REGIONAL TRAINING WORKSHOP ON ECOLABELLING Rio de Janeiro, Brazil 19th – 20th August 2010

Module : Textiles Introduction of the EU Flower Criteria Rahul Bhajekar Managing Director, Texanlab Laboratories Pvt Ltd. India

/3 Agenda 1.Introduction / participants 2.Key documents and Eco-label website 3.Eco-label criteria for Textiles 4.Application process for EU Eco-label 5.Exercises 6.Legislation and the EU Flower

Introduction (s) Who are we ? What are we doing here ?

/5 2. Relevant documents A) Criteria document B) User Manual / Application pack C) How to find documents, contacts, news, other license keepers, potential customers at the webpage

/6 2 A) Criteria document Available in different languages Consists of two parts:  The Commission decision  Product group definition  Validity information  Annex  Framework  Criteria

/7 2 A) Criteria First issued 2002, valid until 2007 Extended in 2007 Extended in 2008 CURRENT CRITERIA : 9 July 2009, 2009/567/EC

/8 2 B) User Manual / Application Pack Help & guidance, prefabricated declarations (including no-use) Part A: General Part B: Specific for textiles:  Description of the product  Fibres  Processes, chemicals and reporting energy and water consumption  Fitness for use  Information on label

/9 2 B) User Manual / Application Pack Part B: Detailed information for applicants  The criterion  Exceptions  Assessment and verification  Test requirements  Requirements for applicants

/10 2 C) EU Ecolabel Website  Information & Background  Documents Download  Application procedures  Brochures  Useful links  FAQ  Policies

/11 2 C) EU eco-label website  Search a Product  Search for Manufacturers  Browse Labelled Products  Take a Quiz !

/12 Questions?

EU Flower Criteria for Textiles : Basic information

/14 Basic Information Who can apply for the EU Eco-label ? How much does it cost ? Any discounts ? What products can get the Eco Label?

/15 Who can apply ? Manufacturer Importer Services Provider (Agents) Traders Retailers

/16 What does it cost ? Fees effective March 2010 MinimumMaximumDiscounts Application Fees 200 € € SME and operators from developing countries: 600 € Micro-E: 350 € 20% if registered under EMAS and/or ISO certified Annual Fees € SME and operators from developing countries: 750 € Micro-E: 350 € -

/17 What are Medium, Small & Micro Enterprises ? Less than 50 employees Annual Turnover < 7 Mio EUR or Annual Balance Sheet < 5 Mio EUR Less than 10 employees < 250 Employees Turnover < 40 Mio EUR

/18 EU Flower for textiles is applicable to : Products with min 90 % textile fibres Products with min 90 % textile fibres Textile Clothing Textile Clothing Accessories for Clothing Accessories for Clothing (Handkerchiefs, Scarves, Bags and Shopping Bags, Rucksacks, Belts etc. Interior Textiles Interior Textiles (excl wall and floor coverings) Fibres, Yarn & Fabrics Fibres, Yarn & Fabrics for above.

/19 90 % textile … Down, feathers, membranes and coatings need not be taken into account in the calculation of the percentage of textile fibres.

3. The EU-Flower Criteria for textiles 2009/567/EC

Part 1 Fibre Criteria

/22 Criterion 1: Acrylic (a)The residual acrylonitrile content in raw fibres < 1,5 mg/kg. (b) The emissions to air of acrylonitrile < 1 g/kg of fibre produced, expressed as an annual average.

/23 Criterion 2: Cotton and other natural cellulosic seed fibres (including kapok) Cotton and other natural cellulosic seed fibres (hereinafter referred to as cotton) shall not contain more than 0,05 ppm of different pesticides mentioned. No pesticide tests if > 50 % of the cotton content is organically grown cotton or transitional cotton. No pesticide tests if > 75% identified farmers with no use of the mentioned pesticides.

