Interim report. EU Ecolabel Marketing for Products 2007

Transcription

1 EU Ecolabel Marketing for Products 2007 Work on the implementation of the EU Eco-Label Scheme in the areas of marketing, product group development and stakeholder representation. LOT 7 Marketing of Products Service contract no /2006/444943/MAR/G2 signed on as for the elongation of service contract no /2005/420195/MAR/G2 Interim report Status

2 This interim report presents the strategy and work of the EU Ecolabel Marketing for Products team performed in the first half of Details on budget and company data can be found in the confidential annexes. Andreas Scherlofsky Vienna, project management EMP team 2007 Andreas Scherlofsky, Rainer Stifter Energon - Energie- und Umweltmanagement GmbH, Wien, AT Ernst Leitner, Stefan Tauchhammer, Susanne Schlaffer, Ingrid Gaßner G&L Werbe- & Verlags GmbH, Wien, AT Vilma Eri, Péter Szuppinger, Doris Halim, Katalin Varga CES - Center for Environmental Studies; Hungary, Budapest Nick Paxevanos ECPA, Denmark, København Dagmar Diwok ACTA. Milano, IT CLOCKWORK Frithjof Clausen Clockwork Production, Oslo, Norway Maria Menounou >Stavros Tsourtis, Georgia Diamantakou SPEED DEVELOPMENT Greece, Athens Corentine Mazingue-Desailly, Cécile des Abbayes, BIO Intelligence Service S.A. France, Ivry-Sur-Seine Demi Theodori> Ckees van Oijen IVAM UvA BV - dept. Chemical Risks Netherlands, Amsterdam Monika Pribylová, Kristyna Kohoutova, Monika Bílková, Marianna Škrípová Enviros s.r.o. Czech Republic, Prague (in cooperation with Cleaner Production Centre SK) Joanna Tkaczyk Polish Centre for Testing and Certification (sub-contractors) W. Andreas Scherlofsky 2

3 Content Content 3 1. Executive summary 6 2. Eco-labelling in the EU 9 3. Coverage and strategy Central tasks Project management and documentation Central production Corporate design Project-flyer Roll-up Posters Starter-kit boxes Cover for press and info material Marketing Guide AcquGuide Internet platform for document exchange Press work and basic press-kit International trade fair participation Participation at EUROPROPRE 2007 in Paris Participation at another big trade fair Annex CENTRAL TASKS National activities Interim status AUSTRIA Project result 2006 and situation Strategy and focus adjustment Completed activities 2007 until interim report Next steps / in progress Result expectation for Annex AUSTRIA Interim status CZECH REPUBLIC Project result 2006 and situation Strategy and focus adjustment Completed activities 2007 until interim report Next steps / in progress Result expectation for Annex CZECH REPUBLIC Interim status CYPRUS Project result 2006 and situation Strategy and focus adjustment Completed activities 2007 until interim report Next steps / in progress Result expectation for

4 5.4. Interim status DENMARK/Asia Project result 2006 and situation Focus adjustment Strategy and steps Next steps / in progress Result expectation for Annex Denmark/Asia Interim status FRANCE Project result Strategy and focus adjustment Context for soaps, shampoos and hair conditioners Context for GPP activities Completed activities 2007 until interim report Next steps / in progress Result expectation for Annex FRANCE Interim status GREECE Project result 2006 and situation Strategy and focus adjustment Completed activities 2007 until interim report Next steps / in progress Result expectation for Interim status HUNGARY Project result 2006 and situation Strategy and focus adjustment Completed activities 2007 until interim report Next steps / in progress Result expectation for Interim status ITALY Project result 2006 and situation Completed activities 2007 until interim report Next steps / in progress Result expectation for Annex ITALY Interim status NORWAY Project result 2006 and situation Strategy and focus adjustment Completed activities 2007 until interim report Next steps / in progress Result expectation for Interim status POLAND Interim status ROMANIA Project result 2006 and situation Strategy and focus adjustment Completed activities 2007 until interim report Next steps / in progress Result expectation for

5 Annex ROMANIA Interim status SLOVAK REPUBLIC Project result 2006 and situation Strategy and focus adjustment Completed activities 2007 until interim report Next steps / in progress Result expectation for Interim status SPAIN Situation and strategy Completed activities 2007 until interim report Next steps / in progress Result expectation for Annex SPAIN Interim status LUBRICANTs Project result 2006 and situation Strategy and focus adjustment Completed activities 2007 until interim report Next steps / in progress Result expectation for Annex LUBRICANTs 93 5

6 1. Executive summary KICK-OFF meeting for EU Ecolabel Markting for Products project was on 16 th January 2007 in Brussels. Befor that the strategies have been prepared. During the meeting each partner presented the strategy and the steps for all covered regions which were discussed with the DG ENV, Mr. Ben Casper and Ms. Nicola Marinucci. Some of the strategies had to be revised. Next step after the meeting was the adjustment with the CBs (focus), the actualisation of the contracts with partners and the detail planning of the tasks. Then the performance started, in some countries immediately in others later at special dates. In 2007 the focus was laid on 8 product groups of which the most covered were soaps and shampoos (7), Textiles (3), Print and copy paper (2), Bed matressess (2) and Lubricants (EU-wide). Again some of the partners decided to focus on retailer cooperation to increase the pull effect. Product groups 2007 Andreas Scherlofsky Vienna, project management Soaps and shampoos (7) Textiles (3) Print and copy paper (2) Bed matressess (2) Lubricants (EU) Focus Synergy Potential Covered country Partner Textiles Bed mattresses Hard floor covers Soaps and shampoos All purpose cleaners Tissue Paper Lubricants Print and copying Paper RETAILER & Consumer WORK GPP EU IVAM AT Energon/G&L... CY SPEED CZ ENVIROS promotion DE Energon/G&L.. DK EPCA FR BIO IS +det. GR SPEED HU CES IT ACTA NOR CLOCKWORK PL? RO ACTA SK ENVIROS ES BIO IS +det EU

7 The table gives an overview of already finished steps (done), next steps and result expectations until the end of the year: Country (partner) Steps done Next steps Expectation of results EU (Energon/GUL): Press article; drafts of Marketing Guide, Aquiguide and info cover project website concept; actualisation of posters, roll-ups and project folder; (BIOIS): participation and acquisition at EUROPROPRE Paris Finish of Marketing Guide, Acquiguide, website, info cover; International trade fair 2; Press package EU Increased recognition and interest EU lubricants (IVAM) Follow-up contacting Advice for interested comp. Article, participation at workshops and meetings (IVAM), prep. Of VAMIL-article Event in Gothenburg, S Screening of VAMIL certified products Follow-up of contacts and support Applications of several major lubricant companies Increase of awareness AT + DE (Energon + G&L) Date research, identification of key stakeholders, contacting, mailing, company meetings Contacts and meetings Press work 2 promising contacts (retailer + producer) > 1 application CY (SPEED) Market and product analysis Key contacts, preparations 1 workshop; preparation and distribution of info; press work; lobbying Up to 5 applicants (incl. GR) Raising interest from producers CZ (ENVIROS) (CB seminar 22.3., 50 partic.) retailer research + selection contacts and concept TESCO participation in 4Habitat fair list of Ecolabelled products 10 company contacts; TESCO promotion; Presswork; follow-up contacts 0f 2006 Rising visibility Rising interest from companies DK + Asia (EPCA) Research + contacts + selection List of Asian suppliers Offering of support to companies Continue with guidance and support 2 DK and 2 Asian applications (starting or complete) better possibilities for future applications ES (BIO IS) Database, preparation of mailing for CB (to send in June) Workshop in Barcelona on 9 Oct., follow-up contacting? At least 1 application FR (BIO IS) Research, Data base Mailing draft for CB Follow-up contacting after CB mailing GPP database Preparation of GPP mail 2 applications 2007/2008 GR (SPEED) Data research + product analysis Identification of stakeholders 1 workshop networking presswork database development Up to 5 applicants (incl. CY) Raising interest from stakeholders and producers HU (CES) IT (ACTA) Strategy with CB market research for producers and retailers (reduced activities because of focus Romania) workshop in Lombardia; GPP research for available Ecolabel products started in Lombardia and Trentino Contacting Mediawork Retailer work Continue research meeting w. Lombardian CB in summer; probably Ecolabel stand at Fai la cosa giusta fair in September and 2 paper company contacts Applications not assessable Increase of awareness 7

8 Country (partner) Steps done Next steps Expectation of results PL (CES>CB) New strategy with CB, development of materials 1 workshop with CB contracting experts to support applicants Not assessable RO (ACTA) Meetings with stakeholders; media work + clipping with many articles!); participation in workshops and conferences, lobbying, support of CB for translation of info sheets Follow-up support of CB and consumer associations Seminar for companies (6./7.7.) Ev. TV/videoclip, support of CB Ecolabel website 2 interested companies NOR (CLOCK- WORK) meetings/talks with 3 producers of baby clothing Workshop with Swan 2 meetings with distributors Increase sales volume 1 fresh licence holder SK (ENVIROS) Research and selection of producers, contacting Follow-up contacting (mails + phone), ev. TESCO promotion? Presswork (list + article + mail) Partic. in conference in Oct. in High Tatra At least 1 article Increased interest and visibility and awareness Lubricants EU-wide (IVAM) Follow-up of advice for producers and suppliers of additives Lobbying with key suppliers Events, meetings with companies, administration etc., article, NL workshop, preparation of Screening, search for laboratories to assist applicants Data base List of laboratories Increase of awareness among OEMS Several applications of major lubricant companies; Event in Gothenborg, S Screening of VAMIL certified companies, contacts 8

9 2. Eco-labelling in the EU The latest statistics on the EU Ecolabelled products and companies was edited in the Flower News 01/2007 in summer The number of licenced companies increased to 398 with about 2000 products. More than half of all licences can be found in Italy (97), France (70) and Denmark (52), followed by Germany (31), Spain (24), Austria (24) and Sweden (17), Greek (16), followed by Irland (11) and UK (10). The other 46 licences are spread over a big number of European but also other countries, for example South Africa and Australia. A cluster analysis of the EU Ecolabels shows a focus mainly to four product group clusters: tourism with 111 licences (tourist accomodation services + camping sites) cleaners/detergents (84) and tissue papers (18) textiles (68) paints & varnishes (58) 9

10 Most promising momentums for the expansion could be set by soaps, shampoos and hair conditioners, a new criteria which has already passed the Commission and public launch of which is expected for maybe after the summer. Textiles, of which the criteria are under revision In this sectors the product density of labelled products could be most effective Point-of- Sales promotion activities. A best practise example was the Danish Flower Campain in 2006 (for details see the presentation of the Danish CB available on the EU Ecolabel website, Marketing board meetings). The following text on actual revisions was taken from the latest Flower News (1/2007) because of its importance for our acquisition work: The French Competent Body is continuing its work on revising the criteria for textiles and bed mattresses and the ad-hoc working group has held its third meeting. The vote on the revised criteria for televisions is scheduled for December The period of validity of the eco-label criteria for tissue paper, televisions, textile products, refrigerators, detergents for dishwashers, and washing machines was extended for a period of 12 months without change by Commission Decision 2007/207/EC (L/92.16) of 29 March The period of validity of the eco-label criteria for dishwashers, indoor paints and varnishes, bed mattresses, copying and graphic paper and light bulbs will be extended without change for a period of 18 months in a Commission Decision to be published shortly. The revision of the criteria for indoor paints and varnishes, which will include looking at new criteria for outdoor paints and varnishes, will start in April 2007 with the first ad-hoc working group. The first ad-hoc working group for the revision of the criteria for hard floor coverings is scheduled for September This work will also include the development of criteria for soft floor coverings. The revised criteria for tissue paper are currently being considered by the Commission. 10

11 3. Coverage and strategy The chart gives the overview of partners, their locations and covered regions: Andreas Scherlofsky Vienna, project management Task split Partner Home office Covered countries Acquis. Promotion Energon/G&L AT AT, EU ACTA IT RO + IT BIO IS F FR + ES CES HU HU, PL PCTC? PL PL ENVIROS CZ CZ, SK IVAM NL EU-wide lub. SPEED GR GR, CY EPCA DK DK + Far East CLOCKWORK NO NO The main changes in 2007 regarding the coverage of Member States are: The Danish partner covering Norway, Sweden and Denmark in 2006 was replaced by two partners covering one country each: Denmark and Norway. That is expected to be more effective The Danish partner is focussing to Far East textile companies producing for Danish end-producers or retailers which was a special demand and proposed by the Danish Compentent Body The Czech partner in Czech Republic will focus more on promotion and create promotion synergy with the Czech Ecolabel. Two other changes were decided during the first half of the year: The Hungarian partner who covered Hungary and Poland in 2006 will focus to Hungary and half of the budget will be free for a Polish partner. This follows the same strategy as in the Northern countries mentioned above. We re in promising negotiation with the Polish Competent Body to find the appropriate organisational and task solution. The Italian partner s initiative in Romania happened to be a great success. So the acquisition in Italy which is perfectly done by the Italian Competent Body was reduced and the Romanian activities expanded. 11

