Hiroyuki Sato

Section Chief, Japan Environment Association (JEA) Head of General Affairs Office, Global Ecolabelling Network (GEN)
(5-53-67 Jingu-mae, Sibuya-ku, Tokyo)

Abstract

Ecolabelling is a type of environmental labeling, which is practiced by independent third-party organizations. It is applied to products which fulfill the certification criteria. Since the first ecolabelling scheme was launched in Germany in 1978, similar schemes have spread throughout the world. Presently more than 25 schemes are operating in more than 30 countries. Whereas various environmental aspects are considered in the setting the certification criteria for ecolabelling, many criteria focus on the use of recycled materials. Other criteria, for mechanical products for instance, include recyclable designs in order to minimize waste.

Key words: ecolabeliing, recycled materials, recyclable designs