/24 Criterion 2 (Cotton) – Use of Organic Cotton organic cotton For > 95 % certified organic cotton, allowed to write ‘organic cotton’ next to the eco-label. made with x% organic cotton For between 70 & 95 % certified organic cotton, allowed to write “made with x% organic cotton”.

/25 Criterion 3: Elastane (a) Organotin compounds shall not be used. (b) The emissions (air) of aromatic diisocyanates < 5 mg/kg of fibre produced, expressed as an annual average.

/26 Criterion 4: Flax and other bast fibres (including hemp, jute, and ramie) No water retting allowed, unless: Effluent water is treated to reduce the COD/ TOC by at least 75 % (for hemp) 95 % (for flax and the other bast fibres)

/27 Criterion 5: Greasy wool and other keratin fibres (including wool from sheep, camel, alpaca, goat) Restrictions on sum total content of specified pesticides on raw wool. No pesticide test if > 75% identified farmers with no use of the mentioned pesticides. Scouring effluent discharge restrictions also apply.

/28 Criterion 5 (wool) - continued Scouring effluent discharged : COD < 60 g/kg greasy wool, and the effluent shall be treated off-site with > 75 % reduction of COD, expressed as an annual average. Scouring effluent treated on site and discharged to surface waters: COD < 5 g/kg greasy wool pH temperature < 40 °C

/29 Criterion 6: Man-made cellulose fibres ( including viscose, lyocell, acetate, cupro, triacetate ) (a) AOX in the fibres < 250 ppm. (b) Viscose: Sulphur content of the emissions of sulphur compounds to air < 120 g/kg filament fibre produced and < 30 g/kg staple fibre produced, expressed as an annual average.

/30 Criterion 6 (cellulose) - continued (c) Viscose: Zinc emission (water) < 0,3 g/kg, expressed as an annual average. (d) Cupro fibres: copper content of the effluent water leaving the site < 0,1 ppm, expressed as an annual average.

/31 Criterion 7: Polyamide N 2 O emissions (air): < 10 g/kg polyamide 6 fibre produced < 50 g/kg polyamide 6,6 produced expressed as an annual average.

/32 Criterion 8: Polyester Antimony in the polyester fibres < 260 ppm. Where no antimony is used, the applicant may state ‘antimony free’ (or equivalent text) next to the eco-label.

/33 Criterion 8 (polyester)–continued (b) VOC emissions < 1,2 g/kg of produced polyester resin, expressed as an annual average.

/34 Criterion 9: Polypropylene Lead-based pigments shall not be used.

Part 2 Processes and chemicals

/36 Firstly The following criteria apply to all stages of production of the product. But recycled fibres may contain some of the dyes or other substances excluded by these criteria, if from their previous life-cycle.

/37 Criterion 10: Auxiliaries and finishing agents for fibres and yarns Sizing compounds At least 95 % of formulation shall be sufficiently biodegradable or recycled Sum of all components of the formulation to be taken into account.

/38 Criterion 10: (Auxiliaries) - cont Spinning auxiliaries and additives used in primary spinning At least 90 % components should be sufficiently biodegradable or eliminable. Content of PAH must be less than 3 % in mineral oil used.

/39 Criterion 11: Biocidal or biostatic products Ban on use of  Chlorophenols  PCB’s  Organotin compounds during transportation or storage of finished or unfinished goods.

/40 Criterion 12: Stripping or depigmentation Ban on use of Heavy metal salts (except of iron) Formaldehyde

/41 Criterion 13: Weighting Compounds of cerium shall not be used in the weighting of yarn or fabrics.

/42 Criterion 14: Auxiliary chemicals Preparations/formulations may not contain: APEOs LAS DTDMAC DSDMAC DHTDMAC EDTA DTPA

/43 Criterion 15: Detergents, fabric softeners and complexing agents At each wet-processing site, at least 95 % by weight of :  detergents,  fabric softeners  complexing agents shall be degradable / eliminable. (Surfactants used must be ultimately biodegradable, aerobically)

/44 Criterion 16: Bleaching agents Chlorine bleach not to be used. This requirement does not apply to the production of man-made cellulose fibres (viscose, acetate, lyocell etc.) Section 6.1 requirement, AOX to be less than 250 ppm is however applicable.