12 The map gives an overview of the activities and coverage in Green marked countries are target of regional activities, yellow countries are covered only in some selected product groups (lubricants) steered from partners with a sectoral approach: IVAM who from Amsterdam does acquisition work all over Europe. Andreas Scherlofsky Vienna, project management Coverage 2007 focus country focus contacts partner Far East In the second year of our work the fruits of success seem to come much nearer. Regarding the project management and documentation there were two main strategy targets: More and more regularly communication and exchange Reduction of reporting effort to the very essential core During the first half of the year the reporting was actually reduced. 12

13 4. Central tasks The tasks are split into regional, sectoral and central tasks: Regional tasks are the regional research, acquisition and promotion activities, led by the PARTNERS (also the big trade fairs are taken over by regional partners) Sectoral tasks are the acquisition activities towards lubricants, led by IVAM. This approach was meant to be expanded as we had good experience also in the TV sector where national contacts are less effective than EU-wide acquisition. This will also be a promising strategy for Electrical Appliances whos producers work and decide more international. Central tasks are the project management, documentation, coordination as well as the development of materials and tools for regional adoption (project flyer, starter-kit, press-kit etc.), they are widely performed by ENERGON and G&L Task split Andreas Scherlofsky Vienna, project management Central tasks Sectoral (EU-wide) Regional tasks Kick-off and continuous coordination ( and internet phonr Overall Management: concept, coordination and administration Basic materials (1) Box: design, production, overview form (2) Basic designs, text (engl.) + production: box editorial, project flyer, standard ppt, poster, roll-up, EU activities: international networking, cross marketing and participation at 2 big events (with national partners) (DG, EUEB, head quaters, EU retailers) EU Press-kit: article (engl.) + checklist Press work EU-wide media: database, contacts, service and clipping Reporting, concept/acquiguide (with partners) LUBRICANT acquisition: Basic research on facts, potential applicants, events and key stakeholders > data base; preparation of texts and tools; key stakeholder contacts and preparation of presentations; presentations, participation at events; direct contacts with companies Press work (key magazines): identification, texts, contacts, clipping Documentation and reporting Regional info-kits Regional acquisition and/or promotion (different depending on national situation) Basic research on facts, potential applicants, events and key stakeholders > data base; key stakeholder contacts and preparation of presentations; presentations, participation at events, direct contacts with companies Regional press work database, press-kit: regional adaptation/translation contacts, service and clipping Documentation and reporting * tasks subject to regional differences The central tasks split into: Project management and documentation Central production Press work Participation in big European trade fairs 13

14 4.1. Project management and documentation Activities referring to this central task, mainly performed by the project coordinator are: Preparing the strategy and caring for the adjustment with DG and CB focusses by all partners Adjustment of contracts and tasks in cooperation with all partners preparations of project presentation in particular for meetings in Brussels: kick off interim report meeting budgeting, book-keeping, transferrals of honoraria and reimbursements conception, planning and briefing of central tasks co-ordination of tasks support of partners But mainly it s a communication job which you can derive from the simple fact that the number of s handled, received and sent has reached the figure of about 600 so far this year it was about The quality improves so that the number will decrease but more focus towards efficiency and results and the in special cases much more effective personal phone contacts will grew. Main job of the project management is to keep the overview and to care for an overall strategy which is the basement for individual but synergetic national and sectoral activities. The actualised timetable gives a raw overview: Andreas Scherlofsky Vienna, project management Steps P.M. Comm./Quality Dev. Reporting/Docum. strategy 2007 m1 m2 Int. report Report 07 m3 strategy 2008 P-folder Basic materials Poster +5 roll-up +5 Project webplatform Marketing guide Acquiguide/ppt press-kit P.O.S.-Guide Acquisition package Contacting, mailings, on-site meetings, Workshops applications Additional market research Retailer & licence holder CZ Events CeBIT PREP Expofil TexWorld Ankara workshop EURO PROPRE???? Press work Intern. p.w. Press package Soaps&Shampoos International press work National press work 14

15 4.2. Central production Central task besides project management and documentation is the development of materials and tools which will be used, adopted and complemented by the partners: project-flyer starter-kit boxes with basical content acquisition guide and standard presentation press-kit roll-up and poster developed first (by ENERGON/G&L) and then adopted All designs are held in the current design style with the special green, the EU Eco-label logo and product group pictograms (of which three had to be added in the same green style Corporate design The graphic design style was fixed in 2006 and step by step adopted to several produces print and web applications: , info material sheet, project flyer, roll-up, poster, promotional materials, cards and T-shirts. In 2007 all graphics in use were actualised, mainly for the neu logo: Posters, roll-ups, project flyer and -background. Further productions have to be kept in the same style Project-flyer The project-flyer was actualised (logo, partner contacts, number of EU Ecolabel licences) and is ready for printing it or to produce translated versions. Also the German version was actualised. The project-flyer is well in use for acquisiton and press work. (See the annex of this chapter) Roll-up In the existing versions of the files the logo has been changed and 5 new roll-ups have been produced and sent by courier service to: Prague (ENVIROS), Barcelona (BIO IS), Italy (ACTA), Greek (SPEED). Some of them translated to their national language others preferred the English version. (See the annex of this chapter) 15

16 Posters The EU Ecolabel logo was changed to the new one in the existing master and translated poster versions. A new version for Czech Republic was produced, translated by ENVIROS, layouted by Ingrid Gassner, produced in Vienna and sent to Prague for an event. The partners will be informed about the actual versions and invited to order items which we produce it in Vienna and send it to them. Its also possible to send the printer-pdf files to the partners for their own production. (See the annex of this chapter) Starter-kit boxes From 300 pieces produced in 2006 there are 56 still in reserve. Also some of the partners have items not yet handed over to key representatives, journalists or companies interested in the EU Ecolabel at on-site meetings. Next steps. An inventory to get the actual stocks is running at the moment. In the closer future no new production seems to be necessary. First we ll use the existing rest Cover for press and info material For keeping info materials for interested companies, key representatives and journalists together in a pretty way a cover will be designed by Energon/G&L, produced and sent to the partners. Next steps. The draft will be designed in August and adjusted with the DG. First use could be the press work for the soap and shampoo criteria. 16

17 Marketing Guide The new marketing guide covers main aspects on the Flower, sales arguments, and best practice examples on how to use it in the marketing, including a check list. This task is performed by Energon in cooperation with GUL in Vienna. This brochure is aiming at the marketing employees to motivate them to use the EU Ecolabel in their marketing at a higher extent. Target of this brochure is both to The marketing guide is nearly finished. The partners and national Competent Bodies (also others than covered by our project) are invited to translate the text and we will care for the layout. Next steps. The draft is goint to be sent to the DG for comments and then will be revised and produced by color print copying in a basic edition of some hundreds of copies. The copies will be sent to all partners for their future company contacting. They will also be sent to the CBs of all member states. The graphic master file will stand by for national translations or productions in English by partners and CBs. (See the annex of this chapter for more details) AcquGuide The AcquiGuide is a practical tool coming out of the project experience and developed for Competent Bodies, consultants and all organisations dealing with the acquisition of new EU Ecolabel applicants. With its instructions, best practice examples and checklists it will be a help for optimising the acquisition activities. The 2007 version will be finished till end of the year and offered to all EU Competent Bodies Internet platform for document exchange This internal website will be a practical tool not only for project partners but also for CBs and others dealing with acquisition of new Flower applicants. It will be a platform for up- and download of basic materials, posters, standard presentations and information materials in all language versions. At the interim report a draft of the structure was presented. Next steps. The internet platform will be installed during summer. 17

18 4.3. Press work and basic press-kit Austrian and German media were researched, selected and contacted in order to identify EU-wide relevant special interest media of the soap and shampoo market. An article (see annex) on the EU Ecolabel and the new criteria for Soaps, champoos and in SÖFW (No ) one of the worldwide leading journals of the developers and marketers of detergents with versions in English, Russion and Chinese. Target groups of this journal are: Formulators, chemists, research and development, laboratory staff, marketing, management and students. The text will be the basis for other international mailings adjusted with the DG ENV and the project partners towards the soaps and shampoo industry which will be also prepared for use by project partners in other countries in the basis press-kit. This task is performed by Energon & GUL in cooperation. Next steps. The adjustment of press work with the DG Environment will start with the interim report presentation and then involve the partners. Start of the press event will be soon after the publishing if the new criteria on soaps, shampoos and hair conditioners. After that the press-kit will start with a collection of all existing press activities done by the partners, exchange and preparation of a press-kit. 18

19 4.4. International trade fair participation Planned is to join two big European trade fairs. In the first halft of the year we decided to perform the BIO IS proposal of the EUROPROPRE a big European fair for cleaning. Possibilities and decision on another trade fair in autumn of 2007 is point of the interim meeting agenda Participation at EUROPROPRE 2007 in Paris In the framework of Lot 7 Marketing activities for products, Bio Intelligence Service (BIO IS) had a stand at the Europropre Fair in Paris on March 2007 and was present during the three days of the Fair. Objective was to support companies selling ecolabelled products wishing for more information on the Flower to assess the level of awareness of the Flower amongst detergent companies and raise their knowledge on the Flower and to promote the EU Eco-label towards companies present at the fairs who could be potential applicants. Europropre is totally dedicated to exchanges about hygiene and cleaning solutions. Europropre brings together all those involved in the industry, including manufacturers and distributors of machines, equipment and products, cleaning companies and end users from industry, the service sector and local authorities. Multiservices Expo, a unique platform for information, exchanges and contacts between national operations, service providers and associations, was held in conjunction with Europropre. This year, 451 companies, of which 191 were international companies, exhibited their offer of products on more than m² people visited the fair this year, consisting in 10.23% of internationals coming from 49 states (mainly Belgium, Spain, the Netherlands, Italy, Switzerland, Germany, Morocco, Portugal, Hungary, the United Kingdom). Visitors are final users (45%), cleaning companies (26%), retailers/distributors (20%) and producers (9%). Their posision is mainly Management (46%), technical/hygiene manager (20%), marketing managers (19%) and byers/purchase managers (13%) of all sizes of company employment. 19

20 Marketing materials BIO IS prepared and brought the following marketing material: A roll-up with the slogan L Europe passe au vert (Europe goes green) / Green business is good business 2 posters from the Toolbox; Product Group Fact Sheets in French: all-purpose cleaners, detergents for dishwashers, hand dishwashing detergents and laundry detergents were printed and distributed on the stand, General Info-kit Consumers brochures in French were printed and distributed at the stand. EU Ecolabelled holders had also been given the opportunity before the fair to send samples of their EU Ecolabelled products which were exhibited in the showcase. It was an opportunity for holders to promote their products. Also the presence of products on the stand attracts people s attention and therefore the EU Ecolabel does not remain an abstract concept. ceremonies to present the Flower to Alcal and Chrysteins. Presence and fair activitites. Corentine Mazingue-Desailly from Bio Intelligence Service was present at the stand during the whole duration of the show. Mrs Patricia Proia, from the French Competent Body, also came on the stand on March 28 in the afternoon, and March 29 in the morning. Her colleague, Mr Joel Duchatelle, also came on March 28. They were present on the Fair for two award ceremonies (see the photographs) and took the opportunity to come on the EU Ecolabel stand. Activities at the fair were providing information on the Flower to visitors; distributing brochures and information material to visitors; meeting EU Ecolabel holders who also had a stand at the fair; This activities are important because they show the labelholders that the EC is active in the promotion of the Flower. It is also very instructive to see how they communicate on the Flower. Indeed, some have big posters on the Flower whereas others do not do as much publicity on the subject. Also it comes out of these meetings that some companies have done big efforts to communicate internally on the Flower. Thus, all their employees, especially sales managers, can explain what the Flower stands for. However, in other companies, they are just informed that this is an environmental 20

21 label and they use this as a sales argument but are not able to answer more specific questions from buyers, who are more and more aware of the environmental problems and are very much interested in the approach behind the label, the criteria, the difference with other labels etc. It is therefore important to prompt companies to take the time for internal training on the label. In return they will have better sales arguments. The French Competent Body took the opportunity of the Fair to conduct two award ceremonies for new holders: ALCATEL (first picture) and CHRYSTEINS (second picture, with Patricia Proia, from the French Competent Body). Alcal received the EU Ecolabel for 13 products in the all purpose cleaners and hand dishwashing detergents product groups and Chrysteins received the EU Ecolabel for 6 products in the laundry detergents, all purpose cleaners and hand dishwashing detergents criteria. Chrysteins is waiting for certification for 3 other products. Contacts and results. More than 80 people per day came to the stand, all interested in the Flower. The visitors met had the following profiles: Producers - They raised different type of questions such as Differences/advantages of the EU Ecolabel in comparison other labels such as Ecocert, Label européen de développement durable (developped by AISE the international Association for Soaps, Detergents and Maintenance Products which is the official representative body of this industry in Europe; These questions were mostly raised by companies wishing to develop a range of environmentally friendly products. Several producers think that the criteria are not strict enough. They argue that more and more detergents producers have the label in France (from 12 in March 2006, there are 31 today in March 2007!). The sector is becoming much more competitive. The number of EU Ecolabel holders for detergents criteria has more than doubled in one year. This is mostly due to the expansion of green public procurement which encourages the use of EU Ecolabel criteria in call for tenders. Many producers enquired about disinfectants not to be included in the scope of the all-purpose cleaners criteria. However it wasn t always clear for them. 21

