FAQs for Label Users
How can manufacturers benefit from using the Blue Angel?
The Blue Angel is a market-conform instrument of environmental policy having a high level of credibility. It fits in into the competition for best possible environment-related properties of products and services. It distinguishes on a voluntary basis the better solution from the viewpoint of environmental protection.
Hence, and above all, the use of the Blue Angel provides manufacturers with competitive advantages. The specified product standards are enjoying increasing attention abroad, especially in the Asian region and Eastern Europe, a fact that allows the development of competitive advantages in international markets too.
The Blue Angel is a market-conform instrument of environmental policy having a high level of credibility. It fits in into the competition for best possible environment-related properties of products and services. It distinguishes on a voluntary basis the better solution from the viewpoint of environmental protection.
Hence, and above all, the use of the Blue Angel provides manufacturers with competitive advantages. The specified product standards are enjoying increasing attention abroad, especially in the Asian region and Eastern Europe, a fact that allows the development of competitive advantages in international markets too.
What are the advantages to be gained by trade?
By listing and presenting products with environmentally beneficial properties trading companies can communicate their business strategies.
By listing and presenting products with environmentally beneficial properties trading companies can communicate their business strategies.
What are the requirements a product must meet to be awarded the Blue Angel eco-label?
On the basis of the “Principles for awarding eco-labels” the Blue Angel can be awarded only to those products which distinguish themselves by greater environmental friendliness than other products serving the same purpose. This is done from a holistic view considering the essential aspects of environmental and health protection, including an economical use of raw materials. With respect to serviceability and safety the products must be equivalent to conventional products.
The requirements to be met by products are laid down in specific “Basic Award Criteria” for the respective product group (e.g. paints and varnishes, recycled paper). Such documents also provide detailed information on how to verify compliance with these criteria.
On the basis of the “Principles for awarding eco-labels” the Blue Angel can be awarded only to those products which distinguish themselves by greater environmental friendliness than other products serving the same purpose. This is done from a holistic view considering the essential aspects of environmental and health protection, including an economical use of raw materials. With respect to serviceability and safety the products must be equivalent to conventional products.
The requirements to be met by products are laid down in specific “Basic Award Criteria” for the respective product group (e.g. paints and varnishes, recycled paper). Such documents also provide detailed information on how to verify compliance with these criteria.
Who establishes the award criteria?
The award criteria are developed on the proposal of the Umweltbundesamt (Federal Environment Agency) in close consultation with product manufacturers, testing bodies and consumer associations. The final decision or the adoption of the award criteria is made by the independent Environmental Label Jury, which convenes twice a year.
The award criteria are developed on the proposal of the Umweltbundesamt (Federal Environment Agency) in close consultation with product manufacturers, testing bodies and consumer associations. The final decision or the adoption of the award criteria is made by the independent Environmental Label Jury, which convenes twice a year.
Which product groups benefit most from the Blue Angel?
Product groups containing large numbers of label users are the following: “Paints and Varnishes”, “Wallpapers”, “Hygienic Papers”, “Heating Systems” as well as “Paper Products” and “Furniture”.
Improvements in product design and product quality have been initiated in these product fields.
The Blue Angel also contributes to informing the public authorities in their procurement of, for example, paper products, office equipment and renovation products and materials.
Product groups containing large numbers of label users are the following: “Paints and Varnishes”, “Wallpapers”, “Hygienic Papers”, “Heating Systems” as well as “Paper Products” and “Furniture”.
Improvements in product design and product quality have been initiated in these product fields.
The Blue Angel also contributes to informing the public authorities in their procurement of, for example, paper products, office equipment and renovation products and materials.
How do consumers let themselves be guided in their purchasing decisions by the eco-label?
In spite of a slightly declining environmental awareness the Blue Angel is still the most well-known eco-label. It enjoys a high level of credibility. In 2006, 80 percent of those interviewed said they knew the Blue Angel eco-label. A survey of the actual purchasing behaviour has not yet been performed.
Public authority procurement often uses the Blue Angel criteria for calling for bids.
