appendix iv: 2006 marketing action...

65EC – DG EnvironmentEU Eco-label Helpdesk –12/2005 Quarterly Report

1 December 2005

APPENDIX IV: 2006 MARKETING ACTION PLAN

European Commission DG Environment

Operation of the European Eco-label Helpdesk for the Support and the

Promotion of the EU Eco-labelMarketing Action Plan for 2006

September 2005

Contact BIO INTELLIGENCE SERVICE SAS

Véronique Monier - Cécile des Abbayes – Corentine Hermite

Tel: +33 1 56 20 28 98

Mails: [email protected]

[email protected]

[email protected]

2 September 2005 EC – DG Environment

EU Eco-label Helpdesk – 2006 Promotion Action Plan

Content

Introduction.......................................................................................................................................................... 3 1. Horizontal actions .................................................................................................................... 4

1.1. Information tools ................................................................................................................................... 4 1.1.1. The e-catalogue ....................................................................................................................................................4 1.1.2. E-mail news alert for holders .................................................................................................................................7 1.1.3. Flower newsletter ..................................................................................................................................................7 1.1.4. Fact Sheets and other leaflets...............................................................................................................................8

1.2. Contact with stakeholders .................................................................................................................... 9 1.2.1. Public purchasers..................................................................................................................................................9 1.2.2. Eco-citizens .........................................................................................................................................................11 1.2.3. Retailers ..............................................................................................................................................................11

2. Product group specific actions............................................................................................. 12 2.1. Cleaning products............................................................................................................................... 12 2.2. Textiles ............................................................................................................................................... 13 2.3. DIY (France) ....................................................................................................................................... 14 2.4. Printed paper...................................................................................................................................... 15

3. Flower Week 2006................................................................................................................... 16 Appendix 1- Modifications in the e-catalogue to include the new eco-labelled services .................................... 17 Appendix 2: Example of Eco-label Holder News Alert ....................................................................................... 19



INTRODUCTION

The marketing strategy recommended for the development of the Flower and eco-labelled products is described in a document entitled Promotion Action Plan realised by BIO Intelligence Service in February 2004 and serves as a framework for the Helpdesk marketing activities over the 2004-2006 period.

This report is a proposal for the Helpdesk marketing activities for 2006. This plan will be discussed with the European Commission for validation.

The objectives of 2006 marketing activities are the same as the other years:

the increase of the number of eco-labelled articles,

the increase of the visibility of the Flower in MSs,

the increase of the awareness of producers and retailers,

the recognition of the logo by consumers.

The promotion action plan for 2006 can be divided into 4 important parts: production / finalisation of information tools, targeted marketing activities in the fields where the development of the EU Eco-label has high potential, assistance to the MMG for the preparation of the Flower Week 2006, and covering horizontal areas of marketing.

Production / finalisation of information tools

It is important that at the end of the 3-year Eco-label Helpdesk contract, the EC disposes of a wide range of communication tools, enabling to concentrate on marketing activities in the following years. That is why an important part of this action plan focuses on the e-catalogue, in order to make it as user-friendly as possible for consumers, holders and retailers, and on finalisation of the production of brochures (set of product group fact sheets, and other printed material).

Targeted marketing activities

The Helpdesk suggests implementing marketing activities in horizontal issues where the development of the EU Eco-label appears the most promising: green public procurement, eco-citizens, retailers’ private labels; and also at an EU level marketing activities related to specific product groups: cleaning products, textiles, printed paper, and hard floor coverings, paints and soil improvers in France.

Flower Week 2006

The activities related to the Flower Week 2006 were discussed during the MMG meeting, on September, 26th 2005.

The different marketing activities planned for 2006 are detailed in the following chapters.



1. Horizontal actions

Horizontal actions are actions common to all product groups, aiming at increasing the visibility of the Flower and the demand for eco-labelled products.

The proposed horizontal actions for 2006 consist in:

Finalising the set of information tools necessary to communicate about the Flower towards consumers, producers, retailers and holders,

Increase the demand for eco-labelled products from meeting public purchasers

Maintain contact with retailers

1.1. INFORMATION TOOLS

The information tools cover the e-catalogue www.eco-label.com, the web news, the Flower newsletter, and different leaflets / fact sheets.

1.1.1. THE E-CATALOGUE

The e-catalogue is a very important communication tool towards consumers, since it is available in 11 language versions and includes a search engine enabling consumers to find eco-labelled products in their country (it also helps public purchasers identify the size of the market of their potential suppliers). In 2005 statistics show an average of 230,000 hits received per month, corresponding to almost 10,000 visits per month.

It is essential to make it as user-friendly as possible to European consumers, that is why the Helpdesk suggests implementing 5 different actions in 2006:

- Translations of both front office and back office in the 8 languages of new EU Member States,

- Modifications to include the new eco-labelled “services” (presently tourist accommodation and campsite),

- Addition of 3 new product group pages (maintenance of the e-catalogue)

- Addition of the consumer Info-Kit brochures online the product groups page of the e-catalogue

- Maintenance of the tool for textile applicants.



Marketing Activities for 2006 When

Translations of both front office and back office in the 8 languages of the new EU Member States

It is important to make the e-catalogue available to all European consumers, especially now that there are EU Eco-label licensees in new Member States. The Helpdesk suggests translating both front and back offices of the web site in the 8 languages of the new MSs: Czech, Estonian, Latvian, Lithuanian, Hungarian, Polish, Slovakian and Slovenian. The front office is the public part of the web site, where consumers have access; the back office is the private part of the web site, where holders and retailers can update/modify the information related to their products. Translations will be provided by CBs or the EC, and the Helpdesk will take care of the IT work. These translations will be done when the other actions related to the e-catalogue are implemented. Option: The Maltese translation of the front office and the back office could be put online the front office and the back office, should the budget be made available – to be decided in autumn 2006.

End 2006

Update the product group pages The e-catalogue includes pages presenting the different product groups, available from the “product categories” page. Considering that there will be 3 new product groups in 2006 (soaps and shampoos, printed paper and heat pumps), it is necessary to add the corresponding product group pages.

2006

Addition of the consumer Info-Kit brochures online the e-catalogue In a previous draft of this Marketing Action Plan, the Helpdesk had mentioned that putting the consumer Info-Kit brochures online the e-catalogue on every1 product group page for every language version represented a global budget of 5000 euros, which was too high. Considering this is a priority action for the EC, the Helpdesk suggests putting all the consumer info-kit brochures online for downloading on the common “Product categories” page. Because the e-catalogue web site is not dynamic, this represents putting ‘manually’ 12 brochures * 19 languages = 228 links, with an estimated budget of 2500 euros.

2006

1 There are actually 12 consumer Info-Kit brochures for 23 product groups. But the idea was that on every product group page, the consumer would find the corresponding info-kit brochure, meaning a given brochure could be found several times on the web site.



Modifications to include the new eco-labelled ‘services’ As discussed with the EC during the year 2005, the structure of the e-catalogue is not adapted to the new eco-label services, i.e. tourist accommodations and camp sites. For example, the database is made for ‘manufacturers’ proposing ‘products’, and these terms are not appropriate to services. General modifications in the Product and Manufacturer pages are needed. The new layouts would be common to every future eco-labelled service. In order to be as cost-efficient as possible, the Helpdesk suggests modifying only the labels of the web site, changing ‘product’ to ‘product/service’ and ‘manufacturer’ to ‘manufacturer/service provider’. This enables to avoid working on changing the code, which is expensive. The corresponding modifications are enclosed in Appendix 1.

Beginning 2006

Maintenance of the tool for textile applicants A web based tool for textile applicants was produced within a EC contract in 2005. This tool will be hosted on the e-catalogue and will be made available on the Europa website for the EU Eco-label by the end 2005. Following a request of the EC, the Helpdesk will take care of its maintenance. A budget of 1000 euros will be allocated to this maintenance in 2006. If it happens that there was no need to use it by the end 2006, the Helpdesk will use this budget to print brochures (for example 2000 fact sheets).

2006



1.1.2. E-MAIL NEWS ALERT FOR HOLDERS


Creation of an email news alert for holders It has been repeated during MMG meetings and observed during fairs that some eco-label holders do not feel informed enough on the activities of the EU Eco-label team and competent bodies for the development and the promotion of the European Eco-label. As discussed in the MMG meeting of 26 September, the Helpdesk suggests creating an email News Alert service specifically targeting holders. This News Alert would be sent on a monthly basis to every Eco-label holder and would contain the Eco-label web news, information on new holders, statistics, and upcoming fairs and events. Holders would have the possibility to add colleagues to the mailing-list or to unsubscribe. A suggestion of email News Alert is enclosed in Appendix 2.

Beginning 2006

1.1.3. FLOWER NEWSLETTER

Two issues of the Flower newsletter will be produced in 2006, as planned in the Technical Annex of the contract. The quantities printed need to be modified though, since the size of the mailing-list for English version has increased.

Instead of 1000 copies of each language version (English, French, Italian, Spanish and Greek), the Helpdesk needs printing:

- 3000 English copies

- 700 copies of the other languages

i.e. a total of 5800 copies per issue, instead of the 5000 scheduled.



1.1.4. FACT SHEETS AND OTHER LEAFLETS


Production of the remaining product group fact sheets In 2005 the Helpdesk initiated the production of fact sheets describing the Eco-label criteria per product group, targeting producers and retailers. In 2006 this set of fact sheets will be completed : The 10 remaining product group fact sheets will be produced in English: dishwashers, light bulbs, televisions, vacuum cleaners, washing machines, copying paper, printed paper, bed mattresses, soil improvers and lubricants.

Beginning 2006

Production of print files for the translations of the fact sheets produced in 2005 and the consumer and purchaser leaflets

At the end 2005, the EC will translate the existing 15 fact sheets (all purpose cleaners, camp sites, detergents for dishwashers, footwear, general marketing brochure, hand dishwashing detergents, hard floor coverings, tourist accommodations, laundry detergents, paints, personal computers, portable computers, refrigerators, textiles and tissue paper) and the consumer and GPP leaflets into the 19 other languages of the EU. These translations will be provided in Word format. In order to produce print files (EPS and high resolution PDFs), it is necessary to transfer these translations to Illustrator2. It takes approximately 20 minutes to cut and paste all the text fields of a Fact Sheet from Word to Illustrator, adjust the design of the brochure to the various lengths of the texts in the different languages, do the final check and produce the EPS and high resolution PDF files. There are 17 brochures3 * 18 languages4 = 306 non – English brochures of which 12 are already done (all purpose cleaners, detergents for dishwashers, footwear, general marketing brochure, hand dishwashing detergents, hard floor coverings, laundry detergents, paints, textiles, and tissue paper in French and camp sites and tourist accommodations in German) so there remains 293 brochures, so this represents 12.25 days for producing the print files. This work will be done by an assistant beginning 2006.

Beginning 2006

Printing The Helpdesk plans to print 10,000 fact sheets in 2006. 2006

2 It is possible to produce PDF files from Word documents, but these will be low resolution files, that printers cannot use. 3 15 Fact Sheets + 1 GPP leaflet + 1 Consumer leaflet 4 English versions are already available, as well as FR or DE versions for 12 brochures.



1.2. CONTACT WITH STAKEHOLDERS

1.2.1. PUBLIC PURCHASERS

Actions towards public purchasers will include activities both at EU and national level (France).


Inform network of Eco-cities The Helpdesk contacted 4 different networks of Eco-cities in 2005 to see if they would be interested in spreading information to their members about the use of EU Eco-label criteria in call for tenders, in order to do green procurement. The possible actions that could be implemented with these networks are the following: put a link on their web site to the Eco-label web site, write an article in their newsletter, produce a success story with them, and do a presentation during a meeting of the members of the network.

- Eurocities - http://www.eurocities.org/. EUROCITIES is the network of major European cities. Founded in 1986, the network brings together the local governments of more than 120 large cities in over 30 European countries. EUROCITIES provides a platform for its member cities to share knowledge and ideas, to exchange experiences, to analyse common problems and develop innovative solutions, through a wide range of Forums, Working Groups, Projects, activities and events. The Helpdesk is in contact with Ms Silke Moschitz. At this stage the Helpdesk does not know if it will be able to implement actions in 2006 with Eurocities but the first contact was positive and possible actions will be discussed in October 2005.

- ACRR (Association of Cities and Regions for Recycling) - http://www.acrr.org/. The ACRR is an International Network of local and regional authorities throughout the European territory and beyond. The association aims to promote the exchange of information and experiences on municipal waste management, and particularly on the prevention at source, recycling and recovery. The Helpdesk is in contact with Mr Francis Radermaker, who is very interested in communicating about Eco-label and GPP to the members of ACRR. Nothing is decided at this stage, but actions are very likely to be implemented with them in 2006.

- CEMR (Council of European Municipalities and Regions) – http://www.ccre.org. CEMR is the largest organisation of local and regional government in Europe; its members are national associations of towns, municipalities and regions from over 30 countries. Together these associations represent some 100,000 local and regional authorities. The Helpdesk is in contact with Mr Sylvain Chevassus, who is very interested in communicating about Eco-label and GPP to the members of CEMR. Nothing is decided at this stage, but actions are very likely to be implemented with them in 2006.

- ICLEI (Local Governments for Sustainability) – www.iclei.org. ICLEI is an international association of local governments and national and regional local government organizations that have made a commitment to sustainable development. More than 470 cities, towns, counties, and their associations worldwide comprise ICLEI's growing membership. ICLEI works with these and hundreds of other local governments through international performance-based, results-oriented campaigns and programs. The Helpdesk is in contact with Mr Peter Defranceschi, from the Eco Procura department. At this stage, the Helpdesk does not know if it will be possible to implement actions in 2006 with ICLEI.

The time allocated to this activity (5 days) does not allow doing all the listed actions. If it happens that all of them are feasible, the Helpdesk will discuss with the EC how to prioritise them.

2006




Contact with Ms Jill Michielssen (in charge of GPP issues within the EC)

In 2006 the Helpdesk plans to work on activities related to GPP with Ms Jill Michielssen. These activities are:

- Update of the PowerPoint presentation about the use of eco-label criteria in GPP approaches created in 2005.

- Presentation about the use of EU Eco-label criteria in GPP during one of the five workshops (Spain, Greece, Italy, Portugal or Ireland) scheduled in another project of DG Env related to GPP

- Organisation and minutes of a meeting of CBs with GPP experts as an extension of a MMG meeting

If the meeting of CBs and GPP experts cannot be organised, the Helpdesk will discuss with the EC how to reallocate the corresponding time.

2006

Participation to the “Salon des Maires” 2006 The “Salon des Maires” is a fair gathering almost 50,000 French elected representatives and local decision-makers, together with partners and suppliers specialized in the management and development of local communities. There are different thematic sectors, including « Environment and Energy ». This fair usually has important media coverage on TV, radio and the press. The Helpdesk suggests having a booth during 3 days at this fair to inform directly elected representatives on how they can easily implement green procurement if they use eco-labels. A specific poster based on the Toolbox, but in French, and announcing “Green Procurement is easy with the Flower” will be produced and printed for the occasion. The Helpdesk will try to have an active role in this fair, for example to do a presentation about the use of Eco-label criteria in GPP. The date of 2006 edition of the fair is not known yet; however considering that 2005 edition is in November, it is likely to be at a similar time. www.salondesmaires.com

Probably November

2006



1.2.2. ECO-CITIZENS

Eco-citizens are consumers concerned by the protection of the environment, who buy occasionally organic, natural or fair trade products. They are the potential purchasers of eco-labelled products.

They will be reached through the action for DIY products (cf 2.3. ).

1.2.3. RETAILERS

Retailers are key stakeholders for the development of eco-labelled products: many companies ask for the EU Eco-label because of a demand from retailers. They also offer visibility for eco-labelled products on their shelves.

Retailers will be reached at PLMA fair (cf 2.1. ), and through the activity described below:


Meeting with Eurocommerce As requested by the EC, the Helpdesk plans to do a presentation during one meeting with Eurocommerce.

2006

Supporting the Retailer Database of the e-catalogue It will be necessary to implement a follow-up with retailers to have them fill information about their products in the e-catalogue database.

- The Helpdesk will work with AFNOR for France and will ask AFNOR for contact details in order to get in touch with French retailers (Leroy-Merlin, Carrefour, Cora, Auchan, and Monoprix) to present the project and ask for information.

- The Helpdesk will explain the work to CBs during a MMG meeting and ask them for support in their country.

2006



2. Product group specific actions

The Helpdesk will focus its product-specific actions on 3 product families:

- Cleaning products: laundry detergents, all purpose cleaners, hand dishwashing detergents, dishwashing tablets and tissue paper

- Textiles

- DIY (Hard Floor Coverings, Paints and Varnishes and Soil Improvers)

- Printed Paper

2.1. CLEANING PRODUCTS

Considering that the participation of the Flower to PLMA fair in 2005 generated an important interest amongst SMEs and retailers (116 contacts made), the Helpdesk recommends participating in 2006 again.

