FACT

EU public procurement is worth over £1,500 billion representing 16% of the total EU GDP.

FACT

Buy recycled paper as it takes 70-90% less energy to make it than to make virgin paper

FACT

60% of all Swedish and/or German tender documents contain clear, far reaching environmental criteria. What is stopping us?

Three arrows/mobius loop (all products)

If on a dark circle it means that the product is made from recycled material.  Unless told otherwise it is 100% made from recycled material.  The symbol may also appear with a % beside it which shows that it is only part recycled content material.

If the Loop is not on a dark circle it means that the product is recyclable.  Unless told otherwise the entire product is recyclable.

Blue Angel Mark (all products)

This is a German environmental label for copiers.  It means that the product is low in emissions and produces less waste than others of its kind, ie it is resource saving in its use and operation.

Nordic Swan (paper)

This is a Nordic environmental label system.  It is similar to the EU Eco label system.  It is used in Sweden, Finland, Denmark, Iceland and Norway.  It is strictly assessed and its award proves that the product meets certain high environmental standards and will have minimum effect on the environment in its use and operation.

EU Energy Label (electrical appliances)

This label provides information about the energy consumption and performance of items.  The consumption is rated A to G with A being the best.  Purchasing of higher rated items can save money in energy consumed in using them. 

The Forest Stewardship Council Certification Mark (timber and wood products)

This label enables you to buy forest products of all kinds with confidence that you are not contributing to global fret destruction.  The label can also cover non timber products such as latex and foods.  A system of Chain of Custody certification traces the product throughout the supply chain to the end consumer.  This label should be looked for when purchasing timber products; non timber forest products; paper production and printing and when specifying building works.

The Fairtrade Mark (mostly food products)

This is an independent consumer label which appears on products as an independent guarantee that disadvantaged producers in the developing world are getting a fair deal when selling their produce.  It also shows that the product has been produced in an ethically appropriate way.  Strict standards are set by the international certification body the Fairtrade Labelling Organsiation.

The Freedom Food Label (meat products)

This is a farm assurance and labelling scheme set up by the RSPCA in 1994 to improve farm animal welfare and to address growing consumer demand for higher welfare produce.  It is completely independent from the food industry and has high mandatory standards for animal welfare.  Farmers, hauliers, abattoirs and packers can all apply for this label.

The Soil Association Organic Standard (food products)

This is the UK’s largest and most recognisable symbol for organic produce.  It assures that the food has been produced and processed to strict animal welfare and environmental standards.  It is strict on the use of pesticides and covers nearly everything that is grown to be eaten or drunk. The Association is an independent charity and has developed standards for areas not currently covered by government or EU regulations such as conservation, fish farming, textiles, and health and beauty products.

Energy Star (electrical appliances)

This a joint programme of the US Environmental Protection Agency and the US Department of Energy which helps to save money and protect the environment through identifying energy efficient products and practices.  It is similar to the EU energy efficiency label.