/45 Criterion 17: Impurities in dyes The levels of ionic impurities in the dyes used shall not exceed the following: Ag100 ppmHg4 ppm As50 ppm;Mn1 000 ppm Ba100 ppmNi200 ppm Cd20 ppmPb100 ppm Co500 ppmSe20 ppm Cr100 ppmSb50 ppm Cu250 ppmSn250 ppm Fe2 500 ppmZn1 500 ppm

/46 Criterion 18: Impurities in pigments The levels of ionic impurities for pigments used shall not exceed the following: As50 ppmPb100 ppm Ba100 ppmSe100 ppm Cd50 ppmSb250 ppm Cr100 ppmZn1 000 ppm Hg25 ppm

/47 Criterion 19: Chrome mordant dyeing Chrome mordant dyeing is not allowed.

/48 Criterion 20: Metal complex dyes If metal complex dyes based on copper, chromium or nickel are used:  For Cellulose dyeing: < 20 % of dyes shall be discharged to waste water.  For all other fibres < 7 % of dyes shall be discharged to waste water.

/49 Criterion 20: (metal complex dyes) - cont Effluent discharge after treatment should not contain more than  75 mg/kg of Cu  50 mg/kg of Cr  75 mg/kg of Ni On weight of fibre, yarn or fabric

/50 Criterion 21: Azo dyes Dyes which cleave to form specified banned amines should not be used.

/51 Criterion 22: Dyes that are carcinogenic, mutagenic or toxic to reproduction (a) The following dyes shall not be used:  C.I. Basic Red 9  C.I. Disperse Blue 1  C.I. Acid Red 26  C.I. Basic Violet 14  C.I. Disperse Orange 11  C.I. Direct Black 38  C.I. Direct Blue 6  C.I. Direct Red 28  C.I. Disperse Yellow 3

/52 Criterion 22: (CMR dyes) – cont No use of dye substances or of dye preparations containing more than 0,1 % of substances with: R40 (limited evidence of a carcinogenic effect) R45 (may cause cancer) R46 (may cause heritable genetic damage) R49 (may cause cancer by inhalation) R60 (may impair fertility) R61 (may cause harm to the unborn child) R62 (possible risk of impaired fertility) R63 (possible risk of harm to the unborn child) R68 (possible risk of irreversible effects)

/53 Criterion 23: Potentially sensitizing dyes Specified disperse dyes cannot be used.

/54 Criterion 24: Halogenated carriers for polyester Shall not be used.

/55 Criterion 25: Printing Printing pastes used shall not contain more than 5 % VOCs. Plastisol-based printing is not allowed.

/56 Criterion 26: Formaldehyde The amount of formaldehyde in the final fabric must be < 20 ppm for products meant for children below 3 years < 30 ppm for products that come into direct contact with the skin < 75 ppm for all other products.

/57 Criterion 27: Waste water discharges from wet-processing Must have a COD content of less than 25 g/kg, expressed as an annual average. (exceptions for wool and flax retting sites) pH must be between 4 and 6 Temperature must be below 40°C unless receiving water body has higher temperature.

/58 Criterion 28: Flame retardants Only chemically bound flame retardants are permitted. No flame retardant with R phrase classification of CMR will be used unless on application they chemically change to a compound not classified as CMR.

/59 Criterion 29: Anti Felting Finishes Halogenated substances or preparations are only allowed for wool slivers or loose scoured wool.

/60 Criterion 30: Finishes Formulations with components having CMR Risk classification and above 0.1 % by weight shall not be used.