The product groups covered by PLMA fair are laundry detergents, all purpose cleaners, hand dishwashing detergents, dishwashing tablets and tissue paper.


Participation to PLMA fair in Amsterdam on 30 and 31 May 2006 The Helpdesk suggests having a booth at next PLMA fair, in order to continue the promotion of the Flower towards retailers and SMEs producing cleaning products for private brands. This activity includes: - Sending an email before the fair to all exhibitors producing cleaning products, to announce the presence of the Flower, - Presence of 1 person from the Helpdesk and 1 person from Stichting Milieukeur at the Eco-label exhibit stand during 2 days (one person at the stand to meet retailers; one person going from stand to stand to meet producers), - Follow-up of the fair: emails or personal phone call to every contact made (who was interested in the Flower) - Article to PLMA newsletter and press release.

30 – 31 May 2006



2.2. TEXTILES

In 2006, the Helpdesk suggests focusing the marketing activities for textiles on producers of working clothes. The Flower is very successful in this sector in Denmark. The Helpdesk will work on reproducing this success in another country.

This activity is detailed below.


Produce a success story about EU eco-labelled working clothes in Denmark

The Flower has a great potential of development amongst producers of working clothes. Producers can see it as an added value to their clothes, differentiating their offer from the one of their competitors. Purchasers of eco-labelled working clothes can be interested in buying eco-labelled clothes in the framework of their CSR or SME, or to improve their image amongst their employees. In Denmark 7 producers of working clothes have the Flower (Klopman International Ltd, Kansas Danmark Ltd, Praxis Herning Ltd, Engel Workwear, Danicare A/S, Kentaur A/S, Viking Rubber). We will interview them, as well as the Danish CB, in order to understand why the Flower is so successful amongst Danish producers of working clothes and how to reproduce this in other MSs. A report describing this success story and recommendations for a marketing strategy targeting producers of working clothes based on the Danish experience will be produced.

Beginning 2006

Test this marketing strategy targeting producers of working clothes in another European country

The marketing strategy towards producers of working clothes based on the Danish experience will be tested in another European country. The Helpdesk suggests Sweden (7 textile holders) or France (9 textile holders). At this stage it is difficult to schedule precisely what actions will be the most appropriate to do. However, the Helpdesk plans to contact at least 5 companies purchasing uniforms or specific working clothes, and 5 companies producing working clothes to inform them about the marketing/image benefits of using/producing eco-labelled clothes.

Once the success story is produced

NB: Due to budget constraints, the Helpdesk does not plan to renew the contract with AEDT allowing having the Flower logo on the European Service Pass web site (www.europeanservicepass.com). However the Helpdesk recommends keeping this possibility in mind for future marketing activities, since the potential of publicity amongst textile producers from this link is high.



2.3. DIY (FRANCE)

Following a recommendation from the EC, the Helpdesk plans to do a marketing activity towards producers of hard floor coverings, paints and varnishes and soil improvers in France in 2006. This activity will also enable to reach eco-citizens.


Stand at Ecobat fair in Paris from 17 to 20 March 2006 There is a great potential for the development of ecological housing in France, especially with the development of French HQE (Haute Qualité Environnementale) green building programme. Citizens feel more and more concerned by the potential impacts on their health of products they use in their house. This is why paints and soil improvers are quite successful product groups in France. Many fairs for eco-citizens have a hall dedicated to ecological building in France. As these halls are very successful, a fair especially dedicated to ecological building was created a few years ago in Paris: the Ecobat fair. There were about 100 exhibit stands at last year edition. This is quite a small fair, but the exhibitors and the visitors of this fair are the exact target group for the EU Eco-label. Moreover this fair is held during a week-end, ensuring many citizens are able to come. That is why the Helpdesk suggests trying to share a booth with AFNOR at next edition of this fair in March 2006, to reach both producers of green paints, hard floor coverings and soil improvers, and meet eco-citizens. At this stage it is not known if it will be possible to cooperate with AFNOR. If AFNOR cannot share a booth, then the Helpdesk will have a booth and spend the whole 4 days on the fair. If AFNOR can, the Helpdesk will spend less days and see with the EC how the corresponding budget could be reallocated, for example for activities related to textiles. . http://www.spas-expo.com/

17 to 20 March 2006



2.4. PRINTED PAPER

Printed paper is a new product group with a scheduled adoption of criteria in 2006.


Opening session about printed paper during an appropriate fair in Europe

Following a request from the EC, the Helpdesk plans to do an opening session about printed paper in a given fair in 2006. At this stage it is difficult to assess which kind of fair (about books, communication, edition…) in which country will be the most appropriate. This will be studied beginning 2006 (the Helpdesk will get in touch with the interested CBs). The launching event will include:

- presentation of the CB - presentation of the criteria - award ceremony - press releases - inviting journalists / local press

The Helpdesk will not have the budget to have a stand on the fair. It is scheduled that the Competent Body or another marketing consultant working with the EC Eco-label team will take care of it.

Autumn 2006



3. Flower Week 2006

The Helpdesk will collaborate with the EC and the MMG for the Flower Week 2006, in order to produce and disseminate information about the various scheduled actions. The Helpdesk will:

- produce articles about the different activities scheduled in the participating Member States

- create a press kit in English about the event

- do press activities at EU level (distributing information to NGOs and consumer organisations)

4 days are necessary to implement this activity.



APPENDIX 1- MODIFICATIONS IN THE E-CATALOGUE TO INCLUDE THE NEW ECO-LABELLED SERVICES

1 Introduction

The www.eco-label.com web site, green store of eco-labelled products, was designed when the EU Eco-label was only dedicated to products. However since 2 years now, the label covers services too. The labels of the different fields of the site are not adapted any more, and need to be modified.

NB: both front office and back office will be available in 11 language versions when the modifications will be done.

2 Back office

2.1 Page “SuperUserAdmin”

Replace everywhere “Product” by “Product / Service”.

Replace everywhere « Manufacturer » by « Manufacturer / Service provider »

2.2 Page « UserAdmin »


2.3 Page “FormManufacturer”


Replace “Eco-label products” by “Eco-label products / services”.

2.4 Page « FormProduct »

Replace everywhere « Product » by « Product / Service »


Replace « Retailers list » by « Retailers list (for products) ».

2.5 Pages Edit et Delete

In these pages, replace everywhere « Product » by « Product / Service » and « Manufacturer » by « Manufacturer / Service provider ».



3 Front office

3.1 Menu

Replace, under « information », « Product categories », by « Product / Service categories »

Replace, under “search”, “A product”, by « A product / service »

Replace, under “search”, “A manufacturer”, by « A manufacturer / service provider »

3.2 Page “Search a product”

Replace the title “Search a product” by « Search a product / service »

Replace « You are looking for products (…) by « You are looking for products/services (…) »

Replace « In product category » by « In product/service category »

Replace « Any manufacturer » by « Any manufacturer / service provider »

In the results of a research:

Replace the title of column « Product » by « Product/Service ».

Replace « Manufacturer » by « Manufacturer / Service provider ».

3.3 Page “Search a manufacturer”

Replace the title “Search a manufacturer” by « Search a manufacturer / service provider »

Replace « You are looking for manufacturers (…) by « You are looking for manufacturers / service providers (…) »

Replace «Manufacturing products in » by « Providing products / services in »


Replace the title of column « Manufacturer » by « Manufacturer / Service provider ».

3.4 Page « Detailed Product »

Replace the title « Detailed Product » by « Detailed Product / Service ».

Replace « Product name » by « Product / Service name ».


Replace « Retailers list » by « Retailers/Tourism agents list ».

3.5 Page « Detailed Manufacturer »

Replace the title « Detailed Manufacturer» by « Detailed Manufacturer / Service provider ».


Replace “Product sold by this manufacturer” by “Product / Service provided by this company”

Replace “Products” by “Products / Services”



APPENDIX 2: EXAMPLE OF ECO-LABEL HOLDER NEWS ALERT

January 2006, Issue 0000

IN THIS ISSUE

Mourne launches new sustainable tourism manual for businesses In the UK, one of Northern Ireland’s most beautiful regions has launched a pack about sustainable tourism for local businesses, which sets the European Eco-label for tourist accommodation in the context of a sustainable tourism strategy.

Opening session on the Eco-label at the Camp Ground fair in Friedrichshafen An opening session on the European Eco-label for camp site services will be held at the Camp Ground fair in Friedrichshafen, Germany, on 15th September.

Workshop on “the EU Eco-label and the development of sustainable tourism: operational implementation in tourist accommodation services” As part of the Sustainable Hotels in Mediterranean Islands and Area ptofect, a workshop will be held to present on-going initiatives relative to the implementation and promotion of the EU Eco-label for tourist accommodation.

Statistics / New Holders

Agenda Information on upcoming fairs and events.

IN THIS ISSUE

MOURNE LAUNCHES NEW SUSTAINABLE TOURISM MANUAL FOR BUSINESSES

In the UK, one of Northern Ireland’s most beautiful regions has launched a pack about sustainable tourism for local businesses, which sets the European Eco-label for tourist accommodation in the context of a sustainable tourism strategy.

www.europa.eu.int/ecolabelwww.eco-label.com

[email protected]

Eco-label Holders News Alert



Mourne in Northern Ireland attracts tourists from around the world who come to enjoy its beautiful scenery and wildlife, engage in outdoor activities and explore its famous mountains. Now the Mourne Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty has published a Sustainable Tourism Manual for local businesses.

The manual provides practical advice and guidance on all aspects of operating a sustainable business in an area where tourism is the major industry, and explains what the Eco-label for tourist accommodation can offer as part of such an approach. The manual was launched in June 2005 in Warrenpoint on the

shores of Carlingford Lough at a successful event for local businesses, involving expert speakers from France, Germany and the UK.

European involvement

The manual is the idea of the Mourne Heritage Trust, which has produced it in conjunction with the Europarc Federation, the umbrella body for protected areas across Europe. The manual has been funded through the Natural Resource Rural Tourism Initiative, which forms part of the EU Programme for Peace and Reconciliation in Northern Ireland.

Tony Gates, Chief Executive of the Trust, explained: “The Mourne Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty was awarded the European Charter for Sustainable Tourism in Protected Areas in August 2003, in recognition of the adoption of a sustainable approach to the development of tourism in the area. To further develop the Charter in line with the recommendations of the Europarc Federation, we are now endeavouring to involve tourism businesses throughout the Mourne area in making their individual contribution.”

A tool kit for business

He added: “The Sustainable Tourism Business Manual will provide a tool kit for tourism businesses to help green their operations. We hope that this will lead to more and more businesses within Mourne engaging with accreditation schemes such as the Ecolabel scheme which will contribute to the overall environmental, economic and social sustainability of our tourism industry now and into the future.”

Sustainable tourism is one of the Heritage Trust’s four priorities, the others being natural environment enhancement and protection, visitor management and visitor services, and built and cultural heritage.

Charter Park status

Mourne’s spectacular scenery was first officially recognised when it was first designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in 1966.

It developed its own Sustainable Tourism Strategy in 2002, and in 2003 the area became the first protected area in the British Isles to be awarded Charter Park status under the European Charter for Sustainable Tourism in Protected Areas.

For more information, contact Camilla Fitzpatrick, Sustainable Tourism Manager, Mourne Heritage Trust at [email protected] or visit http://www.mournelive.com/sustainabletourism/topics/index.asp .

OPENING SESSION ON THE ECO-LABEL AT THE CAMP GROUND FAIR IN FRIEDRICHSHAFEN

An opening session on the European Eco-label for camp site services will be held at the Camp Ground fair in Friedrichshafen, Germany, on 15th September. Speakers from the European Commission Eco-label team, German public authorities and camp site owners will present the benefits of the EU Eco-label for tourism.

To download the invitation (English and German) to this event, please click here.



More information can be found on http://www.camp-ground.de/html/de/

WORKSHOP ON “THE EU ECO-LABEL AND THE DEVELOPMENT OF SUSTAINABLE TOURISM: OPERATIONAL IMPLEMENTATION IN TOURIST

ACCOMMODATION SERVICES” As part of the Shmile project (Sustainable Hotels in Mediterranean Islands and Area), a workshop will be held in Sophia Antipolis (France), on 28th October. The objective is to present on-going initiatives relative to the implementation and promotion of the EU Eco-label for tourist accommodation and enable different stakeholders to share their experience.

Speakers include different representatives from AFNOR (French Competent Body), UNEP (United Nations Environment Programme), ADEME (French Environment

Agency), the French government, ACCOR hotels, NGOs, etc.

Two other workshops are scheduled to take place in Italy (4th November) and Greece (6th November, to be confirmed).

More information can be found on www.shmile.org Download the workshop invitation and programme (French).

STATISTICS / NEW HOLDERS

Companies with the Ecolabel - by product group - September 2005

0 1 1

46

20

13

6 711

1

67

96

0 0

23

14

1 3

28

0 1

9

05

1015202530354045505560657075

Washing m

achines

Dishw

ashers

Refrigerators

paints / varnishes

Soil improvers

Tissue paper

Copying paper

Dishw

ashing Detergents

Laundry detergents

Lightbulbs

Textile products

Footwear

Bed M

attress

Personal Com

puters

Portable C

omputers

All-purpose & sanitary cleaners

Hand dishw

ashing detergents

Televisions

Hard Floor C

overings

Tourist Accomm

odation Service

Vacuum C

leaners

Lubricants

Cam

p Site Service



Companies with the Ecolabel - by country - September 2005

11

4

0 1

12

53

0

1417

3

50

1 0 0

61

0 0 0 0 0

11

31

5

15

0 0

5

02468

10121416182022242628303234363840424446485052545658606264

AT BE CY CZ DE DK EE EL ES FI FR HU ICE IE IT LIE LT LV LX MT NL NO PL PT SE SI SK UK

New holders: (list of new holders of the month)

AGENDA (agenda of scheduled fairs and events)


1 December 2005

APPENDIX VI: NEW PRODUCT GROUPS PAGES FOR THE E-CATALOGUE (ENGLISH VERSION) FOR

LUBRICANTS AND CAMP SITES

Product categories Lubricants Print The on lubricants tells you… Back

• The product has a reduced impact on the aquatic environment and the soil

during use.

• CO2 emissions are reduced.

• The product contains high percentage of renewable raw materials.

• The product does not contain certain hazardous substances (e.g. R-phases).

• The product guarantees a high level of performance. Search

Product categories Camp Sites Service Print The on the campsite service tells you… Back

• Energy consumption is limited on the site. • Water consumption is limited on the site. • Waste production is reduced on the site and waste is

properly disposed of.

• The campsite favours the use of renewable resources and of substances which are less hazardous to the environment.

• Environmental education and communication are promoted by the campsite.

• The service procures a healthy environment.

Access to the European Eco-label tourism web site


1 December 2005

APPENDIX VII: FINAL VERSION OF THE GPP LEAFLET

European Commission The Flower is the European Eco-label

cleaning productsall purpose and sanitary cleanersdetergents for dishwashershand dishwashing detergentslaundry detergentssoaps and shampoos (coming soon)

* list updated in March 2005

appliancesdishwasherslight bulbspersonal computersportable computersrefrigeratorstelevisionsvacuum cleanerswashing machinesheat pumps (coming soon)

paper productscopying and graphic paperprinted paper (coming soon)tissue paper products

products for home and gardenbed mattresseswooden furniture (coming soon)hard floor coveringsindoor paints and varnishessoil improvers and growing mediatextiles

clothingfootweartextiles

tourismcamp site servicetourist accommodation service

lubricants

Which product categories arecovered by the EU Eco-label*?

Contact and linksWeb sites

For general information on the Flower:http://europa.eu.int/ecolabel

The Green Store : www.eco-label.comThe European Commission Green Purchasing web site:

www.europa.eu.int/comm/environment/gpp/index.htm

Contact informationThe European Commission: [email protected] national Competent Body (complete contact details on):

http://www.europa.eu.int/comm/environment/ecolabel/tools/competentbodies_en.htm

The EU Eco-label Helpdesk: [email protected]

Save time and money,Set a green example,Get some of the best performingproducts of the market,Protect the environment.

Trust the Flower:

Ask your suppliersfor products meetingthe EU Eco-label criteria

GreenProcurement

is easy with the Flower!

Just cut and paste the Eco-label criteriainto your call for tenders and

What is "green"public procurement?

In March 2004, the Council and the European Parliamentadopted new public procurement directives enabling integrationof environmental considerations in the selection and awardprocesses. Public purchasers can take into account theseenvironmental elements when buying products, services or works.

"Green" procurement has a three-fold objective:

"Green" public procurement could have significantbenefits for the environment. As publicprocurement accounts for 16% of EU wide GDP, itmakes sense to use that money to help achieveenvironmental goals. If all public authorities acrossthe EU demanded green electricity, this would savethe equivalent of 60 million tonnes of CO2, which isequivalent to 18% of the EU's greenhouse gasreduction commitment under the Kyoto Protocol.

