunts for ideas by explaining that a European Ecolabel product or service often costs less than a classic product, especially if its cost is taken into account throughout its life cycle.

Created in 1992 by the European Commission, the European Ecolabel is the only official public eco-label for use in all EU Member States. Boxed by the Regulation of 25 November 2009 establishing the EU Ecolabel, it is a reliable benchmark for stakeholders who want to incorporate sustainability criteria into their purchasing policies.

By following the recommendations of this guide, buyers will be able to reduce the ecological footprint of their structure and encourage manufacturers to adopt more sustainable practices, thus contributing to a circular and responsible economy.

The guide is downloadable free of charge on the ADEME website.

ADEME| Ecolabel