Whitepaper: Obtain the EU Ecolabel as a cleaning company

Obtain the EU Ecolabel as a cleaning company

Greenspeed can help you

EU ECOLABEL The EU Ecolabel has been the official European environmental label recognised by all European Union countries, as well as Norway, Liechtenstein and Iceland since 1992. The label indicates products that are of high quality and better for the environment. Products and services with the EU Ecolabel have been produced with a lower environmental impact in terms of raw materials, energy, water, harmful substances, waste and packaging. In other words, the entire life cycle of a product is taken into account.

The aim is to reduce the negative effects of production and the impact thereof on, inter alia, the environment and public health. In addition, the objective is to strive for sustainable production and consumption. The criteria for achieving the EU Ecolabel have been developed at European level. Only products and services that meet the stringent environmental quality and performance requirements may obtain the European Ecolabel.

EU ECOLABEL IS NOW AVAILABLE FOR

CLEANING COMPANIES

Since 2 May 2018, it is also possible for cleaning companies to obtain the EU Ecolabel. This allows cleaning companies with sustainable operations to distinguish themselves and demonstrate their commitment to investing in sustainable and environmentally friendly cleaning products.

In addition, the label emphasises the fact that the relevant companies value the well-being and safety of their employees by reducing their exposure to toxic substances.

One party has been made responsible for the implementation of the EU Ecolabel for each Member State of the European Union. The competent authority varies depending on where your services are performed.

Go to the following website to find your competent body: https://ec.europa.eu/environment/ecolabel/ competent-bodies.html

There is an increasing demand for sustainability from the market.

Do you want to distinguish yourself? Now is the time!

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WILL YOUR CLEANING COMPANY BE ELIGIBLE? The services you provide as a cleaning company have to be performed in commercial, institutional or other public buildings on a regular basis. For example, office spaces and public places in hospitals. Window cleaners are also eligible. One condition is that the areas to be cleaned are accessible without the use of specialised equipment.

YOUR BENEFITS!

Reliable, transparent and controlled

The criteria are developed at European level based on scientific research and in-depth consultation rounds within the European Union Eco-labelling board (EUEB). The criteria are established in the form of a Commission decision after approval by the European Commission.

Image and positioning

The social pressure on businesses to be sustainable is mounting. Consumers consider it the moral duty of entrepreneurs to be publicly responsible for the production process and the origin of the raw materials used. More and more clients feel it is important for their suppliers to focus on sustainability. Achieving the EU Ecolabel is therefore an opportunity for cleaning companies to tap into new markets. The label adds value to a company and demonstrates that the products you work with as a cleaning company meet stringent environmental quality and performance requirements.

Effectiveness

The label provides relevant guidelines for companies wishing to reduce their environmental impact. Often companies use less raw materials, water and energy when applying the EU Ecolabel criteria to their business operations.

Guidance on sustainable procurement / Green Public Procurement

The EU Ecolabel criteria can be used as a guide in the procurement process. This allows you, as a cleaning company, to contribute to the environmental and sustainability aspects of the procurement policy.

Also, in the cases of green public procurement, the EU Ecolabel is an asset because it allows cleaning companies to prove that they use environmentally friendly products.

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WHICH CRITERIA MUST YOUR CLEANING COMPANY MEET? As a cleaning company, you are tested on the basis of different criteria of which seven are mandatory and twelve are optional. Points are awarded per criterion. In order to obtain the EU Ecolabel, a company must obtain at least 14 out of the total of 43 points.

There are a number of sustainability themes in which these criteria are incorporated:

Energy and climate: This means that entrepreneurs implement an environmental management system, whereby they reduce the negative impact of production on the environment. For example, by reducing their greenhouse gas emissions.

Circular economy: This shows the extent to which cleaning companies reduce the use of raw materials and manage waste responsibly. Within a circular economy, raw material stocks are not depleted and all residual materials are fully reused.

Environment, health and social policy: This topic involves the minimisation of the impact on the environment and health. Staff working conditions are also taken into account.

MANDATORY CRITERIA: WHICH CRITERIA MUST YOUR COMPANY COMPLY WITH?

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The use of cleaning products with low environmental impact.

This means that at least 50% of all products used by cleaning companies have the EU Ecolabel or another ISO type 1 certification. Products that do not have this certification must meet certain criteria, including the limited use of fragrances. In order to achieve this criterion easily, cleaning companies can cooperate with companies, such as Greenspeed, that develop products with the EU Ecolabel.

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The use of appropriate dosing methods or materials.

This means that companies must demonstrate that cleaning staff have access to the necessary instructions for the correct dosing and dilution of cleaning products. They must also have appropriate dosing and dilution devices. For example, measuring cups, dosing caps or hand pumps.

