Blue Angel
Issuing Organization:
The German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, and Nuclear Safety
Label purpose:
The Blue Angel is the world's first and oldest environmental label. It guides sustainable purchasing, highlighting products and services that are environmentally friendlier than comparable conventional items. The label focuses on protecting people and the environment against pollutants, conserving resources, and reducing emissions.
Certification Criteria:
Products and services must meet stringent environmental standards that surpass legal requirements. Criteria include low pollutant levels, high energy efficiency, resource conservation, longevity, and recyclability. The standards are specific to each product category and are regularly updated to reflect technological advancements and environmental research.
Geographical Coverage:
Products and services must meet stringent environmental standards that surpass legal requirements. Criteria include low pollutant levels, high energy efficiency, resource conservation, longevity, and recyclability. The standards are specific to each product category and are regularly updated to reflect technological advancements and environmental research.
Target Industries/Segments:
Covers a wide range of product categories and services, including paper, office equipment, household appliances, building products, cleaning agents, and electronics, among others.
Certification Process:
Applicants must submit detailed documentation proving compliance with the relevant criteria for their product or service category. An evaluation by an independent jury follows this and, if successful, the awarding of the Blue Angel label. Regular audits and compliance checks ensure ongoing adherence to standards.
Certificate Validity:
The certificate is usually valid for three to four years. For renewal, companies must demonstrate that their products or services meet the current criteria, which may have been updated to reflect new environmental standards or technological developments.
Benefits for Consumers/Producers:
For consumers, the Blue Angel offers reassurance that products are less harmful to the environment and, in many cases, healthier to use. Producers benefit from the prestigious reputation of the label, which can enhance product appeal, differentiate brands in competitive markets, and encourage consumer trust and loyalty.
Sustainability Impact:
The Blue Angel drives innovation and environmental improvement across various industries. Setting high standards for environmental performance encourages companies to develop greener products and practices, significantly contributing to resource conservation, pollution reduction, and the protection of human health and the environment.
EN 
SL 
DE 
IT