Global Ecolabellers Come Together
Ecolabeling representatives from around the world met in Ottawa last Tuesday for the Global EcoLabelling Network’s (GEN) annual general meeting to talk about the evolving role of ecolabeling as an effective policy and marketing tool.
Policy makers, leaders in ecolabeling and industry and consumer representatives spent the day learning about using ecolabels as a trade tool, sharing ways to leverage ecolabels in marketing and finding out how ecolabels can help change policy and move the market toward greater sustainability.
International case studies were presented by ecolabeling experts from Norway and Sweden. Marianne Eskeland from Ecolabelling Norway addressed the need to unite commercial and public interests in a trustworthy way when products are placed in shops. Eva Eiderström of the Swedish Society for Nature Conservation (SSNC) spoke about how ecolabeling has helped shift the market toward more sustainable consumption. Visit Ecolabelling Norway and SSNC’s website for more information.
One of the main messages to emerge from the day-long meeting: the need for greater collaboration and information-sharing between global ecolabels. This further highlights GEN’s important work as an association of third-party, environmental performance labelling organizations.
Visit www.globalecolabelling.net for more.