An eco-label is a mark awarded by an independent scheme to products that meet published environmental criteria. Most schemes label finished products, such as detergents, paints or cleaning products, rather than raw chemicals.
Indian-made products can qualify, because the criteria cover the product and its ingredients, not the country of origin. In practice, the application is often made by the brand owner, and the Indian supplier provides the ingredient data.
Common schemes
- The EU Ecolabel, set up under Regulation (EC) No 66/2010, covers product groups such as detergents, cleaning products and paints.
- The Nordic Swan Ecolabel is widely used in the Nordic countries.
- The Blue Angel is Germany's national eco-label.
- The US EPA Safer Choice programme labels cleaning and other products whose ingredients meet its criteria.
- India runs its own Ecomark scheme for products made and sold in India.
How it works for an ingredient supplier
The scheme usually assesses the finished product. Each ingredient must meet criteria such as hazard classification limits, biodegradability, aquatic toxicity and limits on certain substances. The brand owner collects declarations and test reports from every supplier to prove this.
So the real question is whether an Indian supplier can provide the right data for its product. Many can, if they have test reports and full disclosure of their formula to the scheme's assessor. Some refuse to disclose formulas, which can block an application. Agree this before you choose a supplier.
Biodegradability data is a frequent requirement. See biodegradability testing for how it is measured.
Can a chemical itself carry a label?
Some programmes do list or recognise individual ingredients, so formulators can choose them easily. Industry programmes in textiles, for example, list chemical products that meet a restricted-substance list. These are conformance programmes rather than consumer eco-labels, but buyers often treat them the same way.
Ask your customer which scheme or list matters to them. Then ask the supplier for its current certificate or listing, and check it on the scheme's own website.
Points to watch
Criteria are revised every few years. A product that qualified under an old version may not qualify under the new one. Check the current criteria on the scheme's site before you rely on a claim.
Using an eco-label logo without a valid licence is a serious offence in many markets. Who holds the licence and who is responsible should be clear in your contract. Confirm the details with the scheme's competent body.
Expect audits. Schemes and licence holders may check that ingredients still match what was declared. If the Indian supplier changes a raw material, your licence could be at risk. A change notification clause in your supply contract protects you.
Next step
We find suppliers that will share data with your scheme's assessor, collect their declarations and check them against your criteria. Book a free sourcing review.