"Green" public procurement will often lead to savings,when considering the life cycle cost of the product.For example, purchasing a "green" piece of ITequipment can save money in many different ways:lower electricity use, longer life time, easier torecycle or reuse at the end of its life... It is aboutgetting the best value for taxpayers' money.

"Green" purchasing is also about setting the exampleand influencing the market place. Public authoritiescan set a "green" example for their citizens to follow.

You do not have to be an expert in environmentalissues to do green purchasing.The EU Eco-label criteria take into account the main environmentalimpacts of a product and the technically possible improvements.These criteria are established at the European level by the EU Eco-labelling Board. This Board involves the European Commission, thenational EU Eco-label competent bodies, industry, consumers,environmentalists, trade unions and SMEs. This ensures atransparent procedure, European-wide consensus on the scientificreliability of the criteria and credibility in terms of protection to theenvironment and product efficiency.

You are sure of using a scheme that is fullycompatible with the Internal Market principles.The EU Eco-label scheme is public, transparent and non-discriminatory. It is valid and identical throughout the EuropeanUnion, as well as the EEA countries (Norway, Iceland, andLiechtenstein).Overseas products can also be awarded the EU Eco-label underexactly the same conditions as EU products. Therefore you areguaranteed to offer equal opportunities to all competitors.

You directly know the minimum number ofcompanies capable of meeting your technicalrequirements.On the Green Store www.eco-label.com you can find regularlyupdated information on the number of companies awarded theEco-label for every product group in every European MemberState.

When issuing a call for tenders for products covered by the EUEco-label scheme, you can directly cut and paste the relevantEU Eco-label criteria into the technical specifications.

The EU Eco-label will be allowed as a way of proving compliancewith the said specifications. But, of course, contracting authoritiesshould also accept products complying with the underlyingtechnical specifications even if they do not bear the label.

The EU Eco-label can also be used as a benchmark againstwhich to assess offers at the award stage.

For more information:

http://europa.eu.int/comm/environment/ecolabel/whats_eco/gpp.htm

Technical guidelines:http://europa.eu.int/comm/environment/gpp/guidelines.htm

Handbook on green public procurement:http://europa.eu.int/comm/environment/gpp/guidelines.htm#handbook

The city of Dunkerque, France, recently worked on procurementof ecological detergents.Before issuing the call for tenders, the city studied theenvironmental criteria of the EU Eco-label for all-purposecleaners and made a research on the availability of potentialsuppliers of products complying with some or all the criteria.The 8 suppliers identified were asked to provide samples oftheir products, so that employees could test them. Employeeswere very enthusiastic about the direct benefits linked to theuse of these products, especially lack of respiratory and skinirritations. Results were also very positive regarding theefficiency of the products.Following these positive results, the city issued its call fortenders, including several Eco-label criteria in the technicalspecifications.

SUCCESS

The Flower, a label that guarantees greener products that meethigh performance standards

S T O R Y

The EU Eco-label makesgreen procurement easy

How toproceed?


1 December 2005

APPENDIX VIII: EMAIL SENT TO EMAS-REGISTERED COMPANIES TO PROMOTE THE EU ECO-LABEL IN

GPP

Dear EMAS-registered company, As a company committed to improve its environmental performance, you are aware that the products or services that you buy have an impact on the environment. Green procurement is about changing for sustainable products. But these are not always easily identifiable, and what makes a product greener than others is a complicated issue, which requires having a life cycle approach to assess all the environmental impacts and benefits generated from cradle to grave – which is not easy for people who are not environmental experts!

The European Eco-label brings a solution for this: sets of ecological and performance criteria are already defined for 23 groups of products or services (more are on the way), many of them being regularly purchased by companies like you: all-purpose cleaners, sanitary cleaners, dishwashing detergents, tissue paper, indoor paints, soil improvers, lubricants, accommodation in hotels, etc. Several tools have been designed to make it easy for you to green your purchases with the Flower and communicate about it.

The Green Store www.eco-label.com enables you to identify which EU eco-labelled products are available in your country, helping you benchmark your potential suppliers. The enclosed brochure will give you tips on the use of the EU eco-label in your procurement.

Last but not least, you can get an estimation of the environmental benefits linked to the use of EU eco-labelled products thanks to the results of the study on the “Direct and Indirect Benefits of the EU Eco-label”, which can be downloaded from http://www.europa.eu.int/comm/environment/ecolabel/pdf/market_study/benefitsfinalreport_1104.pdf. These information will be useful e.g. for your corporate or internal communication. We are available for any question that you may have on the European Eco-label, and hope that you will make the best use of these tools. Yours sincerely, Cécile des Abbayes ........................................................................... Eco-label Helpdesk c/o BIO Intelligence Service 1 rue Berthelot 94200 Ivry-sur-Seine France Tel:+ 33 1 56 20 28 98 http://europa.eu.int/comm/environment/ecolabel e-catalogue: www.eco-label.com ........................................................................... Subscribe for free to the Eco-label Newsletter, published 3 times a year in English, French, Spanish, Italian and Greek. ........................................................................... The EU Eco-label Helpdesk is operated by Bio Intelligence Service on behalf of the Directorate General Environment of the European Commission


1 December 2005

APPENDIX IX: SLIDES ABOUT THE USE OF EU ECO-LABEL CRITERIA IN GPP

1

1

The use of the European Eco-label in Green Public

Procurement approaches

European Commission – DG EnvironmentWith the support of GPP expert from BIO Intelligence Service

September 2005

2

EU Eco-label and GPP

� Why is it worth doing green public procurement (GPP)?

� Why is it easy to do it with the EU Eco-label?� Practically, how can a purchaser use the EU Eco-

label in a call for tender?� Success stories

3

Introduction: increase of environmental damage and influence of products

� Our production, purchasing and consumption modes lead to an increase in environmental damage.

� Two examples:

1960 1975 1980 1985 1995 1998

220

272 289

343362

424438 450

199319891960 1975 1980 1985 1995 1998

220

272 289

343362

424438 450

19931989

Evolution of the production of household waste in France (kg/inhab/yr)

26 %déplacementdes personnes

15 %chauffage des

logements

7 %eau chaude, électricitédomestique (hors chauffage)

52 %PRODUITS (fabricationet mise à dispositiondes biens et services)


15 %chauffage des

logements



15 %chauffage des

logements




Repartition of greenhouse gases emissions in France from different economic sectorsSource : ADEME 2003

Source : ADEME 2003

Household heating

Hot water, domestic electricity (excl. space heating)

Transport of persons PRODUCTS: production of

goods and services at disposal

4

What is Green Public Procurement ?

Basing all purchasing decisions and allocation of contracts on environmental criteria along with

other criteria such as price and quality

5

What is the importance and the role of public procurement ?

� Public procurement represents 16% of EU’s GDP –over 1 000 billion Euro� Public procurement plays an important role in the

development of the market of products with reduced environmental impacts

� Public authorities have to set the example in this field

� Publicly purchased items come from every sector of the economy� “From pencils to power stations”

6

How do Public Procurement Directives allow to take environmental considerations into account

in call for tenders ?

� In March 2004, the Council and the European Parliament adopted new public procurement directives clarifying how environmental considerations could be integrated in the call for tenders.

� Public purchasers can take into account these environmental elements when buying products, services or works.

� Generally speaking, environmental considerations can be placed at the following stages of a call for tenders procedure: � Definition of the subject of the contract� Technical specifications� Selection of the candidates� Award of the contract� Execution of the contract

(more information on http://europa.eu.int/comm/environment/green_purchasing/html/general/overview_en.cfm)

2

7

The easiest way to do Green Public Procurement: use the European Eco-label

� The EU Eco-label is an official label managed by the European Commission which certifies that a product or service is of good environmental quality and guaranteed technical performance

� An eco-labelled product generates less environmental impacts on air, water, soil and human health

� Throughout its life cycle, from raw material extraction to end of life (“from cradle to grave”)

� Added value: usage cost generally lower than average

Example: life cycle of a detergent 8

What could be the environmental benefits linked to the development of EU

Eco-labelled products ?

� With only a modest 5% market share for EU Eco-labelled products in the European Union, the savings compared to typically performing versions (standard product) would be substantial :

Source: « The Direct and Indirect benefits of the Eco-label », AEAT in Confidence, 2004

17,500 tonnes pollutants• Reduced air pollution

30,400 tonnes COD• Reduced discharges to water

530,700 tonnes• Material savings (other than hazardous substances)

13,800 tonnes• Reduced use of hazardous substances

12,285,000 million litres• Water use

9,318,000 tonnes CO2• CO2 produced from energy use

14,700,000 kWh• Electricity

Amount saved per yearRESOURCE SAVED /AVOIDED PER YEAR

9

The EU Eco-label can be used to do green public procurement

� Examples of successful call for tenders:� “Communauté urbaine de Dunkerque”, France: use of

some EU Eco-label criteria in a call for tender of all-purpose cleaners for the cleaning of public premises

� City of Angers, France: progressive use of the whole set of EU Eco-label criteria for all-purpose cleaners in a 3-year period of call for tenders for the cleaning of public premises

� French green building programme “HQE” recommends the use of eco-labelled paints and varnishes for new public buildings

� …

10

What is the size of the market of European Eco-labelled products

� European Eco-Label� 260 holders as of September 2005� About 2 500 articles split in 23 product groups

0

50

100

150

200

250

300

1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003

Number of companies

Millions of articles/items sold

11

What are the advantages of using the EU Eco-label in GPP approaches? (1/3)

�You do not have to be an expert in environmental issues to do green purchasing

� The EU Eco-label is an official European recognition of the ecological quality of a product

� The requirements for the award of the EU Eco-label relate to both technical performance and environmental characteristics of the product

� The EU Eco-label covers 23 product and service groups, including products bought by public purchasers; cleaning products, office equipment, DIY, tourist accommodations…

� European consensus on the scientific reliability of the criteria12


� You are sure of using a scheme that is fully compatible with the Internal Market Principles

� The European Eco-label scheme is� Public, transparent and non discriminatory� Valid and identical throughout the European Union and

EEA countries� Open to overseas products (guarantee to offer equal

opportunities to all competitors)

3

13


� You directly know the minimum number of companies capable of meeting your requirements.

� On the Green Store : www.eco-label.com

14

Practically, how can the European Eco-label criteria can be used in a public call for tenders ?

(1/2)

� In the elaboration of the technical specifications� In order to define the characteristics of the products or

service considered,� you can directly cut and paste the relevant EU Eco-label

criteria into the technical specifications� The EU Eco-label will be allowed as a way of proving

compliance with the specifications.

� Remark: Contracting authorities cannot require tenderers to be registered under a certain eco-label scheme.

15


(1/2)

� Use of variants:� In order to have more flexibility, use variants when drafting the

technical specifications, e.g.:• Variant 1: no environmental specification• Variant 2: some EU Eco-label criteria• Variant 3: all EU Eco-label criteria

� At the end of the call for tenders, the choice between standard solutions and variants, between different variants and within a given category of offers (e.g. within a given variant) must be made in accordance with your award criteria (obligatorily the most economically advantageous of the offers).

16

Example: call for tenders of all-purpose cleaners

� Go to the all-purpose cleaners page of the Eco-label web site: www.europa.eu.int/ecolabel

� A summary of the criteria can be found in the general description of the product group

� The complete criteria are available in all the EU languages

18


(2/2)

� The EU Eco-label can be used as a benchmark against which to assess offers at the award stage.

� Example: call for tenders of light bulbs

The EU eco-label criteria for light bulbs require that they should have an average life-span of 10 000 hours. When reflecting this in a call for tender for light bulbs, 10 000 hours could beset as the technical specification for the minimum life span, and a bonus point could be given in the award criteria for every 1000 hours over and above 10 000.

4

19

Success stories

� « Communauté urbaine de Dunkerque », France� City of Angers, France

20

« Communauté urbaine de Dunkerque », France

Profile of the Communauté Urbaine de Dunkerque

� Group of 18 municipalities� 212 241 inhabitants� Number of employees : 1 319 agents

21


� Internal organisation� Political act

• adoption of a ‘délibération’ relative to sustainable development in public procurement

� General approach

� Categories of products concerned by GPP:• Paper, cleaning products, electronic appliances, light bulbs and

phytosanitary products

Assessment of the needs in the

departments

Research of environmental

issues

Research of ecological

alternatives Study of the offer

Setting of the market specifications in function of the

elements

22


Example of a tender of cleaning products (2001)

� Reasons for choosing this product category:� Test tender (all purpose cleaners, window cleaners…)� Existence of ecological criteria

� Identified environmental issues� Limitation of water pollution

� Characteristics inserted in the technical specifications:� High biodegradability rate� Natural substances� Limitation of the use of hazardous substances for the environment and

health (based on the DID-list) based on the DID list

23


Example of a call for tender of cleaning products

� Used reference � European Eco-label (some criteria)

� Demand of samples to test the efficiency of the products� Results

� Necessity to divide the tender into lots, because usual retailers did not cover all the products

� After allotment (one specific lot for green products):• No over-cost• Very positive feedback from employees: efficiency and lack of respiratory

and skin irritations

24

City of Angers, France

Profile of the city of Angers� 157 000 inhabitants� Number of employees : 2750 agents � Global budget of the city : 250 million euros� Green Procurement, as part of the Agenda 21, is

managed by the Directorate General, in partnership with the Sustainable Development department, the Public Procurement department and purchasing directorates.

5

25


� Internal organisation� Creation of working groups on every topic � General methodology

� Categories of products concerned by GPP:� School furniture, cleaning products, cleaning of public premises, textiles, school

supply, coffee, paper

Needs analysis

Research of corresponding

environmental issues

Study of the offer and discussion with

suppliers Analysis of financial

equilibrium

Analysis of suppliers’potential progresses

26


Example of a call for tender for cleaning services� Reasons for choosing this product category

• Important consumption• Existence of environmental criteria

� Identified environmental issues� Mainly linked to the use of cleaning products:

• Limitation of the use of hazardous substances for the environment and health

• Limitation of water pollution• Reduction of packaging waste

27


Example of a call for tender of cleaning products� Characteristics

• Use of products complying with the EU Eco-label criteria

� Example of reference used• EU Eco-label

� Results� Progressive approach (3-year call for tender):

• Year 1: no ecological specification• Year 2: use of 1 product complying with all EU Eco-label criteria• Year 3: use of 2 products complying with all EU Eco-label criteria

� The call for tender was fruitful (1)

(1) 2005 was year 1. The company that won the call for tender should propose one product complying with all EU Eco-label criteria in 2006.28

Conclusion

� Public purchasers become actors of Sustainable Development.

� It is possible to do Green Public Procurement thanks to the revised European Procurement Directives.

� The European Eco-label makes it easy to implement GPP in a practical way.

� The Success Stories demonstrate it is possible to use the EU Eco-label to do GPP.


1 December 2005

APPENDIX X: BROCHURES

FACT SHEETS FOR REFRIGERATORS, PORTABLE COMPUTERS AND PERSONAL COMPUTERS (ENGLISH

VERSIONS) HARD FLOOR COVERINGS FACT SHEET (FRENCH

VERSION) CONSUMER LEAFLET (FRENCH VERSION)

Give your refrigerators a credible sign of Environmental Excellence...Apply for the Flower!

For a quick test use the check list on the back

The European Eco-label for Refrigerators-

"The official EU mark for Greener Products"

If you want to show your commitment to a better environment:

Choose the Flower for your RefrigeratorsOnce it's on your products, the Flower guarantees:

Reduced energy consumption (energy label class A+ or A++)

Reduced use of potentially ozone-depleting or global warming substances

Limitation of substances harmful to health and the environment

Limited noise

Designed for easy disassembling and recycling

User instructions for environmental use

Take-back policy for recycling after use

It can be awarded to household refrigerators, frozen food storage, food freezers and their combinations.

For more information… … on the scheme, its feature, the actors involved, the

application process…http://europa.eu.int/ecolabel

… on the "refrigerators" product group: detailed criteria, date of revision…

http://europa.eu.int/ecolabelChoose "product groups" on the menu on the left

Did you know that:

21 million refrigerators are sold each year in Europe.

This corresponds to hundred thousands potential tonnes of waste per year.

The EU Eco-label criteria encourage easy dismantling for easier recycling, thus minimising the environmental impacts of refrigerator waste.

Moreover, if only 5% of these refrigerators sold every year in Europe were EU Eco-labelled, the energy savings would lead to avoid the emissions of 74 850 t of CO2 per year. This is equivalent to the emissions of a car going 11 500 times round the Earth!The EU Eco-label, a high value for your products!Sources: "the Direct and Indirect Benefits of the EU Eco-label", AEAT, 2004.

Ademe, 2005.

Consumers are today more sensitive to the protection of the environment. Four out of

five European consumers would like to buy more environmentally friendly products,

provided they are properly certified by an independent organisation.

With the Flower on your products you offer them a reliable guide to easily identify the

good environmental performers available on the market.

