Fridge Studies

FUND FOR RESEARCH INTO INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT, GROWTH & EQUITY

ISO Type 1 Eco-Labels

Global Review of Eco-Labels: Implications for South Africa

PHASE TWO REPORT

January 2003

Trade Implications for South Africa of Foreign Eco-Labelling Schemes: A Socio-Economic Assessment

APPENDIX 5 - Summary of EU Eco-Label Criteria

This Appendix provides greater detail on the ecological and performance criteria for each of the existing EU product categories covered by the EU labelling scheme. This information supplements the summarised information contained in Chapter 4 of the report. The aim of this appendix is to identify the key implications for local producers of complying with these requirements. Further information on the product-specific criteria is available from the individual web-sites listed below or from: http://europa.eu.int/comm/environment/eco-label/producers/productgroups.htm

  1. All Purpose Cleaners and Cleaners for Sanitary Facilities

http://europa.eu.int/comm/environment/ecolabel/producers/pg_allpurposecleaners.htm#criteria

The full criteria for this product category are available at the above web-site. These criteria have been established in terms of the Commission Decision of 27 June 2001 (2001/523/EC). These criteria are valid from 27 June 2001 until 26 June 2004. The following is a summary of the criteria that must be met for producers to obtain the EU Eco-label for this product category. This summary is derived largely from the European Commission's Product Fact Sheet.

Manufacturing, Transport and Use

Safety of the product

The product shall not contain the following ingredients:

  • Ingredients classified as carcinogenic, mutagenic or teratogenic according to Directive 67/548/EEC.
  • No more than a 10% of VOCs with boiling point < 150º C
  • No dyes or colouring agents which are not permitted by Directives 76/768/EEC and 94/36/EEC
  • The product shall not cause sensitisation by inhalation and/skin contact
  • Fragances produced following the code of practice of the
  • International Fragrance Association.
  • Safety advice:
  • "Keep away from children"
  • "Do not mix different cleaners"
  • "Do not inhale the sprayed product" (for sprays).

Consumer information for environmental use:

The following information shall appear in the packaging:

  • The text: "Proper dosage saves costs and minimises environmental impacts".
  • Dosage recommendations:
  • For all purpose cleaners: pictograms indicating exact dosage.
  • For concentrated cleaners for sanitary facilities: indication that small quantities are needed.
  • Information and labelling of ingredients according to Commission Recommendation 89/542/EEC, indications about the perfumes used.
  • No claims of antimicrobial action
  • Contains perfumes indicated on the packaging End of Life

Limitation of the use of substances harmful for the acquatic environment:

  • Critical Dilution Volume (toxicity)
  • All-purpose cleaners ≤ 400 l/ functional unit (functional unit = dose in g/l of water).
  • Cleaners for sanitary facilities ≤ 4000 l/100 g product.
  • Total content of elemental phosphorous:
  • All-purpose cleaners ≤ 0.2 g/functional unit
  • Cleaners for sanitary facilities ≤ 2 g/ 100g product
  • Total content of phosphonates:
  • All-purpose cleaners ≤ 0.02 g/functional unit
  • Cleaners for sanitary facilities ≤ 0.2 g/ 100g product
  • Each surfactant be biodegradable under anaerobic conditions.
  • No Alkyl phenol ethoxylates (APEOs), nitromusks and polycyclic musks, EDTA (ethylene-diamine-tetra-acetate), NTA (nitrilo-triacetate), quaternary amonium compounds and glutaraldehyde.
  • Some biocides to preserve the product are allowed (only if not potentially bio-accumulative).

Limitation of packaging waste:

  •  
    • All purpose cleaners: water content ≤ 90% in order to minimise packaging waste.
    • Sprays containing propellents shall not be used.
    • Primary packaging shall be easily separable into mono-material parts
    • Plastics shall be marked according to Directive 94/62/EC
    • Recycled packaging labelled in conformity with ISO 14021 Performance and durability criteria

The product shall be fit for use, meeting the needs of the consumers.

Training on detergents for professional uses, including step-by-step instructions for proper dilution, use, disposal and the use of equipment, shall be offered for cleaning staff.

  1. Bed Mattresses

http://europa.eu.int/comm/environment/ecolabel/producers/pg_bedmatresses.htm#revision

The full criteria for this product category are available at the above web-site. These criteria have been established in terms of the Commission Decision of 2 October 1998 (98/634/EC). They are valid until 1 April 2003. The following is a summary of the criteria that must be met for producers to obtain the EU Eco-label for this product category. This summary is derived largely from the European Commission's Product Fact Sheet.

Materials

Latex foam

  • Pentachlorophenol < 0.1 ppm.
  • Extractable heavy metals (in ppm)
  • Cu< 2. Cr, Ni < 1. Hg < 0.02. As, Pb, Co < 0.5. Cd < 0.1.
  • Formaldehyde < 50 ppm.
  • Butadiene < 1 ppm.

Polyurethane foam

  • Heavy metals: as for latex foam.
  • Organic tin < 900 ppm.
  • Exclusion : CFCs, HCFCs, HFCs, methylene chloride as blowing agents.

Wire and springs

  • Closed system required when decreasing and/or cleaning with organic solvents.
  • Wire and springs must not be covered with a galvanic metallic layer.

Coconut fibres

If rubberised, latex used must comply with latex foam criteria.

Wooden materials

Class 1 quality with respect to formaldehyde for particle board and class A for fibreboard.

Production

Limitation of air pollution by glues

  • Volatile Organic Content < 10% (weight).
  • All glues must be free of benzene and chlorobenzenes

Limitations of the use of substances harmful for the environment and health

Dyes

  • Exclusion of:
  • Certain azo dyes that may cleave to listed aromatic amines.
  • Dyes classified as carcinogenic.
  • Dyes or pigments based on Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb. Chrome mordant dyeing forbidden.
  • Restriction of use of a list of sensitising dyes if fastness to perspiration is not at least 4.
  • Limitation of levels of ionic impurities in dyes and pigments.

Flame retardants

Exclusion of products containing substances or preparations classified as dangerous for the environment according to Directive 67/548/EEC.

Performance and durability criteria

  • Loss of height < 20 mm.
  • Loss of firmness < 20%.

The losses of height and firmness refer to the difference between the measurements made initially (at 100 cycles) and after the completion (30,000 cycles) of the durability test.

  1. Copying Paper

http://europa.eu.int/comm/environment/ecolabel/producers/pg_copyingpaper.htm#revision

The full criteria for this product category are available at the above web-site. These criteria have been established in terms of the Commission Decision of 19 July 1999 (1999/554/EC). These criteria are valid from 17 July 1999 until 1 July 2002. In terms of a new Commission Decision of 5 September 2002, the revised criteria are valid until 31 August 2007. The following is a summary of the criteria that must be met for producers to obtain the EU Eco-label for this product category. This summary is derived largely from the European Commission's Product Fact Sheet.

