Why are sustainability labels important?
Sustainability labels help consumers make informed and responsible choices when shopping.
- Labels directly indicate which products are fairer, more environmentally friendly, and more socially responsible than others.
- Credible sustainability labels support sustainable consumption in everyday life.
- Labels improve the living and working conditions of people along supply chains and help to prevent greenwashing.
How credible sustainability labels promote a better world
Credible sustainability labels enable more conscious consumption.
By choosing certified products, consumers
- support better living and working conditions for people in producing countries,
- reduce toxic chemicals in water, air, and soil, and
- protect animals.
Many labels set requirements that go well beyond legal obligations.
Every single purchasing decision thus contributes to a more sustainable world.
Credible sustainability labels as a quick guide for shopping
Sustainability labels save consumers the effort of extensive research.
Clearly visible on the packaging, they indicate which products are fairer and more environmentally friendly than others. For example, sustainability labels provide information about the impacts of production on people and the environment.
This allows consumers to find sustainable products more quickly in their everyday shopping.
Sustainability labels avoid greenwashing
Credible sustainability labels provide verified facts instead of “green” marketing claims or greenwashing. This builds trust and helps consumers select products whose supply chains adhere to controlled and stricter environmental or social requirements.
The label directory provides an overview of sustainability labels and shows how credible and rigorous they are. It also includes other marks/logos found on products, along with background information about them
Benefits of credible sustainability labels for manufacturers and companies
Companies also benefit from recognised labels: they make their commitment to sustainability visible in stores and online.
Thus, labels create incentives for companies to produce more sustainably. Manufacturers can follow the requirements of a sustainability label to make their supply chains and production more sustainable.