In spite of a slightly declining environmental awareness the Blue Angel is still the most well-known eco-label. It enjoys a high level of credibility. In 2006, 80 percent of those interviewed said they knew the Blue Angel eco-label. A survey of the actual purchasing behaviour has not yet been performed.
Public authority procurement often uses the Blue Angel criteria for calling for bids.
How, in which way, where and by whom can a new proposal for the Blue Angel be filed, provided that Basic Award Criteria for the respective product do not yet exist?
New Proposals can be filed by anybody with the Umweltbundesamt (Federal Environment Agency). Such proposal should give clear and comprehensible information on how the product concerned distinctly distinguishes itself by its environmental properties from other products serving the same purpose.
To facilitate the filing of new proposals there exists an Information Sheet providing useful information on product descriptions and documents to be attached.
New Proposals can be filed by anybody with the Umweltbundesamt (Federal Environment Agency). Such proposal should give clear and comprehensible information on how the product concerned distinctly distinguishes itself by its environmental properties from other products serving the same purpose.
To facilitate the filing of new proposals there exists an Information Sheet providing useful information on product descriptions and documents to be attached.
A manufacturer has applied for a patent for a certain product and wishes to also apply for the Blue Angel eco-label in order to support the market launch. What are the chances of an application for the Blue Angel?
The chance to be awarded the Blue Angel greatly depends on the quality of the New Proposal filed. Since recently, the Environmental Label Jury has set up a work schedule listing the fields from among which products are to be primarily eco-labelled.
According to experience only a small percentage of the new proposals submitted is chosen for award of the eco-label. Patent-pending products are usually in the process of being launched in the market. There are, often, no other products serving the same purpose. In such case, the award of an environmental prize would be a better instrument of environmental labelling (www.umweltpreis.de).
Today, between 60 and 100 new proposals are filed with the Federal Environment Agency every year. And the Environmental Label Jury issues about 3 to 4 inspection orders every year.
The chance to be awarded the Blue Angel greatly depends on the quality of the New Proposal filed. Since recently, the Environmental Label Jury has set up a work schedule listing the fields from among which products are to be primarily eco-labelled.
According to experience only a small percentage of the new proposals submitted is chosen for award of the eco-label. Patent-pending products are usually in the process of being launched in the market. There are, often, no other products serving the same purpose. In such case, the award of an environmental prize would be a better instrument of environmental labelling (www.umweltpreis.de).
Today, between 60 and 100 new proposals are filed with the Federal Environment Agency every year. And the Environmental Label Jury issues about 3 to 4 inspection orders every year.
How much time will have to be scheduled for the processing of the application?
The duration of the process for developing the requirements for new product groups differs greatly and depends on factors, including
The duration of the process for developing the requirements for new product groups differs greatly and depends on factors, including
- the completeness and correctness of the details provided in the new proposal
- the information available on the environment-related product properties of the product concerned as well as competing products
- the availability or development of appropriate test and measurement methods for a reliable verification of compliance with the requirements,
- as well as on the efforts required for the necessary research work.
What will be the costs of using the Blue Angel eco-label and how much is the handling fee?
RAL charges a one-time handling fee of 250 Euros upon filing of the application for the Blue Angel. A graded annual fee is to be paid to RAL upon conclusion of a Contract on the Use of the Environmental Label. The amount of such fee depends on the expected annual sales of the respective Blue Angel-labelled product or service. The exact grading of the annual fees can be seen on the Web pages under Costs.
RAL charges a one-time handling fee of 250 Euros upon filing of the application for the Blue Angel. A graded annual fee is to be paid to RAL upon conclusion of a Contract on the Use of the Environmental Label. The amount of such fee depends on the expected annual sales of the respective Blue Angel-labelled product or service. The exact grading of the annual fees can be seen on the Web pages under Costs.
What will be the costs of handling a new proposal?
The Federal Environment Agency handles new proposals for the Blue Angel free of charge. This requires the completion of the form for new proposals. We recommend to contact the Federal Environment Agency by phone in advance for this purpose.