22 Some producers also raised concerns about the reactions of consumers who would not necessarily understand why only part of their range of detergents are ecolabelled, and not all of them. It does not seem easy to explain that this is due to the fact that they do not enter the scope of the product groups defined by the EU Ecolabel. Finally, one or two producers wanted advice on how to market their products with the Flower: should they promote them towards retailers, private companies, public purchasers? Cleaning service providers The EU Ecolabel is something quite new for them. Since environmental issues are starting to be a big issue, some of these companies are thinking of launching a green offer. Retailers/cataloguists came to the stand to look for information. Indeed their clients want more information on the products and they needed advice on how to present the Ecolabel and what it stands for. Some public purchasers interested in the EU Eco-label criteria for their calls for tenders visited the stand. Producers of raw material Perfume producers wanted to have the full criteria in order to develop perfumes that could enter the formulation of EU Ecolabelled detergents. Packaging producers were also interested in the criteria concerning the packaging of detergents. Other companies producing ingredients that can enter the formulation of detergents visited the stand. Also a few private companies advising local authorities on Environment / Quality / Security issues came to take documentation about GPP and the Ecolabel. Generally speaking, all the visitors were interested in the environment and sustainable development. A table presenting the contact details of the persons who agreed to give us their business card can be found in the company details annex of this report. This table does not present the total number of people which came to the stand. Indeed, some people just came to take a brochure without asking further questions. Awareness of the Flower. The market is moving very fast. Indeed, still last year, most visitors met on fairs did not know the EU Ecolabel, but today most people have heard of environmental labels, including the EU Ecolabel, even though they usually do not know what it stands for. There is a great need, and demand, for information. Conclusions. This fair participation enabled to directly inform about 250 stakeholders from retailers, producers, cleaning service companies, local authorities about the Flower. There was a great demand for information on the Flower. Thus it was very good to have a stand at this event. Environmentally friendly products turned out to be THE topic of the fair. Indeed thedifferent conferences included either a part on environmental management, sustainable development, or ecolabelled products. Also, all the companies awarded the 22

23 EU Ecolabel which had a stand at the Fair mentioned that their stands were always full with visitors and they made numerous contacts for future sales. They were very pleased. They also thought that the EU Ecolabel stand was important because we gave more information and precisions on the Flower to visitors which helped promote their EU Ecolabelled products. It is very good news that having an Ecolabel is becoming a great sales advantage. However, this can lead to some abuses in a very competitive sector. Indeed, so as not to miss the opportunity provided by the fair, some companies still in the application process and not yet awarded did not hesitate to expose products with the label. Some did it with the authorization of the Competent Body and writing very explicitly that the products were still in the process for authorization. However, other companies (one big company on the market) did not mention anything. Even after discussing with one of their sales manager, it turned out that they did not do a difference, only saying that the products would be available in July. The presence of samples of EU Ecolabelled products on the stand proved to be eyecatching. And awarded companies were pleased to see their products exposed. This should be renewed at future fairs. Producers raised different points concerning the criteria and the product groups which should be discussed during the revision as these comments come up regularly: The criteria are not strict enough. The sector is becoming much more competitive and front-runners want to keep their advantage. The scope of the product groups is not large enough. Indeed not all types of detergents fit in the scope of the product groups and this is very frustrating for producers and consumers as it is not easy to explain Participation at another big trade fair 2007 For the second half of project period 2007 it was agreed with the DG to participate at Ried EUROHAUS ( ) and TEXGATE Istanbul ( ). Because of limited possibilities the Ried participation will be kept small and in addition a participation at GRAZER HERBSTMESSE ( ) will be arranged. The trade fairs in Ried and Graz are end consumer fairs. The target there will be the raising of visibility. Texgate is a big international trade fair for the textile experts and companies from all over the world. 23

24 Annex CENTRAL TASKS Actualisation of roll-ups and new language versions 24

25 Actualisation of posters and new language versions 25

26 Product sample shelf for promotion at EUROPROPRE trade fair in Paris 26

27 Article published in SÖFW (English, German, Russian) 27

28 Marketing Guide for licencees and interested companies (draft status ) 28

29 29

30 Project flyer revised English version + translations 30

31 EU Ecolabel Marketing Presentation, held in Ankara , EU Ecolabel workshop 31

32 32

33 EU Ecolabel for textile products Presentation, held in Ankara , EU Ecolabel workshop 33

34 5. National activities This chapter describes activities the regional acquisition and promotion activities each following this structure: Project result 2006 and situation 2007 Strategy and focus adjustment 2007 Completed activities 2007 until interim report Next steps / in progress Result expectation for 2007 Eventually Annex Company contacts will be listed in another annex handled internally as confidential. 34

35 5.1. Interim status AUSTRIA The Austrian project activities are performed in cooperation by ENERGON (Scherlofsky) and G&L (Leitner, Tauchhammer, Schlaffer, Gassner) Project result 2006 and situation 2007 The focus of 2006 lay at trying to find new license holders in the product groups Cleaners, tissue papers, household appliances and computers. The interest was generally quite low. Thus, we changed the strategy to large retail chains. We will try to convince them to add products with the Flower mainly Soaps & Shampoos and Cleaners to their portfolio Strategy and focus adjustment 2007 The main focus lies on finding applicants for the new criteria soaps and shampoos. The strategy aims at persuading large supermarket/drug store chains to certify a whole trade brand (e.g. including shower gel, shampoos etc.). Therefore, acquisition activities will be carried out in Austria and Germany at the headquarters of these companies Completed activities 2007 until interim report Press work An article in German and English (and subsequently Russian) was published in Germany s most important special interest magazine for soaps and shampoos called SÖFW. This article promotes the new product group soaps and shampoos and should be read by decision makers throughout Europe. The SÖFW Journal has a circulation of in German, in English and in Russian. Organization networking The most important organizations representing the soaps and shampoos industry were informed on the existence of this new criteria and were asked to inform their members. The following were contacted: Colipa (The European Cosmetic Toiletry and Perfumery Association): Mr. Sebastian Marx, feedback was positive, promised to inform his members. 35

36 IKW (German Cosmetic, Toiletry, Perfumery and Detergent Association): Mrs. Huber was informed, said that criteria were not strong, however, more information sent. FCIO (Austrian Association representing the Cosmetic, Toiletry and Perfumery industry): Mr. Gründling was informed, promised to support the EU Flower, press text on the Flower was sent. However, he said that there are no larger producers in Austria, they become too unflexible with their recipe when acquiring the Flower, environmental friendliness is not secured. Mr. Muth, a suborganization of the FCIO responsible for smaller producers also promised to inform his members, press text was sent. Participation at an expert committee with the Austrian Consumer Association (VKI) On May the Austrian Consumer Association held an expert committee on extending the EU Ecolabel criteria Soaps & Shampoos with health aspects. The participants were from the chemical industry. After the event, contacts were established with two companies and one NGO: One promising contact developer of sanitary and cosmetic products is placing own brands as well as brands on behalft of retailers. They recently certified a range of cleaning products with the Flower and the Austrian Eco-label. They also are interested in the Flower for Soaps and Shampoos, however are waiting for demand from retailers. The second contact is a major producer of cosmetic products like soaps and shampoos for large Austrian retailers like Hofer and Norma. Principally like the Flower but have high technical problems in the implementation as the products change every six months. However, if there s demand from retailers like Norma, they d surely certify. The third contact was ÖGUT (Austrian Association for Environment and Technics). They work close together with the Austrian Environmental Ministry to support the Sustainable Weeks which take place every year in autumn. During these weeks, eco-products are specially presented in the major retail chains in Austria (which are also part of the acquisition strategy). She promised to support us with contacts of stakeholders of the companies DM, a large retail chain and Weleda, a producer of natural cosmetics. They are in favour of the European Ecolabel as they are benefited by a larger number of ecoproducts during these weeks. Meeting with 1 interested company and event support June 13 we already had a meeting with a marketing and a development manager of an Austrian producer about possibilities to apply for the EU Ecolabel s new criteria soaps and shampoos beside their already certified cleaners. Second agenda of this meeting was the identification of possibilities to improve marketing and retailer cooperation. Further we accompanied this company at their awarding ceremony and at their annual company event with photographs, advice for press work and with the EMP project poster. Next steps will be to inform them on our talks with retail chains. 36

37 Meeting with one large Austrian retailer On 13 July we had a meeting with Ms. Nicole Sulzer, Product management Eigenmarken Shampoos and Ms and Handler-Kunze, Quality Management. The EU Ecolabel is rather interesting for them for the own brand Clever for which they don t advertise at all. This because the company itself doesn t focus on the environment. But, the Flower could be a good added value for these products, including cleaning products, various detergents and tissue papers. Clever products are also sold at BILLA and Merkur, Austria s largest supermarket chain! They will discuss this with the product management of Clever and the general management. They won t take further actions for applying for the Soaps and Shampoos criteria as it doesn t fit to their brand M.Y.. We ll continue our talks with this important company Next steps / in progress Acquisition activities The acquisition activities in Austria and Germany started in June and target the following companies (See the example letter in the annex), both producers and retailers of soaps and shampoos: Kanol (Austria) Weinzierl (Austria) DM (Austria and Germany) Müller (Germany) Schlecker (Germany) BIPA (Austria) Spar (Austria) Hofer/Aldi (Austria, Germany) NORMA (Germany) Weleda (Germany, Austria) Follow-up calls were made with the company Adler (producer of varnishes) and Elektrolux showing no further interest. Press work Austrian and German special interest media were researched, selected and contacted. An article on the EU Ecolabel and the new criteria for Soaps, champoos and in SÖFW one of the worldwide leading magazins of the developers and marketers of detergents with versions in English, Russion and Chinese. Target groups: Formulators, chemists, research and development, laboratory staff, marketing, management and students. The text will be the basis for other international mailings adjusted with the DG ENV towards the soaps and shampoo industry which will be also prepared for use by project 37

38 partners in other countries Result expectation for 2007 The main target is to find new applicants for Soaps & Shampoos in Austria and/or Germany. The number so far is not assessable. After the first sceptic reactions of interest representatives now we have a couple of producer contacts which seem to be interested and with which we will have on-site-meetings Annex AUSTRIA Letter to companies (example) 38

39 5.2. Interim status CZECH REPUBLIC The Czech project activities are performed by ENVIROS (Monika Přibylová, Kristyna Kohoutova and Monika Bilkova) Project result 2006 and situation 2007 For the 2006 activities the Czech CB recommended to specialize at 2 products groups - the textile, the paints and varnishes, as within the textile industry the 1 st EU Ecolabel was awarded in 2005 and the paints and varnishes have been the most successful group with the national Ecolabel. During the 2006 project activities there were contacted 24 producers from the textile, the paints and varnishes product groups. Also personal meetings were hold with representatives of the relevant industry associations. Regardless very good cooperation from the CB, the response from the producers was mostly negative. In few cases they requested further information but except two or three they were not willing to pursue any further activities which could indicate their interest in the EU Eco-label. The only company which asked for detailed information on the application process is SPOLTEX Kravaře from the textile group. Independently from our activities Nova Mosilana - textile producer applied for the Flower and obtained it by the end of Based on the negative responses from 2006 and producers requests for promotion of EU Ecolabel between consumers the CB together with Enviros team suggested to focus 2007 marketing activities on consumers, shops and retail chains. Since the beginning of 2007 no EU or national Ecolabel for any product group was awarded. Nevertheless Czech producers are more and more applying for the EMS within the ISO Generally the EU Ecolabel is unknown to Czech consumers and traders. Apart from this project and CB promotion activities there is very little information available on the EU Ecolabel in electronic and printed media. One of the effective CB promotion activities are education sessions for teachers of elementary and secondary schools. To support the promotion of Ecolabel application in the CR, the CB organized one day seminar for producers and other stakeholders interested in Ecolabel at the Ministry of Environment in Prague on the 22 nd March The participants made group of about 50 people, from which about half were Czech producers. In general it is possible to assess that the interest of the Czech consumers in environmentally friendly and healthy life style is increasing. Major retail chains like Tesco and Plus diskont have introduced healthy lines of food products. Tesco is also promoting energy savings (carbon footprint) and sustainable behavior for home care and consumtion (e.g. recycling promotion). Similarly several shopping malls in Praha have been promoting environmentally friendly products such as cosmetics. 39

