Brussels, 23/08/2012 (Agence Europe) - Printed paper is the latest product category to be eligible for the EU ecological label, the Ecolabel - the famous little flower surrounded by the stars of the European Union flag - as long as the ecology criteria established by Commission decision on 16 August are met. The criteria were published in the EU Official Journal (L 223) on Wednesday 21 August.
Under European regulation No 66/2010/EC, the EU Ecolabel may be attributed to products which have little impact on the environment throughout their life cycle. Manufacturers of printed paper wishing to obtain the label for their product should ensure that the product complies with ten criteria, aimed at promoting environmental efficiency when recycling and de-inking for printed paper products, the reduction of VOC (volatile organic compounds) emissions and the reduction or prevention of risks for the environment or human health linked to the use of dangerous substances.
Such criteria concern: the substrate, recyclability and fitness for use of the final product, information on the product and information appearing on the EU Ecolabel; emissions, waste, energy, training, (criteria applying solely to the printing, coating and finishing processes of the paper components); substances and mixtures subject to limitation or exclusion (this criterion applies both to non-paper components of the printed paper product and to the printing, coating and finishing processes of the paper components).
For each of the criteria, specific requirements are given for assessment and verification. (AN/transl.jl)