The Nordic Ecolabel – the key that opens the door to the Nordic market
Johannes Jansson/norden.org
Johannes Jansson/norden.org
We can all do something to guarantee a more sustainable future. Buying products marked with ecolabels is one way of being a more informed consumer and protecting the environment.
In 1989, the Nordic governments decided to adopt a single official ecolabel that would guide consumers towards better products. The symbol chosen was a green swan – a variation on the logo of the Nordic Council of Ministers.
Since those humble beginnings in the early 1990s, the Swan has grown into one of the world's most successful ecolabels. Joining the programme is voluntary for any company interested in doing so.
The Nordic ecolabel is a type I ecolabel. These are labels in accordance with ISO 14024 that are awarded to a product or service that meets the assessment criteria and has a lower negative impact on the environment than a non-labeled product or service throughout its life cycle.
Why apply for a Nordic ecolabel?
The Swan ecolabel is well-known throughout the Nordic countries, where many people – experts in the field and ordinary consumers alike – are often swayed in their choice of goods and services by such labelling. A recent survey showed that the label was recognised by 97% of Swedish consumers, 94% of Norwegian consumers, 88% of Finnish consumers, 82% of Danish consumers and 60% of Icelandic consumers – clearly making it the key to the Nordic market.
What kind of costs does the ecolabel entail?
Companies seeking an ecolabel licence must pay an application fee, which covers the cost of processing the application and visits to the applicant to check whether they meet the criteria. Costs of the verification visits (EUR 1500 Europe, possible additional days EUR 1000/day).
If the licence is granted, the company must then pay an annual fee for use of the Swan label on products. The fee is different for different goods and services.
For more detailed information about the fees that apply to specific goods and services, get in touch with a local office of any of the Nordic countries:
- Nordic Ecolabelling information in English
- Sweden (Ecolabelling Sweden AB) information in English
- Denmark (Ecolabelling Denmark) information in English
- Finland (Eco-labeling Suomi Oy) information in Finnish
- Norway (Stiftelsen Miljømerking) information in Norwegian
- Iceland (the Swan eco-label) information in Icelandic
Estonian companies that have the Nordic ecolabel:
- TNC-components
- Ltd Aktaprint
- Ltd Ecoprint
- Ltd Pajo
- Kroonpress Ltd
- Printall Ltd
- Reusner Ltd
- Victor Stationary Ltd
- Bong Estonia Ltd
- Ltd Tikkurila - for the Vivacolor brand (only for sale in the Baltic countries)
- Horizon Tissue Ltd
- Mayeri Industries Ltd
- Bed Factory Sweden Ltd
- Mivar-Viva AS
- Llc Estonian Cell
- Baltic Trade NUF
- Hansa Candle Llc
- K-Print Ltd
- Prime Partner Llc
- Print Best Ltd
- Thermory Llc
- Firewood Northern Europe Ltd - export of firewood, wood briquettes and pellets