The Official Journal of the European Union published European Commission resolution 2011\/81\/EU on 5 February 2011, extending the validity period of ecolabels for six product categories. In other words, light bulbs, dishwasher detergents, laundry detergents, personal computers, laptops, and paper for copying and printing must meet relevant environmental standards to continue benefiting from ecolabels. Ecolabeling is part of a voluntary program that began in 1992 and was revised in 2010. Some products with a lower environmental impact are eligible for ecolabels. The framework of the ecolabeling program is contained in Regulation 66\/2010, which lists the product categories applicable to environmental guidelines. These guidelines are based on energy consumption over the product's life cycle and are contained in various European Commission resolutions. Products must meet these guidelines to be eligible for ecolabels. The relevant product categories include textiles, footwear, televisions, furniture, fabric and hard floor coverings, household appliances, paper, and certain services. New product categories will be added from time to time.
Resolution 2011\/81\/EU extended the validity of ecolabels for the following six product categories:
Light bulbs\u2014Resolution 2002\/747\/EC
Ecolabels related to light bulbs apply to both \"single-ended\" and \"double-ended\" bulbs. Light bulbs must meet the following four criteria to be granted an ecolabel: (i) energy efficiency, (ii) lifespan, (iii) lumen maintenance, and (iv) mercury content. The validity of the light bulb ecolabel was extended to August 31, 2011. Personal Computers \u2013 Resolution 2005\/341\/EC\n\nThe Personal Computer Ecolabel conveys the following messages to consumers:\n\n\u2022 Consumes less energy during use and standby;\n\n\u2022 Contains fewer substances harmful to health and the environment, such as metals;\n\n\u2022 Can be recycled free of charge by the manufacturer after use;\n\n\u2022 Can be easily disassembled and recycled;\n\n\u2022 Durability can be enhanced through product upgrades; and\n\nThe validity period of the Personal Computer Ecolabel is extended to June 30, 2011.
Laptops \u2013 Resolution 2005\/343\/EC
The personal computer eco-label conveys the following messages to consumers:
\u2022 Consumes less energy during use and standby;
\u2022 Contains fewer substances harmful to health and the environment, such as metals;
\u2022 Can be recycled free of charge by the manufacturer after use;
\u2022 Can be easily disassembled and recycled;
\u2022 Durability can be enhanced through product upgrades; and
\u2022 Uses less polluting batteries.
The validity period of the laptop eco-label has been extended to June 30, 2011.
Dishwasher Detergent\u2014Resolution 2003\/31\/EC
Dishwasher detergent includes all detergents specifically designed for automatic household dishwashers, as well as detergents for dishwashers that require professional operation but are similar in size and purpose to automatic household dishwashers.
The relevant eco-label aims to promote the following:
\u2022 Reducing detergent usage and limiting harmful ingredients, thereby reducing water pollution;
\u2022 Promoting the use of low-temperature detergents to reduce energy consumption; and
\u2022 Reducing basic packaging to minimize waste generation.
The validity period of the dishwasher eco-label has been extended to April 30, 2011.
Laundry Detergent\u2014Resolution 2003\/200\/EC
Laundry detergent includes all powdered, liquid, or any form of detergent used for washing textiles, primarily for use in household washing machines, but also for use in laundromats.
The eco-label aims to promote the following key points:
\u2022 Use concentrated laundry detergent to reduce transportation and energy consumption;
\u2022 Reduce the amount of chemicals used in products and limit the use of potentially harmful ingredients to reduce water pollution; and
\u2022 Reduce basic packaging to minimize waste generation.
The validity period of the laundry detergent eco-label has been extended to April 30, 2011.
Copier and Printing Paper \u2013 Resolution 2002\/741\/EC
Eco-labels related to copier and printing paper apply to unprinted paper or rolls used for printing, copying, writing, or drawing. Newspaper, thermal paper, and carbonless paper are not included. The purpose of the eco-label is to: \u2022 Reduce the release of toxic or nutrient substances into water;\n\u2022 Reduce energy consumption and related emissions to minimize environmental damage or risks, and to reduce environmental damage or risks caused by the use of hazardous chemicals;\n\u2022 Protect forests through sustainable management principles.\n\u2022 The validity period of the eco-label for photocopying and printing paper has been extended to June 30, 2011.
Resolution 2011\/81\/EU is available at the following URL:
http:\/\/eur-lex.europa.eu\/LexUriServ\/LexUriServ.do?uri=OJ:L:2011:031:0050:0051:EN:PDF
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