40 Strategy and focus adjustment 2007 In early February 2007 at the meeting with the CB we confirmed to shift the focus of 2007 marketing activities more on customers and shops/traders. We agreed to aim the project activities along the CB development directions. The project activities focus on increasing of awareness about the Ecolabel between the consumers which shall be done through: a) participation in specialised fair with target groups of children, mothers, families and seniors, and b) cooperation with selected retail chain organizing promotion activities within the retail s premises. Further promotion will be ensured through articles on internet websites oriented on customers care and/or participation on seminars/workshops related to sustainable consumption and related topics Completed activities 2007 until interim report In line with the list of tasks and deliverables the following activities have been carried out during the first half of the year: Identification and selection of retailers groups/chains for promotion activities Identification of key trade fairs for promotion of Ecolabel Carry out 1 of the 2 promotion activities towards end customers and producers Press work Description of the above listed activities: Identification and selection of retailers groups/chains for promotion activities Together with the CB we set the goal to choose a retailer group or chain which is selling the ecolabelled products at present. The CB recommended relatively small Czech drugstores chain Teta which is selling ecolabelled detergents, cleaning products and stationary goods. During detailed review we found that this chain offers only products with the national Ecolabel, but non with the EU Ecolabel. Based on this experience we made search of EU Ecolabelled products in the CR based on the Green store list of EU Ecolabelled products available in the CR. Although the list was relatively long, we had hard time to find out where/how in reality it is possible to buy the listed products. The two Czech textile producers which obtained the EU Ecolabel don t use the EU Ecolabel on the Czech market (they are using the national Ecolabel instead). From the foreign companies we traced several products which are in reality available on the Czech market, but most of them are available in the wholesale and the representatives of the wholesale don t have any information about the EU Ecolabel. 40

41 The only products which are available in the Czech market and where the producers claim the EU Ecolabel are the hard floor coverings from several Italian producers. One of them has a specialized shop in the Czech Republic and the others have a network of distributors. On the webpages of these producers were information about the EU Ecolabel only in Italian or English versions. The Czech web pages of the distributors didn t mention any information about the Ecolabel. From several companies we are still waiting for response on availability of their ecolabelled products on the Czech market. Considering this situation we decided to search a retail chain which is interested in the environment and already doing some activities in this area. As the most promising retail chain was selected Tesco stores. On April 19 th there was a meeting with representatives of Tesco (Corporate and Legal Affairs Director and Corporate Affairs Manager), representative of the CB (Mrs. Petrova) and representatives of our team including the Enviros director Mr. Vich. During this meeting the Tesco representatives asked to explain the Ecolabel meaning, application and experience. We discussed the possible promotion activities of the Ecolabelled products offered in Tesco stores. The Tesco Corporate Affairs Manager was interested in information on possible application of the Ecolabel on some of their products, e.g. energy saving bulbs. As a result from the meeting, we agreed to prepare a list of Ecolabelled products available in Czech Tesco stores. Based on this information the Tesco representatives shall discuss the possible promotion activities with other colleagues within Tesco management team. We have identified seven companies which supply over 200 types of Ecolabelled products to Tesco network. All the products have only the national Ecolabel except the Hybler textile producer which holds both national and EU Ecolabel. Identification of key trade fairs for promotion of Ecolabel From several trade fairs which are focused on wider group of consumers, there were 3 potential fairs for Ecolabel promotion: Biostyl ( ), 4Habitat ( ) and Ecocity ( ). Carry out one of the two promotion activities oriented towards end customers and producers 4Habitat fair Taking into consideration, timing, scope of the fair and prices we decided to participate in the 4Habitat trade fair, which focused on children, seniors, gardeners, and families in general. There were over 150 producers which took part in the fair covering products such as furniture, gardening tools and equipment, heating equipment, children toys and clothes, exercise equipment and spa resorts services. The fair took 4 days during which more then visitors attended the fair. The Ecolabel promoting stand was placed in the hall with furniture and home care products. During the fair we had possibility to promote the Ecolabel to visitors through the brochures supplied by the CB and downloaded from the EU website (e.g. green household, green shopping, Ecolabel, ). 41

42 Most of the visitors who were interested in information about the Ecolabel were young mothers with children. Majority of the people with whom we spoke had some little knowledge about the Ecolabel, but most of them didn t know the Flower logo, nor the national logo. Some people mentioned that if they see products with the Ecolabel in the shop, they would probably try how it works compared to what they are usually buying. During the fair we approached also the producers which were participating in the fair. Producer of home cleaning products Dedra Inovations, which had stand just next to ours, was interested in detailed information about possibility to get the Ecolabel. As he has many different types (lines) of products they are afraid of high price for all the Ecolabels. It was discussed with the CB that there are possibility to select some of the products or to make a special line of product with the same qualities. It was agreed that the company will considers the requirements of the Ecolabel and related cost and came back to us/cb. Overall we handed over more then 400 brochures/leaflets on the Ecolabel and spoke with many customers and producers. As most of producers were not represented by people from the management, follow-ups are to be carried out during next month or two. Workshop and seminar During the first five moths we took part in 2 workshops and seminars where we promoted the Ecolabel (Environmental alert for Roberts publishing media group , Conference on Energy and Construction development ) Next steps / in progress Preparation of promotion activities in selected retail store The next steps with Tesco stores are to discuss the Tesco approach to include the Ecolabel in their corporate sustainable activities, possibly also to support the Tesco management in applying for the EU Ecolabel and to discuss the preparation of concrete promotion activity/ies. There is a possibility to extend the promotion activities also to Slovakia as the Czech management is responsible also for the Slovak Tesco network. In June we were considering to carry out one or more of the following promotion activities in cooperation with Tesco stores: Ecolabel promotion on Tesco website currently there is already section about energy savings and environmental friendly behavior for households - so this section could be easily enriched by showing where Ecolabel products can be applied. (for the current information about the environmental protection within Tesco stores website see: ) 42

43 Specialised (green) Leaflets with promotion of Ecolabelled products available in Tesco stores this is connected with interest of the individual producers to contribute to such activity (e.g. offering discount of these products and payment of special promotion fee for being listed in the leaflet). Ecolabel stand in few selected Tesco stores with aim of promotion of Ecolabel products and awareness raising Products shelfs marks labeling of the shelves where are placed the Ecolabelled products within selected Tesco stores The selection of the final promotion activity or their combination depends greatly on the interest of Tesco stores management in the support of such an action. Middle of July Tesco agreed to cooperate with ENVIROS and the CB with 3 promotion events in August/September in Prague and Ostrave. Press work Based on the discussion with the CB, we will focuss the press work on the promotion activity connected with Tecso which shall take place during summer months. Follow up contacts from 2006 and from the 4Habitat fair There have been a few companies in 2006 which showed some interest in more information about the Ecolabel and asked about concrete promotion activities which we carry out. We believe that the results of the participation in 4Habitat fair can help us with communication with the companies contacted last year. Apart from that we will also contact about 10 companies which representatives at the 4Habitat fair recommended to contact the management of the companies Result expectation for 2007 Increased visibility and awareness about the EU Ecolabel between the end customers and retailers (retail chains), which can have positive impact on the interest of producers in applying for the Ecolabel and using it actively for marketing their products. Number of applicants or producers interested in the Ecolabel will be increased by follow ups of contacted producers during 2006 and

44 Annex CZECH REPUBLIC Pictures of the stand from 4Habitat trade fair 44

45 Presentation and abstract. Selected slides from presentation for developers, lawyers and real estate agents, 26.4 Environmental Awareness Monika Přibylová Monika.pribylova@enviros.cz, Presentation Structure 1) Environmental risk and its assessment 2) Environmental site assessment 3) Liability 4) Areas of regulation harmonization with EU legislation 5) Start up of activities in the CR project preparation & related env. requirements 6) Regulation of commercial activities (small polluters) Air, water, waste, energy Support tools EMS, Eco-label 7) Regulation of production activities IPPC Media based regulation Where you get information? advice from: the Czech Competent Body From Websites: From infomaterial brochures, fact sheets Support environmental tools EMAS/EMS ISO register of environmental aspects, continuous improvement Eco-label national and EU Product categories e.g. Textile, PC/NB, Tourist accommodation (hotels), camps Eco-label criteria stimulation for savings on energy, water, waste, air fees and add care value for guests Abstract of the presentation from 14 February at the conference on Energy and Construction development: Ecolabel as motivation for improving energy efficiency Ekoznačka jako motivace pro zvyšování energetickou efektivnosti V zemích Evropské unie vzrůstá v posledních letech zájem o certifikaci výrobků a služeb z hlediska šetrnosti k životnímu prostředí. Speciálním certifikátem, který může získat jen firma splňující přísná environmentální kriteria je Ekoznačka. Ekoznačky existují národní a evropská tzv. Flower (květina). V České republice existuje již mnoho let národní ekoznačka na mnoho výrobků od barev a laků, přes čistící prostředky, nábytek, podlahové krytiny až po kotle. Evropská ekoznačka je českým výrobcům a poskytovatelům služeb k dispozici od roku Každá výrobková kategorie nebo oblast služeb, pro kterou lze získat ekoznačku, má seznam hlavních a doplňkových kriterií, jejichž cílem je především stimulace k úsporám energie, vody, nebezpečných látek, dále minimalizaci tvorby odpadu a emisí a používání méně nebezpečných látek. V oblasti služeb lze získat Ekoznačku pro provozování ubytovacích zařízení jako jsou hotely, pensiony, ubytovny, ale i kempy. Mezi kriteria Ekoznačky pro ubytovací zařízení jsou zařazena např. též používání obnovitelných zdrojů energií, nahrazení nadměrného používání klimatizace přirozeným větráním a další. Přednáška přinese v první části přehled kritérií pro získání Ekoznačky z různých kategorií výrobků a služeb s důrazem na kriteria související s energetickou efektivností a úsporami. Dále budou presentovány zkušenosti s vývojem poptávky po výrobcích s Ekoznačkou, například pomocí tzv zeleného nakupování. Podrobné informace o certifikaci a kritériích pro získání Ekoznačky jsou uvedeny na internetové stránce České agentury pro ekoznačení, fungující v rámci CENIA ( Informace o evropské ekoznačce včetně seznamu certifikovaných výrobků a služeb je uveden na: a 45

46 5.3. Interim status CYPRUS The Cypriot project activities are performed by SPEED SA. The members of SPEED involved in the project are Mrs Maria Menounou, Project Manager and Mrs Georgia Diamantakou Project Assistant. The secretarial assistance is provided by Mrs Eleni Karatoliou. On 11 June 2007 Maria Menounou changed to another company and was followed by Stavros Tsourtis with eco technical experience and expertise. For the first time Maria will be in touch with SPEED and help the placeholder in order to continue the smooth cooperation we had Project result 2006 and situation 2007 During the previous contracting period, the product groups that the activities were focused were: Paints and varnishes Bed mattresses The main activities included the organization of two technical workshops: a technical workshop addressed to executives, managers, technicians etc. of the Cypriot Industries of the sector of Bed Mattresses, and a technical workshop addressed to executives, managers, technicians etc. of the Cypriot Industries of the sector of Paints and Varnishes. The ratio of the interested stakeholders, industry representatives, was quite high comparing to the size of both sectors in Cyprus. Regarding the Paints and varnishes sector, eight out of eighteen companies activated were represented in the workshop and as far as it concerns the Bed mattresses industry, five out of six manufacturing companies were represented. The workshops arose the interest of the participants, who not only came up with questions, but also contacted SPEED and the Cypriot CB to acquire further information. The situation in Cyprus concerning the Eco-label awards is as follows (according to Statistics): paints / varnishes: 1 Tourist Accommodation Services: 1 46

47 Strategy and focus adjustment 2007 During the proposal preparation, SPEED was in close cooperation with Mrs Stylianopoulou (Cypriot CB) and they first decided in common that the promotion activities should focus, for 2007, on ecolabel on Textiles and Copying & Graphic paper. Following, Mrs Stylianopoulou proposed that we should change directions and target to All purpose cleaners and Soaps and shampoos as there was an increased interest by the manufacturers of the sectors. In fact, she had received many calls from those companies representatives, who were interested for the details of the application procedure. During the kick-off meeting, SPEED presented the aforementioned to the Commission and finally it was agreed that the focus would be on All purpose cleaners and Soaps and shampoos. The activities for 2007 include the following: Status Quo research, Basic research Identification (>data base) and contacting of key stakeholders Oranisation of one workshop in Cyprus Adaption of info-material Press work Follow-up Completed activities 2007 until interim report Follow-up contacts Companies from the Paints and varnishes sector contacted the CB in Cyprus for questions regarding funding the application of the Ecolabel and consulting companies whose clients are Bed mattresses manufacturers also contacted with the CB with questions on preparing the application of their customers. Status Quo research, Basic research- Identification (>data base) The project team started with collecting information about the two sectors and their activity in Cyprus. The Cypriot companies activated in the target product groups, according to the data of the Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry are: 47

