EU-Ecolabel – Labels easy to understand

Think Circular – CWS sustainability approach
CWS sees itself as an active part of the circular economy and thinks consistently in cycles. Think Circular is the underlying principle. It is primarily about the logical three steps of Reduce, Reuse and Recycle. With the circular business model, the company contributes to a healthier and safer tomorrow. In addition to the constant task of improving sustainability factors, CWS also uses several sustainability labels to identify its products and services. "We decide specifically and product-related whether a certain sustainability label simplifies the communication towards the customer and distinguishes our sustainability efforts," says Dr. Maren Otte, Group Director of Corporate Communications and Corporate Sustainability. "By continuously reviewing a wide range of products up to the point of being awarded a label, we get important clues on how to constantly and continuously improve our sustainability performance."  

EU Ecolabel – what is it about?
The EU Ecolabel is given out by the European Commission for 30 years (Regulation EEC 880/92). While it was initially intended for products, it has been extended to services since 2000. The seal is intended to promote the transition from a linear economy to a circular economy and the resulting more sustainable orientation of companies. Criteria such as long usability, reusability and reduction of materials are taken into consideration during certification. 

The aim is to create a solid label for consumers to identify more environmentally friendly, healthier products and services. True to the motto "Environmentally conscious purchasing decisions made easy with the EU Ecolabel". The EU Ecolabel ensures consumers that a product has been produced in an environmentally sustainable way and is of good quality. It is a voluntary label as a reference for products and services that want to contribute to a reduction of environmental pollution. Around 77,000 products have already been awarded the label.

The holder of the label is the European Commission. The European Union Ecolabelling Board (EUEB) acts as the supreme body. In Germany, the Federal Environment Agency (UBA) and RAL gGmbH have been appointed as the competent bodies for awarding the label. Among others, product groups from the areas of household, textiles, electrical appliances, construction and services can receive the label.

What criteria are considered to be labelled?
Different demands exist within the individual product categories. However, the environmental requirements placed on award-winning products are somewhat higher than those of comparable seals according to the awarder's information. The focus is on the low use of chemicals and the environmental impact of toxic substances, low energy and water consumption, low CO₂ emissions in the production of the goods and, of course, waste reduction through recycling.

CWS PureLine soaps – certified and good for the skin
There are already products at CWS that have been awarded the EU Ecolabel. Particular attention lies to ensuring that new products meet the relevant criteria. The soaps in the new CWS PureLine range have recently been certified. The soaps are free of silicones, parabens, dyes and microplastics and are manufactured in Europe. If you want to learn more about the PureLine, follow this link.