/61 Criterion 31: Fillings Textile fibre criteria must be followed. Biocidal / Biostatic criteria (26) must be followed. Detergents / auxiliaries used for washing fillings should also satisfy relevant criteria (14)

/62 Criterion 32: Coatings, laminates and membranes Polyurethane:  Fibre criteria for polyurethane (3a and 3b) Polyester:  Fibre criteria for polyester (8a and 8b) regarding the emission of VOCs during polymerisation. No use of plasticizers / solvents with CMR risk phrases during manufacture of chemicals. VOC emission must be < 10 g Cl/Kg.

/63 Criterion 33: Energy and water use The applicant is requested to provide detailed information on water and energy use.

Part 3 Fitness for use

/65 General The following criteria apply either to the dyed yarn, the final fabric(s), or the final product, with tests carried out as appropriate.

/66 Criterion 34: Dimensional changes during washing and drying Not to exceed  ± 2 % for removable and washable curtains & furniture fabrics  -8%/+4% for other woven or knitted products and terry towelling

/67 Criterion 34: Dimensional changes during washing and drying This criterion does not apply to:  fibres or yarn,  products clearly labelled ‘dry clean only’  furniture fabrics (not removable and washable)

/68 Criterion 35: Colour fastness to washing 3-4 for staining and colour change. This criterion does not apply to :  products labelled ‘dry clean only’  white products  products that are neither dyed nor printed  non-washable furniture fabrics

/69 Criterion 36: Colour fastness to perspiration (acid, alkaline) 3-4 for staining and colour change. 3 for dark colours and regenerated wool or 20 % + silk. This criterion does not apply to:  products that are neither dyed nor printed  furniture fabrics  curtains  similar textiles intended for interior decoration.

/70 Criterion 37: Colour fastness to wet rubbing for indigo dyed denim This criterion does not apply to: white products products neither dyed nor printed

/71 Criterion 38: Colour fastness to dry rubbing for indigo dyed denim. This criterion does not apply to: white products products neither dyed nor printed curtains similar textiles intended for interior decoration

/72 Criterion 39: Colour fastness to light 5 for furniture, curtain or drape fabrics  4 for light coloured fabrics with 20 % or more of wool, silk or bast fibres 4 for others This requirement does not apply to: mattress ticking mattress protection underwear

/73 Criterion 40: Information appearing on the eco-label Following text must be used in Box 2 :  Encouraging use of sustainable fibres  Durable and High Quality  Hazardous Substances Restricted.

Questions ?

APPLICATION FORM & USER MANUAL Is also downloadable from ecolabel/ecolabelled_products/ categories/textiles_en.htm

/76 Application Pack Part A Common for all – not just for textiles General Information.

/77 Application Pack Part B Specifically for textiles. 5 Chapters  General Information  Fibre Criteria  Process & Chemicals Criteria  Fitness for Use  Ecolabel Rules

Let us go through the application form …

/79 Part A Applicant’s name & contact details Classification of applicant (manufacturer, importer, agent etc.) Manufacturing location details Product Information  Specifications  Est. Annual sales in the EU of this product, ex factory.

/80 Part A, contd. Information about previous applications made for this product. Undertaking confirming that applicant will sign a contract for use of Eco Label on the product, if successful. Declarations & documentation regarding micro, small, medium enterprises. Signatures

/81 Part B (Textile Specific) Chapter 1 : General Information

/82 Chapter 1, Section 1-1 Product Description  Trade Name  Type of Product  Identification / Reference Numbers  Description (fibre type etc.)  Agent details

/83 Chapter 1, Section 1-2 Use of Chemicals and Suppliers  Declaration regarding use of only listed chemicals in application. 1-2a : System Flow Diagram  Identify all stages of manufacture (fibre to product)  Identify all suppliers at each stage of manufacture

/84 Chapter 1, Section b : List of Suppliers & Details. 1-2c : List of Chemicals / Trade names etc. 1-2d : Declarations from Chemical Suppliers

/85 Chapter 2 : Fibres Criteria Specific requirements for each fibre. (already covered in earlier presentations) Example : Cotton products  Section 2-2 is applicable.

