How to navigate through the eco-labels and organic labels

With the proliferation of organic labels ecological, sustainable development, etc. ... Consumers are sometimes a little difficult to navigate, we suggest you to take a little tour of existing labels and what they mean.

Eco-labels are supposed to guarantee product and service quality, more environmentally friendly. Their criteria ensure the fitness for use of products and services, and reduced environmental impact.


We must choose priority products with an ecolabel environmental official. There are various eco-labels for different categories of products:
- For non-food: European Ecolabel, French ecolabel (NF Environment);
- For food products from organic farming: French label, European label.
- For fair trade products: Max Havelaard, Artisans du Monde.

Logos certify an official control.

The most common official eco-labels that you can find in France:

NF environment

NF Environment label is an official French created in 1991 which guarantees the quality of use and environmental quality. A product must meet specific criteria and pre-established label for this particular taking into account the environmental impacts.

The European Ecolabel

The European Ecolabel also known as the "Flower" was created in 1992 and is the official European ecological certification. The life cycle of a product is analyzed, extraction of raw materials to recycling or disposal, also aiming to reduce environmental impacts.

Organic agriculture, the European Label

He was replaced by a new logo even if you still find on some packages. The new logo looks like a sheet with the twelve stars of the European countries. It has become mandatory since 1 July 2010. It certifies that a product is derived from organic farming practiced in the European territory. This label guarantees that the food is composed of at least 95% ingredients from organic production and respecting the environment and the welfare of animals.

The label AB

This label was created in 1985. It is owned by the French Ministry of Agriculture. It certifies that products conform to the regulations of organic agriculture applied in France. It should gradually disappear in favor of European standardization also replaced by the organic logo of the European Union.

Organic logo of the European Union

The green dot

The green dot is present on the bulk packaging. It means that the company contributes to the costs of recovery of household packaging waste, with a contribution to an approved recycling as Adelphe.

The Moebius strip

Moebius Ring is a triangle consisting of three arrows. It is the recycling symbol.

It means that the product or packaging is recyclable. That rate may varied and the percentage may also be mentioned.

Ecocert

ecocert

Ecocert was created in 1991 from a European association movement. This is an inspection and certification shall check 70% of companies that produce and process organic products in France and 30% worldwide in about 80 countries. Today, Ecocert also handles fair trade products, organic cosmetics.

Demeter

This is a certification label of products from biodynamic agriculture since 1932 and now deposited in fifty countries. Demeter products meet the requirements of organic farming also respecting the strict specifications of specific bio-dynamics.

Nature & Progress

Founded in 1964, this label brings together professionals and consumers. The objective is to promote an agriculture that respects nature without the denial of progress. This label for cosmetics and agriculture.

The words "Nature and Progress" is attributed to producers who comply with a charter and very demanding specifications.

Bio consistency

This is a new label launched by private professionals such as the National Federation of Organic Agriculture (FNAB), the network Biocoop, Biomonde, PrioNatura and many more.

Bio Consistency wishes via this label complete with European requirements in hardening elements and attaching a continuous improvement process.

Thus not only the European specifications will be respected but other rules as the absolute refusal of GMO, 100% organic ingredients in processed products or the restriction of veterinary treatment will be applied among others. Producers will be a self-diagnosis to improve their operating practices.

The new label will be controlled by regular and independent certification bodies. Products bearing this logo should have been controlled more demanding and rigorous than those bearing the EU logo. To be continued .....

This is in 2011 that products labeled "organic coherence" should be on the shelves of specialty stores first, perhaps to then be generalized.