Materials

Reduction of ecological damage related to the use of natural resources by encouraging sustainable forestry management

  • Virgin wood fibres shall come from sustainable managed forests (> 10% from certified sustainable managed forests).
  • Indication of the origin of fibres.

Production

Energy saving

  • Electricity and fuel consumption expressed in terms of points:
  • PE < 1.5, PF < 1.5.

Reduction of emissions to water and air

  • AOX < 0.25 kg/t.
  • CO2 from non-renewable sources < 1000 kg/t (< 1100 kg/t for non integrated mills).
  • COD, Sulphur (S), NOx: emissions expressed in terms of points: PCOD, PS, PNOx ≤ 1.5 each. PCOD + PS + PNOx = 3.

Limitation of the use of substances harmful for the environment

  • Chlorine gas prohibited as a bleaching agent.
  • Chemical substances classified as carcinogenic, mutagenic; teratogenic, toxic for reproduction, very toxic for aquatic organisms and may cause adverse effects on the aquatic environment according to Directive 67/548/EEC: limited to 100 ppm for residual monomers and 1000 ppm for acrylamide.
  • No APEDS or alkylphenol derivatives.
  • No AZO dyes that cleave to a list of aromatic amines.
  • No bio-accumulative biocides or biostatic agents.
  • All surfactants in de-inking formulations for return fibres shall be readily biodegradable (or ultimately biodegradable if quantity < 100g/ADT.
  • Dyes classified as toxic to acquatic organisms harmful to the acquatic environment: limited to 2% in weight.
  • No dyes based on Pb, Cu, Cr, Ni, Al (copper phthalocyanine dyes or pigments allowed).
  • Level of ionic impurities in dyes (in ppm):
    • Ag<100. As<50. Ba<100. Cd<20. Co<500.
    • Cr<100. Cu<250. Fe<2500. Hg<4. Mn<1000. Ni<200.
    • Pb<100. Se<20. Sb<50. Sn<250. Zn<1500.

Reduction of the impacts of solid waste

Implementation of a waste management system including the following procedures:

  • Separation and use of recyclable materials.
  • Recovering of materials for other uses.
  • Handling hazardous waste.

Use and End of Life

Consumer information for environmental use

Product packaging shall bear information on the environmental benefits of the eco-label and on green behavior to protect further the environment.

  1. Detergents for Dishwashers

http://europa.eu.int/comm/environment/ecolabel/producers/pg_dishwashingdetergents.htm#revision

The full criteria for this product category are available at the above web-site. These criteria have been established in terms of the Commission Decision of 28 May 1999 (1999/427/EC). These criteria are valid from 1 June 1999 until 1 June 2002. The final draft criteria of 24 September 2002 were voted upon by the Regulatory Committee on 25 September 2002. The text is being translated before being formally adopted and published in the Official Journal. This will take 2-3 months. The following is a summary of the criteria that must be met for producers to obtain the EU Eco-label for this product category. This summary is derived largely from the European Commission's Product Fact Sheet.

Manufacturing and use

Limitation of the quantity of detergent used

  • Only compact detergents allowed: Total chemicals < 22.5 g/wash.

Consumer information for environmental use

The following information shall appear on the packaging:

  •  
    • "Use detergents that work best at temperatures lower than 65°C, select low temperature washing cycles on the dishwasher, wash full loads, do not exceed the recommended dosage, this will minimise energy and water consumption and reduce water pollution."
    • Contacts for further information.
    • Dosage recommendations for normally and heavily soiled dishes.

Safety of the product

  •  
    • A test on the purity of enzymes produced by biotechnological processes shall be performed to verify the absence of production organisms.
    • Labelling of ingredients according to Commission Recommendation 89/542/EEC and special mention for enzymes, preservation agents and perfumes.

End of Life

Limitation of the use of substances harmful for the aquatic environment

Wash refers to the quantity of detergent required to wash 12 place settings with a standard soil.

  •  
    • Critical Dilution Volume (toxicity) < 250 l/wash.
    • Phosphates < 10 g/wash.
    • Non biodegradable organic (aerobic) < 1 g/wash
    • Non biodegradable organic (anaerobic) < 0.2 g/wash.
    • In addition, the sum of the weighted values of the above-mentioned parameters have to be below a certain limit defined in a scoring system.
    • Phosphonates < 0.2 g/wash.
    • No surfactants from alkylphenolethoxylates family, nitro-musk perfume, EDTA and ingredients classified as carcinogenic, mutagenic or teratogenic according to Directive 67/548/EEC.
    • Chlorine compounds < 0.1%.

Reduction of solid waste

  •  
    • Weight of the packaging < 2.5 g/wash.
    • Cardboard packaging : 80% recycled.
    • Plastic packaging shall be labelled.

Performance criteria

The detergent is tested according to IKW protocol for dishwashing detergents.

The performance of the detergent in all four soil classes shall be greater than the reference detergent.

  1. Dishwashers

http://europa.eu.int/comm/environment/ecolabel/producers/pg_dishwashers.htm#revisedcriteria

The full criteria for this product category are available at the above web-site. These criteria have been established in terms of the new Commission Decision of 28 August 2001 (2001/689/EC). The following is a summary of the criteria that must be met for producers to obtain the EU Eco-label for this product category. This summary is derived largely from the European Commission's Product Fact Sheet.

Manufacturing and Use

Energy saving

  • Energy efficiency: Class A, B (or C if less than 10 place settings).

Water saving

  • Water consumption (l/cycle) = 0,625s + 9,25 (s = number of standard place settings).

Prevention of excessive use of detergent

  • Clear volumetric marking on the detergent dispenser.

Design for environmental use

  • Low temperature washing cycle (< 65°C)
  • Indications of the settings applicable to each program.
  • Salt dosing setting.

User instructions for correct environmental

The following information shall come with the product:

  • Recommendations for optimal use of the machine.
  • Adjust salt dosing, if applicable.
  • Use a full load whenever possible.
  • Avoid rinsing items before washing.
  • Best uses of the "hold" and "rinse" options.
  • Prefer compact detergents and use recommended dosages.
  • Switch-off the machine after completion of a cycle.
  • Information on noise emissions, energy and water consumption.
  • Advice on the maintenance of the machine.
  • Warning that ignoring these issues can increase costs and lead to poor performance.

