March 15, 2026
Genuine Environmental Proofs 2026: ISO, EU Ecolabel, FSC & Co.
The most important recognised seals
Environmental management ISO 14001 — International standard for environmental management systems. Requires external certification by an accredited certification body. Audited areas include energy consumption, waste management, and training. Valid for 3 years, with annual surveillance audits.
EMAS (EU Eco-Management and Audit Scheme) — Goes beyond ISO 14001. Mandatory: public environmental declaration, employee participation, legality check. The EMAS logo may be used in advertising.
Product-related EU Ecolabel — Official EU environmental label. Criteria for 25+ product groups. Licence number in the format DE/030/123 is publicly visible.
Blauer Engel (Blue Angel) — German environmental label since 1978. Over 12,000 certified products. Requirements are industry-specific (RAL UZ numbers).
Wood / Forestry FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) — International standard for sustainable forest management. Marks FSC 100 %, FSC Mix, FSC Recycled.
PEFC (Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification) — European counterpart to FSC. Particularly widespread in Central Europe.
Textiles GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) — Organic cotton and fair production. Highest level of organic textile certification.
OEKO-TEX Standard 100 — Harmful substance testing for textiles. Provides information on freedom from harmful substances, NOT on sustainability.
Food EU organic label — Mandatory labelling for organic products in the EU. Code number (e.g. DE-ÖKO-006) mandatory.
Demeter, Naturland, Bioland — Stricter German organic associations with additional requirements.
CO₂ / Climate Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) — Validated science-based climate targets. “Net Zero by 20XX” is only permitted with SBTi validation.
ISO 14064-1 — Standard for greenhouse gas accounting at company level. External verification required.