Smart and Sustainable: The EU Ecolabel Enhances Green Public Procurement

Publication Date: 27 October 2025
Source: Directorate-General for Environment, European Commission

Overview

The EU Ecolabel emerges as a key tool. It helps public procurers choose green options. Experts explain in a recent European Commission live broadcast that the label eases green public procurement. It builds trust, cuts complexity, and drives market innovation.

Key Highlights

Growing Adoption and Trust

• Over 110,000 products carry the EU Ecolabel. This fact shows they meet high environmental standards.
• The label tells procurers that they now choose the most sustainable goods and services.
• The Ecolabel is a simple and trusted tool. It saves time and helps public funds go to sustainable choices.

Expanding Marketplace Options

• The market now has over 220,000 certified products under the EU Ecolabel and national Type I ecolabels.
• Studies by ADEME and BEUC show that EU Ecolabel products cost equal to or less than similar items.
• A Danish report shows clear environmental and climate benefits when public buyers choose green products.

Regulatory and Policy Framework

• The European Commission reviews the EU Public Procurement Directives. This step aims to boost sustainability in future rules.
• Some EU countries, like Italy, require sustainability in public purchases. They accept Type I ecolabels as proof. This rule makes ecolabel use more common.
• The EU Ecolabel backs the Circular Economy Act, the Clean Industrial Deal, and projects like Empowering Consumers for the Green Transition.

Innovation and Market Advantage

• Companies use the EU Ecolabel to spur innovation. For example, Diversey certifies up to 100% of their hospitality cleaning products.
• Austrian firm Format Werk sees the label as a competitive advantage. It helps them enter the EU market and win public contracts.

Practical Guidance for Procurers

• The EU Joint Research Centre makes practical guides. These guides help integrate EU Ecolabel criteria into tenders.
• Cities such as Copenhagen promote the ecolabel. They urge public buyers to select green products.

Conclusion

The EU Ecolabel helps public authorities match the EU’s green goals. It spurs innovation, grows eco-friendly options, and meets policy rules. The label is a trusted force that changes public purchasing for the better.

Additional Resources

• EU Ecolabel Product Catalogue
• Joint Research Centre: Practical guides on using the EU Ecolabel in procurement
• ADEME: Studies on cost and impact of EU Ecolabel products

Stay informed on sustainable procurement and environmental policy updates with the EU Directorate-General for Environment.

Design Delight Studio curates high-impact, authoritative insights into sustainable and organic product trends, helping conscious consumers and innovative brands stay ahead in a fast-evolving green economy.