End of Life

Green design to facilitate recycling

  • Plastic parts heavier than 50g: permanent marking identifying the material.
  • Easy disassembly of the machine taken into account in the design.
  • Plastic parts heavier than 25g shall not contain a list of flame retardants.

Reduction of solid waste through takeback and recycling

  • Take-back for recycling free of charge.
  • Information on take-back policy.

Performance criteria

  • Washing performance class A, B or C.
  • Drying performance class A, B or C.
  • Noise emissions: in compliance with current legislation.
  • Airbone noise < 53 dB(A) for free standing models.
  • Airbone noise < 50 dB(A) for built-in models.
  • Life-time extension: the manufacturer shall offer commercial guarantee to ensure that the dishwasher will function for at least 2 years (from date of delivery to customers). The availability of compatible parts shall be guaranteed for 12 years from the time the production ceases.
  1. Footwear

http://europa.eu.int/comm/environment/ecolabel/producers/pg_footwear.htm#revisedcriteria

The full criteria for this product category are available at the above web-site. These criteria have been established in terms of the Commission Decision of 17 February 1999 (1999/179/EC). These criteria are valid from 1 March 1999 until 31 August 2003. The following is a summary of the criteria that must be met for producers to obtain the EU Eco-label for this product category. This summary is derived largely from the European Commission's Product Fact Sheet.Materials

Use of recycled material

  • Cardboard boxes: minimum 80% recycled material.
  • Plastic bags: recycled material only.

Production

Limitation of water pollution

Treatment of tannery waste water:

  • Reduction of Chemical Oxygen. Demand in wastewater from leather tanning sites: 85% minimum.
  • Cr (III) < 5 mg/l

Reduction of air pollution

  • Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC): VOC ≤ 20 to 25g/pair (according to type of footwear).

Energy consumption

  • Information provided on a voluntary basis.

Exclusion of the use of substances harmful for health and the environment

  • Exclusion: Pentachlorophenol, certain azo dyes, C10-C13 chloralkanes, certain N-Nitrosamines excluded from rubber.
  • PVC excludes (except recycled PVC for outsoles). Limitation on substances used for recycled PVC.

Use and End of Life

Durability

  • Performance criteria (see below)

Advice to consumers

  • If the shoes have been treated to improve their water resistance, no further treatment required.
  • Invitation to repair and recycle the product where possible.

Limitation of another toxic residues in the shoes

  • Cr (VI) ≤10 ppm.
  • As Cd and Pb shall not be detected in the final product.
  • Formaldehyde
  • in textile ≤ 75 ppm
  • in leather ≤ 150 ppm.
  • No electrical components.

Performance and durability criteria

  • Occupational and safety footwear must carry the CE mark (Dir. 89/686/EEC).
  • Other footwear must be tested for the following parameters:
  • Uppers flex resistance.
  • Uppersole adhesion.
  • Uppers tear strength.
  • Outsoles flex resistance.
  • Outsoles abrasion resistance.
  • Outsoles tear strength.
  • Colour fastness of the inside of the footwear.
  • For specialist cold footwear:
  • Outsoles water resistance.
  • Uppers water resistance.
  1. Hand dishwashing detergents

http://europa.eu.int/comm/environment/ecolabel/producers/pg_handdishwashing.htm#criteria

The full criteria for this product category are available at the above web-site. These criteria have been established in terms of the Commission Decision of 19 July 2001 (2001/607/EC). These criteria are valid from 19 July 2001 until 18 July 2004. The following is a summary of the criteria that must be met for producers to obtain the EU Eco-label for this product category. This summary is derived largely from the European Commission's Product Fact Sheet.

Manufacturing, Transport and Use

Consumer information for correct environmental us

The following information shall appear in the packaging:

  • The text: "To wash your dishes in the most efficient way, to save water and energy and to protect the environment, do not use running water but immerse the dishes and use the recommended dosage. You can wash most efficiently without lots of foam".
  • Pictograms and information recommending correct dosage for normally and heavily soiled dishes.
  • Indication of the approximate number of washes per bottle.
  • Labelling of ingredients according to Commission Recommendation 89/542/EEC, indication of perfumes used in the product.
  • No claims of antimicrobial action.
  • Contains perfumes indicated on the packaging.

End of Life

Limitation of the use of substances harmful for the acquatic environment

  • Critical Dilution Volume (toxicity) < 170 l /dose in g per l of dishwashing water.
  • All surfactants have to be readily biodegradable and biodegradable under anaerobic conditions. Quantity per wash: ≤ 0.4 g/dose in g per l of water for dirty dishes.
  • No Alkyl phenol ethoxylates (APEOs), quaternary ammonium compounds, trichlorocarbon, EDTA (ethylene-diamine-tetra-acetate), NTA (nitrilo-tri-acetate), polyglycol solvents, nitromusks and polycyclic musks.
  • No ingredients classified as carcinogenic, mutagenic or teratogenic according to Directive 67/548/EEC.
  • Some biocides to preserve the product are allowed (only if not potentially bio-accumulative).
  • Fragrances produced following the code of practice of the International Fragrance Association.
  • Only dyes or colouring agents permitted by Directives 76/768/EEC and 94/36/EEC.

Reduction of packaging waste

  • VCP (volumetric coefficient of packaging) ≤ 1.9 (does not apply when recycled material ≤ 50%)
  • Easily separable into mono-material parts
  • Plastics shall be marked according to Directive 94/62/EC
  • Recycled packaging labelled in conformity with ISO 14021

Performance criteria

The product shall be fit for use, meeting the needs of the consumer.

  1. Hard floor coverings

http://europa.eu.int/comm/environment/eco-label/producers/pg_hardfloor.htm#criteria

The full criteria for this product category are available at the above web-site. These criteria have been established in terms of the Commission Decision of 25 March 2002 (2002/272/EC). These criteria are valid from 1 April 2002 until 31 March 2006. The following is a summary of the criteria that must be met for producers to obtain the EU Eco-label for this product category. This summary is derived largely from the European Commission's Product Fact Sheet.

Extraction and Selection of Raw Materials

Natural products

  • No interference with deep confined waterbeds, surface water-bodies with civil catching or springs, with average flow > 5 m3/s, or protected areas according to Directive 2000/60/EC
  • Waste water recovery closed system in place. Water shall be recycled
  • Technical report on extraction and recovery showing compliance with Directives 92/43/EEC and 79/409/EEC. (Applicants outside EU: Compliance with UN 1992
  • Convention of Biological Biodiversity).