Meet your customers' demand

Manufacturing Limitation of the use of substances harmful to the environment and health

! Plastic parts heavier than 25 g shall not contain flame retardant substances or preparations that are assigned any of the following risk phrases: R45, R46, R60, R61, R50, R50/53, R51/53 as defined in Council Directive 67/548/EEC and its amendments.! Plastic parts shall not contain PBB or PBDE flame retardants, nor chloroparaffin flame retardants with chain length 10-13 carbon atoms and chlorine content >50% by weight.

End of life Eco-design to facilitate recycling

! Easy disassembly of the machine taken into account in the design.! A disassembly report shall be provided.! Plastic parts heavier than 50 g: permanent marking identifying the material, in conformity with ISO 11469 standard.! Clear indication of the type of refrigerant and foaming agent used in order to facilitate the recovery.

Use Energy saving ! The appliance must have an energy efficiency class of A+ or A++ as defined in Directive 94/2/EC, and amended by Directive 2003/66/EC.

Use User instructions for environmental use

The following information shall come with the product:! Guidelines on optimal installation of the appliance.! The consumer should avoid placing the appliance next to any heat source or in direct sunlight.! Thermostat setting dependant on the ambient temperature.! Hot foodstuffs shall be allowed to cool down before placing in the appliance. ! Evaporator unit should be kept clean from thick ice layers and frequently defrosted.! Door seal to be replaced when deficient.! When moving the appliance, sufficient time should be allowed before switching it on again.! Condenser and appliance to be kept clean.! Information that ignoring the above-mentioned instructions will lead to higher energy consumption.! Damage to the condenser (with sharp objects) to be avoided because of environmental and health risks.! Presence of fluids and materials that are reusable and/or recyclable.

Use Reduction of noise ! Noise ≤ 40dB(A).! Information about the noise level of the appliance provided in a clearly visible way to the consumer.

Your Competent Body will inform you which assessment and verification documents are required (e.g. declarations of compliance, MSDS of ingredients), which test results must be provided and how the testing should be carried out (external test laboratories).

End of life Reduction of ecological damage related to substances with ODP and GWP

Refrigerants and foaming agents:! Ozone Depletion Potential (OPD) = 0.! Global Warming Potential (GWP) ≤ 15 (CO2 equivalent on 100 years).

End of life Reduction of solid waste

! Take-back for recycling free of charge. ! Information on take-back policy. ! All packaging components shall be easily separable by hand into individual materials to facilitate recycling.! Cardboard packaging shall consist of at least 80% recycled material.

End of life Durability ! Lifetime extension: the availability of compatible replacement parts and service shall be guaranteed for 12 years from the time that production ceases.

Expectations Life Cycle Step

Check-list (for a first assessment only)

Criterion

European Commission

To market your eco-labelled products use our free Green Store:

http://www.eco-label.com

Give your personal computers a credible sign of Environmental Excellence...Apply for the Flower!


The European Eco-label for Personal Computers-



Choose the Flower for your Personal Computers

Once it's on your products, the Flower guarantees:

Reduced energy consumption during use and stand-by

Limited use of substances harmful to the environment and health

Reduced use of natural resources by encouraging recycling

Extended product lifetime through easy up-grades

Reduced solid waste production through take-back policy

It can be awarded to computers used in a fix location, consisting of a system unit, display and keyboard or to each of the above if designed for use with personal computers.



… on the "personal computers" product group: detailed criteria, date of revision…


Did you know that:15 million computers are sold each year in Europe.

Whether these computers are PCs or laptops, this corresponds to thousands potential tonnes of waste per year.

The EU Eco-label criteria encourage easy dismantling for easier recycling, thus minimising the environmental impacts of computer waste.

Moreover, if only 5% of these computers sold every year in Europe were EU Eco-labelled personal computers, the energy savings would lead to avoid the emissions of 11220 t of CO2 per year. This is equivalent to the emissions of a car going 1700 times round the Earth!

The EU Eco-label, a high value for your products!

Sources: "the Direct and Indirect Benefits of the EU Eco-label", AEAT, 2004.Ademe, 2005.








Plastic parts heavier than 25g shall not contain flame retardant substances or preparations that are assigned any of the following risk phrases: R45, R46, R60, R61, R50, R50/53, R51/53 as defined in Council Directive 67/548/EEC and its amendments. Plastic parts shall not contain PBB or PBDE flame retardants, nor chloroparaffin flame

retardants with chain length 10-17 carbon atoms and chlorine content >50% by weight. The background lighting of the LCD monitor shall not contain more than 3mg of mercury on

average per lamp. Batteries shall not contain more than 0,0001% of mercury, 0,001% of cadmium or 0,01% of

lead by weight of the battery.


The following information shall come with the product: Use of the power management features: disabling of features can increase energy

consumption. Zero energy consumption if the power supply is unplugged or if the wall socket is switched

off. Availability of spare parts. The parts of the personal computer are designed to be recycled or reused. Appropriate use of WLAN (WIFI) cards to minimize security risks.

Use Reduction of noise Noise ≤ 40 dB(A) in idle operating mode. Noise ≤ 45 dB(A) when accessing a hard-disk drive.


End of life Reduction of ecological damage related to the use of natural resources by encouraging product upgrading and recycling

End of life Limitation of solid waste

End of life Durability The computer shall be designed so that the memory and the graphic cards are easily accessible and can be changed. The computer shall be designed so that the hard disk, and either the CD drive or DVD drive

can be changed.

Energy saving System unit: - The computer system unit shall meet the Energy Star configuration requirements. - The computer shall support the ACPI S3 sleep state (suspend to RAM) ≤ 4W. - The default mode-change time from operation to the ACPI S3 sleep state ≤ 30 minutes. - The personal computer shall have an off-mode consumption ≤ 2W. The monitor shall:

- have a sleep mode power consumption ≤ 2W. - have a default mode-change time from operation to the sleep state ≤ 30 minutes. - have an off-mode consumption ≤ 1W. - not exceed the Energy Star Version 4 requirements for Tier 2, maximum active power consumption linked to the number of mega-pixels.

Use Limited electromagnetic emission

The personal computer shall meet the requirements as set out in EN50279, Category A.

Easy dismantling and disassembling by one qualified person alone. 90% by weight of plastic and metal materials recyclable. Plastic parts shall have no added lead or cadmium, nor metal inlays that cannot be separated

easily, be of one polymer or compatible polymers (except for the cover), and have a permanent marking identifying the material in conformity with ISO 11469:2000 standard. Hazardous material shall be separable. Labels shall be easily separable or inherent.

Free of charge take-back for refurbishment or recycling of the product and for any component being replaced, except for items contaminated by the user. Information on take-back policy. All packaging components shall be easily separable by hand into individual materials to

facilitate recycling. Cardboard packaging shall consist of at least 80% recycled material.



Criterion

European Commission



Use

Give your portable computers a credible sign of Environmental Excellence...Apply for the Flower!


The European Eco-label for Portable Computers-



Choose the Flower for your Portable ComputersOnce it's on your products, the Flower guarantees:

Decreased energy consumption during use and stand-by

Limited use of toxic heavy metals

Limited use of substances harmful to the environment and health

Reduction of the use of natural resources by encouraging recycling

Extended product lifetime through easy up-grades and availability of spare parts

Reduced solid waste production through take-back policy

It can be awarded to portable computers with a system unit, display and keyboard combined in a single case which is easily transportable and can be used with an internal battery. This product group also covers devices equipped with touch screen keyboard.



… on the "portable computers" product group: detailed criteria, date of revision…


Did you know that:15 million computers are sold each year in Europe.

Whether these computers are PCs or laptops, this corresponds to thousands potential tonnes of waste per year.

The EU Eco-label criteria encourage easy dismantling for easier recycling, thus minimising the environmental impacts of computer waste.

Moreover, if only 5% of these computers sold every year in Europe were EU Eco-labelled portable computers, the energy savings would lead to avoid the emissions of 3850 t of CO2 per year. This is equivalent to the emissions of a car going 600 times round the Earth!

The EU Eco-label, a high value for your products!

Sources: "the Direct and Indirect Benefits of the EU Eco-label", AEAT, 2004.Ademe, 2005.








! Plastic parts heavier than 25 g shall not contain flame retardant substances or preparations that are assigned any of the following risk phrases: R45, R46, R60, R61, R50, R50/53, R51/53 as defined in Council Directive 67/548/EEC and its amendments. ! Plastic parts shall not contain PBB or PBDE flame retardants, nor chloroparaffin flame retardants with chain length 10-17 carbon atoms and chlorine content >50% by weight.! Batteries shall not contain more than 0,0001% of mercury, 0,001% of cadmium or 0,01% of lead by weight of the battery.! The background lighting of the flat panel display shall not contain more than 3mg of mercury on average per lamp.! The display of a personal data assistant shall contain no mercury.

Use Limited electromagnetic emission

! The portable computer shall meet the requirements as set out in EN50279, Category A.


The following information shall come with the product:! Use of the power management features: disabling of features can increase energy consumption.! Zero energy consumption if the power supply is unplugged or if the wall socket is switched off.! Availability and guarantee of spare parts.! The parts of the portable computer are designed to be recycled or reused.! Appropriate use of WLAN (WIFI) cards to minimize security risks.


End of life Reduction of ecological damage related to the use of natural resources by encouraging product recycling, maintainability and upgrading.

! Easy dismantling and disassembling by one qualified person alone.! 90% by weight of plastic and metal materials recyclable.! Plastic parts shall have no added lead or cadmium, nor metal inlays that cannot be separated easily, be of one polymer or compatible polymers (except for the cover), and have a permanent marking identifying the material in conformity with ISO 11469:2000 standard.! Hazardous material shall be separable.! Labels shall be easily separable or inherent.

End of life Limitation of solid waste

! Free of charge take-back for refurbishment or recycling of the product and for any component being replaced, except for items contaminated by the user.! Information on take-back policy. ! All packaging components shall be easily separable by hand into individual materials to facilitate recycling.! Cardboard packaging shall consist of at least 80% recycled material.

End of life Durability ! Lifetime extension: the availability of compatible replacement parts and service shall be guaranteed for 3 years from the time that production ceases. ! The computer shall be designed so that the memory is easily accessible and can be changed.! The computer shall be designed so that the hard disk and either the CD drive or DVD drive can be changed.

! The portable computer shall support the ACPI S3 sleep rate (suspend to RAM) ≤ 3 W.! The portable computer shall have an off-mode consumption ≤ 2 W.! The default mode-change time from operation to the ACPI S3 sleep rate ≤ 15 minutes.! Power supply ≤ 0,75 W.

Energy savingUse

Use Reduction of noise ! Noise ≤ 35 dB(A) in idle operating mode.! Noise ≤ 40 dB(A) when accessing a hard-disk drive.



Criterion

European Commission



Donnez à vos revêtements un signe crédible d'Excellence Environnementale: Demandez la Fleur!

Pour un test rapide, utilisez la check-list au verso

L'Eco-label Européen pour les Revêtements de Sol Durs-

"La marque officielle européenne pour les produits plus verts"

Pour montrer votre engagement pour la protection de l'environnement:

Choisissez la Fleur pour vos Revêtements de Sol Durs

Apposer la Fleur sur vos produits garantit à vos clients:

Consommation réduite d'énergie pendant le processus de production

Limitation de l'utilisation de substances nocives pour la santé et l'environnement

Impact limité de l'activité d'extraction sur les habitants et les ressources naturelles

Rejets limités dans l'air et dans l'eau

Information accrue du consommateur et meilleure gestion des déchets

L'Eco-label Européen peut être attribué aux pierres naturelles, pierres agglomérées, éléments de pavage en béton, carreaux de terrazzo, et carreaux d'argiles pour usage interne ou externe.

Pour plus d'information… … sur le projet, ses caractéristiques, les acteurs

impliqués, le processus de certification...http://europa.eu.int/ecolabel

… sur le groupe de produits "revêtements de sol durs": critères détaillés, date de révision...

http://europa.eu.int/ecolabelChoisissez "product groups" dans le menu à gauche

Ils l'ont dit!"A cause de la compétitivité de plus en plus d'importance est donnée à des valeurs plus nobles, intangibles telles que l'éco-compatibilité d'un produit. L'Eco-label Européen nous a donné une importante avance sur nos concurrents où nous pouvons montrer à tous les efforts continus et l'engagement de Caesar à combiner un produit de meilleur qualité avec le respect de l'environnement."

Davide Carra, responsable qualité de Ceramiche Caesar

"Le souci de l'environnement a toujours été valorisé dans la culture de Ceramicas Diago, nous encourageant à entreprendre des projets respectueux de l'environnement. Cet effort continu a été récompensé avec l'obtention de l'Eco-label Européen en 2003. Nous sommes fiers de cette certification car nous sommes la première entreprise de carreaux de céramique au monde à avoir reçu l'Eco-label Européen. Ceci nous démarque clairement de nos concurrents et attribue une haute valeur à nos produits."Simonetta Carta, responsable marketing de Ceramicas Diago

Une demande des consommateurs

Les consommateurs sont aujourd'hui plus sensibles à la protection de l'environnement. Quatre consommateurs européens sur cinq seraient prêts à acheter des produits plus

respectueux de l'environnement, à condition qu'ils soient certifiés par une organisation

indépendante.

Avec la Fleur sur vos revêtements vous leur offrez un guide fiable pour identifier

facilement les produits respectueux de l'environnement sur le marché.

Check-list (pour un premier bilan uniquement)

Production et finition

Réduction de la pollution atmosphérique

! Produits naturels : PM10 < 150 µg/Nm3 Styrène < 210 mg/Nm3

! Produits transformés (en mg/m²): - Pierres agglomérées: Particules ≤ 300 NOx ≤ 1200 SO2 ≤ 850 Styrène ≤ 2000. - Carreaux de céramique: Particules ≤ 200 F ≤ 200 SO2 ≤ 1500 NOx ≤ 2500. - Carreaux d'argile: Particules ≤ 250 F ≤ 200 SO2 ≤ 2000 NOx ≤ 3000. - Carreaux de terrazzo et éléments de pavage en béton: Particules ≤ 300 SO2 ≤ 1500 NOx ≤ 2000. - Ciment (g/t): Poussière ≤ 65 SO2 ≤ 350 NOx ≤ 900.

Sélection des matières premières

Limitation de l'utilisation de substances nocives pour l'environnement et la santé

! Interdiction d'ajouter aux matières premières des substances ou des préparations classées selon l'un des risques suivants (ni aucune combinaison de ces risques): R45, R46, R50, R51, R52, R53, R60, R61, selon la Directive 67/548/CEE et ses amendements. Ce critère ne s'applique pas au quota de matériaux recyclés en boucle fermée utilisés par le procédé. ! Teneur limitée en métaux lourds et leur composés dans les additifs (% du poids des glaçures): Pb ≤ 0.5 Cd ≤ 0.1 Sb ≤ 0.25.! Pas d'amiante dans les matières premières.! Résines de polyesther ≤ 10% du poids total des matières premières.


Economie d'énergie (seulement pour les produits transformés)

! Energie nécessaire au processus (MJ/m² du produit final): Pierres agglomérées ≤ 100 Carreaux de terrazzo ≤ 60 Ciment ≤ 3800 MJ/t! Energie nécessaire à la cuisson (MJ/m²): Carreaux de céramique (poids ≤ 19 kg/m²) ≤ 50. Carreaux de céramique (poids > 19 kg/m²) ≤ 70 Carreaux d'argile (poids ≤ 40 kg/m²) ≤ 60.

Performance attendue Etape du Cycle de Vie

Critère

Extraction des matières premières

Réduction des impacts sur l'environnement naturel et les ressources associées

Pour les produits naturels:! Pas d'interférence avec aucune nappe aquifère confinée, ou avec des étendues d'eau en surface servant au captage ou à des sources publiques, ayant un débit moyen > 5 m3/s, ou avec des zones protégées en vertu de la Directive 2000/60/CE. ! Système fermé de récupération des eaux usées en place. L'eau sera recyclée.! Rapport technique sur l'extraction et la récupération démontrant la conformité aux dispositions des Directives 92/43/CEE and 79/409/CEE. (Candidats hors UE: Conformité avec la Convention des Nations Unies sur la Diversité Biologique de 1992). ! Système de notation basé sur une matrice de 9 indicateurs: - Taux de recyclage des eaux 80% - Simultanéité de la réhabilitation ≤ 50% - Qualité de l'eau: matières en suspensions ≤ 40 mg/L - Bruit ≤ 60 dB(A) - Conditions d'utilisation du matériel d'exploitation - Impact visuel ≤ 30% - Récupération des blocs: marbres 20%, granits 30%, autres 10% - Valorisation des ressources naturelles: marbres and granits 35%, autres 25% - Qualité de l'air: particules PM10 en suspension ≤ 150 µg/Nm3

Pour les produits transformés:! Même exigence en matière de rapport technique et d'impact visuel que pour les produits naturels.

