Genuine Environmental Proofs 2026: ISO, EU Ecolabel, FSC & Co.

The most important recognised seals

Environmental management **ISO 14001** — International standard for environmental management systems. Requires external certification by an accredited certification body. Audited areas include energy consumption, waste management, and training. Valid for 3 years, with annual surveillance audits.

**EMAS (EU Eco-Management and Audit Scheme)** — Goes beyond ISO 14001. Mandatory: public environmental declaration, employee participation, legality check. The EMAS logo may be used in advertising.

Product-related **EU Ecolabel** — Official EU environmental label. Criteria for 25+ product groups. Licence number in the format DE/030/123 is publicly visible.

**Blauer Engel (Blue Angel)** — German environmental label since 1978. Over 12,000 certified products. Requirements are industry-specific (RAL UZ numbers).

Wood / Forestry **FSC (Forest Stewardship Council)** — International standard for sustainable forest management. Marks FSC 100 %, FSC Mix, FSC Recycled.

**PEFC (Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification)** — European counterpart to FSC. Particularly widespread in Central Europe.

Textiles **GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard)** — Organic cotton and fair production. Highest level of organic textile certification.

**OEKO-TEX Standard 100** — Harmful substance testing for textiles. Provides information on freedom from harmful substances, NOT on sustainability.

Food **EU organic label** — Mandatory labelling for organic products in the EU. Code number (e.g. DE-ÖKO-006) mandatory.

**Demeter, Naturland, Bioland** — Stricter German organic associations with additional requirements.

CO₂ / Climate **Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi)** — Validated science-based climate targets. “Net Zero by 20XX” is only permitted with SBTi validation.

**ISO 14064-1** — Standard for greenhouse gas accounting at company level. External verification required.

Buildings **DGNB, BREEAM, LEED** — International certifications for sustainable buildings.

Important: Specify licence numbers! Every seal has a licence or registration number. This MUST be stated when advertising with the seal so that consumers can check its authenticity. Example: “EU Ecolabel certified (Licence No. DE/030/0123)".