Score system based on matrix of 9 indicators:

  • Water recycling ratio ≥ 80%
  • Rehabilitation simultaneity ≤ 50%
  • Block recovery:
  • Marbles ≥ 20%
  • Granite ≥ 30%
  • Others ≥ 10%
  • Natural resource appreciation (usable material/extracted material):
  • Marbles and granites ≥ 35%
  • Others ≥ 25%
  • Working conditions of operating equipment
  • Air quality: PM 10 suspended particles ≤ 150 µg/Nm3
  • Water quality: suspended solids: ≤ 40 mg/l.
  • Noise: ≤ 60 dB(A)
  • Visual impact ≤ 30%

Processed products:

Technical report and visual impact requirements as with natural products.

Limitation of the use of substances harmful for the environment and health

  • Prohibition of the use of substances or preparations classified as carcinogenic, mutagenic, teratogenic, toxic for reproduction or harmful to the aquatic environment, according to Directive 67/548/EEC.
  • Limited content of heavy metals and their compounds in additives: (% in weight of the glazes) Pb < 0.5. Cd < 0.1. Sb < 0.25.
  • No asbestos present in the raw materials.
  • Polyester resins < 10 of total weight of raw materials.

Production and Finishing

Reduction of water pollution

  • Water recycling ratio ≥ 90%
  • Reduction of emissions to water (in mg/l): Suspended solids < 40. Cd < 0.015. Cr (VI) < 0.15. Fe<1.5. Pb < 0.15.

Reduction of air pollution

  • Natural products
  • Particulates < 150 µg/Nm3
  • Styrene < 210 mg/ Nm3
  • Processed products (in mg/m2)
  • Agglomerated stones:
    • Particulates< 300. NOx< 1200. SO2< 850.
    • Styrene< 2000.
    • Ceramic tiles:
      • Particulates< 200. F< 200. NOx< 2500.
      • SO2 <1500.
    • Clay tiles:
      • Particulates< 250. F< 200. NOx< 3000.
      • SO2< 2000.
    • Terrazzo tiles and concrete paving units:
      • Particulates< 300. NOx< 2000. SO2 <1500.
    • Cement:(g/t)
      • Dust< 65. SO2< 350. NOx < 900.

Energy saving

Processed products (MJ/m2 of final product):

  • Process energy requirement (PER)
  • agglomerated stones < 100
  • terrazo tiles < 60
  • cement < 3800 (MJ/t)
  • Energy requirement for firing (ERF):
  • ceramic tiles:
    • specific weight ≤ 19 kg/m2: < 50
    • specific weight > 19 kg/m2: < 70
    • clay tiles < 60

Reduction of the impacts of solid waste

Implementation of a waste management system including the following procedures:

  • Separation and use of recyclable materials.
  • Recovering of materials for other uses.
  • Recovery of total waste generated by production of processed products = 70% according to Directive 91/156/EEC.
  • Handling hazardous waste.

Use and End of Life

Reduction of dangerous substances released to the environment

Glazed tiles (in mg/m2):

  •  
    • Pb < 80
    • Cd < 7

Consumer information for environmental use

Product packaging or documentation shall bare information

  •  
    • On the environmental benefits for the eco-label and on green behaviour to protect further the environment.
    • Recommendations on the use and maintenance, especially outdoor floorings.
    • Indication of the route of recycling or disposal.
    • Information on the eco-label and its related product groups. Performance criteria

The product shall be fit for use.

  1. Indoor Paints and Varnishes

http://europa.eu.int/comm/environment/eco-label/producers/pg_indoorpaints.htm#revision

The full criteria for this product category are available at the above web-site. These criteria have been established in terms of the Commission Decision of 18 December 1998 (1999/10/EC). These criteria are valid from 1 January 1999 until 30 June 2003. The following is a summary of the criteria that must be met for producers to obtain the EU Eco-label for this product category. This summary is derived largely from the European Commission's Product Fact Sheet.

Manufacturing

Limitation of substances harmful for environment and health

  • White pigment content = 40 g/m2 with 98% opacity.

Reduction of air pollution

  • Sulphur emissions (expressed as SO2) :
  • SOx < 300 mg/m2 dry film (98% opacity).

Reduction of the production hazardous wastes

In the case, white pigment is TiO2: (for dry matter, 98% opacity):

  • Sulphate wastes < 20 g/m2.
  • Chlorine wastes < 5 g/m2 for neutral rutile.
  • Chlorine wastes < 9 g/m2 for synthetic rutile.
  • Chlorine wastes < 18 g/m2 for slag ores.

Use and End of Life

Limitation of air pollution by solvents

  • Class 1* paints:
  • VOC ≤ 30g/l.
  • VAH ≤ 0.2%.
  • Varnishes and class 2** paints:
  • VOC ≤ 200 g/l.
  • VAH ≤ 0.5%.
    • VOC: Volatile Organic Compounds.
    • VAH: Volatile Aromatic Hydrocarbon.

Limitation of the use of substances dangerous for the environment and health

  • Ingredients used shall not contain the following heavy metals: Cd, Pb, Cr VI, Hg, As.
  • Ingredients (substances or preparations) shall not be classified as carcinogenic, mutagenic, toxic for reproduction, toxic, very toxic according to Directive 67/548/EEC.
  • No plasticisers classified as dangerous for the environment.

User information for environmental use

The following information shall come with the product:

  • purpose of the product
  • recommendations on the cleaning of tools in order to limit
  • water pollution
  • storage conditions after use.

Performance criteria

* Class 1 paint = specular gloss ≤ 45 units at a = 60°.

** Class 2 paints = specular gloss > 45 units at a = 60°.

  • Class 1 and 2 paints: hiding power ≥ 7 m2 / litre.
  • Varnishes shall have satisfactory resistance to water for 1 hour at ambient temperature.

10.  Laundry Detergents

http://europa.eu.int/comm/environment/ecolabel/producers/pg_laundrydetergents.htm#revision

The full criteria for this product category are available at the above web-site. These criteria have been established in terms of the Commission Decision of 10 June 1999 (1999/476/EC). These criteria are valid from 10 June 1999 until 31 December 2003. Work on the revision to these criteria is being led by the Danish Competent Body. The following is a summary of the criteria that must be met for producers to obtain the EU Eco-label for this product category. This summary is derived largely from the European Commission's Product Fact Sheet.

Manufacturing and Use

Limitation of the quantity of detergent used

  • Only compact detergents are allowed: total chemicals < 110 g/wash.
  • A cup showing a scale of at least 10 ml steps shall be available on request if not included in the packaging.

Consumer information for environmental use

The following information shall appear on the packaging:

  • "Environmentally friendly washing means:
  • step 1: pre-sort the laundry (e.g. by colour, degree of soiling, type of fibre),
  • step 2: wash with full load,
  • step 3: avoid using too much detergent, follow dosage instructions,
  • step 4: choose low-temperature washing cycles."
  • Contacts for further information.
  • Dosage recommendations for normally and heavily soiled textiles, various water hardness ranges in ml as appropriate.

