Today, many eco-label and eco-certification programs have been launched to validate green product claims, guide green purchasing, and enhance environmental performance standards. When implemented properly, eco-labels and eco-certifications encourage best practices while also providing guidelines that companies must follow to meet a certified standard, creating an effective foundation for the industry.
Today, there is still confusion about whether companies are truly acting responsibly towards the environment, and the demand for eco-labeled products is increasing day by day (Wri, 2010). This is mainly because Generation Z and Boomer consumers are very or extremely concerned about the environment and therefore focus more on sustainability.
The EU Ecolabel criteria for lubricants were first published in 2005. The EU Ecolabel Scheme is a well-known voluntary environmental program that promotes products and services demonstrating environmental excellence based on standard processes and scientific evidence. Established in 1992 and entered into force on March 23, 1993, the scheme aims to help consumers, retailers, and businesses make sustainable choices. It’s one of the largest and most well-known schemes in operation in EU countries today.
The EU Ecolabel product range for lubricants includes total loss lubricants, such as hydraulic fluids, greases, and two-stroke engine oils. Currently, 615 products have been awarded the EU Ecolabel. Additionally, there are various national eco-label programs, such as Blue Angel, Eco Mark, and Korea Ecolabel, that cover the lubricants category at the international level.
- BLUE ANGEL
The Blue Angel program, established in 1978, was one of the first national labeling programs for lubricants. Since 1988, lubricants have been assessed under the Blue Angel, and criteria have been developed for various types of lubricants, including hydraulic fluids, lubricating oils, and greases. These lubricants are required to have certain properties, such as biodegradability, low toxicity to aquatic organisms, and non-bioaccumulative, and should not contain hazardous components like carcinogenic or toxic substances. At the same time, the product must meet specific technical performance standards to be suitable for use. Biodegradability can be determined by using OECD 301B-301F tests or by utilizing the CEC L-33-A-934 method.
The Blue Angel program sets itself apart from other eco-labeling programs by mandating ultimate biodegradability. Unlike some other programs, the Blue Angel program does not require the use of renewable raw materials, meaning that only petroleum-based lubricants can receive the Blue Angel certificate. Currently, 83 products bear the “Blue Angel” label.
- ECO MARK JAPAN
Categories include hydraulic oils, 2-stroke engine oils, greases, and other lubricating oils. The Eco Mark Label considers resource consumption, greenhouse gas emissions, ozone-depleting substances, atmospheric pollutants, water pollutants, waste generation, and the use and discharge of hazardous substances in the life cycle assessment.
- KOREA ECOLABEL
The Korea Ecolabel applies to lubricants that are discharged into the environment post-use. This program considers specific criteria related to oil categories, including bioaccumulation, biodegradability, and toxicity properties for anti-corrosive lubricating oils, hydraulic oils, and oils that are released into the environment after use.
Each program focuses on various product groups and criteria, such as biodegradation, aquatic toxicity, bioaccumulation, exclusion of certain toxic substances, renewable raw material content, and minimum technical performance. This is all aimed at promoting sustainable consumption. As a result, products carrying the Ecolabel have a lower environmental impact compared to similar products on the market and have the potential to make a significant positive impact on the environment.
