ECO-LABELLING IN THE EU: A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF THE PULP AND PAPER INDUSTRY IN THE UK AND SWEDEN

Abstract

A feature of the EC's Fifth Environmental Action Programme is the move away from the use of legislative measures towards the adoption of voluntary and economic market-based instruments to control the environmental impact of industrial activities. Eco-labelling has been adopted by the EC to promote products with reduced environmental impacts throughout their life cycle and to provide consumers with reliable information about the impact of products on the environment. Products that are deemed to be more environmentally friendly than their competitors are identified by a single, distinctive eco-label. The use of one main eco-label across the EU should reduce the confusion that has been created by the use of a large number of labels and environmental claims by producers and retailers. This ESRC-funded research aims to assess whether an eco-award system is an effective means of improving environmental performance, with specific reference to the pulp and paper industry. Comparisons of attitudes to the eco-labelling scheme are being made in France, Germany, Sweden and the UK. Interviews are being conducted with industry, national governments, the EC, competent bodies, consumer organizations and environmental pressure groups. In this way, it will be possible to assess whether an EU-wide scheme is either practical or desirable in one economic sector. Research to date indicates that although the concepts underlying eco-labelling are sound, the existing scheme has several serious weaknesses. If these are not addressed, the credibility of the scheme will be reduced and the real commitment of the EC to environmental policy questioned.