Safety of the product

  • A test on the purity of enzymes produced by biotechnological processes shall be performed to verify the absence of production organisms.
  • Labelling of ingredients according to Commission recommendations 89/542/EEC and special mention for enzymes, preservation agents, disinfectants and perfumes.

End of Life

Limitation of the use of substances harmful for the aquatic environment

Wash is related to the dosage per 4.5 kg load (dry laundry) for heavy duty and 2.5 kg load for light duty.

  • Critical Dilution Volume (toxicity) < 10,000 l/wash.
  • Phosphates < 30 g/wash.
  • Insoluble inorganics < 30 g/wash.
  • Soluble inorganics < 70 g/wash.
  • Non biodegradable organics (aerobic) < 8 g/wash
  • Non biodegradable organics (anaerobic) < 15 g/wash.
  • Biological Oxygen Demand < 130 g/wash.
  • In addition, the sum of the weighted values of the above-mentioned parameters have to be below a certain limit defined in a scoring system.
  • Total weight of ingredients classified very toxic for aquatic organisms according to Directive 67/548/EEC < 10 g/wash.
  • Total weight of ingredients classified as very toxic for aquatic organisms and may cause long term effects on aquatic environment according to Directive 67/548/EEC < 0.25 g/wash.
  • Phosphonates < 1 g/wash.
  • No surfactants from alkylphenolethoxylates family, nitro-musk perfume, EDTA and ingredients classified as carcinogenic, toxic to reproduction and mutagenic according to Directive 67/548/EEC.

Reduction of solid waste

  • Refills shall be provided whenever they are sold in a container (box or bottle).
  • Weight of lightweight packaging or refill packaging < 1.7 g/wash.
  • Weight of container < 7 g/wash.
  • Cardboard packaging : 80% recycled.
  • Plastic packaging shall be labelled.

Performance and durability criteria

The detergent is tested according to a standardised test protocol which makes the comparison with a standard detergent. The wash test is carried out in 25 cycles for heavy duty and colour-safe detergents and 15 cycles for light duty detergents using special white clean, soiled and/or stained swatches as monitors. The detergent is tested for the following parameters: soil removal, stain removal, degree of whiteness, fabric damage, fabric incrustation, colour maintenance, dye transfer.

11.  Lightbulbs

http://europa.eu.int/comm/environment/eco-label/producers/pg_lightbulbs.htm#revision

The full criteria for this product category are available at the above web-site. These criteria have been established in terms of the Commission Decision of 27 July (1999/568/EC). These criteria are valid from 1 July 1999 until 1 July 2002. A new Commission Decision was taken on 10 September 2002. This will be valid until 31 August 2005. The following is a summary of the criteria that must be met for producers to obtain the EU Eco-label for this product category. This summary is derived largely from the European Commission's Product Fact Sheet.

Manufacturing

Use of recycled material

  • Laminates and composite plastics excluded in packaging.
  • Recycled material content of cardboard packaging:
  • Single-ended: min. 65% (weight).
  • Double-ended: min. 80%(weight).

Use

Energy Saving

  • Energy efficiency (Dir. 98/11/EC)
  • Single-ended : A or B class.
  • Double-ended : A class.
  • No compact fluorescent bulbs with magnetic ballast

Consumer information for environmental use

  • Appropriate disposal conditions.
  • Single-ended :
  • Warning if the light bulb does not operate with dimmer switches.
  • Indication of the relative size and shape of the bulb compared to incandescence light bulb.
  • Double-ended:
  • Improved performance if used with a high frequency electronic gear as per EN 60929.

End of Life

Reduction of environmental damage or risks related to the use of mercury

Mercury content of the light bulbs:

  • Single-ended: Hg < 6 mg.
  • Double-ended: 10,000 < life < 20,000 h. Hg < 7.5 mg. life ≥ 20,000 h.: Hg < 10 mg.

Performance and durability criteria

  • Minimum lifetime of single-ended and double-ended light bulbs: 10,000 hours.
  • Lumen maintenance :
    • Single-ended ≥ 70% at 10,000 hours.
    • Double-ended (10,000 < life < 20,000 h.) ≥ 90% at 10,000 hours.
    • Double-ended (life time ≥ 20,000 h.) ≥ 90% at 20,000 hours.

12.  Personal Computers

http://europa.eu.int/comm/environment/ecolabel/producers/pg_personalcomputers.htm#new%20criteria

The full criteria for this product category are available at the above web-site. These criteria have been established in terms of the new Commission Decision of 22 August 2001 (2001/686/EC). The following is a summary of the criteria that must be met for producers to obtain the EU Eco-label for this product category. This summary is derived largely from the European Commission's Product Fact Sheet.

Manufacturing

Limitation of the use of substances harmful for the environment and health

  • Plastic parts heavier than 25g: Restriction of the use of a list of flame retardant containing organically bound chlorine or bromine.
  • Mercury per lamp in LCD monitors ≤ 3 mg.

Limitation of other impacts:

  • Noise:
    • idle operating ≤ 48 dB (A).
    • access to disk drive ≤ 55 dB (A).
    • Electromagnetic emissions: below limits recommended by the Council (1999/519/EC of 12/7/99).

Use

Energy saving

Monitor:

  • Sleep mode ≤ 10 W.
  • Deep sleep mode ≤ 5 W.
  • Change time by default: Operation to deep sleep ≤ 30 min. Operation to sleep = 15 min.

System unit:

  • Compliance with the Energy Star Power consumption requirements.
  • Sleep mode ≤ 5 W.
  • Off mode ≤ 2 W.
  • Change time by default: Operation to sleep ≤ 30 min.

Consumer information for environmental use

The following information shall come with the product:

  • Use power management features, disabling of features can increase consumption.
  • Consumption of energy is zero when computer is unplugged.
  • Availability of spare parts, procedure for upgrading.
  • Ability of parts of the appliance to be recycled or reused.

End of Life

Reduction of ecological damage related to the use of natural resources by encouraging product upgrading and recycling

  • Upgradability and exchangeability of some parts for the computer.
  • Easy dismantling and disassembling.
  • Recyclability of 90% (vol.) of plastics and metal materials used.
  • In plastic parts:
    • No lead or cadmium and metal inlays that cannot be separated,
    • One polymer or compatible polymers.
    • Permanent marking identifying the material.

Limitation of solid waste through take-back policy

  • Free of charge take-back for recycling of computer and components.
  • Consumer information on take-back offer.