48 All purpose cleaners: 5 Soaps and Shampoos: 16 All purpose cleaners and Soaps and Shampoos: 8 A database including the contact information was prepared by SPEED s project team, which is included in the Company Data Annex. The data available from the Statistical Service of the Republic of Cyprus, regard the production of all purpose cleaners, cover the period According to the statistics presented graphically in the following chart the production of all purpose cleaners is declining for most of the products, except the window cleaners, which are almost at the same levels since All purpose cleaners production Window cleaning preparations Toilet cleaning preparations General cleaning preparations Production (tn) As for the Soaps and sampoos, for the same time period, according to the statistical data, the production of the shampoos has declined, contarry to the soaps that fluctuate. The production of shampoos (including the hair conditioners) in 2004 has fallen at 60% comparing to 2001 production. Soap bars and liquid soap production show a downward tendency, in general, with a maximun drop of (refference year 2001): Soaps in bars: 36,91% (at 2003) Liquid soap: 29,15% (at 2004) 48

49 Soaps and shampoos production Production (tn) Shampoo and hair conditioner Soap in bars Liquid soap Organisation of one workshop in Cyprus In cooperation with Mrs Styliannopoulou from the Cyprus CB, SPEED s project team arranged to have a workshop in Cyprus by the end of July (19th-24th). Further details on the organisation of the workshop will be arranged in the near future Next steps / in progress The steps that will follow and the tasks in progress are presented as follows: Oranisation of a workshop for soaps and shampoos and another for all purpose cleaners, probably on the 6 or 11 September (in progress) Adaption of info-material Press work (in progress) 49

50 Result expectation for 2007 The expected results of the promotion activities in Cyprus regard the: Networking with stakeholders of the Cypriot market. This will be a first substantial step towards the promotion of the Ecolabel in the specific target sectors. Gaining the support of the stakeholders will open the way to convince the manufacturers to apply. Recognition of the Ecolabel and its benefits by the manufacturers and stakeholders. The recognition of Eco-labels worldwide and particularly of the Flower will be highlighted. The benefits regarding the cost reduction, waste minimization and the environmental protection (enhancing Corporate social responsibility). Acquisition of companies. The target is to acquire up to five (5) companies both in Cyprus and Greece, as convincing them to apply for the Ecolabel during the contracting period is a very difficult target. A lot of work is needed to persuade the decision makers of the companies that the Flower is an advantage for the promotion of their products. The major target is to clarify that the requirements and the application process are not so demanding to deter them to apply. 50

51 5.4. Interim status DENMARK/Asia The Danish project activities are performed by EPCA (Nicholas Paxevanos) Project result 2006 and situation 2007 A main barrier for many European textile companies in applying for the Ecolabel has been the difficulty of finding Asian suppliers that can fulfil the Ecolabel criteria. EPCA was therefore chosen to continue work started by Valor & Tinge on the project outlined above because of our extensive work with Ecolabel certifications which includes both European and Asian textile companies. During the last six months EPCA has focused its efforts in finding Asian textile suppliers that may be interested in applying for an Ecolabel licence (providing they meet the application requirements) or can provide the required documentation needed for their European customers. Danish textile companies have been very interested in participating in this project because of the possibility of certifying their Asian sourced products and are willing to appropriate the necessary resources both financial and man hours. Asian companies are always very accommodating and very willing to participate and fill out any criteria declarations or forms that are sent to them. Unfortunately they seize to be so cooperative when they are asked for test results to confirm the declarations they signed. There are two main problems facing Asian suppliers: 1. Lack of or minimised waste water treatment 2. Lack of understanding the Ecolabel scheme (criteria, benefits, confidentiality..) Focus adjustment 2007 The Danish CB (Mr. Mogens Stigbolt) is in complete agreement of the need to find Asian suppliers that can fulfil the textile criteria and possibly apply for an ecolabel licence. This view is expressed in the following excerpt from a letter sent by the Danish CB: We think that instead of trying to find new Danish companies it would be better to try to find suppliers in Asia who could supply European companies with ecolabelled textiles Mogens Stibolt, Ecolabelling Denmark 51

52 Strategy and steps 2007 EPCA has in 2007 followed up and researched Anette Petersens (Valor & Tinge) proposed strategy of: Using a high profile company (Best seller) to set a new trend for for the Ecolabel so that other smaller companies would follow. Finding suppliers in Asia that can fulfill the Ecolabel criteria so that European companies will find it easier to certify their products. EPCA s research and evaluation of this strategy is that we are in agreement with both the need for a trend setter and the need for Asian companies that supply European companies to participate in the Ecolabel scheme. For more details of the strategy see the Annex of this chapter. Activities up to date have included the following: A. Research and contact In order to minimise the time spent on research, EPCA used Asian embassy trade departments and Danish companies to provide information on possible suppliers. The following steps were taken: 1. Make a list of the Asian textile suppliers 2. Contact them either direct or through their Danish customers 3. Send them the relevant waste water documentation 4. Verify the waste water documentation 5. Select the most likely candidates 6. Contact to the Danish competent body Previous textile contacts were contacted both Denmark and Asia and proved to be the best means in finding the most likely candidates for fulfilling the criteria. B. Guide/support EPCA has been and is continuously guiding the selected companies in preparing an application. Companies are given a step by step guide in how to prepare an application: What they should start with How they should interpret and document the criteria Things they should pay attention to 52

53 The guide used is a guide developed by EPCA in a previous project. (see Annex) Support is further given to companies once the application preparation is started in the form of: Checking the documentation Advising on the best way to proceed Solving problems that may arise The above activities have led to the following results up to date: Bestseller was one of the companies Valor & Tinge worked with and they have applied and received a licence for a range of children s products. They have not however shown interest in participating in this project other than they are in dialogue with their Asian suppliers regarding the Ecolabel. A lot of time was used on trying to find a textile manufacturer in Bangladesh because of the huge amount of knitted products (T-shirts, polos etc.) imported in the EU. The Bangladeshi Embassy sent a list of about 15 textile companies that claimed that the waste water was treated. Of these 15, three companies provided the correct documentation for waste water. The next step was to try and get verification for the waste water documentation and this was done through a contact from a Danish company that traveled to Bangladesh. Unfortunately all three companies had provided false documentation and we could not continue with them. There is however one possibility left in Bangladesh and that is through a Danish company (kemotextil A/S) which has built their own waste water treatment plant. Kemotextil will try to educate their Bangladesh partners in how to run the plant so that it runs when Kemotextil is not present. A little complicated but kemotextil are very eager to get the Ecolabel licence so it is worth pursuing this possibility. Penfabric from Malaysia (one of Asia s biggest cotton/polyester producers) have lodged an application and are waiting for the licence. Tyfountex from Indonesia (one of Indonesia s biggest jean woven products manufacturers) has provided the relevant documentation earlier and dialogue is taking place presently to try and convince them to lodge an application. The following two Danish companies are supported by EPCA in preparing an application: Wernefeldt: Cotton/polyester products supplier is based in Vietnam and has provided waste water documentation including tests which we are presently verifying. They are however reluctant to provide documentation which they consider private (such as who their suppliers are etc.). To solve this problem we have suggested that they can send the required documentation direct to the Danish competent body. 53

54 Lanowool: wool products supplier is based in New Zealand and is very eager in applying for the Ecolabel themselves Next steps / in progress Because of the nature of EPCAs involvement (hands-on) in this project it is decided that activities in the next six months will be a continuation of B. guide and support and all efforts will be concentrated in assisting the selected companies so that they can eventually apply for the Ecolabel. A minor activity will be an information campaign that will take place in Denmark as soon as Penfabric and perhaps Tyfountex are awarded the Ecolabel licence. This will be aimed at relevant Danish companies Result expectation for 2007 It is expected that: one Asian and one Danish textile company will have received an Ecolabel licence a further one Asian and one Danish textile company will be either finished or in the process of preparing an application the possibilities of companies that are in stand to provide either certified products or the necessary documentation needed for the Ecolabel in Malaysia, Indonesia, Bangladesh and Vietnam is outlined. 54

55 Annex Denmark/Asia Contact strategy The guidance for textile companies wishing to apply for the Eco-label follows the following strategy. It is very important to start with making a flow chart of the products life cycle. step 1 Steps of Production A flow chart tells us who does what. STEPS OF PRODUCTION Fibre Suppliers Spinners Weavers/knitters Dyers/printers Wet treament Making up step 2 Research of the suppliers Next step follows a decision schedule, starting with the first key question: Does the textile supplier have a flower licence? If YES: Ask the textile supplier to send their licence number and a letter stating that qualities in question are covered by the licence. Fill in application forms (pages 7.8 and 9 of the users manual) and send the application to the competent body. If NO leads to the next question: Has the textile supplier previously provided flower documentation for another customer? If YES, then ask them to send the same documentation relevant to your quality. Check to see that the documentation is up to date, fill in the application forms and send them to the competent body. If NO, proceed to step 3. 55

56 Next key question is: Are the suppliers in the flow chart European, Asian or other? If European : proceed to step 3. If Asian or other : Find out if they treat the waste water. If YES (they treat their waste water): send pages 88, 89 and 90 to be read and filled in (this is to make sure that they conform to the waste water criteria). Proceed to step 3. If NO: Stop work cannot certify products. Step 3. Assistance towards application Sort out what pages (users manual) apply to the fibre supplier, the spinner, the knitter and dyer. Find out whether to contact them directly or whether an agent or any other supplier will do it. Find out if there is any wet process other than the dyer and which it is. Send the relevant criteria and accompanying pages to whom they apply. (This way they only get some pages rather than the whole users manual.) Make a folder with an index. Place documentation received in the appropriate place in the folder and check it in the index. When all the documentation is received, send your product for the fitness to use tests (pages users manual), fill in the application forms and send it to the competent body. If a supplier is not responding, find out the reason. It could be because: they don t understand what is required of them they don t want to pay for a test They are just not interested in the flower It is easier to get a supplier to cooperate if the reason why they are not responding is known. Remember to always check if the declaration sheets are filled in correctly (date, ticked boxes, stamped and signed). Check that the tests, safety data sheets and documentation asked for are attached to the declaration. 56

57 5.5. Interim status FRANCE The French project activities are performed by BIO IS Project result 2006 First step was a mailing towards the three focus product groups. The resulting return rates were very different: Textiles: Return rate 6.4%, which is an excellent result (the average return rate for this kind of mailing usually being of about 3%). Copying Paper: no answer was received after the mailing. This is a very disappointing result, because this product group was considered as very promising by the French CB and BIO. Lubricants: response rate of 5%, which is good. The French CB wished to have them directly contacted by their engineer specialist in lubricants (M. Pierre Lebon). The result of the BIO IS acquisition work was positive with quite a few companies potentially interested in the Flower: 13 French textile companies, 2 French lubricant companies. In any case, companies need time before applying, they need to study the criteria, see what competitors do, study the demand. In general, it takes them about 2 years before deciding to apply, according to the French CB. The methodology used (mailing+ phone call or workshop for the interested companies) is time-effective, because it allows informing many companies about the Flower thanks to the mailing, and then to spend time efficiently with only interested companies on the phone Strategy and focus adjustment 2007 There are currently 1 77 producers and services awarded the Flower in France. The most successful product groups are: Paints and varnishes: 16 licensees All purpose cleaners: 14 licensees Hand dishwashing detergents: 13 licensees Soil improvers: 12 licensees Laundry detergents: 7 licensees 1 As of May

58 In collaboration with the French CB (Mrs Patricia Proia, AFAQ AFNOR Certification), it was chosen to focus marketing activities on the following product groups: Soaps, shampoos and hair conditioners Professional detergents and other product groups through green public procurement (GPP) Context for soaps, shampoos and hair conditioners The criteria for the soaps, shampoos and hair conditioners product group were voted in December 2006 and will be officially published end of July 2007 by the EC. The number of holders in the detergents product group has more than doubled in one year. Thus the new soaps, shampoos and hair conditioners product group appears to be very promising. A great potential for development is foreseen. Especially since there is a demand from retailers. Indeed, today a great majority of retailers and supermarkets have an offer of EU ecolabelled detergents and they want to extend their range of offer of ecolabelled products. Especially since consumers do not always understand why there are some ecolabelled detergents and not ecolabelled soaps. The idea is to profit of the launch of the new product group criteria to send to producers a mailing inviting them to consider applying for the Flower. Following a suggestion from the French CB, the mailing will also be sent to a mailing list of detergents producers that AFNOR has because some of them also produce soaps and shampoos, or are in contact with laboratories which can also participate in the development of the Flower Context for GPP activities One of the main reasons for the success of the detergents product group is green public purchasing. Indeed GPP is currently being strongly promoted in France by the government, and the use of EU Ecolabel criteria in call for tenders is an easy way to green purchases. Indeed the European Ecolabel is presented as the best tool for GPP in all documents, trainings, conferences, etc. related to GPP in France. Therefore it is important to inform public purchasers as this trend could then be experienced in other product groups such as lubricants, IT equipment, paints, textiles, etc. Because the demand from public purchasers is a key leverage to trigger the application for the Flower from detergents and other producers, a database of public purchasers will be drawn, to be used by the French CB. Also, the French CB, AFAQ AFNOR Certification, as well as the EU Ecolabel 2, will be having a stand at the next edition of the Salon des Maires et des Collectivités Locales (Mayor and Local Authorities fair) in Paris end November. The Salon des Maires is the yearly meeting place between local authorities (visitors) and their suppliers (exhibitors). 2 in the framework of BIO s activities as the EU Ecolabel Helpdesk 58