Finition Réduction de la pollution aquatique

! Taux de recyclage des eaux 90%! Réduction des émissions dans l'eau (en mg/L): Matière en suspension < 40 Cd < 0.015 Cr (VI) < 0.15 Fe < 1.5 Pb < 0.15

Votre Organisme Compétent vous dira quels documents d'évaluation et de vérification sont requis (par exemple des déclarations de conformité, des fiches de données de sécurité des ingrédients), quels résultats de tests doivent être fournis et comment les tests doivent s'opérer (laboratoires de test extérieurs).

La catégorie de produit est divisée en deux sous-groupes majeurs: "produits naturels" et "produits transformés". Le marbre, le granite, le grès , la quartzite, l'ardoise, le tuf, et le schiste sont inclus dans les produits naturels. Les produits transformés comprennent des produits durcis (pierres agglomérées, éléments de pavage en béton et carreaux de terrazzo) et des produits cuits (carreaux de céramique et carreaux d'argile).


Réduction des impacts des déchets solides

Mise en oeuvre d'un système de gestion des déchets comprenant les procédures suivantes:! Séparation et utilisation des matériaux recyclables.! Récupération des matériaux pour d'autres utilisations. Récupération de tous les déchets générés par la production de produits transformés 70% conformément à la Directive 91/156/CEE.! Traitement et élimination des déchets dangereux.

Utilisation et fin de vie

Réduction de la quantité de substances dangereuses rejetées dans l'environnement

! Carreaux vitrifiés (en mg/m²): Pb ≤ 80 Cd ≤ 7.

Utilisation Information aux consommateurs pour une utilisation respectueuse de l'environnement

! Recommandations d'utilisation et d'entretien du produit.! Indication du circuit de recyclage et d'élimination.! Information sur le Label Ecologique Européen.

Utilisation Performance ! Le produit doit être apte à l'emploi. La justification peut inclure des données de méthodes de vérification appropriées ISO, CEN ou équivalentes, telles que des procédures nationales ou internes.

≤

≤≤≤≤≤

≤

≤

Commission Européenne

Pour vendre vos produits éco-labellisés utilisez notre Magasin Vert (Green Store) gratuit:


Au sujet de la Fleur

! Qu'est-ce qu'un éco-label ?Un éco-label est un logo qui certifie qu'un produit ou service est de bonne qualité environnementale. Les critères d'attribution prennent en compte ses impacts environnementaux sur l'air, l'eau, le sol et la santé tout au long de son cycle de vie, de l'extraction des matières premières jusqu'à la production, les phases d'utilisation, l'élimination et le traitement des déchets.

! Qu'est-ce qui garantit que les produits éco-labellisés représentent le segment du marché le plus respectueux de l'environnement ?Les critères de la Fleur sont développés par un groupe d'experts européens venant d'institutions européennes et nationales, de l'industrie, de confédérations, d'ONGs environnementales et de consommateurs. Cela assure leur fiabilité scientifique et leur crédibilité environnementale. De plus, les exigences sont ré-évaluées fréquemment et régulièrement augmentées afin d'assurer qu'elles tiennent compte des améliorations techniques.

! Pourquoi faire confiance à l'Eco-label Européen ?Les entreprises qui veulent recevoir la Fleur sont testées par un organisme indépendant qui vérifie le respect des critères. Les produits sont aussi testés dans des laboratoires indépendants, assurant la complète transparence et la crédibilité de la procédure d'application. De plus, la Fleur n'a pas un but lucratif.

! Les produits éco-labellisés sont-ils plus chers ?Non, pas nécessairement, cela diffère d'un produit à l'autre. Mais un produit avec la Fleur a vraiment une importante valeur ajoutée. Son coût d'utilisation est généralement plus bas que celui d'un produit standard, à cause d'une plus grande durabilité (et une consommation réduite d'énergie pour les appareils électroménagers).

Où trouver desproduits éco-labellisés ?Chaque fois que vous avez besoin d'acheter un produit couvert par l'Eco-label Européen, assurez-vous de la présence de la Fleur !Plusieurs grands distributeurs européens proposent déjà des produits porteurs de l'Eco-label Européen, mais beaucoup peut encore être fait ! Les consommateurs ont un rôle clé à jouer car l'offre des distributeurs s'ajuste à leur demande. Encouragez-les en achetant leurs produits éco-labellisés porteur de la Fleur, et s'il n'y en a pas, demandez pourquoi !

" Le Magasin VertLe Magasin Vert est le catalogue en ligne des produits porteurs de l'Eco-label Européen. Vous pouvez y trouver des informations régulièrement mises à jour sur les produits disponibles dans votre pays. Vous pouvez accéder au Magasin Vert sur www.eco-label.com.

ContactSites web! Pour des informations générales sur la Fleur : http://europa.eu.int/ecolabel! L'Eco-label Européen sur les services de tourisme : http://www.eco-label-tourism.com

Information sur les contacts! La Commission Europé[email protected]! Votre Organisme Compétent : informations détaillées surhttp://www.europa.eu.int/comm/environment/ecolabel/tools/competentbodies_en.htm

Commission EuropéenneLa Fleur est l'Eco-label Européen

FleurFaites confiance à la

pour protéger l'environnement

et votre santé

Votre choix faitla différence

Quand vous achetez un produit, vous n'êtes généralement pas informés de ses impacts sur la santé et l'environnement :

!L'usine de production émet-elle beaucoup de gaz à effet de serre dans l'atmosphère ?

!Des allergènes sont-ils présents dans ce produit ?!Quelle quantité de pesticide a été utilisée pour cultiver

le coton avec lequel cette chemise a été fabriquée ?

La Fleur a été créée pour fournir des informations claires sur la composition du produit et ses effets sur l'environnement, partout en Europe. Quand vous achetez un produit porteur de l'Eco-label Européen vous savez qu'il respecte certains critères qui garantissent qu'il est le plus respectueux de l'environnement sur le marché, et qu'il est au moins aussi efficace que les produits standards.

Le monde dans lequel nous vivons est réglé par l'économie de marché. Utilisons-la donc en faveur de l'environnement ! Chaque fois que vous achetez un produit éco-labellisé vous donnez un signal aux distributeurs et encouragez les producteurs engagés dans la protection de notre planète.

Simple et Efficace !

Vous pouvez faire beaucoup pour l'environnement sans changer vos habitudes : choisissez simplement la Fleur quand vous faites des courses !

Avec seulement 5% de parts de marché pour les produits porteurs de l'Eco-label Européen dans l'Union Européenne, les gains, par comparaison avec des produits à performance standard, seraient substantiels1 :

Quels produits pour la Fleur* ?

L'utilisation d'électricité évitée représenterait la consommation de 3,5 millions de foyers européens par an.

Les émissions de CO2 évitées serait équivalentes aux émissions annuelles de plus d'un million d'Européens.

Grâce à la réduction de substances dangereuses dans les formulations des produits éco-labellisés, la pollution de plus de 12,000 milliards de litres d'eau douce pourrait être évitée chaque année.

Les émissions de 17,500 tonnes d'oxydes d'azote et de soufre et de composés organiques volatiles pourraient être évitées chaque année, diminuant les risques correspondants pour la santé et l'environnement liés à la pollution de l'air et l'acidification.

1. Les résultats sont basés sur l'étude "The direct and indirect benefits of the European Eco-label" qui peut être téléchargée sur http://europa.eu.int/comm/environment/ecolabel/pdf/market_study/benefitsfinalreport_1104.pdf et sur des données sur l'Europe des 15 de l'Agence Européenne pour l'Environnement.

La Fleur,un signe crédible d'excellence environnementale,recommandée par les ONGs :

La Fleur est un label qui garantit des produits plus vertsqui fonctionnent très bien.

! produits nettoyants# nettoyants multi-usages# détergents pour lave-vaisselle# liquides vaisselle manuels# détergents textiles# savons et shampoings (bientôt)

* liste mise à jour en mars 2005

! appareils électroménagers# lave-vaisselles# ampoules électriques# ordinateurs personnels# ordinateurs portables# réfrigérateurs# télévisions# aspirateurs# lave-linges# pompes à chaleur (bientôt)

! produits en papier# papier à copier et papier graphique# papier imprimé (bientôt)# produits en papier absorbant

! produits pour la maison et le jardin# matelas# meubles en bois (bientôt)# revêtements de sol durs# peintures et vernis d'intérieur# amendements pour sol# textiles

! habillement # chaussures# textiles

! tourisme# services de camping# services d'hébergements touristiques

! lubrifiants

!BEUC (Le Bureau Européen des Unions de Consommateurs) : "Les consommateurs peuvent réduire leur exposition à des produits chimiques potentiellement dangereux en choisissant des produits porteurs de l'Eco-label Européen."

!EEB (Bureau Européen de l'Environnement) : "Les produits porteurs de l'Eco-label Européen sont souvent 'meilleurs que la moyenne' et les acheter permet non seulement de réduire certains de leurs impacts associés sur l'environnement mais aussi de motiver plus de producteurs à être publiques et transparents au sujet de leur performance environnementale."


1 December 2005

APPENDIX XI: REPORT ON MARJOLAINE FAIR

European Commission EU Eco-label Helpdesk

Marjolaine Fair Visit November 2005

Contact Bio Intelligence Service S.A.S. Véronique Monier – Cécile des Abbayes – Corentine Hermite

℡ + 33 (0)1 56 20 28 98 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

2 November 2005 EC – DG Environnment

EU Eco-label Helpdesk - Marjolaine Fair Visit

Sommaire

1. Introduction ............................................................................................................................... 3 2. Stakeholders met and results obtained ................................................................................. 4

2.1. Results.................................................................................................................................................. 4 2.2. Contacts Information................................................................................... Erreur ! Signet non défini.

3. Conclusion ................................................................................................................................ 6



1. Introduction

� In the framework of its marketing activities as the European Eco-label Helpdesk, BIO Intelligence Service focuses its 2005 promotion activities on various product groups and stakeholders. One of the stakeholders group targeted is eco-citizens which are concerned by the protection of the environment and therefore are potential buyers of eco-labelled products.

This report presents the results of the participation to the Marjolaine Fair in Paris on the 7th of November 2005.

� The Salon Bio et Nature Marjolaine Fair is the French biggest fair dedicated to organic and ecological products. In 2004 the Fair received more than 75 000 visitors for 500 exhibitors.

Companies exhibited products and services from the following categories: foods, drinks, edition, well-being, green tourism, gardening, textiles, arts and crafts, and eco-products for the household.

� The objectives of the Helpdesk were three-fold:

� To measure the level of awareness of the Flower amongst producers

� To make direct contact with potential holders

� To have the feedback from producers about the interest of eco-citizens in eco-products



2. Stakeholders met and results obtained

Corentine Hermite (BIO IS) went to the show on 7th November and stayed all day. Personal meetings and distribution of info material (French versions of the General Marketing Brochure for Producers and Retailers, Textile Fact Sheet, Tourism Brochure, Hard Floor Coverings fact sheet, Indoor paint and varnishes fact sheet) were made with 21 stakeholders.

2.1. RESULTS

The Marjolaine had approximately one fourth of the stands with exhibitors selling products entering into the product categories of the EU Eco-label.

� Visibility of the Flower

There is currently in France a multiplication of the quality/environment certifications for green products, which creates some confusion among stakeholders. To participate to the Marjolaine Fair, producers must show that in some way their product is environmentally friendly or made out of natural elements. Most products were certified with labels linked with organic farming (even textile products made of cotton issued from organic farming qualify for the label) such as Ecocert, Qualité France, Ulase, Agrocert, Certipaq or Aclave.

So these producers were very likely to know the European Eco-label (compared to other ones not commited to sell natural / ecological products), but actually only 15% knew it. . This can be explained because most of the people present at the Fair were small producers who do not sell products outside of France. However all the producers met were interested in the Flower and willing to discuss their views on the labelling scheme.

� Interesting contacts

The perception to the Flower was very different depending on the product groups concerned.

� Tourist accommodation services In the tourism sector, most of the stakeholders met were from “Gîtes de France1” and/or natural regional parks. The tourist accommodations labelled “Gîtes de France” present in the parks are often certified WWF – Panda. This certification is based on an agreement whereby the person responsible for the tourist accommodation sets goals each year to improve the environmental quality of his service. But the stakeholders met were all very interested in the Flower because they thought that the criteria may be stricter and also because they wanted to extend the certification process to other accommodations labelled “Gîtes de France” but outside the boundaries of the natural parks and thus which do not enter in an agreement with WWF.

1 Gîtes de France is a quality label for Bed and Breakfasts in France.



Some stakeholders from the Queyras natural park were only just starting a certification process, and were thus looking at the different possibilities. Out of the 22 tourist accommodations available in the park, only 4 were interested in a labelling scheme. Two of them were present at the Marjolaine Fair and they were very motivated and hoped to convince others as their website shows that always more visitors are interested in environmentally friendly services.

� Textiles

The majority of textile producers present at the Marjolaine Fair were small producers for whom the natural and organic side of an item is important, especially producers using cotton from organic farming. Some were interested in the Flower but they were concerned that artificial fibres were accepted in the textile product group. Wool producers were more receptive to a labelling scheme but they are very small structures so their main objection was the time to go through the procedure and the cost. More generally, it seemed obvious to them that their products were environmentally friendly, and they did not feel the need for a label. Some did recognise though that they could always decrease the environmental side effects and applying for the Flower would enable that.

� Bed mattresses Bed mattresses producers are aware that the EU Eco-label is a marketing advantage and think it is a sales argument when selling products in North America for example because a European label has more impact than a national label. Furthermore, the EU Eco-label is the only existing label which certifies the mattress as a whole. But they reproach to the EU Eco-label on bed mattresses the criteria which are not strict enough. This seems to be the reason why no big mattress producers have applied for it. The example of Dutch bed mattress producers which are known for their respect of the environment was cited. One producer realised though that if the criteria are too strict, it might discourage potential holders who in time, with the regular revision of the criteria, might improve their production steps as the criteria become stricter. More generally, there are no labels for furniture so they think that if furniture product groups are developed, they could be successful.

� Soaps and shampoos

Since producers of soaps and shampoos were present at the Marjolaine fair, the Helpdesk found it was an occasion to start presenting the EU Eco-label and see the reaction of producers since a new product group on soaps and shampoos should be adopted in 2006. The producers present at the fair were all certified “Cosmétique Biologique et Ecologique” (or Cosmebio) delivered by Ecocert. This label was created in 2002 for products based for 95% on natural materials and whose transformation and production process is environmentally friendly. This label insists on the fact that 95% of the plants used should come from organic farming. Producers pointed out that the label Cosmebio was already well known in France and they were satisfied with it but were interested to see that a label was developed on a European scale.



3. Conclusion

� Even though the Marjolaine Fair is dedicated to eco-citizens sensitive to environmentally friendly products, the level of awareness of the Flower is quite low. This is maybe due to the great number of labels that exist. It seems therefore important that focus on promoting the Flower among consumers should continue.

� The most promising product group seems to be Tourist accommodation service. The interest of some “Gites de France” members for the Flower might be a way of developing this target group in France with a federation that is successful among the population.

� The concern of some producers on the criteria showed the importance attached to it by people concerned by the protection of the environment. Eco-citizens tend to prefer stricter criteria but they are also aware that it is important for environmental issues to be accessible to the general public.

� The Marjolaine Fair was fruitful in terms of the interest aroused, all producers demanding more information and willing to discuss their views and the feedback from customers. Follow-up will be made to measure the possibilities of certification, including contacting the people not present at the Fair but recommended by stakeholders.