Performance and durability criteria

Life time extension shall be guaranteed by the manufacturer through:

  • Functioning of the system unit and the monitor: 3 years minimum (from date of delivery).
  • Modular design to allowing components to be easily accessible.
  • Exchangeability ensured for the memory, the hard disk, and either the CD drive or DVD drive.
  • Provision of 2 or more sockets for peripheral equipment.

13.  Portable Computers

http://europa.eu.int/comm/environment/eco-label/producers/pg_portablecomputers.htm#revisedcriteria

The full criteria for this product category are available at the above web-site. These criteria have been established in terms of the new Commission Decision of 28 August 2001 (2001/687/EC). The following is a summary of the criteria that must be met for producers to obtain the EU Eco-label for this product category. This summary is derived largely from the European Commission's Product Fact Sheet.

Manufacturing

Limitation of the use of substances harmful for the environment and health

  • Plastic parts heavier than 25g:
  • Restriction of the use of a list of flame retardants and those classified as carcinogenic, mutagenic, toxic for reproduction and dangerous for the environment according to Directive 67/548/EEC.
    • Heavy metal content in batteries (weight):
    • Hg: 0.0001%
    • Cd: 0.001%.
    • Pb: 0.01%.
    • Mercury content of the background lighting of a flat panels display:
    • 3 mg per lamp on average

Use

Energy saving

  • Sleep mode state (suspend to RAM) < 5W.
  • Off-mode < 2W.
  • Change time by default: Operation to sleep ≤ 15 min.
  • Power supply < 1W when connected to electricity supply but not to computer.

User instructions for environmental use

The following information shall come with the product:

  • Use of power management features, disabling of features can increase consumption of energy and costs.
  • Availability of spare parts.
  • Ability of parts of the appliance to be recycled or reused.
  • Zero energy consumption if power supply is off or wall socket is switched off.

Noise levels:

  • ≤ 48 dB(A) in idle operating mode.
  • ≤ 55 dB(A) when accessing a disk drive.

Limited Electromagnetic emissions

As set in Council Recommendation 1999/519/EC

End of Life

Reduction of ecological damage related to the use of natural resources by encouraging product recycling, maintainability and upgrading

  • Upgradability and exchangeability of some parts for the computer.
  • Easy dismantling and disassembling.
  • Recyclability of 90% (vol.) of plastics and metal materials used
  • In plastic parts:
  • No lead or cadmium and metal inlays that cannot be separated.
  • One polymer or compatible polymers.
  • Permanent marking identifying the material.

Limitation of solid waste through take-back policy

  • Free of charge take-back for refurbishment or recycling of computer and components except for items contaminated by users.
  • Consumer information on take-back policy.

Durability criteria

Life time extension shall be guaranteed by the manufacturer through:

  • Availability of compatible batteries and power supplies: 3 years from cease of production.
  • Functioning of the portable computer: 3 years minimum (from date of delivery).
  • Exchangeability shall be ensured for the memory, hard disk, CD drive or DVD drive.
  • At least one socket available.

14.  Refrigerators

http://europa.eu.int/comm/environment/eco-label/producers/pg_refrigerators.htm#criteria

The full criteria for this product category are available at the above web-site. These criteria have been established in terms of the Commission Decision of 16 December 1999 (2000/40/EC). Criteria are valid from 16 December 1999 until 1 December 2002. The following is a summary of the criteria that must be met for producers to obtain the EU Eco-label for this product category. This summary is derived largely from the European Commission's Product Fact Sheet.

Manufacturing

Limitation of the use of substances harmful for the environment and healt

Plastic part heavier than 25 g: shall not contain a list of flame retardants and those classified as carcinogenic, mutagenic, toxic for reproduction and dangerous for the environment according to Directive 67/548/EEC.

Use

Energy saving

  • Energy efficiency index ≤ 42%. (better than energy class A).

Reduction of noise

  • Noise < 42 dB(A).

User instructions for environmental use

The following information shall come with the product:

  • Guidelines on optimal installation of the appliance.
  • Thermostat setting dependant on the ambient temperature.
  • Limit the number of door or lid opening.
  • Hot foodstuffs shall be allowed to cool down before placing in the appliance.
  • Door seal to be replaced when deficient.
  • When moving the appliance, sufficient time should be allowed before switching it on again.
  • Condenser and appliance to be kept clean.
  • Information that ignoring the instructions will lead to higher energy consumption.
  • Damage to the condenser (with sharp objects) to be avoided because of environmental and health risks.
  • Presence of fluids and materials that are reusable and/or recyclable.

End of Life

Green design to facilitate recycling

  • Easy disassembly of the machine taken into account in the design.
  • Plastic parts heavier than 50 g: permanent marking identifying the material.
  • Clear indication of the type of refrigerant and foaming agent in order to facilitate the recovery.

Reduction of ecological damage related to substances with ozone destruction potential (ODP) and global warming potential (GWP)

Refrigerants and foaming agents:

  • ODP = 0.
  • GWP < 15

(CO2 equivalent on 100 years).

Reduction of solid waste through take-back policy

  • Take-back for recycling free of charge.
  • Information on take-back policy.

Durability criteria

Lifetime extension: the manufacturer shall offer a commercial guarantee to ensure that the appliance will function for at least 3 years (from the date of delivery). The availability of compatible replacement parts and service shall be guaranteed for 12 years from the time the production ceases.

15.  Soil Improvers

http://europa.eu.int/comm/environment/eco-label/producers/pg_soilimprovers.htm#revisedcriteria

The full criteria for this product category are available at the above web-site. These criteria have been established in terms of the Commission Decision of 28 August 2001 (2001/688/EC). The following is a summary of the criteria that must be met for producers to obtain the EU Eco-label for this product category. This summary is derived largely from the European Commission's Product Fact Sheet.

Manufacturing

Reuse of organic mater from waste materials

  • Organic matter content provided by the processing and/or reuse of waste material.
  • Sewage sludge not allowed.

Additional specific criteria for growing media:

  • Organic content should comply with criteria for soil improvers.
  • Mineral coformulants (Sand, clay, etc) can be added.
  • Peat and its derivatives not allowed.
  • Electrical conductivity ≤ 1,5 dS/m.

Use and End of Life

Reduction of soil degradation and water pollution

  • Limitation of heavy metal content (in mg/kg dry weight):
    • Zn ≤ 300. Cu ≤ 100. Ni ≤ 50. Pb ≤ 100. Cd ≤ 1.
    • Hg ≤ 1. Cr = 100. Mo ≤ 2. Se ≤ 1.5. As ≤ 10.
    • F ≤ 200.
    • Exclusion: bark treated with pesticides.
    • Content of glass, metal and plastic in the final product ≤ 0,5% of dry matter
    • N ≤ 2% of dry weight.
    • At recommended rates of application (in g/m2): N ≤ 17. P2O5 ≤ 10. K2O ≤ 20.

