1. Ecolabelling
"Ecolabelling" is a voluntary method of environmental performance certification and labelling that is practised around the world
An "ecolabel" is a label which identifies overall environmental preference of a product or service within a specific product/service category
Environmental Choice New Zealand is a Type 1 Ecolabel – an independent “seal of approval” (as opposed to manufacturer or supplier claims or environmental declarations)

2. Type I Ecolabel Characteristics
Voluntary
Identifies distinction in environmental performance
Based on sound scientific evidence
Based on life-cycle considerations
Transparently developed
Third party and independent
Takes into account fitness for purpose

3. Environmental Choice New Zealand
ECNZ programme began in early 1990s
Initiated, owned and endorsed by the Crown (Minister for the Environment)
Administered under contract by the New Zealand Ecolabelling Trust since 2002
Member of GEN (Global Ecolabelling Network)
The German Blue Angel was the first Type I ecolabel. It started in the 1970s.
But certainly ECNZ has been around a long time.
It is important to note that we no longer receive any government funding – we are completely financially independent

4. Environmental Choice New Zealand - Key Facts
38 licence categories
More than 50 licensees
Around 1500 products and services
Two-thirds are building-related; balance comprises largely consumer products and sanitary papers
The German Blue Angel was the first Type I ecolabel. It started in the 1970s.
But certainly ECNZ has been around a long time.
It is important to note that we no longer receive any government funding – we are completely financially independent

5. Environmental Choice New Zealand – Current Specifications
Hand dishwashing Detergents
Thermal Building Insulants
Portland Cement
Laundry Detergents
Office Paper and Stationery
Ready Mix Concrete
Machine Dishwashing Detergents
Floor Coverings
Cleaning Services
Wool Pile Carpet
Toiletry Products
Interior Lining Products
Recycled Plastic Products
Textiles, Skins and Leather
Wool Scouring Services
Paints
Furniture and Fittings
Pre-Mix Concrete
Packaging and Paperboard
Synthetic Carpets
Fitness Centre Services
Newsprint and Derived Products
Environmental Leadership
Chemicals
Sanitary Paper Products
Commercial Dishwasher Detergents
Office Activities
Recycled Rubber
Floor Care Products
Recycling for Imaging Consumables
Gypsum Plasterboard
Commercial Cleaning Products
End of Life Services for ITT
General Purpose Cleaners
Commercial Laundry Detergents
Pre-painted & Resin Coated Steel
Printers and Copiers
Flat and Long Steel Products
Our specifications are written specifically for the New Zealand market and take into account the environmental concerns we have here – which may be very different to those overseas.
They cover a wide range of product and service categories.
Our specifications are written by third party experts in a particular field and as required by ISO they are regularly reviewed and updated.
This encourages our licensees to continually improve their environmental efforts.

6. Environmental Choice New Zealand – Life cycle assessment
Our specifications are written specifically for the New Zealand market and take into account the environmental concerns we have here – which may be very different to those overseas.
They cover a wide range of product and service categories.
Our specifications are written by third party experts in a particular field and as required by ISO they are regularly reviewed and updated.
This encourages our licensees to continually improve their environmental efforts.