1 December 2005

APPENDIX XII: STATISTICS ON THE NUMBER OF HITS TO EUROPEAN SERVICE PASS WEB SITE –

NOVEMBER 2005


1 December 2005

APPENDIX XIII: AGENDA OF THE MMG MEETING – 8 DECEMBER 2005

The European Eco-labelling Board Marketing Management Group

Thursday 8 December 2005, 9:30 – 12:30

Brussels BU5 - C

Draft Agenda

Adoption of September minutes Market penetration measuring methodology and reporting mechanisms, MMG suggestions to the EUEB (update from last MMG meeting) Discussion on existing indicators on market penetration Presentation of 2005 achievements and the 2006 Marketing Action Plan (Helpdesk) Summary of marketing activities 2005 in each Member State (CBs) Update on marketing strategy 2006 in each Member State (CBs) Presentation and discussion on strategic partnership with retailers (Deborah Mattiuzzo from Eurocommerce) Any other business - Final approval of a common award certificate - First ideas for a 15-year Eco-label event in 2007 -Other issues


1 December 2005

APPENDIX XIV: MINUTES OF THE MMG MEETING OF 26 SEPTEMBER 2005

The European Eco-labelling Board Marketing Management Group

26 September 2005, 14:00 – 17:30

Draft Minutes

Participants

Aendekerk Veerle Link Inc (Belgian Consultancy) [email protected]

Michielssen Jill EC +3222961557 [email protected]

DANIEL Nathalie Belgian Ministry of Environment +32 2 524 95 56 [email protected]

ATAUGA Rasa Latvian Environmental Agency +37 1 70 84 282 [email protected]

FRISENBORG Lisbeth Ecolabelling Denmark +45 72 300 450 [email protected] MAZZON Antonio Competent Body Italy +393356493276 [email protected]

BUCHELE Martin BMLFUW +43 1 51522 1625 [email protected]

KUODYTE Maryte Lithuanian Environmental Protection Agency +370 85 266 28 25 [email protected]

TKACZYK Joanna Polish Centre for Testing and Certification +48 22 46 45 208 [email protected]

SAHLEN Kerstin SIS Ecolabelling +46 8 5555 2406 [email protected] DOLLEY Phil AEAT +44 870 190 6457 [email protected] PROIA Patricia AFNOR Certification +33 1 41 62 86 10 [email protected] COX Charles Defra +44 207 082 8672 [email protected] MORCH ANDERSEN Soren Danish EPA +45 326 60 403 [email protected] B. ESKELAND Marianne Ecolabelling Norway +47 22 36 57 45 [email protected] FLEUR Maaike Stichting Milieukeur +31 70 35 86 300 [email protected]

KOPAC Samo Slovenian Ministry of Environment +386 1 478 7302 [email protected]

MINESTRINI Stefania APAT +390650072231 [email protected] VON DER KAMP Lonneke Beco Group +31 10 2985263 [email protected] KEESMAN Bert Beco Group +31 10 2985260 [email protected]

DES ABBAYES Cécile BIO Intelligence Service / Helpdesk +33 1 56 20 28 98 [email protected]

HERMITE Corentine BIO Intelligence Service / Helpdesk +33 1 56 20 28 98 [email protected]

KOUTROUMANI Athina CE DG ENV +32 2 299 0134 [email protected]

The Chair opened the meeting and the agenda was adopted.

Adoption of May minutes May 2005 MMG minutes were adopted without changes.

Presentation of the results of a marketing strategy for the development of the number of eco-labelled products in four sectors in Belgium

Ms Veerle Aendekerk from Link Inc communicatie-advies bureau presented the results of the study of the implementation of a marketing strategy in Belgium towards producers for textiles, indoor paints and varnishes, tourist accommodation service, and tissue paper product groups. The recommendations to the Belgian CB were to nominate a person in authority to propagate the EU Eco-label, elaborate a marketing strategy towards potential license holders, and establish a counter for multinational enterprises. This presentation can be downloaded on: http://europa.eu.int/comm/environment/ecolabel/marketing/managementgroups_en.htm

France pointed out that federations were against the eco-label but it is not necessary to work with them. For example France works with the purchasers and retailers who then ask their suppliers for eco-labelled products.

Ms Veerle Aendekerk agrees that this can happen (example of Delhaize and Colruyt) but it is not true for small companies that do not supply directly the distributors so there is still the need to promote the eco-label among producers.

On the lack of a global European marketing approach by big international groups pointed out by the Belgian study, APAT mentioned the example of Carrefour which was contacted for the Flower Week in Italy and in France but whose answer was up to the manager in each country and therefore could vary. The situation is different for tourist accommodations where the manager of each structure or hotel takes the decision.

Ms Veerle Aendekerk answered that it is important to bring people together at the same time or at least do a follow-up of contacts in the different countries.

APAT asked what was meant by mentioning the need of a person to propagate the eco-label.

Ms Veerle Aendekerk thinks that it is important at a national level to have a person of authority that the people know, such as a Minister, publicly support the eco-label. She added that the marketing effort towards retailers should begin at the European level. For example a meeting with retailers should be organised at EU level with a person from the EC as part of the implementation of the European marketing strategy. Ms Veerle Aendekerk added that even the Flower Week was actually an activity at a national level.

France is not sure that this is a good solution because retailers are very busy so it would be difficult to organise a meeting. The contact should therefore be made at a national level where it is easier to meet them often and send information to them.

Ms Veerle Aendekerk answered that it depends on the country and mentioned the example of Akzo Nobel who does not have eco-labelled products in Belgium but proposes them in Sweden. She added that C&A has a European strategy and does not think at a local level.

The Commission said that the Flower marketing strategy towards retailers as drawn by the MMG has to be implemented on a national level according to the particular needs and facts of every MS. With respect to actions at EU level, the Helpdesk had a meeting and a presentation to the with Eurocommerce members’ assembly, but follow-up with retailers has also to be done at national level.

GPP presentation Jill Michielssen of the European Commission made a presentation on eco-labels and green public procurement (GPP), explaining the policy background of GPP, the direct links with eco-labelling and how it can work in practical terms. The future plans for promotion of GPP were also presented with a focus on the joint promotion of EU Eco-label in GPP.

For more information check http://europa.eu.int/comm/environment/gpp/ or ask for the handbook.

The Chair said that eco-label criteria is very useful for GPP when setting the criteria for the tender so there is an opportunity to link eco-label and GPP.

Norway asked if the EC used GPP when buying products.

Jill Michielssen answered that some General Directorates of the Commission have been running a pilot project to implement EMAS. It is expected to be extended to the Commission as a whole. In this context, one important policy measure under EMAS was green purchasing and use of eco-label criteria where appropriate.

The Commission said that GPP is an important pillar of the Flower marketing strategy. The preliminary results of the interviews carried out under the EVER evaluation study, show that producers expect significant competitive rewards deriving from strong presence of the Flower in GPP. Flower recognition by public purchasers is also perceived by manufacturers as a crucial marketing target. So it is important to strengthen the presence of the Flower in GPP and to coordinate actions done at national level. Actions are already on-going by the EC and also scheduled and implemented by the Helpdesk in 2005. The marketing plan for joint promotion of EU eco-label in national GPP shall be addressed from the MMG in view of drawing the marketing strategy for 2006.

The United Kingdom mentioned that one of the feed-back that they get is the confusion due to the different eco-labels that exist. If a company has one type of eco-label, does it satisfy to all GPPs? What are the public requirements?

Jill Michielssen said that there are no public requirements and it is up to each contracting authority to choose the eco-label criteria it is going to use in its tender documents, whilst respecting the conditions set forth in the public procurement directives. Once chosen the right criteria, the contracting authority can recognize the corresponding eco-label as proof of compliance, whilst also always mentioning that will be accepted equivalent ways of proving compliance with the eco-label criteria used.

Austria said that it is important to clarify that in GPP you cannot ask for an eco-labelled product but only use the criteria in the tender. It is important to promote the EU eco-label so that the EU criteria are used.

Norway started an investigation on how eco-label criteria are used in GPP. Norway was able to inform quite extensively thanks to the handbook. The results show that the criteria are starting to be used even for smaller orders that are under the limit above which a tender is necessary. For example, out of 58 tenders for textile products, 25 had used the criteria.

Jill Michielssen agreed that contracting authorities have fewer legal constraints in the framework of public procurement contracts whose value is under the threshold of the public procurement directives, but that the core principles on o non-discrimination, equal treatment and transparency of specifications still apply on the basis of the general Treaty principles.

Slovenia asked if the brochure handbook was already available in all languages.

Jill Michielssen answered that she only has 300 copies for the time being but it is possible to get more if you ask her. Some languages are not printed out yet but it is in process. They are all available on the website though and can be downloaded from http://europa.eu.int/comm/environment/gpp/guidelines.htm#handbook .

Marketing strategy for 2006 and Flower Week 2006 The Chair said that they received the marketing plans from only eight countries and asked what the others would be doing. The Chair pointed out that it is quite difficult to do a unique European strategy since all member states do not need the same type of actions. Actions will take place therefore at national level with European coordination. It was decided that the Flower week 2006 will take place on the 2nd week of October. Austria stated that since it is at national level, the actions do not need to be carried out at the same time in all member states. APAT explained that if all actions are the same week it is better for the media review. Austria asked what resources will be available and pointed out that the concept in 2004 was joint promotion. There are activities going on but not in this framework. APAT asked if it would not be useful to coordinate all the activities. Austria said not to feel the need for coordination at European level since the activities planned are national. APAT clarified what was meant by coordination at European level saying that the actions would be carried out at the same time with common visible material and communication on the various initiatives. APAT added that consumers and applicants are more impressed by efforts made in promotion activities. The Chair mentioned the European Mobility Week as an example. France agreed with the synergies about advertising the same week but points out that the date must be decided by the end of 2005. APAT answered that the date and the printed material needed for the Flower week should be decided during the meeting. France said that it would be good to use the same type of tools as for the last Flower week and France will continue promotion with retailers mentioning that more retailers will participate in 2006 than in the Flower Week 2004 (Carrefour, Auchan). Freedom of choice for graphics and material would be preferable to them. The United Kingdom said that promotion is important even if there are barriers linked to the interim report of EVER. If there is a Flower Week next year, the campaign should adjust to the EVER study and focus on certain aspects especially since manufacturers have started to read it since it is available on the website. The Commission answered that the results of the evaluation study will be important for the review of the Scheme. It is important to remain dedicated to the goal of increasing Flower awareness and to engage in developing and implementing a Flower marketing strategy on a national level.

The Chair asked what economic resources will be available. France has 75 000 € this year and next year for NF-Environnement and the Flower. Italy said that maybe the CBs needed more support from the Commission apart from brochures. The Commission answered that some support will be provided. For example, the Helpdesk marketing activities will include coordination for the Flower Week 2006. AEAT asked what should be the priority between GPP, consumers and retailers since there is not enough time and budget to do all. APAT answered that the same kind of activities as last time should be carried out, each country choosing according to its budget. Poland mentioned the European Quality Week saying that it would be nice to do the same for the Flower. In Poland quality and eco-label events are coordinated. There is one planned for November. Poland plans to use leaflets for all product groups and flags and do the same again next year. Poland suggested having posters that could be used in all Member States as well as articles prepared by the MMG for the media. Denmark asked what next year’s budget is and remarked that some countries do not need leaflets so it would be better, if possible, to allocate the money for other marketing linked projects or to the new Member States where the EU eco-label is less known. Denmark added that they would need a 5 million € TV campaign because they already reach 20% of the population and it is the only way to make substantial progress at this stage but they are aware that it is not possible so the question is: What is the target of the campaign? In Europe, how can the most people be reached at less cost? The Commission said that summing up the CB responses received so far, the target product groups would be the most successful and the most promising ones per country. The campaign reaches out to consumers, while involving retailers and manufacturers. CBs will have to draw their marketing plan and decide on specific marketing activities. The EC marketing budget for 2005 covered the Helpdesk, the marketing contracts for services and products, and the update of the consumer infokit. APAT said that the actions that will be undertaken depend on the resources of the CBs. APAT added that direct contact is very good as they have seen in their school and store activities. The United Kingdom added that the EC’s trade fairs programme is very good for licensees because it is a direct contact. Latvia thinks that the translation of the brochures is a good idea and will use them for the Flower Week. Norway remarked that money is the key and to obtain more resources the two options are either to get more money from the ministries or to raise the fees. Norway also pointed out that their budget was 400 000 € for the Nordic Swan and only 250 000 € for the EU eco-label. Belgium said that it is difficult to give an answer now for the Flower Week because, contrary to the LIFE project last time, next year’s budget is not known and they do not know if they will have sufficient material to carry out the activities. APAT repeated that each CB had to count on his own budget. Even if only one action is carried out, it is still worthwhile to implement it together the same week. The Commission said that support in coordination of activities at EU level and some material production is being planned, according to the information received by the CBs.

Market penetration measuring methodology and reporting mechanisms, MMG suggestions to the EUEB (update from last MMG meeting)

APAT introduced briefly the discussion paper “Proposal for the definition of market penetration indicators” concerning the methodology and reporting mechanism for market penetration and asked CBs to check the availability of statistics in their country in particular on data concerning the number of products sold according to different product groups (i.e. the number of footwear products sold in 2003 in the country).

Comments on the feasibility of the proposed indicators are expected at next MMG meeting. The Commission said that in the next meeting the CBs are requested to make suggestions on the already existing indicators and on their experience/problems encountered so far with them. Problems of consistency of reporting units within the product groups and between the years are addressed when working on the yearly statistics.

France mentioned that they use a turnover of the products but they cannot find the number of items sold.

APAT asked CBs to verify with license holders the feasibility of the parameters.

Presentation of a web based tool for potential textile applicants prepared under a NL marketing project

BECO, a Dutch consultancy, presented the tool that they developed to facilitate a quick compliance test with the criteria for the textile product group. The tool provides general information about the EU Eco-label, enables a potential applicant to check if a particular product is eligible or not, and develops a list of necessary actions and forms required in order to apply for the EU Eco-label for textiles. A demonstration of the tool was made. The tool is available in English, currently on: http://web.beco.nl/ecolabels/flowertest.html and will soon be added to the eco-label website on: http://europa.eu.int/comm/environment/ecolabel/product/applications.htm

MMG members thought that it was a useful tool.

The Netherlands explained that several textile applicants do not really understand the criteria.

The Chair asked if the tool confirms whether a textile article can obtain the Flower.

The Netherlands answered that the tool gives the links to the documents that you need to apply and the CB makes the evaluation.

France asked if the tool was available in other languages.

BECO answered that it is only available in English.

This presentation can be downloaded on: http://europa.eu.int/comm/environment/ecolabel/marketing/managementgroups_en.htm

Any other business Award certficate

A version of the common Eco-label certificate was presented. It was decided to take out the word “quality” and the addition of the word “the Flower” was suggested. Discussions were on the addition of the CB logo with Slovenia having to check with its authorities if it is ok, the fact that the award is an official document or not. A new set of propositions including different options will be made for next MMG meeting where a final decision will be taken.

E-mail news alert

The Helpdesk suggested starting to send in 2006 a monthly news alert by mail to holders because they feel that they are not informed enough. This suggestion was approved by the MMG members.

The Chair closed the meeting.

Follow-up: Task Actor Deadline Minutes Helpdesk For next meeting Prepare the next meeting Chair, Helpdesk, EC For next meeting Circulate the Excel file detailing the Flower Week marketing activities for 2006 scheduled in every MS and complete it

CBs For 1 November

Final proposal for a common award certificate for a final agreement

Chair and Helpdesk For next meeting

Availability of statistics on the indicators suggested in the discussion paper

CBs For next meeting

Problems with the existing indicators, suggestions for improvement

CBs For next meeting


1 December 2005

APPENDIX XV: REPORT ON BATIMAT FAIR

European Commission EU Eco-label Helpdesk

Batimat Fair Visit November 2005

Contact Bio Intelligence Service S.A.S. Véronique Monier – Cécile des Abbayes – Corentine Hermite

℡ + 33 (0)1 56 20 28 98 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

2 November 2005 EC – DG Environment

EU Eco-label Helpdesk - Report on the Batimat Fair Visit

Sommaire

1. Introduction ............................................................................................................................... 3 2. Stakeholders met and results obtained ................................................................................. 4

2.1. Results.................................................................................................................................................. 4 3. Conclusion ................................................................................................................................ 6



1. Introduction

� In the framework of its marketing activities as the European Eco-label Helpdesk, BIO Intelligence Service focuses its 2005 promotion activities on four product categories.

This report presents the results of a marketing activity for the DIY products (Hard floor coverings and Indoor paints and varnishes): the participation to the Batimat Fair in Paris on the 10th of November 2005.

� The Salon International de la Construction (Batimat) Fair is the French biggest fair dedicated to construction products. In 2004 the fair received more than 450 000 visitors.

The fair is separated in six main areas: structure area, joinery and fenestration, equipment and tools, finishing and decoration, IT and telecoms, and intelligent building.

The Helpdesk concentrated on the Finishing and decoration area where hard floor coverings and indoor paints varnishes producers were exposed.

� The objectives of the Helpdesk were two-fold:

� To measure the level of awareness of the Flower amongst producers

� To make direct contact with potential holders



2. Stakeholders met and results obtained

Corentine Hermite (BIO IS) went to the show on 10th November and stayed all day. Personal meetings and distribution of info material (French versions of the General Marketing Brochure for Producers and Retailers, Hard Floor Coverings fact sheet, Indoor paint and varnishes fact sheet) were made with 23 stakeholders.

2.1. RESULTS

In the Finishing and Decoration Section of the Batimat Fair, approximately one fourth of the stands had exhibitors selling products entering into the product categories of the EU Eco-label.

� Visibility of the Flower

The perception to the Flower was very different depending on the product groups concerned.

Eco-labels are very present among paint products and for this product group alone one third of the producers met had heard of the Flower. The others, though some were certified with other labels, were willing to discuss and interested to know about the Flower.

Among producers selling hard floor coverings though, only 5% knew the Flower and these were Italian. They were not interested in eco-labels in general and the Batimat Fair represented a first opportunity to raise awareness among them on the EU Eco-label scheme and the advantages of having an eco-label.