Health and safety

  • Maximum levels of primary pathogens:
  • Salmonella: absent in 50g.
  • E.Coli < 1 000 MPN/g.

Consumer information for environmental use

The following information shall come with the product:

  • recommended conditions of storage, "use by" date,
  • purpose, limitations of use, recommended method of use, suitability for particular plant groups,
  • origin of the input materials, stability of organic matter,
  • concentrations of nutrients, organic matters and heavy metals,
  • guidelines for safe handling and use.

Information for soil improvers only

  • recommended rate of application (in kg or l per m2 or hectare).
  • availability of N, P2O5 and K2O during first season of application.

Performance criteria

All products shall:

  • be supplied in solid form,
  • not contain no less than 25% dry matter by weight,
  • contain a minimum of 20% organic content,
  • not give offensive odours after application,
  • not contain more than 2 units/l of weed seeds or vegetative, reproductive parts of aggressive weeds.

16.  Televisions

http://europa.eu.int/comm/environment/eco-label/producers/pg_television.htm#criteria

The full criteria for this product category are available at the above web-site. These criteria have been established in terms of the Commission Decision of 25 March 2002 (2002/255/EC). These criteria are valid from 1 April 2002 until 31 March 2005. The following is a summary of the criteria that must be met for producers to obtain the EU Eco-label for this product category. This summary is derived largely from the European Commission's Product Fact Sheet.

Manufacturing

Limitation of the use of substances harmful to the environment and health

  • Plastic parts heavier than 25 gr: Restriction of the use of a list of flame retardants containing organically bound chlorine or bromine.

Use

Energy saving

  • Off switch clearly visible at the front of the TV.
  • Passive stand-by consumption ≤ 1 W.
  • Active stand-by consumption for TVs with integral digital receiver/decoder (IRD) ≤ 9 W.
  • On-mode efficiency index (EEIon) < 65% of the base-case consumption for the same TV format.

User instructions for environmental use

  • Information on how to minimise energy consumption and hence overall cost:
  • Switching off the TV with the off switch button.
  • Avoid leaving the TV in stand-by.
  • Reducing the level of brightness.
  • Information on the guarantee and availability of spare parts.
  • Environmental declaration of manufacturer available to users.

End of Life

Reduction of ecological damage related to the use of natural resources by encouraging product upgrading and recycling

  • Easy dismantling and disassembling (standardized connections, easily accessible)
  • Incompatible and hazardous materials to be easily separable
  • If labels are required, they should be easily separable or inherent
  • Recyclability of: 90% (by volume) of plastics and metal materials used in chassis and housing. 90% (by weight) of glass used in the cathode ray tube.
  • In plastic parts:
    • No lead or cadmium or metal inlays that cannot be separated.
    • One polymer or compatible polymers.
    • Permanent marking identifying the material (except extruded plastic materials
    • and the light-guide of flat panel displays)

Limitation of solid waste through take-back policy

  • Free of charge take-back for recycling of the product and its components except items contaminated by the user.
  • Consumer information on how to make use of the take-back offer.

Performance criteria

Life time extension shall be guaranteed by the manufacturer through:

  • Functioning of the television set for at least 2 years from date of delivery to the customer.
  • Availability of compatible electronic replacement parts: 7 years from cease of production.

17.  Textiles

http://europa.eu.int/comm/environment/eco-label/producers/pg_textiles.htm#revisedcriteria

The full criteria for this product category are available at the above web-site. These criteria have been established in terms of the Commission Decision of 17 February 1999 (1999/178/EC). They are valid until 1 March 2002. The following is a summary of the criteria that must be met for producers to obtain the EU Eco-label for this product category. This summary is derived largely from the European Commission's Product Fact Sheet.

Fibres

Limitation of toxic residues in fibres

  • Acrylic: Acrylonitrile < 1.5 mg/kg.
  • Cotton: residues of certain pesticides < 0.05 ppm.
  • Elastane and polyurethane: no organotin compounds.
  • Greasy wool and other keratin fibres: limitations of certain pesticides.
  • Man-made cellulose: AOX < 250 ppm.
  • Polyester: Antinomy < 260 ppm.
  • Polypropylene: no lead based pigments.

Reduction of air pollution during fibre process

  • Acrylic: acrylonitrile < 1g/kg.
  • Elastane and polyurethane: aromatic diisocyanates < 5 mg/kg.
  • Man-made cellulose: S < 120g/kg (filament) and 30g/kg (staple).
  • Polyamide: N2O < 10g/kg polyamide 6 and < 50g/kg polyamide 6.6.
  • Polyester: VOCs < 1.2g/kg.

Reduction of water pollution during fibre process

  •  
    • Flax and other bast fibres: COD/TOC from water retting reduced by at least 75% (hemp) and 95% (flax, other).
    • Viscose: Zn < 0.3g/kg.
    • Cupro: Cu < 0.1 ppm.
    • Greasy wool and other keratin fibres: COD < 60g/kg, 75% reduction of COD, off-site treatment. If on-site treatment, COD < 5g/kg, 6 < ph < 9 and temperature < 40 °C.

AOX: chlorinated compounds.

COD: Chemical Oxygen Demand.

VOC: Volatile Organic Compounds.

Production, Use and End of Life

Limitation of the use of substances harmful for the environment in particular aquatic environment and health