The Federal Environment Agency handles new proposals for the Blue Angel free of charge. This requires the completion of the form for new proposals. We recommend to contact the Federal Environment Agency by phone in advance for this purpose.
Do foreign companies or foreign manufacturers also get the opportunity to have their products Blue Angel eco-labelled?
The Blue Angel is open to foreign manufacturers and service providers just as it is to German companies. Many foreign manufacturers use the opportunity to apply for the Blue Angel eco-label. Approximately 15 percent of the holders of a Contract on the Use of the Environmental Label are foreign companies. For a list of the countries of origin and the numbers of foreign label users please go to Products and Label Users.
The Blue Angel is open to foreign manufacturers and service providers just as it is to German companies. Many foreign manufacturers use the opportunity to apply for the Blue Angel eco-label. Approximately 15 percent of the holders of a Contract on the Use of the Environmental Label are foreign companies. For a list of the countries of origin and the numbers of foreign label users please go to Products and Label Users.
When may I use the logo of the Blue Angel?
The Blue Angel with the surrounding inscription "weil .... , Jury Umweltzeichen" (because ..... , Environmental Label Jury) may be used for general advertising purposes for the common good of the eco-label. The Blue Angel with the specific surrounding text, e.g. „because low-pollutant“ may only be used if a corresponding Contract on the Use of the Environmental Label has been concluded.
The Blue Angel may not be used on business papers, such as letterhead papers or other products of the manufacturer, unless it is the eco-label for paper for which a Contract on the Use of the Environmental Label has been concluded. Using the Blue Angel for advertising purposes is restricted to the certified product itself or the direct advertising for that specific product. Download PDF "Application for printed matters"
The Blue Angel with the surrounding inscription "weil .... , Jury Umweltzeichen" (because ..... , Environmental Label Jury) may be used for general advertising purposes for the common good of the eco-label. The Blue Angel with the specific surrounding text, e.g. „because low-pollutant“ may only be used if a corresponding Contract on the Use of the Environmental Label has been concluded.
The Blue Angel may not be used on business papers, such as letterhead papers or other products of the manufacturer, unless it is the eco-label for paper for which a Contract on the Use of the Environmental Label has been concluded. Using the Blue Angel for advertising purposes is restricted to the certified product itself or the direct advertising for that specific product. Download PDF "Application for printed matters"
Are there other eco-labels similar to the Blue Angel and which are they?
Yes. Manufacturers are free to develop their own manufacturer label. Such labels do not, however, correspond to ISO standard 14024 „Environmental Labels and Declarations/Type I - Environmental Labelling/ Principles and Procedures“ but to Type II - „Self-declared Environmental Claims“.
It is an advantage of Blue Angel labelling that it is established by a manufacturer-independent body - the Environmental Label Jury – a fact that makes labelling more credible. The involvement of all significant social groups in the development of the criteria guarantees a broadly-based acceptance.
Yes. Manufacturers are free to develop their own manufacturer label. Such labels do not, however, correspond to ISO standard 14024 „Environmental Labels and Declarations/Type I - Environmental Labelling/ Principles and Procedures“ but to Type II - „Self-declared Environmental Claims“.
It is an advantage of Blue Angel labelling that it is established by a manufacturer-independent body - the Environmental Label Jury – a fact that makes labelling more credible. The involvement of all significant social groups in the development of the criteria guarantees a broadly-based acceptance.
What options do I have apart from the Blue Angel to call attention to the environmental soundness of my product?
Manufacturers of innovative products have the opportunity to compete for environmental prizes, as, for example, for the B.A.U.M. environmental prize. For a complete list of such environmental prizes, please, go to www.umweltpreise.de. The Website contains data and facts on almost 200 environmental prizes awarded by German cities, federal and state authorities, as well as on special prizes for journalists and youth.
Manufacturers of innovative products have the opportunity to compete for environmental prizes, as, for example, for the B.A.U.M. environmental prize. For a complete list of such environmental prizes, please, go to www.umweltpreise.de. The Website contains data and facts on almost 200 environmental prizes awarded by German cities, federal and state authorities, as well as on special prizes for journalists and youth.