EU ECO-labels - Criteria established for bed linen, T-shirts, double-ended light bulbs and copying paper
The Community ECO-Label Award Scheme was set up in 1992, by Council Regulation (EEC) 880/92 (OJ No L 99 of 11.4.1992 p. 1), with the aim of promoting products which are environmentally less harmful, and have an overall environmental impact significantly less than other products in their group. This would be done through the award of a Community "ECO-label" to such products. The award scheme is based on voluntary application by manufacturers or importers. Ecological criteria for the award are established by the Commission in consultation with representatives of industry, commerce, and consumer and environment organizations. Commission decisions establishing the ecological criteria for the award of the EU ECO-label to bed linen and T-shirts (OJ No L 116 of 11 May 1996), double-ended light bulbs (OJ No L 128 of 29 May 1996), washing machines (OJ No L 191 of 1 August 1996) and copying paper (OJ No L 192 of 2 August 1996) have all been adopted in 1996. These bring the total number of product categories currently covered by this label up to 11. Other products covered are: dishwashers, soil improvers, toilet paper, kitchen rolls, laundry detergents, single-ended light bulbs, and indoor paints and varnishes.