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EU EuropeEcolabel (Type I)

Austrian Ecolabel (Österreichisches Umweltzeichen)

Austrian Federal Ministry for Climate Action, Environment, Energy, Mobility, Innovation and Technology / Austria

Established: Established in 1991

Overview

The Austrian Ecolabel (Österreichisches Umweltzeichen) is Austria's national ecolabel scheme, established in 1991. As an ISO 14024-compliant Type I ecolabel, it covers not only consumer products and services but also manufacturers and public procurement. Its scope spans cleaning products, paper products, tourism services (hotels and campsites), educational institutions, textiles, cosmetics, and building materials, and it also certifies sustainable event management through its "Green Meetings & Green Events" program. Certification is granted following review by an independent body (primarily Austrian Standards International), with a validity period of four years. Notably, the Austrian Ecolabel is considered the only national label that has fully integrated the EU Ecolabel criteria, allowing applicants to apply for both labels through a single process.

Timeline

  • 1991: The Austrian Ecolabel scheme established
  • 1992: EU Ecolabel introduced in Austria (dual-certification arrangement with the Austrian Ecolabel established)
  • Present: Operating across a wide range of sectors including tourism (hotels, campsites), cleaning products, paper products, and educational institutions; certification is valid for four years, with re-assessment required at renewal

    • Business Impact

    For Austrian businesses seeking to demonstrate sustainability—particularly in tourism—the label is considered effective for marketing and customer attraction. Because its criteria are integrated with the EU Ecolabel, it offers an efficient certification route for businesses with international ambitions, allowing both labels to be obtained through a single application process.

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