First steps towards European eco-label for food

The Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality (LNV) and Wageningen University & Research (WUR) are taking the initiative to improve transparency about the sustainability of food in retail. One of the options is a unified European eco-label. 

Currently, several private and public eco-labels, quality marks and manifestations exist in Europe, differing from country to country. In the Netherlands alone, there are more than 140 labels and logos on packaging. These usually highlight only one or a few sustainability aspects, such as CO2 emissions or animal welfare. While Milieu Centraal has selected 12 top labels, a proper comparison is extremely complex.

Environmental impact at a glance

An eco-label can show at a single glance the product's environmental impact. This allows a consumer to make informed choices. In the market, this should also lead to more competition on sustainability, instead of solely on the price of food products.

Gamechanger

A standard, reliable eco-label is expected to lead food companies to make their product range more sustainable. The researchers also point out that governments and chain partners can use environmental impact data to set targets for a more sustainable food supply.

Wur.nl