  • 90% of carding and spinning oil, lubricants and finishes for primary spinning and 95% of sizeing preparations, detergents, fabrics softeners and weight complexing agents shall be sufficiently biodegradable or eliminable.
  • Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PaH) in mineral oils <1%.
  • No cerium compounds, halogenated carriers.
  • No heavy metals and formaldehyde in stripping and depigmentation.
  • No APEOs, DTDMAC, DSDMAC, DHTDMAC, EDTA, LAS, DTPA, chrome mordant dyeing.
  • AOX emissions from bleaching agents < 40 mg Cl/kg (100 mg in certain cases).
  • Level of impurities in dyes (in ppm):
    • Ag < 100. Ba < 100. Co < 500. Se < 20. Fe < 2500.
    • As < 50. Cd < 20. Cr < 100. Cu < 250. Hg < 4. Ni < 200.
    • Pb < 100. Sb < 50. Sn < 250. Zn < 1500. Mn < 1000.
    • Level of impurities in pigments (in ppm):
      • As < 50. Cd < 50. Cr < 100. Hg < 25. Pb < 100. Sb < 250. Zn < 1000.
      • Ba < 100. Se < 100.
    • No chlorophenols, PCB and organotin compounds during transportation or storage.
    • No biocidal or biostatic products active during use phase.
    • Discharge to the water of metal complex dyes based on Cu, Cr or Ni: max. 20% (cellulose dyeing), 7% (other dyeing process). After treatment:
    • Cu < 75 mg/kg (fibre, yarn, fabric), Cr < 50 mg/kg, Ni < 75 mg/kg.
    • No azo dyes that cleave to a list of aromatic amines.
    • No dyes classified as carcinogenic, mutagenic, toxic for reproduction according to Dir. 67/548/EEC.
    • No potentially sensitising dyes if fastness to perspiration > 4.
    • Printing pastes < 5% VOCs. No plastisol based printing.
    • Formaldehyde < 30 ppm for products in direct contact with the skin, 300 ppm for others.
    • COD from wet-processing < 25g/kg. If on-site treatment, 6 < pH < 9 and temperature < 40°C.
    • No flame retardants or finishing substances containing > 0.1% of substances classified as carcinogenic, mutagenic, toxic for reproduction and dangerous for the environment according to Directive 67/548/EEC.
    • Shrink resistant finishes only allowed for wool slivers.
    • Coatings, laminates and membranes: no plasticizers or solvents assigned a list of R-phases according to Directive 67/548/EEC.

Performance and durability criteria

The following tests shall be carried out either on dyed yarn, final fabrics or final product:

  • Dimensional changes during washing and drying: 8% for knitted products, 8% for terry towelling, 6% for other woven products, 2% removable and washable curtain and furniture fabric.
  • Colour fastness to perspiration (acid, alkaline), washing, wet rubbing, dry rubbing, light (see criteria).

18.  Tissue Paper

http://europa.eu.int/comm/environment/eco-label/producers/pg_tissuepaper.htm#revisedcriteria

The full criteria for this product category are available at the above web-site. These criteria have been established in terms of the New Commission Decision of 4 May 2001 establishing the ecological criteria for the award of the Community Eco-label to Tissue Paper products (2001/405/EC). These criteria are valid from 4 May 2001 until 3 May 2006. The following is a summary of the criteria that must be met for producers to obtain the EU Eco-label for this product category. This summary is derived largely from the European Commission's Product Fact Sheet.

Materials

Reduction of ecological damage related to the use of natural resources by encouraging sustainable forestry management

Virgin wood fibres shall come from sustainable managed forests. A declaration, charter, code of conduct, reflecting the commitment from operators and/or from pulp mills to ensure sustainable forest management shall be presented

Limitation of the use of substances harmful to the environment and health:

  • No chlorine gas used as bleaching agent.
  • No APEOs added to the de-inking chemicals.
  • Wet-strenght aids shall not contain >1% chloro-organic substances that are assigned a list of R-phases.
  • Dyes no azo-substances that may cleave to a list of amines.
  • No bleeding of dyes and optical brightness.
  • Slimcides and antimicrobic substances: no growth retardance of micro-organisms.
  • Products which contain recycled fibres:
  • Formaldehyde ≤1 mg/dm2
  • Glyoxal ≤1.5 mg/dm2
  • PCB ≤2 mg/kg.

Production

Reduction of water pollution

In kg of air dried tonne:

  • AOX*:< 0.5.

* AOX: chlorinated compounds.

  • COD* < 40.

* COD: Chemical Oxygen Demand.

Reduction of air pollution

In kg of air dried tonne:

  • Sulphur dioxide as S < 2.5.
  • CO2, fossil < 3,750.

Combined emissions shall fulfil the following:

  • AOX/0.2+COD/15+S+CO2, fossil/1500<4.

Reduction of the impacts of solid waste

Implementation of a waste management system including the following procedures:

  • Separation and use of recyclable materials.
  • Recovering of materials for other uses.
  • Handling hazardous waste.

Reduced use of Energy

  • Total electricity consumption 1≤ 1 G joule (3000 kWh) per tonne of paper.

Use and End of Life

Consumer information for environmental use

  • Product packaging shall bear information on the environmental benefits of the eco-label.
  • Minimum percentage of recycled fibres.

19.  Washing Machines

http://europa.eu.int/comm/environment/ecolabel/producers/pg_washingmachines.htm#criteria

The full criteria for this product category are available at the above web-site. These criteria have been established in terms of the Commission Decision of 17 December 1999. The criteria are valid from 17 December 1999 until 1 December 2002. The following is a summary of the criteria that must be met for producers to obtain the EU Eco-label for this product category. This summary is derived largely from the European Commission's Product Fact Sheet.

Manufacturing

Limitation of the use of substances harmful for the environment and health

  • Plastic part heavier than 25 g: shall not contain certain flame retardants and substances or preparations classified as carcinogenic, mutagenic, toxic for reproduction and dangerous for the environment according to Directive 67/548/EEC.

Use

Energy saving

  • Energy consumption ≤ 0.17 kWh/kg washload. (better than energy class A)
  • Spin drying efficiency: class A or B.

Water saving

  • Water consumption ≤12 l/Kg washload.

Reduction of noise

  • Noise during: washing < 56 dB(A), spinning < 76 dB(A).
  • Volumetric and/or weight related markings on the detergent dispenser.

Design for environmental use

  •  
    • Clear markings for optimal use of the machine: energy saving programs, etc.

User instructions for environmental use

  • The following information shall come with the product:
  • Use full loads whenever possible
  • Prefer compact detergents and use recommended dosage.
  • Sort the fabrics.
  • Avoid pre-washing when possible.
  • Hot fill can save energy. Insulate water pipe.
  • Detailed information on energy and water consumption.
  • Switch off the machine when cycle finished.
  • Appropriate maintenance of the machine.
  • Follow installation instructions to minimize noise.
  • Warning that ignoring these issues can increase costs and lead to poor performance.

End of Life

Reduction of ecological damage related to the use of natural resources by encouraging recyclability

  • Easy disassembly of the machine taken into account in the design.
  • Plastic parts heavier than 50 g: permanent marking identifying the material.

Reduction of solid waste through take-back policy

  •  
    • Take-back for recycling free of charge.
    • Information on take-back policy.

Performance and durability criteria

  •  
    • Washing performance class A or B.
    • Spin drying performance: class A or B.
    • Lifetime extension: the manufacturer shall offer commercial guarantee to ensure that the washing machine will function for at least 2 years (from date of delivery to customer). The availability of compatible parts shall be guaranteed for 12 years from the time the production ceases.

 

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