/86 Section 2-2 Cotton / Cellulosic Seed Fibres Conventional Cotton Pesticide Residues: Test report and Declaration Transitional Organic Cotton Pesticide Residues: Test report, Declaration & Certification Organic Cotton Pesticide Residues : Declaration & Certification

/87 Section 2-8 : Polyester Fibre Antimony content : Declaration & Test Report VOC in manufacture : Declaration, Documentation / Test reports

/88 Chapter 3 : Processes & Chemicals 3-10,14m : Supplier Declaration for  biodegradability,  polyaromatic hydrocarbons,  mineral oils,  APEOs, surfactants MSDS

/89 Section 3-11 for biocides Declaration from Supplier : chlorophenols, PCB and organotins. Test reports for chlorophenols, PCB and organotins in yarn, fabric, final products

/90 Section Surfactants Declaration for non-use of certain surfactants such as APEOs etc. Declaration for biodegradability of detergents, softeners and complexing agents from manufacturers. MSDS for chemicals used.

/91 Section 3-17 to 3-25 Colourants 3-17, 18 : Declaration on Heavy Metal Content 3-21 : Declaration on Banned Amines 3-22 : Declaration & MSDS on Carcinogenic, Toxic and Mutagenic Dyes 3-23 : Declaration for Potentially sensitizing Dyes, Test Report for Perspiration Fastness : Declaration for Halogenated Carriers for Polyester

/ a : Declaration for VOC in printing pastes 3-25b : Declaration for no use of plastisol Section 3-17 to 3-25 Colourants (contd)

/ : Formaldehyde in Final Product Test Report for final product.

/ : Waste water discharge Test reports for COD : discharge water after treatment : to demonstrate annual average values. Both in-house and CETP are covered. Declaration regarding treatment of waste water.

/ : Finishes Declarations regarding no use of finishing materials with specific R-Phrases. MSDS for all chemicals used.

/ : Energy & Water Use Provide data regarding use of energy and water in manufacturing at all stages This is a Voluntary requirement.

/97 Chapter 4 : Fitness for Use Criteria Relevant test reports / declarations as required by the criteria should be provided.

/98 Where can my products be tested?  Verifications should be carried out by reliable laboratories with experience of the relevant product group. Applicants may use test centres which are: accredited under the requirements of ISO or equivalent standards.

Questions ?

Some Fun Exercises …

Exercise 1 Tasteful Textiles want to sell bed linen with the EU Flower

/102 Exercise 1 Purpose of the exercise: How to use the application form & pack in practice.  Which criteria are relevant for the product type ?  What documentation is required ?

/103 Exercise 1 : Parameters Tasteful Textiles “Tasteful Textiles” want the Flower on bed linen. They are based in India. All manufacturing is done in India / Bangladesh Reliable Dyers Reliable Dyers is a dye-house using:  CI Blue 1, CI Yellow 2, CI Green 3  Formic Acid  Finish “Super Soft XL 19”  No Azo dyes, metal complex dyes or chrome mordant dyeing.

/104 Exercise 1 : Parameters Super Sew “Super Sew” is the sewing company:  each pillow case weight 100 grams, 2 buttons  each duvet cover weight 700 grams, 4 buttons  Buttons: three and weight 5 grams each. Fantastic Fabrics “Fantastic Fabrics” is the weaving company:  Fabric is made of 93% cotton, 2% Elastane and 5% polyester  They use a chemical “Fantastic Size 007”.

/105 Exercise 1: Questions 1.Can the product be eco-labelled? 2.Which competent body should they approach ? 3.Which company must document which criteria? 4.How must the relevant criteria be documented? 5.Are there ways to make some of the documentation easier? e.g. by changing something in the way the fabric is composed?

