EU expands ecological criteria to computers under voluntary Ecolabel scheme

The European Commission said on Wednesday that it has adopted a new set of ecological criteria under the EU Ecolabel scheme for computers, furniture and footwear.

"From now on, manufacturers of footwear, furniture and computers (personal, notebook and tablet computers) who wish to benefit from the EU Ecolabel will have to comply with strict requirements that focus on the environmental performance of the product, but also cover product safety and social aspects," the Commission said in a statement.

To be eligible for the EU Ecolabel, computer manufacturers will need to consider energy efficiency and device upgradability during the design and manufacturing process, along with taking into account how easy it is to dismantle, recover and recycle resources from the devices.

In the case of furniture, the new criteria require manufacturers to conduct a more comprehensive life cycle assessment, while paying special attention to the hazardous compounds and residues, which could contribute to indoor air pollution.

Special attention was also given to improving Corporate Social Responsibility with regard to labor conditions which will apply to the final footwear assembly site, according to the statement.

The criteria revision is valid for six years following its date of adoption.

The EU Ecolabel is a voluntary scheme and a component of the European Commission's action plan on Sustainable Consumption and Production and Sustainable Industrial Policy.

It was established as a way of encouraging manufactures to produce goods and services that are more environmentally friendly. Any good or services that has been awarded the EU Ecolabel meets a set of high environmental and performance standards. Endit