59 In 2006, people visited the fair this year, consisting in 43% of elected people and 57% of territories managers and local authorities service providers. The idea is thus to seize this opportunity to meet public authorities to promote the Flower. A mailing will thus be sent to the database of purchasers and will mention the presence of people from the ecolabel team at this fair and offer to meet. It will increase the span of the message Completed activities 2007 until interim report A database of French soaps, shampoos and hair conditioner producers has been built (124 contacts, enclosed in the Company Data Annex). This list includes contacts of the Ministry of the Industry, as well as the Ecocert Cosmebio 3 and Nature&Progrès 4 labelled producers. The list has also been completed by a web research. A draft mailing has been prepared and submitted to the French CB (enclosed in Annex of this chapter) and was sent out. The first answers were received Next steps / in progress The French CB will take care of sending the mailing to soaps and shampoos producers, and BIO will take care of the follow-up (personal phone calls to every person who will answer the mailing and coordination with French CB for potential applicants). Interested producers will be invited to a workshop next autumn. Building the French public purchasers database. Prepare the mailing to be sent out to public purchasers Result expectation for 2007 Two applicants for the soaps and shampoos product group. 3 Ecocert is a private and independent organism in charge of cosmetic certification. Two level of certification exist, looking at the percentage of components from natural or from organic farming origin. For more details: 4 Nature & Progrès is a consumer and professional association of organic farming. The mention is delivered to companies of whom at least 70% of their cosmetic ranges respect the criteria. For more information: 59

60 Annex FRANCE Mailing to producers with response form 60

61 5.6. Interim status GREECE The Greek project activities are performed by SPEED SA. The members of SPEED involved in the project were Mrs Maria Menounou, Project Manager and Mrs Georgia Diamantakou Project Assistant. The secretarial assistance is provided by Mrs Eleni Karatoliou. On 11 June 2007 Maria Menounou changed to another company and was followed by Stavros Tsourtis with eco technical experience and expertise. For the first time Maria will be in touch with SPEED and help the placeholder in order to continue the smooth cooperation we had Project result 2006 and situation 2007 The project results were not as expected. The interest was not high and the only significant result was the personal contacts with some interested companies. Greek project team made efforts to attract the members of the product groups, by e- mails, phone calls, the aforementiones personal contacts and articles in the Press. The results were the following: Bed mattresses. We came in contact with all bed mattresses producers which do not have Ecolabel. We tried to come in contact with 9 companies included in the data -base. We spoke with 8 of them and only Mr Evmorfides from COCOMAT has a great interest and we had arranged a meeting with him on 6th of October (at his premises). He is negative to apply for Ecolabel. All purposes cleaners. We had a meeting with Mr Panos Skarlatos the general manager of Hellenic Association of Chemical Industries(HACI) who is very interested on the EU Eco-label and to make some steps towards the motivation and awareness of some industries. The workshop that was planned to be organized with his support, was finally postponed. We also came in contact with the Association of Detergent Industries, trying to get a contact with its members.we tried to get in contact with some interesting manufacturers but we had no feedback. As far as we were informed the detergent industries are not very positive to the Ecolabel, because they believe that the criteria don not cover all the significant environmental issues. Indoor paints and varnishes. Although, this sector is out of the suggested target groups, we came in contact with one of the biggest industries in Greece, VIVECHROM, producing paints and varnishes, which has no Ecolabel awarded product yet. They are going to apply for Ecolabel. 61

62 The situation in Greece concerning the Eco-label awards is as follows (according to Statistics (May 2007: Eco-label Companies by Country and Product Group): paints / varnishes: 8 Textile products: 5 Bed Mattresses: 6 Tourist Accommodation Services: 2 Comparing with the statistics of the same period in 2006, there is significant increase in the Textile sector as four (4) more companies are awarded (last year there was just one). There was one more award in each of the sectors of Paints & varnishes and Bed mattresses. As for the Tourist Accommodation Services, there are expected two more hotels to be awarded in near future Strategy and focus adjustment 2007 During the proposal preparation, SPEED was in close cooperation with Mr Stamatiou (Greek CB) and they decided firstly in common that the promotion activities should focus, for 2007, on ecolabel on Textiles and Copying & Graphic Paper. During the kick-off meeting, SPEED presented the aforementioned to the Commission and finally it was agreed that the focus would be on primarily Textiles, as a lot of work has already be done by the Project Green Drachma within the framework of Life Program and the sectoral companies are already informed. In consequence the target for 2007 is to acquire as many as possible to apply. The activities for 2007 include the following: Status Quo research, Basic research Definition and contacts with stakeholders, Networking with stakeholders, o Clothing Textile and Fibre Technology o International Apparel Federation o Hellenic Fashion Industrz Association o Hellenic Clothing Center o Hellenic Paper Industries Association Database with companies of product groups in focus, Direct company contacts, Press releases (Greek fashion mag., SEVIHA Newsletter, ECOTEC, OIKO,PSXM), 62

63 Organisation of Workshop Translation of available material Completed activities 2007 until interim report A. Status Quo research, Basic research The main competitors of Greece, in the textile sector, are the countries of East Europe, Turkey, India, China, Pakistan. Those countries are characterized of the low labor cost, with the result of low production cost comparing to Greece. Nevertheless, there are no tendencies for translocation of the companies abroad, due to the nature of the sector and its dependancy on technology for the production process. The sector presents liveliness, which is expressed with the realisation of cooperations among the companies and the exit of the companies from the market. In order, the Greek companies to sustain their competitiveness and confront with the existing crisis in the market, they emphasise on technology investments. Almost the total of Greek companies materialises significant investments on renewal and modernisation of production process. Addittionally, many companies emphasise on the new technics application targeting to cost reduction and quality improvement. Nevertheless, according to the available data, the local textile market has declining tendencies and will continue to decline, as a result of the increasing competitiveness and the reduction of the local production. The mean downfall tendency is forecasted to be in order of 3% (in quantity). The main production of textiles takes place in Northern Greece, in a percentage of about 79%. In particular, the main concentration of companies exists in the Prefectures of Thessaloniki, Kilkis, Pieria, which cover the 80% of the North Greece market and the 64% of the total Greek market. The rest of the companies activated are in the prefectures of Attica and Viotia. B. Identification and data base A database including the contact information was prepared by SPEED s project team, which in included in the Company Data Annex. Due to the great number of companies activated on the sector, the database has not yet finished and new companies are included in everyday basis. 63

64 Next steps / in progress The steps that will follow and the tasks in progress are presented as follows: Oranisation of one workshop, probably middle or end of September (in progress) Networking with stakeholders, Clothing Textile and Fibre Technology International Apparel Federation Hellenic Fashion Industrz Association Hellenic Clothing Center Hellenic Paper Industries Association Database with companies of product groups in focus, (in progress due to its size of about 600 companies) Direct company contacts (will follow) Adaption of info-material Press work (in progress) Result expectation for 2007 The expected results of the promotion activities in Greece regard the: Networking with stakeholders of the Greek market. This will be a first substantial step towards the promotion of the Ecolabel in the specific target sectors. Gaining the support of the stakeholders will open the way to convince the manufacturers to apply. Recognition of the Ecolabel benefits by the manufacturers and stakeholders. The benefits regarding the cost reduction, waste minimization and the environmental protection (enhancing Corporate social responsibility). Acquisition of companies. The target is to acquire up to five (5) companies both in Cyprus and Greece, as convincing them to apply for the Ecolabel during the contracting period is a very difficult target. A lot of work is needed to persuade the decision makers of the companies that the Flower is an advantage for the promotion of their products. The major target is to clarify that the requirements and the application process are not so demanding to deter them to apply. 64

65 5.7. Interim status HUNGARY The Hungarian project activities are performed in cooperation by CES (Vilma Eri) Project result 2006 and situation 2007 In 2006, no new ecolabel awards were achieved. Altogether 64 companies in 3 product groups were contacted. Some of them showed initial interest but only one company entered the application phase. Their product was tested in an accredited laboratory. Unfortunately, however, it did not meet the ecolabel criteria. Those not interested were either in bad economic situation and could not afford the cost of the eco-label, or they did not find the EU Ecolabel can have a marketing value. Contacting retailer companies did not bring significant results either. In 2006, there were only three eco-label product groups available (televisions, hard floor coverings and copy paper) none of them were sold as retailer brands. 16 retailer shops were interviewed, two of them promised to consider to give more advertising to ecolabelled products. By 2007, chances for EU ecolabel somewhat improved as Hungary prepared its green public procurement National Action Plan (though the National Action Plan has not been passed by the Parliament yet). When approved, the National Action Plan will increase the demand for eco-labelled products hence it will facilitate the increase for the EU ecolabel as well Strategy and focus adjustment 2007 In 2007 the strategy in Hungary continues focussing on products affected by the National Green Procurement Action Plan, i.e. products used in construction (indoor paintings, hard floor coverings). As agreed with the CB, the following new product groups were focussed: paper products (mainly tissue paper) soaps and shampoos Completed activities 2007 until interim report Discussing new marketing strategy and product focus with the CB. Obtaining the EU ecolabel criteria for soaps and shampoos from the CB. Basic market and contact research for the new product groups, including producers and retailers (tissue paper, soap and shampoo products are sold as retailer brands). 65

66 4.7.4 Next steps / in progress Next steps include contacting producers and retailers of new product groups, media work, follow-up with retailers from last year Result expectation for 2007 It is hard to foretell the results given the minimal interest experienced last year. 66

67 5.8. Interim status ITALY The activities in Italy and Romania are performed by Dagmar Diwok (ACTA). Considering the strong support from the Romanian CB and the interest from the economic sector, for the moment major focus is being given to activities in Romania and only minimum to Italy Project result 2006 and situation 2007 In several occasions, the need has been identified on a local and regional level, of obtaining more information regarding available ecolabelled products. Until now, the collection of such data has not been very successful, as only some large supermarket chains can be counted on to carry tissue paper and detergents with the label. Smaller shops generally do not have them, and particularly in touristic regions the availability is often near to sero, even where tourists from other countries actively request them. In collaboration with protected areas and regional competent bodies, the effort of collecting data on available products has been discussed, and in some protected areas also begun, but due to lack of manpower until now not carried very far Completed activities 2007 until interim report In Lombardia, a workshop ( laboratorio ) has been organized together with the regional government and the University Bicocca, in order to discuss Green Public Procurement with focus on EU-Ecolabel Products for public administration, protected areas and consumers. (Porlezza, ). At the Lombardia Workshop on GPP and Ecolabel products there were no specific conclusions, but the participants were interested to know about the quite large availability of ecolabelled products in Italy. For this workshop no presentation in written form was prepared because of the "round table". Data collection regarding the availability of products with the EU-Ecolabel on a regional level has been started in Lombardia and Trentino. In June, a meeting with the regional Competent Body in Lombardia was held in order to coordinate the possible appearance of the EU-Ecolabel on two major fairs in autumn: SMAU (computers and office supply) and MilanoUnica (textiles). The SMAU fair turned out to not being relevant, also because the costs and covering of costs for a stand could not be cleared. 67

68 Next steps / in progress Continuation of the data collection for the availability of the ecolabelled products In September, in Trento the EU-Ecolabel will probably have an own stand at the fair Fai la cosa giusta, an event directed towards customers regarding environmentally friendly and ethical products which in the past years has obtained growing interest also from the media. Products presented will be mainly paper, cleaning products and DIY products. No guarantees can be given on the completion of the database of products and the participation in fairs, as the promised public funding until now has not yet arrived Result expectation for 2007 Not assessable at the moment Annex ITALY Programme of the GPP workshop on 15/3/07 68

