the different types of ecolabels

With growing concern about the impact of production systems on the environment, many efforts have been made to shift both producer and consumer behavior. Ecolabelling is one approach that aims to (1) inform consumers about the environmental impact of their consumption patterns and (2) encourage producers to improve the environmental sustainability of their products and services.

At present, there are three different types of ecolabels: Type I, Type II and Type III. Here is a breakdown:

Type I is considered the so-called gold standard for consumer education because there is an independent certifying body.

Common examples include:

• EU Ecolabel
• the Blauer Engel
• Marine Stewardships Certification
• Forest Stewardship Council
• Fair Trade

Type I ecolabels set the benchmark for credibility and consumer trust. With transparent criteria, third-party verification, and time-limited certification, they offer a reliable signal of environmental quality, empowering consumers to make informed choices and encouraging producers to meet higher sustainability standards.

Find out more about The Most Trustworthy Ecolabels.

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Type II Ecolabels

Claims by manufacturers, importers, retailers, or distributors about environmental characteristics of a product or service, e.g ‘dolphin safe’.

While Type II labels can highlight valuable product attributes, their self-declared nature means they should be approached with a critical eye. Without independent verification, these claims risk falling into the realm of greenwashing, emphasizing the importance of transparency, traceability, and consumer scrutiny.

Find out if you’re being greenwashed.

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Type III Ecolabels

Voluntary declarations of the sustainability of a product or service’s entire life cycle. This type of ecolabel.

While less familiar to the general public, Type III ecolabels play a crucial role in business-to-business sustainability communication. By focusing on life cycle data and standardized reporting, they support transparency and informed decision-making, especially for industries seeking to track and reduce their environmental impact across supply chains.

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Together, these three types of eco-labels reflect the evolving landscape of environmental communication, from self-declared claims to rigorous third-party certification. As eco-labeling continues to shape consumer behavior and production practices, understanding the differences between label types is essential for navigating sustainability claims with clarity and confidence.

Are you curious about which ecolabels actually make a difference?

Ecolabelling can be a powerful tool, but not all labels are created equal. Understanding the differences between self-declared claims and third-party certifications is key to making informed choices as a consumer, producer, or policymaker.

If this article helped clarify the landscape of ecolabels, please sharing it with your network.

Check out another informative article on ecolabels:

• The advantages and disadvantages of ecolabels
• What are ecolabels?
• Challenges to ecolabels
• Disadvantages of ecolabels
• Drivers of ecolabel adoption – what factors lead to ecolabel uptake and acceptance?

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We’d also love to hear from you: What role do ecolabels play in your purchasing or production decisions?

References:

• Galarraga Gallastegui, I. (2002). The use of eco‐labels: a review of the literature. European Environment, 12(6), 316-331.
• Institut Bauen und Umwelt e.V.