� Interesting contacts

� Indoor paints and varnishes This product group is very successful because there is a high demand for eco-labelled paints in the building sector because of building standards and health concerns. All the producers met at the Batimat Fair had an eco-label or intended to apply for one.

Three categories of producers can be distinguished:

� those already awarded with the Flower:

These producers intend to increase the number of EU Eco-labelled products they offer. One producer also mentioned that he would soon sign a contract with big retailers in Belgium and France to sell EU Eco-labelled paints.

� those who are certified with another label:

These producers are often certified NF Environnement. The people present at the Batimat were for the most part sales managers who could not explain why NF Environnement was chosen rather than the Flower. A few accepted to give the name of an engineer who would be in a better position to explain if the choice of



NF Environnement was done because of a lack of visibility of the Flower, or because the criteria are different, or for any other reason.

All producers awarded with an eco-label had the intention to increase the range of eco-labelled products and objected that in regards to their customers it might be confusing to change labels (from NF Environnement to the Flower). They were interested though to have information on the EU Eco-label.

� those whose products are not labelled:

These feel the need for a certification and intend to apply for one. They were therefore very interested in the Flower and asked for more information. In France though, the Flower is in competition with the label NF Environnement. One producer called the helpdesk afterwards to have the contact information of the French CB to have more details on the application process.

More generally, one producer mentioned that in France, the Flower has the reputation to be more targeted to general public while NF Environnement is more for professional users but he added that the criteria for the EU Eco-label were recognised to be stricter and thus found to be better.

International companies have a preference for the Flower because it enables to have one label for all their products that is known throughout the whole of Europe.

� Hard floor coverings

The majority of hard floor coverings producers present at the Batimat Fair did not have eco-labelled products and had not heard of the Flower.

The majority of French producers met explained that as long as their customers do not ask for environmentally friendly products they would not ask for a label. They argued that customers looked at the UPEC classification1 of the products but not if they had an eco-label. Some did mention that even though they think that a label is not necessary for them today, they believe that a range of eco-labelled products will have to be developed in the future. The reasons set forth are the growing awareness of the environment among consumers, and the marketing argument the Flower can bring against the competition of products coming from Asia.

One small French producer was very interested in the Flower but was afraid of the paperwork and time needed for the application procedure since the company is a very small structure.

The most interested in the Flower were Italian producers who asked for more information. One producer suggested that this can be explained because the standards (quality, environment) are different in France and Italy and the consumers do not have the same type of requirements.

One can also note that the few producers with EU Eco-labelled products also came from Italy. The latter were happy to see that the Flower was being promoted and hoped that new holders will appear for the Hard floor coverings product group.

1 The UPEC classification is a quality label looking at four characteristics: the wear of the material due to walking, the crushing of the material due to furniture, the behaviour with water and humidity, and the resistance to chemical agents.



3. Conclusion

� The Batimat Fair showed that the range of eco-labelled products and thus the awareness of the Flower greatly depend on consumer demand. It seems therefore important that focus on promoting the Flower among consumers should continue.

� There is a general movement towards eco-labelling among indoor paints and varnishes producers. The Flower is appreciated for its credibility and because it covers all Europe. Participating in fairs such as the Batimat enables to increase the visibility of the Flower among producers who will then have a real possibility to choose between the Flower and a national label (rather than taking the national label because they know of no other).

� For some hard floor coverings producers, the presence of the Helpdesk at the Batimat Fair was a first raising awareness of the existence of eco-labels and their advantages. A follow-up is important so that they keep the Flower in mind and maybe start thinking differently about the role they could play by offering environmentally products to consumers.

565 December 2005 EC – DG Environment

EU Eco-label Helpdesk – 2005 Final report

APPENDIX 6 – PROMOTION ACTION PLAN 2006

European Commission DG Environment

Operation of the European Eco-label Helpdesk for the Support and the

Promotion of the EU Eco-labelMarketing Action Plan for 2006

September 2005

Contact BIO INTELLIGENCE SERVICE SAS

Véronique Monier - Cécile des Abbayes – Corentine Hermite

Tel: +33 1 56 20 28 98

Mails: [email protected]

[email protected]

[email protected]



Content

Introduction .......................................................................................................................................................... 3 1. Horizontal actions..................................................................................................................... 4

1.1. Information tools ................................................................................................................................... 4 1.1.1. The e-catalogue ................................................................................................................................................ 4 1.1.2. E-mail news alert for holders ............................................................................................................................. 7 1.1.3. Flower newsletter .............................................................................................................................................. 7 1.1.4. Fact Sheets and other leaflets........................................................................................................................... 8

1.2. Contact with stakeholders..................................................................................................................... 9 1.2.1. Public purchasers.............................................................................................................................................. 9 1.2.2. Eco-citizens..................................................................................................................................................... 11 1.2.3. Retailers.......................................................................................................................................................... 11

2. Product group specific actions ............................................................................................. 12

2.1. Cleaning products............................................................................................................................... 12 2.2. Textiles ............................................................................................................................................... 13 2.3. DIY (France) ....................................................................................................................................... 14 2.4. Printed paper ...................................................................................................................................... 15

3. Flower Week 2006................................................................................................................... 16

Appendix 1- Modifications in the e-catalogue to include the new eco-labelled services .................................... 17 Appendix 2: Example of Eco-label Holder News Alert ....................................................................................... 19



INTRODUCTION

The marketing strategy recommended for the development of the Flower and eco-labelled products is described in a document entitled Promotion Action Plan realised by BIO Intelligence Service in February 2004 and serves as a framework for the Helpdesk marketing activities over the 2004-2006 period.

This report is a proposal for the Helpdesk marketing activities for 2006. This plan will be discussed with the European Commission for validation.

The objectives of 2006 marketing activities are the same as the other years:

� the increase of the number of eco-labelled articles,

� the increase of the visibility of the Flower in MSs,

� the increase of the awareness of producers and retailers,

� the recognition of the logo by consumers.

The promotion action plan for 2006 can be divided into 4 important parts: production / finalisation of information tools, targeted marketing activities in the fields where the development of the EU Eco-label has high potential, assistance to the MMG for the preparation of the Flower Week 2006, and covering horizontal areas of marketing.

� Production / finalisation of information tools

It is important that at the end of the 3-year Eco-label Helpdesk contract, the EC disposes of a wide range of communication tools, enabling to concentrate on marketing activities in the following years. That is why an important part of this action plan focuses on the e-catalogue, in order to make it as user-friendly as possible for consumers, holders and retailers, and on finalisation of the production of brochures (set of product group fact sheets, and other printed material).

� Targeted marketing activities

The Helpdesk suggests implementing marketing activities in horizontal issues where the development of the EU Eco-label appears the most promising: green public procurement, eco-citizens, retailers’ private labels; and also at an EU level marketing activities related to specific product groups: cleaning products, textiles, printed paper, and hard floor coverings, paints and soil improvers in France.

� Flower Week 2006

The activities related to the Flower Week 2006 were discussed during the MMG meeting, on September, 26th 2005.

The different marketing activities planned for 2006 are detailed in the following chapters.



1. Horizontal actions

Horizontal actions are actions common to all product groups, aiming at increasing the visibility of the Flower and the demand for eco-labelled products.

The proposed horizontal actions for 2006 consist in:

� Finalising the set of information tools necessary to communicate about the Flower towards consumers, producers, retailers and holders,

� Increase the demand for eco-labelled products from meeting public purchasers

� Maintain contact with retailers

1.1. INFORMATION TOOLS

The information tools cover the e-catalogue www.eco-label.com, the web news, the Flower newsletter, and different leaflets / fact sheets.

1.1.1. THE E-CATALOGUE

The e-catalogue is a very important communication tool towards consumers, since it is available in 11 language versions and includes a search engine enabling consumers to find eco-labelled products in their country (it also helps public purchasers identify the size of the market of their potential suppliers). In 2005 statistics show an average of 230,000 hits received per month, corresponding to almost 10,000 visits per month.

It is essential to make it as user-friendly as possible to European consumers, that is why the Helpdesk suggests implementing 5 different actions in 2006:

- Translations of both front office and back office in the 8 languages of new EU Member States,

- Modifications to include the new eco-labelled “services” (presently tourist accommodation and campsite),

- Addition of 3 new product group pages (maintenance of the e-catalogue)

- Addition of the consumer Info-Kit brochures online the product groups page of the e-catalogue

- Maintenance of the tool for textile applicants.




� Translations of both front office and back office in the 8 languages of the new EU Member States

It is important to make the e-catalogue available to all European consumers, especially now that there are EU Eco-label licensees in new Member States. The Helpdesk suggests translating both front and back offices of the web site in the 8 languages of the new MSs: Czech, Estonian, Latvian, Lithuanian, Hungarian, Polish, Slovakian and Slovenian. The front office is the public part of the web site, where consumers have access; the back office is the private part of the web site, where holders and retailers can update/modify the information related to their products. Translations will be provided by CBs or the EC, and the Helpdesk will take care of the IT work. These translations will be done when the other actions related to the e-catalogue are implemented. Option: The Maltese translation of the front office and the back office could be put online the front office and the back office, should the budget be made available – to be decided in autumn 2006.

End 2006

� Update the product group pages The e-catalogue includes pages presenting the different product groups, available from the “product categories” page. Considering that there will be 3 new product groups in 2006 (soaps and shampoos, printed paper and heat pumps), it is necessary to add the corresponding product group pages.

2006

� Addition of the consumer Info-Kit brochures online the e-catalogue In a previous draft of this Marketing Action Plan, the Helpdesk had mentioned that putting the consumer Info-Kit brochures online the e-catalogue on every1 product group page for every language version represented a global budget of 5000 euros, which was too high. Considering this is a priority action for the EC, the Helpdesk suggests putting all the consumer info-kit brochures online for downloading on the common “Product categories” page. Because the e-catalogue web site is not dynamic, this represents putting ‘manually’ 12 brochures * 19 languages = 228 links, with an estimated budget of 2500 euros.

2006

1 There are actually 12 consumer Info-Kit brochures for 23 product groups. But the idea was that on every product group page, the consumer would find the corresponding info-kit brochure, meaning a given brochure could be found several times on the web site.



� Modifications to include the new eco-labelled ‘services’ As discussed with the EC during the year 2005, the structure of the e-catalogue is not adapted to the new eco-label services, i.e. tourist accommodations and camp sites. For example, the database is made for ‘manufacturers’ proposing ‘products’, and these terms are not appropriate to services. General modifications in the Product and Manufacturer pages are needed. The new layouts would be common to every future eco-labelled service. In order to be as cost-efficient as possible, the Helpdesk suggests modifying only the labels of the web site, changing ‘product’ to ‘product/service’ and ‘manufacturer’ to ‘manufacturer/service provider’. This enables to avoid working on changing the code, which is expensive. The corresponding modifications are enclosed in Appendix 1.

Beginning 2006

� Maintenance of the tool for textile applicants A web based tool for textile applicants was produced within a EC contract in 2005. This tool will be hosted on the e-catalogue and will be made available on the Europa website for the EU Eco-label by the end 2005. Following a request of the EC, the Helpdesk will take care of its maintenance. A budget of 1000 euros will be allocated to this maintenance in 2006. If it happens that there was no need to use it by the end 2006, the Helpdesk will use this budget to print brochures (for example 2000 fact sheets).

2006



1.1.2. E-MAIL NEWS ALERT FOR HOLDERS


� Creation of an email news alert for holders It has been repeated during MMG meetings and observed during fairs that some eco-label holders do not feel informed enough on the activities of the EU Eco-label team and competent bodies for the development and the promotion of the European Eco-label. As discussed in the MMG meeting of 26 September, the Helpdesk suggests creating an email News Alert service specifically targeting holders. This News Alert would be sent on a monthly basis to every Eco-label holder and would contain the Eco-label web news, information on new holders, statistics, and upcoming fairs and events. Holders would have the possibility to add colleagues to the mailing-list or to unsubscribe. A suggestion of email News Alert is enclosed in Appendix 2.

Beginning 2006

1.1.3. FLOWER NEWSLETTER

Two issues of the Flower newsletter will be produced in 2006, as planned in the Technical Annex of the contract. The quantities printed need to be modified though, since the size of the mailing-list for English version has increased.

Instead of 1000 copies of each language version (English, French, Italian, Spanish and Greek), the Helpdesk needs printing:

- 3000 English copies

- 700 copies of the other languages

i.e. a total of 5800 copies per issue, instead of the 5000 scheduled.



1.1.4. FACT SHEETS AND OTHER LEAFLETS


� Production of the remaining product group fact sheets In 2005 the Helpdesk initiated the production of fact sheets describing the Eco-label criteria per product group, targeting producers and retailers. In 2006 this set of fact sheets will be completed : The 10 remaining product group fact sheets will be produced in English: dishwashers, light bulbs, televisions, vacuum cleaners, washing machines, copying paper, printed paper, bed mattresses, soil improvers and lubricants.

Beginning 2006

� Production of print files for the translations of the fact sheets produced in 2005 and the consumer and purchaser leaflets

At the end 2005, the EC will translate the existing 15 fact sheets (all purpose cleaners, camp sites, detergents for dishwashers, footwear, general marketing brochure, hand dishwashing detergents, hard floor coverings, tourist accommodations, laundry detergents, paints, personal computers, portable computers, refrigerators, textiles and tissue paper) and the consumer and GPP leaflets into the 19 other languages of the EU. These translations will be provided in Word format. In order to produce print files (EPS and high resolution PDFs), it is necessary to transfer these translations to Illustrator2. It takes approximately 20 minutes to cut and paste all the text fields of a Fact Sheet from Word to Illustrator, adjust the design of the brochure to the various lengths of the texts in the different languages, do the final check and produce the EPS and high resolution PDF files. There are 17 brochures3 * 18 languages4 = 306 non – English brochures of which 12 are already done (all purpose cleaners, detergents for dishwashers, footwear, general marketing brochure, hand dishwashing detergents, hard floor coverings, laundry detergents, paints, textiles, and tissue paper in French and camp sites and tourist accommodations in German) so there remains 293 brochures, so this represents 12.25 days for producing the print files. This work will be done by an assistant beginning 2006.

Beginning 2006

� Printing The Helpdesk plans to print 10,000 fact sheets in 2006. 2006

2 It is possible to produce PDF files from Word documents, but these will be low resolution files, that printers cannot use. 3 15 Fact Sheets + 1 GPP leaflet + 1 Consumer leaflet 4 English versions are already available, as well as FR or DE versions for 12 brochures.



1.2. CONTACT WITH STAKEHOLDERS

1.2.1. PUBLIC PURCHASERS

Actions towards public purchasers will include activities both at EU and national level (France).


� Inform network of Eco-cities The Helpdesk contacted 4 different networks of Eco-cities in 2005 to see if they would be interested in spreading information to their members about the use of EU Eco-label criteria in call for tenders, in order to do green procurement. The possible actions that could be implemented with these networks are the following: put a link on their web site to the Eco-label web site, write an article in their newsletter, produce a success story with them, and do a presentation during a meeting of the members of the network.

- Eurocities - http://www.eurocities.org/. EUROCITIES is the network of major European cities. Founded in 1986, the network brings together the local governments of more than 120 large cities in over 30 European countries. EUROCITIES provides a platform for its member cities to share knowledge and ideas, to exchange experiences, to analyse common problems and develop innovative solutions, through a wide range of Forums, Working Groups, Projects, activities and events. The Helpdesk is in contact with Ms Silke Moschitz. At this stage the Helpdesk does not know if it will be able to implement actions in 2006 with Eurocities but the first contact was positive and possible actions will be discussed in October 2005.

- ACRR (Association of Cities and Regions for Recycling) - http://www.acrr.org/. The ACRR is an International Network of local and regional authorities throughout the European territory and beyond. The association aims to promote the exchange of information and experiences on municipal waste management, and particularly on the prevention at source, recycling and recovery. The Helpdesk is in contact with Mr Francis Radermaker, who is very interested in communicating about Eco-label and GPP to the members of ACRR. Nothing is decided at this stage, but actions are very likely to be implemented with them in 2006.

- CEMR (Council of European Municipalities and Regions) – http://www.ccre.org. CEMR is the largest organisation of local and regional government in Europe; its members are national associations of towns, municipalities and regions from over 30 countries. Together these associations represent some 100,000 local and regional authorities. The Helpdesk is in contact with Mr Sylvain Chevassus, who is very interested in communicating about Eco-label and GPP to the members of CEMR. Nothing is decided at this stage, but actions are very likely to be implemented with them in 2006.

- ICLEI (Local Governments for Sustainability) – www.iclei.org. ICLEI is an international association of local governments and national and regional local government organizations that have made a commitment to sustainable development. More than 470 cities, towns, counties, and their associations worldwide comprise ICLEI's growing membership. ICLEI works with these and hundreds of other local governments through international performance-based, results-oriented campaigns and programs. The Helpdesk is in contact with Mr Peter Defranceschi, from the Eco Procura department. At this stage, the Helpdesk does not know if it will be possible to implement actions in 2006 with ICLEI.