69 5.9. Interim status NORWAY This part is done by Clockwork Production AS, Mr. Frithjof Clausen, experienced mainly within three areas: Children & family, Brand Building and Environment. Also working as marketing consultant for The Swan, der Nordic Ecolabel Project result 2006 and situation 2007 An overall description of the situation of the Norwegian market In the Norwegian market there is a growing focus on environment, climate challenges and a better way of consuming. The Nordic Ecolabel The Swan, has a strong position among the Norwegian consumer and Norwegian companies. In comparison, The Swan has a knowledge of almost 90% in the population as The Flower has around 15%. The main products group for The Swan was traditionally paper and cleaning products, but today there is a growing interest in the areas of building materials and cosmetics / children products. The Flower has a stronger foothold within the textile industry. And by communicating both The Swan and The Flower towards important consumer groups as parents of newborn children through the hospitals and parents of children in kindergarten, the importance, the knowledge and the strength of both the brands has been increased Strategy and focus adjustment 2007 In 2007, we will focus on one product segment textile, the most important companies 2-4 producers /chain of stores, a singel out consumer group parents of children from 0 to 6 years of age. The strategy can be described as follows; In 2007 we should strengthen our foothold within the textile production, because The consumer is already taught to look for the Flower on these products The main product group should be children s clothing, building on an already knowledgeable and interested target group There are few, but important companies dealing in this segment in Norway We should; 1. Create attentions - Contact the most important companies, 2 to 4, and start a discussion how to increase their effort in producing and selling ecolabelled products. Invite them to a seminar/work-shop in the autumn in cooperation with The Swan 69

70 2. Increase knowledge - - Use the Danish documentary as part of the seminar - Create together an action plan in how to increase ecolabelled products for especially children - Focus on the value of The Flower 3. Media interest - - Invite the press to a showing of the Danish documentary, and let them follow up the situation for Norwegian companies. 4. Consumer communication - Be part of information and activities in cooperation with The Swan towards; A. parents of newborn children through hospitals/nurses B. parents of children in kindergarten C. consumers visiting the larger shopping malls/children clothing stores Completed activities 2007 until interim report prepared presentation for companies agreed a seminar/work-shop in cooperation with the Swan had meetings/talks with 3 companies all producers of children clothing trying to create interest for the seminars and recruiting them as an Ecolabel clothing producer Next steps / in progress prepare meeting with 2 more companies distributors for children clothing prepare a seminar / work-shop in October in cooperation with the Swan Result expectation for 2007 Within this year we should; increase the sales volume of Ecolabelledd children clothing recruit ONE fresh licence holder 70

71 5.10. Interim status POLAND On 19 th April 2007, a meeting was held by CES, Ms. VilmaEri with Ms. Joanna Tkaczyk, representative of the Polish CB in Warsaw (Polish Centre for Testing and Certification) to discuss opportunities for cooperation and extending the project in It was agreed that Some ecolabel brochures would be printed in Polish to be distributed by the Polish CB. The Polish CB would send the Hungarian project partner the articles they published on the Polish applicants' success stories. These success stories would be translated to Hungarian and published in Hungarian professional journals and also used in the Hungarian acquisition process. Sending information and brochures to Polish producers via or post does not look very promising. These mailing are disregarded by the recipient. Ms. Tkaczyk did not think that publications in professional journals would be useful either. The Polish CB would publish articles about the EU ecolabel anyway in their own journal. Instead, Ms. Tkaczyk suggested activities that could have more impact, however, would be highly impractical to organize from Hungary. She proposed a. to organise a seminar and pay the Polish speakers of the seminar on the one hand and b. to hire technical experts that can help the potential applicants to find technological solutions to meet ecolabel criteria on the other. As these activities were different from the ones discussed on the kick-off meeting of the project in January, a report was sent to the project leader asking about his opinion. As a result, the Polish-Hungarian part of the project was split into a Polish and a Hungarian part and in the future, will be managed separately. After the agreement with DG Environment to put the project activities in Poland on this new basis the project leader, Mr. Andreas Scherlofsky contacted Ms. Joanna Tkaczyk and fixed the cooperation with the proposed tasks in The project budget dedicated for Poland in 2007 (the half of the budget reserved for Hungary and Poland) will be used for external payments of consultants, workshop costs and materials. 71

72 5.11. Interim status ROMANIA The activities in Romania are performed by Dagmar Diwok (ACTA), who also organised the reduced activitites in Italy Project result 2006 and situation 2007 The cooperation with the Romanian CB is resulting exceptionally positive, with a continuous exchange of information and activities. Documentation has been produced, press activity has been intense and the interest of the public seems to be growing. The hurdles to be taken are the bureaucratic needs of the Label and the costs for the yearly registration, which for many firms appear too high Strategy and focus adjustment 2007 Considering the strong support from the Romanian CB and the interest from the economic sector, for the moment major focus is being given to activities in this country Completed activities 2007 until interim report Together with the Romanian CB, several activities have been carried out in order to inform the public and the producers regarding the EU-Ecolabel. Two possible applicants have already been identified and will be supported further in the process. Also, several info material has been printed for distribution during events (see attached images). Participation in events and meetings, lobbying and support , Bucharest, Hotel Phoenix: Conference organized together with an economic news magazine, Reporter Economic, with presence of the then Minister of Environment, Mrs. Barbu, in order to inform potential applicants regarding the possibilities of obtaining the EU-Ecolabel, and to encourage the press top promote the label. In particular, other than the speeches of Mrs Diwok and Mrs. Daniela Toma, which concentrated on the institutional aspect of the certification, speakers from several economic sectors, in particular textiles and paper, presented the requirements of the EU-Ecolabel for the respective products. (images already published in the Flower News for March) 15/ , Bucharest, Hotel Best Western, Seminar financed and carried out by DG Enlargement/TAIEX (mentioned for completeness of information): 72

73 Seminar for employees of the Romanian Environmental Agency, regional and national level, on the requirements, possibilities and positive examples regarding the EU-Ecolabel. (images published in the Flower News for May) Bucharest: Meeting in the Ministry of Environment with Mrs. Dana Toma and other members of the Competent Body, in order to coordinate activities for the following months and discuss further materials to be printed and distributed. The most urgent matter of discussion were the problems interested companies see in paying their annual fees, and the possible activities during the Flower Week, also further seminars together with possible sponsors (which actually have taken place in Ploiesti in June, and will take place in Cluj, during the Transsylvanian Expo Fair on the 7/8th of September and in Timisoara at the end of October.) : Bucharest, in occasion of the International day of the Environment, during an event organized by the Romanian Ministry of the Environment, among other activities also the European Ecolabel has been discussed with politicians and functionaries of the Romanian Government. Also discussed was the possibility of producing a short videoclip for the TV regarding the EU-Ecolabel. (Images and video footing to be forwarded by the organisators) : Bacau, Regional government: Meeting regarding the possibilities of organizing seminars for interested firms who want to apply for the EU-Ecolabel. The area has a high presence of international firms particularly in the paper sector, some of them considering already an ISO certification and having shown informal interest in the possibility of certification. The activities in this area will be carried out in collaboration with Mrs. Iulia Ciobotici from the firm Mapamond S.r.l., environmental consultants working for the local government : Bucharest, Chamber of Commerce: Conference on Ecological design with focus on household appliancies with the EU-Ecolabel as a possibility of lowering the general energy and water consumption (see the agenda in the annex). The event can already be considered as very successful, as several representatives from different economic sectors have declared their interest in a follow up, in particular during a meeting after the seminar, the stakeholder from the lubricant sector, LUBRICHEM, with who s general manager, Mihaela Constantinescu, further initiatives will be organized in order to involve their associates. To this extent funding will be requested from the ministries of economy (Mrs Mariana Voicu, department of Industrial Policy and Competitiveness) and of environment. Mrs. Ancuta Conta from the Chamber of Commerce and Industry declared her interest in offering their associates further information regarding the EU-Ecolabel and will work together with the CB and the LOT8 Marketing team in order to organize further events in the next months. 73

74 Next steps / in progress Follow up on the two already interested firms: Argeşana, Piteşti (Textiles) Bioflex, Sibiu (Bed matresses), They at a first check already result to possess the characteristics which make them compliant with the EU-Ecolabel. The only problem until now consists in the yearly fees which are perceived quite high. Collaboration with the Romanian CB in order to support them with the bureaucratic and technical necessities of the EU-Ecolabel documentation, and to write proposals which could guarantee the financial support for the technical assistance to the first firms who want to apply for the EU-Ecolabel. We also will continue the cooperation with the Consumer s association, which has already guaranteed their assistance with the diffusion of printed material during events and through their publications. For the 6 th and 7 th July, a seminar will take place in Predal, which will envolve both tourism and producing sectors, again organized together with the Chamber of Commerce and the economical newspaper Reporter Economic. For the month of September, two further seminars for the producing sector are planned in Sibiu and Timisoara, probably in occasion of the EU-Flower-Week, in order to ensure also broad feedback from the public Result expectation for 2007 We expect first of all a broader awareness regarding the EU-Ecolabel in the producing sector, and, if the planned initiatives concerning the videoclips and their broadcasting in national TV can be carried out (a question of funding), also among consumers. Also planned is the printing of further documentation for the information of customers. We also expect at least to be in an advanced state of the application process for the two products if the financial questions can be solved. Also terminated until the end of 2007 should be a website for which we are supplying information to the CB, which offers consumers and producers easy and prompt information about the EU-Ecolabel in Romania. 74

75 Annex ROMANIA : Bucharest, Conference on Ecological design 75

76 Articles reportereconomic responsibilitate sociala ziar/index2.php stiri/view

77 77

78 78

79 79

80 Power Point presentation in Romanian 80

81 5.12. Interim status SLOVAK REPUBLIC The Slovak project activities are performed by ENVIROS (Monika Přibylová and Marianna Škrípová) Project result 2006 and situation 2007 The Slovak CB recommended to specialize at 3 products groups in 2006 (paints and varnishes, detergents and paper products). The detergents and paints and varnishes were selected, because there are relatively many producers in Slovakia in both groups and there is significant orientation on the export to EU. The paper products were selected because according to the CB they are promising focus group for interest in the Flower. Within 2006 project we contacted 21 producers from all three products groups. The response from producers was hard to get and if obtained, usually their interest significantly decreased after information about the payment for the Ecolabel. The only interested producers remained: Chemolak from the paints and varnishes category (starter kit was sent to them with contacts to the Slovak CB and CB was informed), Herba Drug from the detergent category (starter kit was sent to them with contacts to the Slovak CB and CB was informed), and Anex Malženice from the detergent category (they requested information on cost, which was responded by the CB). Also in few other cases further information were requested. By the end of 2006 none of the companies which we contacted didn t apply for the Flower. The situation with the national Ecolabel is relatively good during 2006 most of the companies which hold the national Ecolabel with expiration in 2006 renewed the licenses. In 2006 there were two new applicants for the national Ecolabel company Bramac which produces the roofing and company Matador producing textile products. Since the beginning of 2007 there were two new companies which obtained the national Ecolabel award: company Festap producing the baths and company Považšké cementárny producing cement products. In total there are 144 products with the national Ecolabel award. Concerning information on the Ecolabel published on Slovak internet sites during 2007, the only new information are updates on the CB web-pages and news about obtaining the national Ecolabel at Bramac website. There has been no new information available on the Flower on Slovak internet sites. 81

82 Strategy and focus adjustment 2007 In January 2007 we have renewed the communication with the Slovak CB (Mrs. Bodova) in order to continue with cooperation in the 2007 project activities. The CB suggested to continue with focus on the product groups and proposed the following product groups for 2007 promotion activities for: Bed mattresses Hard floor covering Copy and graphic paper Soaps and shampoos The CB stated that the key obstacle for application of the EU Ecolabel remains to be low awareness between the public final customers. Due to limited budget of the CB/SEA, it welcomes any activity/project, which can help to promote the Flower. One of the events where we can support the EU Ecolabel promotion is conference Voluntary tools in environmental policy and eco-innovations which is planned for in High Tatras, Stara Lesna -Congress center ACADEMIA. The CB suggested to invite representative of the DG Environment to present development and experience with the Flower application. Due to the change of the focus of the Czech activities in 2007, it is envisaged to combine some of the Czech promotion activities with Slovak ones (for more details see the Czech part of the report). We plan to use the results of the Czech promotion activities, e.g. participation at the 4Habitat fair to present the development of customers interest in the Environmentally friendly (ecolabelled) products. Due to this plan, majority of the Slovak activities will be carried out from June to September Completed activities 2007 until interim report In line with the list of tasks and deliverables the following activities have been carried out by the end of May: Preliminary research of Mattresses, Hard floor covering, Copy and graphic paper, Soaps and shampoos product groups producers and their attitude towards labelling /Eco-labelling their products (See the Company Data Annex) preparation of a preliminary list of producers with national Eco-label from the focus product groups Mattresses 82

