How is a product awarded the natureplus Eco-Label?

The manufacturer must take the initiative: It applies to the natureplus Institute for certification by providing exact data on the input components and a detailed description of the production process. Based on the requirements of the natureplus award guidelines, the natureplus Institute will decide upon the eligibility of the product for admission to the certification procedure and will define an assessment plan. On this basis, the manufacturer will commission the necessary assessments, which, as a rule, include the following factors:

• Inspection of the production site(s) and verification of the manufacturer’s information and sample-taking
• LCA of the production process and verification of compliance with threshold values, e.g. for primary energy consumption and CO2 emissions
• Product-specific laboratory tests e.g. for VOC and formaldehyde emissions, heavy metals, biocides and contamination with harmful substances
• Analysis of the product life-cycle with regard to the environmentally-responsible extraction/harvesting of resources, social responsibility and possible recycling/re-use

If all requirements have been met, the natureplus Institute will award the natureplus eco-label and will issue a time-limited certificate. The assessment procedures must be repeated at pre-determined intervals.
The costs are based on the scope and complexity of the testing. A licensing fee is charged for the use of the natureplus eco-label.