FAQs

There are three major types of environmental labelling schemes per the International Standardisation Organization (Type I, Type II, Type III), but a Type I is the most stringent because it tests the product on not one, but multiple criteria to make sure that it is the best at protecting your health and health of the planet.

We also call these type I ecolabels “life cycle ecolabels. A Type I ecolabel also means that the product has been tested by someone who is not involved in the manufacturing or distribution of the product and therefore is independent and without bias in the decision making.

Yes, we consider it the same thing but sadly many don’t. The growing demand for environmentally-friendly products has led some products to call themselves “green” by using an label that is non-Type I. You might see a label on a product that says “natural”, “eco-friendly”, or “less harmful for the environment”, etc., but that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s a Type I ecolabel. When we use the term “ecolabel”, it inherently implies that the strictest environmental standards have been applied, meaning “Type I”.

All Type I ecolabels have been independently tested by a third-party which means companies aren’t allowed to self-declare that their products reduce environmental impact. Products must get sent out to impartial laboratories to undergo rigorous scientific testing and exhaustive auditing to guarantee that it complies with pre-determined third-party environmental performance standards. If it passes the tests, it gets certified as Type 1 and can be called an ecolabel!

When you see a GEN member ecolabelled product, you can trust in its credibility.

Non-Type I ecolabel products won’t take into account the full impact that that product will have on the environment. Type I ecolabels are based on life cycle considerations, meaning that the environmental impacts of the product are tested from the instant your product touches the earth to the end when it gets absorbed, ensuring that it leaves the smallest amount – or no – impact or trace. Only Type I ecolabel products are guaranteed to do this.

If you’re a consumer, you can find ecolabelled products at your local grocery store or general merchandise store. Just look for products that have a label or “mark” that says that it’s been certified to reduce environmental impact. See GEN member product categories to guide you to the labels and products you seek.

There is also the eco guide app that you can use to scan products and find out if it really is a credible ecolabel mark.

Refer to our global map to see what ecolabels exists in your country so you can see what ecolabel to look for. And even if you do not have one in your areas, you may still be able to purchase an ecolabelled product or service.

If not, ask. The more we ask and demand responsible products, the more manufacturers will do better for their buyers.

Be part of the movement and care about responsible consumption for people

There are three major types of environmental labeling schemes per the International Standardisation Organization (Type I, Type II, Type III), but a Type I is the most stringent because it tests the product on not one, but multiple criteria to make sure that it is the best at protecting your health and health of the planet. A Type I ecolabel also means that the product has been tested by an independent third-party.

Yes we consider it the same thing. The growing demand for environmentally-friendly products has led some products to call themselves “green” by using an label that is non-Type I. You might see a label on a product that says “natural”, “eco-friendly”, or “less harmful for the environment”, etc., but that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s a Type I ecolabel. When we use the term “ecolabel”, it inherently implies that the strictest environmental standards have been applied, meaning “Type I”.

All Type I ecolabels have been independently tested by a third-party which means companies aren’t allowed to self-declare that their products reduce environmental impact. Products must get sent out to impartial laboratories to undergo rigorous scientific testing and exhaustive auditing to guarantee that it complies with pre-determined third-party environmental performance standards. If it passes the tests, it gets certified as Type 1 and can be called an ecolabel!

Non-Type I ecolabel products won’t take into account the full impact that that product will have on the environment. Type I ecolabels are based on life cycle considerations, meaning that the environmental impacts of the product are tested from the instant your product touches the earth to the end when it gets absorbed, ensuring that it leaves the smallest amount – or no – impact or trace. Only Type I ecolabel products are guaranteed to do this.

If you’re a consumer, you can find ecolabelled products at your local grocery store or general merchandise store. Just look in the cleaning supplies or detergent aisle to find products that have a label or “mark” that says that it’s been certified to reduce environmental impact. See GEN member product categories to guide you to the labels and products you seek.

Refer to our global map to see what ecolabels exists in your country so you can see what ecolabel to look for. Every country and territory has their own ecolabel, so be sure to see what ecolabel(s) exists in your area.

There are three major types of environmental labeling schemes per the International Standardisation Organization (Type I, Type II, Type III), but a Type I is the most stringent because it tests the product on not one, but multiple criteria to make sure that it is the best at protecting your health and health of the planet. A Type I ecolabel also means that the product has been tested by an independent third-party.

Yes we consider it the same thing. The growing demand for environmentally-friendly products has led some products to call themselves “green” by using an label that is non-Type I. You might see a label on a product that says “natural”, “eco-friendly”, or “less harmful for the environment”, etc., but that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s a Type I ecolabel. When we use the term “ecolabel”, it inherently implies that the strictest environmental standards have been applied, meaning “Type I”.

All Type I ecolabels have been independently tested by a third-party which means companies aren’t allowed to self-declare that their products reduce environmental impact. Products must get sent out to impartial laboratories to undergo rigorous scientific testing and exhaustive auditing to guarantee that it complies with pre-determined third-party environmental performance standards. If it passes the tests, it gets certified as Type 1 and can be called an ecolabel!

Non-Type I ecolabel products won’t take into account the full impact that that product will have on the environment. Type I ecolabels are based on life cycle considerations, meaning that the environmental impacts of the product are tested from the instant your product touches the earth to the end when it gets absorbed, ensuring that it leaves the smallest amount – or no – impact or trace. Only Type I ecolabel products are guaranteed to do this.

If you’re a consumer, you can find ecolabelled products at your local grocery store or general merchandise store. Just look in the cleaning supplies or detergent aisle to find products that have a label or “mark” that says that it’s been certified to reduce environmental impact. See GEN member product categories to guide you to the labels and products you seek.

Refer to our global map to see what ecolabels exists in your country so you can see what ecolabel to look for. Every country and territory has their own ecolabel, so be sure to see what ecolabel(s) exists in your area.