83 We have identified 5 producers of mattresses in Slovakia. All these 5 producers are selling their products in Slovakia and Czech Republic mainly. Export to other EU MS make less then 40% in average in all these companies. Most of producers reported that they have to comply with strict quality requirement and some of them has applied for the Ökotex certificate which they consider sufficient for the environmental protection compliance. The list of producers with contacts is attached as the Annex 1 Hard floor covering product group We have identified 11 producers of hard floor covering in Slovakia which fall under the definition of hard floor covering Flower product group. All these producers are selling their products in Slovakia; 8 of the 11 producers export their products to EU MS. The export s share makes more then 50% in average in all these companies. None of the company has currently Ecolabel. Copy and graphic paper There is only one producer of the copy and graphic paper in Slovakia which falls under the definition of Ecolabel copy and graphic paper category. It is company Mondi Business Paper SCP which is Slovak branch of international Mondi Business Paper Group. It has implemented ISO 9001 and ISO The Slovak plant supplies mainly to the Slovak and Czech market, partly also to other European countries. Soaps, shampoos, cleaning products and detergents We have identified 20 producers of soaps, shampoos and detergents in Slovakia. We have used the list of detergent producers from last year and added new producers of soaps and shampoos to make sure that if we communicate with the company we cover all the product groups from their product lines. Three of the 20 producers have implemented ISO All 20 producers are selling their products in Slovakia as well as in other EU MS and other Eastern Europe countries Next steps / in progress Follow up companies contacting activities from 2006 and contacting the above identified companies from the newly selected product groups (June September). The contacting will be done by and follow up phone calls utilizing the result of the Czech promotion activities. Possibly to carry out promotion activity in at least one Tesco store in Slovakia depending on the development of the Czech Tesco stores group Ecolabel promotion activities Press work identification of relevant media for the above listed product groups, prepare and arrange publishing of at least one article in electronic or printed version e.g. specialised magazine (by the end of September). Participation in the conference Voluntary tools in environmental policy and eco-innovations which is planned for in High Tatras. 83

84 Result expectation for 2007 Number of applicants (producers) interested in the Ecolabel will be increased by follow up work with contacted producers from selected product groups during 2006 and 2007 Increased visibility and awareness about the EU Ecolabel between the producers from selected product groups and end customers, which can have positive impact on the interest of producers in applying for the Ecolabel and using it actively for marketing their products. 84

85 5.13. Interim status SPAIN The Spanish project activities are performed by BIO IS Situation and strategy 2007 There are currently 25 5 EU Ecolabel holders in Spain: 9 for Indoor paints and varnishes 4 for All purpose cleaners 4 for Tourist accommodation services 3 for Textiles 2 for Hard Floor Coverings 1 for Soil improvers, Footwear, and Televisions. As there is one Competent Body per region in Spain, it was decided to focus on one region. Indeed coordination between the different regions would have been timeconsuming. It seemed best budget wise to concentrate on one region to optimize the activities and thus the results. Catalonia was chosen as it is one of the most industrialised in Spain. The Catalonian Competent Body (Mr Salvador Samitier and Ms Ana Esteve Traveset from the Dirección General de Calidad Ambiental in Barcelona) chose to focus on detergents and on soaps, shampoos and hair conditioners for the following reasons: In Catalonia, there are two holders for the different detergents product groups: A&B Laboratorios de tecnologia SA, an all purpose producer based in catalonia, received the Flower in January 2007; One company, KH-Lloreda, based also in Catalonia, has been awarded the Flower in 2003 and since then has regularly extended its range of EU Ecolabelled products. The number of holders is still low but there have been an increasing number of enquiries for more information at fairs from producers. These recent developments show that there is a trend for the development of the Flower in this PG. Take the opportunity of the launch of the new criteria for soaps, shampoos, and hair conditioners to promote it and build on the results of the detergents product group, where there seems to be producers who could be convinced of applying for the Flower. The development of GPP in Spain. Considering this, the Spanish CB recommended to send an informative mailing to detergents and soaps and shampoos producers. A workshop with the most interested producers is also scheduled. 5 As of May

86 Completed activities 2007 until interim report A database of detergents and soaps, shampoos and hair conditioners producers has been built (127 contacts, enclosed in Appendix ). The contacts come from the Registry of Catalan industrial establishments Government of Catalonia, Adelma members (Asociación de empresas de detergentes y de productos de limpieza, mantenimiento y afines), Stampa members (Asociacion nacional de fabricantes de perfumeria y afines), and has been completed by a web research. It has also been completed with contacts made during the various PLMA fairs the Helpdesk assisted to (2004, 2005, 2006, to be completed with contacts made in 2007) as well as the Europropre fair. This database has been submitted to the Spanish CB for approval. A mailing has been prepared and submitted to the Spanish CB for approval. The mailing will be sent out in June in Catalan and the answer sheet in English and Catalan Next steps / in progress A workshop with interested companies is scheduled on 9 October in Barcelona Result expectation for 2007 At least one application is expected. 86

87 Annex SPAIN Mailing to producers 87

88 5.14. Interim status LUBRICANTs The project team working on the promotion of the European Ecolabel Lubricants consists of Demi Theodori and Ckees van Oijen, senior researchers and consultants working at the department Chemical Risks of IVAM UvA BV, a consultancy bureau on sustainability Project result 2006 and situation 2007 In 2006 IVAM contacted eleven companies and provided them with extensive tailor made advice on how to evauate and / or reformulate their products for application for the European Ecolabel. Our communication strategy in 2006 included: a) Contacts with individual lubricant suppliers b) Lubricant folder, info flyer and questionnaire c) Press release d) Presentation on Tribology Conference in Vienna, Green chemistry workshop in Mamaia, RO and ELGI conference in Prague e) Meeting with Dutch Ministry engineers, Blue Angel f) Meeting with Greek CB Our overall conclusion for 2006 was that businesses and industry were aware of the existence of the European Eco-label Lubricants and interested in applying for the label but faced problems with formulating suitable products due to 4 main reasons: b) the lack of data for ecotoxicological evaluation of their products, c) the necessity of developing new additives formulations, d) th reluctance of component suppliers (base oil and additives suppliers) to disclose confidential information about their products, and finally, e) the lack of manpower within lubricant suppliers due to the allocation of resources EURO 4 and EURO 5 (exhaust emissions from vehicles). Important results in 2006 can be summarized as follows. First, by the end of 2006 two companies the Fins Binol and the French Novance - and a total of 9 products were awarded with the EU Ecolabel. Second, the Austrian Ecolabel adopted in 2006 the EU Ecolabel requirements and there is a law under preparation in France (Loi d'orientation agricole n ) for the mandatory use of lubricants with the European Ecolabel in environmentally sensitive areas ("zones sensibles"). Third, a base was created for the adoption of the EU Ecolabel in the Dutch policy concerning biolubricants. By April 2007 a third, German company is awarded with the EU Ecolabel: Kajo Chemie. Overall, we can report that the market is gradually increasing its efforts in the area of reformulating existing products that can meet the EU Ecolabel requirements. In the Netherlands the Dutch Ministry of Environment has officially announced adopting the EU 88

89 Ecolabel requirements into the VAMIL regulation, which allows for accelerated depreciation of environmental investments in equipments utilizing environmental friendly lubricants Strategy and focus adjustment 2007 Next to promoting the EU Ecolabel on the supply side of the market by informing and assisting lubricant suppliers IVAM s strategy in 2007 includes the stimulation of the market demand by a) informing Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and face-toface talks with purchasers and technical staff in governmental organizations, b) actions aimed at incorporating the EU Ecolabel requirements in national policies and c) address the problems related to the lack of data for the ecotoxicological evaluation of lubricant components. A key element of the strategy in 2007 is to stimulate the demand is the screening of lubricants recognized as environmental friendly according to the Dutch VAMIL regulation. The following activities have been scheduled for Preparation of a data base with high profile organizations and OEMs 2. Generating publicity in magazines 3. Screen products on VAMIL list for compatibility for the European Ecolabel 4. Contacts with relevant organizations 5. Assist individual companies with applying for the European Eco-label Lubricants 6. Identify key events (trade-fairs, congress) for presentations of the EU Ecolabel for Lubricants 7. Preparation of a database of European experts and certified laboratories that can provide advice to users and competent bodies regarding testing and data interpretation Completed activities 2007 until interim report Tailor made advice to companies IVAM continues in 2007 the customized, tailor made advice to several companies (a list of contacts is given in the Annex). In this context, IVAM has signed a confidentiality agreement with two major lubricant companies for helping them assessing their products. This activity is very time intensive as the data provided by companies are seldom adequate for the purposes of the evaluation against the EU Ecolabel criteria. Again we are faced with the fact that there is a lack of data on additives and that additive suppliers are reluctant to disclose confidential information. This does not mean, however, that they do not support the EU Ecolabel. Creative solutions are needed to surpass this 89

90 problem. Additives are used in different combinations for the formulation of various lubricant products. This means that when different lubricant suppliers wish to apply for the Ecolabel a single additive producer may have to provide the data for a single additive to (theoretically many) different authorities. As explained in the final report Acquisition for the EU Eco-label for products of 2005 the slow market penetration of the EU Ecolabel lubricants is partly due to the fact that additives producers consider the information required for the award of the European Ecolabel as confidential business information and don t want to have this information spread in different competent authorities all over Europe. Our impression is that additive suppliers are willing to cooperate towards a central database of offically approved additives. We have identified 5 major additive suppliers active in the field of environmental friendly lubricants. These are: 1. Ciba Specialty Chemicals plc 2. Lubrizol 3. Rhein Chemie Rheinau GmbH 4. RohMax 5. AftonChemicals Efforts are being made to reach out to those companies and ensure their active cooperation and assistance. Event for presenting the EU Ecolabel Lubricants We identified an event for presenting the EU Ecolabel Lubricants: The 5th Eurofedlipid Congress organized in September 2007 at Gothenburg, Sweden. ( The target group of this conference is companies active in the oleochemistry. IVAM will participate in this conference with a poster presentation. Participation in meeting of companies intending to develop novel lubricants meeting the EU Ecolabel requirements IVAM participated on the 11th of March in a day meeting about the European Ecolabel in Freiburg / Germany. The meeting was between Ciba, Fuchs and Shell, three companies that have decided to join forces in order to develop new lubricants for the Black Forest region meeting the European Ecolabel. The local authorities (in the person of the regional president of the Black Forest) have also committed to this initiative as end user of these formulations in applications in the region of the Black Forest. IVAM presented during the meeting the EU Ecolabel and provided advice on how to proceed with formulating novel products that can meet the EU Ecolabel requirements. See PowerPoint presentation in the attachement. 90

91 Identification of OEM and professional associations We have identified several original equipment manufacturers and their professional organizations that will be contacted in a later stage to get informed about the EU Ecolabel Lubricants. These OEMs include: 1. Bossch Rexroth AG ( 2. Daimler Chrysler ( 3. STIHL Power Tools ( The professional organizations include: 1. FIM (French mechanical engineering industries) 2. AGORIA (Belgian Federation for the technology industry) ANIMA (Federation of the Italian associations of mechanical and engineering industries) 3. FME/CWM (Dutch Trade organisation for the technological-industrial sector) : 4. SWISSMEM (Swiss mechanical and electrical engineering industries association) : 5. VDMA (German Federation for the mechanical engineering industry) : Article for the Lubes magazine IVAM has prepared together with Ciba an article on the EU Ecolabel lubricants for publication in the Lube magazine. The Lube magazine is the official journal of UEIL, the trade association in Europe representing the interests of companies involved in the Lubricant Industry. The article is just at the printers now and will be circulated early June. Attached is a copy of the submitted article (ANNEX 2). Workshop for the Dutch Ministry of Transport, Public Works and Water Management. IVAM has discussed with the Dutch Ministry of Transport, Public Works and Water Management about the inclusion of the European Ecolabel requirements in their green procurement policy. To get insight into the market IVAM organized a workshop in Amsterdam on the 24th of April where Ministry Engineers and Lubricant manufacturers were invited. Based on the workshop discussions the Ministry has decided to include the EU Ecolabel requirements as the first choice followed by other environmental schemes. 91

92 Preparing of a screening for VAMIL certified products IVAM is preparing an article for publication in the Smeeroliekroniek, the magazine of the Dutch Lubricants Manufacturers Association (VSN, ) inviting VAMIL certified companies to have their products screened by IVAM for compliance with the EU Ecolabel. The article is expected to be published within June. Identification of Laboratories We have conducted an Internet search to identify laboratories and experts that can assist companies and competent bodies with copying with the EU Ecolabel Lubricants and prepared a text for recruiting these companies (ANNEX 3). The following laboratories are identified: Next steps / in progress Screening VAMIL products. Contacting OEMs and professional organisations. Working towards the complition of the database with Result expectation for 2007 Major lubricant companies are expected to have successfully applied for the EU Ecolabel by the end of A database of officially approved lubricant components that can be used for lubricants meeting the EU Ecolabel requirements. List of laboratories Increased awareness among OEMs about the EU Ecolabel lubricants. 92

93 Annex LUBRICANTs PowerPoint 93

94 94

95 Text Lube magazine 95

96 Letter for laboratories and experts that can assist companies and competent bodies with copying with the EU Ecolabel Lubricants 96