EcoLogo

Evaluation Tool

EcoLogo

Tool Category

Standards, Certifications & Labels

At a Glance

ECOLOGO was founded as a third party environmental certification program by the government of Canada in 1988 and was acquired by Underwriters Laboratories (UL) in 2010.  It is recognized worldwide with standards developed for approximately 60 product categories. 

Tool Website(s)

www.ul.com/el

Tool Owner/Sponsor

UL

Product Stage of Life Evaluated

Manufacturing, consumer use, end of life

Tool Description

ECOLOGO certifications are voluntary, multi-attribute, life cycle based environmental certifications that indicate a product has undergone rigorous scientific testing, exhaustive auditing, or both, to prove its compliance with stringent, third-party, environmental performance standards.

ECOLOGO uses a life cycle approach, evaluating impacts of a product from manufacturing through consumer use and end of life. Standards for different products are available on the UL web site.

Product Categories

Apparel/Footwear/Outdoor Industry; Automotive; Building Materials & Products; Cleaning & Janitorial Products; Electronics; Furniture; Hard Goods, Appliances; Health & Beauty, Cosmetics, Pharmacy; Paints & Coatings; Pool & Spa; Textiles; Tools, Hardware, Plumbing; Toys

Tool Requirements

Each standard has different requirements. Common data requirements include:

• detailed product composition
• materials sourcing, efficiency, and toxicity
• energy/renewable energy use and efficiency
• pollution (materials introduced into the air/water)
• industrial/manufacturing safety
• use/disposal/end of life criteria
• life cycle assessment
• product performance
• safe handling and use instructions
• packaging information

Cost of Tool

Each product standard is available on the UL web site for a fee. UL conducts third party auditing for an additional fee.

Evaluation Frequency

Certification does not have an end date if there are no changes to the product, and the client takes the necessary steps to keep their product compliant with updates, However when clients want to change their product they must notify TerraChoice so that it can be re-audited. There may also be random site audits in order to ensure that clients are complying with the standard. Certification lasts until the client is not compliant with the updated standard, or they withdraw from the program.

Strengths and Weaknesses

Strengths: The label has worldwide recognition.

Similar Tools that Serve the Same Industry or Product Category

Green Seal

For More Information

contact.ul.com/contact-ul-environment

Comments

EcoLogo has partnerships with Ecoform, EPEAT, GoodGuide, and ISSA