The time allocated to this activity (5 days) does not allow doing all the listed actions. If it happens that all of them are feasible, the Helpdesk will discuss with the EC how to prioritise them.

2006




� Contact with Ms Jill Michielssen (in charge of GPP issues within the EC)

In 2006 the Helpdesk plans to work on activities related to GPP with Ms Jill Michielssen. These activities are:

- Update of the PowerPoint presentation about the use of eco-label criteria in GPP approaches created in 2005.

- Presentation about the use of EU Eco-label criteria in GPP during one of the five workshops (Spain, Greece, Italy, Portugal or Ireland) scheduled in another project of DG Env related to GPP

- Organisation and minutes of a meeting of CBs with GPP experts as an extension of a MMG meeting

If the meeting of CBs and GPP experts cannot be organised, the Helpdesk will discuss with the EC how to reallocate the corresponding time.

2006

� Participation to the “Salon des Maires” 2006 The “Salon des Maires” is a fair gathering almost 50,000 French elected representatives and local decision-makers, together with partners and suppliers specialized in the management and development of local communities. There are different thematic sectors, including « Environment and Energy ». This fair usually has important media coverage on TV, radio and the press. The Helpdesk suggests having a booth during 3 days at this fair to inform directly elected representatives on how they can easily implement green procurement if they use eco-labels. A specific poster based on the Toolbox, but in French, and announcing “Green Procurement is easy with the Flower” will be produced and printed for the occasion. The Helpdesk will try to have an active role in this fair, for example to do a presentation about the use of Eco-label criteria in GPP. The date of 2006 edition of the fair is not known yet; however considering that 2005 edition is in November, it is likely to be at a similar time. www.salondesmaires.com

Probably November

2006



1.2.2. ECO-CITIZENS

Eco-citizens are consumers concerned by the protection of the environment, who buy occasionally organic, natural or fair trade products. They are the potential purchasers of eco-labelled products.

They will be reached through the action for DIY products (cf 2.3. ).

1.2.3. RETAILERS

Retailers are key stakeholders for the development of eco-labelled products: many companies ask for the EU Eco-label because of a demand from retailers. They also offer visibility for eco-labelled products on their shelves.

Retailers will be reached at PLMA fair (cf 2.1. ), and through the activity described below:


� Meeting with Eurocommerce As requested by the EC, the Helpdesk plans to do a presentation during one meeting with Eurocommerce.

2006

� Supporting the Retailer Database of the e-catalogue It will be necessary to implement a follow-up with retailers to have them fill information about their products in the e-catalogue database.

- The Helpdesk will work with AFNOR for France and will ask AFNOR for contact details in order to get in touch with French retailers (Leroy-Merlin, Carrefour, Cora, Auchan, and Monoprix) to present the project and ask for information.

- The Helpdesk will explain the work to CBs during a MMG meeting and ask them for support in their country.

2006



2. Product group specific actions

The Helpdesk will focus its product-specific actions on 3 product families:

- Cleaning products: laundry detergents, all purpose cleaners, hand dishwashing detergents, dishwashing tablets and tissue paper

- Textiles

- DIY (Hard Floor Coverings, Paints and Varnishes and Soil Improvers)

- Printed Paper

2.1. CLEANING PRODUCTS

Considering that the participation of the Flower to PLMA fair in 2005 generated an important interest amongst SMEs and retailers (116 contacts made), the Helpdesk recommends participating in 2006 again.

The product groups covered by PLMA fair are laundry detergents, all purpose cleaners, hand dishwashing detergents, dishwashing tablets and tissue paper.


� Participation to PLMA fair in Amsterdam on 30 and 31 May 2006 The Helpdesk suggests having a booth at next PLMA fair, in order to continue the promotion of the Flower towards retailers and SMEs producing cleaning products for private brands. This activity includes: - Sending an email before the fair to all exhibitors producing cleaning products, to announce the presence of the Flower, - Presence of 1 person from the Helpdesk and 1 person from Stichting Milieukeur at the Eco-label exhibit stand during 2 days (one person at the stand to meet retailers; one person going from stand to stand to meet producers), - Follow-up of the fair: emails or personal phone call to every contact made (who was interested in the Flower) - Article to PLMA newsletter and press release.

30 – 31 May 2006



2.2. TEXTILES

In 2006, the Helpdesk suggests focusing the marketing activities for textiles on producers of working clothes. The Flower is very successful in this sector in Denmark. The Helpdesk will work on reproducing this success in another country.

This activity is detailed below.


� Produce a success story about EU eco-labelled working clothes in Denmark

The Flower has a great potential of development amongst producers of working clothes. Producers can see it as an added value to their clothes, differentiating their offer from the one of their competitors. Purchasers of eco-labelled working clothes can be interested in buying eco-labelled clothes in the framework of their CSR or SME, or to improve their image amongst their employees. In Denmark 7 producers of working clothes have the Flower (Klopman International Ltd, Kansas Danmark Ltd, Praxis Herning Ltd, Engel Workwear, Danicare A/S, Kentaur A/S, Viking Rubber). We will interview them, as well as the Danish CB, in order to understand why the Flower is so successful amongst Danish producers of working clothes and how to reproduce this in other MSs. A report describing this success story and recommendations for a marketing strategy targeting producers of working clothes based on the Danish experience will be produced.

Beginning 2006

� Test this marketing strategy targeting producers of working clothes in another European country

The marketing strategy towards producers of working clothes based on the Danish experience will be tested in another European country. The Helpdesk suggests Sweden (7 textile holders) or France (9 textile holders). At this stage it is difficult to schedule precisely what actions will be the most appropriate to do. However, the Helpdesk plans to contact at least 5 companies purchasing uniforms or specific working clothes, and 5 companies producing working clothes to inform them about the marketing/image benefits of using/producing eco-labelled clothes.

Once the success story is produced

NB: Due to budget constraints, the Helpdesk does not plan to renew the contract with AEDT allowing having the Flower logo on the European Service Pass web site (www.europeanservicepass.com). However the Helpdesk recommends keeping this possibility in mind for future marketing activities, since the potential of publicity amongst textile producers from this link is high.



2.3. DIY (FRANCE)

Following a recommendation from the EC, the Helpdesk plans to do a marketing activity towards producers of hard floor coverings, paints and varnishes and soil improvers in France in 2006. This activity will also enable to reach eco-citizens.


� Stand at Ecobat fair in Paris from 17 to 20 March 2006 There is a great potential for the development of ecological housing in France, especially with the development of French HQE (Haute Qualité Environnementale) green building programme. Citizens feel more and more concerned by the potential impacts on their health of products they use in their house. This is why paints and soil improvers are quite successful product groups in France. Many fairs for eco-citizens have a hall dedicated to ecological building in France. As these halls are very successful, a fair especially dedicated to ecological building was created a few years ago in Paris: the Ecobat fair. There were about 100 exhibit stands at last year edition. This is quite a small fair, but the exhibitors and the visitors of this fair are the exact target group for the EU Eco-label. Moreover this fair is held during a week-end, ensuring many citizens are able to come. That is why the Helpdesk suggests trying to share a booth with AFNOR at next edition of this fair in March 2006, to reach both producers of green paints, hard floor coverings and soil improvers, and meet eco-citizens. At this stage it is not known if it will be possible to cooperate with AFNOR. If AFNOR cannot share a booth, then the Helpdesk will have a booth and spend the whole 4 days on the fair. If AFNOR can, the Helpdesk will spend less days and see with the EC how the corresponding budget could be reallocated, for example for activities related to textiles. . http://www.spas-expo.com/

17 to 20 March 2006



2.4. PRINTED PAPER

Printed paper is a new product group with a scheduled adoption of criteria in 2006.


� Opening session about printed paper during an appropriate fair in Europe

Following a request from the EC, the Helpdesk plans to do an opening session about printed paper in a given fair in 2006. At this stage it is difficult to assess which kind of fair (about books, communication, edition…) in which country will be the most appropriate. This will be studied beginning 2006 (the Helpdesk will get in touch with the interested CBs). The launching event will include:

- presentation of the CB - presentation of the criteria - award ceremony - press releases - inviting journalists / local press

The Helpdesk will not have the budget to have a stand on the fair. It is scheduled that the Competent Body or another marketing consultant working with the EC Eco-label team will take care of it.

Autumn 2006



3. Flower Week 2006

The Helpdesk will collaborate with the EC and the MMG for the Flower Week 2006, in order to produce and disseminate information about the various scheduled actions. The Helpdesk will:

- produce articles about the different activities scheduled in the participating Member States

- create a press kit in English about the event

- do press activities at EU level (distributing information to NGOs and consumer organisations)

4 days are necessary to implement this activity.



APPENDIX 1- MODIFICATIONS IN THE E-CATALOGUE TO INCLUDE THE NEW ECO-LABELLED SERVICES

1 Introduction

The www.eco-label.com web site, green store of eco-labelled products, was designed when the EU Eco-label was only dedicated to products. However since 2 years now, the label covers services too. The labels of the different fields of the site are not adapted any more, and need to be modified.

NB: both front office and back office will be available in 11 language versions when the modifications will be done.

2 Back office

2.1 Page “SuperUserAdmin”



2.2 Page « UserAdmin »


2.3 Page “FormManufacturer”



2.4 Page « FormProduct »

Replace everywhere « Product » by « Product / Service »


Replace « Retailers list » by « Retailers list (for products) ».

2.5 Pages Edit et Delete

In these pages, replace everywhere « Product » by « Product / Service » and « Manufacturer » by « Manufacturer / Service provider ».



3 Front office

3.1 Menu

Replace, under « information », « Product categories », by « Product / Service categories »

Replace, under “search”, “A product”, by « A product / service »

Replace, under “search”, “A manufacturer”, by « A manufacturer / service provider »

3.2 Page “Search a product”

Replace the title “Search a product” by « Search a product / service »

Replace « You are looking for products (…) by « You are looking for products/services (…) »

Replace « In product category » by « In product/service category »

Replace « Any manufacturer » by « Any manufacturer / service provider »


Replace the title of column « Product » by « Product/Service ».


3.3 Page “Search a manufacturer”

Replace the title “Search a manufacturer” by « Search a manufacturer / service provider »

Replace « You are looking for manufacturers (…) by « You are looking for manufacturers / service providers (…) »

Replace «Manufacturing products in » by « Providing products / services in »


Replace the title of column « Manufacturer » by « Manufacturer / Service provider ».

3.4 Page « Detailed Product »

Replace the title « Detailed Product » by « Detailed Product / Service ».

Replace « Product name » by « Product / Service name ».


Replace « Retailers list » by « Retailers/Tourism agents list ».

3.5 Page « Detailed Manufacturer »

Replace the title « Detailed Manufacturer» by « Detailed Manufacturer / Service provider ».


Replace “Product sold by this manufacturer” by “Product / Service provided by this company”

Replace “Products” by “Products / Services”



APPENDIX 2: EXAMPLE OF ECO-LABEL HOLDER NEWS ALERT

January 2006, Issue 0000

IN THIS ISSUE

Mourne launches new sustainable tourism manual for businesses In the UK, one of Northern Ireland’s most beautiful regions has launched a pack about sustainable tourism for local businesses, which sets the European Eco-label for tourist accommodation in the context of a sustainable tourism strategy.

Opening session on the Eco-label at the Camp Ground fair in Friedrichshafen An opening session on the European Eco-label for camp site services will be held at the Camp Ground fair in Friedrichshafen, Germany, on 15th September.

Workshop on “the EU Eco-label and the development of sustainable tourism: operational implementation in tourist accommodation services” As part of the Sustainable Hotels in Mediterranean Islands and Area ptofect, a workshop will be held to present on-going initiatives relative to the implementation and promotion of the EU Eco-label for tourist accommodation.

Statistics / New Holders

Agenda Information on upcoming fairs and events.

IN THIS ISSUE

MOURNE LAUNCHES NEW SUSTAINABLE TOURISM MANUAL FOR BUSINESSES

In the UK, one of Northern Ireland’s most beautiful regions has launched a pack about sustainable tourism for local businesses, which sets the European Eco-label for tourist accommodation in the context of a sustainable tourism strategy.

www.europa.eu.int/ecolabelwww.eco-label.com

[email protected]

Eco-label Holders News Alert



Mourne in Northern Ireland attracts tourists from around the world who come to enjoy its beautiful scenery and wildlife, engage in outdoor activities and explore its famous mountains. Now the Mourne Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty has published a Sustainable Tourism Manual for local businesses.

The manual provides practical advice and guidance on all aspects of operating a sustainable business in an area where tourism is the major industry, and explains what the Eco-label for tourist accommodation can offer as part of such an approach. The manual was launched in June 2005 in Warrenpoint on the

shores of Carlingford Lough at a successful event for local businesses, involving expert speakers from France, Germany and the UK.

European involvement

The manual is the idea of the Mourne Heritage Trust, which has produced it in conjunction with the Europarc Federation, the umbrella body for protected areas across Europe. The manual has been funded through the Natural Resource Rural Tourism Initiative, which forms part of the EU Programme for Peace and Reconciliation in Northern Ireland.

Tony Gates, Chief Executive of the Trust, explained: “The Mourne Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty was awarded the European Charter for Sustainable Tourism in Protected Areas in August 2003, in recognition of the adoption of a sustainable approach to the development of tourism in the area. To further develop the Charter in line with the recommendations of the Europarc Federation, we are now endeavouring to involve tourism businesses throughout the Mourne area in making their individual contribution.”

A tool kit for business

He added: “The Sustainable Tourism Business Manual will provide a tool kit for tourism businesses to help green their operations. We hope that this will lead to more and more businesses within Mourne engaging with accreditation schemes such as the Ecolabel scheme which will contribute to the overall environmental, economic and social sustainability of our tourism industry now and into the future.”

Sustainable tourism is one of the Heritage Trust’s four priorities, the others being natural environment enhancement and protection, visitor management and visitor services, and built and cultural heritage.

Charter Park status

Mourne’s spectacular scenery was first officially recognised when it was first designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in 1966.

It developed its own Sustainable Tourism Strategy in 2002, and in 2003 the area became the first protected area in the British Isles to be awarded Charter Park status under the European Charter for Sustainable Tourism in Protected Areas.

For more information, contact Camilla Fitzpatrick, Sustainable Tourism Manager, Mourne Heritage Trust at [email protected] or visit http://www.mournelive.com/sustainabletourism/topics/index.asp .

OPENING SESSION ON THE ECO-LABEL AT THE CAMP GROUND FAIR IN FRIEDRICHSHAFEN

An opening session on the European Eco-label for camp site services will be held at the Camp Ground fair in Friedrichshafen, Germany, on 15th September. Speakers from the European Commission Eco-label team, German public authorities and camp site owners will present the benefits of the EU Eco-label for tourism.

To download the invitation (English and German) to this event, please click here.



More information can be found on http://www.camp-ground.de/html/de/

WORKSHOP ON “THE EU ECO-LABEL AND THE DEVELOPMENT OF SUSTAINABLE TOURISM: OPERATIONAL IMPLEMENTATION IN TOURIST

ACCOMMODATION SERVICES” As part of the Shmile project (Sustainable Hotels in Mediterranean Islands and Area), a workshop will be held in Sophia Antipolis (France), on 28th October. The objective is to present on-going initiatives relative to the implementation and promotion of the EU Eco-label for tourist accommodation and enable different stakeholders to share their experience.

Speakers include different representatives from AFNOR (French Competent Body), UNEP (United Nations Environment Programme), ADEME (French Environment

Agency), the French government, ACCOR hotels, NGOs, etc.

Two other workshops are scheduled to take place in Italy (4th November) and Greece (6th November, to be confirmed).

More information can be found on www.shmile.org Download the workshop invitation and programme (French).

STATISTICS / NEW HOLDERS

Companies with the Ecolabel - by product group - September 2005

0 1 1

46

20

13

6 711

1

67

96

0 0

23

14

1 3

28

0 1

9

05

1015202530354045505560657075

Washing m

achines

Dishw

ashers

Refrigerators

paints / varnishes

Soil improvers

Tissue paper

Copying paper

Dishw

ashing Detergents

Laundry detergents

Lightbulbs

Textile products

Footwear

Bed Mattress

Personal Com

puters

Portable Com

puters

All-purpose & sanitary cleaners

Hand dishw

ashing detergents

Televisions

Hard Floor C

overings

Tourist Accom

modation Service

Vacuum C

leaners

Lubricants

Cam

p Site Service



Companies with the Ecolabel - by country - September 2005

11

4

0 1

12

53

0

1417

3

50

1 0 0

61

0 0 0 0 0

11

31

5

15

0 0

5

02468

10121416182022242628303234363840424446485052545658606264

AT BE CY CZ DE DK EE EL ES FI FR HU ICE IE IT LIE LT LV LX MT NL NO PL PT SE SI SK UK

New holders: (list of new holders of the month)

AGENDA (agenda of scheduled fairs and events)

appendix iv: 2006 marketing action...

Documents