/106 Supplier 1: Cotton ? (?) Supplier 2: Elastane ? (?) Supplier 3: Polyester ? (?) Supplier 4: Weaver Fantastic Fabrics Bangladesh Supplier 5: Dyer Reliable Dyers India Supplier 6: Sewer Super Sew India Supplier 5: Applicant Tasteful Textiles India Chemicals: Fantastic Size 007 Blue 1 Yellow 2 Green 3 Formic acid Super Soft Other relevant information:  Pillow: 100g + 2 buttons á 5g  Duvet cover: 700g + 4 buttons á 5g  Buttons are made of tree Working Grid

/107 Exercise 1: Solutions Can the product be eco-labelled? Why / why not? Yes, because it is over 90% textile fibres Yes, because it is over 90% textile fibres  Pillow: 100g/110g = 0,909 = 90,9%  Duvet cover: 700g/720g = 0,972 = 97,2%

/108 Answers Question 2: To which competent body must the application be sent? Question 2: To which competent body must the application be sent? The company can choose the competent body that they want. Else, to the country where their largest sales happen.

/109 Exercise 1: Solutions Question 3: Which company must document which criteria? Supplier 1: Criterion 2 (cotton), since 93% Supplier 2: None (since under 5%) Supplier 3: Criterion 8 (polyester), since 5% Supplier 4: Criteria 10 (auxiliaries and finishing agents for fibres and yarns) and 14 (auxiliary chemicals) for the size

/110 Exercise 1: Solutions Question 3: Continued Supplier 5: criteria 14 (auxiliary chemicals) for the helping chemicals (Formic acid and Super Soft 007), criterion 15 (fabric softeners) for the softener (Super Soft 007), criteria 17 (impurities in dyes), 22 (dyes that are CMS), 23 (sensitizing dyes) and 24 (halogenated carriers for polyester) for the dyes criterion 27 (waste water discharges from wet- processing) for their waste water.

/111 Exercise 1: Solutions Question 3: Continued Supplier 6: none Supplier 5 (as applicant): Responsible for all the criteria – either document that the criteria are not relevant or make sure that there are documentation. 26 (formaldehyde), 33 (voluntary energy and water use), 40 (information on the eco-label) all the fitness for use criteria are relevant

/112 Exercise 1: Solutions Question 4: How must the relevant criteria be documented? (include the page nos. as given in the user manual and what should be attached with the various declarations) For criterion 2 (cotton): page depending on what type of cotton it is…. For criterion 8 (polyester): page 49-51

/113 Exercise 1: Solutions Question 4: Continued For criterion 10 (auxiliaries and finishing agents for fibres and yarns): page For criterion 14 (auxiliary chemicals) and 15 (fabric softeners): page For criteria 17 (impurities in dyes), 22 (dyes that are CMS), 23 (sensitizing dyes), 24 (halogenated carriers for polyester) and 26 (formaldehyde): page 70-87

/114 Exercise 1: Solutions Question 4: Continued. For criterion 27 (waste water discharges from wet-processing): page For criterion 33 (voluntary energy and water use): page 103 For criteria 34 (dimensional changes), 35 (colour fastness to washing), 36 (colour fastness to perspiration), 37 (colour fastness to wet rubbing), 38 (colour fastness to dry rubbing) and 39 (colour fastness to light): page

/115 Exercise 1: Solutions Question 4: Continued. For criterion 40 (information on the eco-label): page 110 But for the applicant also all other criteria need to be documented – at least by “no use (in this case e.g. criterion 20 (metal complex dyes))” or “not relevant in the production process (in this case e.g. criterion 25 (printing))” – AND all the general application forms (page 7-16).

/116 Additional point- If Tasteful Textiles were to use Fabric with less than 5 % Polyester Or use certified organic cotton Their job would be easier !

/117 Second Point Should Tasteful Textiles change their product range by adding  New Dyes for new colour range  Printed designs  A different Fabric Composition  Can they still use the EU Flower Eco Label ?