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Use microfibre products.

Draw up an environmental policy that identifies the most relevant direct and indirect impact on the environment.

At least 50% of all cloths and mops must be made of microfibre. This criterion applies only to nondisposable microfibre products.

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Implement an internal evaluation process that assesses the organisation’s performance every year, based on the objectives of that action programme.

Train staff.

As a cleaning company, you must provide information, including written procedures or manuals, and training to cleaning staff. Employees must receive training on various topics, such as: EU Ecolabel, cleaning products, energy conservation, water saving, waste, health and safety. The training should be organised at least once a year.

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Draw up a detailed action programme to ensure that the company’s environmental policy is applied to the services provided.

Lay the foundation for an environmentally friendly management system.

As a cleaning company, you must comply with the minimum requirements of the environmental management system. This means:

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Separate waste at the company’s own location(s).

Waste generated by the EU Ecolabel applicant in its own buildings and on its own premises must be properly sorted into the appropriate waste categories.

7

Properly display information on the EU Ecolabel.

The European Commission has drawn up guidelines on how to use the EU Ecolabel.

Visit the website for more information: https://ec.europa.eu/environment/ecolabel/documents/logo_guidelines.pdf

OPTIONAL CRITERIA: WHICH ADDITIONAL CRITERIA MAY YOUR COMPANY COMPLY WITH? In addition to the mandatory criteria the cleaning company must meet, there are optional criteria, of which some must be applied.

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1 2 3 4 5 6

High use of cleaning products with low environmental impact.

High use of cleaning agents.

undiluted,

concentrated

High use of microfibre products.

High use of cleaning materials with low environmental impact.

Low energy vacuum cleaners.

ISO 14001 certification or EMAS registration.

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Waste management at the cleaning site.

Quality of the services provided.

Economical fleet of vehicles.

Economical washing machines.

EU Ecolabel services and products.

Consumables, such as soap, paper and hand dryers, are environmentally friendly and economical.

Do you want to review all criteria? Consult this website!

GET MORE POINTS WITH GREENSPEED Greenspeed allows your cleaning company to achieve more points on criteria 1, 2, 3, 4 and 11 of the above optional criteria.

By using cleaning products (floor, interior, sanitary cleaner, etc.) with the EU Ecolabel, for example, you can obtain 3 points on the first criterion: high use of cleaning products with low environmental impact. Frequent use of undiluted, concentrated cleaning agents can give your cleaning company 3 extra points.

Most Greenspeed materials are made of microfibre. High use of microfibre products gives your company 3 points. A high use of cleaning materials with a low environmental impact will also score you additional points.

This includes Greenspeed’s Nordic Swan certified products. If your cleaning company uses the Nordic Swan certified microfibre cloths and mops, you can score up to 4 points.

Finally, most Greenspeed detergents have been awarded the EU Ecolabel. The 11th criterion refers to the use of EU Ecolabel products that support day-to-day operations. When you use Greenspeed detergents and washing-up liquids in your company, you have the chance of receiving 1 additional point.

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THE FIRST STEP TOWARDS THE EU ECOLABEL CERTIFICATION Are you ready to take the first green step? Good choice!

Start your application now.

STAP 1

Contact competent body in your country.

STAP 2

Register your service with the online EU Ecolabel Catalogue.

STAP 3

File an application with the competent body.

STAP 4

A small fee must be paid in order to complete the application.

STAP 5

The competent body will evaluate the submitted documentation.

STAP 6

If the application meets the criteria, the EU Ecolabel will be awarded.

A contract shall be drawn up between the competent body and the applicant.

STAP 7

The certification is received! This is your opportunity to demonstrate online and offline that your company has obtained the EU Ecolabel.

Would you like to receive further information on these steps? Take a look at this page.

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Not yet familiar with Greenspeed? Our innovative microfibre products and ecological detergents can help your cleaning company on the way towards an EU Ecolabel certification.

You can find more information here!

Contact us and we will gladly assist you!

E-mail: sales@greenspeed.eu Telephone: +31 (0)70 345 87 37 Website: https://www.greenspeed.eu/

Sources: https://www.europeesecolabel.nl/755/over-eu-ecolabel/factsheet-eu-ecolabel-duurzamere-schoonmaakdiensten.html https://ec.europa.eu/environment/ecolabel/ https://ec.europa.eu/environment/ecolabel/documents/Cleaning_Services_Factsheet_Final.pdf https://ec.europa.eu/environment/ecolabel/documents/180525_ User%20Manual__Ecolabel%20indoor%20cleaning%20services%20september%202018.pdf https://cleantotaal.nl/nieuws/criteria-eu-ecolabel-voor-schoonmaakbedrijven-bekend/