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Financial support businesses for applying the European ecolabel
Published on 30 June 2021
Estonia
This is the good practice's implementation level. It can be national, regional or local.
About this good practice
Financial support for businesses to cover the expenses of the activities related to the application of European Ecolabel.
Resources needed
Financial and human resources are needed for building up and operation as well as the promotion of the financial scheme. If the scheme is part of the existing programme, the resources needed are relatively lower. The projects vary between 10 -40 thousand €, depending on the no of products included.
Evidence of success
There have been several companies getting the support to acquire ecolabel for more than 20 products (cleaning and cosmetic products and paints).
Potential for learning or transfer
Applying ecolabel is a process that requires quite a lot of resources. The process includes many stages that require investment before the ecolabel can be acquired. First, the development of the products that conform the criteria of the ecolabel is needed. Usually, it is not possible with minor changes in the formula or production process but requires some extensive changes or involves developing a completely new product. Secondly, there is a need to carry out several laboratory tests to prove that the product conforms the ecolabel criteria. Thirdly, there might be a need to hire external expertise related to the ecolabel application process and to finalise all the necessary documents.
As resources are needed for all these stages, some companies might not go through the whole process because they do not have enough resources for that, especially in case of SMEs. Such funding program would allow for higher uptake of ecolabels.
As resources are needed for all these stages, some companies might not go through the whole process because they do not have enough resources for that, especially in case of SMEs. Such funding program would allow for higher uptake of ecolabels.
Further information
Website
Good practice owner
Organisation
Ministry of the Environment
Estonia
Eesti
Contact
Senior Expert