/118 NO ! But they can approach their competent body with additional data, documentation and information to ask for an extended certification.

Chemical legislation relevant for textiles

/120 Main Legislations REACH Azo Dyes Nickel Formaldehyde

/121 Others of interest Phthalates Heavy Metals (Lead / Cadmium) APEOs Flame Retardants Chlorinated Phenols

/122 REACH: Definition of article Article: means an object which during production is given a special shape, surface or design which determines its function to a greater degree than does its chemical composition

/123 REACH: Registration Registration of a substance in articles is mandatory for an article producer or importer only if the following two conditions are met: Intended release > 1 tonne per year.

/124 REACH: Notification Notification of a substance in articles is required by an article producer or importer when all of the following conditions are met: At the candidate list > 0.1% (w/w) > 1 tonne per year

/125 REACH: SVHC A list over the substances of very high concern (SVHC) is to be found in Annex XIV or at the candidate list to Annex XIV. The following categories of substances are candidates for Annex XIV (see article 57): CMR PBT & vPvB endocrine disrupting

/126 Azo dyes release one or more of the aromatic amines listed in the appendix concentrations above 30 ppm (in the finished articles or in the dyed parts thereof) come into direct and prolonged contact with the human skin or oral cavity

Questions ?

The Label for Textiles The Application Process made Simple !

/129 The 6 application steps Check if your product is eligible Check if you are eligible Decide your Competent Body Complete the Application Form Create the dossier Send in your Application

/130 Step 1 Check if your product is eligible: Confirm that your product comes under one of the product groups included in the scheme. Go to and choose “product groups” on the menu on the left.

/131 Step 2 Check if you are eligible : Manufacturers, importers and service providers can all apply for the Flower. Traders and retailers can also apply, but only for products marketed under their own brand names

/132 Step 3 Contact a Competent Body: Your Competent Body (CB) is the national organization responsible for the application of the European Eco-label in the European country where your product is made. If the product is made outside Europe, contact a CB in the European country where the product is sold Go to and choose “contact & links” on the menu on the left.

/133 Step 4 Complete the Application Form: Form will be provided by your CB Follow the instructions provided by your CB Fill in the administrative documents. Complete a dossier of supporting documentation (compliance, declarations, test results). This will take you the longest time !!

Next ? SUBMIT THE COMPLETED FORM WITH ALL DOCUMENTATION TO THE CB

/135 Recap : What are competent bodies ? Competent Bodies are independent and impartial organisations, responsible for implementing the EU Ecolabel scheme at national level.

/136 Choice of Competent Body For non European Applicant - any one, your choice. But typically the one where your products would be sold the most. For a Europe based applicant – body of the country of manufacture or the largest country of sale.

/137 Few Guidance Points : Download an application pack Scrutinize requirements to find if you will qualify Appoint a leader for the project Decide on a competent body to approach Approach the CB and start contact. Gather information & data as required. Obtain test reports as required Build your dossier

/138 Further … Take help of experts as necessary. Send in your application pack with fees Expect an audit team from the EU On a successful audit, await certification.

/139 IMPORTANT ! cannot be changed None of the requirements are negotiable – these are written into EU Law and cannot be changed. this is not for all. Criteria has been designed to ensure only the top products qualify – this is not for all.

/140 The EU Flower – an Ideal Sustainability Tool Covers all textile fibres Covers all processes in manufacture Covers Social Aspects as well Covers Work Environment Covers Waste Management Covers Energy Management Covers Chemical Restrictions Covers Product Performance

Best of Luck ! Hope some of you will look to be EU Flower Certified later this year !

Thank you. Photographs in this presentation have been used for representational purposes and sourced from the internet. All logos are trademarks owned by respective organizations. Texanlab Laboratories Pvt. Ltd., R st Floor, TTC Industrial Area Rabale, PO Ghansoli, Navi Mumbai Tel : , Fax :